Bear by Julia Phillips

Kirkus says, "A bold and brilliant modern fable of sisterhood, class, and our relationship to the natural world."

I loved this book, even though it was a little slow at times.  The climax was shocking and the message deep.  I love this author, now having read both of her books. She is deep, lyrical, and draws you into her stories with real connections to her characters and their feelings.

The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird

This was interesting but not as compelling as a review I had read.  I was not aware of these divorce ranches in Nevada in the 50's, where a woman could spend 6 weeks and get an "instant divorce" by establishing that residency in the state. Of course, this was frowned up and the reasons for the divorce were often very compelling (spousal abuse, cheating, impotence, etc.)

The main character, Lois, receives her father's permission (but not his sanction) to divorce her husband after an unhappy 4-year marriage.  The reader doesn't really learn much about the marriage, which to me was confusing, but I think it was the author's way to assert that it may not matter: a woman should not stay married if she is not happy.  Lawrence did not beat her; but Lois was not fulfilled in the marriage, and she really didn't want children either. He did.

Anyway, Lois meets an interesting and mysterious character at the ranch, Greer.  Everyone supposes she is famous or is married to someone famous.  She is somewhat of an enigma to them all.  Lois is drawn to her, and she to Lois.  But things are not what they seem.

The ending was rather flat to me.  Did I miss something here?

 

Martyr by Kaveh Akbar

It took me awhile to finish this book and at one point, I was not sure I would.  Thank God I stayed with it. I think this is the best book I read this year.  It's not an easy book to read - at least it was not for me - but it was so full of ideas and truths and things that stimulated my thinking. Those kinds of books stay with you for a long time.  This review from NPR resonated with me.  This is a book that I could read again and get even more from. But I know I won't because my TBR list is way too long.