Watching Glass Shatter by James J. Cudney

Written by fellow blogger James J. Cudney, whose awesome blog This Is My Truth Now is among my favorite sites,  Watching Glass Shatter was a lengthy and awesome read about family secrets, family dysfunction, and ultimately, family bonds and love that keep people connected, even during some of the worst times. The premise of the … Continue reading Watching Glass Shatter by James J. Cudney

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare

Ah Hamlet, the tragic and doomed Prince of Denmark, whose family puts the "fun" in dysfunctional. What I always liked about Hamlet is that his twisted family dynamic makes my own family look rather normal in comparison. Or maybe it goes to show that we all have messed-up family dynamics, and sometimes, as in Hamlet's … Continue reading The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

The story of the United States is varied and unique, as any historian will tell you. We have the story of the indigenous Native Americans, the British pilgrims, the ancient Vikings, the Irish, German, Polish, and Scottish immigrants who came in a wave to this country between the mid-1700s and late 1800s, and the the … Continue reading The Alienist by Caleb Carr

The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey

Edward Gorey is known worldwide for his illustrations for the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, by T.E. Eliot, for his stage decorations and costume design of Dracula several years back, and of course for the opening introduction to PBS's long-running TV series Mystery, as well as countless others. I think his work is instantly … Continue reading The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

This has got to be one of the strangest books I've ever read, and I've read some weird stuff in my life. I love books about libraries, about other books, about the sheer pleasure of learning and knowledge and reading. So when I saw the title of this book, The Library at Mount Char, I … Continue reading The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley

Having just finished binge-watching Versailles on Netflix, I can say, hand over heart, that I would have made a DAMN fine royal mistress to Louis XIV. I could totally pull off silk gowns, elaborate jewels, illicit love affairs, intrigue..........sounds like my dream life! If anyone knows a king out there who'd appreciate my cooking, do … Continue reading The Oracle Glass by Judith Merkle Riley

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

Thanks to TB for the photography. This is one of the funniest books I've ever read, and I've read it several times. Though it's a very irreverent re-telling of the life of Jesus, I didn't find it at all disrespectful. It is a fictional retelling, of course, but very much grounded in historical research and … Continue reading Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

Photography by me. The reason I love Sarah Waters' books is because there is always a sense of pervasive menace throughout her pages. Her settings are innocuous: British post-war, large rambling houses, upper-class families who have fallen on hard times and must economize in ways they never had to before, and a way of life … Continue reading The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk

Thanks to TB for the photography. This book took me five years to read, but not because it's particularly long or boring. No, My Name is Red is one of the most entertaining and complex murder mysteries I've ever read. The book is told from 12 different viewpoints, including the murder victim himself - a … Continue reading My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk

The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya

Thanks to TB for the photography. Welcome to December, and a month of holiday-themed books and food! Those who know me know my great and abiding love for the books of Rudolfo Anaya. He's called the Godfather of Chicano literature for a reason, and it's his novel Bless Me, Ultima, that catapulted him and our … Continue reading The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya