THE FAR END OF HAPPY by Kathryn Craft called me back for a re-read. I so happy it did!

 Below you will find my original review of this book. I read the book quickly, and now I see,  superficially. This past week I took my time and re-read the book, savoring every word. The raw emotion still grips the reader even when reading slowly and picturing the scenes in all their minute detail. The psychological insights, the slow but steady development of the characters as they interact with each other during the 12 hours of this plotline, and the suspense mounts with each passing hour.  The slow reading showed me depth of detail, beauty of words, and suspense that I had rushed through on the first read.

So...if you have not read this wonderfully crafted 12 hour story, I encourage you to do so. Not many authors could craft a story with so many interwoven plots into a 12 hour ordeal, but Kathryn Craft has done it. Based upon her first husband's suicide, this story draws the reader in to her real life tragedy.  For me, it did so even more the second time around.

Don't forget to read the author's notes for they add to the story.  I think this book could lend itself to great book club discussions. There is even a reader's guide included.

Enjoy!

Original book review:
BOOK TRAILER LINK:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhh5cxMCTVY

 

ABOUT THE FAR END OF HAPPY:

 

The Far End of Happy is a powerful new novel based on author Kathryn Craft’s personal experience with a stand-off involving her husband.  Here Craft delivers “real, raw emotion” (Library Journal) exploring a marriage unraveled by mental illness; and one man’s spiral towards a violent conclusion that tests the courage, love, and hope of the three women he leaves behind.

When the emotionally troubled Jeff engages police in a deadly stand-off, his wife, mother-in-law, and mother struggle to understand why the man they love has turned his back on the life they have given him, the one they all believe is still worth living.

“Framing the novel within a 12-hour period keeps the pages turning (Library Journal).” Narrating from the alternating perspectives of three women, whose lives will be forever altered by Jeff Farnham, gives an intimate look at the steps a woman will take to get the help her husband so urgently needs while desperately trying to keep her children safe.

 

ABOUT KATHRYN CRAFT:

A former dance critic who wrote for The Morning Call daily newspaper in Allentown, Pennsylvania, for nineteen years. Craft wrote exclusively nonfiction until she was plunged in the kind of real-life drama that demands attention. In 1997, after fifteen years of marriage, her husband committed suicide in a police standoff, leaving her and their two young sons.

The Far End of Happy was born from Craft’s need to make sense of what her husband had done. Kathryn has been a leader in the southeastern Pennsylvania writing scene for more than a decade and is also the author of The Art of Falling. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Website: www.kathryncraft.com

 

Get to know OVE in Fredrik Backman's A MAN CALLED OVE

From the book's cover: "Ove's well-ordered, solitary world gets a shake up one November morning with the appearance of new neighbors, a chatty young couple and their boisterous daughters, who announce their arrival by accidentally flattening Ove’s mailbox with their U-Haul. What follows is a heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendships, and a community's unexpected reassessment of the one person they thought they had all figured out."

Well, it's official, I am joining the thousands singing the praises of A MAN CALLED OVE. I really wasn't sure that I would like this book or Ove, for there are enough curmudgeons in the world without a writer giving us a new one, but the one Backman gave us is a real gem.

If you want a curmudgeon, he is perfect. If you want varied characters, you'll find plenty. If you want to be able to truly see a character grow and change, follow Ove and his antics.

In short, read A MAN CALLED OVE and get to know him and his wacky neighbors. Watch as they come to embrace the cantankerous old man and as he comes to care deeply for them. Funny in just the right places; heartwarming when it should be.

Now available everywhere.

THE READERS OF BROKEN WHEEL RECOMMEND......Delilghtful, fun reading that reminds us of why we have read certain books.

Delightful. Delightful. Delightful!
I loved this book!

Sara loves books. Sara hates her mundane life in Sweden. Sara's dearest friend is her pen pal Amy, a single elderly lady living in Broken Wheel, Iowa. Broken Wheel is a sad broken town with little to recommend it except its characters, er...residents. What a group!

Sara saves her money and accepts pen pal Amy's invitation to visit Broken Wheel. The fun begins upon her arrival which happens on the day of Amy's funeral...oh my, what to do?

Sara has a visa for 2 months and doesn't want to return home.  The town jumps in and works feverishly to help her remain for that time or even longer. That is, after all, "what Amy would want."

It was through their mutual love of books that they became pen pals. Amy was a book collector; Sara, much younger, a book lover.  Everyone and everything in the book is related to literature, to books most of us have read. I loved that.

 Sara has magically 'inherited' anything that was Amy's, but doesn't feel it is truly hers. It belongs, she feels, to the town which Amy loved and which loved her in return. What to do? Open a bookstore in one of the vacant buildings in 'downtown' Broken Wheel using Amy's many books as stock, of course.

Certainly, something needs to be done to help Broken Wheel which is dying quickly, but a book store? One problem, now that Amy is dead, is that NO ONE in Broken Wheel reads or wants to read. As a former indie book store owner in a small town, I know that can be a huge problem. Never, fear. Sara is determined!

This book is a great character study for we get to know almost every character in town and Sara works feverishly to connect them to a piece of literature, to introduce them to the wonderful world of reading. This determination on Sara's part and the resistance on the townspeople's part is charmingly humorous. You'll love sad, scruffy George reading Kinsella's books, and Jen being introduced to Idgie because they are both strong women.

It took me a couple of chapters to become involved with the characters, but once that happened, I couldn't put it down. I loved the development of the characters and the rebirth of the town. At times, one storyline or another is drawn out a little too long, but those instances are minimal.

Mixed with the character development is a hint at many issues causing dissection in today's society. There is nothing heavy handed here and the issues are handled beautifully.

Finally, there is Tom. Sara's biggest challenge.

                "Once you let a book into your life, the most unexpected things can happen..."

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend  was written by  Katarina Bivalk, a Swedish author who lives outside of Stockholm and grew up working part-time in a bookshop. Obviously, she had time to do a lot of reading, and we are the beneficiaries of her passion. This is her first novel. I hope it will not be her last.

I recommend The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend to those who love soft, easy reading. It is not quite a chick-lit, but close. Read it and see if any of your favorite books are mentioned, many are.

 

Published June 18th.

Available at major book stores and online.

The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel is an easy read for early Summer.

THE LIFE INTENDED by Kristin Harmel is a book of intense love, loss, grief, and letting go. There are so many books that carry these themes, but luckily this book has a few twists and turns that make it out of the ordinary.

The main character, Kate, loses her husband in the first chapter. We don't really know him enough to grieve as we often do for well-established characters, but Ms. Harmel seems to know that and she wants us to feel the pain of his loose as deeply as Kate does. Thus, through Kate's memories and  a series of dreams, many years later as Kate is trying to move on with her life, we get to know Patrick and their never-born daughter. These dreams guide Kate and give us great insight into Patrick, the daughter, and Kate.

The dreams save Kate from making a mistake and settling for a so-so life. They guide Kate to letting go and accepting a fulfilling life that was intended for her.

All the characters are very real, easy to relate to, and important to Kate and the reader. The book is an easy read, takes a few predictable roads, but then throws in a great surprise...at least it was for me. I think young women, mothers, and those who like easy reading books will enjoy this book.

Available at major markets and online.

STYLE ME VINTAGE leaves me shouting "Style Me Impressed!"

Style Me Vintage by Liz Tregenza...Oh my, what a wonderful book. A fun read, a great research resource for those studying fashion, the 1940's, culture, etc. I am so glad I requested this book from Net Galley and so pleased that they fulfilled my request.

It is hard to describe, but the blurb on the front of the book describes it as "A practical and inspirational guide to the hair, make-up and fashions of the 40's." It is all that and so entertaining. As an added bonus, there are practical tips for today's women who want to borrow any of the styles discussed. Step-by-step instructions and great 'how to's" complete with photos.

The book covers everything from the utility dresses of WWII to high fashion,  swimwear, lingerie, wedding fashions and makeup. Hair styles, shoulder pads, and ration coupons for clothing are all there. Where to find  vintage clothing and how to care for it can be found.

This book is indeed a treasure. While it is not an in-depth study,  I can see colleges using this book in their fashion/textiles programs, make-up artists for small theaters, and authors researching this era, all using this book. And having fun while doing it.

The author is a vintage fashion specialist and historian. She has worked for a number of museums including the V&A and Hampshire museums service. She co-curated her first museum show at the age of 20 and has since contributed to numerous books and research papers. She is an avid collector of all things novelty and blogs about vintage clothing as Advantage in Vintage.

Thanks Liz Tregenza for a wonderful addition to many libraries. If you are looking for the book, be sure you get the one by Liz. The title is used on many others also.

 

The book is not yet available, but publication is set for early November 2015. It should be available at all major outlets. It can be pre-ordered at http://www.amazon.com/Style-Me-Vintage-Liz-Tregenza/dp/1909815934#reader_B00W9LU4YU

 

Remembering the 10th Mountain Division US Army as V-E Day approaches

As the world prepares to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, I would like to share a few photos of the 10th Mountain Division from WWII. They arrived in Italy in December 1944 and soon were fighting the Germans for Riva Ridge, Mt. Belvedere and terrain north from there to Lake Garda, Italy.
I hope those surviving today  are healthy and happy on this 70th anniversary.

    

 

 

In TWILIGHT OF MEMORY my hero, a soldier in the 10th Division, 86th Regiment, was gravely wounded in the Riva Ridge/Mt. Belvedere fighting. He spent almost three months in a coma. Thus, he was unaware when the fighting ceased. Here is an excerpt from several weeks later when, after regaining consciousness, he learned of the end of the war and other world events he had 'slept' through. Henry is being cared for in an Italian Villa by English and Italian medical personnel. He has asked his English nurse Daisy to tell him about the end of the war and his Division.

Henry is speaking: "Tell me about the end of the war.  I feel like I must be the only person on earth who doesn’t know that. It makes me feel foolish and somewhat useless.”

“You are not foolish, nor useless. Henry, you have been unconscious, which Dottore Antonio says is a good thing because it let your brain and your body heal. He did not rush to wake you.”

“I know, but I’m not sure I like that,” he said somewhat sullenly.

 

“Be quiet, dear. You won the war.”

 

“Not me."

 

"Yes, you and every other Allied warrior..." 

 

“Now back to your concern for your unit. As Dottore said, your mates, and others too, can’t let you guys have all the credit, chased the Germans North to Lake Gardo. There the Germans that your Division had been pursuing surrendered. Dottore learned they would only surrender to your General or someone from your Division, because they said the 10^th Division was full of mighty warriors.”

“That’s true,” said Henry, “except for me, ” Henry remarked again.

“Henry, you said you could accept things that you cannot change. So accept this. You were severely wounded, almost mortally. You suffered from battle wounds and from a direct gunshot to the head. That you lived is a miracle from God. Think of those who did not live but who were on that mountain with you. Yes, there were many. Does their death make them less heroic? No, I thought not. Neither do your wounds. Now, stop belittling yourself and listen quietly. There is more.”

She looked him directly in the eyes and said, “Your president is dead.”

A startled Henry looked at her. “What? President Roosevelt is dead? How? When? Was he murdered by some sniveling coward?”

“No, sweetheart. He was sitting quietly, posing for a portrait I believe, and he died of natural causes. I believe it was a cerebral hemorrhage. They are nasty things. Nothing could be done for him.”

“Oh, my,” said Henry softly. He was quiet for a moment as was Daisy. Finally he said, “So that makes, who, ah…, Harry Truman our president.”

“Yes, I think that is who Dottore said.”

“This is all too much to understand. I feel like Rip Van Winkle.”

“Who?”

Shaking his head Henry replied. “Never mind. He wasn’t real. I take it this is all real.”

“Very real, but there is one more thing.”

“I don’t know if I want to hear it,” Henry replied.

“Yes, I think you might. Hitler is dead. He killed himself.”

Henry let out a breath but said nothing for a moment. Then he looked at Daisy and, thinking of the Yamamotos, asked, “What about the Emperor of Japan?”

“Ah, Japan,” Daisy sighed. “Japan still fights. The war is over in Europe, but not in Japan. It should end soon. Everyone is expecting them to surrender, but they have not done so yet.”

 

Available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon (US), Amazon (UK), and Amazon (IT). US edition:

http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-Memory-Julia-Faye-Smith/dp/1495420205

 

Also, check out my Pinterest board on the 10th Mountain Division and Twilight of Memory.

 https://www.pinterest.com/juliafsmith7/10th-mountain-division-and-the-twilight-of-memory/ 

Don't forget to watch the musical tribute to the 10th Mountain Division        http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D4tJCjLtlybU

 

    

UNDERTOW, a Middle Grades/Young Adult by Michael Buckley, hooked me from the beginning. Great Summer reading choice.

"First, we feared them. Then we fought them. Now they might be our only hope."

This book is so outside the normal read for me, that I wasn't expecting to like it. I not only liked it, I loved it. Thinking I would force myself to read it for I had said I would write a review, I found, instead, that I was reading for hours, devouring it. Then when it was finished, I felt bereft.

The wonderful heroine, Lyric Walker's life is forever changed when she witnesses the arrival of thousands of creatures from the sea...the Alpha. These are ocean dwelling beings bringing surprise and interest which soon turn to suspicion, distrust and wild  paranoia.

The setting is Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY. The arrival of 'the things' turns Coney Island into a police state. The descriptions of the island paints a terrifyingly deteriorated community, not the happy vacation spot so many have enjoyed for years.

Things must change. The Alpha must be controlled and/or eradicated. Lyric is enlisted in a plot to try to humanize the creatures. It is a plot many, including the governor, work to destroy. Lyric and her friends are caught in the middle. Her family, too, is not only caught in the middle but enmeshed in the mystery the Alpha bring.

Lyric is a realistic, likable character. A new and gritty female heroine. Get to know her, her family and friends and especially the Alpha in this beautifully written book.

UNDERTOW pulled me in and under from the first chapter. There are strange innovative creatures, good friends in jeopardy, a teenage world turned upside down, a family mystery, and oh, so much more too pull you in and under. It is action packed, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying. It should be a hit with YA/MG reader this hot summer.

Publication date: May 5, 2015.

Available in hardback, Kindle, and audio editions.