One Book for The New Year

Happy 2024! We tried to begin our year of books by reviewing only one book. And well, we  failed; we discuss two because we never know what you need to read next. We are happy to state that the two offer completely different ways to enter your reading in 2024. One is a new noir debut by an established nonfiction writer; the other a collection of inspirational quotes for those who need some help as a new year unfolds.

No matter which you pick for your first book of this new year, we hope 2024 bring adventures, learning, good friends, peace and a lot of fun.

The Golden Gate by Amy Chua (2023). This was the book I did not know I needed as 2024 began. Read in almost one sitting, this mystery was almost perfect. I learned fascinating tidbits from California's history (e.g., what buildings the licensed first woman architect in California built, and a bit about the policeman who invented modern forensics), enjoyed revisiting San Francisco - the city I fell in love with while living there in my 20s, and have been thinking about this book's social commentary on class and race ever since finishing. This detective story offers well-plotted, educational, and most importantly fun reading. In this debut, Homicide Detective Al Sullivan is drinking in a swanky hotel bar with a date when a presidential candidate is assassinated upstairs. Hated by many, the candidate could have been targeted by any number of groups, but the investigation bumps up against another earlier tragedy -- the death of a seven-year-old member of the wealthy Bainbridge family. Fictional and historical characters weave together in a modern noir that I hope has you wanting more. A fun way to begin your new year of books. ~ Lisa Christie

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Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity and Change by Maggie Smith (2020). This is a book for anyone who has gone through (or is in the middle of) a difficult time and is wondering how to move in any direction, must less forward. In it, Maggie Smith shares essays and thoughts from the end of her marriage in a way that resonates for anyone, not just those reeling from divorce. Would be a great gift for anyone who hosted you over the holidays or who needs a map outlining a way forward. IndieNext said, "this inspiring read gives you the validation to address your feelings and the permission to move forward with a new outlook. Much like a talk with a good friend, you feel heard and comforted." We certainly felt comforted when we read it over a year ago (and for one of us again last week). ~ Lisa Cadow and Lisa Christie

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