October Reads.
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
It's a hoot.
Left Bank by Kate Muir
Yes, yes, pity poor Perfect Family -- extremely flawed and far from happy. So what? The whole book left me shrugging "whatever."
Beginning With O by Olgar Broumas (forward by Stanley Kunitz)
"Cinderella" was my favorite poem, but "Thetis" ran a close second.
The Old Maid (The 'Fifties) by Edith Wharton
Part of Wharton's Old New York series of novellas. A skillfully written story addressing themes of motherhood and morality.
Farthing by Jo Walton
In alternate mid-1800s England which never went to war against Hitler and the Reich, class can only protect you from so much when you marry a Jew. Murder mystery/novel of manners.
Maurice by E.M. Forster
I know I should have a higher opinion of this book -- it is "A Gay Classic" -- but I hated Maurice and felt far more sympathy for his women.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes: 200 Recipes for Memorable Meals by Suzanne Bonet
The recipes in this cookbook all seem simple and straight forward with no hard-to-find ingredients or extraneous prep work. Many recipes also come with "Add It!" entry listing additional ingredients and seasonings. I made three recipes (all using the "Add It!" additions) and the results were mixed. The tuna casserole came out really well and will be repeated, but the ravioli and the chicken rice dishes will never be repeated. Indeed, I wish to wipe them from my memory.
The Mysterious Private Thompson: The Double Life of Sara Emma Edmonds, Civil War Soldier by Laura Leedy Gansler
Sarah runs away from home and becomes a successful traveling book salesman. When the US Civil War breaks out, she enlists as Frank Thompson and serves as a medical orderly, mail courier, and Union spy (maybe). Excellent history and quite a nice read.
Remember Me: A Lively Tour of the New American Way of Death by Lisa Takeuchi Cullen
Fascinating and quirky little book.