Reading Recommendations from the Northwoods

Wish You Were Here---Jodi Picoult

 

You know that Jodi Picoult writes popular fiction about timely topics.    In Wish You Were Here, she becomes one of the first to write a novel which takes place during the covid pandemic in March 2020.

Are any of us wanting to read more about life in the frightening early days of covid?   And yes, this book does capture the worries and distress and illness of that time.    But, like all of Picoult's books, it reads fast, and delivers much more than just horrid details of life during covid.

Diana is in love with Finn, a resident at a NYC hospital, and the couple are planning a getaway to the Galapagos Islands.   But, when Finn knows he must keep working at the hospital during the crisis, he encourages Diana to go ahead with their non-refundable holiday.   Of course, when she arrives, she learns tourism resources and internet access are unavailable, along with other countless frustrations.    

If you have read books by Picoult before, you know she often has a surprise for the reader in store, so I won't tell more about the plot. But I will tell you that you will keep reading and will have topics you will be eager to discuss when you have finished.  

Thanks to my sister-in-law Ann for the recommendation, with her assurance that I would speed through the book.

An Amazon Best Book of December 2021: Diana O’Toole is on the cusp of a huge professional coup, her surgical resident boyfriend is about to propose, and she’s all set to take off on a romantic trip to the Galapagos.  Then, the pandemic hits. Diana is suddenly stranded, alone, on her dream vacation. And all of her goals and milestones suddenly feel not so urgent.  Based on a true story of a traveler stranded on a remote island, Wish You Were Here is an early and triumphant addition to books trying to make sense of life in 2020, and beyond. 

 

Matrix---Lauren Groff

 

In 12th century Europe, Marie is clearly a misfit in the court of Eleanore of Aquataine.    She is large and awkward and unattractive; the queen doesn't know what to do with her.   The problem is solved by sending Marie to head a failing convent in England, where hopefully, no one will have to think of her again.

In Matrix, Marie gradually finds her own determination and skills for leadership, and makes the convent become more and more successful.    In this era when females are beneath notice, Marie provides opportunities for the women there to live good lives, as well as to enhance the community surrounding them.

Marie's story is based on an actual historical abbey in 1100's Europe, and I was interested in the comfortably included historical details about that era.    In addition to its interesting setting and characters, the book was short and easy to read.    And, it was definitely different from things I have read recently, and has stayed with me.

Reviewers are really positive about Groff's writing, and maybe this will be something you may also like.       (If I had been author or publisher, I may have looked for a different title, not one with a word that we see used in so many other ways.)