November 17th 2024.
I wanted to share with you some thoughts from my book club here in Denver. The ladies in our group are intelligent and well-read, and their opinions carry a lot of weight when it comes to choosing our next reads. That's why we decided to reach out to our fellow Denver Post readers and ask for their mini-reviews as well. If you have any books you'd like to recommend, please email us at
[email protected].
One book that caught our attention is "Bear" by Julia Phillips. Set on San Juan Island, this story explores the stark contrast between the paradise it presents to tourists and the harsh reality faced by the locals. We follow Elena and her sister, Sam, who struggle to make ends meet while taking care of their sick mother. Their bond is unbreakable, until a grizzly bear enters their lives and changes everything. While the book has a distinct Grimm's fairy tale vibe, it didn't quite hit the mark in terms of the deeper themes it attempted to explore. Still, it's a decent read for a plane or beach trip, just make sure to stay out of the water. Our reviewer Neva Gronert from Parker gave it 2 stars.
Next up is "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey. Have you ever wondered what it's like to live and work in the international space station? This book takes us on a journey through the daily lives of fictional astronauts as they orbit the Earth. From their mundane tasks to their reflections on life on our planet, the author leaves no stone unturned. And as they contemplate the future of space travel, we are also given a glimpse into the past and present of human existence. This thought-provoking novel was awarded the 2024 Booker Prize and received 3 stars from our reviewer Kathleen Lance in Denver.
"Playground" by Richard Powers is another book that impressed us. It tackles a wide range of topics such as online gaming, artificial intelligence, social inequality, climate change, and Pacific Island culture, all woven together in a unique and inventive way. Despite the heavy subject matter, the author manages to infuse the story with hope through the enduring friendships and the beauty of the natural world. This novel was longlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize and received 4 stars from our reviewer Kathleen Lance.
Last but not least, we have "Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions" by Daniel Wallace. Don't be fooled by its slim size and the young protagonist, this is not a children's or young adult book. It explores the dynamics of a father-son relationship, as the son tries to understand his larger-than-life father who seems to be loved by everyone except for his own son. Through strange and enchanting tales, the son desperately tries to fill in the gaps and connect with his father. However, as his father's health deteriorates, he realizes that all he ever wanted was a simple "I love you". This heartwarming and bittersweet story received 4 stars from our reviewer Bonnie McCune.
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