Well it seems our summer days are dwindling quickly. I made it to SoCal on Friday for a visit with my Dad and came through Palm Springs airport. You might recognize the lovely San Jacinto Mountains. I was having lunch with a friend nearby where I took these photos. It’s been pretty toasty and is expected to be 114+ degrees in the desert this week. Luckily we’re about 45 minutes west of Palm Springs, so we’re aiming for only 100, lol. I’ve been doing my bike riding and activities in the early morning, and the good news is we’re headed to the beach for a couple days where it will be cooler and I’ll take a dip in the ocean, woohoo. My brother in Pasadena will meet us there.
In book news, I’ve noticed that fall book lists are starting to roll out. As usual, there’s quite an array of top books coming out over the next few months. It’s a bit exciting, but I haven’t really looked just yet, since the truth is I’m still working on my summer list. We still have some time left, and I have a few going this week. I’m midway into a hardback copy of Percival Everett’s novel James which I’m quite enjoying. I’m glad I read Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in the spring since it follows it pretty closely. I also have a print copy of Hisham Matar’s novel My Friends and the audio of Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng’s novel The House of Doors, which I’m liking a lot too. He seems a talent and I must read his two other novels sometime in the future.
Also what did you think of Obama’s list of summer reads, which he recently put out? Have you read any of these? I’ve read two: Wide Wide Sea and Help Wanted and I’m reading James now. I’m looking forward to Liz Moore’s novel The God of the Woods. And I’ll probably read Martyr sometime. Obama’s got a pretty good list but there’s always room for others, right? Is there anything that surprises you? Hmm.
So there you have it. And now I’ll leave you with a review of what I finished lately.
A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda / Mariner Books / 256 pages / 2024
3.75 stars. The life of an immigrant Indian family is rocked after the 12-year-old son is arrested for flying a drone near Orange County Airport. The kid Ajay, who’s on the autistic spectrum, is pretty clueless what all the fuss is about but he tries to evade police and they tackle and book him thinking he was trying to do something terrorist-related.
The parents had just moved the family (of their kids Ajay, Maya, and Deepa) out of their middle-class Irvine, Calif. neighborhood to a loftier area called Pacific Hills (I thought of it as Laguna Niguel) and all are adjusting to their new neighborhood. But then the media gets a hold of Ajay’s arrest, and protestors erupt believing the police are guilty of racial profiling and abuse of power for roughing him up. Will his case move forward? And will his family be able to handle what’s happening?
The story, which I listened to on audio, at first reminded me slightly of Tom Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities in the premise’s setup. Granted that was long time ago and I don’t remember it as well now. But Gowda’s storytelling is quite engaging and fast-paced. The three kids and parents all have their views and different backstories … each having some trouble going on: Deepa is a socially conscious teen who gets caught up in her friend Pacho’s undocumented family’s plight; and Maya is caught up detrimentally in trying to gain a rich boy’s attention. The parents don’t really realize all the things going on with their kids until it snowballs and they fear losing all what they worked decades for.
The author raises some good issues — exploring the differences in our society, the various cultures, and how we exist together — in an engaging plot. My only drawback is that it was a bit heavy-handed at times and not too subtle. It could be on purpose though. There’s also a couple coincidences in the plot that make it a bit of a stretch and the resolution is quite tidy. But still it’s also well done at getting into the heads of the various characters and moves quickly and was pretty enjoyable. I was drawn to it since it’s set in Orange County California. I will watch to see what the author puts out next.
That’s all for now. I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Happy reading.
Have you read any of these books — and if so, what did you think?
Your vacation sounds like fun…even though the temps in SoCal are still so high. Enjoy the beach! And A Great Country sounds like an interesting read. I wish I had more time to read all the books I see on other people’s blogs. That would be so great. Wishing you a wonderful week! 😀
Hi Lark, thanks. It’s been good here so far and I had a nice swim in the ocean yesterday. Man it’s been hot.
I think you’d like A Great Country. There are so many books I see on blogs to read, I agree. We can only read so much, lol.
Have a good week too.
I always look forward to seeing President Obama’s lists and comparing them to my own. It’s great to have (had) a president who is so interested in literature and in sharing his interests. By the way, I’m currently reading “The God of the Woods” and I think you will like it. I have “James” on my “to-be-read” list and might get to it next.
We’ve actually had a fairly mild summer here in Southeast Texas so far. That’s forecast to come to an end this week with several triple-digit days in the offing. But it’s what we expect in August.
Hi Dorothy, good to know. I’m glad you’re liking God of the Woods. Not sure when I will get to it. I am liking James so far. And I agree Obama’s lists have been interesting over the years. It seems he sometimes picks underdog books and improves their sales. I don’t know too much about the Zach Williams book for instance. But I might check it out.
Glad it’s been mild there so far. Early Sept is usually one of the hottest times here, beware. Enjoy your week.
A Great Country sounds really good. I like reading about immigrant families and how they fare in the U.S.
Hi Harvee, I think you’d like A Great Country. She’s quite a good storyteller. And I like reading about immigrant families too.
Have a great week. Thx for stopping by.
So glad you are having a nice visit with your father. I doubt I would have the energy to do anything outdoors in such hot weather so I admire your energy.
I have not read any of Obama’s books – he tends to read all new books and I read a lot of older books, but I always enjoy seeing his list and think it’s great that he shares his love of reading. When he vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard, the bookstore there was always grateful when he came in to shop. I am sure my book group will want to read James (I am not a Twain fan) and I am on the wait list at the library for the Liz Moore book (I liked the first one although it was very dark). I was also thinking about The Ministry of Time but haven’t been in the mood for futuristic fantasy.
Hi Constance, good to hear. It’s nice Obama is a reader and visits bookstores. I remember now he went to MV. I’m also on the library wait list for the Liz Moore book. If your book club picks James, I think the reading experience won’t be as unfavorable as you might fear. I’m finding it very accessible and interesting too.
I think a fantasy like Ministry of Time might be surprising on Obama’s list. I hardly ever read that genre.
And thanks. We’re having a nice visit here. I agree the heat during the day is completely zapping. It’s intense. So I have to get out at 7, whoa. Enjoy your week.
I just finished James last night and thought it was very good. I haven’t read the original, but really liked that this one is told from Jim’s point of view.
Hi Helen, good to know. I am liking it quite a bit too. I will look for your review. It seems to follow most of the events from the original. I will finish it in a few days. It’s quite interesting. Glad you liked it. Have a great week.
My brother lives in Orange County and I hope you are having a great time there.
I read The House of Doors too and Tan Twan Eng is a writer to follow. Regarding Obama’s reading list Help Wanted has me interested and the book about Genesis which I’ve read but would like Marilyn Robinson’s perspective on. Hope the weather cools down
Hi Kathy, we’re in the OC a bit and then return inland. But the OC is nice for the beach & ocean, pretty too … I hope your brother enjoys it here.
Gosh did you review the Eng novel? I’ll have to go back & check your site. I’m not remembering but I’m enjoying the book. And will check your thoughts on it. I thought Help Wanted was a 3 star kind of read … but see what you think. It’s pretty short. Genesis — I wonder what Marilyn Robinson says about it.
Enjoy your week.
Those temperatures sound punishing but your trip to the beach should remedy that. I hope your father is well. I saw Obama’s list. He seems to agree with Amazon’s editors, The New York Times and several other publications. The Ministry of Time, and Martyr! were already on my TBR, and Headshot is on the Booker’s longlist, so I’ll probably get to read it as well, but who knows when. I also bought The God of the Woods thinking I could get to it before things got complicated but I was wrong, now I have to make time for it somehow. I read James and The House of Doors. James was very good, while THOD was a mixed bag for me. A Great Country sounds like a worthwhile read; I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a fun vacation!
Hi Carmen, thanks. The visit is going well here with my dad, and I’m trying to avoid the middle of the day heat. Whoosh.
It seems a book like Ministry of Time might have been a bit of a surprise on Obama’s list. What is it time travel fantasy? I’m curious to see what will make the Booker shortlist. You have read some good ones. I’m likely going to finish both books soon … and I’m liking them so far. I guess we need to get to Martyr! I’m a little lukewarm to read Headshot but it’s short so I probably will. A Great Country was on my summer list and it moved pretty quickly.
I just heard about the flash flood & deluge of rain in Western Conn … I hope that didn’t get you! Ugh sorry to hear … that sounds bad. take care.
Thanks. I’m in Central Connecticut. The western side has several rivers, brooks, ponds, lakes, and all sorts of bodies of water so there’s always potential for flooding. The Ministry of Time is kind of genre bending, but no surprise with that choice because several publications have chosen it as well. You’re right about Headshot being very short, that’s the main reason why I will likely read it. Have fun and enjoy the beach!
Oh good. Glad you are out of the water zone. You know I was born in Hartford, Conn! … but moved with my family not long after to Hawaii ha … my Dad was on an Army base for 3 years long ago.
The beach & water were amazing yesterday. Oh my. We will go back inland today but likely be back next weekend. Enjoy your reading.
I think you are at about the point in James where Everett leaves behind Twain’s plot and goes charging onward with a much more dramatic plot of his own. The second half of the Twain book always kind of irked me in the way it became almost a spoof in tone, so I really was happy that Everett decided to go that route he did with James.
A Great Country sounds good. I’m always intrigued by novels with autistic characters, and this one sounds as if it dives pretty deeply into that subject with a little bit different of an approach. Not sure I’d like it if it gets too “preachy,” but it’s worth a look. I feel so browbeaten these days about walking the politically correct line 24-7 that it might not work for me.
Hi Sam, yes I think I’m about at the point Everett’s book will leave Twain behind so it should get really interesting now. I didn’t like much the King/Duke part in the Twain book … and I see Everett kept a bit of them in … but I hope to dispatch them soon, lol.
And I’m not sure A Great Country is for you. It might not be that it’s PC but it still can be a bit much … though its points are legit.
Hope you have a good reading week.
I thought James was excellent! It will likely end up on my list of favorites this year. Glad I reread Huck Finn first, even though I disliked it – again. The House of Doors is still on my list and I’m glad to know you’re enjoying the audio. Obama’s reading lists are always so interesting (maybe aspirational?)… but James is the only one I’ve read. It does feel like summer is slipping away. We’ve had the windows open for much of the past week. It’s been heavenly! Enjoy your time at the beach, and the rest of your trip, too!
Thanks JoAnn. It’s nice to be in Calif. again. Roasting but it’s a good visit.
I’m liking James too. Will see where it goes. I’m glad you still have The House of Doors on your list. I think it’s a good one. Interesting and the audio is done well. I’m just midway into it. We must stretch summer a bit. Keep it going!
Enjoy your time in Conn. & the week ahead.
Try to stay cool. A dip in the ocean sounds like a good idea. Enjoy your time with your dad and brother!
I like former President Obama’s list. I loved James and I enjoyed The Ministry of Time, but I bailed on There’s Always This Year and Reading Genesis and The Wide Wide Sea. Of Boys and Men sounds of interest to me. Not sure why I had all the books this summer that didn’t work for me. Probably it’s just me.
Thanks Deb. The ocean felt wonderful yesterday. So good. We’ll be back there again next weekend, until then I’ll avoid the heat as best as possible. We’re having a good visit.
From those on Obama’s list it seems that you liked the fiction best. Overall I like fiction best too in general. Though we enjoyed the Wide Wide Sea … it was a long one. The audio took our whole road trip to Calif. in April. It gave me some insight into Cook though he was still quite an enigma for sure. And odd how he died.
Hope you have a great week ahead. & rest up.
Sorry, but 110 degrees is not toasty…it is definitely in the frying pan! Makes our 90 degree weather seem balmy. Stay cool!
I might give James a go, since both you and Obama like it! I do like the different perspective it offers.
Ha Jane. 110 is like burnt toast and being in a frying pan. I definitely go inside with that kind of heat. Luckily I left the Palm Springs area which is just too hot. Not sure how the planes don’t melt on the runway. But 100 is hot here too.
You should give James a try … it’s worth it I think. I guess Obama & I have the same tastes in books, lol. Enjoy your week & happy reading.
Yikes! 114 degrees is really hot! Have you taken the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway? I’ve probably asked this already. 😉 I did it many, many years ago. Probably in the late 70s/early 80s.
I’m still working on my summer list, and probably will until Sept 21st, which is when I say hello to fall. 🙂 Don’t like to rush these things!
A Great Country sounds like something I might enjoy. Not sure why, but the plot reminded me of an old favorite, The House of Sand and Fog by Andre DuBois III. The setting appeals to me… my mom and stepdad lived in Laguna Hills in the 80s and a friend’s family had a gorgeous home in Laguna Niguel (Emerald Bay?), so I’m familiar with the area.
Speaking of the area, I hope you have a nice time at the beach! We hit 66 today and it felt great. 🙂
I have James ready to go on audio. Not sure when I’ll be in the mood for it, but I won’t let it languish too long.
Hi Lesley, I think you would like A Great Country – it’s a quick read and maybe has some slight feelings of House of Sand & Fog … which was excellent.
In Redlands yesterday it was 104 but in Palm Springs I’m sure it was hotter. Sometimes it’s 10 degrees more there. Ouch! I have done the Tramway once either in ’70s or ’80s and we went sledding up there as kids. But I have an awful phobia of heights so it’s not a good experience for me Ugh. It’s sort of terror. LoL.
I’m glad you’re giving more time to your summer list … I might do that as well.
I’m surprised how accessible the novel James is … but since it has a little dialect I’m not sure how the audio will be. I’m glad for the print version this time. The story’s easy to follow… a bit like a kid’s tale. Hope to find some time for it today.
Enjoy your cool weather! I think we’ll go to the beach again next weekend.
God of the Woods is about the only book on Obama’s list I’d read.
I do not miss the high temp of Southern California during the summer, but I did enjoy going to Palm Springs several times. We did the aerial tram there one time and hiked around. There was such a big temperature difference and gorgeous views. Hope you enjoy your time in SoCal!
Hi Rachel, thanks the trip has been good so far. The Palm Springs temps are intense right now. Luckily we are more west of there but still it’s too hot! I have done the tramway once as a kid … you can see everything up there … but I’m really afraid of heights so it’s not good for me, lol. Going to the beach was nice this weekend. The water was perfect.
I think I need to check out your review of God of the Woods on your site. I might have missed seeing that. Perhaps I’ll read it in September.
Have a great week.
Oh Lordy, I do not go to Palm Springs in the summer. Oooof. Too hot for this gal.
I love the cover of A Great Country. So vibrant.
How the heck have you been? I’ve been reading lots and trying to review right after finishing so I don’t fall behind. So far so good. I did lower my Goodread’s goal for the year though. Not reading for four months after my brain surgery sure affected my numbers.
Not much going on with me really. Working on campus for three days a week and remotely for two. Very busy with student ministry stuff. Gosh, I love those students. My adults kids are struggling a little. It’s tough out there.
Hope you are doing well.
Hey Ti, great to hear from you. Hope you’re feeling fully recovered after your surgery. I’m impressed by how you’re back working & reading again. It’s awesome.
I think you’d like A Great Country … since it’s set in SoCal and is quite good. Pretty fast-paced too.
& Thanks all is good here. My visit with my Dad is going well and we haven’t totally burned up here in the Inland Empire. I’ll be by your site soon to see what’s up & what you’re reading. Have a great week.
I’ve been waiting to read James to see if I can talk our book club into reading it together. We select books next month, so I’ll know then. Either way, I think I’ll reread Huckleberry Finn, first, since that worked well for you. Besides the first couple of lines have been stuck in my head all summer…
Hi Joy, I think your book club would find James interesting and a good discussion book. I just finished it … the beginning follows Twain’s classic and then towards the middle it goes off it … perhaps it’s a bit darker & more scary than the original. But I enjoyed James’s thoughts. See what you think. It helped me a bit to read the original but you probably know it well. Have a great weekend.
It’s great you can get to CA and visit your father and enjoy the desrt. Cool photos. Thanks for posting the Obama list, I don’t think I have ver seen his lists before but there are some great books I will be considering.
I wanted to tell you Peter Heller’s book The Orchard is on sale for Kinlde for $1 – what a price! Also My Brillant Friend by Elena Ferrant is on sale for $1.99 so I bought it for our buddy read in November. Love my Kindle 🙂
Hi Tina, thanks good to know about the e-book sales! I did see the Ferrante on sale though I have it in paperback. I’ll check out The Orchard. I like buying the $1.99 deals. Very good. I buy a lot when I see a good novel at $1.99.
We’re having a good time here in Calif …. though I go back tomorrow. We’ve had a good visit. It seems I’ve almost been here two weeks which is long. I need to get back now. But my Dad is doing all right. & I got some reading done.
Hope all is well there. Almost Sept.!
I hope you are enjoying the last of the summer. Here in the UK, the weekend has been miserable, but this week should be nice! I’ve read The God of the Woods and The Ministry of Time from Obama’s list, both of which I would recommend as perfect summer reads. Headshot is getting a lot of hype, since it was Booker nominated. I’m not particularly interested in boxing, but it does sound intriguing.
Hi Stargazer, great to hear from you. I’m impressed you’ve read both of those novels. I especially want to get to The God of the Woods. I’m a bit on the fence about reading Headshot but perhaps it’s so short it’s worth trying.
I hope you see the sun this week. Enjoy it. I’m headed back tomorrow but had a nice trip. Cheers.
I was just getting over to your Beach Days post when I noticed this post that I missed. I don’t know how I did that.
The San Jacinto mountains do look familiar but not quite sure where I would I seen them from. We (my first husband and I) lived at March Air Force base and then later in Riverside, and at one point I spent a lot of time in Hemet. It has been a long time since I have been in areas with those high temps.
A Great Country has a great premise, and I would like the multiple viewpoints. Maybe someday I will try it.
Hi Tracy, it’s okay if you missed a post.
If you were in Riverside and Hemet … I grew up in Redlands which is nearby. We didn’t spend much time in Palm Springs in my youth near the San Jacinto mountains … but later in life I’ve been there several times. It’s nice when it’s not scorching, lol. But when I returned my rental car there at the airport … I was like whoa that’s hot! It felt like it’d melt the inside of the car.
I liked reading A Great Country since it’s set in Orange County, where we went to the beach. It’s a topical kind of book. Enjoy your reads.
I missed seeing Obama’s reading list previously. I have been curious about The Ministry of Magic and hope to read James soon. I don’t think I’ll go back and read Twain’s book. While I found reading David Copperfield right before reading Demon Copperhead beneficial, I don’t think I’m up to revisiting Huck Finn. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on A Great Country. I have my eye on that one and would like to read it. I thought I had read her work before, but it’s only that I have another of her books on my TBR shelf.
Hi LF, sorry I missed seeing your comment before. I think you’d like A Great Country as it is set in SoCal and has a lively plot. I had not read that author before. But will look to see what she writes next.
You can read James without revisiting Huck Finn … if you liked Kindred then I think James will grip you as well. The action goes full on near the end.
I’m so impressed you read David Copperfield … man that’s long. I read Demon without the Dickens. But it would’ve beneficial to read it.
I think The Ministry of Time was Obama’s most surprising read & addition to his list. Lol. It doesn’t seem like a book or genre he’d get into ha. But he did.
Cheers.