Jack Reacher's 23rd is Past Tense

Past Tense, A Jack Reacher Novel
by Lee Child
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Delacorte Press
November 5, 2018


The many attributes that have made us love Jack Reacher are evident once again in this 23rd release in the series. Jack's sense of justice, his willingness to fight when needed, and his near invincibility are once more in play. But Past Tense gives us a broader view of Jack's family background. Just how many Reacher families can there be in a small rural area?

What's different about this book 
Actual coincidence plays a larger part in the plot development than I remember from past titles in the series. And the randomness of Jack's being at the exact spot there is a chilling case of victimization makes for a different but still engaging story. There are some skim-able areas in the development of the story, but by and large this is an entertaining read that continues to develop the larger-than-life figure of Jack Reacher.

What I'll do now that I've read it 
This book will make a solid gift for family and friends who, as I do, love to read about Jack Reacher. And for those libraries where our Lee Child books go quickly, we'll be sure to have this new release on hand on Nov. 5.  Perhaps not the best Jack Reacher yet, but a welcome new addition.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The fourth and best Murderbot: Exist Strategy

Exit Strategy 
Fourth in The Murderbot Diaries
by Martha Wells
Macmillan-Tor/Forge
October 2, 2018

This series is the best-kept secret in the "we love reading!" world, and this fourth and final book in that small, treasured series is the best. 

The novellas have won big-deal awards, and for once, it's easy to understand and applaud those awards.

The small, quick-to-read titles make book-talking this to a new reader a breeze, and it encourages reluctant readers to give it a chance.  That the titles have come out in print makes it easy for librarians. 

Though the titles are Sci-Fi, I have recommended this to readers of all genres -- it's just that good! I've heard this series described as a Sci-Fi Jack Reacher, but Murderbot is better.

The main characters wry humor (not to say snark), his strategic thinking, and the action and suspense make this a very entertaining read.  We care about the characters, even those that may not be sentient, and we care about the outcome and that justice triumphs. Great reads.

There are tantalizing rumors of a fifth, full-length novel coming later that will start a new arc. We should be so lucky!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"The Point" -- a fresh take on post-human powers for late teens

The Point

by John Dixon
Publication August 7th, 2018
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

Scarlett's teen years as misfit, trouble-maker, and dare devil come to an abrupt halt when, on her graduation day, the inexplicable power she has discovered within herself gets her "recruited" to The Point, a shadowy mirror world to West Point. 

This is a compelling "new adult" or young adult book that is hugely entertaining.  The fresh take on beyond-natural powers that develop in the main characters provides an engrossing tale of action and suspense. 

Because the book straddles the line between YA and new adult, readers will want to be aware of issues of strong language and a couple of needless, graphic sexual references (otherwise the romance is well-handled and typical for older teens).

This is an entertaining read for both YA and adults.  The Point is well worth the time to read and enjoy.

Julián is a Mermaid - is a charming read

Julián Is a Mermaid
written and illustrated by Jessica Love Candlewick Press

May 2018

This picture book is perfect is so many ways: 
   the loving Afro-Hispanic abuela and her mijo so perfectly drawn and the crucial expressions so accurately rendered; 

  the Afro-Hispanic community members rendered so faithfully along with subtle humor sketched in as well; 

  and the straight-forward story of the 5- or 6-year-old protagonist captured by the beauty and elegance of some passing mermaid costumes and transforming himself into a mermaid with everyday objects around the house. 

Forget the politics and the ethos of social judgment -- and just enjoy this book.