Horse by Geraldine Brooks

I loved this historical fiction novel. It’s based on the true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred, Lexington. It was interesting to learn about horseracing and the history of the sport. The author transports the reader into each of her scenes. With Brooks’ meticulous research, I felt as if I’d traveled back in time. The writing is rich and effortlessly beautiful. Often, I found myself pausing to consider her words. The characters are complex and unique.

Kentucky, 1850. An enslaved groom named Jarret forges an unbreakable bond with a bay foal. The horse wins several record-setting victories before the nation erupts in civil war.

NYC, 1954. Martha Jackson is a gallery owner who discovers a 19th century painting with mysterious origins.

Washington, DC 2019. Jess, a scientist for the Smithsonian, is studying the bones of an old stallion. Theo, an art historian, finds a discarded treasure. The two have a chance encounter that leads to a joint discovery of lost history.

Trust me, this is a book that’s hard to put down!

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

**BEACH READ** Take this book on vacation with you. It’s a quick and easy read. The storyline is heartwarming and entertaining. I loved the cast of characters and how their lives intertwined. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. I will be reading this novel again when I need a good palate cleanser.

Iona Iverson commutes into the city for her job as an advice columnist. She has certain rules for the train, such as, never speak to anyone and never give up your seat. She does however make many observations and assumptions about her fellow travelers. When ‘Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader’ chokes on a grape, she must break her rule and intervene. This single event starts a chain reaction that will lead to unexpected surprises and friendships between people whose only commonality is their commute.

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

How do you measure a life? Is it measured by how long you live or by what you leave behind?

This book held my attention. The novel is both science fiction and thought experiment. There are elements of love but also horror. The subject matter has led to great conversations with friends and family. It’s the book that keeps on giving.

One night, a box is delivered to everyone in the world (who is over 22). Inside is a length of string. The length of the string measures how long the recipient has left to live. Everyone now faces the same impossible choice, to look or not to look. The book follows a cast of characters whose fates intertwine in a clever way. The writing was good and the ideas thought-provoking. It would be a perfect pick for book groups.