Chapter Two Hundred Thirty-Two: Who Is Vera Kelly?

I don't read many spy novels (honestly, I can't think of the last one I did read), but Rosalie Knecht's Who Is Vera Kelly? caught my eye on the new book shelf at work, and I'm so glad I gave it a go.  I was intrigued by the setting--mostly Buenos Aires in the early 1960s, not a time and place I know much about--and Vera's character drew me right in, piquing my curiosity and inciting my empathy.  I read this in one sitting.  (I was on an airplane, in fairness, so I didn't have much else to do, but I think I would've wanted to blaze through it even if I had had other options!)  I don't know whether it would appeal to people who normally read spy novels, since I don't know that genre well enough to gauge how typical this one is, but if you like a book with a strong female protagonist and plenty of intrigue and action, definitely consider Who Is Vera Kelly?

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty-One: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is the first in a sci-fi series by Becky Chambers, and I certainly plan on reading the others that have been published.  The short version of this review is that if you like Firefly, you should definitely give The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet a try: it's got a small, familial crew--with all of the inherent emotions--a somewhat ragtag but very lovable ship, and high-stakes adventures. 
If you haven't seen Firefly, or if that description didn't hook you, let me also add that I really appreciate this novel for its apparently effortless (and therefore probably very intentional) world building: it gave me everything I needed to know without bogging me down with too much.  I felt like the alien cultures were dynamic and deeply considered, and I could believe how humankind had evolved in the few hundred years between now and when the story takes place.  I also appreciate the variety of relationships--romantic and otherwise--depicted.  Plus, it's got an original plot and a pleasantly fast pace with a nice balance between action and character building.  If you like sci-fi, or if you want to give this genre a try, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet would be an excellent choice.

Chapter Two Hundred Thirty: Trail of Lightning

One of my co-workers recommended Trail of Lightning to me, and I am so glad she did!  Libraries really are a great place to pick up book suggestions.  :)  Anyway, this debut novel by Rebecca Roanhorse is set in the not-too-distant future on Diné (Navajo) land--but it has been isolated by a wall from the rest of the United States, much of which was permanently submerged due to extreme flooding.  This flooding, while not inundating the Diné land, has ushered the Earth into a new age, and one of the consequences for the Diné is that their gods and mythic monsters have both returned to walk the land.  Our hero, Maggie Hoskie, is a monsterslayer who feels haunted by her past and present.  When this story begins, she is quickly faced by a monster the likes of which she's never seen before and by the rather unwelcome prospect of a new (and handsome) partner in her quest.  I won't say much more, because this book moves quickly, and I don't want to give anything away.  I'm only disappointed that the sequel doesn't come out until next April!  If you're looking for a fresh fantasy novel, or if you want a story with a solid female protagonist and plenty of action, definitely try out Trail of Lightning.

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Nine: Educated

I recently finished listening to the audiobook of Educated by Tara Westover.  This memoir, written by a woman only a few years older than I am, is incredibly intense and very thought-provoking.  It kept me on the edge of my (car) seat--even though I had a general idea of the arc of the story, I couldn't fathom how it would unfold.  I will say that I had odd dreams during the week or so I was listening to this book, I think because it describes and inspires some pretty strong emotions.  It's not an easy story, but I do think it's an important one.  I think everyone would benefit from reading or listening to his book.  I hope you'll check it out.

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Eight: Calypso

Listening to David Sedaris's newest collection of personal essays, Calypso, made me look forward to getting in my car and driving.  I really can't offer much higher praise.  While, as advertised, this collection is a bit darker than some of his earlier pieces, it's just as funny--maybe even more so for its dealings with aging, illness, suicide, and death.  By turns thoughtful and hilarious, I thoroughly enjoyed Sedaris's meditations on problems great and small and his trademark descriptions of some of the weirder people and events of his life.  I could write more, but really, you should just go and listen to or read Calypso for yourself.

Chapter Two Hundred Twenty-Seven: Symphony for the City of the Dead

I'd been meaning to listen to M.T. Anderson's non-fiction book Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dimitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad for a while now, and I'm so glad I finally did, and that I listened specifically, since the audiobook includes snippets of the Shostakovich's seventh symphony, written in Russia during the Second World War.  I was even inspired to borrow a recording of the symphony and listen to it (which I'd also recommend doing).  I had vague, high school history notions of Soviet Russia during WWII, so I really appreciated an opportunity to learn more about this dark corner of history--fair warning: if you want an upbeat story, this book is not for you.  But if you want a fascinating and well-researched glimpse into both one man's life and its broader historical, political, and social contexts, then this book is definitely for you.  I particularly appreciate how Anderson explicitly evaluates the many sources he presents, explaining the potential merits and deficits of each, and then leaving it to listeners (or readers) to draw their own conclusions, or to concede that there are some things that must remain unknown.  Even so, this is not a dry compilation and presentation of the evidence: Anderson masterfully creates a narrative of the whole that kept me rapt.  I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Chapter Two-Hundred Twenty Six: Warcross

Like Bellweather Rhapsody from two posts ago, I read Warcross by Marie Lu for a book club (I love book clubs).  I didn't love Warcross, but it was enjoyable enough, if somewhat predictable.  (Also, the mechanics and social elements of the eponymous game at its heart don't actually make much sense when you stop to think about them.)  Still, I was interested enough in how the events would unfold to want to read this story all the way through and skim over some of the shakier sections.  Plus, I mostly liked the protagonist, Emika, and her multi-colored hair and her (sometimes misguided) spunk.  To me, Warcross feels very much in the vein of Ready Player One, so if you enjoyed that novel, you might try this one.  I'd also suggest Warcross if you're looking for a fun YA adventure novel with a depressing undercurrent of "this could really happen or maybe is already starting."