Also August 2021: Normal People, by Sally Rooney

 I read this one alone - completely on audio in my car. I cannot remember how I stumbled across this book. It is a fiction, coming-of-age story that focuses on class differences, and what makes high schoolers "popular" or not, and how that translates to the rest of their lives (college & beyond). If that sounds like a big topic, hold on. This book had some quotable quotes, but it didn't treat the topic as well as it could have/should have.

Would I recommend this book? Hmm. Yes and no. Yes, because I felt emotional invested in the 2 main characters. I *wanted* to find out what would happen next. No, because the emotional circle between the 2 main characters went round & round, then round & round again (and again, you get the pix). At the end (no spoiler), the reader is left to imagine the 2 characters' future. Personally, I like endings that are wrapped up with a ribbon and bow. 

I was surprised when a bit of erotica entered the scene. (gasp) I'm not a "shades of gray" kind of reader, thus, it surprised me. I'm also not a prude, and so I'll be honest. The erotica was okay. Although some of it I could definitely have done without.

I give this 3 out of 5 stars. Three because I really was invested in the characters, and the bullying that occurs during high school brought me back in time to my own school days (we all have something, right?). But honestly, for a high schooler to feel totally unaffected by being left on the outside is unrealistic. With that, read it or don't. But don't read it if the 'f' word or a bit of erotica offends you, because this book has both. 

You'll Never Know Dear, by Hallie Ephron

Yes, L and I are on an Ephron roll (lol). This one has a title that's hard to relate to the story. Normally, the title tells you what to pay attention to. This one doesn't. 

This book says "A Suspense Novel" on the front. However, the author gives us too much information too soon. We both had the plot figured out, for the most part, about midway through the book. I feel that this book fits better into the YA genre. It was an easy read. It kept both L's and my interest. For me, however, I wanted to chop off the last 40-50 pages or so. By then, I was annoyed by the cluelessness of the characters. Listening to the book on tape, I actually shouted, "Oh, come on!" in my car at one point.

One major fault in the book is that there are 2 brothers mentioned early on, and then, poof, they're never mentioned again. Not even when there's any sort of emergency. And we thought, why have 2 brothers mentioned at all if they're not going to be a part of the story?

Btw, both of us normally "read" books both in print and on audio - going back & forth. Listening when driving or walking, and then reading actual print when in our easy chairs at home. It speeds up the process, and makes walking or driving alone a little more enjoyable.

Myself, I give this book about 2.5-3 stars (due to the unconnected title, too many giveaways on the plot way too early, and the missing brothers.). L might give it 3.5 or 4, I forgot to ask her. 

Siracusa: A Novel, by Delia Ephron

L and I liked this book, however, we found it hard to get into at first because it alternates between four main characters. L and I agreed that we have never found a book that alternates between that many characters' voices. Four is a lot. There are: Lizzie and Michael, and Taylor and Finn -- two couples who take a vacation together. It took about a third of the way into the book before their names and voices were solidified in my head. We say this, not to deter you from reading this book, rather to say: stick with it, keep reading, you'll be glad you did. And perhaps write yourself a post-it note that says: Lizzie & Michael...Taylor & Finn. 

Delia Ephron's use of language is something to behold. From setting the scene, to turns of phrases or metaphors that are fun and work wonderfully. Ephron is a master in foreshadowing. So slight, so soft, and yet...it's there.   

After reading Amy Ephron's book (A Cup of Tea) and now this one, L and I see the similarity in their writing to that of screenwriters, which their parents were. And Delia and Nora Ephron (RIP, Nora) did screenwriting for "big" movies (You've Got Mail & several others). It's a sort of stream-of-conscious way of writing, which is fine, just something to get used to.

There were a few instances of "verbal detours" (Ephon's own descriptor, that we are now borrowing). In one case, we hear about one of the character's mother, who hurt her ankle, and something about shopping for apples, and comparing yogurt for the fat content. Total nonsequitor. Total verbal detour that added nothing to the story line. 

The overall plot is interesting. Scenes in Italy were fun to read (I've been to Rome and other locales mentioned). The intricacies of coupledom as well as parenting are included, as well as some mystery and psychology.

Both L and I recommend this book...thumbs up!

A Cup of Tea, by Amy Ephron

 "L" and I liked this one, though the opening sentences of the the first chapter don't reach out and grab the reader. Set in January 1917, the first sentence is: "A young woman stood under a street lamp." -- Not exactly on par with "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." But hey, the Ephron sisters are known for screenwriting, so one takes that into account...keep reading. The first short paragraph ends with: "It was dusk. A light rain was falling." -- Again, this is not flowery writing. We're given "the scene." 

This book is small, literally, as in, it measures 5" x 7" -- not the normal 6x9 size to which we're accustomed. And at this small size, with a total of 200 pages, and lots of white space, this was a quick read, which was nice.

The setting is during World War 1, which is interesting,. My grandfather/"L's" father served in WW1. Not enough of us read about that war, or at least I don't. We've read (and continue to read) tons about World War 2. And yet, it was during WW1 when the influenza pandemic gripped the world. A pandemic that seems largely forgotten - or at least not discussed - in America. My grandfather came down with the influenza while at a military camp stateside. And yet I hadn't heard this fact until I was in my 50s (yes, I'm still in my 50s now, so it wasn't too long ago).

If you're looking for a book with some romance, with some quandaries about "duty" to family and country, as well as some scene-setting that's smack in the middle of WW1, you'd like this book.