Book report 17
By A. Bae Hel
Ghostwriter
Julia Clark
Well, that was good. In the genre of a writer writing about solving a mystery, this one was pretty good. Add in dysfunctional family dynamics, because that is required and a brutal murder 30 years ago and you may think your bing watching Midsomer Murders has trained you to figure out who done it, but you are likely wrong.
This is a quick read that takes you along without much deep thought. A nice palate cleanser for some of the other reading I have been doing.
The ghostwriter in question professes her professionalism and process, but when presented with a challenge is almost not up for it, despite a career set back. She clearly has some daddy issues to work out, and some mommy issues as well.
Well worth a day or two. Enjoy
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt
Ben Reeves
This is a unique story line of Travis, a scruffy youngish man who is also Death. He is not a detached Death, but one of compassion and full of marvel at the people whose lives intersect, eventually with him. It is beautifully written.
The book is a slow read, in part because it provokes you to consider. Consider your life. Are you appreciating it? Consider your death. Is it today? Tomorrow? In 20 years? What is that strange fluttering in my chest? A bit anxiety provoking to face Travis as he spins out his collections and the stories of ordinary people’s mortal lives.
If you are deep in grief over a death this may not be the book for you. But if you have stumbled to the edge of living and then turned back letting go of Travis’s hand you may find some understanding in the longing for peace and simplicity. Even if you have been blessed to have never been exposed to death in any guise, this is a profoundly beautiful book.
Reference to SlaughterHouse Five acknowledged.
