The Women - Kristin Hannah

 This story came highly recommended. It was a great read, finished it in 2 days.  It's the story of a young woman who enlists as a nurse during the Vietnam war.  Her idealistic outlook is quickly squashed as the realities of war become clear.  Not only was she subjected to horrors she'd never imagined, she encounters even worse realities when she returns home.  She constantly hears "no women were in Vietnam" and is told to forget and move on.  A good read.

Published:  2024  Read: June 2024  Genre: Historical fiction

Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus

 Why do I have to wait all year for the best book?  I put this one at the top of my list for 2023 although Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperfield came close, I enjoyed the laughter and spunk of Garmus's story.

Elizabeth Zott is a scientist to be taken seriously -- though in the 1960s that isn't going to happen. Her sharp intellect is ignored or overlooked by her male colleagues.  She finds her soulmate only to move on and become a daytime TV cooking show host.  

I found myself cheering for her and her perseverance and take-no-nonsense attitude.  It's a reflection of attitudes that were and are still with us.  Add this one to your list - you won't be disappointed.   

Published: 2023  Read: December 2023  Genre: Fiction