Ursina's Shelf - 2022 review
Issue 57
Dear readers,
The end of the year is quickly approaching, which has me reflecting on the books I read this year. I can only conclude that I must have been especially lucky this year because I read so many books that are contenders for my annual review list (previous lists are here: 2019, 2020, and 2021). Have a look below.
Important logistical note: Heads-up this is the last issue coming from Get Revue, which is unfortunately shutting down. I will be migrating the newsletter to Substack (free version) over the Holiday break. Please look out for the next issue coming from that platform around December 30th.
If I had to pick three favorites...
The Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead (2021)
Description: The fictional story of a young pilot Marian Graves and the actress who plays her a century later. The book traverses Montana, Alaska, London, and more, and a reader can’t help but fall in love with the heroine, who is breaking barriers, hearts, and aviation records.
My take: This sprawling story featuring adventure, wilderness, war, siblings, lovers, and strong women has all the ingredients of a great book, but it caught me up with how these characters find out who they are over the course of their story (buy here).
Bonus tip: I featured this as a great gift in issue 55 for independent women (and men) who love adventure and historical fiction.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) (previously featured in issue 52 on mysteries)
Description: In this story, a young cop discovers the first victim in a series of killings of sex workers in a Philadelphia neighborhood marred by the opioid crisis. Even more suspenseful than the murders is the cop’s search for her missing sister. The chapters jump back and forth between the present and the sisters’ childhood.
My take: Of course, I love Philadelphia and I love a mystery, but what drew me in was the story of the family where one sister becomes a cop, while the other is plagued by addiction. The close-up view of addiction and drugs and the lives of those surrounded by and struggling with these was heart-wrenching but also portrayed in a way that was both eye-opening and considerate. (Link to buy.)
Bonus tip: Barack Obama liked this book too.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) (previously featured in issue 54 on female empowerment)
Description: A chemist and single mother, Elizabeth Zott, becomes a TV cook show host in the 1960s after losing the love of her life, the brilliant Chemist Calvin Evans. While she is thwarted by sexism at every corner, she is unstoppable with her highly rational and no-nonsense approach to life, its hardships, and providing nutritious meals for ones family.
My take: This book came highly recommended by Deanna, Jessica, and Aishwarya and I highly enjoyed the audio version, including the author interview at the end. The story itself is intriguing, but it is the characters that made me love this book. Next to Elizabeth, we have Calvin, her daughter Mad, her dog, the neighbor, a priest, and so many more. While the sexism of the 60s feels shocking, it also feels all too familiar at times. The themes of feminism, empowerment, and found family make for an uplifting and inspiring read. (Buy here).
Bonus facts: This debut’s author is a rower, who spent several years living in Switzerland with her family. She was inspired by the Feminine Mystique and her dog Friday. For her research, she read a chem textbook from the 1950s. This debut was already translated into over 30 languages and a TV series adaptation is due to drop in 2023.
Runners up
Most impressive: How the One-armed Sister Sweeps the House by Cherie Jones (2021) (see issue 54)
Favorite audiobook: The Girl with the Louding Voice written by Abi Daré and read by Adjoa Andoh (2020) (see issue 42)
Best vacation read: Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022)
Favorite young adult: The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (2015) (see issue 56)
Two best non-fiction books: The Cost of Sexism by Linda Scott (2022) (see issue 54) and Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (2019)
Currently reading: Transatlantik, the ninth book in Volker Kutscher’s Gereon Rath series.
And now I would like to wish you a lovely Christmas surrounded by love, warmth, and books. Thank you all and talk soon!