BOARD: Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

▽TOPIC: There’s a quote I read somewhere that says,“We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.” It reminds me of the humans and aliens in this book. How does their communication and behavior towards one another show who/how they are?

NAOMI: Oh, I love this quote! You come up with and find the best discussion questions, Susette. I was fascinated by the communication aspect of the novel.

LISA: Right? The assumptions that the government entities made about the aliens’ communication style both early and later were great depictions about how humans in power like to assume the worst out of anyone different than the their norm.

T’RELL: And automatically put them in captivity.

CHESTER: Real. I was low-key angry while reading this book. Right on to Ampersand for holding onto his power and only letting Cora be his interpreter instead of enabling the technology.

MAXINE: That whole relationship between Cora and Ampersand… kind of had me feeling a little uncomfortable at times?

LISA: Definitely, Maxine.

NAOMI: Realistic, though, too. Very… well, alien-like, right?

SUSETTE: Yes! That’s what I was thinking, Naomi. Each species was trying to relate to the other in the ways they knew how according to their own species cultures and individual cultures.

LISA: That complexity was really well done.

CHESTER: The 2000’s Bush years, T’Rell. What music?

T’RELL: The author has a playlist! All authors should share those, btw. I’ve been jammin’ out to “Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drum” by A Perfect Circle

CHESTER: Searching for it now.

(J. Marie’s extra notes: great book that is the first in a trilogy. I loved it for the complex alien society, the art and science of communication, and the complex character relationships.)

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

What I loved about it:a look inside Lipan Apache culture, an alternate universe (same Earth, but supernatural beings exist without question), realistic fantasy, asexual rep, strong family and friendship relationships

Secrets of the Blue Moon by Jan Heidrich-Rice

What I loved about it:ghosts without it being a "scary" book, a protagonist who knew her own mind and what she wanted, mystery

BOARD: The Great Divide by Christina Henríquez

▽TOPIC: Discussion Question 1: The title obviously refers to the Panama Canal itself, since the novel takes place during the canal’s creation. Do we think it references more than just the canal?

GRANT: I just want to say from the outset that I really dug this time and setting for this novel.

CHESTER: I see what you did there with “dug.”

GRANT: blushes I didn’t even realize I did that, but also, as much as the author did to describe what digging out so much land to create a canal would look like, I still have a hard time fathoming it, especially back in 1907.

MAXINE: Me too! I just keep wondering, “HOW?” Do you remember when we were kids and used to build sand castles and tried making moats and stuff?

SUSETTE: Yes! That was hard enough then with small amounts of slippery sand. Imagine what it was like with mountains of it! I loved Omar’s co-workers in the big pit, btw. So optimistic and so much camradery. Wait, cameradery? No. Camaraderie! (Thank you spell-check.)

NAOMI: I loved the inclusion of Omar, too, because did you know that hardly any Panamanians participated in the construction of the canal?

GRANT: And there’s an answer to our discussion question, right? The divide between the U.S., who led the whole thing and the people who actually lived there.

LISA: I really appreciated reading about the multiple perspectives we got from people that history hasn’t given much thought. That whole canal enterprise was a really f*cked up situation, if you ask me.

CHESTER: for real

NAOMI: But also? Henríquez also showed us so much hope, too. I love how she gives us both the lows and the highs.

BOARD: Salt Houses by Hala Alyan

▽TOPIC: Discussion Question 1: Who’s story is this? Is there a main character?

NAOMI: Maybe no one particular character? It reads as a family saga, right?

SUSETTE: Oh, definitely. We got to see snapshots of great grandparent down to great grandchild. And I loved seeing the great grandchildren, especially how they were like their parents and grandparents.

CHESTER: And the through-line of strong, rebellious women was cool to see. We mostly saw the story through the eyes of the women, even though there were a few male-POV chapters.

LISA: That through-line is why I think it was all about Alia. I think she was really affected by living as an ex-pat.

TYRELL: It was a cool way to tell a story, through the eyes of characters directly and indirectly affected by key events affecting them as Palestinian at their core. 

SUSETTE: Touchpoints.

TYRELL: Yeah, that. Thanks for the more accurate word, Susette!

SUSETTE: blushes well, I didn’t come up with it. I saw it in the reader discussion guide.

GRANT: You gave it to us here, though, Susette, which is what this group is all about.

MAXINE: I’m just grateful there was no violence like that last book we read.

CHESTER: That one was Lisa’s pick, wasn’t it?

LISA: Which you enthusiastically endorsed, Chester.

NAOMI:  Tosses everyone some Now&Laters before Lisa and Chester have a shouting match

TYRELL: Anyone want to trade for their banana flavor?

BOARD: WE COULD BE SO GOOD by Cat Sebastian

▽TOPIC: Discussion Question 1: Predict Lisa’s reaction about having had to read a romance novel for our book club.

LISA: Is this a real discussion question?

MAXINE: Oh, I can’t wait to see what Chester says. For my part, I think she’ll rant about how if we were going to read a romance, why couldn’t it be about two women instead of two men?

LISA: I mean, maybe.

TYRELL: Excellent point, Maxine. If Lisa can stomach another romance, then we should definitely read a f-f one.

SUSETTE: I’ll admit that romance novels aren’t really my thing, but this one was sweet, and that’s why I think Lisa won’t have liked it. I definitely loved the historical aspect to it of newspaper reporters. It was a cool angle on an historical novel.

LISA: Wait, are you telling me I’m not sweet? Rude.

CHESTER: But accurate?

LISA: No comment.

MAXINE: I LOVED this book, Lisa. It has a cinnamon roll hero! Why did you hate it?

LISA: WTF, Maxine. When did I say I hated it? Also, wtf is a cinnamon roll hero?

CHESTER: I have to say, I would normally roast Lisa on this one, but aside from the rich white privilege character, this book had a lot going for it that she’d appreciate. Real issues facing gay men in the 1950s and great family dynamics.

TYRELL: Whoa, what just happened here?

NAOMI: Right? Chester, are YOU a cinnamon roll hero?

LISA: Chester is definitely not a hero, here.

NAOMI: Y’all, the flowers. That was one of my very favorite parts.

GRANT: I dug this one. I especially liked how we saw inside a real, day-to-day relationship.

BOARD: UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR by TJ Klune

▽TOPIC: Discussion Question 1: Do you think there really is a “transition” time after we die and move on to something else?

Lisa: Honestly, I think it’s wishful thinking, but it makes for a good story to help us fear death less.

Chester: Lisa would walk into that tea shop, drink her Fireball-flavored tea, then keep going towards the door waving, “later b*tches!”

Maxine:  For sure! I’d be sad to see you leave so soon, Lisa.

Grant: Me too. You’d stay a while, I bet, wouldn’t you, Maxine?

Maxine: Well, yes. Everyone there just seemed so nice.

Tyrell: I really want to talk to Mei about her music. I’d hang around a little bit for that, drinking my Bit-O-Honey tea, then go see Lisa and my dad on the other side of that door. I think those two would get along really well.

Naomi: I want to meet your dad, now, Tyrell! And hang out with Lisa!

Lisa: I’M RIGHT HERE, EVERYONE.

Susette: Thank goodness for that, Lisa! Don’t anyone go anywhere yet! We have so many more books to discuss!

Lisa: If I don’t show up here at some point, blame Chester for sending the reaper for me.

Chester: ☠️

RELEASING THE REINS by Catherine Matthews

What I loved about it: beautiful Alaska setting, rich details for ranch life, multi-POV, mystery/intrigue, complex characters and best of all, a kickass protagonist you can totally root for

VALLEY VERIFIED by Kyla Zhao

What I loved about it: a female protagonist who had doubts about herself at times, but mostly, she knew her own mind, plus-sized protagonist, fun juxtaposition of the tech and fashion worlds, great secondary characters, authentic plot and characterization

UNDER THE TAMARIND TREE by Nigar Alam

What I loved about it: dual timeline (but same character), the setting location (Karachi, Pakistan), secrets with a great, unique angle, and the characters who are strong, compassionate, and layered

NEENA LEE IS SEEING THINGS by Sheila Athens

What I loved about it: Second act story, authentic look at grief and mental health, JFK Jr.'s ghost!

TEX MILLER IS DEAD by Kelly Elizabeth Huston

What I loved about it: Author MC, character (Tex) who seems to have come to life (interactions with him are a hoot), great friendship, sexy romantic interest

BEAST MOM by Kim Imas

What I loved about it: website tagline: a funny story about angry women, laugh out loud lines and situations, highly relatable, themes of learning to be an ally, Incredible Hulk, except better, female friendships, mother-daughter relationship

FAMILY LORE by Elizabeth Acevedo

What I loved about it: An adult novel of Acevedo’s! What could be better?, multigenerational stories, broad diversity of personalities and lifestyle impact, magical realism, Dominican culture, characters with agency, family relationships

ALL THAT IT EVER MEANT by Blessing Musariri (YA)

What I loved about it: excellent narration by the audiobook narrator, a family road trip, sixth sense sort of vibe, great pacing as the story unravels the secrets/unknowns

BIG GAY WEDDING by Byron Lane

What I loved about it: it’s a bit over the top, a somewhat unique setting/situation, kind characters, animals!

WISHING ON WINTER by Brenna Bailey

What I loved about it: queer, “older” characters, romance. If you love Hallmark movies and always wished they were queer, this book is for you!

A MERCY OF WIDOWS by Marcy Lane

What I loved about it: clever, witty voice, quirky characters, but also a sensitive touch on death and grief with a focus on Canada’s assisted dying laws

THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL AND ANGRY PLANET by Becky Chambers

What I loved about it: Space opera, aliens!, queer aliens!, adventure, some interesting science that seems sound, overall inclusive with extremely likable characters

A MILLION QUIET REVOLUTIONS by Robin Dow

What I loved about it: Written in verse, both main characters are trans, emotional juxtaposition of supportive vs non-supportive home environments, great treatment of complex emotions and behaviors

THE WORLD WE MAKE by N.K. Jemison

What I loved about it: (sequel to The City We Became…also, I highly recommend listening to these books if you enjoy audiobooks. The narrator, Robin Miles, does an exceptional performance.) Modern world sci-fi, excellent characters, clever concept of city avatars, wide-ranging, diverse representation, multi-POV, a touch (very very light touch) of romance/love

PART OF YOUR WORLD by Abby Jimenez

What I loved about it: Another audiobook rec: Julia Whelan, who is a rock star audiobook performer. Romance, dual POV, small town-Big city w/o standard tropes or major stereotypes, devotion and loyalty, sensitive treatment of serious issues such as gaslighting and abuse, Minnesota setting

THE DO OVER by Suzanne Park

What I loved about it: Back to school as an adult, impostor Syndrome, great characters of all ages, second chance romance (minor plot), Asian American rep

SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE by Tia Williams

What I loved about it: Black and bi-racial rep, second-time around romance, chronic pain rep, mature treatment of relationships and post-treatment addiction

WORDS WE CANNOT SAY by Sita Romero

What I loved about it: Pregnancy and childbirth, in many shapes and circumstances, friendship among three women, relatable situations and emotions, diverse, well-portrayed relationships, love

RED THREAD OF FATE by Lyn Liao Butler

What I loved about it: Adoption, friendship, mother-daughter relationships, immigrant experience, grief and healing

NATALIE TAN’S BOOK OF GOOD LUCK AND FORTUNE by Roselle Lim

What I loved about it: Mouth-watering food + recipes, characters to love, magic, second chances, love

THE STARS AND THE BLACKNESS BETWEEN THEM by Junauda Petrus (YA)

What I loved about it: Lyrical writing, Minnesota setting, cross-cultural, characters to love, spiritualism? Magic? You decide, love

LOVE AND OTHER DRAMAS by Ronali Collings

What I loved about it: Characters with Pakistani roots, mother-daughter relationship, friendship, love, rediscovering oneself

FLYING SOLO by Linda Holmes

What I loved about it: Friendship, a sexy librarian, focus on independence and finding happiness within, a heist!, great take on romantic relationships

A DOOR BETWEEN US by Ehsaneh Sadr

What I loved about it: Iranian setting, hard decisions, family, love, complex characters and perspectives, interconnectivity

YINKA, WHERE IS YOUR HUZBAND by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

What I loved about it: Fabulous friendships, family and cultural norms/expectations, grief, growth, self-love

DOCTORS AND FRIENDS by Kimmery Martin

What I loved about it: Book about a pandemic, but not about our current pandemic, valuable female friendships, tears, but also laughter, love

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by T.J. Klune

What I loved about it: Magic, many great characters, love, deep sense of goodness, an interesting vagueness of time period/setting, hope

LITTLE PIECES OF ME by Alison Hammer

What I loved about it: Dual timeline POV, DNA surprises, great characterization, authentic emotional reactions, mother-daughter relationship, Jewish rep

THE CHARM OFFENSIVE by Alison Cochrun

What I loved about it: Full cast of queer characters, reality TV show setting, relatable representation of mental health issues, swoon-worthy romance

STARFISH by Lisa Fipps (MG)

What I loved about it: Middle Grade, written in verse, plus-sized character, friendship goals,an awesome dad, will make your heart hurt, but hopeful

HELL OF A BOOK by Jason Mott

What I loved about it: Adult fiction, national Book Award winner, fabulous opening pages, main character is an author, spot on commentary about human nature, racism, and U.S. society, kept my brain churning as I read to figure things out

THE TIGER MOM’S TALE by Lyn Liao Butler

What I loved about it: Dual settings - New York and Taiwan, complicated family relationships (one of my favorite things), characters to love and relate to, food!, a light dash of romance

THE RULES OF ARRANGEMENT by Anisha Bhatia

What I loved about it: Smart professional (MC) who doesn’t have to prove herself to co-workers, plus-size MC who isn’t trying to lose weight (hallelujah!), Mumbai setting steeped in Punjabi culture and norms, independent while still trying to conform for the sake of family, side-story romance with a fabulous love interest