Devoured by Sophie Egan

This was largely shallow and derivative, but it had a few interesting moments.

Matriarch by Anne Edwards

I really enjoyed this one. Recommended.

The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

Decent.

The Breaker Boys by Pat Hughes

Tru and I read this for his book group. The book isn't particularly excellent in terms of writing style, but the history is interesting and well-presented.

Coolidge by Amity Shlaes

I think Shlaes' politics are ridiculous, but this was still an enjoyable book.

I Found You by Lisa Jewell

Normally, I like Lisa Jewell, but the character development was poor and the plot too contrived.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Great Dissent by Thomas Healy

Interesting. (It's amazing to me how much our attitudes about the priority of free speech have changed over the years.)

The Invisible History of the Human Race by Christine Kenneally

One of the most interesting books I have read in a long, long time. Highly recommended.

Raising the Floor by Andy Stern

Very good.

Year Zero by Ian Buruma

Excellent. (Depressing, but excellent.)

Lenin on the Train by Catherine Merridale

Decent.

The Age of Edison by Ernest Freeberg

Very interesting.

The Mental Floss History of the World by Erik Sass

Decent.

Victoria's Daughters by Jerrold M. Packard

I thoroughly enjoyed this.

The Devil and Webster by Jean Hanff Korelitz

This was a fun read--a great send-up of the academic environment. I did find the ending somewhat disappointing.

Review copy provided by publisher.

All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai

The first half of this book was utterly perfect; the second half was decent.

The Woman Behind the New Deal by Kirstin Downey

I was completely fascinated by this book.

To Sleep with the Angels by David Cowan

Very well done; a moving and sad story.

The Marvels by Brian Selznick

I really liked this book.

Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill

I loved this so, so much.

In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen

I thoroughly enjoyed this; it was like reading Downton Abbey.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Trophy Child by Paula Daly

Lots of good material here and an interesting read, but the ending felt like it came out of nowhere.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed

This was fascinating, despite the sometimes pedantic writing.

Opening Skinner's Box by Lauren Slater

I almost didn't read this because I read the blurb and realized that I am already basically familiar with most of these experiments, but . . . this book was amazing. She doesn't just recount the experiments but provides excellent backstory and context. She also considers the philosophical implications of the experiments. And she is a truly gifted writer. So this one is highly, highly recommended.

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much. Wickedly funny, thought-provoking, and with a big heart. I'm off to see what else Frankel has written . . .

Review copy provided by publisher.