The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion - Volume 7 - by Beth Brower

 This Volume 7 takes up exactly where Volume 6 left off, namely Emma and Pierce's KISS! And what it means, and how do they move forward? It's a sweet and often funny discussion, and sometimes very poignant. This story also features a little more about the Pirate, and his extraordinary abilities in journal making. He's also marginally kinder to Emma.

This journal culminates with a shocking incident when Emma and Islington are caught in each other's arms when he stumbles, and much is made about why they are found this way. It's absurdly funny, and the result is that Islington claims to be Emma's guardian after she reaches "her majority."

We also learn more about young Hawkes and his amazing scholarly abilities, as well as his uncanny and intuitive ability to help out where and when he's needed. We learn about his relationship with Emma's father, though not too much. He's willing to tell her more, but prefers she not ask, so she doesn't. I sure hope we learn more about this fascinating character in Volume 8!

Emma is reading Plutarch in this volume, and there are also more Shakespeare and Emerson quotes. She's definitely a student of the classics, which makes me want to get into these more, as well as Wordsworth. I'm following several Instagram accounts where Brower claims to be working on Volume 9, but isn't yet able to announce a publication date. It's clear that her many fans, like me, are waiting anxiously for more news of this enchanting character. 

The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

 This was a selection by someone in my Monterey Book Club, and I'm glad I waited to get it from the library, because it isn't one I would ever want to give away or reread.

That is not to say, though, that there isn't some merit to the book. I liked how it shared the complexities of the way politics and the U.S. government work. Mary McLeod Bethune is a black academician who becomes a civil rights leader and a good friend of Mrs. Roosevelt. There was a lot I didn't know about the Roosevelt family, for example that Eleanor was related to Teddy and was a Roosevelt herself before she married Franklin.

I also knew that there was speculation about her having a lesbian relationship and marital problems, and this book took that theme and ran with it. It got a little tiresome to read about some of these problems. What was interesting to me, though, was the way that Eleanor supported Civil Rights causes and tried her best to persuade her husband to support them as well. I also learned more about the New Deal and its sweeping legislation. 

What is disappointing, though is the total lack of credible citations or sources or bibliography. In the end notes, both authors claim to have read hundreds of articles, etc., yet there isn't one citation. So it's kind of impossible to separate fact from fiction. 

The authors also claim that their own black/white relationship grew as they discussed difficult racial issues as they co-authored this book. However, the racial aspects of the story are not particularly nuanced. They did do a good job, though, of reflecting the oft-made mistake of whites wanting to make decisions for blacks, and of token black appointments with no power or authority. That was felt authentic and unfortunately true. 

One of my neighbors said she disliked the book so much she couldn't even read past the first couple of pages! She doesn't even want to attend the discussion, which makes me wonder what she's all about. She checked in with me to see how I liked it, but I hadn't begun it yet... Now I'm curious to see if it's the sympathetic portrayal of blacks that got to her or what??? It will be interesting to find out!

The Unlikely Thru-Hiker by Derick Lugo

 I was sold on the hype on this one, on Amazon, and I was between book club books, so I went for it. The purchase supports the AT, so it also felt like a good cause.

I love hiking books! Obviously. This one was lighter than most, and enjoyable. The perspective of being the only black hiker on the trail was a novel one. He was also a true novice, non-hiker, who succeeded in finishing the hike. These are commendable. He focuses more on his fellow hikers than on any of his own injuries or struggles. Maybe he didn't have too many? He described some challenges, but he doesn't dwell on them like many other author-hikers do.

One thing that struck me was how well he described the through-hiker culture. He was willing to step off the trail to attend some hiker celebrations that were held along the way, and it reminded me of exactly what Eli has described to me as Burning Man culture. You barter, you trade, you give away, you accept, you love, you don't judge, you help others along their way.

He does have some moments of appreciating the profound beauty around him, but that isn't his focus. As a New Yorker, his appreciation of the outdoors is child-like and charming. Lugo is a part-time comedian, and always takes a light and comedic tone in his interactions with others. He's also relentlessly positive, and earned his trail name of "Mr. Fabulous." It's not great writing or great humor, but it is a fresh and enjoyable read. 

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion - Volume 6- by Beth Brower

 Have I said this before--these books just keep getting better and better? They do! This one was a delight; so much so that I read the last few chapters twice. Actually, I'm looking forward to rereading the whole series again, when I finally get Volume 8 from the library, and await Volume 9's publication.

This is the volume where Emma helps Hawkes fish money out of the fountain and ends up falling in; where she takes on a job as secretary and fights off a predator with a fire poker, and gets closer to her three friends in very cozy interludes. We learn some hints about Islington's past, but not much. 

This series is such a great and welcome escape from my day to day wondering if I am living my best life! It always puts me in a happier mood, and my step is lighter. With Len's recent heart attack, I'm feeling confused about how much I am needed and how I am needed here at his side. When I truly want to spend more time being GRANDMA! Or ??? Doing something with some substance. Right now I am watching, coasting, and hoping to figure out a way to support Leonard's attempts to be healthier..,

This volume ends with a very thorough kissing of Emma by Pierce, which leaves a fabulous opportunity for an enticing opening of Volume 9!

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion - Volume 5 - by Beth Brower

 Oh, my, the fun continues!

I was really trying hard to stay focused on my lesson prep (Genesis) for Gospel Doctrine, AND I was excited to read this when it finally got to me from the library. Thank Heaven, I was able to discipline myself, prepare a really different kind of Gospel Doctrine Lesson (two little plays portraying Sarah, Jehovah, and Abraham) AND enjoy this book, but not overly so. It was delightful this afternoon to have my lesson go well, and to be able to enjoy the sweet Christmas and New Year's ending of this book.

In this volume, Emma attempts to track the Roman's movements by culling sightings from the citizens of the neighborhood. She begins to recover from Maxwell's burial, and there are some especially poignant thoughts about grieving. Especially at the end, when Hawkes invites her to confession and she tells him about the beginnings of her recovery. 

Another riveting scene is when Jack calls in his favor and takes Emma to see his dying mother. It's an almost violent scene and heart-breaking. But Emma endures it well, and becomes a confidante to Jack at the end. 

There are sweet moments with Agnes and Parian and Pierce, but he's definitely drinking to excess these days, and Emma notices. Will she become his rescue as he was for her? And there's a deepening entertaining relationship between Emma and Islington which is pure delightful banter. So good!

The Q by Beth Brower

 I am so entranced by Brower's series (The Unsolicited Journals of Emma M. Lion), and yet have to wait so long to get them from the library, I decided to try one of her other books. This one also has rave reviews on Amazon; it wasn't expensive, and I could get it in a few days. DONE! I took a chance and bought it.

Whoa, it's SOOOOOO good! I love it so much. Brower does an amazing job of hitting me in the gut in such a good way. Her characters are so interesting and so human AND so altruistic and highly principled...not all, but there are such beautiful moments of high and holy thinking. Wow. 

Quincy, as a main character, is interesting to watch. She seems autistic, even, but her social retardation may just be the result of being a foundling. She develops slowly and believably across the arc of the story. Her solicitor, Arch, is an amazingly supportive friend, and his father's kindness to Quincy brought me to tears more than once. Such sensitivity! It's remarkable how Brower captures this.

And there is also the arresting wit and humor which I also appreciate about this author. This is such an enjoyable and satisfying book that I'm reluctant to recommend it and lend it out until I can read it again just one more time. Probably more than once, but once again SOON!

I have such a satisfying life in St. George, but I'm occasionally restless and wonder if I'm doing all I can to do good in the world. Being able to drift away into Brower's world is one I lovely habit I would hate to give up if I get more ambitious anytime soon...

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson

This book was my neigbor Denise's pick for our Monterey Book Club, and she raved about it. It's kind of a pulpy, low level kind of read, so I was disappointed. I respect Denise a LOT, so I'm surprised she liked this one so much. Maybe she hasn't read the good stuff about the Occupation? Like the Potato Peel Society one? It's miles better!!! but that's why book clubs thrive, I guess. We each decide what's good or not. I just have to find a way to politely voice my disappointment...or not...when we meet.

What is impressive, though, is the whole back section where the author cites her sources and describes some of the historical ties to her characters. They were mostly based on real people and real suffering. That is impressive, but it got so old to have her fictional characters be so trite and predictable...frustrating, really. And it got very old to read about the hardships and the starvation... with very little about how people actually survived emotionally. I'm sure it was through more than just the library books. Yes, it's an ode to help that a book or good story can provide as a get-away, but I'm sure they needed more than that. These people are heroes, and they certainly deserve better portrayal, more nuanced and real portrayal than this author gave them. Sheesh.