read: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt ★★★★★

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
★★★★★

A book about a talking octopus? No. This is not that. It is, however, about an octopus living in an aquarium in the Pacific Northwest and several of the remarkably bright creatures (humans) in his orbit.
Much of the story is told from the viewpoint of Marcellus (the giant Pacific octopus), who considers himself more intelligent that the humans holding him in 'captivity' (which he regularly escapes whenever he's bored).
The rest of the story focuses on the humans and their relationships. We learn of their past, their grief, and their foibles. We also see them discover themselves and each other and their future.

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read: The Viper by Brad Meltzer ★★★★

The Viper by Brad Meltzer
★★★★

In this latest Zig and Nola story, the investigative duo hardly see each other at all. Yet they are as deeply connected as ever by the mysteries being presented and Roddy's (Nola's twin brother) obsession with them. The story unfolds along multiple lines and multiple time frames. Yet the personal stakes and clear framing made sure I was always engaged and never lost. This book is as well-written as Meltzer's other works. But it is not the best place to meet these characters for the first time.

Disclosure: Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for allowing me to preview this book.

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read: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee ★★★★★

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee ★★★★★

I knew the basic story. I'd seen the film. But somehow had never read the book (not even in high school, where one does these things). I thoroughly enjoyed the more complete journey of Scout and Jem through the complex social mores of the deep South of the early 20th century. I really appreciated the sturdy and steady hand of Atticus Finch.

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read: Everyone a Stranger by Kevin O'Brien ★★★★

Everyone a Stranger by Kevin O'Brien
My rating: ★★★★

I love historical fiction, especially set during WWII. I also love books set in Seattle. This checks those boxes and more. The story starts with some genuine tension, introducing rich and well-developed characters and setting. I was all set for a five-star ride, but I became a bit disillusioned. The story seemed to bog down during the trip from East Coast to West Coast and during the introduction of new characters and setting. Once that was taken care of, things picked up again and, except for some repetitive ruminations about various situations, finished satisfactorily. There are a lot of threads to keep track of. But I was never lost and most of the various resolutions were disarmingly clever and sometimes surprising.

Disclosure: Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to preview this book.

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read: Final Orbit by Chris Hadfield ★★★★★

Final Orbit by Chris Hadfield
My rating: ★★★★★

I've been loving this series ever since the surprise discovery that one of my favorite astronauts had written a Cold War thriller set during the peak of the Space Race in the 1970s. This third volume in the series does not disappoint, with a twisty mix of orbital and earthbound intrigue, realistic action and delightful hard science edge. I'm impressed by the author's deep knowledge of space flight science and his imaginative plotting and characters.

Disclosure: Thank you to Netgalley and Mulholland Books for allowing me to preview this book.

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read: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman ★★★★

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
My rating: ★★★★

A delightful cozy mystery. The setting and characters are down-to-earth, and the mysteries build and resolve like a very busy Renoit painting. There's a lot going on and not all of it is relevant to the plot.

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read: Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis ★★★★★

Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis
My rating: ★★★★★

This is the second book I've read this year that is a memoire or autobiography of a person of faith who grew up over the past century (the other was Wake Up With Purpose!: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years). Pope Francis, like Sister Jean, came from humble beginnings and through work, community and good fortune became educated and devoted to service.
As a Christian, but not a Roman Catholic, what impressed me about his faith was how he felt more led by the heart of God and love for his fellow humans, rather than the dictates of history or religion. As one of those humans, I was also impressed by Francis' own humanity and his frankness about his shortcomings, as well as his love for art and community (and sports).
The book itself is often non-linear and meandering, focusing on a topic, rather than chronology. Yet it is not hard to follow. I found myself skipping over some topics I found too esoteric or political. But I enjoyed the rest and discovered some gems of observation from this man with a wealth of experience and education and faith.

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