Vigil, George Saunders

I had just finished Flesh, last month's Sandra Selects recommendation. You know the feeling when you finish a really good book and you ask yourself, “What am I going to read next?” Lucky me- George Saunders' new book Vigil, had just been released- beautifully written, imaginative, thoughtful, challenging, and of course, funny. How to comfort a dying oil tycoon who has knowingly and unrepentantly contributed to climate change disaster? If you’re Saunders, you send a guide in the form of an angel named Jill "Doll" Blaine. She is disgusted by her charge. He is cynical, vicious, anti-truth, and deceptive. But redemption is her job. I easily accepted the world of spirits- people floating through walls. When you are in George Saunders' world, anything is possible. K.J. Boone, our oil executive, calls the increasing reports of climate change "enviro-porn." He grew up poor and abused, which became his excuse for greed. Jill has her work cut out for her. Some reviewers complained the novel was too short, but I thought that was part of its strength.

My daughter Ronit recommends: Hostage, Eli Sharabi

It’s now about one month after the body of Ran Gvili, the final hostage in Gaza, has been returned home. It was time for me, and it’s time for you, to read the book Hostage by Israeli Eli Sharabi. Sharabi recounts the agonizing nightmare he experienced from the moment he was abducted to Gaza on October 7, 2023 from Kibbutz Be’eri, in front of his wife and children, until his return to Israel 491 days later. I urge you to read his story of starvation, beatings, abuse, and the darkness of the tunnels in Gaza. You will read about his strength and the resilience that he shared with others in captivity as well as the power and opportunity to bear witness that he has given us! Hostage was named Book of the Year by the National Jewish Book Awards.

Carey recommends: Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada’s Sweetest Obsession, Peter Kuitenbrouwer

This story blends history, culture, science, and politics. Kuitenbrouwer is a journalist; he and his family have also been making maple syrup in Madoc, Ontario every spring for years. He is also a registered professional forester with a great love and respect for this land. Beautiful illustrations accompany the outrageous yet true stories he recounts about maple syrup. There is the Great Maple Syrup Heist, the Maple Syrup Rebellion, and the corporations and individuals who make up conflicting sides of the “industry.” This book is for everyone who loves Canada, history, and the sweet smell of spring in the air after a long winter.