Book Review: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

*The Ministry of Time* // Kaliane Bradley

Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy.

In a near future our unnamed narrator, a British-Cambodian translator with the British Ministry of Defence, is selected for a lucrative position with a new secretive agency aiding high-value refugees assimilate to society. What she doesn’t realize is just how far away these refugees have traveled; not merely from across the globe, but across time.

The “expat” she is assigned is Victorian polar explorer Lt. Graham Gore a real life historical figure who died in the ill-fated 1845 Franklin expedition, here plucked by the British government via time travel technology just before meeting his doomed fate and installed in our narrator’s modern day home where she is to be part roommate, part case worker, and most importantly a guide to modern living. As intimacy and romantic feelings begin to develop her loyalty becomes divided between her well-mannered and handsome Victorian ward and her increasingly sinister government employers.

The Ministry of Time is a fresh, genre-bending romp; something along the lines of speculative fiction meets spy thriller meets historical adventure meets rom-com. I liked the broad strokes of the story and appreciated the deeper themes it teases at such as historical narrative shaping our reality, imperial/colonial critique, and the displacement felt by those impacted by empire.

There’s a lot going on here and I wouldn’t say it all fits together seamlessly, but I sort of enjoyed the chaos of it all and I loved learning this book began as pandemic era Graham Gore fanfiction for Kaliane Bradley’s friends!

This book ended up being something different than I had anticipated, though I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting. The vibe is not unimportant to the success of the story and it’s a little hard to pin down. I think Lindsay Lynch of Parnassus books comes closest that I have seen describing it as: like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure had a baby with a spy thriller and that baby was raised by Emily St. John Mandel.

Tell me: if you could time travel to a different time in the past or future when would it be?

May 2024 New Book Releases

Another month of new book releases is upon us! Here are 16 new May book releases on my TBR.

Another month of new book releases is upon us! Here are 16 new May book releases on my TBR.

May 7

The Ministry of Time // Kaliane Bradley (Avid Reader Press)

An exquisitely original and feverishly fun fusion of genres and ideas, The Ministry of Time asks: What does it mean to defy history, when history is living in your house? Kaliane Bradley’s answer is a blazing, unforgettable testament to what we owe each other in a changing world.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

How to Read a Book // Monica Wood (Mariner)

From the award-winning author of The One-in-a-Million Boy comes a heartfelt, uplifting novel about a chance encounter at a bookstore, exploring redemption, unlikely friendships, and the life-changing power of sharing stories.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

Women and Children First // Alina Grabowski (SJP Lit)

A gripping literary puzzle that unwinds the private lives of ten women as they confront tragedy in a small Massachusetts town.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

Love Is a Burning Thing // Nina St. Pierre (Dutton)

A riveting memoir about a daughter’s investigation into the wirings of her loving, unpredictable mother: a woman who lived her life in pursuit of the divine, and who started two big fires, decades apart.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

The Z Word // Lindsay King-Miller (Quirk)

Packed with action, humor, sex, and big gay feelings, The Z Word is the queer zombie romp you didn’t know you needed.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

May 14

Last House // Jessica Shattuck (William Morrow)

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Women in the Castle comes a sweeping story of a nation on the rise, and one family’s deeply complicated relationship to the resource that built their fortune and fueled their greatest tragedy, perfect for fans of The Dutch House and Great Circle.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

The House That Horror Built // Christina Henry (Berkley)

A single mother working in the gothic mansion of a reclusive horror director stumbles upon terrifying secrets in the captivating new novel from the national bestselling author of Good Girls Don’t Die and Horseman.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

All Fours // Miranda July (Riverhead)

The New York Times bestselling author returns with an irreverently sexy, tender, hilarious and surprising novel about a woman upending her life.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

This Strange Eventful History // Claire Messud (Norton)

An immersive, masterful story of a family born on the wrong side of history, from one of our finest contemporary novelists.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

May 21

Wait // Gabriella Burnham (One World)

A young woman reunites with her teenage sister in their childhood home on Nantucket Island after their mother disappears in this alluring coming-of-age novel from the acclaimed author of It Is Wood, It Is Stone.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

The Guncle Abroad // Steven Rowley (Putnam)

Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties . . . This time for a big family wedding in Italy.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

Undue Burden: Life and Dead Decisions In Post-Roe America // Shefali Luthra (Doubleday)

An urgent investigation into the experience of seeking an abortion after the fall of Roe v. Wade, and the life-threatening consequences of being denied reproductive freedom.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

You Like It Darker // Stephen King (Scribner)

From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

May 28

Summer Fridays // Suzanne Rindell (Dutton)

You’ve Got Mail for a new generation, set in the days of AOL and instant messenger banter, about a freshly engaged editorial assistant who winds up spending her “summer Fridays” with the person she least expects.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

Knife River // Justine Champine (Dial)

A compelling story of family, home, and the bond between sisters that asks: Who do you believe when you can’t even trust yourself?

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

Poverty for Profit: How Corporations Get Rich Off America’s Poor // Anne Kim (New Press)

A devastating investigation into the “corporate poverty complex”—the myriad businesses that profit from the poor.

Full Synopsis | Amazon | Bookshop

Book Review: James by Percival Everett

I gluttonously inhaled James in a single day through both print and audio formats. I was completely lost in a story offering such an exceptional reading experience that when it ended I immediately began to worry how I could possibly do it justice through a review. I won’t be able to, but let’s try to organize my thoughts into something at least marginally coherent anyway.

James is Percival Everett’s reimagining of the American classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a story about, Huck, a boy and, Jim, an enslaved man who happen to become travel companions as they run away by floating down the antebellum Mississippi River on a raft. Told entirely from 13-year-old Huck’s point of view the story is, on its surface at least, a straightforward coming-of-age adventure novel, but lurking barely beneath is a satire on racism and slavery and the morals of America, quite subversive for 1885 when it originally published.

In its nearly century and a half of existence Huckleberry Finn has often been the focus of book challenges, in fact, it was first removed from a library the same year it published, and controversy, most recently regarding its relevance in the modern classroom and whether Twain is the best voice to center on the topic of slavery. I’d say a novel approaching 150 years old that still has scholars arguing is doing its job very well.

Percival Everett certainly has something to say on the issue, though I don’t think he’s necessarily interested in answering many of these outstanding questions, I think he’s more interested in telling an outstanding story. In James Everett reimagines this early American story through the eyes of Jim, now revealed to be James. Everett’s James is no longer just Huck’s foil, he is instead, fully realized, richly developed, and intentionally humanized in a way that is incredibly impactful and subversive in a way The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn can’t touch.

I think Huckleberry Finn and James can and should be compared and contrasted, they’re very much in conversation, but for purposes of this review I’ll keep it brief and say Percival Everett is once again brilliant with James. The story is smart and entertaining and challenging and absurd and profound and somehow seemingly effortlessly crafted all at the same time. It has the pacing of a plotty page turner, but the depth of a literary novel. James can absolutely be enjoyed as a stand alone, though I do think it’s worth it to at least have a basic understanding of Huck Finn, searching for a brief summary should be sufficient.

I loved this in both print and audio and I’m thrilled to see Percival Everett receiving just attention with his latest release.

Book Review: Northwoods by Amy Pease

Eli North’s life is in shambles when he takes a pity job offer from his mom, sheriff of their resort town in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. A former elite federal investigator, Eli now bears physical and emotional wounds from his army tour in Afghanistan that has led to substance abuse and the dissolution of his once happy family. As he struggles to gain his bearings in his new role as a small town deputy, Eli responds to a call for a noise complaint at one of the town’s resorts only to discover the dead body of one teen and reports of another who is missing, both from some of the town’s affluent summer families. Eli and the town’s small, resource strapped police department are soon over their heads embroiled in a complicated murder investigation.

Northwoods is a well plotted, well paced debut thriller. There are a lot of moving pieces to this story and I personally would have appreciated further development in some areas, but as is there’s a good balance of character and plot that will appeal to many readers. I appreciated the well rendered Northwoods setting and overall found the story very engaging and right in the zone of what I’m looking for in a thriller.

Northwoods would be perfect for your beach/travel/pool bag or backyard reading stack with its summer resort town setting.

Also recommended for fans of True Detective: Night Country. I couldn’t help but picture Jodie Foster as the sheriff in this story!

Tell me: what type of books do you prefer this time of year?

I read a mix, as always, but warm weather reading often has me reaching for more plottier thrillers and romances than usual!

Book Review: Sociopath by Patric Gagne

AUDIOBOOK REC

{Gifted, thanks @librofm!}

“I’m a liar. I’m a thief. I’m emotionally shallow. I’m mostly immune to remorse and guilt. I’m highly manipulative. I don’t care what other people think. I’m not interested in morals. I’m not interested, period. Rules do not factor into my decision making. I’m capable of almost anything.”

In Sociopath, Patric Gage, a former therapist with a doctorate in clinical psychology, recounts in detail her life as a sociopath. From her discordant childhood punctuated by petty theft, college years stealing cars and credit cards, to navigating a bumpy relationship with her long term boyfriend, her story is salacious and enlightening.

Gagne’s deep understanding of psychology, both normal and abnormal, allows her to expertly convey what sociopathy is and how she experiences the world differently offering hope for those affected by this often misunderstood and misdiagnosed disorder.

Recommended for fans of Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died. Both books are can’t stop listening experiences!

IHO Independent Bookstore Day Libro.FM has audiobook sales all week AND they’re currently offering 3 audiobooks for the price of one when you start a new membership. That’s 3 audiobooks for $14.99! PLUS a portion of your membership/purchases goes toward the indie of your choice, win-win. If you’re thinking of joining Libro.FM now is the time!

Book Review: The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy

*The Devil and Mrs. Davenport* // Paulette Kennedy

Hi, hello. I just finished reading this book and I had such a great experience I had to immediately run to a color coordinated backdrop to tell you all about it, as one does.

Loretta is a typical 27-year-old housewife and mother of two in 1955 suburban Missouri until, after a brief flu-like illness, she begins hearing voices and seeing visions. Initially Loretta is scared by these experiences, but eventually she considers them a divine gift of a sorts through which she blossoms and finds purpose assisting with criminal investigations, including that of a local teen who recently went missing. But Loretta’s controlling husband, an assistant professor at a Pentecostal bible college, will stop at nothing to keep Loretta right where he wants her.

The Devil and Mrs. Davenport is a delicious blend of mystery, gothic and paranormal horror, feminist empowerment, and even a hint of romance, all dressed with vintage flair. To my delightful surprise there is very clear Shirley Jackson influence at play here with the blend of paranormal meeting the very real and insidious nature of female oppression at midcentury, an unfortunately prescient reminder as we see our modern rights being stripped away as men work to put us back where they want us – we thought this was somewhere mid-20th century, but apparently it’s more like mid-19th century! Egads! What will these hornswogglers get up to next?!

I could nitpick a bit about some of the pacing and plot, but overall I had a great time reading and more people need to read this book!

Shop: Amazon | Bookshop

Book Review: Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

It’s rare that I rave about a romance book but here I am about to do just that!

After an anomalous one night hookup with Brooklyn bar owner, Ethan, Eve finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and though far from the adultiest of adults she wants to keep the pregnancy. This choice will have far reaching consequences for Eve and Ethan, obviously, but also the chosen family within Eve’s sphere, namely, siblings Willa and Shep who have been her chosen family for much of her life.

Ready or Not is a messy love story, but it is that, a love story, one brimming with love in many forms, including romance. With snappy dialog, perfectly imperfect characters, nuance, and so much warmth, Ready or Not shows what is possible when you open yourself to possibility.

I could not get enough of this book! Totally huggable and recommended for fans of Emily Henry.

I’ve heard Bastone’s backlist is also worthwhile so I’m going to have to check that out next!

Shop: Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.FM

Book Review: The House of Broken Bricks by Fiona Williams

*The House of Broken Bricks* // Fiona Williams

{Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy.}

A mixed raced family in the English countryside in crisis. Tess, who is Black, grew up in a Jamaican neighborhood in London, feels very out of place as the only person with dark skin in their rural agricultural community, disconnected from her culture and family in the city. Her marriage with Richard is on the rocks, an insider in his native community, he spends much of his time in his gardens and helping neighbors with odd jobs. And their two unique twins who present very differently to the world: Max, with his father’s light skin, and Sonny, who looks like his mother.

Separated into four seasons mirroring the family’s turmoil The House of Broken Bricks is a beautifully crafted, quiet, and touching emotional family drama. A fresh take on the English pastoral novel rich with symbolism, metaphor, and nature descriptions.

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Book Review: The Saddest Girl on the Beach by Heather Frese

*The Saddest Girl on the Beach* // Heather Frese

{Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy.}

Grieving the recent loss of her father, 19-year-old Charlotte leaves college and her home state of Ohio behind seeking solace with her best friend, Evie, and her family on the tiny island of Hatteras on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. But the tranquil seashore Charlotte recalls from childhood vacations remains out of reach as things on the island are in flux: Evie’s life is upended by an unplanned pregnancy, Charlotte finds herself in something of a love triangle, and a hurricane is brewing in the Atlantic.

The Saddest Girl on the Beach is a metaphor rich exploration of grief and a coming-of-age story highlighting enduring and evolving friendship. The sense of place is well developed and central to the story including interesting sprinkles of local lore and oceanography.

This would make an excellent beach read if you enjoy an emotionally charged story with your sun and sand, especially if you find yourself on OBX and can appreciate some of the references first hand.

The Saddest Girl on the Beach is something of a companion novel to Frese’s debut, and winner of the Lee Smith Novel Prize, The Baddest Girl on the Planet, telling Evie’s later story.

Shop: Amazon | Bookshop

Book Review: A Better World by Sarah Langan

Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy.

Set several decades in the future in a very believable America, Linda, a doctor, her husband, a scientist recently laid off by the EPA, and their two teen children score a much coveted spot in a company town called Plymouth Valley. While the world outside descends into increasingly uninhabitable chaos the residents of this bucolic town are safe, breathing clean air, living in beautiful houses, and working for the eco-friendly company that owns the town in exchange for the privilege. And a truly elite privilege it is as this population aren’t just 1%ers, they’re more like 0.0001%ers.

But the Farmer-Bowens aren’t permanent residents of this utopia yet, in exchange for their life savings they are granted a one year trial period to be evaluated at regular intervals to judge how they’re fitting in, and they’re struggling. Their neighbors are unfailingly polite but cold and unfriendly, distrustful of outsiders, and unwilling to answer questions about town customs and traditions. Is idyllic Plymouth Valley too good to be true? And even if it is, what options remain?

A Better World is sinister and satirical speculative fiction with a delicious dash of horror. The plot is suspenseful and really keeps the pages turning, I couldn’t get enough of this once I started reading! Relevant themes of wealth, power, privilege, and corporate interest set against a backdrop of ever increasing inequality allow the reader a glimpse into a dark mirror of a very possible future.

Recommended for fans of When No One Is Watching, Don’t Worry Darling, and Midsommar.

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