Lucci's List: July 2019

Happy Summer! Let's bathe in sunscreen, don our sin visors, and head outside for some mega summer reading!

Self Help/Inspiration

The Happiness Solution: Finding Joy and Meaning in an Upside Down World by Alan Gettis, Ph.D.

Each chapter is a short story of encouragement. Insightful parables and wisdom from diverse cultures are shared in an easy storyteller fashion.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to find a connectedness and sense of hope for the new year, and for each day forward. Perfect for slower paced readers, or people who struggle with time. A couple of pages in the morning with coffee or on lunch break can make small moments meaningful. “The Happiness Solution” isn’t preachy or pandering. It is friendly and real. Happy reading!

Memoir

Tiger Fish by Hoang Chi Truong

I recommend this to EVERYONE. It is a rare gem, easy to read and understand, while expressing powerful emotions and action.

The author speaks in a clear and simple voice, telling the story of her life as a child during the Vietnam War. As her social status grew and fell, her family remained the most important part of her life. Richly detailed and lovingly explained, this memoir lucidly expresses the fear, pain, loneliness, irritation, mourning, love, and hope of a family sticking together to beat all the odds.

The fact that the author originally wrote this for her daughter, as a sort of family history, makes each word more precious. The truth is told without pity or anger, just love.

If you ever want to read an immigrant's story, or sense the bravery of a girl on her journey to freedom, this book encapsulates the inspiration we all hope for.

Thank you, Hoang Chi Truong, for sharing your story with us.

Poetry

Too Soon We Forget by Al Wenckus, Sr. (WALTHAM AUTHOR)

Real poetry for real people. This is a poetic journal of familial love, grief of lost friends, appreciation for caregivers, and awe of nature.

Wenckus has a gift of telling a story through poetry that people from all walks of life will relate to. He has mastered the use of a surprise ending. His lucid sensory details transport the reader to vivid destinations, both real and surreal.

Tears, chuckles, clutched breath... "Too Soon We Forget" invokes all the qualities that make us human, connecting readers through communal emotion.

I am blessed to know the poet, and his genuine devotion to his family and community strongly shows in his words.

How Her Spirit Got Out by Krysten Hill (LOCAL AUTHOR)

This reads like a memoir in poetry. Gripping, and sometimes ghastly, the topics and emotions unveiled in the poems point to a life strengthened by a strong female community.

I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Krysten Hill at a Belmont Books poetry reading. Her passion for multi-generational female advocacy is genuine and heartfelt. Her poems are written from her personal perspective as a black woman in America, and her gentle presence is backed up by her unfailing grit.

I recommend this book especially for older high school students. It offers insight into lives which are often left unseen in modern society, and which we all can relate to as we mature.

Baltimore Girls by Lynne Viti (LOCAL AUTHOR)

This nostalgic collection elicits images of summer, high school, and young womanhood. Glimpses of life in the 1960s was like going in a time machine to Mad Men days.

Novel

"Nowhere on the Map" by Caroline Walken

Okay ladies, let's lay it down. Some times words are all the porn you need. So gather a few copies of "Nowhere on the Map," and wrap them in lusty red for your friends who could use a good read.

For the romance lovers in your life who can take steamy heat. This novel serves up spicy portions of sultry scenes, amidst a mystery needing to be solved.

I wouldn't gift this to my mother (aka GILF) but I WOULD share a copy with my gal pals! I bought mine on Kindle for Mac, so I can read it on my iPad or MacBook... late at night... or on the subway.. Please don't tell my mother!

An Unstill Life by Kate Larkindale

I cannot rate this book highly enough. Completely different from other tales in the YA genre, "An Unstill Life" is dynamically engrossing with real, uncondescending narrative and characters which possess multi-dimensional qualities. Readers are invited into Livvie's life as she evolves from a fifteen year old high schooler navigating common pitfalls of the age, to a confident young woman who creates positive change in her life and in her surrounding culture.

We meet Livvie at the end of the summer in a tattoo parlor with her two best friends. The mirth shared over their adolescent escapade is short lived as school begins. The three friends discover breaks in their relationships, leading Livvie to consider what true friendship means to her.

Throughout Livvie's turmoils with her friends and her derision with the opposite sex, she struggles with additional pain and heartache in her home life. Her unstable mother becomes more dismissive of her as her beloved older sister battles cancer. Guilt over being unable to aid her dying sister amid a lifetime of being made to feel "less-than" makes Livvie feel more isolated and disconnected from the people she cares about most.

She embarks on an unlikely friendship with the school outcast, who accepts Livvie for everything she is. As the story nears to a close, Livvie must find and borrow courage as she examines what true love is. When the worst of the world comes crashing down upon her, Livvie valiantly steps through her grief and agonizing decisions to become a catalyst of culture change in her community.

The honesty in Livvie's voice as she tells her story is refreshing. Her world is believable, relatable, breath-taking, and inspiring. I had to take a couple of "cry breaks" while reading. "An Unstill Life" is a must-read.

The Wanting by Christina Strigas

"The Wanting" is a love story of destiny, sexual exploration, and determination to pursue true love. Told by the two main characters, the reader gains perspective of each one's personal desires and motives. I was rooting for them to finally be together, even as I immersed myself in the lusciousness of their individual sexual encounters with domineering partners. The story was delightfully fast-paced, but my inner domme forced myself to slow down and savour it. Well done, Ms. Strigas!

The Carnival Keepers by Amber Gulley

"The Carnival Keepers" is set in a steampunkish era in a village rife with usual and unusual characters whose paths meet and explode one fateful night.

The more the tale unraveled, the more I threaded together, until I was caught in a reader’s web of surprise and intrigue.

If you could see the movie of my mind playing onscreen, it would feature Johnny Depp as the entitled and roguish James; Helena Bonham Carter as Laura, a mysteriously linked “lady in waiting;” and Danny DeVito as the grandfatherly curio shop owner. Neil Gaiman would produce it, and Tim Burton would direct it.

The book cover is alluring and beautiful to look at, hinting at the fantastical nightmare perched inside its pages.

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

Apocalyptic drama, examination of religion, teen angst, family dynamics, and a fascinating modern world of new life after near death.

I listened to this on Audible, and the narrator was fantastic.

Sangria Sunsets by Edward R Hackemer

This is a novel of historical fiction that brings to life the love, mystery, adventure, tragedy, and triumph of a family torn apart by war, espionage, lust, and revolution.

Beginning in 1937 and ending in 1953, the Throckmorton family evolves through war and kinds of peace. Through the viewpoints of different family members, the story is unfurled. Simply breathtaking.

The writing, at some times poetic, and other times fascinatingly factual, is always eloquent.

This book truly offers something for everyone, from romance to adventure to history to biography. I am not usually a huge fan of romantic "intimate" scenes, but the author NAILS it. Erotic without being vile, sexy without being graphic, and romantic without being mushy. The historically accurate clothing and setting added to the anticipation of physical intimacy, in a classy, visual way.

I appreciated the glossary in the back of words, phrases , slang, and jargon that younger readers might not understand. The thoroughness of the historical facts in the addendum, and the listing of military warcraft, added another dimension to the depth of the story.

My paperback edition came with a CD of songs from the era, and they correlated with each segment of the book. This was a bonus in enjoyment! At the end of the book, the suggested songs are listed, and I recommend listening as you read along to get a multi-sensory experience for the settings and action.

This is book six of a series chronicling one family's history. I have not read any of the previous volumes, and I read this fluently as its own story. It is strong as a stand-alone book, but now I am intrigued and want to read the entire series.

This historical novel provides entertainment for readers of all genres.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

"Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" is the epic tale credited with birthing the steampunk genre of science fiction. The first line sets the tone: "The year 1866 was signalized by a remarkable incident, a mysterious and inexplicable phenomenon, which doubtless no one has yet forgotten."

When Dr. Aronnax, a naturalist scientist, encounters a mysterious sea beast, he is dedicated to capturing it. He is obsessed with solving the mystery of its impenetrable flesh, its ability to outrace the hunters, and the uncanny way it can submerge quickly into deeper waters, disappearing without a trace.

Tragically, Aronnax's ship sinks. Arronnax and a few shipmates are the only ones to survive. As they fight for their lives in shark infested waters, they are miraculously rescued by Captain Nemo and his monstrous submarine, the Nautilus. Aronnax is shocked at the discovery that the whale-like sea monster he had been seeking is a giant submarine.

The adventures which the strange crew experience together are more fantastical than action packed. Travelling around the world via sea provides stunning research opportunities for Aronnax. The creatures and geological wonders that Nemo points out delights the naturalist.

Breathtaking sights and joyful discoveries trail off as Aronnax uncovers Nemo's true mission for this voyage, and the vengeful plot that he lives for.

Novella

When Angels Play Poker by Maura O'Leary (LOCAL AUTHOR)

This is a whimsical look at Heaven. Behind the scenes, angels watch over their earth-bound loved ones through a large TV-like monitor. There is a hierarchy, and the newly dead must complete mundane tasks in order to reach new levels.

The story focuses on one newly dead man who is given the task of watching over a woman named Maura. Through his eyes, a study in character takes place.

My favourite line is, "Jimmy was thrilled to be seeing his brother again, as well as Maura looking so happy, but it was difficult to focus on the upcoming event on earth when all he could think about was the poker game in Heaven."

This is a light, breezy read. People who are interested in the supernatural and angels will enjoy this book the most.

Be Careful What You Pray For by C. Yvette Spencer

Nellie is a grown woman who is done with being cheated on by her preacher husband. She has a good eye and good aim, and doesn’t hesitate to use either. Shock turns into schemes as she carries out her final revenge. Are her ethics her strength, or weakness?

The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable. Suspenseful from page one, the story does not stop until the unimaginable climax.

Nellie had some fantastic one-liners that made me laugh. She is a strong woman willing to compromise, but she has been crossed once too many times. The cover of the book shows her throwing some serious shade!

Just when I thought I figured out what was next, another twist in the action shocked me. I could NOT believe it, and just had to keep reading. I did NOT see that coming!

I recommend this book for fans of suspense, thrillers, drama, woman power, and quick reads. At 70 pages, “Be Careful What You Pray For” is perfect for a couple of lunch breaks, bus rides, or better yet, a morning reading in bed while your man rubs your feet.

Short Stories

“A Map of the World” by Zev Good

These short stories bound together create a journey through America, visiting rural towns and buzzing cities; touching on memorials and eras; and meeting characters whom are already known. Each story is uniquely driven, with fast-paced plots and simmering emotions that boil over into the love, pain, longing, and hope which is discovered to be universal.

As I read each story, I alternately found myself holding my breath, forcing myself to pause, and then placing my hand over the upcoming text so I would not be tempted to peek ahead. Reading this as a volume was like taking a road trip with a close friend, and meeting kindred spirits along the way.

If this was a road trip, following the trail outlined in the pages of this book, and my close friend took turns driving so I could read, this is what my travel journal would look like:

Travel Date: 6-14-18

Mode of Travel: “The Sweet By-and-By”

Origin: 8:20 AM, middle school, outside Knoxville, TN

Destination: Kingston, TN

Points of Interest: A sister, a brother, a mother, a grocery store, a neighbor, a school, a church, a tragedy.

Where does this evil come from? What do we do with the pain from senseless murders? Is there a reconciliation between our judgment of others and our expectations of ourselves? Who do we comfort, and how, and why do we feel the need to be comforted when the grief is not our own?

Travel Date: 6-17-18

Mode of Travel: “Had”

Origin: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Destination: Provincetown, MA

Points of Interest: Tulane University, Emory University, Herring Cove.

Reading on my phone, dabbing at my eyes, while everyone else in the room assumed I had an emotional attachment to the widescreen viewing of “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Unrequited love, acceptance of loss, the helplessness of watching someone you love self-destruct.

Travel Date: 6-18-18

Mode of Travel: “In Mysterious Ways”

Origin: Westin Hotel, Atlanta, GA

Destination: Texas

Points of Interest: Mexico, bus, train.

I am on the third story in “A Map of the World,” and am in love. I have not felt this immersed in short stories for a long time. The characters and the experiences they share are from diverse backgrounds, yet portray universal emotions. Gorgeous!<br />This story is beautiful in its allegorical telling of how fates and families mix and collide, like superheroes falling to pavement.

Travel Date: 6-19-18

Mode of Travel: “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair”

Origin: Grady Hospital, Atlanta, GA

Destination: Virginia-Highland, GA

Points of Interest: True love, good people, hospital, passive-aggressive mother, Midtown, Camp Barney, Toco Hills, Decatur.

Taking care of a loved one after a severe injury and brain trauma; knowing things will never be the same and wondering if you’d want the same anyway; guilty over your judgment of people who you once looked down upon, who are the only people helping you now. Discovering the intimacy, wanted or not, that comes from being a caregiver to a once strong person.

Travel Date: 6-20-18

Mode of Travel: “A Map of the World”

Origin: Eastern Tennessee

Destination: Harriman, Tennessee

Points of Interest: Europe, Las Vegas, elementary school, junkyard, Winrock, Appalachia, trailer, Florida.

“He took forever and it occurred to me as he agonized over his choices – a literal world of them – that he was having such difficulty because it had never crossed his mind that he could, if he chose, go anywhere in the world.”

Each story in “A Map of the World” is pulling at my heart. The title story just broke it.

Travel Date: 6-21-18

Mode of Travel: “Decoration Day”

Origin: Vietnam

Destination: Birmingham, Alabama

Points of Interest:Witch’s house, cemetery, dirt road.

Youth and grief are strangers, and death is viewed as a mystery. Ghosts? Spirits? If they exist, should we wish to see them? Or is it better not to revisit our pain, and let our loved ones rest in peace? Letting go is a need shared by survivors, even those from different cultures.

Travel Date: 6-22-18

Mode of Travel: “Somebody’s Always Saying Goodbye”

Origin: Sonoma, CA

Destination: Alpharetta, GA

Points of Interest: Charleston, SC; Sydney, Australia; Auschwitz.

Live like you’re dying, and die like you’re living. That’s all I can say without bawling right now.

Travel Notes: Really, really, just really… for a self-proclaimed writer, I am stunningly out of words. Except DAMN YOU Zev Good, for creating stories of such perfection that I am holding my breath to contain the cry invoked by your book! I just… can’t.

I’m not a gay man and I’m not Jewish. You don’t have to be to relate to the characters sharing these common traits.

Most of the books I have been reading lately have been fluffy romances, which is not meant as a disparagement; fluff is necessary to be well-read. But this book is one of those rare volumes which have touched my heart and will continue to feed my thoughts on the world.‬

For more book reviews, visit my site and click Lucci's List. Brand new reviews coming next month!