War Dances --by Sherman Alexie

 Publisher: Grove Press

Language: English

Hard Cover: 210 pages

ISBN 13: 978-0-8021-1919-3

5 Stars

 

This is a collection of short stories and poetry. Someone gave it to my Elder Brother of Choice, who could no longer hold a book or turn the pages to read. I read it to him before he died. We both had many laughs, Alexie, being raised on the Spokane Indian Reservation, had lots of great rez humor in it we both loved. 

 

The first piece in the book is a poem, “The Limited,” that ends: “Why do poets think / They can change the world? / The only life I can save / Is my own.” Yes, that is true, but Mr. Alexei brought happiness, and beautiful laughter to a dying man. That’s a karma-scrubber for sure.

 

Alexie’s characters are not only believable, but they are also gentle. They are real. And the stories they tell could easily belong to that guy alone in the diner, reading a book while he eats. Or pretends to read, because he hasn’t turned the page since I sat down. 

 

That’s not to say there isn’t anger now and then, but it’s resolved, and life goes on. This is a great bedtime read. It’s entertaining and won’t bring you nightmares. Heartily recommend this book.

The Writing Retreat --a novel by Julia Bartz

 Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books (February 21, 2023

Language: English

Hardcover: 320 pages

ISBN-10: 1982199458

ISBN-13: 978-1982199456

Cost at time of reading: $27.00

5 Stars

 

This book was a page burner, and while I didn’t resent the times I had to put it down to take care of work, it was getting close. Having attended a few writer’s retreats through the years, I am extremely grateful none of them were like this one. Then, again, I may have gotten that dreamed for break.

 

If thrillers, especially psychological thrillers, are your go-to genre, go now, get this book. Not my normal go-to genre, but this one was fun. Not a lot of blood and gore on the floor, not a massive gush of adrenalin, no nightmares when I put it down to sleep. And the ending/epilog was great. It was unlike any other ending/epilog I’ve ever read.

 

My definition of a good novel is one where I can get lost in someone else’s world, and leave mine for a short time. I also want an HEA ending, or at least all the loose ends tied up, and a logical ending. It’s been a while since I read this book, but my memory is all the loose ends were resolved—and there might be a sequel! 

 

A good hot weather book to read—it takes place in winter with a snow storm.