Loved getting an early peak at this debut novel. Wonderful setting, lyrical prose, and magic from unexpected sources. Also loved that things weren't tied up at the end with a nice bow. Highly recommended.

Note: I'm in a book club with the author.

With my recent increased involvement in local politics due in large part to my position as executive director, I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about urban development and museums. The discussion about soft power really crystallized several things I've been pondering in my recent work, and I found that incredibly helpful. Also very helpful is the final chapter on ways museums can increase their soft power. I also appreciated the international focus of this book.

Like many collaborative works, some chapters were much stronger than others, and I did find myself skimming a lot. Some of this may be my own bias--most of the case studies focused on large art museums. As a small history museum in a major city, it was sometimes difficult to relate to some of these major transformative projects. I know that the Guggenheim in Bilbao is a stunning example of soft power and urban development, but how can I find lessons there to relate to my museum?

The Great Migration was such a critical period in American history, so I was intrigued with this novel that uses that moment as a jumping off point. In some ways, it read more like a series of short stories about different members of one family. Others have mentioned how dark this book is--I will certainly agree and wish there had been at least one hopeful tale. It had a strong start, but by the end, I was ready to move on.

There are a lot of books out there in which someone (rarely a historian) discovers an interesting ancestor and turns it into a book. Sometimes these books turn into a great exploration of American history through the lens of one family, and sometimes these books just kind of fizzle. This book is the former.
Nordhaus' ancestor is rumored to be one of Santa Fe's most famous ghosts. But why is she haunting her former home? Extensive research and interviews with family don't lead to a lot of answers, but do provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early Jewish pioneers. Highly recommended.

A sprawling tale of friends and growing up. The best parts happened when Wolitzer examined the tension of friends that start at one level, but have success on very different levels. But then things started to drag a bit. And the ending just left me flat.

This is my second book by Wolitzer this year (also read her YA, Belzhar) and I think I've decided that while her premises will always intrigue me, her books will usually disappoint me in the end.

A magical story that also explores the challenges of homesteading in an incredibly harsh environment. There's a wonderful tension throughout, though it's never too much. It's beautifully written and makes me want to know more about Alaska history. Definitely read under a warm blanket, because the descriptions of the winter will make you chilly!

DHV Village Readers Book Club Choice