I admit it. I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy. But this past summer, I managed to read several novels that did not fall into those categories. I’m so proud of myself. Here are my thoughts.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
A modern retelling of David Copperfield set in the Appalachian Mountains, this novel follows the life of Demon, a boy born into poverty, facing the challenges of foster care, addiction, and exploitation. Raised in a rural community ravaged by the opioid crisis, Demon struggles to find his identity and place in the world.
Living in Kentucky, I’ve met a few ‘Demon Copperheads’ over the years. They face poverty, addiction and failure of those who are suppose to stand up for them. One thing occurred to me as I read this book: I’ve rarely felt this connected to a fictional character. Demon Copperhead narrates his own story and I almost want to believe he’s a real person.
Kingsolver does a great job of showing the negatives of the foster care system. I cheered him on and also chastised him for the decisions he made. One thing is certain: This was one of those books in which I will miss the protagonist now that I’m done reading read.
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
Seet during the Great Depression and World War II, this story follows Anna Kerrigan, a young woman who becomes the first female diver at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, working on repairing warships. As she seeks independence and wrestles with her father’s mysterious disappearance, Anna becomes entangled with Dexter Styles, a powerful man with criminal ties.
The novel weaves themes of family, duty, and survival against the backdrop of a transforming America, blending personal drama with the larger forces of history, particularly the impact of war and economic hardship.
The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A historical fiction novel explores the glamorous yet turbulent life of fictional Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo. As she approaches the end of her life, Evelyn chooses an unknown journalist, Monique Grant, to write her tell-all biography. Through a series of candid interviews, Evelyn recounts her rise to fame, her seven marriages, and the true love of her life, offering revelations about her complicated personal life and identity.
Wow. If Hollywood is really like this . . . this novel did keep my attention, if for no other reason than to see how the sordid tale ended. Society worships these shallow people. They entertain us. But this story reminds me of how ruthless a lot of those Hollywood types can be to get to where they are.
This book has some great twists. See if you can figure out the big mystery before the author does.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Set in a small, struggling town where ice hockey is the community’s pride and hope, this story revolves around the junior hockey team and the expectations placed on them to win the national championship. When a violent crime involving the star player occurs, the town is divided, as loyalties are tested and deep-seated tensions come to the surface.
My neice recommended this one to me, and I’m so glad she did. Through its exploration of sports, community, and morality, Beartown tackles themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of silence in the face of wrongdoing, showing how a town’s identity can be shaped by its darkest secrets
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, is found guilty of murdering her husband, Gabriel. After the crime, Alicia stops speaking entirely, leading to her institutionalization in a psychiatric facility. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with her case and is determined to uncover the truth behind Alicia’s silence. As Theo delves deeper into her past and psyche, he uncovers shocking secrets that blur the line between patient and therapist.
This psychological thriller was an excellent break from all the fantasy I’ve been reading lately. The novel explores themes of trauma, obsession, and deception, leading to a chilling and unexpected twist.
Photo by Jason Pittman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-colorful-aurora-borealis-in-the-sky-28357072/
Andrew M. Friday 
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