True Colors by Kristin Hannah

 This story begins in the 80s and the author purposefully gives us lots of fashion and cultural references to be sure we get it. They lessen as the story unfolds into later decades. It was kind of fun to remember some of the trends, like the big poufy bangs...but at other tines I felt she was hitting me over the head.

And the characters...These three daughters and their relationship at times felt true and at other times felt contrived, as did all of the characters. There were some stunningly accurate portrayals of inner thinking and love, and how we can deceive ourselves about whom and how we love.  

The first few chapters made me mad, and I thought, why do I read this sappy escapist tripe, and at other times, I thought wow, I've felt that way. I liked the horse settings and stories. I liked how accurately the prejudice against Native Americans was portrayed in this small Washington town. I was also pretty sure that Dallas, the dark Native, would eventually be exonerated, but it took a long time and a lot of pages. 

The story got better and more interesting as Winona started to see herself and her foibles more accurately; she was the know-it-all sister who was unlucky in love but lucky in her legal career. Eventually she comes to some good conclusions and some right actions. So she was the most interesting to me... I actually considered quitting the Monterey Book Club while I was reading this. I thought, if THIS is what they think is a good reading, then I'm out of here. But on the other hand, there were some redeeming ideas...I still may exit if the next few are like this...There are so many good books, why would we choose such mediocrity?

I just reread my reviews of the other two Kristin Hannah books I've read, and I liked them better. I can see how she has developed as a writer; this True Colors was written earlier. She's good at captivating the reader and with some surprises along the way. I think her research and depth have improved over time.

For when we talk about this book in book club, the three sisters are: Winona, Aurora, and Vivi Ann. Vivi Ann and Dallas have a son named Noah...

Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger

 I've read some Krueger before and enjoyed it. At last month's book club here in St. George, we decided to read This Tender Land, which I have read years ago. I decided to read it again, and, while at the library browsing, I came upon this one. It's the prequel to his "popular" Cork O'Connor series. So, I thought, I'll give this one a try. It's good. Not as lyrical or inspiring as his others, but okay. Not a great detective story either, but I enjoyed the characters. It's kind of low key.

I enjoyed the accurate depiction of the stress between Native Americans and the whites who live nearby the reservations. This story is set in Minnesota, but is very like what I felt and saw in South Dakota, though a bit over-simplified. I liked the twelve-year-old Cork character--what a good and honest kid! I may read another one of this series when he's an adult, but may not. We'll see. Still searching for some great authors and some great literature! Sigh...

Jacob Hamblin - His Life in His Own Words - with a foreword by Richard Lloyd Dewey

 This little book (127 pages) is a first-hand account of life here in St. George in the 1860s and 1870s. Leonard ordered this book because Brett Smith, a youngish fellow sealer, recommended it. They frequently have Brother Hamblin's grandson in their sealing sessions in the St. George Temple. Leonard wanted to learn more about him, but since he doesn't see the print well, gave it to me.

I didn't anticipate liking this book. I don't enjoy most "real" history, although I loved John Muir's memoir. So maybe my taste is maturing??? At any rate, I did enjoy this book. It was frustrating, at times, since he leaves out so many details, but there's enough meat on the bones to learn about a very hard life out here on the desert. I also learned about his unquestioning faith in God's prophecies, and in President Brigham Young's counsel. 

It was interesting that Hamblin was frequently called on to help guide parties around this area safely, and that he interacted with the local tribes very fruitfully. He learned a lot of their tribal languages, he adopted an Indian son. He could be relied on and trusted by both the whites and the Indians. I learned a lot about the differences in the tribes as well. The Navajo, for example, were always stirring up trouble. Other tribes here were more peaceful and they worked together well. Brigham Young always counseled Hamblin to treat them with respect, which was good to read!

There were many tribes and places I have never heard of before. And all of this happening then has left its mark on our area today...for example, the Jacob Hamblin home is open for tours and I am committed to go and see it!!! 

He was a brave man, and was frequently threatened by Indians, but was always able to negotiate his way out of difficulties, always relying on prayer and his experiences. He almost died in multiple ways, fording rivers, getting sick from exposure, and many other ways. He doesn't say much about his family life; indeed it sounds like he was seldom home! It was worth reading the forward, since that revealed that he had three marriages. S

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

 Boy, did I get lucky! Len and I were in the Laramie airport, heading home from Don Polson's funeral, when I finished that stupid pickleball book. I threw it in the trash. And then, I noticed a bookshelf with FREE BOOKS for waiting passengers! And I hit the jackpot with this one... I have heard of it and have never read it. Well, it captivated me for the entire waiting period, both flights home, and for several days after. How did I miss this book before? It was published in 1990. Better late than never.

Kingsolver's analogies and descriptions are breath-taking. The way she describes the sisters and their relationship is amazing. All of her characters in this little town are interesting and so REAL. Their conversations are interesting and ring true. There is a mystery that unfolds about the family that Codi, the main character, unravels that is fascinating. The relationship between Codi and Loyd is delightful to read about as it develops. Honestly, this book was a marvel, page after page of beautiful writing and interesting content. I loved how Codi's help more or less saved the community from the devastating effects of the mine. I loved how she became a teacher and enjoyed reading about her relationships with her students. It was all so, so enjoyable, despite it being set in a dusty, hard environment. These people are hard working and interesting. And eventually, good things happen to them. I love it when good things happen to the right people! 

Even though I'm not familiar with this tribe or this environment, it rang true with my Lakota experiences in South Dakota. I loved the integration of the people of different backgrounds; and it was fascinating to read how Codi had felt like an outsideer all of her life. Her journey to recognize her belonging and her desire to belong was a beautiful introspective story in and of itself. And a great reminder that we see the world as WE are, not how it is!