The Connellys of County Down is a heartfelt story of three siblings as one of the siblings is released from prison. I have read from Tracey Lange before and greatly enjoy the way she develops messy character dynamics in believable, flawed families. After loving We are the Brennans, I was eager to see what she would do in her sophomore book. 

In this second book, Lange tells us the story of Tara who is leaving prison after 18 months on a drug trafficking charge. But there is information that Tara isn't sharing, and as the reader we are eager from the get-go to find out what she was hiding and who she was protecting. Then there are the other siblings, a brother and sister who both have their own problems and secrets. 

I enjoyed the balance of plot and character development in this book and I'm pleased that I went into it without much knowledge. I don't think I even fully read the synopsis, and I think that's the way to go. Trust Lange to take you on a journey with messy but loveable characters who don't make pristine decisions. There's no sophomore slump here and I'll just be here be eagerly awaiting Tracey Lange's third book. 

Eight Bears by Gloria Dickie is subtitled "an ursine odyssey" and that certainly fits. In this very readable nonfiction book, Dickie details the history and current standing of the eight remaining bear species on earth. Across the globe, (almost all) bears are in trouble and this book gives the reader an excellent but not overwhelming understanding of why. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the organization and content; each chapter focuses on one bear species. Dickie often begins with a unique tidbit or the cultural relevance of the species and then moves on to her experience seeking out the bears in their habitat, followed by or interwoven with the challenges that species is up against, and ending with a fact based, level headed prediction of what might become of that bear in the near future. 

If you have ever been awed or curious about bears, this is an excellent book- even if you are not a frequent nonfiction reader. Well cited and researched, and backed by personal travels, Dickie does an excellent job at making the scientific content very digestible. I learned a lot reading this book and it is a new nonfiction favorite. 

Writing this review is difficult because it means acknowledging that this magical book is over and there is nothing else by this author for me to dive into next. The Wishing Game completely exceeded my expectations and I know I'll be thinking about Lucy, Christopher, Hugo, and Jack for a long time to come. 

This book is whimsical and hopeful, while also filled with so much sadness and heartbreak. I adored how Meg Shaffer wrote about difficult family relationships and the balance between taking care of one's self and nurturing or rebuilding relationships with others. 

As for the plot, this book about a reclusive author's private island and a puzzle game reads like a movie. It is so easy to visualize and enjoy each of the riddles and games. Woven in so well with the character development, Shaffer gives us a well rounded story that had me laughing and crying in equal measure. 

Don't miss this book, friends. I nearly avoided it because everyone said it was so "feel good," but trust me this book has depth and balance. 

It was fine. 

After years trying to break into the NYC literary scene in the 1940s, Madeline leaves the city emotionally and physically exhausted. When she is offered an opportunity to be a live in companion to a reclusive writer living in the country, she decides to take the offer. 

When Madeline arrives to the old and spacious home, she meets the mysterious and reclusive Victor. And she also meets his neighbor Audrey. Madeline discovers feelings and must unravel much about herself and those she is now closest to. 

I recommend going into this novella blind because it's so short and that will pack the most surprise. It is steamy, queer, and so tender and thoughtful. I love the gentle but honest writing about what it meant to be queer in that part of history. Don't miss this one if you like a little romance.