The Editor: A Novel by Steven Rowley

The Editor: A Novel by Steven Rowley. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2019. Adult fiction
When young debut novelist James Smale is assigned an editor in the 1990's, he never dreams it will be Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis! James is a rather conflicted young man whose own family dramas are the basis for his novel. Mrs. Onassis provides the gentle questioning and pushes that James needs to finally get the end of his book right. During this process, the two become unlikely friends and support each other. The real story behind the story is that James has to reconnect with his own mother, find out about his father, and step up to be the best son that he can be. Full of interesting details about the Kennedys, the 1990's, and even James' fictional meetings with the publishing world, the story follows James' insightful growth. Really a love letter to Jacqueline Kennedy, the work will resonate with readers who lived through her real life via news, magazines, and photographs.  Reading the book is like inserting James in the film clips we all have in our minds. A thoroughly original concept and well written novel.

Wildwood by Elinor Florence

Wildwood by Elinor Florence. Dundurn, 2018. Adult fiction.

     By far, one of the best books I have read in 2019! This is the story of a single mom from Arizona who inherits a house and land in Alberta, Canada. The only stipulation is that she must live there for one year. Told in first person, the tale is well told and alternates with a diary that the great aunt, a pioneer, wrote about her own experiences about arriving in the early 1920's . Bridget, the four year old daughter, is selectively mute, but one of the most humorous and captivating characters. The mom and daughter manage to make friends, conquer the rural aspect of their new lives, and even find love with new animals and people. The details ring true and include many interesting tidbits about Canadian history and life. Highly recommended.

Diamond Doris by Doris Payne with Zelda Lockhart

Diamond Doris by Doris Payne with Zelda Lockhart. Amistad (HarperCollins), 2019.  Nonfiction, memoir.

By far, the most interesting person scheduled to sign advanced copies of books at the Summer, 2019 American Library Association meeting in Washington, D.C. was Doris Payne. Never heard of her? A beautiful, dark skinned woman who dresses well, Doris was raised in poverty in West Virginia. She decided to escape that lifestyle and crafted a new lifestyle for herself. She did not leave behind the smart mouth or cigarettes however. Doris became an international jewel thief. Subtitled, "The True Story of the World's Most Notorious Jewel Thief", this book tells how Doris learned to walk into jewelry stores, confuse or distract the people working there, cleverly take precious jewelry, and then escape. Well, for years, anyway. Doris learns how to connect with others to resell her hauls. For years, she travels the world plying her trade. When she does get caught, she decides to tell the world exactly how her amazing life came to be...readers can decide how much of what Doris tells us is the whole truth and what is not.  Now in her 80's, living in Atlanta, Georgia, Doris Payne's story is to soon be a major motion picture.

The Guest Book by Sarah Blake

The Guest Book by Sarah Blake. Flatiron Books, 2019. Adult fiction.

When Kitty and Ogden Milton buy Crockett's Island off the coast of Maine, they dream of all the family events they will host there over the coming years. But, their wealthy lifestyle does not keep them from trials and tribulations. Alternating from 1936 to 1959 and later, the story includes their children and grandchildren. Connections between Germany and America before and during WWI include more than just businesses. Well written and the perfect summer read, the novel threads its way into secrets, intrigues, human nature, and families themselves. Readers may wish that they had a summer home in Maine, but this one will suffice!

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

Queen of the Sea. Written and illustrated by Dylan Meconis. Walker Books, a division of Candlewick, 2019. Graphic novel 394 pages.

This gorgeous graphic novel tells the story of young Margaret who has grown up in a convent on an island. She has learned much about the world, but yearns to experience it for herself. When King Edmund's daughter, Eleanor, is banished to the island by her half sister, the Queen of Albion, life is never the same for Margaret or the Elysian Sisters. Beautifully illustrated in full color and varied panels and pages, the whole book is a feast for the eyes.

The only problem I had at first was trying to match Henry VIII to King Edmund and Elizabeth I to red-haired Eleanor. Don't try it. Although the 16th century clothing and setting is the same, by the end, Margaret has put her own spin on the original inspiration. Just relax and enjoy the story! The ending is resolved through Margaret's bravery and creativity, but, as they say, surely the story is to be continued...we hope so!

Epic Athletes: Serena Williams by Dan Wetzel

Epic Athletes: Serena Williams. Written by Dan Wetzel.  Illustrations by Sloane Leong. Henry Holt and Company, 2019. Juvenile biography chapter book.

Raised by parents in Compton, California, Serena and Venus Williams were groomed to be fabulous tennis players. Smart, strong, and athletic, the coaching by their father and the support of their family paid off and made their dreams come through. The hard work, neverending mental concentration, and focus on the game itself. and not the drama surrounding it, worked well to create champions. The book mentions the strong faith, the family loyalty, and does not shy away from the controversies that have often been part of Serena's world. 

I confess to not knowing much about tennis. This well written book is the perfect introduction to one of its greatest stars. The chapters are introduced by graphic novel type illustrations that will appeal to some students. But, the narrative is fast paced and interesting. Those unfamiliar with the Williams' sisters may come away with new admiration for them, their talents, and their desire to help others.

The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber

The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber. Skyhorse Publishing, 2019. Adult historical fiction.

Deborah and her husband, Samuel, live in 1888 in Utah and are Latterday Saints. Samuel leaves on a business trip and is overdue coming back home. Winter sets in and Deborah struggles to do all the chores and go on without him. A stranger appears as often happens, but never in the winter. Deborah helps him. Then, a marshal appears, hunting the stranger. Misfortune befalls the marshal and Deborah becomes entangled more than she ever wants. Will Samuel be back? Will Deborah's good deeds be found out? What will happen to Nels, Samuel's only nearby family member, and who cares for Deborah?

Weisgarber wastes no words. She builds her characters and the actions slowly and carefully. Readers care about Deborah and will want to know what happens to her. The details about the Latterday Saints ring true. The worry, the lack of medical care, the very real dangers of travel and of life on the farm, and other things weigh heavily on Deborah's mind. She is a good woman in a terrible situation. Weisgarber makes readers care.