Tag Archive for: jgockley

The Shippers by Katherine Center

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In the opening of this newest Katherine Center offering, Josephine Burton is about to walk down the aisle to marry her fiancé, Pearce, when her best friend, Cooper Watts, makes a surprise appearance after being absent from her life for four years. Cooper had RSVP’d no, but after he unexpectedly shows up at the wedding venue, JoJo calls off the wedding.  

JoJo believes she is unlucky in love, but her real problem is a pattern of retreating whenever a relationship becomes serious. Pearce seemed perfect because he was self-absorbed and often absent.  She could never quite lock him down, but after the wedding date was set, her old pattern reemerged. 

After her wedding is called off, JoJo is soon boarding a cruise ship with her family as part of a destination wedding for her older sister Ashley.  Ashley works in marketing and is pursuing a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling. Through Ashley’s guidance, JoJo becomes convinced that this cruise adventure is exactly what she needs to break her cycle of failed relationships. She believes reconnecting with a childhood crush, Finn Turner, will provide the closure she needs to build a healthy relationship. 

As JoJo waits to board the ship, guess who shows up?  Yep, Cooper again, despite having RSVP’d no.  Soon she has shared her plan with Cooper and recruited him to assist her with her mission of closure. 

For Cooper’s part, he is a great assistant. In fact, he is JoJo’s biggest cheerleader.  He shows up for her whenever she needs him. Whether she is evicted from her room by her hypersexual cabin mate, struggling through a mini golf tournament, or left alone on the dance floor when Finn takes a work call, Cooper is there. There is no question that these two best friends belong together. The questions are how quickly will they figure it out and what will it look like along the way? 

That may seem like a spoiler, but the author has a note at the beginning of the book that tells readers there is going to be a happy ending. That the couple gets together. At first, I thought this was weird, but why not be upfront about it? That is what I expect from a rom-com book. That is why I read them. I want that happy ending. Yes, I want the drama, the fun, the shenanigans along the way, but ultimately, I want to know the time and energy I have invested in a book will be rewarded with a feel-good wrap up. Kudos Katherine Center! Thank you for giving me a happy ending and making it a fun ride along the way.

Highlights of the book include Center’s ability to write relatable characters and spot-on dialogue. JoJo quickly had my support; the emotional insight the narration provided about her inner thoughts had me rooting for her the entire book.  And Center’s description of Cooper, not only his unique sense of style, but his steadfast support of JoJo, made him easy to adore, and watching their friendship evolve was compelling.

Fans of beach reads, friends-to-lovers romances and vacation settings will find plenty here. In fine form, the author delivers exactly what readers expect from her books – humor, heart, relationship insight and a well-earned happy ending.

 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

THE NAMES BY FLORENCE KNAPP

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In the United States, we usually name our babies before they even leave the hospital, but in England, new parents are given a forty-two days’ grace period to live with their child before they register their birth with their local field office. In Florence Knapp’s THE NAMES, what would usually be a normal ritual for a new parent becomes a critical point of no return for new mother Cora.

While it has been made clear by her husband, Gordon, they will follow in his family’s tradition and name the baby after him, as Cora and her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, walk to the registry office, the two discuss possible other names. Maia is set on “Bear.” A name that she thinks sounds warm and cuddly, but also strong and protective. Cora likes “Julian,” and reasons that it could still be considered a tribute to her husband since it means “sky father.”  

During the discussion, the wishes of her husband weigh heavily on Cora’s mind, because despite Gordon being a well-respected local doctor, and a pillar of the community, he is a terrifying and volatile tyrant behind closed doors. She usually does her best to not upset him, but she knows she must try to make the best decision for her new baby. 

When Cora arrives at the field office she hesitates when it is time to fill in the blank for her son’s name.  Will she adhere to the expectations of her domineering husband or will she follow her heart and give the baby a different name?

What follows next is three stories. Told so readers learn what life looks like for the baby depending on which birth name Cora selects. One story features Bear, one Julian and one Gordon. 

It is a fascinating and inventive concept that Knapp utilizes. Readers get three separate glimpses into the child’s life, depending on the name chosen. The novel jumps forward in seven year increments and readers learn not only what Bear, Julian or Gordon have each been up to, but also what has transpired with Cora, Maia and other supporting characters.  

Knapp is not the first to use this “what-if” concept, think of the popular 1998 “Sliding Doors” movie, but I found Knapp’s use of this storyline immensely effective and satisfying. Each story is compelling on its own, but the combination makes this “Read with Jenna” selection ripe for discussion. 

The question of how much of one’s life is determined simply by the name that is assigned at birth is brilliantly explored. The novel quietly implores readers to consider how much of their own path was set the moment their parents wrote their name on the birth certificate. Knapp’s thoughtful, matter-of-fact narration keeps the narrative moving forward and readers will be hard-pressed to put this one down. I highly recommend it!  

 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage

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New Year’s Day in the Australian outback is not turning out how twenty-nine year old Lexi Villers had envisioned.  One minute she is camping with her two best friends – Finn and Jack – and she is about to make what feels like a stronger connection with Jack, when a helicopter interrupts.  Out steps her grandmother’s long-time personal assistant, Stewart, and he lets her know that there has been a terrible accident and she needs to return home to England immediately.  

Lexi’s grandmother is the Queen of England, and due to a skiing accident Lexi is now first in line for the crown.  Despite leaving on bad terms years earlier, and vowing that she would not take part in the royal family’s drama moving forward, Lexi quickly resumes her royal duties. Her relationship with her family and the Crown is a complicated one. Since birth she has felt immense pressure to conform to her family’s expectations, and with little guidance she has always had to decide how to navigate her personal ambitions and her inherited responsibilities.  And this time home is no different, with the Queen giving her a year to decide if she will assume her rightful position, next in line for the crown, or if she will officially renounce it for good.  

Lexi is unsure what to do.  She has built a beautiful life of her own in Australia.  She has friends, a career, a solid place that feels like her own.  But being “next in line” she feels a strong sense of duty to help her family.  Over the next year Lexi learns a lot about herself, her family, her friends and her country.  In the end, a scandal threatens her plans and she must decide how she wants to live the rest of her life. 

I saw this contemporary fiction novel promoted as a “modern fairytale,” and that might not be the best description, but it is a great hook to get people  interested in the book. Readers who enjoy stories where the characters are the heart of the story will likely find this one engaging and memorable. The book has something for everyone – drama, romance, intrigue and feminism.

My favorite part of the book is the pacing. There are pockets of intrigue and drama, but also quiet scenes where Lexi looks internally at her choices. The author seems to employ this so readers can have a behind the scenes look and consider why the characters act as they do it. The author unfolds the story a bit at a time, through flashbacks and it is effective in keeping the action moving and hooking the reader. The timing is spot on, and notably, the dialog is clearly delivered.

All-in-all this novel is easy-to-read and entertaining. Questioning where one fits in the world is one that most people struggle with, making the story engaging and accessible to many.  

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

Favorite Reads of 2025

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As with previous years, I like to kick off the new year by reflecting on what I read during the previous year. And 2025 was a good one, reading-wise for me. I love writing each title down and keeping track of the total; with this year’s grand total being 54. That is a big number for me, and more than the goal I set for myself. I am thrilled to have read the books I did. I hope you are as happy with your 2025 books, too. If not, do not fret, I am sure 2026 is going to be your year.

Of those fifty-four titles, I would like to tell you about a few of my favorites.  Below are my top ten picks, in no particular order:

THE COVENANT OF WATER by Abraham Verghese

I wrote a full review for this one in March 2025, but since it is vying for one of my top books of the year, I wanted to mention it again.  

First, do not let the length of this one scare you off.  At over 700 pages, or 30 hours of listening, it is an undertaking, but once started it is nearly impossible to put down.  

Through the lens of an Indian family with a mysterious medical “Condition,” the author uses his extraordinary command of lyrical prose, to weave together a multi-part, compelling family drama.  One that also includes information on Indian life, medicine, the elements, colonial and post-colonial rule, the country’s social, political and economic climate, the caste system, religion, and much more. All of this must have been complicated by the novel’s seventy-seven year time span, but Verghese makes it look effortless.  He cleverly employs a large cast of richly drawn characters that possess depth and humanity to create this compelling story of family, love and life.  As with real life, the story is occasionally marred by loss and tragedy, but overall Verghese has created a prevailing sense of optimism and hope.  Also, as the title suggests, the theme of water is a central focus of the story – its destructive nature is showcased, as well as its ability to create and sustain life. 

Eager readers will be rewarded with a richly layered narrative that is as unforgettable as the characters who inhabit its pages. Fans of literary epic fiction should be thankful to have another tome to add to their shelves. There is much to love in this sprawling, informative, heart-gripping historical-fiction tale.

Find the book in the catalog.

 

THE GLASSMAKER by Tracy Chevalier

This gripping historical fiction novel is set on the Italian island of Murano and follows a family of glassmakers through the ages, from the Renaissance to present day. Readers should note that time passes differently on the island, allowing readers to experience 500 years of history with the same cast of characters. 

The story’s main character Orsola Rosso comes from a family of glassblowers. However, as a woman, glass work is not a profession she is meant for, but when her father dies she seeks an experienced female glassmaker and learns the skills she needs to make glass beads.  Her brothers are not supportive of her working with glass, but she persists, and with her newfound skills helps support her family during many difficult times.

The setting is beautifully described and the author’s character development is well done. Plus, the descriptions of glassmaking, especially the process of beadmaking, are striking. Readers will be eager to see how Orsola’s life unfolds and how each character is affected by historical and modern day events – plague, war, flooding, etc. 

Find the book in the catalog. 

 

YOU COULD MAKE THIS PLACE BEAUTIFUL by Maggie Smith 

In her memoir poet Maggie Smith shares the loss of her relationship, how it upended her world, and the many changes it brought to her life. She shares her story in a nonlinear fashion, moving forward for a bit, then circling back for glimpses into the past. The book not only explores her divorce, but also what life looked like before, during and after. Reads see the healing that takes place as she grieves such an immense loss, but also the pain of reflecting back and lamenting a life that could have been. 

It is hard to describe just how beautifully this book is written. Each poem is an individual work of art. While I do not know hardly anything about poetry, this book seems accessible to practically anyone who is mourning a great loss.  Readers who are searching for a kindred spirit that recognizes their pain and gives them a brief reprieve from having to verbalize it and/or hold it alone. Smith’s words are sparse, but powerful.  

Find the book in the catalog. 

 

THE DIAMOND EYE by Kate Quinn

I knew I had to read this book when I found out it was the story of a librarian who became one of the world’s most deadly snipers during World War II and it is based on a true story.

Mila Pavlichenko wears a lot of hats – by day she is a student studying history at a university in Kiev, a library worker in her off hours, plus she is a single mom trying to obtain a divorce from her unfaithful and possessive physician husband.  But Hitler’s invasion of Russia changes her focus.  She is soon joining the Russian military and using her sharp-shooting skills to neutralize invaders. Lady Death as she is dubbed, records over 300 kills and is soon making headlines far and wide.  After recovering from a battlefield injury she is sent on a goodwill tour in America.  Little does she know that her past will follow her to Washington, DC and she will have to confront old and new foes, plus some hard truths about herself. 

This book is excellent!  Quinn scripts a quick-moving, engaging story. Yes, it’s based on a true story, so the bones were already in place for the story structure, but the elements she adds makes this a must-read. I could not read it fast enough.   

Find the book in the catalog. 

 

DID I EVER TELL YOU by Genevieve Kingston 

After reading the book jacket one might think they know what this book is about – the story of a mother diagnosed with cancer creates a chest full of gifts and letters for important events in each of her children’s lives – birthdays, graduation, engagement, etc. – but this beautifully written book contains so much more. It is an insightful look at the bond between mothers and daughters, the ability to carry lost loved ones within us and the power of reflection and storytelling.  

Genevieve (Gwen) Kingston was 11 years old when she lost her mother, and the gifts her mother left for her, to be opened on special occasions, have kept her connected to her mother throughout her life.  Now years later, only three packages remain: for Gwen’s engagement, marriage, and first baby. As she reflects on these final packages the author shares the story of her mother, alongside her own personal memoir. 

This clever offering is sad, but exceptionally well done. I love how Kingston structured the book – her childhood, the journey of her mother’s life and death, the after events, and her search for more answers about her mom.  It reinforces that all people are unique individuals and that we can never really know their full story. Even those that are closest to them. 

Find the book in the catalog. 

 

A WALK IN THE PARK by Kevin Fedarko

I wrote a full review for this one in April 2025, but I could not pass up a chance to mention it again. 

In 2014, Kevin Fedarko’s best friend, National Geographic photographer Peter McBride, proposed they hike the entire length of the Grand Canyon, as a sectional traverse. Fedarko had previous experience with the canyon, but it was in the form of rafting on the Colorado River, not hiking. Neither man knew anything about hiking, but McBride assured him they could simply do the hike “off the couch.” He said they would build up their stamina on the trail and there would be no need to train in advance. From Fedarko’s past experience working with McBride on National Geographic assignments he knew things did not normally go as planned, but McBride has a way of convincing people of things, and in the end Fedarko agreed to go.

Soon the pair find themselves tagging along on the first segment of another group’s epic continuous hike through the canyon. Misadventure ensues and very quickly the pair begin to understand they are in over their heads, but instead of admitting defeat, what develops is a slow motion collapse, where each is soon fighting for survival.   

From the perspective of someone who has never seen the Grand Canyon, I thought this book did an excellent job describing the canyon and its landscape. I enjoyed reading about the adventure of the two friends and especially enjoyed the many elements covered by the book –  various branches of science as it relates to the Grand Canyon (geology, archaeology, biology, botany, etc.); the history of the canyon; how and why the Grand Canyon National Park was created; information about the area’s indigenous people; Fedarko’s experience with the Colorado River; the slot canyons; what the Grand Canyon National Park is like today; and what the Canyon means to Fedarko. A fun, entertaining read!

Find the book in the catalog.

 

WE ALL LIVE HERE by JoJo Moyes

I ama sucker for a JoJo Moyes book. Ever since reading ME BEFORE YOU, I have been a fan.  This newest offering has many predictable elements that fans love – female main character, set in England and chaotic life happenings. 

Lila Kennedy has a busy, complicated life.  She is a divorcee with two daughters, a house that needs extensive repairs and a step-father who has practically moved in with them after Lila’s mother’s death.  She often struggles to make it through the day and focus on getting any of her work done, but she is doing her best. When her father from America shows up on her doorstep unannounced, Lila is not sure why he is there, or more importantly how she will handle this latest development and the additional stress he brings to her life.  

Moyes is skilled at navigating sensitive topics, while incorporating humor and WE ALL LIVE HERE is no exception. She creates likeable, but flawed characters who make this contemporary drama seem like something that could be happening next door (or right in your living room).  Readers will root for Lila Kennedy and her quirky family members. This is a sweet gem, readers will not want to miss it.   

Find the book in the catalog.

 

THE LOVE HATERS by Katherine Center

I wrote a full review for this one in July 2025, but could not pass up a chance to mention it again. 

In an effort to avoid being laid off from the video production company she works for, Katie Vaughn agrees to a month-long visit to Key West, Florida to shoot a recruiting video for the Coast Guard. The video will feature a rescue swimmer, Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. 

When Katie arrives in Florida and meets Hutch he is not happy about her shooting the video.  He had thought that her co-worker Cole would be doing it. Even though he is angry, the two are soon working closely together and Katie makes it her mission to make a great recruiting video that features him, and also to record him as part of her personal side project, A Day in the Life YouTube series.  

A wrench is thrown in Katie’s plan when two surprise visitors show up. She will have to decide whether to risk her closeness with Hutch or possibly lose her job.

Center’s romantic comedies offer so much in addition to a good love story.  They have relatable conflicts as part of each story and THE LOVER HATERS is no exception.  It deals with self-esteem, friendship, confidence, imperfections and healing in a funny and accessible way. Plus, this book’s cast of characters are eclectic and add such dimension to the story. 

Find the book in the catalog.

 

AWAKE: A Memoir by Jen Hatmaker

I wrote a full review for this one in November 2025, but this is my favorite book of the year, so I could not pass up an opportunity to share it again. 

In 2020, social media influencer Jen Hatmaker found out that her husband of 26 years was having an affair. This is not a spoiler. The first lines of AWAKE are, “At 2:30 a.m. on July 11, 2020, out of a dead sleep, I hear five whispered words not meant for me. ‘I just can’t quit you.’ It is the end of my life as I know it.” 

From that simple exchange Jen’s life changes immediately. She goes from being an upbeat, confident, influencer who seemed to have it all – family, looks, a career and a large social media following – to a divorced single parent with five children, who has no idea how to access her bank account, let alone explain to her large online audience that her life just fell apart. She is left questioning everything about herself and her life and feeling like a complete failure and a fraud.  

The book is written in three parts – The End, The Middle and The Beginning. And it is not written in a linear fashion, with the author using vignettes, not chapters, to move from past memories to present ones throughout each section of the book. While it is the story of the loss of her marriage, it is also the story of her life, her 40+ years and the things that she has learned, and in some cases, unlearned. It is her story of turning inward to find herself and eventually reinventing many of the things she believed to be true. It is a beautifully hard journey, but one that Hatmaker endeavors to share fully and as transparently as she is able. 

Anyone who has had a difficult phase in life will find something here to appreciate; maybe even cling to. Divorce, religious questioning, struggles with codependency and dissociation and so many other topics.  Hatmaker is not shy about sharing her journey and her full heart is shown in this lovely, engaging memoir.

Find the book in the catalog.

 

FINLAY DONOVAN series by Elle Cosimano

After someone hears struggling crime writer Finlay Donovan and her literacy agent discussing the plot of Finlay’s new book, one that involves a contract killer, Finlay mistakenly ends up accepting a contract to off someone’s husband. Finlay’s life is already messy – she is recently divorced, has two young children, no nanny and is fighting with her husband over custody – however, she is soon entangled in an even messier situation that involves a dead body.

Readers will find the antics that Finlay gets into just barely believable, but hilarious. The humor is such a bright spot!  All of the books in this series have the just the right mix of whodunit, intrigue, comedy and a hint of romance.  Just when one thinks Finlay’s life cannot get any messier, it does.  

Another highlight of the book is the supporting cast – Finlay’s nanny Veronica, her sister Georgia, her ex-husband, her kids, her neighbor Mrs. Haggerty, sexy bartender Julian and hunky police detective Nick. 

Book #1 in the series, FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT, is Cosimano’s debut novel. And she follows this comedic winner up with four more in the series. The audiobooks are so good! I highly recommend listening to them if you can.    

Find the series in the catalog.

 

And that is a wrap for 2025. Thanks for taking the time to share in my reflection and reading about some of my favorites.  I am excited to see what 2026 brings and I wish you a wonderful new year of reading! 

 

Written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Back After This by Linda Holmes

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Cecily Foster loves podcasting and would love to have her own show, but her boss keeps giving her other assignments. Until one day, he calls her into his office and tells her that it is finally her turn, that she is getting a shot at hosting her own show.  

After his pitch, there are a couple of catches that have Cecily questioning if this would be the right show for her.  Her boss wants to set her up to work with a relationship coach named Eliza Cassidy, who is an advertiser for their company.  Eliza would coach Cecily on dating and then she would go on 20 first dates, with men selected by Eliza. This would all be aired as part of the show, meaning the show would be a dating podcast. Also, listeners would know that Cecily is single, after a relationship where her ex not only broke her heart, but also used her ideas to further his career, and would be able to offer her advice (and commentary) on dating via their comments.  

She would rather turn it down, but her boss makes her think that a co-worker might be at risk of losing her job if Cecily does not take this assignment, so she relents.  Soon she is working with Eliza and going on her dates, but in the interim she has met someone that seems great. She knows this falls outside her commitment to the 20 first dates, but after helping rescue a giant Great Dane with a man named Will she cannot stop thinking about him.    

Linda Holmes, the bestselling author of EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER (one of my favorites) and FLYING SOLO is a star at writing witty dialog and BACK AFTER THIS has plenty of it.  Cecily is trying to balance her career and her love life, and many readers are sure to identify with her plight. Holmes’ book is perfectly written for readers looking for a feel-good story about starting over in love and life.  

The elements of the book are so perfectly written, witty rom-com, the popular world of podcasting, plus a handsome waiter, and Great Dane named Buddy.  Heart, humor and honesty. The book is relatable emotionally and the real star of the show is Cecily and her growth from a people pleaser to someone more real and true to herself.  If you are like me and need a distraction from the chaos of the holidays, give this one a read! 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

The Word is Murder: A Novel (A Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, 1) by Anthony Horowitz

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New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz takes a crack at writing a modern-day classic crime novel. In this series he casts himself as Dr. Watson to disgraced police detective Daniel Hawthorne’s Sherlock Holmes.  It is an intriguing premise that allows the author of the book to be one of the main characters.  At first I was not sure how I felt about it, but I ended up really liking it, and  I had no idea who the killer was until the big reveal at the end. 

Book one features a mystery that revolves around a woman who visits a London funeral parlor on a bright spring morning, to plan her own service, and then six hours later she is found strangled in her home. 

Daniel Hawthorne, former police detective turned consultant, is called in by the police to help solve the case; and while he’s sharp and intelligent, he is not very likeable. So when Hawthorne first asks celebrated novelist Anthony Horowitz to write a book about him and the case, Horowitz is not sure it is a winning idea. He is a bit hard up for material though, so decides to partner with Hawthorne and reserve judgement about how likely a book is until later. However, as the case unfolds, Horowitz gets sucked into the case and starts to see the potential in writing a book.  So much so that he finds himself trying to solve the murder himself because Hawthorne is very secretive and a mystery himself.

This mystery offering by Horowitz is intriguing and will keep most readers guessing up until the end. The characters are well drawn, with Hawthorne stealing the show. 

It is interesting that Horowitz is writing about himself, as a writer, and includes insight into his professional life. This includes what has worked well for him–his Alex Rider series–but also where he has had challenges.  He never takes himself too seriously and this behind the scenes style is unusual, but effective. I just finished the third book in this series and enjoyed the second and third, just as much as the first, maybe more because I already knew the characters and the story background so it took me less time to understand all the relationships.  

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

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In an effort to avoid being laid off from the video production company she works for, Katie Vaughn agrees to a month-long visit to Key West, Florida to shoot a recruiting video for the Coast Guard. The video will feature a rescue swimmer, Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. Katie has previously heard of Hutch because he took the internet by storm several years before, after he rescued Jennifer Aniston’s dog.  

The first problem with Katie taking this assignment, which she omits from her co-worker Cole, who gives her the assignment, is that she cannot swim. Plus, there is no way she is getting into a swimsuit or announcing her weight before boarding the Coast Guard helicopter, like the requirement lists.

Katie struggles with low self-esteem, especially as it relates to body image. During childhood her stepmother often placed her on a diet because she thought she was overweight, and several years ago, during her relationship with a boyfriend who had just become a famous musician, internet trolls said mean and hurtful things about her physical appearance. Years later, she still struggles to maintain a positive body image. So thinking about sporting a swimsuit, even as part of an assignment, or sharing her weight gives her major anxiety.   

But first things first, Katie arrives in Key West and is greeted by her landlord and Hutch’s Aunt Rue.  Rue is the most colorful person that Katie has ever met and it is thanks to Rue that she begins to step outside her comfort zone, at least a bit.

Katie soon meets Hutch at a swim class event hosted by Rue, but their first interaction does not go as smoothly as she would have hoped.  His giant Great Dane plows into her at top speed and she ends up getting about a million splitters in her backside from the wood floor. Since Hutch is trained in first aid, he ends up getting a firsthand look at Katie’s bum as he removes them. 

She neglects to tell him that she will be working with him, but once he finds out, he is not happy.  He had thought that her co-worker Cole would be making the video. Even though he is angry, the two are soon working closely together and Katie makes it her mission to make a great recruiting video that features him, and also to record him as part of her personal side project, A Day in the Life YouTube series.  

A wrench is thrown in Katie’s plan when two surprise visitors show up at Aunt Rue’s. She will has to decide whether to risk her closeness with Hutch or possibly lose her job.

Center’s romantic comedies offer so much in addition to a good love story.  They have relatable conflicts as part of each story and THE LOVER HATERS is no exception.  It deals with self-esteem, friendship, confidence, imperfections and healing in a funny and accessible way.

Also noteworthy is this book’s cast of characters are eclectic and add dimension to the story. Katie’s cousin and best friend, Beanie, is such a hype woman for her, and Beanie’s personality is confident and no-nonsense.  Rue gives Blanche Devereaux from “The Golden Girls” vibes, but less man-hungry; and her group of friends, affectionately called “The Gals” provide Katie a circle of women who help her through several tricky situations.

If readers are looking for a summer beach read, this one would be perfect for most! 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

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Journalist Alice Scott longs to move from writing features and profiles on minor celebrities to writing a complete biography on someone uber famous. Someone like Margaret Ives, a former media darling who comes from one of the most famous families of the twentieth century. Despite Margaret being in hiding for at least three decades, without any known sightings, Alice thinks she has finally found her. Yes, it will be fun to try something new and grow her skills, but it will have the added bonus of making her mom finally take notice of her work. 

Alice is one of the most positive people you will ever meet and she can hardly believe her luck that she has finally managed to track down Margaret.  She arrives on Little Crescent Island, Georgia and can hardly wait to convince Margaret to start working with her.  That is until she bumps into Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Hayden Anderson as she is leaving Margaret’s house. Now Margaret’s comment about having “a couple of other branches to shake” makes more sense.  

Hayden Anderson is a music journalist, but is best known for writing a Pulitzer prize-winning celebrity biography on a famous Americana singer with dementia. Alice cannot believe that she might miss out on this opportunity after spending so much time tracking down Margaret.  

Margaret invites both of them to work with her for one month. They will take turns meeting with her, and at the end of the month, they will each have a chance to pitch their idea for the book, then she will choose who she wants to work with.   

Neither are happy about having to audition for this opportunity with Margaret, but it’s the chance of a lifetime, so they both agree to move forward. What follows is a month of meetings and competition for the coveted contract. Also during this time, the pair of writers get to know each other better thanks to run-ins at the small town’s local coffee shop and restaurants. Though talking about the book is off limits because they have both signed a NDA.  

My favorite part of this novel was Alice’s perpetually upbeat attitude and the story of Margaret’s life. I adore Emily Henry and her books. What a treat to have another one this year! 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko

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Each year, over six million people visit Grand Canyon National Park, but most people’s visits are brief and they only see a small part of this national wonder, mostly from the vantage point of one of the rims. There is a small group of individuals who hike more in depth parts of the canyon, but since it can be a grueling experience it is not for everyone. If one were to attempt a traverse of the entire canyon, it would total more than 750 miles, and typically require years of preparation and training. 

In 2014, Kevin Fedarko’s best friend, National Geographic photographer Peter McBride, proposed they hike the entire length of the Grand Canyon, as a sectional traverse.  The one hundredth anniversary of the Grand Canyon was coming up, in 2016, and McBride billed the project as a way of creating the capstone story of the Grand Canyon, in which they would help National Geographic make others aware of the beauty of this public land and the threats to it. They would need time to chronicle and document, with Fedarko writing and McBride photographing; hence doing it in sections.

Fedarko had previous experience with the canyon, but it was in the form of rafting on the Colorado River, not hiking. Neither man knew anything about hiking, but McBride assured him they could simply do the hike “off the couch.” He said they would build up their stamina on the trail and there would be no need to train in advance. From Fedarko’s past experience working with McBride on National Geographic assignments he knew things did not normally go as planned, but McBride has a way of convincing people of things, and in the end Fedarko agreed to go.

Soon the pair find themselves tagging along on the first segment of another group’s epic continuous hike through the canyon. Misadventure ensues and very quickly the pair begin to understand they are in over their heads, but instead of admitting defeat, what develops is a slow motion collapse, where each is soon fighting for survival.   

From the perspective of someone who has never seen the Grand Canyon, I thought this book did an excellent job describing the canyon and its landscape. I enjoyed reading about the adventure of the two friends and especially enjoyed the many elements covered by the book –  various branches of science as it relates to the Grand Canyon (geology, archaeology, biology, botany, etc.); the history of the canyon; how and why the Grand Canyon National Park was created; information about the area’s indigenous people; Fedarko’s experience with the Colorado River; the slot canyons; what the Grand Canyon National Park is like today; and what the Canyon means to Fedarko. 

In fact, the author is so comprehensive in his coverage, it can be hard to describe the book and its premise to others. However, all the detail creates a beautiful portrait of a special place. It seems wild to me that the two men thought they would be able to hike, even a section, of the Grand Canyon without properly preparing, but it makes for a fun, entertaining read. 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.

Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

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This multi-generational, sweeping tale begins with the arranged marriage of a young girl. Her wedding day commences with a long journey by river, with her mother, and ends in the village of Kerala. The girl is quickly joined by marriage to the Parambila family, a Malayali family living in southwest India. The groom, who she has never seen before, is a 40 year-old widow, with a young son.  

Unbeknownst to the young bride, her husband’s family has a mysterious “Condition.” A genetic trait causing certain members to have strange reactions to water. An affliction of which no one speaks. It is only through tragedy that she learns the true reach of the “Condition” and spends her lifetime praying for someone who can shed light on its true nature and cause. 

Through the lens of the Parambila family, the author uses his extraordinary command of lyrical prose, to weave together a multi-part, compelling family drama.  One that also includes information on Indian life, medicine, the elements, colonial and post-colonial rule, the country’s social, political and economic climate, the caste system, religion, and much more. All of this must have been complicated by the novel’s seventy-seven year time span, but Verghese makes it look effortless.  He cleverly employs the young bride, who eventually becomes known as Big Ammachi, as the story’s anchor and matriarch of the family. 

In addition to the loving, generous, down-to-earth character of Big Ammachi, the author builds a large cast of richly drawn characters that possess depth and humanity.  They are the highlight of the book. Each character, and there are many, is complex and unpredictable, just like people in real life, but the author manages to avoid making villains. There are choices along the story’s path, and the characters make them, for better or worse.  

Much of the novel has to do with the training and practice of medicine, and Verghese, a physician himself, does an excellent job of explaining technical medical issues and terms in a practical and easy-to-understand way. These elements only add to the story.  

This is a story of family, love and life.  As with real life, the story is occasionally marred by loss and tragedy, but overall Verghese has created a prevailing sense of optimism and hope.  Also, as the title suggests, the theme of water is a central focus of the story – its destructive nature is showcased, as well as its ability to create and sustain life. 

At over 700 pages, or 30 hours of listening, THE COVENANT OF WATER is an undertaking. It requires a commitment, but once started it is nearly impossible to put down.  Eager readers will be rewarded with a richly layered narrative that is as unforgettable as the characters who inhabit its pages.  Fans of literary epic fiction should be thankful to have another tome to add to their shelves. There is much to love in this sprawling, informative, heart-gripping historical-fiction tale.

 

Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director

Find the book in the catalog.