Author: Emily Leader

I have been an avid reader since Dick and Jane met Sally. At age 7, I read my parents' first edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird." I am a retired lawyer and so read almost only fiction for pleasure. I'm adding in nonfiction these days, largely on social justice matters but also history, biography, and weird topics that catch my imagination. I used to read only serially, one book at a time. Presently, I read paperbacks, hardcovers, listen to audible, listen to CDs and read online through Net Galley. Covid-19 has caused me to read a lot so I have re-upped my Goodreads challenge for 2021 and am starting to review at least my favorite finds annd, perhaps, some stinkers.

Shadows Reel – C.J. Box (Joe Pickett #22)

Wow! I requested an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley because I previously read and enjoyed about four books from the Joe Pickett series, always swearing I would go back to read the series from book one. In my own experience of popping in and out, including this entry, Box writes all of … Continue reading Shadows Reel – C.J. Box (Joe Pickett #22) →

Our American Friend – Anna Pitoniak

I am totally ambivalent about choices made in this well written cold war Russia versus the United States novel, that then looks at the question of present day Russia cozying up to a Billionaire U.S. President with no morals, married to a (Russian) emigre. Sophie Morse is a young journalist, married to Ben, a lawyer. … Continue reading Our American Friend – Anna Pitoniak →

Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto – Colson Whitehead – Audio Version

Harlem Shuffle is a three-part book about a furniture store owner at 125th Street and Morningside in New York City in 1959, 1961, 1964. Harlem itself is a character in this novel, its hierarchy, its ordinary families, its upper crust and those trying to change their lives or to preserve the status quo. I sat … Continue reading Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto – Colson Whitehead – Audio Version →

All Day is a Long Time – David Sanchez

David Sanchez has written an important, compelling, disturbing, sympathetic and at times infuriating novel about addiction. It is written from the perspective and random thoughts of protagonist David, who at fourteen tries crack for the first time. It reads like a dream and reminds us always of Davids humanity, as he steals from family, becomes … Continue reading All Day is a Long Time – David Sanchez →