What Books Have You Been Reading?

The post asking whether you prefer to read print or digital versions of books generated many comments. Frankly, I was a bit surprised at how passionate we can be about a book's format. Also, I found some of the comments about audiobooks and how they can be sleep-inducing to some of us completely unexpected.

So, the logical follow-up post is to help each other build a reading list. Printed, digitally downloaded, audiobooks on the computer or CD's, it doesn't matter. Fiction, non-fiction, YA material, biographies, science fiction...What are some of the books you have been reading that you can recommend? Add a short synopsis or even a review if you choose. That will help us focus on the books that should be added to our future must-read list.

I will start. Here is a list of what I have read and enjoyed over the last three months. Clicking the blue link will take you to that book on Amazon. Disclaimer: I will earn a small commission if you actually purchase the book in any format.  If you and I share anything on this list, please add your thoughts to your comments.

*Caste by Isabel Wilkerson  A truly terrifying, eye-opening,  must-read about the history and power of dividing human beings into categories of power and subservience based on race and skin color. You will never again think the same way about our own history.

*The Crow Trap by Anne Cleeves  The first mystery featuring detective Vera Stanhope, the basis of a successful TV series about this woman solving crimes in Northeast England.

*The Moth Catcher by Anne Cleeves  Another in the Vera Stanhope series. 

*The Water Will Come by Jeff Goodell  If you live anywhere near any coast, be very, very afraid. The author paints a vivid picture of what will happen to Miami, Venice, New York City, and any place vulnerable to rising sea levels.

*Mirage by Clive Cussler  The plot doesn't really matter. It is just an exciting read by the recently deceased master of adventure tales.

*Assumed Identity by  David Morrell  An undercover agent, a master at assumed identities and personalities, must suddenly become himself. He has forgotten who he is.

*Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell  Based on actual crimes in England in the 1800s, a real-life eccentric, Thomas De Quincey, consumer of huge quantities of opium,  helps solve crimes that baffle the authorities. I also read the other two books in this series, Inspector of The Dead and Ruler of The Night.

*Madame Fourcade's Secret War by Lynne Olson The true story of a woman who headed the largest spy network in occupied France during WWII. For fans of The Alice Network, this would be right up your alley. 

*The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz  A Sherlock Holmes mystery written by a true lover of Arthur Conan Doyle. This "new" Sherlock tale was authorized by the Doyle estate because of the author's faithful recreation of the Holmes-Watson mysteries. 

*The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz  Absolutely fascinating whodunit inside another whodunit. Never read a book with this approach before.

*Frantic Unleased (Part 1) by Missy Palrang Written by a friend of mine, this is a true, powerful, emotionally-wrenching inside look at what the suicide of a loved one can do to the people left behind. This book opened my eyes to a subject that most of us have precious little understanding of. 

*Total Meditation by Deepak Chopra The latest book by this well-known name in meditation and mindfulness circles. This time, he shows how to achieve a state of healing and awareness 24 hours a day and includes weeks of meditation exercises. 

*Too Much and Never Enough by Mary Trump  Donal Trump's only niece, a trained clinical psychologist, gives some context and backstory to why the man who runs our country is the way he is. Her story is a powerful explanation of the role of family and early experiences in shaping and damaging a life.

So, there is a look at what has been on my end table since last spring. Now, your turn. What can you recommend we read (or avoid)? What books have filled your Covid summer with inspiration, terror, education, or validation?