Peak Picks & Reviews

We’ve lost our way and there’s no one to ask for directions. Introduction  Marieke Lucas Rijneveld’s The Discomfort of Evening (translated by Michele Hutchison) is a haunting and deeply evocative exploration of grief, trauma, and the disintegration of a family after an unimaginable loss. Winner of the 2020 International Booker Prize, this debut novel offers an unflinching portrayal of a young girl's descent into a chaotic inner world, shaped by her family’s inability to cope with the death of her brother. Set in the stark landscapes of rural Netherlands, the novel examines themes of loss, religion, and the fragility of human connections, all through the eyes of a child whose perspective is both innocent and disturbingly raw. Synopsis  The novel centers on Jas, a ten-year-old girl growing up in a devoutly religious farming family. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her older brother, Matthies, dies in a skating accident—a tragedy that fractures the already fragile bonds of her...

From nothingness, there arose great love; now, its source nullified, that love, searching and sick, converts to the most abysmal suffering imaginable. Introduction  George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo is a groundbreaking novel that blends historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural. It narrates a deeply personal and historical moment: the death of President Abraham Lincoln’s young son, Willie, during the Civil War. Set in a graveyard over a single night, the story unravels through a unique narrative style that combines an extensive cast of ghostly voices with excerpts from historical texts. The novel’s innovative structure and profound exploration of grief, love, and human connection earned it the 2017 Man Booker Prize. This review dives into its synopsis, themes, and stylistic brilliance, drawing upon selected quotes to illustrate its depth. Synopsis  The novel opens with a vivid and poignant scene of young Willie Lincoln’s death in 1862. Despite the ongoing Civil W...

Life, authentic life, is supposed to be all struggle, unflagging action and affirmation, the will butting its blunt head against the world’s wall, suchlike, but when I look back I see that the greater part of my energies was always given over to the simple search for shelter, for comfort, for, yes, I admit it, for cosiness. Introduction  John Banville's The Sea is a haunting exploration of memory, loss, and the inexorable pull of the past. Awarded the Man Booker Prize in 2005, the novel dives into the fragmented psyche of its protagonist, Max Morden, a grieving widower retreating to a seaside town that holds the echoes of his childhood. Banville’s poetic prose and deep introspection transform a simple story of grief into a profound meditation on human frailty and resilience. Synopsis  The novel follows Max Morden, an art historian, as he returns to the coastal village where he spent his formative summers. The setting, a dilapidated boarding house named The Cedars, becomes a fo...

 Eliminate the six illusions, fix the seven blind spots—and stop trying to escape—and you’ll reach happiness more often than not. Introduction  Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat is a book that seeks to bridge the gap between happiness and science. Gawdat, an engineer and former Chief Business Officer at Google X, presents an intriguing proposition: happiness can be deconstructed and approached systematically, much like solving a mathematical equation. After the tragic death of his son, Gawdat embarked on a personal quest to understand and master happiness, using logic, data, and a deeply analytical mindset to create a replicable " Happiness Equation ."  The book intertwines Gawdat’s personal experience with scientific insights and philosophical reflections, offering readers a mix of emotional vulnerability and rational clarity. It is written with a tone of deep sincerity and intention, aiming to help readers apply a pragmatic approach to joy in their...

I never stopped questioning the choices of my past, but in the known world, each step surely unfurls the next, and we must walk into that open space, mapless and without invitation. Introduction  Go as a River by Shelley Read is a hauntingly beautiful novel that dives into the intricacies of human existence, the unforgiving forces of nature, and the profound connections that shape our lives. Set in the rugged landscape of the Colorado Rockies, the novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, resilience, and the passage of time. Read’s debut work resonates with a deep sense of place and an acute awareness of the rhythms of the natural world, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates finely crafted literature with a strong emotional core.  The novel centers around Victoria Nash, a young woman whose life is marked by both tragedy and quiet moments of transcendence. As she navigates the turbulent waters of her life, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a changi...

Asking “why” only makes us feel hopeless. Asking “how” points the way forward, and shows us what we must do. Introduction  A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold is a harrowing memoir that dives deep into the life of a mother grappling with the unimaginable reality of her son’s involvement in one of the most infamous school shootings in American history. Sue Klebold, the mother of Dylan Klebold—one of the two perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre—offers a profoundly personal and painfully honest account of the events leading up to and following the tragedy. The book, published in 2016, serves not only as a memoir but also as a critical examination of the intersections between mental health, violence, and the societal response to tragedy. Klebold's narrative is marked by a persistent quest for understanding, as she meticulously retraces her steps as a parent, searching for signs she may have missed and questioning how her loving son ...

A loss is inevitable, / like snow in winter. // True champions / learn / to dance / through / the storm. Introduction  "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander is a masterful blend of poetry and prose, capturing the hearts of young adult readers and beyond. Published in 2014, this novel-in-verse has been celebrated for its innovative format and deeply resonant themes, winning the prestigious Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor. "The Crossover" tells the story of two basketball-loving brothers, Josh and Jordan Bell, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and their dreams on the court. With its rhythmic verse, vibrant imagery, and emotionally charged narrative, the book transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering readers an unforgettable experience that is both universally relatable and profoundly moving. Synopsis  "The Crossover" centers around Josh Bell, a 12-year-old basketball prodigy, and his twin brother, ...

 She had plugged it up with Fix-All. Not a sound emerged from inside. She had done a good job. Introduction  The Higher Power of Lucky, written by Susan Patron and illustrated by Matt Phelan, is a poignant middle-grade novel that won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2007. It tells the story of a ten-year-old girl named Lucky Trimble, who lives in the small, desolate town of Hard Pan, California, with a population of only 43 people. This novel is not just a story about a young girl navigating the challenges of her life but also an exploration of the themes of loss, abandonment, self-discovery, and resilience. Through Lucky's journey, Susan Patron masterfully addresses the complexities of growing up, especially when faced with uncertainties and fears. This review will provide an in-depth analysis of the novel, including a synopsis of the plot, a thematic exploration, and a concluding assessment of its impact on the reader. Synopsis  The story revolves around Lucky Trimble, ...

Here at the sea—especially at the sea—I could hear my sister’s voice in the waves: “Kira-kira! Kira-kira!” Introduction  Kira-Kira, the 2004 Newbery Medal-winning novel by Cynthia Kadohata, is a poignant and deeply moving exploration of family, love, loss, and resilience, set against the backdrop of the 1950s and 1960s America. The title, which translates from Japanese as " glittering " or " shining ," captures the essence of the story, where moments of beauty and hope gleam amidst the often harsh realities of life. Through the eyes of Katie Takeshima, a young Japanese-American girl, Kadohata crafts a narrative that is both tender and profound, offering a glimpse into the complexities of cultural identity, economic hardship, and the bonds of sisterhood. Synopsis  Kira-Kira follows the life of the Takeshima family, who move from their Japanese-American enclave in Iowa to the more industrialized and racially diverse Georgia. The story is narrated by Katie Takeshima, w...

 You can't keep the birds of sadness from flying over your head, but you can keep them from nesting in your hair. Introduction  "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech is a poignant and captivating young adult novel that weaves together themes of family, loss, identity, and the healing power of storytelling. Published in 1994, the book has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Newbery Medal and securing a place in the hearts of readers for its sensitive and nuanced exploration of complex emotions. The narrative follows the journey of thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, known as Sal, as she travels across the country with her grandparents to find her missing mother. Through Sal's journey and the stories she recounts, Creech masterfully blends humor, heartbreak, and hope, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with readers of all ages. Synopsis  The story begins with Sal embarking on a road trip with her grandparents, Gram and Gramps Hiddle, from Ohio to Lewiston, Idah...

We wanted a family so bad, all of us. And we just grabbed on to each another and made us one. Simple as that. Introduction  "Missing May" by Cynthia Rylant is a touching and insightful novel that captures the nuances of grief and the power of love and family. This middle-grade book, which won the 1993 Newbery Medal, is a profound exploration of how people cope with loss, told through the eyes of a young girl named Summer. Set in the rural West Virginia countryside, "Missing May" is a heartfelt story that resonates with readers of all ages due to its emotional depth and lyrical prose. The narrative beautifully intertwines themes of sorrow, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit." Synopsis  The story begins with Summer, a twelve-year-old girl, reflecting on her life after being taken in by her Aunt May and Uncle Ob. Orphaned at six, Summer finds solace and a sense of belonging in the loving home provided by her elderly relatives. Aunt May is a nurturing pre...

The cycle of life might as well be called the cycle of death: everything that lives will die, and everything that dies will be eaten. Bluebirds eat insects; snakes eat bluebirds; hawks eat snakes; owls eat hawks. That’s how wildness works, and I know it. I was heartbroken anyway. Introduction  "Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss" by Margaret Renkl is a profoundly moving collection of essays and poems that interweaves the author’s reflections on the natural world with personal stories of family, love, grief, and resilience. Published in 2019, this debut work by Renkl—an acclaimed writer known for her contributions to The New York Times—has garnered significant praise for its lyrical prose and intimate portrayal of life's delicate balance. Renkl's background in the South and her keen observation of the interconnectedness of life and death form the backbone of this book, offering readers a poignant meditation on the cycles of nature and human existence. ...

Grief is not a problem to be solved; it’s an experience to be carried. Introduction  Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience, yet it is often approached with discomfort and misunderstanding. Megan Devine's book, "It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand," emerges as a crucial resource in the landscape of grief literature. Devine, a psychotherapist and grief advocate, brings a profound personal perspective to the subject, having faced the tragic loss of her partner. Her book challenges conventional narratives around grief, offering a compassionate and realistic approach to those navigating the tumultuous waters of loss. In this review, we will look into the book’s core message, its thematic explorations, and the ways in which it contributes to our understanding of grief. Synopsis  "It’s OK That You’re Not OK" is both a personal narrative and a guidebook. Devine begins by sharing the story of her partner’s...