Book Review: Maise Dobbs (plus other book suggestions) By Alexis Mercer In light of the recent news that Michigan schools are to be shut down starting Monday until APril, spring sports are cancelled or at least drastically shortened, and that social distancing is mandatory to keep the pandemic under control, many of us will have more time to read. But what do we read? Here is a list of some of my favorite books I have read recently. Many I have written reviews on in the pages of Near North Now. You can search the words ‘Book Review” or the title of the book itself. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart (young adult novel, but so entertaining for all readers) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho State of Wonder by Ann Patchett The Runaway Wife by Elizabeth Birkeland The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr The Midnight Line by Lee Child Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Bear Town by Fredrick Backman The Muse by Jessie Burton The Broken Girls by Simone St. James The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Aleph by Paulo Coelho Cooking for Picasso by Camille Aubray The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George Circe by Madeline Miller Born to Run by Christopher McDougall The Dutch House by Ann Patchett The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie Running on the Edge by Matthew Futterman (only if you like sports stories….especially about running) In addition, here is another recommendation and review. While at my husband’s family’s Christmas party in December, I was talking to Aunt Sari about books we have both read lately. She gave me a dozen or so recommendations that I quickly put into the notes in my phone. All of them I have loved. My favorite of them, though, is the Maise Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. Her recommendation for this book series was based on them being wonderfully written detective novels that have substance and are good stories. When I read Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels, I am not going in thinking I am getting innovative, beautifully crafted writing. Don’t get me wrong - I LOVE Reacher as a character and pre-order every book. But those books are pure entertainment in a quick read kind of way. Within the first pages of Maise Dobbs, I knew this was not a Reacher kind of novel. Maise Dobbs is a woman who owns and operates her own detective business. In this, the first novel, the reader learns of how that business venture came about. Chapter 1 is set in spring of 1929 in England, but through the course of the book, travels all the way back to 1910 and Maise’s childhood. Having lost her mother at a young age, Maise ends up an employee of Lord and Lady Compton, a well-to-do family, cleaning fireplaces and serving tea. The story unfolds through Maise’s teen years and her transformation into a student of Lady Rowan’s friend Maurice Blanche. Then the war hits and everyone’s lives are turned upside down. In 1929, Maise takes a leap into the unknown, especially for a single woman in this time period, and opens her own private investigation business. She takes on a case that starts out with a husband wanting to investigate potential infidelity, and turns into a case dealing with ‘The Retreat’ where men who have been transfigured in war go to find escape from the outside world. Not only does the reader follow the story of the investigation, but also the beautifully crafted main character. Going into this novel, I expected a good read. After all, I trust Aunt Sari’s recommendations. I had no idea just how lovely the story would be. It unfolds deliciously and without an obvious ending. The main character is so intriguing. And being that the whole series is set in England in the early to mid 1900’s, it is fascinating the details of war and the emotions emanating from that time period. Before I finished reading book 1, I quickly ordered books 2 and 3. I have since finished book 2 - and ordered books 4 and 5. I feel like I am Netflix binging, only with a meticulously well-written book series and without any guilt of having sat in front of a tv for hours on end.
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Celebrated Irish singer Karan Casey will perform in the Dogwood Black Box on Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Casey has long been one of the most innovative, provocative and imitated voices in Irish traditional and folk music. Her career has spanned twenty five years from the early days as a jazz performer in George’s Bistro in Dublin, to her heady days in New York with the band Solas, to her now established solo career and she has sold over half a million albums. Casey has toured constantly throughout North America, Europe and Japan, performing solo, with her own band and with many other artists, often from outside the realm of Irish music. Her adventurous spirit results from the varied influences--classical music, jazz, and American pop that Casey has made her own since growing up amid Irish traditional music in Ballyduff Lower, County Waterford. Karan Casey, says the Associated Press, has "a voice so beautiful, it's almost impossible to avoid falling under her spell." She comes to the Dogwood Center as part of a 12 date U.S. tour with a recent album, "Hieroglyphs That Tell the Tale." Tickets are $20.00 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, or on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. GHS production of Newsies charms our reviewer
By Megan Wirts Photos by Mark Sweers Extra! Extra! Grant High School has done it again! This tiny town is a treasure trove of talent! Their production of Disney's NEWSIES is fantastic! The story is based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, when two young newsies along with many destitute and orphaned children bravely stood up to the newspaper publishers that threatened their livelihood. This cast, under the direction of Lukas Sweers, breathes new life into this tale of courage, triumph and hope for the oppressed on the stage of the Grant Fine Arts Center. The cast is led by the amazing Keegan Kendall as charismatic Jack Kelly. Kendall brilliantly shows us Jack's tender side in songs like "Santa Fe" and his toughness and tenacity throughout the show, leading the way to a better future for he and his newsie family. Songs like "Once and For All" with lyrics that say, “This is for kids shining shoes on the street / with no shoes on their feet every day,” “This is for guys sweating blood in the shops / while their bosses and cops look away.” This show is a love letter to those that have fought for a better tomorrow. Alongside Kendall is a crew of newsboys and girls, like the heart string pulling Elayne Montambo as the lovable Crutchie. Montambo shines during her solo "Letter from the Refuge" bringing this theater lover to tears. Meghan McKnight plays Davie, the new kid with the brains that helps Jack to form the Newsboy's Union and organize a strike, bringing along adorable little sister Les, played by the scene stealing and absolutely delightful, Zahara Chuchoque. McKnight's vocals are inspiring on "Seize the Day", and Chuchoque's timing and talent are undeniable. Then there is Aaron Zimmer as Race. Zimmer brings the swagger and energy, making us believe he really is "King of New York". The entire ensemble of newsies is filled with energetic acrobats, dancers and excellent voices. Bravo! The cast is filled with many shining stars! Brighton Fries not only played the part of early feminist and rebel reporter Katherine Plummer perfectly, but she also choreographed the show! Her spunky spirit is felt and her beautiful vocals are as bright as her name in her solo number, "Watch What Happens' ' and her duet with love interest Jack. Fries' high energy choreography makes this show something spectacular to watch. Another bright spot in the show is the lovely Raven Wirts in the role of Medda Larkin. Wirts brings her sultry, bold voice to the part of the sassy and compassionate theater owner that gives refuge to the young newsies. Joseph Bowman also stands out in the role of the publisher Joseph Pulitzer, you will love rooting against him, even if he has the voice of an angel. Then giving the crowd a history lesson, Mr. Devon Conley, brings Theodore Roosevelt back to life right before our eyes for a moment. The pit of musicians, lighting, sound and entire crew help make the show flow smoothly and do a phenomenal job! The entire cast and crew is bursting with talent! I sat in awe of the young stars on that stage and can only imagine what great things the future holds. "Each generation must, at the height of its power, step aside and invite the young to share the day." Theodore Roosevelt (NEWSIES) You can catch the remaining shows at the Grant Fine Arts Center Friday March 6 at 7pm and Saturday March 7 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are available online at the Grant Fine Arts Center or at the box office. |
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