Tales of the City

A fun and quaint little read about living in California. Tales of the City jumps around between different people trying to fulfill their dreams and find happiness in San Francisco. A midwestern secretary, a dope smoking land-lady, an unfulfilled wife, and more find their paths crossing as the plot weaves between many unlikely individuals and explores the gay scene, the modeling scene, and the free love scene to name a few. Not groundbreaking per se, but still an enjoyable and quick read.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark

Impeccably researched and written, Michelle McNamara does an impressive job piecing together what exists of America's most notorious and least known serial killer, the golden state killer. Obsessive and determined, Michelle spent years tracking down leads, reading old police files, newspapers, interviewing victims and more to try and create a profile to understand more about the sadistic man who killed more than a dozen people, raped over 50 women, and burglarized over 100 homes in California during the seventies and eighties. Unfortunately she never got to see the man responsible caught and found, she died in 2016. Her husband and researcher finished her book for her and shortly after its release the Golden State killer was found, caught by DNA evidence. Compelling and dark, this true crime story will keep you up at night.

Sisters of Heart and Snow

Dilloway, Margaret. Sisters of Heart and Snow. 12 CDs. unabridged. 13.75 hrs. Recorded Books. 2015. ISBN 9781490650784. 

Dilloway (How to Be an American Housewife) creates a beautifully crafted tale of two estranged sisters learning to make peace with their relationship and their dysfunctional family. When the Rachel and Drew discover a Japanese picture book hidden in their mother's sewing room, they have no idea what they have uncovered. In its pages they learn of the real life female samurai, Tomoe Gozen, her battle exploits, her love, and the bitterness of the losses she suffers. The book resonates with the sisters and its truth rings true across the centuries and is crucial in allowing them to accept, love, and heal their broken family. The story alternates between present day California where the sisters live and flashbacks to Tomoe's feudal Japan. All three characters are narrated beautifully by different voice actors, which helps bring out their distinct and vibrant personalities. Verdict Fans of Amy Tan will eat up this novel, as will readers of historical fiction and family sagas. While it does lag in some places, it builds up to a beautiful redemption and the interlaced female samurai story is not to be missed. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN