South of Broad by Pat Conroy

Pat Conroy’s South of Broad is a masterful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family, set against the stunning backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina. 

The story follows Leo King, a young man who, after a series of personal tragedies, forms an unlikely group of friends in Charleston during the 1960s. Leo, struggling with the aftermath of a deeply troubled upbringing, finds solace in his relationships with a diverse group of individuals—each one scarred by their own personal wounds. As Leo navigates love, friendship, and the tensions of a society on the cusp of change, the novel delves into themes of race, class, and the haunting legacies of the past.

The city of Charleston itself is as much a character in the novel as the people. Conroy’s evocative descriptions of the city’s streets, landscapes, and cultural nuances bring the setting to life, making Charleston feel as integral to the story as any of the human relationships. 

South of Broad is a story of finding family in unexpected places and coming to terms with who we are, despite the shadows of our past. It’s a novel filled with Southern charm, profound emotional depth, and unforgettable characters—one that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. I'm not sure how I missed this Pat Conroy book, but I'm glad I found it to read.  In my opinion, not quite like Prince of Tides, but a worthy read.

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer is a gripping historical novel that takes readers on a harrowing journey through the aftermath of World War II, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships in times of war.

The story alternates between two main perspectives: Sofie, a German woman who moves to America with her husband after the war, and Lizzie, an American woman whose life is shattered by the war’s consequences. Sofie, a former Nazi sympathizer, struggles to reconcile her past and the role her husband played in a controversial German weapons program. Meanwhile, Lizzie is forced to confront the reality of her own family's connection to the war, particularly when Sofie and her husband move to the same small town in Alabama.

The historical context is meticulously researched, with Rimmer providing rich details about post-war Germany, the challenges of assimilation, and the psychological scars left by the war. The novel also sheds light on the often-overlooked story of the German wives who accompanied their husbands to America after the war, offering a unique perspective on the legacy of the Nazi regime.

What sets The German Wife apart is not just its exploration of historical events but also its portrayal of complex moral questions. Rimmer challenges readers to consider the weight of personal responsibility, the lingering effects of war, and the possibilities of forgiveness.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land is a powerful coming-of-age novel that blends historical fiction with a deeply emotional journey of survival, identity, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era America.

The novel follows four orphans—Odie O’Banion, his brother Albert, their friend Mose, and a spirited young girl named Emmy (the four vagabonds) —as they flee the harsh realities of the Lincoln Indian Training School in Minnesota. Their journey down the Mississippi River echoes the spirit of Huck Finn and Odysseus, as they encounter a wide range of characters and situations that reflect both the kindness and cruelty of humanity.

Krueger, the author, doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of racism, loss, and the search for faith. At the same time, he leaves space for wonder, hope, and the enduring strength of human connection.

What stands out most is Odie’s voice—wise beyond his years, yet still believably childlike. Through him, the novel explores what it means to find one's place in the world, even when the world itself seems broken.  What is striking is to view adults through the eyes of children.

This Tender Land is a heartfelt novel that will resonate with fans of literary fiction, historical adventure, and emotionally rich storytelling. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after the final page.

Jump and Find Joy by Hoda Kotb

 

Hoda Kotb’s Jump and Find Joy is a heartfelt book that exudes warmth, courage, and hope on every page. Known for her compassionate voice as a journalist and co-host of Today, Kotb brings the same gentle wisdom to readers through this beautifully inspiring book.

 

The book encourages people to take brave leaps toward the unknown and to embrace life’s challenges with open hearts. It weaves themes of resilience, joy, and self-discovery in a way that's both accessible and profound. Whether it’s trying something new or overcoming fear, the message is clear: when you “jump,” joy often follows.

 

At its core, Jump and Find Joy is a message for readers of all ages. It serves as a reminder that while life’s leaps may be scary, they’re also where growth and happiness can be found.

 

This book is ideal for reading aloud, gifting, or simply keeping as a source of encouragement. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or young dreamer, Jump and Find Joy offers a gentle nudge toward bravery and a celebration of joy that’s sure to resonate long after the last page.

To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara

It's been some time now since To Paradise was published and I read it.  I was probably expecting a novel like A Little Life and I was disappointed.  What I remember is three different parts, with what I thought were carryover characters, but I think I was mistaken.  Some parts were set in the future.  While these sections were believable, I don't really want to believe that this is what our future will be like in regards to climate change.  

Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall

The last time I was at Barnes and Noble (this location was in Bridgewater) the sales assistant mentioned this book to me.  She talked it up very nicely and I thought, yes, I heard of it and wanted to read it.  

I read it in one day!  I've heard it described as a love triangle, which in many ways it is.  There is a plot twist in there and what would an interesting novel be without some sort of legal situation.  I really enjoyed how the legal aspect was woven in the book.  It held my interest and really made me what to know how things turn out.  

The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara

Ms. Yanagihara's A Little Life is one of my all time favorite books.  Her latest novel is going to be published early 2022.  In anticipation of that release, I wanted to read her debut novel, The People in the Trees.  While I did not enjoy it as much as A Little Life, it was interesting and well written.  

In the book, Norton Perina signs up with an anthropologist upon completion of medical school.  They go to the remote Micronesian island of Ivu'ivu in search of a rumored lost tribe. What they find is a group of forest dwellers they dub "The Dreamers," who turn out to be fantastically long-lived but progressively more senile. Perina suspects the source of their longevity is a hard-to-find turtle; unable to resist the possibility of eternal life, he kills one and smuggles some meat back to the States. He scientifically proves his thesis, earning worldwide fame and the Nobel Prize, but he soon discovers that its miraculous property comes at a terrible price. Perina encounters some personal problems when he returns to the island and adopts some of the members of the lost tribe.  This part of the book brings up controversy in his life.  The People in the Trees is so well written you will think that there's truth in the science behind the longevity cure.  

I will continue to bid my time until To Paradise is published.