The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth Mckenzie

Set in Palo Alto, California, quirky Veblen who tempts at a local hospital and translates Norwegian, finds that it is comforting to have a squirrel living in her attic; the noise it makes at night comforts her.  It becomes a conflict of interest when her neurologist boyfriend Paul moves in and decides to trap the critter.  Following the trip to set the "charming" squirrel free are several subplots with the dysfunctional relationships of Veblen and her mother and father.  Paul is in the process of testing his medical device for brain trauma veterans, and finds himself standing up against a conniving heiress in order to expose how greed can supersede truth in some pharmaceutical companies.  The couple's impending wedding collides with all these commotions leading to an entertaining read.

Tangle Journey by Beckah Krahula

You know those adult coloring books you see everywhere? This book reminded me of that. It does take it a step up, however, in that you make your own drawings. The idea of relaxing through the process of drawing and creating for 30 minutes a day is appealing. In the end you end up with beautiful works of art. You can make them into a journal, or book, or art to put on your wall....or just fill a drawer full of interesting projects, half done. In any case, I'm going to try it!

Warbird Factory by John Fredrickson

John Fredrickson's Warbird Factory is a look back at North American Aviation and its work during World War II. Though the book looks at the development and construction of some of America's most famous fighting planes, it goes way beyond air combat. Warbird Factory also looks in detail at those who designed these aircraft, and those who built them on the factory floor.
For me, the most entertaining part of the book was the look it took at the factory workers' community. The book discusses everything from the working conditions, to the shifts, to how these people socialized and even how they made the commute to work. Warbird Factory also details labor problems that had to be overcome so that the planes could once again roll off the assembly line.
Along with all of the written information the book presents, it is also a treasure trove of period photos taken inside the factories and the offices of North American Aviation. These pictures help paint the picture of how American factories, and the Americans working in them, came together to help shorten World War II. It is a very enjoyable read.

The Last Painting of Sara DeVos by Dominic Smith

This story interweaves plot lines from 3 time periods:  -- 1600s Netherlands - where Sara DeVos has become the first woman admitted as a master painter to a guild, --  1950s NYC - where the only known painting attributed to Sara DeVos is stolen from Marty DeGroot and replaced with a skillfully done forgery, and 2000s Sydney, Australia - where Ellie Shipley, celebrated art historian and museum curator, realizes that both the original DeVos and the forgery Ellie did are on their way to the exhibition at her museum.

This book grabbed my interest quickly, and painted compelling sketches of the lives of its characters.  I highly recommend it!

Color Concrete Garden Projects by Nathan Smith and Michael Snyder

When first picking this book off the shelf I thought it might be a great new adventure for my creative side. After reading the book, I think I don't have the tools or location to tackle these kind of projects. It also looks to be hard on the hands and I believe the finished projects look heavy. The authors and creators are male. I loved the modern, yet rustic, look of the finished projects. I was especially drawn to the planters, the tabletop candle holder, and the concrete sphere. I would definitely use these styles in my garden and home. After thorough examination I will have to let someone else create these wonderful, solid forms. Perhaps I will buy some from an enterprising artisan some day.

Star Wars - Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

So, you have been watching Star Wars - The Force Awakens and you are wondering where all of the wreckage on the surface of Jakku comes from - you know, the ships and star destroyers that Rey and others are scavenging for credits?  Well, if you read Claudia Gray's Star Wars: Lost Stars, you can find the answer.
Even though Lost Stars is found in the young adult section, it is a good read for all ages of Star Wars fans. It is also a read that once you start, you will want to tackle it straight through to find out just where it is taking you.
The book follows the lives of two children from two different backgrounds - a boy, Thane Kyrell, and a girl, Ciena Ree. They meet as young children and end up enrolling in the Imperial Academy together. Once exposed to the workings of the Empire, Thane drifts from its teachings and becomes a part of the Rebellion. Ciena remains loyal to the Empire. The book follows them through school and then as they cross paths during the major events of Star Wars IV, V and VI, eventually reaching the surface of Jakku where we encountered Rey several years later when The Force Awakens premiered last November.
The book is action-filled, and, very much a love story. Still, any mushiness in countered by the explosions of ships and the pursuit of the "bad guys", whoever they might be revealed to be.

In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri, translated by Ann Goldstein

In this autobiographic bilingual book, Lahiri explores the parallels between language and identity, reflecting on her parents' and sometimes her sense of belonging among the U.S., India and Italian cultures. Lahiri chronicles her journey in acquiring the Italian language.  She fell in love with Italy when she visited Florence with her sister after college and was determined to learn the language.  Besides years of discipline and hard work, she even moved her family to Rome for three years in order to fully immerse herself and her family in the country and culture. She only allowed herself to read, speak and write in Italian.  Despite having mastered the language, Lahiri still feels the occasional inadequacies.  Anyone who has studied a foreign language will understand her struggles and triumphs of the process.