Kaseys Korner

Where the Lost Wander

I became an instant fan girl of Amy Harmon after reading 'What the Wind Knows.' When this book kept popping up on my GR's feed, I shelved it as "to read" knowing it would be excellent (because of the author) but still feeling a bit lackadaisical about cracking it open because of the subject matter. Why is it I'm more interested in historical fiction in every place but the American West??

Reading 'Where the Lost Wander' was as close an experience to life in a wagon train headed westward as I want to get. It's a terrific accounting of the "good, bad & ugly parts of being a pioneer." Cholera, heat, mean spiritedness, hunger to name a few of the hardships but mixed with friendship and comradery that being joined together in a common cause forces. The author, true to form, did wonderful research. Without giving away any of the storyline, the section of the book pertaining to the Shoshone Indian tribe and Chief Washakie was really fascinating.

The main character, Naomi May, is an extraordinary young woman and her parents remarkably open minded. They possessed the kind of attitude that we need more of in the world today. Their ability to grant her license to marry John Lowry (and see him as an honorable, steadfast man) instead of judging him by his mixed parentage was astounding and admirable, especially considering the time period. It's the epitome of a beautiful love story, created against the odds.

The book was made even more poignant learning John Lowry was a distant relative of the author. It must have been personally rewarding to put his story on paper. Really terrific book even tho it cemented for me that the west would still be "wild" if left up to people like myself!

Daisy Jones & The Six

I *think* this is the first book I've ever read in oral history format?? It felt rather like reading a really long interview ~ the type you see in a magazine, except in that medium it would never have been so wordy.

I was drawn to this book only when I found out it was supposed to be loosely based on the band Fleetwood Mac. Did everyone in America (or around the world) own a copy of 'Rumours??"
Before making that discovery, I'd passed it over a dozen times, thinking it wasn't a subject matter that was overly interesting to me.
Maybe I should have stuck to that intuition?? If you're insanely into the music industry or just want a refresher (or introduction) to the 70's drug crazed music scene, I'd say perfect book for you. Otherwise the business of putting together an album, touring to promote it and all the shenanigans that take place behind the scene may not be all that appealing. It might even dim the wattage on your favorite musician to know that mega watt talent can't even supersede the flaws of being human.

On the other hand, the author could have a whole other career in songwriting judging by the songs she personally wrote (whose lyrics are all at the back of the book.) Now that's some major talent too!!

The Blue

** spoiler alert ** Okay, let's just get this out of the way right off ~ did anyone else want the saucy, ambitious Genevieve to end up with Sir Gabriel??? or is there just something horribly wrong with my romance radar??? It seemed there was an undeniable attraction between them despite his intermittent rogue/deceptive treatment of her?? I really hoped they would find a way to be together by books end. Dang, dang, dang. Nothing against Thomas, I just sensed Genevieve was a great match for Sir Gabriel and a good partner for the deep, brooding place he could descend to, mostly thru no fault of his own. Afterall what's a born noble to do when his inheritance falls thru other than find another way to make coin?? Whether it be by honest or illicit means??

But enough already!! Least I give the mistaken impression that the book belongs in the romance genre!!! It's not the primary intention by all means. What it really is, is a truly interesting fictional story that interweaves the history of European porcelain into it's fiber along with more than a touch of the French persecution of Huguenots. I had no idea how competitive the porcelain industry was? It seemed such a genteel passion, one I love myself, especially antique porcelain (maybe of this period??) That thin, delicate, artistic breakables would be derived from devious/cutthroat means surprised me even tho I'm not sure why?? It makes sense tho ~ has secret stealing across industries ever gone away?? Why would colors or techniques for making porcelain be exempt from those practices??

One thing the author left hanging for me was why, after such heavy pursuit of the color blue, wouldn't it be used?? If King Louis didn't want it showing up in England after Thomas left and he wasn't going to allow it produced at Sevres ~ what was the point??

***Tiny little sidetrack ~ for those with an interest in Madame de Pompadour ~ it was an unexpected delight to have her featured within the story. I didn't see that coming! She's even featured wearing a gown in the "rose Pompadour" color so infamously attributed to her. The passages about her and Versailles were of personal interest.

Very enjoyable read, with or without an interest in porcelain but especially so if there's knowledge or interest in these beautiful collectible pieces.

The Huntress

This is one of those books I truly wish I could have read straight thru ~ it was so good I didn't want to put it down!

Written in triple narrative format with all of the narratives holding their own. You know pretty early on that they're going to converge in one place and even though you can't wait for that to happen, their journeys to that point are not to be missed. I've learned to read Kate Quinn's notes at the end of the book for the true back story on her subjects. Don't skip them ~ those notes (and extra googling) take the book next level. Learning about the "Night Witches" in the Soviet Union during WWII was a truly fascinating side to 'The Huntress.' If you google them, it's heartbreaking how successful they were yet still disbanded and never received the credit they were due.  The more I read, the more blown away I am at women and their contributions during WWII (and WWI.) 

Nina and Ian were my favorite characters and little Ruth totally tugged at my heart but Kate Quinn wrote them all so well, she almost breathed life into them thru the print.
Wonderfully written, immediately engaging and really great read.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

A novel destined to be the ultimate "careful what you wish for" admonishment.

WOW. Beautifully done V.E. Schwab! A thrilling concept and developed in such a way even the "God that answered after Dark" was compelling. I'm not usually a fan of loose ends but in this case, it will be a pleasure pondering all the ways Adeline could possibly outwit Luc.

More to come as I process my thoughts but let me just say this was a book that did not disappoint or fall short of the pre-publishing hype!