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I‘m extremely belated with this post. Honestly, I try not to overwhelm my subscribers and I read a LOT of books in January. So, now that I‘m juggling some new books, here is my post of 2019 favorites. (And several runners up!)

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Bradley strikes a balance between intense description, action, and character-driven narratives. The combination worked for me. I felt connected to all the main characters, and that I knew enough about the most important minor ones as well. Never did I feel bogged down in descriptions of place, although sometimes her expositions of religious conflict grew tedious. But it‘s LONG!

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
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Darcey Steinke presents her perspective on various aspects of menopause. It‘s one woman‘s experience, and thus, a memoir. And yet, it‘s so much more. There‘s science, social / cultural commentary, and some thoughts on medical methods. But if you‘re looking for a “how-to make menopause easy book,” this isn‘t directly it. Still, I came away feeling empowered. 4.5 stars

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Between a pick and a so-so for me. In under 300 pages, Phillips introduces many characters. Some are central to the plot of two missing girls, others are only adjacent. But how and if they connect only comes clear in the last chapter or two. I wanted more of some characters, but recognize the story telling purpose. The complex structure added to the overall melancholy tone of this one.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
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Donna Jackson Nakazawa is a favorite nonfiction author of mine. This is her latest, and publishes in January 2020. It introduces a component of our brains called microglia to the general public. Studying microglia proves that brain, mind, and body are intimately tied together. Nakazawa is a journalist / patient who writes for patients. She‘s the advocate you‘ve always wanted. ⬇️

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The series premise takes the legends of Avalon, Merlin, and King Arthur and combines them with urban fantasy in the near future. We‘ve moved into the next generation and England is still deep in trouble. One well-prepared young man and a naive Princess are tasked with saving the country (again) from evil. Some insta-love, but it didn‘t offend me. Planning to read the prequel soooon!

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
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Just so darn good. I inhaled this like a dog who tips over the treat jar in an empty house. Boylan tells stories of her childhood, teenage years, and adult life through the lens of dog ownership. In some stories dogs are central, and often misbehaving. In others, they are bit players. I laughed a lot, and also learned more about the trans journey. 4 enthusiastic stars.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
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The fundamental questions raised by the authors are vital medical ethics and practice concerns. To simplify a complex set of topics, Welch encourages patients and even physicians to think carefully about the cost versus benefit of early detection and treatment. He applies it to various cancers, high cholesterol and blood pressure, DNA testing and more.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
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Ferris creates the art journal and diary of Karen Reyes, a 1960s Chicago pre-teen, balancing the difficulties of her own adolescence with a family that‘s only marginally stable. And what she wants most in the world is to become a werewolf.

If you like a quirky kid, stories of growing up too fast, and fantastic art, give this graphic novel a whirl.

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
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This is an urban fantasy with a side helping of Arthurian legend. It‘s a tantalizing reading combination, especially in a time when we know our leaders by their tweets rather than by their ancestry. I like an engaging good versus evil story like The Midsummer Wife, especially when the real world is stressful. Strong writing, and I‘m already on to the sequel!

Full review http://www.TheBibliophage.com
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