WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD by Susan Crandall

WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD by Susan Crandall I was a white, Northern, college girl who had always attended integrated schools in 1963when this book takes place. I was shocked at the historically correct, blatant, racism portrayed in this book of southern Mississippi. If you are offended or triggered by historically correct terms, don’t read this book. That said, I loved this book. I loved Starla, the 10-year-old runaway: Eula, the young “colored” woman who befriends Starla; and Starla’s father. The characters are wonderful, clearly drawn and “real.” The time period and locale (1963 Mississippi) are shown with all the warts in place. The story is part coming of age, part social history and part murder mystery. The parts work together in a seamless tale that enthralls from the first page to the last. If Crandall’s other books are as good as this one, I have reading material for a month or two (I’m a fast reader). Book groups will have a wealth of discussion material with Starla and Eula. The book would lead to a great parent/child discussion. 5 of 5 stars

Tinder Box: The Iroquois Theater Disaster, 1903 by Anthony Hatch

Tinder Box: The Iroquois Theater Disaster, 1903 by Anthony P Hatch Six hundred and two people, mostly women and children, lost their lives in the fire even worse than the Great Chicago Fire that destroyed most of the city in 1873. The Iroquois Theater was advertised as “absolutely fireproof.” It was not. Hatch has written a very readable, but scholarly, look at the causes, failings, politics, and machinations of the owners, builders, managers, politicians, firemen and inspectors charged with safeguarding the lives entrusted to them. Illustrated by 30 pages of photographs and drawings and supported by personal interviews with survivors and voluminous research, he details the fire itself and the changes that resulted from the fire. Any group interested in history, fires or politics will find this an interesting and revealing look at the fire, what lead up to it and the changes it forced. 5 of 5 stars

THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS by Susan Meissner

THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS by Susan Meissner The devastating San Francisco Earthquake is the backdrop for this tale of marriage, lies, love, desperation, hope, secrets, murder, and justice. Sophie, an Irish immigrant with secrets, answers an advertisement for a mail order bride and becomes mother to a silent 5-year-old as well as wife to a man who becomes more secretive each day. The aftermath of the earthquake upends Sophie’s materially satisfying, though lonely and confusing, life. As her home is destroyed, she finds out one of her husband’s secrets. Sophie and Kat try to make a new life amid loss, fear, and more secrets. Meissner’s ability to combine great research with actual events and wonderful characters into a thrilling tale reveals a devious and intriguing plot that is satisfying resolved. Lots here for a lively book group discussion. 5 of 5 stars

FLIGHT OF DREAMS by Ariel Lawhon

Field of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon Using the real people who lived and died on the dirigible Hindenburg, Lawhon tells a fascinating story of what might have occurred during the Hindenburg’s last flight. Impeccable research into the passengers and crew lend credibility to the characters who include an acrobat, a family from Mexico returning home, businessmen conducting business, a spy, a murderer, a stewardess who wants out of Germany, a navigator who loves her, and a 14-year-old cabin boy among others. Her characters sparkle with life. Although we will never truly know why the Hindenburg exploded, Lawhon presents a credible answer as she relates how a dirigible stays aloft and what it is like to float 600 feet above the ocean in a luxury hotel. In the author’s notes she gives the website (www.facesofthehindenburg.blogspot.com) that details all that is known about each of the passengers and crew. This is a worthwhile site for those interested in the before and after of each of them. 5 of 5 stars.

WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE SEA by Walter Sonne

WHERE THE DESERT MEETS THE SEA by Werner Sonne In the aftermath of WWII the Jews who remain attempt to establish a homeland for themselves. Judith, a Jewish survivor of the death camps, and Hana, a Muslim nurse at Hadassah Hospital, are bonded in friendship when a rare blood type infusion from Hanna gives life to a dying Judith. The novel follows Hana and Judith as Eratz Israel becomes the Nation of Israel. Hadassah Hospital, founded by Jews but serving both Jews and Arabs, becomes a focal point. Peace is lost when the UN drops the British Mandate. Jews and Arabs battle over the land of Palestine resulting in bloodshed on both sides. The novel reveals the complexity of finding a solution. Sonne avoids siding with either faction as his well-drawn and complex characters struggle to find honor and security in this moving tale of love, fear, sacrifice, betrayal, redemption, death, honor and brutality lurches to its conclusion. 5 of 5 stars

MISSING AND ENDANGERED by J A Jance

MISSING AND ENDANGERED by J A Jance Jance is one of my favorite authors and in this novel with Sheriff Joanna Brady as lead protagonist she does not disappoint. Brady is sheriff of a county near the Mexican border in Arizona. Murder is complicated by the retirement of her lead detective, endangered children and Joanna’s own daughter. Jance’s characters are as integral to her stories as the requisite murders and mayhem. Her characters change and adapt as their world changes just as in the real world. I read Jance as much for Brady (and Beaumont and Reynolds, et al, her other main stays) as for the intriguing plots and heart pounding conclusions. You won’t be disappointed. 5 of 5 stars

Smalltime by Russell SHorto

SMALLTIME by Russell Shorto Lots of individual vignettes are interesting in this memoir. Many individuals and their stories make for a challenging read trying to keep them all straight. Shorto has written a detailed narrative genealogy of his father’s family in an attempt to discover who murdered Pippy and to discover the “real” person who was his grandfather. I found it difficult to maintain interest in the book as Shorto leapt from person to person and time frame to time frame. A listing of the numerous characters with their relationship to Shorto would have been helpful. I did learn a great deal about small time criminals and how the numbers racket and other “mob” games worked. I do not think my book groups would be interested in discussing this book, but some folks would find it fascinating as an individual read. 3 of 5 stars