Recent Reads

                                                                                                                                                

Zadie Smith's Swing Time follows the lives of two mixed race English girls, both obsessed with dance. Tracey has the talent, making it to the chorus line of various shows; her friend, the protagonist and narrator of the book, becomes the personal assistant of a famous singer.

So much is explored in this book, which shifts from England to  West Africa, where the famous singer (white) is planning a school for girls. Misplaced philanthropy, diaspora tourism, families, friendship, careers, choices . . . it's an excellent, engaging read on important subjects. Highly recommended.

***

I'm a longtime fan of Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar series. He writes terrific standalones too, like Stay Close. A soccer mom with a secret, a once-respected photographer, and a detective who can't let go of a very cold case are thrown together as the past threatens to become all too real.

Coben's characters are well drawn and his dialogue crackles. It's a fine, fun read that will keep you guessing.