A Few Books

I read four five books this week so I'm sharing my thoughts. 

I’ve enjoyed several of Fannie Flagg’s novels in the past—her warmth, humor, and ability to capture small-town quirks usually shine through. Unfortunately, Something to Look Forward To, a collection of short stories, didn’t land the same way for me.

The premise is fun enough: bite-sized tales about everyday Americans finding unconventional ways to deal with life’s challenges, often through humor and resilience. But the execution felt more inane than insightful. Many of the stories struck me as too silly or cartoonish, without the depth or heart I’ve come to expect from Flagg. The characters skimmed the surface rather than becoming people I could really root for, and the repeated attempts at quirkiness sometimes came across as forced.

There were a few moments that made me smile, and the light tone might appeal to readers looking for pure fluff or a distraction. But compared to her novels, this collection felt like an afterthought—more of a patchwork of gags than the warm, engaging storytelling I know she’s capable of.

If you’re a longtime Flagg fan, you might find a little comfort in her familiar voice here. But if you’re new to her work, I’d recommend starting with one of her novels instead. Two and a half stars, but I just can't round up.   

Clumsy Beauty is a sweet and uplifting collection, full of warmth and encouragement. Kennedy’s poems are short, hopeful, and often accompanied by charming illustrations that match the book’s spirit of self-acceptance. The focus on imperfection as a form of beauty is timely and encouraging, and I appreciated the overall positivity of the collection.

That said, many of the poems felt very closely tied to the author’s own emotions and experiences. While this makes them heartfelt, it also limited their resonance for me. I was hoping for a broader, more universal appeal—something that would invite me in more fully rather than feeling like I was overhearing someone else’s private reflections.

As a result, this is a nice book to dip into for a quick dose of positivity, but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impact. Readers looking for a gentle reminder of self-worth and a celebration of quirks will likely enjoy it more than those seeking depth or universality in poetry. Three stars from me. 

What My Mother Gave Me, edited by Elizabeth Benedict, is a thoughtful anthology of essays by women writers reflecting on a gift—sometimes physical, sometimes intangible—that they received from their mothers. The range is wide: from heirlooms and recipes to gestures, habits, or life lessons. What emerges is a portrait of the complex, layered relationships between mothers and daughters—relationships that are rarely simple and often deeply moving.

The collection shines in its variety of voices. Some essays are tender and heartwarming, while others are raw, even painful, showing that gifts can carry both love and ambivalence. The honesty of contributors like Lisa See and Ann Hood stood out to me, and I appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from the complicated or bittersweet aspects of maternal bonds.

That said, the quality of the essays is uneven. A few felt more like sketches than fully realized reflections, and the tone could sometimes drift into sentimentality. I also found myself wishing for a bit more editorial framing to weave the collection together more cohesively. 

Overall, this collection isn't flawless, but it’s rich with moments of recognition and resonance. Anyone interested in mothers, daughters, and the ties between them will find something to connect with here. This was another three star book for me. 

 

The Dark Vineyard, the second installment in the Bruno, Chief of Police series was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Walker once again brings the Dordogne region of France to life with such affection and detail that it almost feels like you’re wandering the vineyards, shopping the local markets, and sitting down to meals that linger long into the evening. The sense of place is easily one of the strongest features of the book.

The mystery this time centers on a suspicious fire and the larger question of how globalization and modern industry threaten the traditions of small-town life. Bruno is a charming and thoughtful detective—more interested in preserving harmony in his beloved St. Denis than in enforcing the letter of the law. His diplomacy, intuition, and love of his community make him such a refreshing main character.

The plot does unfold at a gentle pace, with more attention given to meals, friendships, and village politics than to fast-moving suspense. That may frustrate readers who want a tightly wound thriller, but for me, it’s part of the series’ appeal. There’s a warmth and humanity here that balances the darker elements of the crime.

I gave this four stars because while I adored the setting and characters, the resolution of the mystery felt a bit rushed compared to the careful buildup. Still, the book left me satisfied and eager to continue with the series. Anyone who loves a mystery wrapped in atmosphere and community will find much to savor here.

I was excited to pick up The Magician of Tiger Castle because I’ve loved Louis Sachar’s Holes ever since I read it with my kids and was curious to see what he would do with a novel written for adults. The premise—a struggling kingdom, a princess in peril, and a down-on-his-luck magician—had a lot of charm and whimsy, and I could definitely see flashes of the clever storytelling that made me a Sachar fan in the first place.

While this is marketed as an adult novel, it read much more like YA or even middle grade fantasy to me. The characters are sweet but not very layered, and the conflicts often feel simplified rather than complex. I enjoyed the light, fairy-tale atmosphere, but I found myself wishing for more depth in the world-building and the moral dilemmas.

Overall, it’s a cute, imaginative story that might work well if you go in expecting something light and fanciful. But if, like me, you were hoping for a more mature novel from Sachar, this may not quite deliver.

I hope your Labor Day weekend (if you’re in the US) is off to a great start, and that somewhere between the hotdogs, hamburgers, and swimming, you find a little time to enjoy a good book.