The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson

THE QUEEN OF WISHFUL THINKING by Milly Johnson is a feel-good novel about friendship, resilience, and the antique trade. Bonnie Brookland is a young woman who has lost her father, her faithful dog, and her independence. She’s trapped in a loveless marriage and a thankless job. Things change, however, as she dares to take a risk and apply for a position at The Pot of Gold, a newer antique store run by Lewis Harley. He is already pursuing a second chance at life after suffering a heart attack. They gradually come to depend on each other and share stories about their lives and relationships. Both of their spouses (Stephen and Charlotte) are controlling and deceitful, but readers will not be surprised that all works out in the end as they follow the advice of Bonnie’s mother: “First wish it. Then think of yourself doing it. Then do it.” I was surprised to learn that this is the author’s twenty-second novel, although it certainly fits with her publisher’s characterization of her writing as “highlight[ing] the importance of community spirit and the magic of kindness” – something we all need these days. THE QUEEN OF WISHFUL THINKING is an upbeat book as the characters grow and discover “the greater your storm, the brighter your rainbow.” A series of book group discussion questions are included.

ALA and RUSA award lists and more ...

It is that time of year so here are some wonderful links for even more reading choices ...

ALA Youth awards:
https://www.ala.org/news/2026/01/american-library-association-announces-2026-youth-media-award-winners   Plenty of choices for young people in our lives AND the ALEX awards are adult books suitable for teens. 

 

Notable Fiction

https://rusaupdate.org/2026/01/2026-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/ 

The ten fiction choices from that list are shown here with their covers:

https://pcin.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/1612157240/2946217557

 

Listen List … Includes The Correspondent, Mailman, and The Names

https://rusaupdate.org/2026/01/2026-rusa-listen-list-revealed/

 

And Ron Charles, The Washington Post book reviewer, just shared his readers' favorite humorous books ... we all need a smile or a laugh ...  

·       Jeeves & Wooster series, by P.G. Wodehouse

·       “A Confederacy of Dunces,” by John Kennedy Toole

·       “Straight Man,” by Richard Russo

·       “Dear Committee Members,” by Julie Schumacher

·       “Lucky Jim,” by Kingsley Amis

·       “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” by Helen Fielding

·       “I See You’ve Called in Dead,” by John Kenney

·       “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir,” by Jenny Lawson

·       “Squeeze Me,” by Carl Hiaasen

·       “Lamb,” by Christopher Moore

 

And see A Year-by-Year Look at 4-Star, Beloved Books of the New Century, published on GoodReads: 
https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/3040-a-year-by-year-look-at-4-star-beloved-books-of-the-new-century 

The Other Side of Change by Maya Shankar

THE OTHER SIDE OF CHANGE by Maya Shankar is about “Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans.” Shankar is a cognitive scientist and neuroscience expert who describes the life altering changes faced by guests on her podcast. She notes that the book is “part narrative, and part practical guide, rooted in the latest scientific research.” Her first example (“Locked In”) involves Olivia Lewis who becomes paralyzed; it is reminiscent (as Shankar also notes) of events which impacted Jean-Dominique Bauby, author of Diving Bell and the Butterfly, as well as of Allison Pataki’s Beauty in the Broken Places about her husband’s unexpected health scare. Shankar notes how these individuals must confront what they have lost and then “experience an internal transformation that allows them to imagine new and freeing possibilities for themselves.” She also “shows how that sense of possibility can ripple outward” and includes an Appendix titled “Getting to the other side of Change: Your Change Survival Kit” where she summarizes key concepts (e.g., self-identity) from each chapter. Her bibliographic notes and references comprise an additional ten percent or so of the text. Shankar does an excellent job of weaving examples and research, but this is based on numerous conversations, sometimes covering years. I wonder how well a person in the midst of devastating change would be able to comprehend, digest, and implement (without professional guidance) the ideas from this book. THE OTHER SIDE OF CHANGE received a starred review from Booklist.

On a related note, I recently attended a conversation between Kelly Corrigan and Jennifer Breheny Wallace about Wallace's new book titled MATTERING. The event was sponsored by Family Action Network and a recording is available:

According to the publisher: Wallace argues that mattering—the feeling that we are valued and have the chance to add value—is a core human need, as essential to our well-being as food and water. ... MATTERING shows how lives are transformed when we are reminded, in small but intentional ways, that we are seen, valued, and needed. Wallace identifies the essential components of what she calls a “mattering core”: recognizing your impact, being relied on (but not too much), feeling prioritized, and being truly known and invested in. ... Wallace shows how to strengthen our own sense of mattering—and how to build cultures of mattering in our homes, workplaces, and communities—at a moment when it has never been more urgent.

The New Geography if Innovation by Mehran Gul

Named a Financial Times Best Book of the Year for 2025 and one of Forbes’ Best Business Books of 2025, THE NEW GEOGRAPHY OF INNOVATION by Mehran Gul was just published in the US. Gul writes about “The Global Contest for Breakthrough Technologies” by sharing anecdotes from eight countries across three regions: China, Singapore, and South Korea in Asia; Switzerland, Germany, and United Kingdom (London) in Europe; and Canada and Silicon Valley in North America. He bases his comments on extensive interviews with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other researchers.  Gul’s emphasis on cultural and historic factors is particularly interesting and informative. Although he does not appear to argue for specific policies or an overarching theory, he does point to trends like increased efforts to bring products to market more quickly and, according to the Asian Review of Books, to “the various components necessary for large-scale, ongoing technical innovation: a government providing public goods like education and infrastructure, functioning capital markets, investors with a tolerance for failure, a culture that encourages start-ups, openness to immigration, and enough consumers to scale up.” The Wall Street Journal concludes its review by noting that THE NEW GEOGRAPHY OF INNOVATION is “a thoughtful discussion of how economic geography is changing. If you’re concerned that the U.S. is losing its capacity for innovation, Mr. Gul suggests, you shouldn’t worry. But if you’re concerned about maintaining U.S. technological dominance, maybe you should.”  This is an accessible read with a global perspective. 

Massively Better Healthcare by Halle Tecco

MASSIVELY BETTER HEALTHCARE by Halle Tecco is self-described as “The Innovator's Guide to Tackling Healthcare's Biggest Challenges.” Tecco, the founder of the venture fund Rock Health and an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, has been a healthcare innovator herself, supporting and investing in numerous digital health companies. Her text is well-written and accessible and delivered in a logical manner. She begins with a section that describes US Healthcare, its costs and availability relative to other countries around the world, as well as describing the numerous stakeholders. This provides a strong basis for subsequent sections which deal with pathways to innovation and a checklist for evaluating new opportunities, and the four big lessons (“Work from the inside out, not the outside in; Align the margin and the mission; Be a good steward of health data; and Invest in evidence”) that she has learned from others in the field. Throughout, Tecco provides facts (“If the US healthcare system were a country, it would be the fourth-largest economy in the world.”), her own experiences (pricing for a prescription dermatological cream that went from $275 to $25 thanks to a pharmacist’s intervention), and tons of case studies (see graphic here).  Although MASSIVELY BETTER HEALTHCARE focuses on a particular sector, much of her framework could apply to innovators in other businesses.

Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

To be published in early March, LAKE EFFECT by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney is a multi-generational story with a Rochester, New York setting. I loved the many local references like Sibley’s or McCurdy’s department stores and several restaurants as well as the Lilac Festival. With a story that focuses mainly on the last third of the twentieth century, D'Aprix Sweeney also subtly weaves in historical details like Mr. Bubble (loved that!), Lollypop Farm, and the new concept of personal computers and the “undo” button for mistakes. She writes about cooking, Weight Watchers, divorce, Xerox corporate strategy, growth of supermarket chains, the AIDS epidemic and much more… all against a framework of two intertwined middle-class families, the Larkins and the Finnegans. I could readily picture them going to church on Sunday, socializing, and raising children in a close-knit town where so many folks worked for Kodak or Xerox (like Sam Larkin). Finn Finnegan pursues the family business, updating and expanding the local grocery chain (shades of Wegman’s?). But both their marriages are unhappy and changes impact them, their spouses (Nina and Honey), and their high school age children, Clara and Bridey (Bridgid) Larkin and Dune and Fern Finnegan. Subsequent events track the life choices of that younger generation (particularly the relationships between mothers and daughters), with a poignant ending. Overall, I would recommend this novel, but caution readers that there are some explicit scenes, including the rape of a fifteen-year-old girl. LAKE EFFECT received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus (“An inviting family drama with the warmth, interest, and edge readers love in Sweeney’s work.”), and Library Journal. Marin Ireland performs well as the audiobook narrator. 

Parenting Anxiety by Meredith Elkins

PARENTING ANXIETY by Meredith Elkins is about “Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids.” Elkins, a clinical psychologist, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and the co-program director at the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program (MAMP) at McLean Hospital, is well-regarded in her field. She draws on her work and education as well as her personal experience as a parent. Elkins appeared recently at a FAN (Family Action Network) session where she was interviewed for an hour by a local school superintendent. There, she repeatedly pointed to the idea that well-intentioned attempts to “protect” children can instead foster an environment where anxiety is allowed to thrive. As in her book, she encouraged parents and educators to approach, rather that avoid, uncomfortableness. Other chapters explore concepts such as Overparenting, Exposure Therapy, and “Finding Your Way.” At the end of each chapter is a helpful set of bullet points “to take home with you.” Over the years, we have commented on numerous books dealing with anxiety, particularly as relates to teens, although Elkins’ work applies to children of all ages. A glossary, list of resources, and notes make up over ten percent of PARENTING ANXIETY and there is also a lengthy appendix which covers “Decoding Diagnoses.”

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

THIS BOOK MADE ME THINK OF YOU by Libby Page came to my attention because of being a LibraryReads pick for February and I am SO glad it did. In contention for my favorite book of the year, the heartwarming story centers on Matilda (Tilly) Nightingale whose husband, Joe, has recently died. While battling a fatal diagnosis, Joe arranged with the local bookstore owner, Alfie, to give Tilly a book a month after his death. Each title prompts Tilly to take a step forward and, to me, Libby Page was “spot on” in her characterization of the feelings of grief and loss: “There's a darkness to her that wasn't there before, that sometimes feels like a fog and others like a stone lodged in her chest. She carries the darkness with her everywhere, all the time, even if on the surface she might look the same as before.” A new friend who is further along in her grief journey says, “My grief is un regalo -- a gift. He gave it to me. it is our memories. Our love. I don't want to put it down. I carry it gently.” Described as a “love letter to bookstores,” THIS BOOK MADE ME THINK OF YOU is truly a joy to read, featuring friendship, sisterhood, a sense of wonder, romance, and, importantly, growth by several characters. Plus, it reinforces the power of reading to transform us (“‘But isn't that one of the great things about fiction?’ he says. ‘It's an escape. Somewhere to go when you don't want to be where you are.’”) and this story is full of ideas for other books to read, including monthly themes and recommendations from Alfie’s bookstore.

THIS BOOK MADE ME THINK OF YOU received starred reviews from Kirkus (“The perfect cozy read for book lovers, sure to break and heal hearts.”), Library Journal (“Readers of all kinds will be captivated by this tender exploration of loss, healing, and the enduring connections that books create”), and Publishers Weekly (“Page crafts a taut plot and makes her characters achingly real”). ENJOY!!

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

ANATOMY OF AN ALIBI by Ashley Elston (First Lie Wins) is a VERY twisty tale that is a LibraryReads selection for January. This is a very fast, but also complicated, read with jumps in both perspective and timeline. And then there are the secrets, the lies, and the pretending by various people to be someone they aren’t. Set in Louisiana, the main characters include Camille Bayliss who comes from a well-connected family; her lawyer husband Ben; her brother and sister-in-law, Silas and Margaret Everett; Ben’s law partner; local law enforcement; and Aubrey Price, a local bartender whose parents were killed many years ago in a hit and run accident; plus Aubrey’s housemates (some with criminal associations). Of course, there’s a murder and then there’s “… the tricky part. It's not just the anatomy of an alibi: having someone vouch you were somewhere else when the crime was committed, but it's the psychology of it: that someone is believable.” In her acknowledgments, Ashley Elston says this book was her hardest one to write. Readers will truly appreciate her efforts as they experience the suspense and try to unravel clues. Enjoy!  

Was That Racist? by Evelyn R. Carter

WAS THAT RACIST? by Evelyn R. Carter describes in detail “How to Detect, Interrupt, and Unlearn Bias in Everyday Life.” Carter is a social psychologist, author of cutting-edge research, and a consultant on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.  Her text is relatively short, but powerful, with chapters that discuss topics like how racial bias can be subtle or the magnitude of White privilege. She objectively defines terms like systemic racism or bystander effect and offers relatable examples as when she talks about comments from her own healthcare provider. One of her strongest positions is that “to stop biased behavior, you must call out the person responsible for the behavior” and she devotes another chapter to various means (e.g., public declarations) for calling out bias. Yet another chapter explores ways in which children learn bias and how and when they discover race and racism, again with some memorable personal anecdotes. Resources listed in that chapter are valuable, too: EmbraceRace; social justice books for teens; We Need Diverse Books; and PBS Kids for parents. Near the end, Carter acknowledges the current difficult situation and references Dr. King’s famous speech: “We shall overcome ... because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Her call to action is blunt and hopeful: “If we collectively take responsibility for calling out bias -- questioning how our families, workplaces, and communities can improve, and actively working toward that vision -- change will follow.” WAS THAT RACIST? is thoroughly researched and notes comprise approximately twenty percent of the text. 

The Cradle of Citizenship by James Traub

THE CRADLE OF CITIZENSHIP by James Traub is subtitled “How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy” and Traub spent over a year visiting schools around the country. He rightly notes that “we no longer have common criteria for truth” and “we have very few civic levers other that school left to pull.” In general, however, I honestly found the arguments in this text difficult to interpret. Traub has a view, but he buries it in so much talk about standards and classroom experience that it was difficult for me (a former teacher) to summarize. I did find it interesting that the Wall Street Journal (strong pro-charter school stance) published both an excerpt (promoting classical education) and a review by Meghan Cox Gurdon. She seems to believe that Traub was too progressive in his approach, but I found him to be negative towards standards and teaching pedagogy. It is disquieting to think about the divergence (both in content knowledge and methodology) between teachers from different generations and the likely impact on students. Although I had hoped to purchase THE CRADLE OF CITIZENSHIP and to encourage our Social Studies Department teachers to read this text, I am hesitant to do so after struggling with the preview. Traub did make me think and he encouraged me to look at the bipartisan effort named Educating for American Democracy and their Roadmap. He clearly cares about America and its citizens.

Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

DETOUR by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart (The Warehouse) is about a space mission to Titan, one of the moons near Saturn. There are six astronauts who travel together for two years: family man and cop Ryan Crane; artist and lottery winner Stitch Smith, scientist Padma Singh (whose ex-boyfriend Brett also works for NASA), and three astronauts who all have personal issues to deal with: Mike Seaver (an alcoholic), Della Jameson (mother of twins, but separated from her husband), and Alonso Cardona (closeted bisexual). It already strains credibility to think that NASA would agree to send a crew with three relatively inexperienced and untrained civilians, but using limited payload to send wine and beer into space? There are many more questions that arise, particularly when the crew eventually returns to Earth. That is where the writing really takes off (almost like the first half of the book, including the space flight, was just introducing characters, including a rich businessman and possibly corrupt politician, John Ward). The story is told from different perspectives and locations so there is quite a bit to track. I also admit that I missed where the publisher described DETOUR as “the FIRST book of this emotional, mind-bending thriller series.” I agree that it is mind-bending, but I was disappointed in the abruptness of the ending and having to wait for a sequel. 

The Last Letters of Sally and Walter

THE LAST LETTERS OF SALLY AND WALTER by Cammie McGovern is a charming but very sad novel about two older people who find a connection through Scrabble (offering much wordplay and many new vocabulary words along the way). Walter and Sally live in an independent living facility named Golden Grove where everyone “is superficially friendly and no one is really friends.” They, however, gradually form a deep friendship where each can be vulnerable enough to share their personal stories and concerns. McGovern’s previous works for middle grade students and young adults all featured characters with disabilities. In her latest, Sally has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and learns to cope with its limitations while Walter also has a health setback. Despite these circumstances, there is hope woven throughout this book, as when Walter notes,  “These are the facts of our lives now. We both have our younger selves sitting inside of us, horrified by these developments, but I'm hoping we also have the wisdom of age. We are not defined by the limitations our bodies have imposed on us.” Both Walter and Sally experience emotional distance from and somewhat difficult relationships with their adult children who, in turn, are dealing with their own stressors related to work and family life. THE LAST LETTERS OF SALLY AND WALTER provides a unique window into a crucial time of life as when Sally gently points out, “the hardest part of aging … wasn’t the battle to retain your abilities, it was the absence of a chance to develop new ones.” This poignant novel will have readers reflecting about their own relatives and life choices. Scheduled to be Published April 7, 2026.

Best Laid Plans by Sarah Hart-Unger

BEST LAID PLANS by Sarah Hart-Unger offers “A Simple Planning System for Living a Life That You Love.” Hart-Unger is a pediatric endocrinologist and podcaster (Best Laid Plans) and seems to be a very high energy person with tons of enthusiasm, particularly regarding time management (“more proactivity means less reactivity”). She begins by suggesting three fundamental tools: an accurate and complete calendar system, nested goal-making, and airtight task management. Those comments (developed in subsequent chapters) are all very helpful and rather inspiring. I would like to see a print copy of this book to get a sense of whether there are diagrams, charts, and/or bullet point summaries, all of which I think could be beneficial. I also wonder to what extent follow-through could be an issue as this process definitely seemed like something to share with a friend (Hart-Unger encourages planning with others) so that you could try to hold each other accountable. One advantage which the author has - and may not fully appreciate in the planning context - is that she works three days a week as a doctor and has two other weekdays to pursue her business and creative interests. Having control over one’s schedule, along with big blocks of time to devote to specific tasks, would lead to a sense of accomplishment, further reinforcing the planning habit. Hart-Unger is wise enough to realize that we can all feel overwhelmed and devotes a chapter to feeling stuck, “Burnout, Overload, Big Project Intimidation, and Procrastination;” another chapter focuses on challenges (e.g., learning curve, perfectionism, and time sucks). These are followed by a final chapter filled with examples of the specifics used by a variety of “peaceful planners.” BEST LAID PLANS has ideas for everyone from truly disorganized to the frequent list-maker. I hope she sets a goal to adapt (further simplify) her text for high school and/or college students – they could benefit from practicing and establishing these habits early in life.

May Contain Murder by Orlando Murrin

MAY CONTAIN MURDER by Orlando Murrin is a locked room murder of sorts, set aboard a large yacht travelling across the Atlantic Ocean. A theft, a suspicious death and plenty of tension between the passengers contribute to an intriguing puzzle for Paul Delamare. He is a food writer and sometimes chef who is onboard to help his friend, Lady Hardcastle, write her memoirs. It seems there could be some blackmail and fraud involved, too, so readers will need to decide if each person – crew members included – are who they seem to be and whether Paul should be trusting the people he chooses. After all, “The yacht's countless mirrors … are one-way, and the intricate paneling that lines its corridors studded with spyholes and listening devices.” Plenty of opportunity for second-guessing and a little tarot reading thrown in for added fun. Recommended for fans of Nita Prose (The Maid), Benjamin Stevenson (Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone), and Jessa Maxwell (The Golden Spoon), MAY CONTAIN MURDER is the second book (after Knife Skills for Beginners) in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Several recipes are included.

Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

MEET THE NEWMANS by Jennifer Niven is an adult debut for the author of some truly memorable young adult titles like All the Bright Places or Holding Up the Universe or, more recently, Breathless. Like her earlier work, this newest title probes feelings and emotions as the main characters struggle to define their own identities. In MEET THE NEWMANS it is 1964, and Del and Dinah along with their two sons, Guy (the steady, older one) and Shep (the rebellious and very popular musician) have been America’s TV family for well over a decade. Recently, though they are falling behind shows like “Flipper, Lassie, and My Favorite Martian.” The country, too, is rapidly changing, and these family members are very unhappy behind the scenes (“when you grew up in front of thirty million people, it was hard to have and keep something of your own.”). A serious accident sidelines Del who has been the leader while writing scripts and negotiating with the network and sponsors. The need to keep the show going and afloat prompts Dinah (having recently read The Feminine Mystique) to start writing and to change her character’s attitudes and actions. Guy wants to develop directing abilities and strives to acknowledge a relationship with a fellow actor while “bad boy” Shep (only 17) acts out. Although a bit slow at spots, MEET THE NEWMANS is an interesting look back at a time of transition for the country, the influential role of network television (The Dick Van Dyke Show ran That’s My Boy? Episode in 1963), and impact on the roles within a family. 

The Storm by Rachel Hawkins

THE STORM by Rachel Hawkins is full of suspense as the best-selling author uses multiple viewpoints to share events that takes place over several decades. A central theme is the physical and emotional damage which hurricanes can leave behind. In 1984, Landon Fitzroy, considered an heir apparent in Alabama politics, died during Hurricane Marie. His teenage mistress, Lo Bailey, was acquitted of the murder, but returns 40 years later with a young author, August Fletcher, to write a book about her experiences. Another strong storm starts brewing during their stay where the innkeeper of the Rosalie Inn, Geneva Corliss, is their hostess. Geneva also has a box which her Mom (Ellen, now residing at a memory care unit) filled with old clippings about the 1984 storm. So, what, if anything, is the connection? Slowly, Hawkins brings these pieces of a puzzle and the consequences of another fictional hurricane together. There is quite a bit for readers to track and they will likely be surprised by some of the twists. The audiobook of THE STORM is narrated by a cast of characters, providing a creative way of differentiating who is speaking and when. Library Journal said that readers will enjoy this “fast-paced, atmospheric suspense novel” which is a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for January. 

Eat Your Ice Cream by Ezekiel J. Emanuel

EAT YOUR ICE CREAM by Ezekiel J. Emanuel offers “Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life.” Emanuel, a bioethicist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, focuses on avoiding self-destructive risks; developing and valuing relationships; staying sharp mentally; eating in a healthy manner; exercising (including grip strength and yoga); and sleeping well. Those categories are probably not a surprise to anyone who picks up this text, although specific findings of the many studies he cites might be. What is refreshing is Emanuel’s encouragement to do one’s best which is not always the best, as he freely admits by including several self-deprecating anecdotes. He further states, “Our goal should not be to “outlive” as many people as possible. Instead, the goal should be to live a healthy and fulfilling life” and hence his emphasis on the “more important” social and psychological components as well as physical ones. Emanual touches on topics like the importance of willpower, lifestyles in the Blue Zones, and “intentionally trying new things that use different mental functions.” These could include trying new recipes or writing an autobiography for your grandchildren. He writes, “My suggestion is to be like Ben Franklin. Ask yourself: what can I do that will be useful, engaging, mind expanding, and helpful to the lives of others?” Hopefully, the overlapping nature of these wellness aspects is becoming clearer, too. Interested? The Wall Street Journal recently published a short excerpt from EAT YOUR ICE CREAM. The text itself could benefit from some brief chapter summaries, but the research is significant; approximately twenty-five percent of the book is devoted to bibliographic notes and references.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

To be available on Tuesday, THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM by Laura Dave is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me and once again (it is five years later) Hannah and Bailey are forced to run to stay safe. This LibraryReads January 2026 Hall of Fame Selection is a very quick read … I had finished thirty percent in just one sitting … and the suspense and plot twists will keep readers engaged. Owen (Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father) and Nicholas (Bailey’s grandfather) play prominent roles with multiple timelines and perspectives adding to the tension and feeling of trepidation. Another excellent thriller from Laura Dave which will appeal to those who enjoyed Alias Emma, Going Zero, and First Lie Wins.

The Last Man by Thomas Goodman

Selected this month for our local book group, THE LAST MAN by Thomas Goodman has won the 2024 Will Rogers Medallion Award and the 2024 Western Writers of America Spur Award. While fictional, this is based on real events surrounding the Santa Claus Bank Robbery of 1927 in Cisco, Texas. As the publisher says, “One bandit dies in the getaway. One is executed in the electric chair. One swings from a rope in a mob lynching. The last man finds a life he always hoped for … if only he can keep it.” This is a fascinating look at attitudes towards crime and prisoners in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. In fact, during the 1920s, “an average of four banks were hit each day in Texas.” That resulted in massive awards ($5000 which is $85,000 today) for dead bank robbers and “not a penny” for the capture of a live one. And when the attempted robbery goes violently wrong, with the death of lawmen and kidnapping, emotions run high. Library Journal says, "A captivating and creatively told true-crime novel, perfect for patrons who enjoy stories where truth is stranger than fiction." I especially liked Goodman’s reflection on the individuals and factors that impact our life and on second chances. He writes about the role of our fathers (or father figures) and about how we can each be there for someone else, concluding “All their joys and sorrows were precious scenes woven together in a tapestry far larger than any one solitary life.”