The Kamogawa Food Detectives * by Hisaski Kashiwai, translated by Jesse Kirkwood, the 2020 Harvill Secker Young Translators' Prize winner, (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook).

The first in an eight-book series, originally published in Japan in 2013, it introduces readers to Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare. On a quiet backstreet in Kyoto, behind the nondescript facade of an anonymous-looking building, the Kamogawa Diner serves up deliciously extravagant meals. There is no menu, no advertisement except for a cryptic one in an obscure food magazine. But that does not stop customers from seeking them out. Nagare, a retired and widowed Kyoto detective and 30-something Koishi are “food detectives,” offering their investigative services to find recipes so clients could recreate dishes from their treasured memories.   

Among their satisfied clients is one of Nagare’s fellow detectives, who is looking for the"Nabeyaki-Udon” recipe that his late wife created. A successful businessman is looking to recreate the "Mackerel Sushi, offered by a kind neighbor while he was orphaned at an early age. A piano teacher is looking for the beef stew recipe at a restaurant served to her 55 years ago when she rejected a young man’s proposal. A restauranteur's ex-wife is looking for the recipe her husband used to prepare for her now that he is dying.

“Though each of the six stand-alone chapters follows the same formulaic recipe, Kashiwai's unique blend of seasonings is more than enough to transform each into a five-star-worthy dish. Koishi and Nagare strive to re-create not only the precise dishes their clients want, but also to envelop them in a warm memory blanket of nostalgia.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Off-beat and charming, [with] more complexity of flavor than you might expect.”  (NPR – Fresh Air with Terry Gross)

For fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, and those who binged on Midnight Diner:Tokyo Stories. 

* = Starred review

If reading nonfiction sometimes feels like homework to you, you’re not alone. But, also, I think it means you just haven’t found the right book to pique your interest. Here are four nonfiction titles that kept me turning pages and continue to—welcomely—take up brain space, even after I’ve returned them to the library.
 

Monsters : A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer| Request Now

How do you separate the art from the artist? Is it important to? Is it important not to? This “fan’s dilemma” provides the complicated backbone for Claire Dederer’s Monsters. An expansion of her excellent Paris Review essay “What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men?”, Dederer explores how we struggle (or don’t) with engaging in work by complicated creators ranging from Woody Allen to J.K. Rowling to Pablo Picasso. If you’re looking for a book to tell you whether you can or can’t listen to Michael Jackson anymore, this isn’t it. Dederer is not writing to provide the moral path or convert you to her opinions. Rather, she’s wrestling with this complicated notion and letting you come along for the ride. This was one of the best books I read in 2023 and one I’m continually returning to in my mind. (Wondering if it’s the book for you? Read the essay linked above. If you like that, you’ll like Monsters. If you don’t, give it a pass.)

The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman | Request Now

Though I was alive for the entirety of the nineties, I’ve found that, for the most part, it’s a wide gap in my historical and pop culture knowledge because I was just a kid. Or I should say, it WAS a wide gap in my knowledge, as Chuck Klosterman’s The Nineties provided an engaging overview of the impact of that decade in the United States. More of a collection of essays than a textbook, Klosterman’s voice and opinions are deeply woven within the facts, and frequently, Klosterman will take a close look at one element of culture as a way to illustrate how that culture as a whole shaped the country (for example, looking closely at Kurt Cobain and Nirvana to touch on the impact of grunge—the music and the attitude.) I may have picked up the book because the colorful see-through phone on the cover, but I kept turning pages because Klosterman’s style kept me interested, entertained, and still learning along the way. If, like me, you’re looking to fill in knowledge gaps, keep a Wikipedia tab open while you read; The Nineties provides general overviews, but leaves lots out too. Perhaps obviously, you can’t tell a decade in 370 pages!

The Devil and Sherlock Holmes : Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession by David Grann | Request Now

Author David Grann may be in the popular eye right now because he wrote the book Killers of the Flower Moon, but if you’re hoping to get a taste of Grann’s writing while you’re on the Flower Moon hold-list, look no further. The Devil and Sherlock Holmes, a collection of long-form essays and articles originally ran in a myriad of publications, is a page-turning example of Grann’s ability to both write a compelling profile and ask the deep, weird questions. Though all the stories are linked by the obsessions of their subjects, as a reader, you can dip in and out and just read those that draw your interest. For me, the highlight was “The Chameleon,” a story chronicling the rise and fall of a French conman who had more than 500 identites. But perhaps “The Squid Hunter” (about, well, someone hunting giant squid) is more your speed? Or the essay that digs into the most dangerous prison gang: “The Brand”? There’s a little bit for everyone in this book, though I found myself not wanting to skip a chapter!

Grief is for People by Sloane Crosley | Request Now

Grief is for People braids together the sense of grief and loss author Sloane Crosley felt both when her apartment was robbed of heirloom jewelry and when, a month later, her friend and mentor, Russell, died by suicide. Though relating the two at its surface level seems crass—something Crosley continually reckons with throughout the book, giving it its title “Grief is for People” with its unwritten subtitle “not for things”—the two levels of loss provide meaningful structure to the feelings surrounding them. Without being trite, Crosley writes of grief universally; though the losses she’s experienced are different than the losses I have, she was able to give words to feelings I have. Outside of this work, Crosley’s essays tend humorous, and that ability meant that, occasionally, Grief is for People made me chuckle, rather than tear up, providing emotional balance. At a slight 191 pages, the book still reads as complete, even though it’s clear that Crosley continues to reckon with Russell’s absence. I found myself reading it over the course of one weekend, though, I too, am still sitting with it a month later.

Now that spring is here, taking care of one’s home beyond just a general spring cleaning may be of interest. Here are a few books in our collection that will help in fixing or simply improving areas of your home or take a dive into home decorating and organizing.

How Your House Works by Charles Wing | Request Now
In How Your House Works, you will find dozens of illustrations of sink drains, septic tanks, and every type of wiring in this handy book illustrated by Charlie Wing, a world-renowned home remodeling expert and founder of two house-building schools. You’ll never have to think, “What’s this and what does it do?” when working on your home, and you’ll get tips on how to keep things working.

Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling by Charles Wing | Request Now
In the Visual Handbook, Wing illustrates precise schematics and illustrations for bathroom renovations, building stairs and even advises on how to ensure your home is accessible to those with disabilities. Wing leaves no stone unturned in educating homeowners on how to build a home that works for them.

Dirty Guide to a Clean Home by Melissa Pateras | Request Now
Everything you need to know about laundry, cleaning, and basic home repairs—from the TikTok star who made bluing a thing, showed you how to fold a fitted sheet, and taught you to properly use your (caulk) gun. This is a great book for those seeking practical and humorous advice on housekeeping and home maintenance.

What’s a Homeowner to do? by Stephen Fanuka | Request Now
Contractor to the stars and host of HGTV’s Million Dollar Contractor series, Fanuka presents solid, easy to follow solutions for complex things like putting up a ceiling fan or installing a window a/c unit to simple stuff like staining wood and weatherizing doors and windows. He also provides tips on negotiating with a contractor if the job is too difficult to do yourself.  

Safe and Sound: a Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair by Mercury Stardust | Request Now
Mercury Stardust AKA The Trans Handy Ma’am, has created this much needed guide for anyone who’s ever been worried about opening their home up to strangers for maintenance. It’s a book aimed at renters (and great for homeowners too!) chock full of instructions on how to complete a variety of common home repairs and projects with guidance for over 50 simple home maintenance projects, such as replacing your showerhead and troubleshooting a faulty garbage disposal. Chapters cover basic and handy repairs for your plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and safety needs too. The advice is tailored to renters to minimize permanent changes. There are helpful illustrations and QR code links to videos to help you on your journey.

Remodelista: the Organized Home by Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick | Request Now
Remodelista: the Low-Impact Home : a Sourcebook for Stylish, Eco-Conscious Living by Margot Guralnick and Fan Winston | Request Now
Two practical guides to organizing and decorating your home utilizing the less is more philosophy from the founders of the design website Remodelista. The focus is on simple but stylish and environmentally sound ways to make efficient use of every room in your dwelling. From organizing pot lids in a drawer to hiding unsightly electrical cords, these books provide numerous simple, yet effective solutions to home décor and organizing that take minimal effort. Recommendations are provided in both for eco-friendly products to help with organizing as well as DIY suggestions for cleaning solutions and home décor.

If you haven’t checked out games from AADL, what are you waiting for? It’s the best way to try out a new game without committing to the purchase, and we’ve got an excellent selection. Previously I’ve highlighted Great Two-Player Games, and Great Games You Can Play in Under an Hour, but today I’m setting theme aside and recommending Simply Great Games! Check them out!

Wingspan | Request Now

Players compete to build the best nature preserve by adding birds to each of their three habitats. This engine-building game has players looking to build the best action-chains, allowing them feed and nest their birds while competing to achieve a variety of shared and individual goals. The beautifully painted bird cards and tactilely satisfying tokens and eggs make Wingspan an enjoyable play experience even beyond its game mechanics. Though it has a relatively long play time—especially when there are four players—the pace doesn’t drag. This beautiful game can be appreciated by birders and non-birders alike, though birders may get extra enjoyment as the abilities and actions of the bird cards were chosen to align with the real-life birds’ traits! This is one of my top-ten favorite board games; and luckily for me, the game also has an excellent digital version available for purchase on a variety of platforms. Though it’s not quite the same experience as sitting at a table with friends, it’s a great way to build up your strategies and skills, and the music adds to the relaxing experience.

Carcassonne | Request Now

Players in Carcassonne compete to build the best kingdom, gaining points for their cities, roads, monasteries, and farms. Gameplay consists of players drawing random tiles that they must place on their kingdom. Like Dominos, the grandfather of all tile games, all tiles cannot be played in all places, and some legal tile placements are more advantageous than others. The tile bag empties, the kingdoms grow, and players eventually earn points at the end of the game depending on the success of the board they built. Typically, players catch onto the game quickly, and this game is a great candidate for game-loving kids ready to transition to games not designed specifically for young players. Though AADL loans the base set, if you find yourself loving Carcassonne, know the game has a myriad of expansions that allow for longer and more varied gameplay.

Dixit | Request Now

This quick-to-learn party game rewards storytelling and creativity more than strategy, making it a great selection for those who say “I don’t really like games” (but decide to come to a game night anyhow). A variation on the more commonly played Apples to Apples, Dixit consists of beautifully designed cards with unusual imagery. Players take turns being the “storyteller” and saying one sentence that they think describes one of their cards. Every player then chooses the card from their individual hands that they think best fits the storyteller’s prompt. All players play their chosen card facedown, the cards are shuffled and revealed, and each player guesses which card they think was the storyteller’s. Points are given for correct guesses, and gameplay continues until someone reaches a set number of points. That’s it! It’s simple, fun, and a good way to bring a group together over a game—plus the card art is lovely!

7 Wonders Duel | Request Now

It’s confession time: until about a week ago, 7 Wonders Duel had remained on my shelf, unplayed, for more than two years (it’s my personal copy, not a library one, I promise!!) The few times I thought about playing it, after peeking at the rules and seeing the wide variety of token types and use-case rules, I’d decide “this seems overly complicated” and move onto something else. How wrong I was. Yes, there are a lot of fiddley rules but no more than ten minutes into the thirty-minute gameplay, they had all logically clicked into place. I was left with a thoughtful, but not complicated, two-player game that is the perfect candidate for “after dinner” play; a game that truly only takes the thirty minutes the box claims it will.

The two players compete in this victory-point based game, gathering resources, learning sciences, exerting military pressure, and building the titular seven wonders, taking actions based on drawn and purchased cards. What sets this game apart is how the players access these cards: the “board” is made up of overlapping cards, some face-up, some face-down. Players are only able to access fully uncovered cards, and once a face-down card is fully uncovered, it is flipped. WOOF, no wonder I didn’t play this game for two years; it’s much more complicated to explain than it is to play! But I encourage you to give it a chance, maybe it will join your regular after-dinner rotation too!

Most of Southeast Michigan will experience at least a partial solar eclipse on April 8. Most of Michigan will not fall in the path of totality, it depends on where in North America you live, but it will still be a stunning show at 99% totality in Ann Arbor. Join the library in watching the live streaming of the event on our big lobby screen. Below are some books for the astronomy lover in all of us including one about the solar eclipse of 1878.  

American Eclipse by David Baron | Request Now
This book chronicles the journeys of three eclipse enthusiasts who went to witness the historic total solar eclipse of July 29, 1878 for different reasons. James Craig Watson, astronomy professor & a director of the University of Michigan's Detroit Observatory, who aimed to find a new planet; Maria Mitchell, an astronomer, sought to establish women's presence in the scientific field; and Thomas Edison, a budding inventor, intended to test his tasimeter, a tool for measuring infrared radiation, and enhance his reputation. These individuals' tales showcase the drive and inquisitiveness of American scientists during the late 19th century as the nation strove to solidify its standing in the global scientific arena. A fascinating slice of history involving the experiences of three scientists and an equally amazing, rare event.

Secret Life of Stars by Lisa Harvey-Smith | Request Now
The Secret Life of Stars offers an accessible introduction to some of the Galaxy’s most remarkable stars. Every chapter takes us on a tour through the wild world of stars, showcasing everything from pulsars and blue stragglers to white dwarfs, star eaters, and the big boom of supernovae. Eirian Chapman's awesome illustrations pop these star characters right off the page, reminding us just how crazy and unpredictable the universe is. Plus, it makes us pretty thankful to have our reliable Sun hanging out in our own backyard.

End of Everything : (Astrophysically Speaking) by Katie Mack | Request Now
Join Astrophysicist, Dr. Mack, as she speculates about five different ways the universe might meet its maker in the far, far future (or maybe at any moment!), based on all the clues we’ve gleaned about its past and present: the Big Crunch, Heat Death, the Big Rip, Vacuum Decay (the one that could happen at any moment!), and the Bounce. Dr. Katie Mack has a unique talent for making complex physics and cosmological concepts entertaining and easy to understand for the average reader. Surprisingly, it's a fun and irreverent journey through the potential end(s) of everything.

Under Alien Skies by Philip Plait | Request Now
In his new book, Astronomer Plait explores what various cosmic vistas would look like for a person who was physically present, studying them with ordinary human eyesight. He creatively explores how an ordinary person might perceive space: the appearance of Saturn's rings up close, the Martian landscape reminiscent of the barren, red scenery of the American West, the reasons behind stars appearing blue or red, and the sensation of landing on an asteroid. By connecting his writing to physical experiences and providing explanations for his interpretations, Plait doesn't just gaze at the sky and imagine, but truly envisions what it would be like to live among the stars.

The Excitements * * *  by C. J. Wray (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook) 

Nonagenarian sisters Josephine and Penny Williamson, Britain's most treasured World War II veterans, are constantly in demand at commemorative events. Always perfectly groomed and mentally engaged, they live independently in their London home cared for by their capable housekeeper Arlene; and devoted grand-nephew Archie who is tasked to provide them with constant “excitement”. The latest being an invitation to Paris to receive the Légion d'honneur for their part in the liberation of France.

While Josephine is circumspect initially about making the trip, Penny is eager. Unbeknownst to the family and perhaps each other, both sisters are hiding secrets, “official” and otherwise. Now armed with newly unearthed information, they intend to revisit old haunts, settle scores, avenge lost friends, and pull off one last, daring heist in the City of Light. 

“Switching between the 1940s and 2022, this book is utterly charming, with its lead characters a feisty mix of Madame Arcati, Miss Marple, Mata Hari, and Danny Ocean. It's gently humorous and full of twists, but it's the liveliness, verve, and charisma of Penny and Josephine, who are determined not to let old age slow them down one bit, that makes this such a satisfying read.” (Booklist) 

For fans of The Rose Code (2021)  and Killers of a Certain Age (2022).

* * * = 3 starred reviews

If you're an aspiring chef or just a hungry teen, the YA section is the perfect place to search for simple and fun recipes that anyone can make. These cookbooks cover everything from revenge recipes best served cold to the cutest cakes you've ever seen.

Sweet Revenge : Passive-Aggressive Desserts for Your Exes & Enemies by Heather Kim | Request Now

Explore 50+ killer cakes, cookies, and candies that are perfectly passive aggressive - just right for serving to your exes and enemies. Dumped by your crush? Betrayed by your best friend? Lab partner a no-show? Don't take these battles online! (Seriously, don't do that.) Get out your heaviest rolling pins, sharpest cleavers, and most blistering torches, and kill your enemies and exes with kindness. Bake that loser ex a pan of Go Fudge Yourself, or gift your former friend a You're the Devil Cake. Pastry chef and tattoo artist Heather Kim serves up sinfully delicious recipes and bittersweet advice in this quirky cookbook about working out your aggression in the kitchen.  

Vegan Cookbook for Teens : 100 Easy and Nutritious Plant-Based Recipes by Barb Musick | Request Now

This vegan cookbook covers all the basics a budding vegan chef might need to know. Looking for an easy plant-based breakfast? Make some Baked Tofu Bacon or some easy No-Bake Cereal Bars. Craving a savory vegan snack? Chow down on Cheeseburger Eggrolls or some Ultimate Nachos. Sections like Meals for One and Meals for Many make it easy to choose recipes that feed exactly the right number of people, whether its just for you or for all your hungry friends too. This cookbook uses basic everyday ingredients and step-by-step recipe instructions to help simplify vegan cooking so teens can gain confidence and kitchen skills that will last a lifetime.

Hack Your Cupboard : Make Great Food With What You've Got by Alyssa Wiegand | Request Now

It's not always easy to try out a new recipe, especially when the risk of failure brings with it the risk of a hungry night at home. So what's a lazy, cash-strapped chef to do? Well, with the help of Hack Your Cupboard, you can grab whatever's handy (ramen in a pinch) head to your pantry, and get to work! Each section of the book provides age-specific guidance for the kinds of environments you're likely to be working in. What results is a book that you can take with you as you move on to ever-larger spaces and ever more ambitious meals, from the family pantry to a dorm room fridge, a first apartment, and beyond. With dozens of photographs as well as dream dinners for every level of chef, this is the cookbook for anyone who wants to break out of a kitchen rut without breaking too much of a sweat.

The Baking Cookbook for Teens by Robin Donovan | Request Now

The Baking Cookbook for Teens makes it easy to introduce the aspiring baker in your life to the joyful satisfaction of baking, from their first batch to the last bite. This cookbook is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to learn essential baking skills and put them to use right away creating the tasty treats they love. Author Robin Donovan offers over 75 easy-to-follow recipes for a variety of delectable baked goods, from cookies, brownies, and bars, to tarts, breads, and even pizza! Get an overview of baking that explains fundamental baking concepts, teaches key techniques, and reviews kitchen safety, plus recipes that range from easy for beginners to more challenging treats.

Greta & Valdin * *  by Rebecca K. Reilly, a Maaori novelist from Waitaakere, New Zealand, is a New York Times Editors’ Choice (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook). 

“We’re all strange, romantic emotional people in this family,” proclaims Linsh Vladisavljevic as he watches his two younger children navigate queerness, multiracial identity, and the familial dramas big and small. 

Linsh, an Auckland university professor of Biology is Russian Moldovan while wife, Betty is Māori. Daughter G (Greta), a graduate student in literature, shares an apartment with her brother Valdin - a former astrophysicist with O.C.D. who now hosts a tv travel show. The novel opens when a missed directed package plunges Valdin (who goes by V) into melancholy, pining for ex-boyfriend Xabi who moved to Argentina, while G is smarting from her painfully unrequited crush on a fellow tutor and tentatively reaching out to a charming fellow student. Then work sends V to Buenos Aires where he has to decide whether to reconnect with Xabi and what the future will hold for them.

“The story follows the duo in alternating first-person chapters as they navigate bad dates, bouts of insecurity and even encounters with racism, and as they come closer to understanding themselves and their desires.” (New York Times)

“Reilly herself is of Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Wai descent. In the wrong hands this could all be quirk for quirk’s sake, or a half-baked hybrid of Schitt’s Creek and The Royal Tenenbaums. But Reilly’s humor is so riotously specific, and the many moments of true poignancy so gently infused with that same humor, that the Vladisavljevics seem like no one but themselves….Say hello to your new favorite fictional family.“ (Kirkus Reviews)

Green Dot by Sydney writer/critic Madeleine Gray (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook) introduces readers to Hera Stephen, a 24 year-old comments-moderator for an online news outlet where she meets Arthur, a middle-age journalist (and her boss). With 3 arts-degrees, Hera is broke and living in Sydney with her lovely gay father. What started as message-based flirtation (hence the title, referencing the green dot that indicates a user is online) she soon finds herself falling into an all-consuming affair with Arthur though for years, she preferred women to men. Before long, Hera develops an obsession, which only grows stronger as Arthur refuses to leave his wife.

“As the book tracks the increasingly doomed love affair (including through the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic), the only thing keeping the narrative from devolving into something grim and cynical is Hera's dynamic and snarky voice….Her narration is peppered with references to music and pop culture, the things that define your personality in your 20s, when you're still searching, as Hera is, for some kind of identity.” (Kirkus Reviews) 

“Although ironic and flippant, Green Dot avoids nihilism, and is ultimately about the search for meaning through love. It vividly illustrates how someone can lose their perspective, principles and dignity in its name, ignoring overwhelming evidence of the probable conclusion.” (The Guardian)

Readers interested in examining why smart women expect their lovers to leave their wives, despite overwhelming evidence that the contrary is more likely, might be interested in Sally Rooney's Conversations With Friends, Imogen Crimp's A Very Nice Girl, and Laura Warrell's Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm. 

 * * = 2 starred reviews

If you're searching for a mystery, these kids comics about sleuthing sloths, rat detectives, and alligator investigators are perfect for animal-lovers and aspiring detectives alike.

Sloth Sleuth, Vol. 1 by Cyndi Marko | Request Now

On Winkelfuss, an island crawling with crime, everyone's a suspect. Luckily, its resident sloth can solve crimes in her sleep (and often does!). Meet Paz, the world's first sloth sleuth. She may be slow . . . but she's on the case! Whether she’s hunting for pirate treasure or solving mysterious disappearances, she's always one step ahead of the bad guys. This series follows Paz and her friends as she solves crimes and tries to avoid being sloth-napped! When you're done with #1, you can find the rest of this series here.  

The 39 Clues, Vol. 1: The Maze of Bones by Ethan Young | Request Now

Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Marie Curie to Harry Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family's power is lost. 39 Clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and siblings Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what really happened to their parents.

InvestiGators, Vol. 1 by John Patrick Green | Request Now

With their very exciting spy technology and their tried-and-true, toilet-based travel techniques, the InvestiGators are undercover and on the case! And on their first mission together, they have not one but two mysteries to solve! Can Mango and Brash uncover the clues, crack their cases, and corral the crooks--or will the criminals wriggle out of their grasp? If this silly duo makes you laugh, you can find more InvestiGators in the collection.

Geronimo Stilton, Vol. 1: The Sewer Rat Stink by Various Authors | Request Now

In this smelly story, Geronimo Stilton, the famous mouse detective, and his friend Hercule Poirat venture into the sewers to find the origin of the horrible stink that is driving all the mice away from New Mouse City--and learn an important lesson about recycling. Geronimo's other adventures include stopping amusement park saboteurs and solving slimy crimes at spine-tingling mystery dinners, and you can find more of his comics in the catalog.

City of Laughter, * * a debut novel (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook) by a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers Award winner Temin Fruchter is “a wondrous intergenerational story of queerness and Jewish folklore.” (Publishers Weekly)

Called “brainy and richly textured (The New York Times) the novel opens in 18th century Ropshitz, Poland where a holy jester whose job is to make wedding guests laugh, receives a visitation from a mysterious stranger. In present day New York, 32-year old Shiva Margolin, reeling from the recent death of her father and the breakup with her girlfriend, Dani found among her father’s things, photos of her enigmatic maternal grandmother, Syl, and great-grandmother Mira. But her mother Hannah refuses to talk about them. 

Frustrated with the generational silence, Shiva starts studying the work of Jewish folklorist S. Ansky, and enrolls in a master's program which presents her with an opportunity to visit Warsaw, only hours away from Mira's small town of Ropshitz. She hopes her family's mysteries will make more sense if she walks in their footsteps.

“This novel, like Shiva’s work, is a collection of beautiful scraps—scraps of folktales and memory, hidden family histories, love letters, accounts of strange happenings in the past and present—all tangled together and rewoven into a whole that’s strange, lush, imaginative and pulsing with life…As Shiva becomes more deeply immersed in the lives of her foremothers, those foremothers become more vibrant and detailed, in prose that moves from shimmering and dreamlike to sharply funny to wonderfully contemplative.” (BookPage)

Readers might also enjoy The Thirty Names of Night * * * * by Zeyn Joukhadar (2020), and The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (2022).

* * * * = 4 starred reviews

* * = 2 starred reviews