Sometimes, you just need a little help. This month, I did, so my big brother John Fitzgerald reviewed two of these books. Thanks for the assist!
Fumbled by Harry R. Brady
This book is really two mystery novellas loosely connected by the detectives solving the cases. The first case focuses on an NFL player with memory loss accused of murder. The second is set in Pittsburgh and involves a sex trafficking ring. Both topics are timely, and Brady’s description of the abandoned steel mills of Pittsburgh brought the second story to life.
Freedom by Sebastian Junger
Junger, best known for his book The Perfect Storm, spent nine months following railroad lines from Washington D.C. to Connellsville, Pennsylvania, with three to four people at a time. He weaves his observations about the geography of their surroundings with his thoughts on freedom and key historical events. This book takes you through the backyards of our country. I liked it so much, I read it twice.
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
This is a Good Morning America Book Club pick, and for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. I typically try to steer clear of buzzed-about books, but I read this one and wish I hadn’t. It is The Stepford Wives in reverse. I guess I just gave away the entire premise, but trust me when I say you will figure it out in the first 30 pages. Save yourself the time and pick something else.
Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything by Kristin Bair
I missed this book when it was first published, but I am glad I found it once it came out in paperback. Agatha is a mess. She is a nervous wreck—actually, I think she has OCD. Slowly, Agatha digs herself out of the hole. This book will definitely make you laugh, but you will also cheer for dear, crazy Agatha. I think everyone has a little bit of Agatha in them.