Lucci's List: December 2019

This month is a celebration of many sorts throughout the globe and cultures. In the book world, it is "Indie-cember," a festive month-long appreciation of independent authors. Following are five excellent books of various genres, appropriate for this season of excited joy. Happy holidays; happy reading!

Non-Fiction

Essays

"When You Can't Go Home: Portraits of Refugees in the Pacific Northwest" written and illustrated by Karisa Keasey is a modern masterpiece.

The book begins: "These stories break hearts, and that’s a good thing." Ten essays feature ten people from countries across the globe who have sought refuge in America. Each story of personal upheaval, anguish, grief, and fear are the same, and yet unique. Every person and every family affected by the dangers of their home countries experienced different sorts of evil. And they all looked to America, the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave."

Each essay is written smoothly without political hostility. These are real stories of real people.

Original watercolours accompany each essay. The words and the images work symbiotically to express the subject's life.

I recommend this for lovers of art, readers who appreciate down-to-earth essays, and anyone curious about exploring refugee viewpoints.

Poetry

"Between Heather and Grass" by Xenia Tran is a poetry book focused on Asian styles. It is accompanied by photographs of whippets in natural settings. The combination of beautifully entwining words, charming animals, and alluring countrysides make this poetry collection uniquely special.

The author has supplied a bibliography for readers interested in learning more about poetry. She has also included her own descriptions of the forms of poetry she chose for this book.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.

One more note regarding this book: proceeds from the sales go to a worthy cause.

"Thirty per cent of net profits from the sale of this book will be shared with Children with Cancer UK, in memory of our nephew Jamie Baker. A further thirty per cent of net profits will be shared with animal rehoming charities at the end of each financial year. The charities we donate to will be announced on our blog at whippetwisdom.com and via our Twitter feed @WhippetHaiku"

Sci-Fi/Fantasy

"Roland's Path (Heirs of Vanity #1) by R.J. Hanson is a fantasy adventure novel with exceptional detail to characters.

Two best friends, Roland and Eldryn, battle together in magical adventures. Their inner turmoils derail them, but their opposing strengths and weaknesses prove that together, they can grow up and overcome the adversity of their youth.

The relationship between Roland and Eldryn reminded me of the leader/follower friendship of Jim and Will in Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked this Way Comes." They also make me think of the famous duo, Frodo and Sam, each on their own life path, but getting there together.

The idea of accidentally setting evil free is one that has been explored before, but Hanson has succeeded in creating a new world with unique perspectives. The traumas that befall the main characters in their physical and emotional quest are at once mythical and real.

Hanson's writing style is smooth and detailed. Battles and scenes are described so the reader can "see." He refrains from being too wordy, or too intricate in his depictions.

Fans of YA fantasy, magical realism, fast-paced action, and deep characters will binge-read this book.

Steampunk

"Ten Minutes Past Teatime" by Elizabeth Chatsworth is a steampunk novella for the ages! Time travel, Victorian aesthetics, Vikings, and a female scientist taking charge of a powerful adventure; what's not to love?

As if deciphering Irish brogues and drunken crew members weren't enough, Minerva must captain her time-travelling submarine to prove her worth in a male-dominated scientific society. She's survived her 40s; she can survive this.

Minerva's wit, dry humour, and assertive leadership make her a hero to cheer for. Even when she screws up. And even when she shows her softer side and falls in love with an equally fascinating female character. You can be tough AND loving!

I am a huge fan of steampunk and time-travel, and particularly enjoy sea stories. This book is one I wish I'd written! But even better to be able to read it breathlessly, and then immediately read it again because it is JUST THAT GOOD.

"Boston Metaphysical Society: A Storm of Secrets" by Madeleine Holly-Rosing is a steampunked mystical tale of an alternate timeline in which the government is run by houses of power, and Elizabeth Weldsmore is the catalyst for an adventure of espionage and hellfire.

Supernatural beings, historic Boston, and a revolution of the ages.

Coming next: Lucci's List Top 10 of 2019!