FICTION
The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. This classic work is set in New Orleans in the late 1950s. It is the story of a Korean War veteran who is drifting through life, despite his intelligence and many talents.
The Moorings of Mackerel Sky by MZ (Emily Zack.) This debut book by a Mainer combines her knowledge of lobstering communities and her vivid imaginings about mermaids, mermen, and witches. It is set in the town of Mackerel Sky, which is beset by mysterious tragedies.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. This tale of historical fiction is based on the diary of Martha Ballard, a midwife in Hallowell around 1800.
Absolution by Alice McDermott. This novel, set in Saigon in 1962-63, follows the wives of U.S. political and military personnel, then reconnects them 60 years later. It describes wives as “helpmeets” and describes military pressures and the pre-feminist era.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. This book of historical fiction is about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Government officials confiscate a portal that allows time travel. Several people are transported from past centuries to “study and learn.” Each person is assigned a “handler” to help them adapt. Difficulties follow.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Three adult daughters come home to a farm during the pandemic where they pester their mother into telling the story of when she co-starred with a movie star in the play Our Town in Tom Lake, Michigan.
NONFICTION
Fire and Ice: Henry and Lucy Knox and the Settling of Maine by Gerald W. Gawalt. This is the true story of Revolutionary War hero and first Secretary of War Knox and his wife Lucy who come to Thomaston as Maine is forming.
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari. A brilliant professor analyzes complex topics like religion, immigration, and justice in a clear, reasoned, and understandable way.
The Ragged Road by Dennis Leaver. This new book by a Topsham resident covers the author’s life from the “wasted” years of young adulthood to a grace-filled mature adulthood. It starts with a gripping misadventure in the Maine woods and continues as the author starts his faith journey. It is a very inspiring work.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. This true history, set in Oklahoma (1921-26) tells of the reign of terror affecting the Osage Nation, describing murders and the subsequent lack of investigation.
MYSTERIES/CRIME
Dog Gone It by Spencer Quinn. This mystery, involving a hard-luck private detective and his dog, is narrated by the dog. What is the dog thinking? An interesting approach.
World Gone By by Dennis Lehane. This crime novel in set in Florida and Cuba during World War II. Joe Coughlin is involved with crime families, the police, politicians, and the elite of society. There is plenty of action.