a fever in the heartland, by timothy egan (i loved a previous book of his - the worst hard time - about the dust bowl - it was amazing narrative nonfiction and this newest book did not disappoint. it's about the rise of the KKK in indiana in the 1920s, an abusive klan leader, and a woman who (as the subtitle tells us) was able to stop the klan. i listened to the audiobook of this, which the author reads well, and was fascinated by the characters and the portrayal of 1920s america. highly recommend if you have an interest in american history.)
amazing grace adams, by fran littlewood (this was a read with jenna book club pick, and i really liked it - would be a great claire beach read. a claire beach read is something that doesn't rot your brain but is relatively easy to get through, is entertaining, and moves quickly. this is the story of a woman in her 40s who is trying to get a birthday cake to her somewhat-estranged daughter on the daughter's 16th birthday. i laughed. i was touched. i recommend this!)
american sirens, by kevin hazzard ( this is another audiobook and is the book i'll be leading a book club on with faculty at school this year. did you know that the first professional paramedic crew in the united states was all-black and in pittsburgh? this nonfiction is absolutely worth a read, both to learn more about emergency medicine and to learn more about this fantastic story. definitely recommend! audiobook is well-narrated.)
one good turn, by kate atkinson (this is the second book in the jackson brodie mystery series, and i was into it. will be reading the third! this book is fast-moving and not terribly taxing on the brain, with likable and quirky main characters.)
