Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the tag “historical fiction”

08 Feb 2024
4 Comments

Reader Roundup: Hello New Year


Finishing strong in my 2023 Goodreads challenge with 171 books read—greatly surpassing my usual 101 books goal, which landed me in the Goodreads top 25% readers group. Couldn’t resist a little self back patting. On to the five 🌟 reads of January:

image: Amazon

To Track a Traitor (Lane Winslow #10) by Iona Whishaw

The plot is especially complex as it involves a thirty year old murder, a missing husband, a blackmailer, and a rogue spy. Whishaw manages to balance all these complicated aspects while continuing to develop the interpersonal relationships of the characters. The series continues to become more engaging with each additional entry. While this title could be a standalone, the story is enriched by how Whishaw has developed each character in each book. For those who appreciate post WWII intrigues and strong women leads such as Maisie Dobbs.

image: Amazon

Madame Secretary: A Memoir by Madeleine K. Albright

Watching Madeleine Albright’s cameo television series “Madame Secretary” prompted me check out her autobiography. She came across as sassy and knowledgeable in both her TV role and as the first woman secretary of state. Albright’s humor and hard hitting style provided illuminating glimpses into the world she shared with President Clinton. Dealing with dictators, forging relationships with new and old world leaders, and coping with personal situations was all part of her tenure. Candid, humorous, and engaging, though long and sometimes painful in reading due to the hardships so many countries face because of leadership decisions, this an insightful look at the behind the scenes of a governmental position that literally can influence the world we live in.

image: Penguin Random House

From a Far and Lovely Country (No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency #24) by Alexander McCall Smith

McCall Smith returns to what made this series both unique and appreciated. There are two main cases that must be solved, each requiring wisdom and tact. Both have surprising outcomes which highlight how McCall Smith can provide twists that are equally delightful and satisfying.

image: Amazon

Patterns on the Wall by Elizabeth Yates

A surprisingly excellent read. Though slim it is full of storytelling delights ranging from old-fashioned values to historical details to memorable characters. Expected and unexpected plot twists provide reader interest to the very end as a young man overcomes hardships in post-colonial America.

With 20 books read by this posting, I’m off to good start towards reading 101 books by the end of December. A personal reading goal is to mix in a variety of genres such as autobiographies and more nonfiction, but I sure do like my fiction forays.

What reading goals have you set for yourself in 2024?

Posted in Reflections and tagged , , , , , , , ,
16 Oct 2023
1 Comment

Reader Roundup: September


Fall into reading. I think that was on a poster in the workroom of the library I worked in years ago. A book is fanned open and a child willingly, with a smile of joyful expectation, dives into the book. Falling into the adventure of reading is how I view the books I bring home.

Falling into reading takes on a different meaning as warm summer days morph into crispy cold mornings and evenings. The sun is is out but a light jacket is needed to stem off the occasional breeze. Reading outside in my hammock is diminishing as the days are often cloudy. I’m hoping October still has a few nice days for al fresco reading.

Overall the month held a diversity of good reads ranging from nonfiction to spy thrillers to historical mysteries.
Here are my five star reads for September: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What It’s Like to be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, to Eating to Dinging—What Birds Are Doing, and Why by David Allen Sibley

image: Penguin Random

Having been brought up on Audubon’s field guides and turning to Cornell’s website for research and guidance, I’ve missed out on Sibley’s contribution to birding. What a find!

This book is a fine place for beginners to start or it is lovely visit for those familiar with birds. The illustrations are captivating and the info bits and trivia create a special experience. If I had a coffee table this book would be the prominent feature.

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun

image: Amazon

Having heard about this cozy cat series for some time I finally decided to try out the first one. Even though the sixties attitude is a bit off-putting with its gender roles, the mystery itself is surprisingly engaging. KoKo the cat is definitely the star of the show. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith

image: Amazon

McCall Smith is back on track with this 14th installment to his No. 1 Ladies Detective series. He presents a combination of intriguing cases and interpersonal situations that harken back to earlier successes. The characters are changing and growing which keeps the plot fresh: Grace has her baby, Charlie begins to grow up, JLB attempts to become a “modern man”. Yet, Precious changes little, remaining content being “traditionally built” and remaining reflective as she approaches life and her cases.

Above Suspicion by Helen MacInnes

image: Thriftbooks

A spy thriller that is reminiscent of the old 1940s films (apparently this book became a film)—very 39 Steps in its “innocents-getting-involved-in-dangerous-espionage” plot. Set just prior to Germany invading Poland when Europe was on edge, a British couple is enlisted to locate an agent. They are to pose as typical vacationers, but become entrapped by the Nazi machinations when they attempt to complete their mission. Characterization of British, Americans, and Germans are evident, without being stereotypical. The author also provides strong opinions about the “new Germany” and how far various nations will go to prevent another war.

Considering the book was published in 1941 it is almost prescient some of the outcome in the story. As a side note, the author’s husband served in MI-6, which no doubt lends an authenticity to her action.

Swan Light by Phoebe Rowe

image: Amazon

Switching between 1913 and 2014, the saga of Swan Light, a lighthouse, is unfolded with impressive detail and lyrical energy. Silvestre Swan, at 83 years, has tended the lighthouse since its inception. His days are intertwined with it to the point of a symbiotic relationship. Yet, there is no record of Swan Light. Mari is a driven marine archeologist who is hired by a wealthy, (rumored to be 100+ years) to find the lighthouse that disappeared. This is a fascinating story of goals lost and found, of the past reluctantly revealed, and of the present celebrated. An impressive debut that has the elements of family drama, a heist movie, and a light romance.

As much as I enjoy reading by a cozy fire with a cup of cocoa nearby, I am so reluctant to give up reading outside and will strive to bundle and enjoy my remaining sunny days as long as I can.

Are you an outside or an inside reader?

Posted in Reflections and tagged , , , ,
24 May 2014
8 Comments

Wrap Up or Fall Flat


After five years of stop and go writing on my historical novel I’m nearing the end chapters. It’s rather intimidating. The ending involves the reuniting of a homestead mother with her family. The way I have presented the conflict is that there is some ambiguity of whether the mother left the family due to the grind of daily life as a pioneer women or if she wandered away due to fever delirium.
Here’s what I need to figure out:
-Is the husband readily accepting her leaving the family and not returning once she was better? (He’s a good guy overall, but was left with six children ages 3-15 to raise in her absence)
-How will the daughter (her POV) feel about her mama at this point? Anger, relief? This girl took on the task of raising her three ornery brothers and packed up her petticoats and put on pants to do so in order up keep up with them.

The right grab really counts… image: bodyresults.com

 

Reaching the end chapters is a lot like rock climbing. A cadence is developed in both–the reach and pull up towards progress. Just when the top is in sight, flat is sometimes hit, meaning no handholds and no way to go up. Finding a new path is sometimes the only direction left. Then again a risky move can be tried and what a sensation of exhilaration when it leads to success and pulling over the top.

Write now? I’m at that looking for a move that will pull me over the top.

So, writers–what do you do when you hit flat when the top ledge is in sight? Do you press on or look for a new route?

Posted in creativity, Nature, Reflections, Uncategorized, writers, Writing and tagged , , , ,

Post Navigation