Hi Bookworms. I hope all is well and that if you’re in the U.S. you got your taxes done this past week, argh. It marked the second year since my mother’s passing, which still feels sad along with my dad’s a year later. I plan to visit the cemetery when I go to California this coming week.
I will also see my sister and niece who is running in her second Boston marathon this Monday! Just last year she had her first baby, so it is exciting she is back racing and that her baby daughter, husband, and her parents will all be there cheering her on. I’m pumped that she’s running. It reminds me back in 1991 when I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C., so I can relate to the excitement. It’s quite an experience in those big races. I once was an avid runner in my teens through my thirties, but later in life switched to cycling, which is a bit easier on the body, lol.
Meanwhile this week we had a surprisingly big snowstorm on Wednesday night into Thursday and got like six to eight inches of snow. It was crazy. Above is a photo of our front poplar trees after it was over. The wind was blowing and there were actually snowdrifts piled up in places. But now the forecast is expected to be in the 60s F this week, so it’ll be a big melt-athon. Instead of a marathon here it’ll be a melt-athon, ha. See how the times have changed.
In book news, I’m a bit bummed to be missing the L.A. Festival of Books this weekend, which I’ve always wanted to go to. I never seem to plan my SoCal visits right. But be on the lookout this coming Wednesday as the shortlist for the Women’s Prize for Fiction will be announced. The longlist of 16 books will be paired down to just 6 books. Some of the authors I’ve read whose books are on the longlist include: Charlotte McConaghy, Megha Majumdar, Katie Kitamura, Virginia Evans, Lily King, and Susan Choi (though not that title). And I still want to read Addie E. Citchens’s debut Dominion, which is on the longlist too. So we will see which books make the shortlist. Then there will be time to read more before the winner is announced on June 11. So we will see.
And now here are a couple of reviews of what I finished lately.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson / Ballantine / 368 pages / 2025
3.5 stars. Synopsis: This follows the daughter of a prominent African American New England family whose trauma over a violent home invasion when she was 10 years old still affects her life many years later.
Near the novel’s beginning, Ebby Freeman, an editor, is around 30 when she’s jilted at the altar by her white fiancé, who’s unsure if he can continue to contend with her inner trauma. Later, Ebby flees to a rural place in France to find solace only to run into her ex there and his new girlfriend. Yikes, talk about an unfortunate coincidence. There, her thoughts meander to issues surrounding the long ago unsolved home invasion tragedy and a prized heirloom that was broken then, which was made by an enslaved ancestor.
The narrative alternates between Ebby’s present dealing with her recent wedding heartbreak and long ago trauma … and the past about her enslaved ancestors’ lives who made the stonework jar and passed it along. The antique jar means a lot to Ebby’s family … but after the home invasion in 2000 they put it away so as not to be reminded. But now Ebby is trying to write something about those who had the jar. Soon more information comes to light in the midst of her being jilted, surrounding the jar and the home invasion. And as Ebby returns home there are some resolutions that come about within her family.
My Thoughts: I liked some of the storytelling and issues that this novel touches on … about legacy and an enslaved ancestor’s stonework passed down among generations of their family … and trying to overcome the harsh trauma of a past violent attack. There is some good soul-searching … although somehow I found the plot didn’t fully come together in its execution. It seemed at times repetitive and the pacing slow. It needed some action or a bit more of something to propel things forward. Still I think I’d like to go back and read the author’s first novel Black Cake, which was more popular and well-regarded.
107 Days by Kamala Harris / Simon & Schuster 320 pages / 2025
4+ stars. One would think this would be too painful to read and re-live … those scramble of days when President Biden dropped out of the presidential election after his disastrous debate performance, and Vice President Harris tried her best to assemble a campaign that would win the election in the 107 days left.
I thought it would be too hard for me to revisit, but instead her book was worthwhile knowing … perhaps even for my own continued attempted recovery after the election loss. And though the end election result was the opposite of what I wanted for the country, there are some takeaways from reading her book (even a few good ones) to glean from it. For one, it’s a pretty good behind-the-scenes look at what happened during the presidential campaign … the mistakes and obstacles along the way … the people and strategy … and what was going through the VP’s mind during various turns.
And though Harris is critical of the Biden circle for various reasons and also castigates her opponent, it’s not exactly a blame others kind of book. I know people will think she’s just making excuses for her loss, but it seems mainly she lays it on the line of what went down in a pretty down to earth way. It’s not all PR glossy kind of junk of what she accomplished or thought she could do. I usually hate political books for that reason. But this felt a bit more real and personal … in what she was trying to do and in looking back trying to come to grips about such a huge fateful chance and turn in history. Whatever you might think of her, it seems she gave the campaign her all.
The structure of the book … in which it briefly counts down day by day what happened and the days left till the election works well. It even gives the narrative a bit of suspense even though our minds well know and dread what happened. If only we could change it. What a terrible blow to the country … which will likely never recover or be the same ever again.
Perhaps we can blame the election result on the nearly 90 million Americans, roughly 36 percent of the eligible voting age population, who did not vote. Which is a greater number of people than who voted for either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. Did the non-voters think it wouldn’t affect their lives and concerns? Did they think they could just sit it out? How crazy.
Kamala writes at the end: “One hundred and seven days were not, in the end, long enough to accomplish the task of winning the presidency. But we accomplished other things, as I learn every day.” Such as inspiring young people and others.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read these and if so, what did you think? Happy reading.
Look at that snow! Wow. I’m glad that it will probably be quickly melting off. I think you are ready for some warm weather.
I would love to go to the LA Book Festival one of these days. I bet it’s fantastic.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about 107 Days. I’ve been curious about it.
Hi Deb, I think the snow is done now till next winter!
Maybe we should plan for next April going to the LA Book Festival … I’m game.
The Harris book is a pretty quick read … if only things had been different … we wouldn’t be in the mess we are in now. Cheers.
We had a tiny bit of snow here, too, on Wednesday but it didn’t amount to anything. Crazy it is mid-April. I wasn’t a big fan of Wilkerson’s Black Cake, so I will probably skip her new one. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Anne, I think our snow might be finally gone as of yesterday. It’s been a bit of a long winter. And good to know your thoughts about Black Cake, thanks.
Enjoy your week.
It’s crazy that late snow storm, but it sure looks beautiful! 🙂 I’m glad that you’re having warmer temperatures this week but you’ll be heading to California anyway. Neither book appeals to me but I appreciate your thoughts on both. Kamala would have been a bigger blunder than Biden, if you can believe it. To think that Democrats thought abortion rights and genre ideology would trump the economy! 😮 Have fun in California!
Hi Carmen, thanks. California should be a nice break; I’m pumped. And all I know is the blunder and mess that is going on now in the world and with the economy. He stunk in his first admin and he stinks in his second. I hope you have some good reading going. I’ll be taking the novel Good People to Calif. and a crime debut title A Bad Bad Place, which I’ve started. I think they’ll be good. Cheers. & Happy reading.
I am glad you’ll get time with your brother in So Cal soon.
I have Good Dirt on my TBR shelf, and for some reason, I keep not choosing to read it. Reading your review is not making me jump up to get it. I am so glad you were honest about how you felt about it.
Hi Helen, thanks. This time I’ll be staying with my sister in Calif. but hope to see my brother as well. Should be a fun week. Nice to go home for a visit.
I guess I wanted to like Good Dirt a bit more, but I think you should try it out and see. Enjoy your week.
April snow – wow! That is quite a scene.
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve read a variety of comments about Kamala’s book. She was given an impossible task and you are right to call out the 90 million or so who couldn’t be bothered to go the polls – or even vote by mail. (Honestly, the lack of engagement by so many Americans is absolutely appalling.) I believe she would have made a good and competent president, unlike the incumbent, and perhaps she will have another chance in the next election. We shall see.
Hi Dorothy, yes it was some storm we had last week. I think it’s all but gone by now. The green grass is coming up, woohoo. And I agree Biden left Harris with a hard campaign to fight and not enough time. We’ll see what happens in the midterms and beyond. Cheers. Happy reading & gardening.
We got snow last Saturday, but it was only a couple inches. Still, so late in the year! You got a lot more than we did, but sounds like it’ll be melting quick if you’re supposed to have 60 degree weather.
I think it was unfortunate Biden didn’t give another candidate a chance and instead bowed out so late in the game making Kamala the only other alternative and very little time to catch up and have a chance. She wiped the floor with the orange guy in the debates, but I think he could murder someone in broad daylight and still have his fanatical followers voting for him and arguing that it was all faked. He’s like a cult leader. I wonder if his worshipers are having second thoughts.
Hi Rachel, our snow is all but about gone now. I think it’s done for the year. Overall it seems like you had a pretty mild winter there. I hope there won’t be bad drought in Calif.
And I agree with your sentiments about the election and maga … and hope the midterms can change things around. Fingers crossed. It was sort of a mess what happened. Cheers. have a good week.
You have a lot going on now and a cool trip planned. It will be great to see your family in California and visist some local book shops. Wow, doesn’t seem like 2 years since your mom. That’s a short time frame to lose both of your parents.
The snow photos are wonderful. While I don’t want a lot of snow, I will sure take some colder weather! We had a cool evening last night and I was able to wear a hoodie, my kind of weather.
I’d not read Wilkerson’s book Black Cake yet. But you probably don’t have to read it first to read her latest. Was not interested in the Harris book but that’s a good review. Now it does suck that so many people didn’t come out to vote because they didn’t like the choices but there wasn’t a great deal of excitement for Harris when she ran the first time. Too bad the politicans didn’t listen when Americans stated they did not want another Biden Trump match, two old white men too egotistical to let a younger generation move our country forward. Sigh.
I’ll say this for her, she gave those short 107 days her all with energy and enthusiasm but couldn’t overcome that maga force. (Another deep sigh)
Finished Raising Hare and wow – what a great book. I can relate to a small part of the rural living and joy at seeing foxes, deer and rabbits.
Hi Tina, thanks I’m getting pumped up about the Calif trip.
The snowstorm was a bit wild but now the remnants seem to be gone so quickly.
I agree with your sentiments … despite what Harris was left with … she gave the campaign her all … unfortunately it wasn’t enough amidst maga craziness.
I’m glad you liked Raising Hare. We have a lot of foxes and deer here but not many rabbits but when I see one … I think of the book, lol. Endearing. I still thought she could’ve named it … chat later.
I shouldn’t be surprised that you got snow this late in the season. You do live pretty far north, after all! We had some late snowfalls in Nebraska, too. Glad your trees weren’t leafed out yet, as I know that can cause a lot of damage with heavy, wet snow. It sure is pretty, though.
Has it really been two years since your mom passed away? Gosh, the years keep flying by, don’t they? I’m glad you’ll have time to go to the cemetery on your CA trip. Sounds like it will be a good visit with family.
Thanks for the book reviews. I think I’ll skip Wilkerson’s, but I’m interested in Kamala’s, although it may just make me more angry/sad about our current situation in this country. Sigh.
I’m about halfway through The Lacuna and it’s marvelous! I don’t know why I ignored it for so many years. I finally bought a copy when we were in Jackson, Wyoming (in the fall of 2024), but still wasn’t inspired to pick it up until this month. I’m pretty sure it will be on my Best of 2026 list. Have you read it?
Have a wonderful time in California. Hope it’s nice and sunny, but not too hot.
Hi Lesley, thanks. I’m pumped about going to Calif. Should be nice.
Our snow was a lot but now it’s already gone … though winter is still trying to hang on … despite grass & plants coming up. Maybe more flakes on Friday?
The Kamala book is a pretty quick read or listen (I read the hardback but she reads it for the audio.) Did you know that Geraldine Brooks was the ghostwriter on 107 Days? I forgot to mention that in the review. But it’s sort of cool that the two became friends over the book project.
And that’s great you’re liking The Lacuna. I haven’t read it – so I’ll be eager to hear about it. You know I’ve only ever read her Demon Copperhead (of all her books) but hope to read the Poisonwood Bible someday. Robert was really impressed with it. Let us know. Cheers. Have a great week.
Those drifts look like Teutonic plates. Or maybe not — I have no idea what Teutonic plates look like but they look like what I FEEL they should be like! I hear you on the passing of your mom and the anniversary. Mine is tomorrow and it’s always a rough go. I say “be kind to yourself” but it’s easier said than done.
Hi Jeanie, yes the snow looks like teutonic plates! good description. You wrote such a great recent post about your mother … and seemed to capture what I feel about my mother … and the anniversaries are difficult. I guess we can be grateful for who they were … and left with so many good memories. Thx for your words.
Kudos to your sister and niece! Just getting in to the Boston marathon is impressive. And I know what you mean about missing your mom and dad. My dad’s youngest sister passed away last week, and being at her funeral just brought back my mom’s and my dad’s. I have been missing both of them this week. Wishing you a good week! 😀
Thanks Lark. My niece ran a good race at the Boston Marathon on Monday … it was really impressive to us. And I’m very sorry about the recent losses in your family. So difficult. I hope you are hanging in there. Cherish the memories and your closeness. Take a breather. & Take care.
The weather there really does seem to be insane right now.
Good luck to your sister!
Thanks for sharing your week
Thanks Shelleyrae, Ha – the weather has been all over the place, crazy. Luckily I’ll be headed to Calif for a visit. Should be a good week coming up. Enjoy your week too. Happy reading.
Hey, snow! Guess all the weather is a bit weird this year. We’re getting rain today, which we need, but it’s in the high 50’s for temps and that is cooler than we usually have in April. Good luck to your sister and niece! And keeping you in my thoughts regarding the reminders of the passing of your folks. Mine have been gone for a long time, but I still think of them often and miss them. Take care of yourself!!
Hi Kay, wow rain where you are … seems rare for now. Hope it helps with the drought.
My niece ran a great Boston Marathon on Monday … it was impressive to us.
And thanks for your words. Much to think about on my trip to Calif. But it should help too. Have a good week.
Ugh, the snow. Winter just doesn’t want to quite this year. My parents near Syracuse were treated to another round, too. It’s great that your niece is back to racing… hope she’s taking it easy and recovering from the Boston Marathon today.
I enjoyed both Good Dirt and Black Cake well enough, but they didn’t end up as favorites. I’d still like to get to 107 Days.
I’m looking forward to the Women’s Prize short list tomorrow. Thinking of you as you mark sad anniversaries.
Hi JoAnn, the weather is a bit all over the place. I hope your folks are managing there in NY.
I think you’d like 107 Days and it’s a pretty quick read. Did you know Geraldine Brooks was a ghostwriter on the book? I forgot to mention that. But it’s sort of nice to think about. They became friends over it.
& Thx for your words about the sad anniversaries … the trip to Calif will be a good remembrance. Let’s see who makes the Fiction Prize short list today! Cheers.
Snow! Argh.. it has gotten cold here too even though we had a few days that hit 80 last week. Spring is being all crazy.
Hi Hena, Yes … everyday is up & down with the weather. You already hit 80 — that’s hot! Hope your plants are up & blooming. Winter is still trying to hang on here … crazy. Cheers. Enjoy your week.
I’m so glad I’ve come back to the book blogging sphere and have devoured your recent posts.
So! You were in Boston! My home stomping grounds for the first 51 years. I hope you had a wonderful trip. Would love to hear more about it.
Hi Judith — Great to see you back! I will check your site to see what’s up.
Actually only my sister’s family was in Boston … and my niece ran the Marathon on Monday … which went really well. Yay! I’m still here in western Canada but will be spending a week in Calif soon. Glad to hear you are a Boston-ite! Awesome. Hope you have a great week … and will keep posting. Cheers.
Have a nice time visiting family in CA and that’s great that your sister is running the Boston Marathon. The point isn’t winning or even completing the marathon. Its participating and making running and exercising a part of one’s life. I might check out 107 Days. Women won the vote in 1920 and yet here we are over 100 years later and we still haven’t elected our first woman Preident. What can I say. My patriotism isn’t what it used to be.
Hi Kathy, thanks so much … actually it was my niece who ran the Boston Marathon on Monday and it went really well for her, yay! She ran well and it was fun participating — such a big thing and a great accomplishment.
And I agree with your sentiments … it is frustrating that Americans seem hung up about voting for a woman president. How discouraging. Will it ever change? Most other countries have done it … but we continue to wait & push for it. Cheers. Enjoy your week.
Those pictures are really beautiful. It’s a little cooler down here than the usual for this time of year, but I can’t imagine how far from spring weather you must feel you still are. We’ve already approached 90 degrees here a few times, and will be back there again in the next few days.
I always wanted to run the Boston when I was younger…well, much younger. I did manage Houston and a few smaller ones, but never made it to Boston. Still, I would love to witness it one day. Congrats to niece. My granddaughter has taken over the marathoning for our family. She’s done Houston ad Fort Worth marathons in the last few months, and plans for more.
Good Dirt seems to have failed in the execution, and that’s a shame because the plot seems to have a lot of promised if handled better. I still might take a quick look at it, I think.
Hi Sam, thanks, the spring weather has been a bit crazy up here. Your 90 degrees is a scorcher, so soon too.
And that’s great to hear about your marathoning days … and now your granddaughter has taken to it. It’s awesome. It’s excellent you were a runner … such joy I remember with running back when I was younger. I loved it. And it’s a healthy pursuit for your granddaughter now. My niece ran an impressive Boston Marathon on Monday (3:25) … her second one there. I’m very proud. I never got to run Boston either. I’d like to do it all over again, lol.
And yes … check out Good Dirt and see what you think. Enjoy your week. Cheers.
Amazing that we’re in one country and here it’s hot and the snow there is so thick. Thanks for sharing your reads.
Hi Lux, well the snow is gone now … and spring is trying to come out but we still might see some snowflakes in the next couple of days. I hope you had a nice spring before it got too hot! Cheers. Enjoy your reading.
It was six years ago this past week when I my own mother died. My condolences as you continue to grieve.
Good for you reading 107 Days–I assumed I wouldn’t have the heart to do so, but I am glad to hear it wasn’t a blame-someone book. I don’t think Kamala’s political ambitions are over–I hope not anyway.
Safe travels to CA.
Hi Jane, Sorry to hear of your loss too. I gather it’s a lifelong process when your parents go. I’m still in the fairly early stages it seems.
I made it to CA. I was a bit surprised that Harris’s book was a fairly good read … and I forgot to mention that Geraldine Brooks was the ghostwriter on that book and the two became friends. Somewhat interesting. Enjoy your weekend. Cheers.
Those are nice snow photos. The weather has been so weird this year.
I was very bothered when Kamala Harris lost to Trump, although I did not have high expectations at the time. I don’t think I would enjoy reading about a political campaign, though, regardless of the outcome. My sister lives near Birmingham Alabama and shares my feelings about Trump (anti). My brother, who lives in Alabama or Florida, I am not sure which, is Pro-Trump.
Hi Tracy, the weather has been so topsy-turvy.
And that’s interesting that your family differs on Trump … but I guess that is pretty common in families … and where they live. I think eventually he’ll piss off even his own base of supporters. My hope is that his fan base disintegrates.
We’ll see. It’s Okay to keep your reading away from politics and this! Cheers.