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. 

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Volume 4, by Beth Brower

 Oh, my goodness, these just get better and better. Volume 4 hits high and it hits deep...Emma goes to Maxwell's burial and is ripped open by grief. The way Pierce comforts her is beautiful. The alchemy between the four main characters is discovered and deepens...Young Hawkes, Emma, Islington, and Pierce. Who doesn't want to be "one of the guys" in a very feminine and protected way? Browers portrays this emerging partnership beautifully. You really want to inhabit this world. So sweet...and yet her grief over Maxwell's loss is so poignant. Maybe this is a great example of knowing the bitter so you can learn to prize the sweet???

That would be an appropriate message as I am studying Moses right now, and the contrast between bitter and sweet and between learning to prize the good comes up a LOT. 

I'm on the waiting list for the next two volumes...I've also put holds on the audio. I think I would enjoy listening to some of these volumes again and again...

The Queen of Water by Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango

 This was an interesting read. I'm not sure who chose it for our Marcia Oshita book club, but I was happy I found it at our library. I'm glad I didn't have to purchase it, because it's not worth giving away or keeping, but it taught me a few things about the indiginous people of Ecuador. 

Virginia is given away as a child and we spend many chapters living through the horrible abuse her new family piles on her. It's hard to read and makes up most of the book. However, she does a good job of describing the conflicting feelings of a young girl, and later of an adolescent.

This girl is caught between cultures and languages and customs. She shows amazing resilience and ingenuity despite horrific obstacles and living conditions. It's inspiring in that way, and it's also a little hard to believe. I liked that she studied so hard and that she ultimately found a way to honor her culture and her adopted culture. I kept thinking about the Lakota and Henry and when or if Henry will grapple with any of these issues. 

It was a good read, but not a great read. I like how it shares the message of how education is the passport out of poverty and hopelessness. But for the average girl in Virginia's circumstances, most would never fought as she fought her way out, I wouldn't think.