And now for something entirely different … Mr. Grohl has written a very literate autobiography about his life as a musician. As a self-taught musician, he initially tours with a punk rock band; the poverty of touring with a van is described with graphic detail (sleeping in the van with all the equipment, living on service station corn dogs). Then there is his mercurial rise as the drummer for Nirvana, and the short chaos of fame until the death of Curt Cobain. And finally, the considerable impact of the Foo Fighters. Grohl presents a grounded and candid self-portrait, and his love of family is paramount. A very interesting read.
Category: Genre
Hell And Gone – Sam Weibe
This is a well-crafted thriller that explores Vancouver’s criminal underworld. Dave Wakeland is a PI who witnesses a mass killing in Chinatown. And of course there are many villains: a motorcycle gang, organized crime, and even police corruption. But best of all, the text is riddled with Vancouver references like the Pulpfiction Bookstore. Thanks Amy, for this recommendation.
We Solve Murders – Richard Osman
Osman is the author of the wildly popular Thursday Murder Club series. In his 5th novel, he introduces a new cast of characters: Steve, a retired policeman; his daughter-in-law Amy, a bodyguard; and Rosie, a best-selling author. This unlikely trio investigates money smuggling and murders, in wide-spread places like South Carolina, St. Lucia, Ireland and Dubai (where a murder-broker operates, of course), all while Amy is a target for killing! The plot is very clever: who is the principal villain? And above all, the writing features Osman’s trademark wit – very entertaining.
The Mists Of Avalon – Marion Zimmer Bradley
Grossman’s The Bright Sword prompted me to re-read Bradley’s classic 1981 story about the King Arthur legend with the usual male suspects: Arthur, Lancelet, Gwydion/Mordred … What distinguishes this re-telling is the focus on women: Viviane, Igraine, Morgause and especially Morgaine. A key plot device is the conflict between ascendent Christianity and the old religion of the Goddess and Druids. This book is a great companion to T. H. White’s sublime The Once And Future King.
Death At The Sign Of The Rook – Kate Atkinson
Ms. Atkinson has written a delightful book about Jackson Brodie, her fifth story about the now ex-detective. All the mystery tropes are present: stolen paintings; a murder mystery play at a decrepit estate in a snow storm; and not surprisingly, murders ensue! The writing displays the author’s signature wit: “neither of them could open their mouths without a cliche falling out (p. 14). This is a clever and completely enjoyable read.
Truth Telling – Michelle Good
Ms. Good is an acclaimed author for the novel Five Little Indians (Canada Reads 2022 winner). This book is subtitled: “Seven conversations about Indigenous life in Canada”, and I respectfully submit that her thoughtful essays should be read by non-Indigenous Canadians. She categorically states that “it is not enough to wear an orange shirt or issue/listen to empty land acknowledgements”. Her general concept is that there can be no reconciliation without truth; that the goal of colonialism was to disempower leading to the genocide of Indigenous peoples; and that Residential Schools were an implement in the colonial toolkit to destroy Indigenous identity. Ms. Good’s personal story is particularly compelling as a 60s scoop victim with five years in care. Finally, her essay on cultural pillagers, the pretendians, is a clear expose of identity theft. Provocative writing – highly recommended.
The Hunter – Tana French
This brilliant sequel to The Searcher has retired Chicago policeman Cal Hooper trying to live quietly and unobtrusively in a small village in the west of Ireland. The insularity of the village is portrayed perfectly, with suspicion of newcomers. The psychology of the village includes greed when a scam opportunity is introduced, and there is a revenge motive. Although this is a murder mystery, only one death occurs after reading 60% of the book! Ms. French is a sublime writer of crime fiction, and the ending of this book is particularly well-crafted.
Curiosities- Anne Fleming
A Giller short-listed book describes historical fiction from the 17th century. Two children, Joan and Thomasina are plague survivors. Joan becomes a maid to Lady Margaret Long; Thomasina decides to adopt a male persona. And overall, there is the pall of witch accusations and ignorance producing confusion. Fleming’s account of life in England and especially a perilous sea journey, is fantastic.
The Book Of Koli – M.R. Carey
Carey wrote the magnificent The Girl With All The Gifts. This book is the first in a Rampart Trilogy, describing a dystopian future set several centuries after an apocalyptic disaster. A post-apocalyptic fantasy world is described vividly; much was lost including “old tech”. What will happen if Koli accidentally discovers a music/entertainment device? This is an epic fable, not to be missed. Thanks Amy, for this recommendation (via Chris!)
What David Read 