Gail’s reads
Many of us are reluctant to spend precious summer sunshine reading. But now as November’s dark days are quickly approaching, you might be inclined to pick up a good book to stimulate your mind. Here are a few suggestions:
If you are a lover of mysteries and thrillers, there are quite a few excellent offerings this Fall. Jeffrey Archer has just released his latest chronicle of the William Warwick Series. This one is entitled “Traitors Gate“ which combines the world of art and the heist of the Crown Jewels particularly the crown worn by Queen Elizabeth ll when she opens Parliament. Quite an adventure and intriguing read!
A writer you might not be familiar with is John Gilstrap. He writes a series of novels about American black-ops particularly rescuing hostages. His latest book “Harm’s Way“ has many twists and turns that grab your attention. Well worth the read.
I just finished a novel by a new author to me – William Kent Krueger. He is an American novelist and crime writer with his books set mainly in Minnesota. His latest book is “The River We Remember“. In 1958, a small Minnesota town is rocked by the murder of its most powerful citizen. He is found floating dead in the Alabaster River, which is a central part of this small town. As the mystery unfolds Krueger also describes the scars from WWll that still affect the people of this town. It is an honest look at the beauty but also the hardships of life in these small farming communities. I strongly recommend this read and I will definitely be looking for more novels written by Krueger.
If you are a fan of Historical Fiction, I recommend “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post“ by Allison Pataki. An excellent read about the life of the heiress to the Post Cereal Company which under Marjorie’s leadership, grew into the General Food empire and reshaped the way North Americans would eat. It is definitely a trip through history starting with the 1929 stock market crash, then on to the depression years, WWll, and other significant mid-century events. Through all of it, she remained one of the richest women in the world meeting every president and many world leaders. It is based on a true story including the building of her final home – Mar a Largo (Does this prestigious home ring a bell for you?). A fascinating read!!
A Canadian Author well worth reading is our own Durham writer Ted Barris. Ted has written 20 nonfiction books mostly related to the First and Second World Wars. He has received several awards for his writings and his contribution to Canada. In 2022, Ted received the Order of Canada. His list of books is certainly impressive, and I highly recommend attending one of his book talks. He is well-informed and presents his research in a truly passionate way. I went to two of his presentations this past week. Particularly, during the month of November, picking one of his books to read would certainly be a worthwhile learning experience.
I am presently reading his latest book “Battle of the Atlantic- Gauntlet to Victory“. This story describes the battles waged by Germans against the Allied transatlantic convoys, most of which were escorted by the Royal Canadian Navy destroyers and corvettes, as well as, the Royal Canadian Air Force. It was in these convoys that most Canadian troops crossed the Atlantic to fight in WWll. My father was a Canadian soldier and he often told stories about his time in these convoys. Now I am able to further my knowledge plus appreciate the immense contribution of Canada’s armed forces and civilians to fight this war. Any of his books are fabulous choices!
