What we're reading and loving lately

I started 2020 with a book column and asked what you all were reading and loving lately. I heard from several of you. Margo Lambert emailed me, recommending several, listed here with in order: "Where the Crawdads Sing," by Delia Owens — "Definitely," she says. Lots of readers around here, me included, agree with her. "This Is How It Always Is," by Laurie Frankel. "The Blue Clay Pot," by my friend and local author Robin Martinez-Rice (you see this, Robin? Certainly you've heard about it — tell me who told you!). "The Island of Sea Women," by Lisa See. "Lilac Girls," by Martha Hall Kelly. "All the Light We Cannot See," by Anthony Doerr (I adored this). Elena Ferrante's four novels in her "Neapolitan Series." "Bel Canto," by Ann Patchett — I listened to this wonderful novel and was charmed, astonished, enamored. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian," by Sherman Alexie — I keep being drawn to it because it always pops up during Banned Book week, but I keep being frustrated because I can't understand why it's banned. Yes, yes, I'm a senior citizen, but I'm just like everybody else. "Running with Scissors," by Augusten Burroughs. "Small Great Things," by Jodi Picoult. Liza Wright writes, "I wanted to tell you that I also read 'Where the Crawdads Sing' and loved it! The book I'm currently reading is called 'I Am Pilgrim: A Thriller,' by Terry Hayes. It's a New York Times bestseller. I hope you get this title in your future reading list because I'm so deeply engrossed in this book and highly recommend it!" Deeply engrossed, huh? Uh-oh. That's unnerving. Also attractive. I wonder if Liza is finished yet, or if she could force herself to slow down. From Lois Williams: "I'm glad you're reading 'The Library Book.' It was one of my favorites this past year (and a selection at Auburn Library book club). And don't worry, the heartbreak you may experience from reading about destroyed books is cushioned by the stories of love, resiliency and dedication of decades of the Los Angeles Library staff and fans. A beautiful story, and fascinating history. I think it would make a wonderful movie. "I remember the fire, watching the shocking news on my little kitchen TV as I cooked dinner for my young family. I was surprised that only one or two others at Library book club remembered the event, not even the members from Southern California! It could partly be because Chernobyl was stealing the headlines, who knows?" I've barely started that book. I don't think I'm ready yet. It makes me nervous, even with all the encouragement I get from people who have read and loved it. Silver Screen regular Mona Anderson sent several titles, not at all unusual for this woman who investigates and researches and hunts and wonders. These titles include "Six by Ten: Stories from Solitary," by Taylor Pendergrass and Mateo Hoke, "If I Should Die Before I Live: Meditations for Seniors," by Richard R. Smyth, "The Aging of Aquarius: Igniting Purpose and Passion as an Elder," by Helen Wilkes and Judith Plant, and "When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give Up," by Jamie Janosz. While I know I misplaced the titles Bob Haydon recommends, he re-recommended two wonderful titles: The favorite title of the moment, "Where the Crawdads Sing," and "Peace Like a River," by Leif Enger. I've written about this in previous columns. When I was working, the book came into the office and sailed quickly from person to person with enthusiasm and admiration. I loved it. At the Auburn Library, I was attracted to a father and daughter inspecting books in the children's department. This was David Ventura and Norah, 5, and David was loaded down with books Norah requested. These included her favorite subject, Harry Potter: "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," by none other than J.K. Rowling. Also in that pile lived books about Martin Luther King and artist Frida Kahlo. David said Nora was in the middle of a series called "Little People, Big Dreams," and that her favorite hero is Amelia Earhart. Wow, I thought. A girl with a family who encourages her to learn about heroes, both male and female. How exciting. Now — you know I'm involved with AAUW and am continuing to promote our Trivia Bee (March 28, tickets at Roper's Jewelers, Sun River Clothing and auburn-ca.aauw.net). The focus this year is HerStory, because we're celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment insuring women's right to vote. And included in the HerStory logo is Frida Kahlo, a woman Norah will be learning about. So I treated David and his family to a Bee ticket. They get to see 20 teams — including the one I'm on — compete against each other and have a good time, and cheer for their favorite team. And Norah gets to be around people who, like her parents and her, are interested in energetic, enthusiastic, revolutionary women. She also likes books. And of course, she's not alone. So … now it's your turn. What are you reading and loving lately? Email me at the address below. Susan Rushton's opinion column appears regularly in the Auburn Journal. Her email address is goldcountrydenizens@gmail.com.