Book Talk – January 2025

The reading year started off with a very solid month and some interesting books. I am happy. And maybe I can spark some interest to pick up one or the other. So grab yourself a drink, the comfy blanket and join me for the Book Talk January edition.

The Great Passage by Shion Miura | ★★★★✶

book blurb: Inspired as a boy by the multiple meanings to be found for a single word in the dictionary, Kohei Araki is devoted to the notion that a dictionary is a boat to carry us across the sea of words. But after thirty-seven years creating them at Gembu Books, it’s time for him to retire and find his replacement.
He discovers a kindred spirit in Mitsuya Majime—a young, disheveled square peg with a penchant for collecting antiquarian books and a background in linguistics—whom he swipes from his company’s sales department.
Led by his new mentor and joined by an energetic, if reluctant, new recruit and an elder linguistics scholar, Majime is tasked with a career-defining accomplishment: completing The Great Passage, a comprehensive 2,900-page tome of the Japanese language. On his journey, Majime discovers friendship, romance, and an incredible dedication to his work, inspired by the bond that connects us all: words.
First Sentence: Kohei Araki had devoted his entire life – his entire working life – to dictionaries.
What I thought: This was a wonderful tale. We look behind the scenes of how dictionaries are made. The effort, the thought, the sweat that goes into them. We are following some quirky nerds along the way. Real characters that are socially a bit awkward but so charming. I am sure if you know (or learn) Japanese it would be even greater because at times words are being explained and dissected. It is a real gem to read.
Elevate/elevation count: 1
Characters: Majime – dictionary editor, Kishibe – employer dictionary department, Nishioka – employer dictionary & advertising department, Mrs. Sasaki – file card organizer, Professor Matsumoto – advisor, Kaguya – chef, wife to Majime
Setting: old office annex of a big company, restaurants
Medium: eBook through Kindle unlimited
Original Language and Title: Japanese 舟を編む (Fune o Amu)
Publications: German title – not translated as of now
Recommend to: Everyone loving books with books as topics, quirky nerdy characters and wanting to read a Japanese tale.
Author’s Origin: born in Tokio, Japan | September 23, 1976
Read Around the World: booked logged for Japan in my Read Around the World challenge
Additional note: There seems to be a movie made based on the book

The Last Goddess by Kateřina Tučková | ★★★★☆

Book Blurb: Scattered throughout the White Carpathians are individual huts, far away from everything. It is the home of wise women who have been passing on their knowledge for generations. They are considered goddesses with magical healing powers and the ability to foresee the future. But why haven’t they seen their own?
As a teenager, Dora, the last of the goddesses, witnesses her aunt Surmena being admitted to a psychiatric hospital and turns her back on the archaic life, devoting herself to progress and science. Only much later, when the state security archives are opened, does she realize that Surmena, like the other goddesses, had been persecuted as anti-regime. Stunned, Dora uncovers the hitherto unknown fate of her family. One lead even leads to the witches’ card index compiled by Himmler. Did the goddesses collaborate with the Germans?
A gripping novel about power, corruption and betrayal in totalitarian regimes, about rationality and magic.
First Sentence: It’s not easy to see inside.
What I thought: This was such a unique and surprise read. The English book blurb was not as the one above (which I translated from German) and rather misleading in hindsight. I was not expecting the historical aspect and the deep dive into totalitarian regimes. The book is a bit hard to read as archive documents are strewn in throughout the book and they just read as archive documents do. So the story doesn’t really flow. However I found it really interesting nevertheless. These documents – even though fictions – are so very close to the truth. I should know since my mom is a historian in this field and has read many of such files including our own family ones.
This book reads half like a research paper and half as a novel. I liked all the characters too. The mentally illness of the brother was well portrayed and the mental health institution also. On the other hand the description of the White Carpathians was so beautiful. This book is full of opposites and it works really well together. At 95% I was wondering how this book will end – I had no clue.
This may be a contender for my surprise of the year book. Just saying.
Edit: I am thinking of bumping up the rating half a point…. This book will linger in my head a long time.
Elevate/elevation count: 0 (1 if including elevator)
Characters: Dora Idesová – 40 year old social scientist, Jakoup – brother, mentally disabled, Surmena – last goddess and foster mother to Dora & Jakoup, Madalka family – rival goddess family
Setting: white Carpathian Mountains, archives of Secret State Police
Medium: eBook through Kindle unlimited
Original Language and Title: Czech “Žítkovské bohyně”
Publications: German title “Das Vermächtnis der Göttinnen”
Recommend to: Everyone loving historical fiction, loves magical elements and wants to learn about Eastern European history of the last century. Highly recommend.
Author’s Origin: born in Brno, Czech Republic | October 31, 1980
Read Around the World: booked logged for Czech Republic in my Read Around the World challenge

Starfish Sister by Barbara O’Neal | ★★★★☆

Book Blurb: From the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids comes an emotional novel about two women facing the betrayals, heartbreaks, and refuge of true friendship. Phoebe and Suze used to be closer than sisters.
Growing up in a quiet and wildly beautiful coastal town in Oregon, they shared everything. Until the secrets they couldn’t share threatened their bond and complicated their lives. Now, decades later, Suze, a famous actress desperate for safe haven following a brutal attack, is back in town. Phoebe, a successful illustrator and fabric designer, has discovered keeping a secret means she can’t let anyone get close, aside from her beloved granddaughter, Jasmine. As Jasmine’s move to London looms, Phoebe doesn’t know how to face the return of her old friend and all that’s still unsaid between them. Can the two women who’ve never confronted their past do it now when the choice is between healing and survival? Heartfelt and layered, The Starfish Sisters is a moving story about the complicated nature of female friendship, the joys and heartbreaks of life, and the resiliency and power that women possess. 
First Sentence: Joel hid in the woods until he saw them drive away in the preacher’s white Chevrolet.
What I thought: Ever since reading “We believed in Mermaids” I wanted to read more about this author. I was not disappointed. I loved the main characters being in her 50’s. I loved the real life struggles they faced. I enjoyed the main topic being a female friendship with all its ambivalences and hurts that may occur. I liked the love in different forms being in this book. The setting on the Oregon coast was gorgeous and I wished I lived in the house (hint to Engie/Birchie – Its a Frank Lloyd Wright house!) This author is becoming a solid pick because so far each book was a great experience. I will continue picking up her novels as they are not as shallow as other contemporary (women centered) novels.
Elevate/elevation count: 0
Characters: Phoebe – artist, Suze Ogden – actress, Joel – Phoebes childhood crush, Ben, Jasmine – granddaughter to Phoebe, Stephanie – daughter to Phoebe and mother of Jasmine, Beryl – Phoebes grandma, Dimitri – late partner to Suze
Setting: small town on the coast of Oregon, outside Portland, a Frank Lloyd Wright house
Medium: eBook through Kindle unlimited
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: no translation found
Recommend to: Everyone loving a solid book about female friendship without reading shallow stuff. This is a real story.
Author’s Origin: born in Colorado, U.S.A. | 1959
Additional note: Just learned she also writes under the pen names Barbara Samuel, Lark O’Neal, Ruth Wind.

Tropic Angel by Nate van Coops | ★★★✶☆

Book blurb: Former Blackhawk pilot Luke Angel wants nothing more than to enjoy the easy life he’s found in coastal Florida. He’s got a seaplane business, a well-trained dog, and a loyal and lovable crew to throw back margaritas with. But when a plane belonging to a friend goes missing from Luke’s airport, local detectives are understandably baffled. Clues are scattered from the Keys to the far side of the Gulf of Mexico, and Luke may be the only one with the connections to piece the puzzle back together. The case rips open old family tensions for Luke and the woman he once loved. When his eleven-year-old niece gets dragged into the danger, Luke finds himself facing down elements of his past he thought long buried. Dipping his floats into murky water has Luke tangling with deadly people who’d love nothing more than to clip his wings. He’ll have to fly fast if he wants to protect the people he loves, or he’ll end up at the bottom of the bay.
First Sentence: A good pilot doesn’t show sweat.
What I thought: Another author that becomes a favorite. I think I have read most all of his books. He started out as a sci-fi/time travel writer and is now dipping into thrillers. As a pilot himself he knows what he is writing about and it shows. At times nerdy and detailed in flight language it is however still interesting to someone not having a clue. The story is fun to read, takes you into the Florida sunshine and life style (at least how I imagine it). I love the subtle dry humor van Coops has in his books. You know I am not a dog person but I did enjoy Murphey’s character a lot. The only thing I didn’t love was the way the main character pointed out women’s features. It was never sexist or such but I could have done without. Guess it is more targeted to a male audience. Nevertheless enjoyed and moved on to the second book immediately.
Elevate/elevation count: 0 (1 including elevator)
Characters: Luke Angel – pilot, Reese – employee, friend and former military member of Luke, Murphy – dog, Cassidy – pilot & ex wife to Luke, Chris and Ava – couple & sister to Cassidy
Setting: St. Petersburg, Florida, Isla Peréz, Mexico
Medium: eBook through Kindle unlimited
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: no traslation
Recommend to: Everyone needing a sunny thriller, a little humor and a thriller beach read.
Author’s Origin: born in Calistoga, U.S.A. | November1980
Additional note: Book 1 in the Archangel Aviation Thrillers Series

Tropic Descent by Nate van Coops | ★★★✶☆

Book blurb: THERE ARE OLD PILOTS AND BOLD PILOTS—AND DEAD AND COLD PILOTS.
Luke Angel is on a routine cargo flight in the Bahamas, anticipating an icy beer waiting for him on the far side, but when a distress call diverts him into a watery landing in the turquoise Caribbean waters, he ends up with a dead pilot and a mysterious unconscious woman on his hands.
The island town of Hooper’s Haven is a refuge for the wealthy and glamorous. And their secrets.
When his passenger disappears from the local hospital, Luke has more questions than answers about who she really is. Torn between his desire to bug out ahead of deteriorating weather, and his duty to see his passenger safely home, he finds himself walking a knife edge of danger.
First Sentence: They say it takes a life of virtue to unlock the gates of heaven, but a small plane will carry even a tarnished soul to the Bahamas.
What I thought: A solid and enjoyable read. Not as strong as the first book in my opinion but maybe because I guessed what was going on rather quickly. Maybe I really did miss Murphey here? I will continue the series.
Elevate/elevation count: 3 (8 including elevator)
Characters: Luke Angel – pilot, Tyson – 19 year old co-pilot, Fabienne – plane crash survivor with a mission, Whitney – journalist, Coconut Chuck, Dr. Marcus, Mali Solomon, Sherrie Swain
Setting: small island in the Bahamas
Medium: eBook through Kindle unlimited
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: no translation found
Recommend to: Everyone who has read book one in the series.
Author’s Origin: born in Calistoga, U.S.A. | November1980
Additional note: Book 2 in the Archangel Aviation Thrillers Series

The Mr. Thank You Project: A Journey to Elevate the Level of Gratitude on the Planet…One Card at a Time by John Israel | ★★★☆☆

Book Blurb: What started as one man’s desire to bring purpose to his work has morphed into a global movement that is inspiring millions around the world. The Mr. Thank You Project, chronicles the story of John Israel, a self-proclaimed “gratitude salesman,” as he ventures through a year of writing five thank you cards every day for 365 consecutive days. While The Mr. Thank You Project chronicles much of Israel’s personal experience of the year, this book is also a roadmap for anyone who wants to be a change maker in their community, business, or organization.
First Sentence: I am not a very grateful person by nature.
What I thought: This was neither a bad book not a good one. The project itself sounds really interesting and it is inspiring too. I liked the personal stories he shared. However some of the personal growth I found a bit distracting but I can see why it was important to the author to include. There are chapters that end with specifically action steps to take if you want to join the project.
Elevate/elevation count: 2 + title
Medium: eBook through Kindle unlimited
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: none other
Recommend to: Everyone having tanks, gratitude, appreciation as a word for the year or who wants to take card writing to the next level.
Author’s Origin: born in U.S.A. | unknown

Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira | ★★★☆☆

Book Blurb: It begins as an assignment for English class: write a letter to a dead person. 
Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to the dead–to people like Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, Amelia Earhart, and Amy Winehouse–though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating the choppy waters of new friendships, learning to live with her splintering family, falling in love for the first time, and, most important, trying to grieve for May. But how do you mourn for someone you haven’t forgiven? 
It’s not until Laurel has written the truth about what happened to herself that she can finally accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was–lovely and amazing and deeply flawed–can she truly start to discover her own path. 
In a voice that’s as lyrical and as true as a favorite song, Ava Dellaira writes about one girl’s journey through life’s challenges with a haunting and often heartbreaking beauty.
First Sentence: Lieber Kurt Cobain, wir haben gerade English und sollen einen Brief an eine berühmte Persönlichkeit schreiben, die bereits verstorben ist.
What I thought: I think I would have loved this book as a teenager. Apparently it is read in classes in multiple countries. I was thinking about DNFing it some way in as it was too young for me. But I stuck with it and it was not bad. As I said I may have been a bit old. But the struggles and thoughts of the main character probably speak to a lot of teenagers finding her place in life, high school, family and friends.
Elevate/elevation count: audiobook not able to pin point
Characters: Laurel – freshman in high school , May – late sister to Laurel, Sky – boyfriend, Hannah, Natalie, Tristan, Kristen – friends
Setting: small town, high school, inside cars
Medium: audiobook through library
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: German title “Letters to the Dead” and a few more translations seen
Recommend to: Every teenager starting high school.
Author’s Origin: born in Los Angeles, U.S.A. | unknown age

Book Stats for January 2025

Graphic stats from my storygraph app – are we friends?

New books on the shelves

Always buying books even though I am trying to reduce my TBR pile. Here is this month purchases. Please hold me accountable and ask if I read them or just piled them up.

• Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar – a book for my read around the world challenge – kindle deal 1,20€
• The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown – a kindle deal for 1€

And with this my book talk January is coming to an end. But tell me:

What was the first book you read this year? Any money spent on books? Do you read books with your word of the year in the title? Did I inspire you to put one book on your TBR?