Nevermore
readers have been divided over A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman: some love
it and some hate it. Ove is a Swedish
man, retired at a young age and recently widowed. His obsessive habits show the strain he has
been under and how he is desperately trying to regain control of his life. He is not a particularly likeable character
at the beginning, but even those who disliked the book agree that he becomes
understandable and more likeable before the book closes. Another reader said that she just started the
book last night, but that she really understands Ove’s OCD
characteristics. Another reader is
looking forward to the movie (coming soon to a library near you.)
Continuing with
fiction, another reader had just finished The Girl on the Train by Paula
Hawkins. The story centers around Rachel
who passes neighborhoods on the train and wonders about the people she sees, to
the point of obsession. As a crime is
committed, Rachel becomes involved in the investigation because she has been
observing neighborhood activity as she passes on the train. Our reader called this a very well written
and interesting book, although full of dysfunctional characters.
A masterful
British mystery was next with I, Richard by Elizabeth George. A series of short tales, this collection
plumbs the depths and darkness of the human psyche. The first story features detective Thomas
Lynley who appears in other of George’s works.
Richard the Third is also featured in the title story in a twisting tale
which combines actual historical figures with a modern mystery. Our reader considered this a satisfying book
from a very good writer.
Another reader
turned to non-fiction with The Lucifer Principle: A Scientific Expedition into
the Forces of History by Howard Bloom.
Although first published in 1995, this book continues to feel relevant
today as Bloom explores how people form groups in order create societal change. Calling his field “mass behavior,” Blooms
draw from microbiology, physics, cosmology and psychology (among other areas)
in order to understand how people have made changes through the relatively
short time of recorded history. Our
reader found it very fascinating.
Next up was a
fantasy called Summerlong by Peter S. Beagle.
Lioness Lazos is working as a waitress, but is a mystery to those around
her. She obviously has a secret, but is
drawn to a couple who offer her a place to live on their property. With some sort of mysticism, Lioness changes
the lives of those around her. Beagle is
better known for his fantasy classic The Last Unicorn, but our reader very much
enjoyed this newer novel.
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