Falling Apart and Other Gifts from the Universe

FALLING APART AND OTHER GIFTS FROM THE UNIVERSE by New York Times best-selling author Catherine Ryan Hyde offers a story of found family. It centers on Addie, a former soldier and law enforcement official who has been sober for close to eight years but still struggles with finding a purpose in her life. That changes when (while working as a night security guard) she meets Jonathan, a young homeless man who is squatting at an abandoned warehouse. This is a powerful book with both Addie and Jonathan dealing with trauma and eventually finding solace in the grandmother-grandson type relationship they form. As their journeys progress, Hyde forces her readers to consider their own prejudices, especially regarding addicts, mental health, and the unhoused. A couple of key insights: “Resistance is always a red flag. When you resist going somewhere, you know it's a place you need to go.” And “You can waste your whole damn life sitting in your room waiting to feel like you can do better. But the actions change the feelings, not the other way around.”

100 Rules for Living to 100 by Dick Van Dyke

100 RULES FOR LIVING TO 100 by Dick Van Dyke is subtitled “An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life.” I particularly enjoyed listening to the audiobook where narrator Tom Bergeron does an excellent job of channeling Van Dyke. The tone is reflective and friendly, and Van Dyke readily admits that there may not be exactly 100 rules, but he offers many funny stories and valuable insight. These tales span eight or nine decades and center on family members as well as acting and musical colleagues. I truly enjoyed and would definitely recommend. In fact, I plan to listen a second time!

From Cradle to Grave by Rhys Bowen

FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE by Rhys Bowen is the latest (19th) mystery story in Bowen’s Royal Spyness series featuring Lady Georgiana. Although these cozy tales have a loyal and enthusiastic readership, I have found the last few (see The Proof of the Pudding and Peril in Paris) to offer a less positive picture of the heroine. Similarly, in this case, she needs to hire a nanny and stand up for herself against interfering relatives. Given that Lady Georgiana and her friend Belinda have shown themselves as more than capable in solving murders, those tasks should not seem to be so daunting although they help move the story forward. Once again, I would recommend reading earlier entries in this light and entertaining series. FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE eventually develops into a fine mystery (multiple young aristocratic men are dying without any apparent link) but hopefully Lady Georgiana will channel her grandmother and show a stronger spirit in future outings.

The American Revolution and The Great Contradiction

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns is subtitled “An Intimate History” and it is certainly a detailed one. The series which is airing on PBS is roughly twelve hours long and the companion book is itself just over 600 pages. That means many, many people are mentioned, and I found it interesting to learn about them, like Capt. Isaac Davis who led his neighbors and fellow minutemen at Lexington Green. The research is impeccable, if overwhelming at times. I am grateful to all involved for trying to present as much factual information as possible, particularly, the firsthand accounts, but I miss some of the myths (e.g., Nathan Hale and the only one life to give quote), too. The bibliography is almost a dozen pages, each single spaced and with three columns of sources; plus, there is another similarly formatted five pages of illustration credits. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION received a starred review from Booklist.  

According to the publisher’s summary, THE GREAT CONTRADICTION by Joseph J. Ellis “reckons with the two great failures of America’s founding: the failure to end slavery and the failure to avoid Indian removal.” Ellis is a widely recognized authority on the Revolutionary Era, having won both the Pulitzer Prize (Founding Brothers) and the National Book Award (American Sphinx). In his latest work, he discusses, for example, how a majority of signers of the Declaration owned slaves. Honestly, I was shocked at some of the quotes which were shared; like Ben Franklin (who subsequently changed his views) writing in 1751 “… in America, where we have so fair an opportunity, by excluding all blacks and tawneys, of increasing the lovely white and red? But perhaps I am partial to the complexion of my country, for such kind of partiality is natural to Mankind.” Commentary and analysis in THE GREAT CONTRADICTION is based on significant research (approximately twenty percent of the book comprises Notes and bibliographical references) and the tone is rather scholarly throughout. However, Booklist, Kirkus, Library Journal (calling it an “important and necessary perspective”), and Publishers Weekly all gave this text a starred review. Ellis provides a unique and fascinating look into contemporary perspective on these crucial issues during the nation’s formation.

Heart of a Stranger by Angela Buchdahl

HEART OF A STRANGER by Angela Buchdahl is certainly in contention for my favorite book of the year. That is a surprise because this is the story of an Asian American female Rabbi. Other than female, I don’t check any of those boxes, but I truly loved her “Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging.” At the end of each section, she offers a mini-sermon of sorts, exploring a concept, like this: “Faith is a noun, something you can have or possess, as ‘I have faith in God.’ Trust, on the other hand, is a verb. It is something you do or act upon. It is a choice and a deliberate response as in ‘I trusted, so I followed.’” HEART OF A STRANGER received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The Washington Post review says, [our] “nation … has long rewarded those who chase opportunity and embrace pluralism. Today those ideals are more fragile than ever, and Buchdahl’s story now feels like an example of what once worked in America but may soon be lost.” This is an amazing, inspiring story for people of all faiths. Highly recommended.

Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent

GUILTY BY DEFINITION is the first novel offered by Susie Dent, a renowned British etymologist, and I originally requested a preview because of a recommendation from Ron Charles, the Washington Post book reviewer. Dent utilizes her expertise regarding words and their history to craft a tale full of clues which are puzzled over by a team of linguists who are working on dictionary definitions and are based in Oxford. It is from there that Charlie, the sister of one of them, went missing several years ago. To me, this is a story that starts slowly and gradually builds empathy with the main characters, Martha, Alex, Safi, and Simon. As the team investigates, readers learn some troubling background about Charlie, but the momentum grows and the quirky definitions add further highlights to a unique and, ultimately, engaging quest. Even commonplace activities are an educational opportunity in Dent’s capable hands: “Salary, salad, silt, sausage, salsa, sauce … the lexicon of salt whirred through her brain as she turned the stew down to a simmer.” Or, if you hate Sundays, consider “‘mubble-fubbles’ -- 17th century speak for a heavy, eve-of-something-unpleasant dose of the blues -- as proof that no sane person has ever liked them.” GUILTY BY DEFINITION received a starred review from Booklist and Library Journal recommends it for fans of The Dictionary of Lost Words and By Any Other Name. A Reading Group Guide and A Conversation with the Author are included. 

Twice by Mitch Albom

TWICE by Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie and The Stranger in the Lifeboat) is his latest take on the choices we make. This story asks, “what if you got to do everything in your life – again?” The main character, Alfie Logan, has the inherited ability to transport himself back in time and therefore change most future events. It is a tempting proposition and one which takes time and development of some self-restraint to use wisely. Overall, the story opened quite slowly as readers are introduced to the concept and learn more about its nuances. These happenings are contrasted with a police investigation of a possible casino swindle which is not resolved until the final pages. Despite his unique abilities, Alfie is not a particularly likeable character and he has many regrets, especially regarding the woman he loves. He says, “The truth is, you never do as much good as you could.” She says, “I figure every little thing that happens is part of life or fate or God or whatever leading me to where I'm supposed to be.” Albom will once again have readers examining their own life decisions. TWICE received a starred review from Booklist who recommended it for “fans of Matt Haig and Nikki Erlick.”

Desperate Spies by Mark de Castrique

DESPERATE SPIES by Mark de Castrique is book three (after Dangerous Women) in the Secret Lives series featuring the main character 75-year-old retired FBI agent Ethel Fiona Crestwater. She is incredibly well-connected (head of FBI and other agencies contact her) as well as particularly feisty and determined. All in all, a very fun character who partners with her young relative Jesse and local law enforcement contacts to solve a murder. Events of almost twenty years ago as well as present day espionage related to technological advances in quantum computing are entangled in this mystery. Oh, and there’s also involvement by the Mafia, a Russian oligarch and a ready-for-retirement US Senator. And plenty of planes, a helicopter, and stalking automobiles in a fast-paced, twisty tale. Fun and entertaining, DESPERATE SPIES can be read as a stand-alone and will especially appeal to fans of suspense involving older, female sleuths.

Nations Apart by Colin Woodard

NATIONS APART by Colin Woodard recounts “How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America,” building on his research and earlier writing including American Nations, originally published in 2011. His earlier text used history to explain the development of regional differences. His latest focuses more on specific issues like gun control, abortion, and climate. Woodard is clearly biased in his views on where America is heading (“Our democracy is backsliding.”), but also optimistic: “the American people are not nearly as polarized as our political leaders on the hot-button issues and are remarkably united around our ideals.” However, he writes in a scholarly, rather dense format and that may be difficult for the average reader. The most interesting part to me was the final chapter which is filled with graphs and charts based on polling done for Woodard’s Nationhood Lab. A helpful resource for researchers, approximately fifteen percent of the text is devoted to notes and references. NATIONS APART is a selection for The Next Big Idea Club’s November 2025 Must-Read Books and received a starred review from Booklist. Possible read-alikes (although older) include: Big Sort (2008) by Bill Bishop Bowling Alone (2000) by Putnam; Prius or Pick-up (2018) by Hetherington; and Fault Lines (2019) by Kruse. 

The Forget-Me-Not Library by Heather Webber

THE FORGET-ME-NOT LIBRARY by Heather Webber is a LibraryReads selection for November 2025 (“Perfect for readers who want a cozy, magical read to soothe away the troubles of the real world.”). Library Journal says THE FORGET-ME-NOT LIBRARY is for readers who enjoy “Stephanie Perkins, Fannie Flagg, and Karen Hawkins.” To that I would add authors like Katherine Center, Ruth Hogan, Susan Mallery, Karen White, and Susan Wiggs. This novel is a tender story of friendship, found family, small town-community, and second chances. The main characters are Juliet, a young nurse who has lost some memories due to an accident, and Tallulah, a recently divorced young mother of two sweet girls, Katie June and Mary Joy. Juliet’s car breaks down in the enchanted town of Forget-Me-Not, Alabama, where Tallulah works in the local library and lives with her eighty-year-old grandfather. Romance is on the horizon for both women, and they bond over caring for the girls and some of the town’s older residents with their wise sayings. Truly gentle and delightful.

Fly! by Steph Wagner

FLY! by Steph Wagner is subtitled “A Woman's Guide to Financial Freedom and Building a Life You Love.” Wagner has extensive experience in the financial sector, and she provides context by sharing her story “from private equity executive to stay-at-home mom, to single mother facing financial uncertainty, to successful businesswoman.” Wagner readily empathizes with her readers, saying, “If I, with my financial background, feel this lost and overwhelmed, how must women without that same knowledge feel when thrown into similar circumstances?” I found FLY! to be an excellent resource filled with numerous well-explained and action-oriented steps. For example, Wagner lists a series of questions to ask a potential financial advisor and also provides links to helpful websites. Wagner writes with a confident, but collegial tone. And she notes steps to take (have a will, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and a medical directive, also known as a living will) and then provides definitions of each for her readers who may be less familiar with these documents. FLY! feels like a text which can be adapted to meet readers where they are – whether consulting an attorney at a major law firm or choosing a free online service – especially since she suggests evaluation criteria to use. This approach extends to a discussion and explanation of investment vehicles (Mutual Funds, EFTs, etc.) and other topics. The foreword provides my favorite description: “This book isn't just a guide. It's a road map. It's full of tangible steps, real life stories, and the kind of practical wisdom that makes you feel like you're having coffee with a really smart, really honest friend.”

My Mother's Money by Beth Pinsker

MY MOTHER'S MONEY by Beth Pinsker offers “A Guide to Financial Caregiving” based on her own experiences as described recently in articles in The Wall Street Journal and on the AARP website. Pinsker, a Certified Financial Planner and a financial-planning columnist at Marketwatch, does offer insights as to required actions, but I thought that she could have done a better job of presenting this in an actionable format. For example, her comments about probate did not correspond to the experiences of which I am aware, and it is difficult as a reader to determine the next best steps. Another example is the section where she wrote about having a joint checking or savings account and went back and forth on whether it was a good idea or not. She is correct that local banks and financial institutions will have what seem like less than commonsense rules, but in general, I found her tone and multiple examples to be more anxiety producing than helpful.  One point about which she is absolutely correct is that that children/caregivers MUST be prepared to fight Medicare and insurance REPEATEDLY for the healthcare to which their elderly relative is entitled. There is a need for this type of information and, hopefully, MY MOTHER'S MONEY will serve as a starting point for many family discussions. However, each situation is so unique, that this book’s serving as a useful guide is not really a realistic goal. At a minimum, I wish that she had set out a plan for people in different financial tiers; clearly some can afford to consult professionals, but what about those who cannot? Notes and references represent slightly less than ten percent of the book and there is a Resource Guide (also about 10 percent) which is somewhat more structured and could be a useful workbook with relevant links, although even Pinsker says, that it “will not encompass everything you might need, especially if you encounter special circumstances.” Related texts (some covering more narrow aspects like Senior Housing) include Successfully Navigating Your Parents Senior Years, When Your Aging Parent Needs Help, Eldercare 101, and The Complete Eldercare Planner.

The Pursuit of Liberty by Jeffrey Rosen

THE PURSUIT OF LIBERTY by Jeffrey Rosen describes “How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America.”  Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center and Professor of Law at The George Washington University Law School, has written numerous books about democracy and the Supreme Court (such as Conversations with RBG). In his latest, he explores close to 250 years of United States history to show the impact of the fundamental debate over the role of the federal government between Jefferson and Hamilton. The text which utilizes ten chronological chapters and a conclusion based on the present day is quite scholarly and assumes a strong knowledge of American history and its players. Full of details, this work is somewhat reminiscent of Richard Hofstadter’s dense commentary on American history which was often assigned as undergraduate reading fifty years ago. For those who are interested in learning more, Rosen will be speaking via Zoom on Monday, November 10 in a program sponsored by Family Action Network: more details here.