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
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
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
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
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
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?
Pam Webb 