Welcome to Quick Lit: June 2024 Edition where I share books that I chose for my own reading enjoyment in a mini-review format. These are not books I received for review, but books that I’ve been wanting to read or that have caught my attention. Most of them have been talked about ad nauseam or have been on my to-read list for a long time so they don’t really need a full review. But, I’d still like to give them some space here on the blog, so instead, I’m offering mini-reviews of the books that won’t get full-page space here.

I’ll be linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy and her monthly Quick Lit link-up. Be sure to head over to see others share their Quick Lit posts.

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I recently reviewed THE LAST TWELVE MILES, LOVE IS MY FAVORITE FLAVOR, WE SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST, and THE DAYS I LOVE YOU MOST. I highly recommend all of them.

I’m currently reading BY ANY OTHER NAME for review, BEING HENRY: The Fonz…and Beyond, and I’m listening to I AM HALF-SICK OF SHADOWS for fun.

I’m currently watching CALL THE MIDWIFE.  

This month’s list includes 9 books I read for my own enjoyment. I had one book I did NOT finish, THE SWEET BLUE DISTANCE. I gave it my best, but after reading for several nights and my percentages not changing much, I realized it was a whopping 800 pages. To commit to that many pages, I need a really fast-paced read and this one just isn’t it. I’m clearly in the minority as it has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon and 4.4 on Goodreads. I may revisit it with more of a skim read.

Quick Lit – August 2024

WHERE THE LOST WANDER
By: Amy Harmon
Published: April 28, 2020
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback borrowed

I shared Harmon’s book, A GIRL CALLED SAMSON back in June 2023. It was a book club read and so was this one. I was familiar with WHERE THE LOST WANDER because I had given it to my sister for Christmas and she told me how much she enjoyed it. Harmon’s books seem to be great book club choices and I’ve been hearing rave reviews for her newest book, THE OUTLAW NOBLE SALT.

If you like stories of families heading West during the 1800s (think Oregan Trail) then you will love this book. I usually like to keep my reading in the 1900s or after but this story captivated me from page one. A horrific event hits our main family as they are heading West to California. You find out about that event in the first few pages. Then the book backtracks to the start of their journey. Already, you are compelled to keep reading and immediately invested in this particular family.

“…but grief is draining. I am hoarding my strength and my stamina for life, and I will not spend it on death.”

“I tell her how angry I am. I tell her how hurt and scared and angry I am. I give her all my words. Every ugly, terrifying one. I tell her I am trapped where the lost wander, and I don’t see any way out.”

After reading two of Harmon’s books, I can say that she writes with deep emotion, paints an image in your mind of the people and places she describes, and yet doesn’t overwhelm you with details that you lose interest. Harmon is partial to the story of the Native Americans and I appreciated that she chose to create characters in this story that were kind and loving and those who were evil. She created characters to cheer for and ones to hate. There was a lot of emotion, especially as I neared the end of the story. Even though there is a lot of sadness and tragedy, the story ends in a hopeful tone and I felt completely satisfied with where Harmon left us.

“That’s what hope feels like: the best air you’ve ever breathed after the worst fall you’ve ever taken. It hurts.”

THE WEED THAT STRINGS THE HANGMAN’S BAG
Flavia de Luce #2
By: Alan Bradley
Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle
Published: March 9, 2010
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Mystery
Format: Audiobook through Libby

I received the newest book coming this fall in the Flavia de Luce series for review so I decided I better jump back into the series and get as many read as I can before reading #11.

Eleven-year-old Flavia is still obsessed with her chemistry lab where she attempts to create poisons and elixirs. The novel opens with Flavia pretending to be dead, lying under dirt. I admit to rewinding several times to make sure I understood exactly what was happening and that she really hadn’t died.

Flavia is just as brilliantly witty in the second in the series. Flavia witnesses another death during a puppet show. Her great detective skills connect it to another death years prior. But, can she convince the investigators that both of the deaths were actually murders?

This British mystery is fun and I have to keep reminding myself that the main character is only 11. Even though she is 11, I don’t recommend it to middle-grade readers. Her obsession with death is a bit unnatural but fits the storyline. She gets a little too close for comfort when investigating this one and nearly finds herself a victim. Flavia has a lot of freedom that is unrealistic in today’s world. But, if you can get past all of that, her character and antics are quite enjoyable to read.

WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP
By: Hwang Bo-Reum
Translated by: Shanna Tan
Narrated by: Rosa Escoda
Published: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Fiction
Format: Audiobook through Libby

This Korean novel has been translated into English and quickly was a USA Today bestseller and Indie Next Pick. I had heard about it in several places and thought it sounded like something I’d love. I liked it, but didn’t love it, mainly because I listened on audio. The narrator is Rosa Escoda, an actress known for her role in Justice League. Even though she is Korean, she is British so her narration has a British accent which threw me at first. Then, since the character names were Korean and also sounded similar, I had a hard time keeping them straight. The narrator didn’t really change her voice enough to define the characters for me so I struggled with remembering who was who. I am quite certain this would have been a better physical read because there was a good message and quotes I would have underlined.

Yeongju has recently divorced her husband and is feeling out of sorts. She decides to follow her dream of opening a bookshop. Of course, it is hard for a bookshop to thrive and for an owner to make a living, but Yeongju works hard. She hires a barista to make the best coffee in the area and hosts book clubs and author readings. These events lead her to meet people and bring joy to others. This book has a great message, but I recommend reading it versus listening.

THE MAGIC OF SEA GLASS
By: Jenny Hale
Published: May 9, 2023
Publisher: Harpeth Road Press
Women’s Fiction
Format: eBook purchase

Our July book club choice was the right book at the right time for me. I didn’t realize how much I needed a light, fun read. Wedding and Event Planner, Lauren is struggling. Her fiancé was killed in a tragic car accident and now even thinking about planning someone else’s wedding brings her to tears. She is angry at the world and decides it’s time to start fresh. She answers an ad to help out at an inn on the Outer Banks and leaves her successful business to her partner.

“Some people come into our lives to help us get where we’re going, but they were never meant to stay. I believe it to be true.”

As Lauren arrives, she is immediately calmed by the sea air but she is a little unnerved at the sight of Brody, a handsome handyman at the inn. She can’t possibly be interested in this man. It’s too soon after the loss of her fiancé. But, as Lauren starts to find joy in a new project at the inn, her idea of a future of happiness reappears.

“Come on, kid, the sunshine’s stronger than the storm. Know how I know that? Because if it wasn’t we’d all have drowned by now.”

There is also a bit of a mystery in the story that takes readers back in time. You don’t know the connection until near the end but this was a fun twist to a typical beach read. This story made me long for the beach. I loved the life lessons, the characters, and the surprising twist. Even though this isn’t my typical read, it was such a joy and I would definitely read more of Hale’s books.

“The pain doesn’t go away,” she said, her hand on her heart. “But the love they had for you doesn’t either. You just have to learn which one you want to breathe into your lungs every day.”

100 THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE BEFORE YOU DIE
3rd Edition
By: Tom Adkinson
Published: March 15, 2023
Publisher: Reedy Press
Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback purchase

Our family traveled to Nashville in July and even though I’ve been there several times, I wanted to find some of those under-the-radar places to go. I was familiar with this series after reading and reviewing 100 THINGS TO DO IN IOWA BEFORE YOU DIE and 100 THINGS TO DO IN CEDAR RAPIDS BEFORE YOU DIE. I knew I would find some ideas in this book. I also liked that this was published fairly recently.

We hit a few suggestions from the book including getting the Recession Special at Robert’s Western World, listening to music at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, attending a Nashville Sounds game (they were actually playing the Iowa Cubs), and touring the Country Music Hall of Fame. We hope to go back soon to see a few more things on the list! This is a great book and there is usually one that has been written about almost every major city, so look for one next time you are planning to travel.

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA
By: TJ Klune
Narrated by: Daniel Henning
Published: March 17, 2020
Publisher: Tor Books
Fiction
Format: Audiobook through Libby

A few people had suggested I read this book, but when I read the synopsis, I just wasn’t sure I could get past the magical/fantastical parts. A case worker in charge of checking in on unwanted magical youth intrigued me though as a former social worker. Then, at my family reunion, my cousin’s wife really encouraged me to read it and told me the audiobook was excellent. So, I added it to my holds list and it came in rather quickly.

With a sprite, a gnome, a wyvern, a boy that turns into a pomeranian, an amorphous blob, and a child with telekinesis it can be a lot to manage, especially with the audio version. But Daniel Henning was so much fun to listen to. He’s got the voices and the excitement down when he is the magical youth as well as the trepidation and courage when he is Linus, the case worker, or Arthur, the care taker.

What I loved the most about this novel was the lesson on how to treat others, especially children who are different. Even though this wasn’t a total win for me, there were enough parts that I really loved that made it mostly enjoyable. I’m definitely glad I read it. Book 2, SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA, will be published in September and many have been waiting for this book to arrive on shelves!

A RED HERRING WITHOUT MUSTARD
Flavia de Luce #3
By: Alan Bradley
Narrated by: Jane Entwistle
Published: February 8, 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Mystery
Format: Audiobook through Libby

I enjoyed this third book in the Flavia de Luce series more than the second and equally as much as the first. The audiobooks have been a great way for me to read through this series. They have been pretty much available immediately on Libby and I look forward to checking out #4. Jane Entwistle is a treat to listen to as well.

Eleven-year-old Flavia stumbles upon another death and this one looks most definitely to be a murder. Of course, Flavia gets herself in some pickles including lighting a gypsy’s tent on fire and being attacked by a rooster while snooping. When her father gets wind of all her galavanting, he orders her to stay home…no more rides on Gladys (her trusty bike). Of course, she doesn’t listen, she has a murder to solve.

As always, these books are witty, have a few good twists, and delightfully British.

GILEAD
By: Marilynne Robinson
Narrated by: Tim Jerome
Published: October 28, 2004
Publisher: Picador USA
Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook through Libby and Paperback

Ever since this book was published, I’ve felt like I needed to read it. It is set in Iowa in the fictional small town of Gilead. The book is a letter from a pastor, John Ames, to his young son. John married a much younger woman later in his life and is not expected to live much longer due to his heart condition. He felt the need to impart wisdom and share his history with his young son for him to read later.

This book doesn’t have a plot or very many characters. It’s a slow read and very literary. There are no chapters, just paragraphs throughout which some people may not like that type of format for reading. The book isn’t overly long and probably would be a quick read except for the slow pace.

Did I love this one? Not really, but I did appreciate it and am glad I read it. I especially love this particular note to his son:

I’m writing this in part to tell you that if you ever wonder sooner or later, you have been God’s grace to me, a miracle, something more than a miracle. You may not remember me very well at all, and it may seem to you to be no great thing to have been the good child of an old man in a shabby little town you will no doubt leave behind. If only I had the words to tell you.

I see there are three other books in this series, each one focusing on the three other main characters in GILEAD. I’m not sure yet if I am compelled to read them. These final words of the book left me feeling melancholy, sad, and hopeful.

This whole town does look like whatever hope becomes after it begins to weary a little, then weary a little more. But hope deferred is still hope. I love this town. I think sometimes of going into the ground here as a last wild gesture of love-I too will smolder away the time until the great and general incandescence. I’ll pray that you grow up a brave man in a brave country. I will pray you find a way to be useful. I’ll pray, and then I’ll sleep.

THE LAGER QUEEN OF MINNESOTA
By: J. Ryan Stradal
Narrated by: Judith Ivey
Published: July 23, 2010
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Fiction
Format: Audiobook through Libby

I do not know why it took me so long to read this book. I loved KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST and was thrilled to hear about Stradal’s new book in 2019. But, here I am, 5 years later, gushing to all my friends about this book. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be adding it to my all-time favorite book list.

This story, set in the Nicolette Falls area of Minnesota, is about sisters, hard work, and a love for craft beer. Helen and Edith grew up on a farm. Edith married early in life and took on the quintessential life of a hardworking family who learned to get by. Helen, on the other hand, had big dreams. Her interest in beer takes her to college where she studies chemistry with the hope of opening a brewery. Edith, on the other hand, has worked her whole life at a nursing home where suddenly her pies become so popular that there is a waiting list for dinner at the home. When their parents’ inheritance is given completely to Helen, a feud begins that will change their lives forever.

I can’t even tell you the joy I had listening to this book. The narration by actress Judith Ivey was so phenomenal. Her voices for each character were so spot on, I could envision them in my mind. It’s no surprise that I think this would make a great movie.

Since the book is set in a suburb of Minneapolis, the author wrote about places very familiar to me. When United Noodle and Barbery Fig were mentioned in the story, it made it even more fun because I knew exactly what he was talking about.

This witty, feel-good story was exactly the right book at the right time and I’ll be adding Stradal’s newest SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB to my holds list immediately. Let’s hope he has plans to publish a new book soon.