2023 Beach Reads Part One

It might seem too early for a Beach Read blog, but I know many readers are preparing for “Spring Break” and looking for a book or two to bring along. To meet my criteria for a good beach read, first of all, the book must tell an awesome story that will keep my mind from wandering to the responsibilities and worries I’ve left at home. Bubbie’s beach read must carry me into literary land, where people are fascinating, every page paints a picture, and the author wraps up the story so nicely that I feel happy when I finish the book, even though I am sad it’s over. Too much to demand? Furthermore, the book should be well written, but I’m not reading on the beach to increase my vocabulary, and I must be able to focus on the book without even once feeling like I might want to pop some kid’s Adderall tablet to stay awake. Here is my first round of Beach Reads for 2023, “page turners,” a little bit historical fiction, a little bit of love story, mixed with some mystery, and some characters who want to be your travel companions this spring! Watch for Beach Reads Part Two in May.


NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA Cuba is currently off-limits for American citizens, but Chanel Cleeton’s “Next Year in Havana” journeys to the Cuba of 1958 and shows us the lay of the land. This book is equal parts historical fiction, mystery and love story. Before reading this book, I knew very little about Cuban history other than that Castro was a Communist dictator with strong ties to the Soviets. This author did an excellent job illustrating the reasons for Castro’s revolution, presenting completely believable characters with earnest passion for Cuba, on contrasting sides of political ideology. I am grateful for the increased knowledge and understanding of Cuban history and culture gained from reading this book. But the STORY itself is what made it most memorable! The Perez family puts a face on the Cuban people struggling with political and economic change and their loyalties. Some critics feel “Next Year in Havana” cozies up a little to close to the romance genre, but I saw the love story as an integral part of the plot, which illuminated the deep-seeded loyalties on both sides of the war. Perfect book for traveling or beach! As a bonus, if you love the book and finish it before your vacation ends, there are more Chanel Cleeton books about the Perez sisters from Cuba, and so you won’t need to say goodbye to them just yet!

HOTEL NANTUCKET I really wanted to save “The Hotel Nantucket” by Elin Hilderbrand for Beach Reads II this summer, but I enjoyed it so much I cannot help but share it now! This is the first book by Elin Hilderbrand I have ever read. Truth be told, her covers always looked a little TOO beachy to me! However, before leaving on a vacation, I was attracted by the reviews on her new release. At the time I desperately needed a break from a non-fiction book on the Plantagenet monarchy of 1200 England, and so I ordered “Hotel Nantucket.” My second day on the beach, I put aside kings, queens, and European crusades, and I checked into “The Hotel Nantucket” for a refreshing escape. The characters quickly became my summer friends, and I hated to put the book down and leave them on the island. I actually did not put this one down very often, and I finished it in two good days of beach reading.

As one would expect, the story takes place on Nantucket, where, incidentally, my husband and I actually spent our honeymoon almost 39 years ago. Main character Lizbet Keaton accepts the position of manager of the recently renovated Hotel Nantucket. The ensemble of vacationers, each with his or her own oddities and secrets, play off each other for many a hectic but hilarious scenario. Then there is the Mystery Hotel Owner, the Mystery Hotel Reviewer, and, oh yes, the Mystery Ghost. Intriguing and likable characters and an unique story, completely different from anything I usually read, this novel had me hoping Hildebrand will write a sequel.

Some ROCKIN’ Good Reads!

Last week I suggested three classic Non-Fiction books, all of which took place during WWII. Moving along into Historical Fiction, I know I am approaching a favorite genre of many of my friends. Recently, the book stores have been deluged with WWII novels. At one point I said, ‘I am done; I cannot read one more book from this era!’ Then I would see a book cover that would attract my eye, a favorite author would publish something new, or a review would speak to me, and I would have my face and my mind back into a 1942 narrative of espionage, war and amour. I’m giving you the best of these books to consider. One of these books will surely be a welcome “cup of tea” for you!

Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” First of all, if you watched the Netflix version of Kristin Hannah’s “Firefly Lane” please try to forget that she is the author of “The Nightingale!” As much as I love a good Netflix series and as much as I love Kristin Hannah as an author, the first half of the series that I watched did not do justice to the novel or to Kristin Hannah’s writing! Whether or not you watched the series please pick up this book with a clean slate of expectations, and you will be educated, inspired and absorbed in this engrossing story of two sisters in wartime France. I haven’t lent my copy to anyone yet who did not tell me she LOVED it. This is Kristin Hannah’s masterpiece; she gives human flesh and heart to the occupied French and the moral and practical struggles they endured on a daily basis, provided they were blessed or lucky enough to survive from day to day. Hannah’s greatest strength as an author is her portrayal of female familial relationships, mother-daughter, and sisters. (More on this in later blogs). If you have a sister or if you wish you had a sister, you will be moved by the story of Vianne and Isabelle. “The Nightingale” is a story of love, commitment, endurance of the human will, and the indestructible bond between sisters.

Martha Hall Kelly’s “Lilac Girls” Similar to many Historical Fiction novels, “Lilac Girls” is based on the endeavors of an actual person; New York socialite Caroline Ferriday researched, revealed to the world, and provided some measure of healing to concentration camp survivors known as the Ravensbrück Rabbits. Yes, that is rabbits as in objects of Nazi experimentation. Caroline Ferriday is one of the three major characters in this book. The other two are fictional, although equally compelling. Kasia Kuzmerick is an innocent Polish girl who becomes further and further involved in the Polish resistance. Herta Oberheuser is an idealistic German doctor who will experience the collision of her sense of duty and devotion to justice in a crossfire. The three separate narratives of each woman intertwine appropriately. Despite the detailed secrets of Nazi horror, ultimately this novel engages the reader in a story of love, and redemption, making it an absolute must read.

Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” ** Winner of the Pulitzer Prize** I saved the best for last. This book has earned far more acclaim than what I can humbly offer it on my little blog site.

“Mesmerizing… Exquisite… The written equivalent of a Botticelli or a Michelangelo.” –The Portland Oregonian

“Stunning… Uplifting… Not to be missed.” –Entertainment Weekly

“Hauntingly beautiful.” –The New York Times

“Each and every person in this finely spun assemblage is distinct and true.” –USA Today

“Intertwines secret radio broadcasts, a cursed diamond, a soldier’s deepest doubts into a richly compelling package… Irresistible.” –People

“Gorgeous… Moves with the pace of a thriller.” –San Francisco Chronicle

“Enthrallingly told, beautifully written.” —Amanda Vaill, The Washington Post

“Dazzling . . . Startlingly fresh.” —John Freeman, The Boston Globe

“Intricate . . . A meditation on fate, free will, and the way that, in wartime, small choices can have vast consequences.” —The New Yorker

“Brims with scrupulous reverence for all forms of life. The invisible light of the title shines long after the last page.” —Tricia Springstubb, The Cleveland Plain Dealer

I hesitate to add anything, but I do want to give you a glimpse into the plot and subject matter. The novel takes place in occupied France and in Germany, and it beautifully develops two different characters, one of whom is Marie-Laure. She lives with her adored grandfather who works at the Museum of Natural History in Paris. Since she became blind at age six, he has created a miniature version of their neighborhood for her to touch and explore, and it allows her to apply her knowledge of the miniature to the world around her so that she can navigate it safely. The second character is a sweet German orphan boy named Werner who has a unique talent with the technology of the time, specifically radios. Werner is sent to a Hitler youth camp, where he is completely out of place in the ultra-competitive environment which has been intentionally designed to accolade the tall and strong Arian and to ridicule and punish the diminutive. However, eventually the Nazi’s notice Werner’s unique talent and assign him to use his radio skills to assist the reich. Werner and Marie-Laure will cross paths in the highest manner of suspense with a fitting conclusion. I read that Anthony Doerr spent ten years writing this novel, and I can see why. His detailed and tender depiction of his characters, his historical accuracy, and his beautiful prose are brilliant.

Historical Non-Fiction Continued – WWII & Holocaust Memoirs

As promised I will present several favorite works from my historical fiction shelf. However, I cannot allow myself to move on just yet, without mentioning a few classic non-fiction books that merit distinction! In my first post I stated that I had learned as much from Fiction as from Non-Fiction; I also can say I have learned more about history from a memoir or diary than from a text book.

There are two memoirs that set the bar for historical non-fiction from the WWII period. These are Anne Franke’s “The Diary of a Young Girl,” and Elie Wiesel’s “Night.” In “The Diary of a Young Girl” Anne Franke reveals her day to day life, her dreams, and her beliefs. Her famous quote from the diary, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart” may strike a dissonant chord to the reader who knows what happened to Anne after she could no long complete her journal, but I rejoice that her message of innocence and faith lives on triumphantly for generations who read her words.

Elie Wiesel’s “Night” is a brief but weighty narrative of his captivity by the Germans and focuses on his relationship with his father. I read this at about age 20, and one aspect of it has stuck with me for decades, Eliezer’s commitment to his father and how it waned as his own exhaustion became unsurmountable and his faith in God declined. Wiesel does not gloss over the atrocities of the prison camp, and this book is not easy or enjoyable to read. Wiesel did survive; he received the Nobel Peace Prize and lived to age 87, a victory over those who wanted him and all Jews dead.

I want to introduce a more recently published memoir “In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer” by Irene Gut Opdyke. My edited review from 2017 follows: I’m giving this wonderful book 5 stars; it is the best book I’ve read in a year. Although set in a time and place that has inspired a prolific amount of recent literature, Irene’s story is vivid and fresh. The plot unfolds within the heinous framework of Nazi occupation and the Holocaust, but the theme is one of inspiration and victory. Irene’s ability to create meticulously detailed plans along with her astute split-second decision-making reveal character and allow her to set actions in motion which protect her loved ones. Irene is brilliant and selfless, and I am thankful for her sharing her “memories of a Holocaust rescuer” with those of us who have not been tested in such ways.

If you have read any of these books I’d love to know your thoughts and your feedback.

More about Irena Opdyke https://www.holocaustcenter.org/visit/library-archive/oral-history-department/opdyke-irene/

More about Elie Wiesel https://eliewieselfoundation.org/

More about Anne Franke https://www.annefrank.org/en/

Today’s topic: History

Historical Fiction & Historical Non-fiction

I am actually going to start with non-fiction, which I must admit is the category of literature I have read the least. To top that I am pleased to say one of my favorite non-fiction books is an account of the War of 1812, a war about which I knew embarrassedly little. I do suspect I am in good company?! Who knows why the War of 1812 was fought? Where was it fought? What was the outcome, and who were the heroes of this war? If more than one of these questions have stumped you, but you have an interest in American history fear not you WILL be able to read and enjoy “Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans; The Battle that Shaped America’s Destiny” by Brian Kilmeade & Don Yaeger.

Excerpt of my review from 2018 on Goodreads:

Brian Kilmeade’s vivid storytelling engaged me from the beginning of the book. His rendering of the Battle of New Orleans gives flesh and spirit not only to its hero. Andrew Jackson, but also to the various peoples residing in the New Orleans area during the early 1800’s. The author illustrates the important contributions made by the Creoles, the pirates, the Ursuline nuns, and the city’s hearty residents in this historic victory. . . EXCELLENT non-fiction that teaches a history lesson, entertains, and rivals the prose of America’s best fiction authors.

I sure wish I could figure out how to crop a photo on this page; I’m pretty sure my posts will only get better as my technological ability increases.

Next blog – Historical FICTION

Bubbie’s Book n Blog

Hello readers!

I love reading for a few reasons; first of all, a good book takes us on a trip away from our daily routine and concerns. For a few hours or days the worries of the current world slide to the back shelf. Secondly, I have learned just as much from fiction as from fact. Other cultures, countries, time periods, personalities, and experiences from a book broaden my range of experience in a way that would take years in real life. And thirdly, a good book ranges in cost from free at a library to about $28 at a book store; a book is a good deal, less expensive than a theatre or sports ticket, a tank of gas, a dinner out, or a private Pilates class.

Selecting a next book is often a challenge. I have read four books this month, and I am struggling to determine the next. I check the usual sources, Oprah’s list, Reese’s list, New York Times Book Review, Goodreads, Amazon reviews, and my daughter Olivia, who often can recommend a winner. She is too busy with a Master’s Class to read for pleasure right now. and I’ve got nothing so far.

I majored in English Literature and taught high school English briefly before raising my four children, and so I have read most of the classics and taught many of them too. While Historical Fiction is my most frequent read, I love to add a good mystery to the mix. I even add some contemporary chick lit to lighten up after an especially heavy binge. My favorite authors of the past few decades are as follows: Kristin Hannah, Pat Conroy, Kate Quinn, and Erin Hilderbrand. I also have thoroughly enjoyed some books written by Lisa See, Olive Collins, Susan Meissner, Elizabeth Strout, William Kent Krueger, Paulette Jiles, John Grisham, Robert Dugoni, Chanel Cleeton, Brian Kilmeade, Sara Addison Allen, and Rebecca Wells. How is that for variety?

In my next blog I will make some recommendations in the categories of Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Historic NON-Fiction, Mystery, and Contemporary Chick Lit.

Thank you for reading!

Bubbie’s Book n Blog