Books to emotionally and intellectually nourish "older women"
The Strange Case of Jane O., by Karen Thompson Walker. Random House, 2025. 288 pages.
This fascinating novel is a gripping account of a single woman dealing with psychiatric symptoms while raising a very young son. Told by her psychiatrist, a widow with his own issues, there is suspense as well as mystery as they explore her experiences.
4/24/25
Stone Angels, by Helena Rho. Grand Central Publishing, 2025. 299 pages.
This compelling story about a “comfort woman” looks at one Korean family’s experiences during WWII and in the present day.
Please see, “Reviews, Fiction”
Happy Land, by Dolen Perkins Valdez. Berkley Books, 4/8/25. 384 pages.
Based on a true story from the 1870’s, Happy Land is a saga of strength, struggle, survival and success for former slaves in South Carolina.
4/7/25
Published April 7, 2025EditEnduring Injustices
Junie, by Erin Crosby Eckstein. Random House, 2025. 368 pages.
On the cusp of the Civil War, the youngest daughter in a slave family in Alabama sees its fortunes rise and fall with its failing owners.
Please see “Reviews-Fiction.”
3/23/25
4/1/25
Bear, by Julia Philips, and The Sirens, by Emilia Hart.
Set on an island off the coast of Washington State, and in a beach town in Australia, these recent books focus on the relationships and histories of two sets of sisters in fairy-tale-like situations.
Please see “Reviews-Fiction”
The Snowbirds, by Christina Clancy, St. Martin’s Press, 2025. 308 pages.
This exploration of a couple’s relationship opens in Palm Springs. Grant Duffy, a newly avid hiker from the Midwest, is lost in the winter mountains surrounding the city. As his long-time partner, Kim Hastings, waits anxiously for word of his safety, she unspools their relationship in her mind, going over past events and present possibilities.
Please see “Reviews, Fiction”
Jane Austen’s Bookshelf, by Rebecca Romney. Simon Element/S&S/Marysue Ricci Books. Feb. 18, 2025. 400 pages.
With a light, almost conversational style, this book offers deep insights into the history of the novel, and especially the women writers of the 18th century.
Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction
The Queens of Crime, by Marie Benedict. St. Martin’s Press, 2025, 308 pages.
This 1931 fictional adventure is narrated by Dorothy Sayers, who also explores her complicated relationships with those closest to her. Her character describes her fellow female crime novelists with their signature styles and quirks, and gives us an engaging mystery to solve.
A Podcast focused on classic mystery novels of the “Golden Age,” mostly by women: Shedunnitshow.com delves into the authors and mysteries behind classic detective stories. It is free, though one can join the reasonably-priced Book Club for more in-depth discussions and events.
2/4/25
Harlem Rhapsody, by Victoria Christopher Murray. Berkley Books, 2025. 400 pages.
This inspiring, evocative novel joins several others by the same author about important but forgotten Black women in the first half of 20th century America.
Please see “Reviews – Fiction.”
1/14/25
Death of the Author, by Nnedi Okorafor. Harper Collins, 2025. 484 pages.
At 484 pages, this rich novel-within-a-novel is hardly long enough!
The story of a complex woman, paired with the futuristic novel that brings her fame and fortune, this book is a paean to storytelling – how it happens, who does it, and why it matters.
Please see “Reviews-Fiction”