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.
“Whale Fall,” by Elizabeth O’Connor(Pantheon Books, 2024)
Manod is 18 when her isolated Welsh island is disturbed, first by a dying whale, then by two social scientists with unknown agendas. Believing Edward and Joan can help her attend university on the mainland, Manod becomes their assistant in studying the small fishing community. But it’s 1938, and the outside world won’t leave the island isolated long. O’Connor’s brief novel is terse and quiet, but the details of life on the island are vivid. Readers are drawn in to “read between the lines” of this very atmospheric book. — 3 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker
“How to Read a Book,” by Monica Wood (Mariner Books)
A delightful novel of multi-generational characters that brings together (1) a retired teacher, who volunteers at a local Maine prison to create a book club for women inmates; (2) one of the book club members, who is soon granted early release for good behavior; and (3) a retired machinist, who intersects with each woman’s life in surprising but perhaps inevitable ways. Each storyline is given equal time, with alternating chapters presented from each character’s perspective. There are laugh-out-loud moments, as well as moments of heartbreak. Plus, the book club segments WILL give you lessons on how to read a book, in thought-provoking ways. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver
“Spin a Silver Dollar,” by Alberta Hannum (Ballantine Books, 1972)
A memoir with a vivid Western setting creates a charming tale, replete with nostalgia and rare insights into art. Published decades ago, a challenge to locate today, the book is well worth the search. An Eastern couple purchased a desert trading post and discovered Jimmy, aka Little No Shirt, a Navajo boy carving pictures on rocks. They fostered and encouraged the young artist, then brought the attention of the outside world to his work about desert life. The author knew artist Beatien Yazz, who did, indeed, grow up to be a respected artist, as well as Bill and Sallie Lippincott, the post owners. Liberally illustrated with color reproductions from the artist to convey Native traditions, lifestyles, the rich heritage of their wool industry, and history. — 3 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)
“After Annie,” by Anna Quindlen (Random House, 2024)
What happens to individual family members when the wife/mother/sister/daughter and central glue of her immediate family suddenly dies at a young age? Quindlen’s latest novel depicts one family’s experience in navigating both shock and grief, in loving and excruciating detail. But more than that, this novel also illuminates the impact of such a loss on a lifelong friend. Novels that explore grief rarely grapple with the loss of a close friend, but Quindlen does in a way that is both touching and searing. Fair warning: have your tissues at hand, readers. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver
