Amanda spent her first 40 years in Michigan and Chicago and has no plans to return to those gray skies. She feels lucky to be able to walk to work and read for a living. She loves to read literary mysteries and fiction, and especially appreciates dark humor, gothic noir and magical realism. She has read the first 50 pages of too many books to count.
Exceptional! Fast-paced and feisty, Lessons in Chemistry is the delicious story of chemist, Elizabeth Zott, a trail-blazing feminist in 1960s California, trying to manage motherhood, meal prep, and misogyny- all in the name of science. An absolute JOY to read- --Amanda
Twisty- and not just the singular road that gets you to the Island during low-tide. This is the perfect thriller- questionable characters, complex relationships and the air of exclusivity and danger. This is a party you do not want to miss! --Amanda
It's really not funny when bad things happen, but getting inside the head of Hurricane Girl's Allison Brody is just that- laugh-out-loud funny, despite the cringe-level horror. It comes down to Marcy Dermansky's one-of-a-kind style- quirky, deadpan and heartfelt. I could not look away!
Ths is honestly so good, and the title so perfect. Paula Hawkins once again gives us complex characters-- all flawed, and all involved. But how, and why? And who, really, was there that morning when the body was discovered? --Amanda
The past and present blur in this atmospheric thriller set in Mendocino. Once again, Paula McLain richly develops her characters and speaks in their voice- a great read!
Truly a stunning read and my favorite book of the year! This novel moves through both time and sea- fiercely seeking personal redemption, purpose and of course, the elusive and heroic Arctic tern. A beautiful and singular story. -Amanda
A new teaching assignment at the elite girl's boarding school seemed perfect- until it wasn't. Gothic noir at it's creepy best- rich with secrets and darkness. Loved it!
What happens when your memory gives way, and you no longer know who you are or where you've been, or when you've been? For fans of Evelyn Hardcastle, settle in to a mind-bending affair!
This is for when you just want a bit of guidance, an easy answer for "What's for dinner?" A book for taking what you already have and elevating it - Give it a try
Such a strong follow-up to The Silent Patient! Another taut, psychologicall thriller with twisted turns, secret societies and murder.
When you need to go to Italy right now! --Amanda
I love Kevin Wilson! He is really unparalled in comic literary fiction. What would it look like if kids caught fire? Casual-like, when they did not get their way and literally burst into flames? This is where Kevin's books shine- he puts his heart and soul into the unusual-- finding the humor and humanity along the way. --Amanda;
I recommend this to anyone making their way to Iceland. Part mystery/literary fiction, Burial Rites is a story about the last witch executed in Iceland- rich in history and lore. Iceland, and its past, really come alive. --Amanda
Truly one of my favorite books ever, and one of my top picks for gifting- Peter Heller is poetic with language, and his characters have quirkiness and grit that make his stories shine. --Amanda
My favorite book from 2019! This dark comedy sounds bad- what if your sister was, really, a serial killer. Would you clean it up, like you have taken care of your sister her whole life- you being the older, responsible one. . .? Would you stop her? Would you tell. . . Don't miss this- --Amanda