One of my favorite aspects of Books for Lunch is that it seamlessly showcases the power of storytelling to transport us across time, space, and imagination. In this month’s recap, members take us from the depths of historical tragedies to the heights of futuristic fantasies. Let’s dive in!
In nonfiction, Kim enjoyed Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson which chronicles the tragic final voyage of the iconic ocean liner, intertwining the personal stories of its passengers and crew with the geopolitical tensions of World War I.
Sharon enjoyed Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson which she dubbed an “excellent read despite its length,” nearly 700 pages! The biography, written by the author of Steve Jobs and other bestselling biographies, is an incredibly personal narrative detailing the life of one of the most captivating and contentious innovators of our time—ushering the world into the age of electric vehicles, pursuing private space exploration, developing artificial intelligence, and assuming control of one of the world’s most prominent social media platforms: Twitter.
Sharon also read Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer, which dives into the intricate world of fandom and offers a unique perspective on the complexities of devotion and obsession in pop culture.
Bill read Men of Kent: Ten Boys, A Fast Boat, And the Coach Who Made Them Champions by Rick Rinehart. Men of Kent is a classic sports narrative, where against the odds, unlikely events unfold amidst a backdrop of historical turbulence. It serves as both a tribute and an insider's view into the world of rowing, celebrates its rich history, traditions, and culture, and tells the story of ten ordinary boys and their coach from Kent, Connecticut, who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances during the tumultuous spring and summer of 1972.
Bill also read The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of WWII's Most Decorated Platoon by Alex Kershaw, a harrowing tale of survival and heroism of group of American soldiers from the 394th Infantry Regiment.
In fiction, Beth read Never Lie by Freida McFadden, a humorous and insightful mystery that explores the consequences of weaving a web of deceit in a small town, where lies unravel, and truths emerge in unexpected ways. Beth also read Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros, book one of a best-selling fantasy series that she described as “engrossing” and “Harry Potter for grown-ups.”
Judy enjoyed The Edge of Honor by P. T. Deutermann, which follows a group of young recruits as they navigate the challenges of military training throughout the Vietnam War, testing their courage and loyalty in the face of danger.
Kim read Dune by Frank Herbert, book 1 of a 6 book series. Dune is a stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, an epic set in a distant future where political intrigue, religious prophecy, and ecological themes converge as noble families fight for control over the desert planet of Arrakis and its coveted resource, spice.
Beth and Judy read The Measure by Nikki Erlick in which millions of tiny wooden boxes show up on people’s doorsteps one morning. Inside each box there is a single string that contains the measure of the recipient’s life. The book explores what it means to live a full life and whether knowing how much life we have left affects us, for better or worse. The Measure is the Wickson Reads Book Club selection for the month of February.
That’s a wrap for this month’s Books for Lunch selections. Perhaps you’ve found some inspiration from these suggestions and have a title or two to add to your reading list. Fourth Wing is at the top of mine! Finally, a friendly reminder that the library will be closed from March 1-14 for renovations. Happy reading!
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