Editor’s note: The opinions of the smart, well-read women in my Denver book club mean a lot, and often determine what the rest of us choose to pile onto our bedside tables. So we asked them, and all Denver Post readers, to share their mini-reviews with you. Have any to offer? Email bellis@denverpost.com.
“Up Home: One Girl’s Journey,” by Ruth J. Simmons (Random House, 2023)
A memoir that details Simmons’ improbable life trajectory from a child of Texas sharecroppers to a successful woman with an academic career that included tenures as president of Smith College, Brown University and Prairie View A&M, the oldest historically black college or university in Texas. Simmons’ life experiences amplify the critical importance of having the support of family, community and mentors in building confidence and opening the doors to attaining dreams. — 3 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver
“Gift from the Sea,” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Random House, 1955, republished 2005)
Since it was published in 1955, “Gift from the Sea” has been perennially popular for Lindbergh’s gentle, reflective writing. On a solo vacation to Captiva Island, Fla., Lindbergh wrote this philosophical memoir to work through her own problems, and ended up with a small book that continues to speak to many (not just women) seeking to solidify their self within family, work and society. Surely you could read this and notice how things have changed, but you can also read it and look for the timeless, as with any true classic. — 3 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker
“Flowers for Algernon,” by Daniel Keyes (Mariner Books Classics, 2005)
A favorite of teachers because it’s so relatable, a favorite of readers for its subtle emotion — with more than 5 million copies sold of the short story and novel — it’s become a trope of the first order. The sympathetic naif who then attains success is eternally loveable, and coupled with a heart-breaking twist makes it universally popular. Charlie, a mentally disabled man, is on an experimental quest for intelligence that mirrors Algernon, an extraordinary lab mouse undergoing the same adventure. Charlie relates how a brain operation increases his IQ and changes his life, a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance — until Algernon begins his sudden, unexpected deterioration. Does Charlie suffer the same fate? So relatable, so easy to read, even non-readers love it. — 4 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)
“The Extinction of Irena Rey,” by Jennifer Croft (Bloomsbury, 2024)
Croft is a renowned translator, and her debut novel is a detective story featuring, what else, translators, whose author (the eponymous Irena Rey) has mysteriously disappeared shortly after the translators gather to begin their translations of Rey’s latest work. If you are looking for a light read, this is the book for you. Suspend disbelief from page 1, readers, as both events and characters get a bit silly. But the word plays and translator inside jokes fairly balance out the inanity. — 2 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver
