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APRIL 2024

This Month:

divine rivals book cover

Mother-Daughter Murder Night

 

By: Nina Simon

Reviewed by Missi

First, don't be shocked. Yes, I'm reviewing fiction. For those of you who have subscribed to these newsletters, my name is usually listed with nonfiction reviews. Don't worry, it's only temporary.
 
I guess you're wondering how I discovered this book? I signed up for a professional webinar and Nina Simon was a special guest. As she spoke about the process of writing her first novel, I knew it was time to read fiction again. And why not a murder mystery.
 
Speaking of process, don't forget to read Simon's notes at the end of the book. The backstory was quite complimentary to this story.
 
Sidenote: I also loved reading this one because of the setting. It's set in Monterey Bay, California. I was fortunate to visit there many years ago, so many of the descriptions brought me back to that time.
 
Let me get to what you came for. Here's a story about three generations of strong women. On the surface, these women think they are nothing alike, but when they have to come together for support when the youngest of the three discovers a body, they discover otherwise.
 
Who should read this one? Love family drama and surprising endings? Then that would be you.

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Deaf Utopia

 

By: 

Nyle DiMarco

tasting history book cover

Reviewed by Sheryl

I first came across the book Deaf Utopia while browsing Hoopla: it was one of the selections for the regular book club feature. While I wasn’t familiar with Nyle DiMarco, the book summary listed an impressive array of projects and accomplishments, including being the first Deaf contestant on America’s Next Top Model  -- and winning.
 
In Deaf Utopia, DiMarco covers his life and experiences as a member of the Deaf community. He shares stories about his multi-generational Deaf family, school, relationships, his time on reality shows, and self-discovery. DiMarco interweaves personal history with that of Deaf culture as a whole, exploring what shaped the culture that, in turn, shaped him. (Readers may be surprised to learn about Alexander Graham Bell’s role in stigmatizing sign language and related education.)
 
Formatting is not something that’s mentioned often as a highlight for a book, but it is definitely one in Deaf Utopia. DiMarco and his writing partner Robert Siebert use ASL gloss for dialogue from real-life conversations had in sign language instead of attempting a literal translation into written English. 
 
The writing is engaging throughout, and there are many heartwarming stories. However, DiMarco does not avoid covering tough topics, such as the bullying he experienced as a child and struggles he encountered in societal structures built primarily for hearing individuals. 
 
Deaf Utopia is aptly subtitled, A Memoir and a Love Letter to a Way of Life. DiMarco serves as both storyteller and teacher with a focus on connecting the reader to his community as much as his own life. Readers, like myself, with family members or friends in the Deaf community will find the book enlightening. It also serves as a great pick for fans of memoirs.

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Books with Buzz

The Sensational 1970s

mustique book cover

Mustique Island

By Sarah McCoy

the sunset crowd book cover

The Sunset Crowd

By Karin Tanabe

the villa book cover

The Villa

By Rachel Hawkins

See the full list at NoveList Plus!

For Book Clubs

BookBrowse Featured Title

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Find a Reading Guide with discussion questions, "Beyond the Book" article on Anne Hathaway and Hamnet Shakespeare, and Read-alike suggestions!

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