Anyone who knows me knows that no more be said …

Ever wonder what the life of the woman in the “Migrant Mother” photograph by Dorothy Lange might have been? Marisa Silver pieces together what is known about that woman and what is known about Dorothy Lange and weaves a wonderful story around the two. She throws in Walker Dodge, an historian whose ancestors owned one of the farms where the Migrant mother worked, who is searching for some answers of his own.

“Answers are inert things that stop inquiry. They make you think you have finished looking. But you are never finished…” the book is filled with these tidbits of wisdom.

A wonderful, thoughtful book – and the Migrant Mother is a woman worth getting to know …

Makes you want to be a gangster in the roaring 20’s – based on a real person (Willie Sutton) who was America’s most successful non-violent bank robber who not only stole money but also stole the hearts of middle Americans – it’s a love story that is funny, fast-paced – flicking back and forth in time as Willie tells his story to “reporter” and “photographer” who have obtained exclusive interview rights when Willie is released from prison (where he has spent the last 17 years). I love Willie!

A beautiful love story set during the Armenian genocide of 1915 – alternating between Elizabeth’s story and that of her grand-daughter, Laura – the recounting of the Genocide is horrific but Laura’s voice lightens that heavy load – and Elizabeth is a feisty, independent woman – the story is suspenseful (in typical Chris brilliant-Bohjalian style) – great read!

The woman upstairs is in a rage and who can blame her as she tells us her story – she’s a daughter, teacher, neighbour and artist – but the artist within her is stymied as she navigates her way through life. The book is beautifully written and a real meditation on art and the lengths to which one will go to push the boundaries. I must say that I don’t often figure out the climax of the books I read (am a little slow that way) – but did know how this would end – it didn’t take away from my enjoyment though – perhaps because I fancy myself an artist on my best days!

Rosemary’s family is a mess – Rose is witty, clever and insightful as she searches her faulty memory to uncover the “truth” of why her family became so unravelled. She ponders: “I wonder sometimes if I’m the only one spending my life making the same mistake over and over again or it that’s simply human. Do we all tend toward a single besetting sin?” (to which I respond – YES!) and finally: “I still haven’t found that place where I can be my true self. But maybe you never get to be your true self, either.”

Great summer read!

Here’s a (long-winded) quote from the book that says it all – Harry is fifty-ish and in full blown mid-life crisis analyzing his marriage, parenting failures and fledging finances with wit and savvy …

On raising children:

“There is the financial pressure. There is a physical toll, a psychic toll. Once they are teenagers, they are a threat to everyone and everything. Teenagers end up in the back of police cars. They belong in the back of police cars. They shoplift, burn down cottages, drive your Volvo into a telephone pole. They paint their bedrooms black, steal loose change, water down your Scotch, follow the herd, dress to annoy and govern themselves according the lyrics written by a rapper who is two years behind on his child support. Teenagers are not mowers of lawns, they are not drawers of water. They use your credit card to order thing from the Shopping Channel when they’re stoned. They need $200 jeans and unprotected sex. They are unemployable, addicted to video games, believe in the lasting power of graphic novels, speak English as a second language and think life is better in Japan.”

I loved this book!

The Burgess BOys (Bob and Jim) return to Maine when their nephew, Zach, gets into some serious trouble. The serious tensions experienced in the family come to a head and each member of the family is forced to face choices they’ve made that have damaged themselves and those around them. It is beautifully written, wise, compassionate, insightful and hopeful. I loved it – remember that she wrote Olive Kitteridge and won a Pulitzer for it – she continues to inspire!

Told from Frank’s perspective of 40 years, this is the story of his coming of age in the 60’s. Wise, thoughtful, richly layered and believable in every sense of the word. This novel has all the elements that I love – believable characters who have humour, wisdom, integrity – I am in mourning since finishing it today. Must read – I promise!

I have loved all of her books and this one is no exception. Clips along, believable characters, suspenseful and twist at the end. Perfect summer read. If you’ve not read Drowning Ruth by her start with that one. Tis grand!