"Larose" by Louise Erdrich ***

●  Audiobook
●  US author
●  Originally published in 2016
●  Review:   Not my favorite by Erdrich, but a good book, nonetheless.   The tragic accidental death of a young boy precipitates a lengthy grief process in two Native American families.  The novel addresses grief, heritage, traditional, and above all, family.

"Sacred Hearts" by Sarah Dunant. ***

• US author
• Originally published in 2008
• Early review addition acquired through BookMooch.com
• Review: This was an interesting piece of historical fiction.  There was a period of time during which large numbers of women were forcibly locked up in convents , against their will, because it was too expensive to marry off more than one daughter.  Additionally,  there was a clamp down on nuns' ability to have contact with the outside world. The happy ending seemed improbable, but otherwise it was a well written story.

"Buddhaland Brooklyn" by Richard C. Morais. ****

• Audiobook
• Originally published in 2012
• US author
• Review: This book is fictional, but it reads like non-fiction. It is the story of a Buddhist priest who is haunted by a tragedy from his youth.  He resolves his past tragedy by living his present life most fully.   Excellent story with insights on multiple levels.

"Britt-Marie Was Here" by Fredrik Backman ****

• Audiobook
• Swedish author
• Originally published 2016
• Review:  Wouldn't it be nice, after your death, if someone remembered that you had existed?  Well, that desire was a catalyst for Britt-Marie to attempt some new, if terrifying and bewildering, experiences.  The resulting tale is marvelous.  I became quite attached to Britt-Marie, and definitely rooted for her as the story moved along.  I think you will too!  Here's to being the kind of person willing to "take the leap".

"As Good As Gone" by Larry Watson *****

• Early Review edition for LibraryThing.com
• US author
• Originally published in 2016
• Review:  As always, Larry Watson has given us as readers an intense story which leaves a lasting impression.  I read the entire book during a rainy vacation day.  Set in Gladstone, Montana in the early 1960s, three generations of men in one family face moral dilemmas and must figure out how to come to terms with their own set of life principals.  The reader is presented with a cowboy, a businessman, a boy, and a teenage girl as well.  I was fascinated at the way the character of the three generations remained true throughout, yet the cultural changes impacted the choices being made.  There are primal moments of passion, anger, and love.  Excellent novel.

"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury *****

• Audiobook 
• US author 
• Originally published in 2006
• Review:  A dark, mesmerizing coming of age tale about two boys and a father.  The plot is scary, complex, and engrossing.  The characters are winsome, dark, and powerful.  And of course, love conquers all, and I can live with that as the moral of the story.  This one could be nightmare inducing, but maybe not quite?  Great read!

"Alive on the Andrea Doria!" by Pierette Domenica Simpson. ***

● Non-Fiction
●  Italian author
●  Originally published in 2006
●  Review:  Interesting piece of history, yet not particularly gripping as a read.

"Euphoria" by Lily King. ****

●  Audiobook
●  US author
●  Originally published in 2014
●  Review:  This is a story of intrigue, greed, and love between three anthropologists in the African jungle.  The characters and plot are engaging and offer a window into the manner in which all those fascinating artifacts end up under glass in our natural history museums.  For me, this misses being a five star read because the use of language was adequate, but not stellar.