American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It's difficult to put into words how I feel about this book, so I'll start with two cheesy statements--first, believe the hype! It's being called the Most Anticipated Book of 2020, and that is so well deserved. Second, you can judge this book by its cover. Honestly, I think this is the most beautiful cover I've ever seen, and the story inside is equally beautiful. And harrowing, and heartbreaking, and hopeful, and ever-so-timely. It's about a mother and her eight-year-old son who escape to the United States after 16 members of their family are murdered by a cartel. The book details their treacherous journey and helps you understand the utter desperation of people who will risk that trip because their lives at home are even more dangerous. The author's note at the end was also especially poignant. I wish there was a way to make every American read this book. It's so important. Congratulations to Jeanine Cummins for such a wonderful accomplishment.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book is chilling and haunting. I alternated between the Kindle version and the audio version and the I think the audio was more chilling....something about the narrator's voice. The book is very well-written and fascinating. So many adjectives. I didn't know anything about the Golden State Killer, but now he'll always be on my mind until he's caught. It's interesting to read about Michelle's process and obsession with this case. It's so sad that she passed away before the book was completed, but her editors, husband and researchers did a great job putting the final product together.

***Possible spoiler***
The final chapter of the book is a letter to the killer from the author.  The book suggests that he followed the news reports of his crimes and altered some of his tactics accordingly.  I can't help but think that if he's still alive, he'll definitely read this book.  And then he'll read Michelle's words directed at him.  That thought gives me chills.

***Update***
Oops!  I wrote everything above on March 30, 2018 and just realized I never published it.  As you've probably heard, an arrest has been made in this case.  As soon as I heard, I went back and listened to that final letter from Michelle to the killer.  It still gives me chills and it seemed to have happened just as she predicted.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a great read! I loved how the story about Eleanor unfolded in bits and pieces. Her quirkiness sometimes made me wince, but often her observations about how people act in the world made me laugh. And, we'd all do well to have Raymond in our lives.

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