Thursday, August 17, 2023

Magdalena by Candi Sary


 

I was fortunate enough to get a copy of Magdalena by Candi Sary. I don't know what made me want to read this, but I am glad I did. First, a synopsis: 

A haunting and lyrical novel that subverts expectations, Candi Sary’s MAGDALENA (Regal House Publishing; July 11, 2023) pulls the reader into the small and secluded Sam’s Town, a place shrouded in fog and thriving on gossip and superstition. Dottie offers plenty of both when the scandal breaks about a missing girl, a ghost, and the affair that started it all. She recounts her story from within her small room in the nursing home, “a holding cell for the dying,” though Dottie isn’t dying. The town simply has nowhere else to put her. 

Dottie begins to write her story. On paper, napkins, bedsheets, whatever they will give her, she feverishly recounts her reclusive existence in Sam’s Town, her tragic history of miscarriages, her longing for the baby that never was, the mysterious disappearance of an almost lover, and the day that the 15-year-old neighbor girl, Magdalena, showed up at her door. Over time, Dottie develops a strange motherly interest in the girl. “I admit I’ve done some terrible things, but I swear on my life,” Dottie writes, “I swear to all my accusers, I did nothing to harm Magdalena.

And, now, before my two cents, read on for an excerpt: 


Magdalena once told me she knew how to cure sadness. She read on that little phone of hers

that we all need fifteen minutes of sun every day and without it, depression could set in.

Those of us here on the peninsula barely get fifteen minutes a week. The fog comes in over

the cliffs in the morning, creeping through town, shrouding all neighborhoods with a thick

graveyard effect. We don’t have an actual graveyard, but the landslide all those years

ago took enough lives and left enough ghosts behind to bring on that kind of fog.

If it does lift around midmorning, a heavy cloud cover still stays most of the day,

keeping things gray. I’d always thought my sadness came from the unfortunate

things that happened in my life, but according to Magdalena, my gloom

might simply be a lack of vitamin D.

From the day she got the phone, she stared into it constantly, seeking answers

to all of her questions and even finding new questions she would have never

thought of on her own. She fed on its information like meat.

“Mushrooms,” Magdalena said. “We need to eat mushrooms.” The girl was my

only visitor. When she spoke, I hung onto her every word. “If we eat enough

of them, we’ll get the vitamin D we’re missing from the sun.”

I didn’t question her. For weeks, I based all my meals around mushrooms.

I made mushroom casseroles, salads, risotto, soups, but I’m not sure it

changed me. I’m not sure it changed her. How many mushrooms would

it take to replace the sun? I wish I could ask the girl, but she’s gone.

Three weeks ago, I lost her for good.

I pull up my sleeves and roll up my pants. My arms and legs are so pale

in this light. They look like white maps with long blue roads leading to nowhere.

The lighting in my house is soft enough to disguise my pallor, but here

in the rest home, the deficiency is glaring. I quickly lower my sleeves

and pants again.

“Focus, Dottie.” My command is quiet.

I swallow down one of the tiny white pills and sit up straight in my chair.

Pen in hand, I look around the dismal room I currently share with Mario.

It is a holding cell for the dying. We aren’t dying like the old people in this

nursing home. But our town is small. They had nowhere else to put my

husband after the accident a decade ago. And they had nowhere else to put

me after the devastating incident at my house last week. So now we live together

again in room eleven with the beige walls, the brown and yellow floral comforters

on our beds, and the slim, dark wood secretary desk beside the bathroom door.

The old desk is where I currently sit as I tap my pen on the blank page, trying

to gather my thoughts.

Now the cold distracts me. I pull a blanket from the bed and wrap it around

me. The air conditioner is dreadfully high. They say it’s to keep germs down,

but I sometimes wonder if they’re trying to weed out the weakest of us.

“Focus, Dottie, focus,” I say a little louder, closing my eyes.

“What do you need to focus on?” someone asks.

Startled, I tighten the blanket around me and turn toward the voice.

There is a white-haired lady in a wheelchair at my door. Her face is all wrinkled

up like fingertips after a long bath, and her lips seem to be growing inward

around her teeth. Thick bifocals, wrapped around her head like goggles,

magnify her wet and cloudy eyes. There are some really old people here,

but she has to be the oldest.

“I didn’t mean to frighten you,” she says, her ancient voice slowly rattling

out the words. “I heard you from the hall.”

I wasn’t trying to be heard. I place my hand over my mouth to show her

I’ve no interest in a conversation. I’m hoping my hand gesture will make

her leave, but it doesn’t. Instead, she wheels through the small space between

the two beds and parks next to me at the desk. Her nightgown is purple

and far too big on her. She smells like leftover broccoli.

“I’m curious. What do you need to focus on?” she asks again.

It’s going to take some time getting used to this place. I’m not in the habit

of answering to anyone, having lived alone for so long. “A letter,” I finally say.

She’s so close now, there’s no escaping her. “I’m writing a letter. A story really.

The rumors are terrible and—” I catch myself before it all comes flooding back.

Their ugly words. All the lies. “I need to tell my story. It’s the only way to get the truth out.”

Her face lights up. “You must be Dottie,” she whispers. I nod. “I should have known.”

Her eyes travel the length of me. “I heard about you, the young woman living in

the old people’s home.” It sounds strange out loud but worse things have been said

about me. “How old are you, dear?”

“Forty-three.”

“So young.” She shakes her head. “It’s just awful what happened to you.

How long will you be staying with us?”

“Well.” I look over at Mario in his bed. His eyes are open, but there’s no telling

what he’s thinking as he stares at the ceiling tiles. “The Sisters say I can stay

with my husband as long as I need. I’ve nowhere else to go.” She leans over

the side of her chair to get a closer look at him.

“Does he even remember who you are?” “I haven’t let a day go by without coming

to see him.” “But with what happened to him, do you think he can remember?”

“Oh, he remembers me.” I won’t let anyone convince me otherwise.

“That’s nice.” Her smile is kind. “Sometimes I think I remember too much,” she says.

“Some things I wish I could forget, but the pictures are there in my mind, clear as day.”

She sets her bony hands in her lap, and the veins bulge like soft worms. She smiles.

Her demeanor is pleasant; it’s just the broccoli smell that’s bothersome.

I notice a pin on her nightgown. It’s gold with blue letters spelling out centenarian.

I point to it. “You’re a hundred?”

“A hundred and two.”

“That’s incredible,” I say, feeling a new respect for her.

She’s not just an old lady—she’s National Geographic material.

“It’s a curse, old age. The lucky ones die young. Freed from these bodies,

they can move on. Or, of course, they can stick around.”

She raises the few hairs left of her eyebrows, as if I know something about this.

I feel her words in my stomach. I don’t respond. She whispers,

“The ghosts of Sam’s Town are persistent, aren’t they, Dottie?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to my letter.”

“But we haven’t talked about what happened to the girl yet.”

She laces her fingers together under her chin.

“We need to talk about what really happened to Magdalena.”

Hearing her name almost makes me lose my breath.

I close my eyes and indiscriminate memories resurface—her blue nail polish,

those stolen sunglasses on her head, lemon juice dripping from her fingers,

her blood on the linoleum.

“Do you know what happened?” the old woman asks.

“I mean what really happened to her?” She’s staring at me, waiting for an answer

. I reach for my pen, gripping it like a weapon.

“Until I write it all down, I’m not talking about it to anyone.”

“You can trust me, Dottie.” She wheels closer.

“I don’t even know you,” I say.

She smiles. It’s a sad smile. “Then let’s get to know one another.”

She glances toward my husband before leaning forward.

The smell is strong, her voice is soft. “Is it true that the man,” she asks,

“who started it all was your lover?”

I close my eyes again, to escape her question,

but now there he is behind my eyelids—Benjamin.

His hand creeps under my dress and he’s massaging my leg. I squeeze my eyes tighter.

“Go away!” I shout. “Go away!” I am talking to Benjamin, but when I open my eyes,

the old lady in the wheelchair is hunched over, wheeling away

as fast as her bony arms will take her. I should explain

that I was not yelling at her. But I don’t. I stay quiet.

While I feel a bit guilty, I’m relieved to see her go. The poor woman looks so frail

heading for the door, like her arms might snap. That’s the other effect

of vitamin D deficiency—frail bones. This town is killing all of us.

 

Excerpted from Magdalena by Candi Sary © 2023 by Candi Sary, used with permission from Regal House Publishing.


Now, for my two cents. I really enjoyed this story. It was really different from what I usually read. I found myself invested in Dottie and the other characters quickly and wanted to see where it was going. You do have to suspend belief if you don't already believe in the spirit world and the afterlife, but if you are good with that, there won't be any issue.

I found the writing to be easy, flowing and just enough description. I saw another reviewer saying that she felt Dottie annoying because of decisions she was making. However, I think when people are in bad situations or suffer from depression or loneliness, there's no telling what people may do. The reviewer also said that Dottie should have just sought help for these ailments, but sometimes the person doesn't even know they are suffering from it, they just want relief. I say all that to say I really didn't feel that Dottie needed slammed like that. Maybe you will, maybe you won't. I did find her a little delusional regarding Magdalena at first, but then Dottie admits she knows what she is doing is not healthy.

Anyway, the characters and story kept me very interested. The only thing is I wish I would have read this on a chilly October/late November rainy day. am glad I got to read this story and I think you will like it, too. Let me know if you read it and what you think. Thank you so much to the publisher for this opportunity!

Saturday, August 12, 2023

In a Quiet Town by Amber Garza


 


Today's blog features In A Quiet Town by Amber Garza. Let's get right into in with a synopsis provided by the publisher:

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In this chilling new novel, a pastor’s wife discovers that her estranged daughter is missing, but no one will believe her, until she meets a man claiming to be her daughter’s fiancé.


The book is about Tatum, a woman who secretly reconnects with her estranged adult daughter—secretly because Adrienne’s been all but disowned by Tatum’s husband, a pastor at the church in their small California town, where every move is watched and reported by his congregation. When Adrienne doesn’t show up for her shift at the bar where Tatum’s been visiting her, she knows something is wrong. Adrienne may have been a bit of wild child, but she hasn’t missed a day of work without calling in for years.


Tatum tries desperately to get the police or her husband to take her daughter’s disappearance seriously, until a mysterious man shows up claiming to be Adrienne’s fiancé. It’s a relief to finally have someone who believes her and is trying as hard as she is to find out where Adrienne is. But can she trust that this stranger is really who he says he is? And can she find her daughter before it’s too late?

**************************************************************************************

Read on for an excerpt from the book! 



PROLOGUE (Language Warning)

His hands were in her hair, fingers threaded through the silky strands. I knew what it felt like.

My fingers had been buried in her hair many times, including last night. When their lips met,

I sat up straighter, leaning forward. It didn't feel real. I worked my jaw. It popped and clicked.

My own mouth buzzed with the memory of how her lips felt on mine.

The kiss was long. Too long.

She liked it.

My shoulder muscles pulled tight, a rubber band being stretched beyond its limits.

I thought they might snap.

The two of them drew back. She smiled. Smiled with the same lips that had smiled at me.

Kissed me.

Told me they loved me. Clearly, a lie.

She brushed back her hair, and the diamond on her finger sparkled.

Her ring. The one I’d given her. She was wearing it.

It felt like a punch to the gut. Like a big “fuck you” to me.

It wasn’t like she knew I’d followed her. But still… Shouldn’t she take her engagement ring

off before she hooked up with another dude?

Throwing her head back, her neck exposed, she giggled.

Imagining my hands wrapping around that tender flesh, I squeezed the steering wheel.

It gave under the pressure, and I squeezed harder. It felt good. Therapeutic.

I pictured her terrified.

Pleading. Mouth tight, eyes bulging. I squeezed and squeezed, my teeth grinding, the vein in

my forehead throbbing. My muscles ached by the time I released my grip.

Their hands clasped. My breathing was labored as I watched them walk off together,

around the side of the building, out of sight.

I’d loved her. Given her so much.

How dare she?

No one made a fool out of me.

She wouldn’t get away with this. Not by a long shot.


Excerpted from In A Quiet Town by Amber Garza, Copyright © 2023 by Amber Garza. Published by MIRA Books.  


BUY LINKS:

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/then-she-disappeared-amber-garza/18816653?ean=9780778334255 

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-a-quiet-town-amber-garza/1142722524?ean=9780778334255 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Town-Novel-Amber-Garza/dp/0778334252

SOCIAL LINKS:

Author website: https://ambergarza.com/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ambergarzaauthor/?hl=en 

*************************************************************************************

MY TWO CENTS:

Unfortunately, this was not for me. The first issue I had with this book was that the use of "wanna" and "gonna." Do we talk like that? ABSOLUTELY! But, I usually don't see it in books in the written form. I am surprised that the editor didn't have an issue with this. I know it may sound petty, but it really started to irk me.

The plot as a whole is good, don't get me wrong, but it feels the author jumped on the whole "All men are bad" culture that seems prevalent today. The word misogynistic even got placed in for good measure. Seems like all the boxes were being ticked off. Do we have issues in this world? Of course, but law of probability dictates that all men cannot be bad. It's impossible.

That wasn't even the main issue I had. Finally, as I said, yes, the plot was good, but the whole story read like a YA book for me. I don't enjoy that. I don't need complex storylines or conversations but there is definitely a difference between one that sounds more adult and one that sounds more geared to the YA crowd.

All that being said, I am grateful to the publisher and to NetGalley for this opportunity. I am always excited for these opportunities. And, also, my opinion should never discourage someone from reading a book if they like the premise. In fact, if you do read it and like it, reach out to me and let me know why. I like to hear different opinions!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amber Garza has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Coffee

and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music,

and talks about her characters like they're real people. She lives with her husband and

two kids in Folsom, California.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni

 


This may very well be the hardest book I have ever reviewed. In fact, I admit I did something very weird with it. But more on that in a bit. First a synopsis. Honestly, I could try to write one but it's a story that I feel is almost two separate stories, so this one is from Goodreads. Whoever wrote this summary did a better job that I can do: 

Once a promising Midwestern football star, Brink was transformed by a traumatic brain injury that caused a rare medical condition: acquired savant syndrome. The injury left him with a mental superpower—he can solve puzzles in ways ordinary people can't. But it also left him deeply isolated, unable to fully connect with other people.

Everything changes after Brink meets Jess Price, a woman serving thirty years in prison for murder who hasn't spoken a word since her arrest five years before. When Price draws a perplexing puzzle, her psychiatrist believes it will explain her crime and calls Brink to solve it. What begins as a desire to crack an alluring cipher quickly morphs into an obsession with Price herself. She soon reveals that there is something more urgent, and more dangerous, behind her silence, thrusting Brink into a hunt for the truth.

The quest takes Brink through a series of interlocking enigmas, but the heart of the mystery is the God Puzzle, a cryptic ancient prayer circle created by the thirteenth-century Jewish mystic Abraham Abulafia. As Brink navigates a maze of clues, and his emotional entanglement with Price becomes more intense, he realizes that there are powerful forces at work that he cannot escape.

Ranging from an upstate New York women's prison to nineteenth-century Prague to the secret rooms of the Pierpont Morgan Library, The Puzzle Master is a tantalizing, addictive thriller in which humankind, technology, and the future of the universe itself are at stake.

 So, here's the weird thing that I ended up doing. I got an e-book copy of it and seemed to really be struggling with it. I almost  gave up on it and thought that maybe if I got a physical hard copy it would be better. Well, that actually worked. I don't know what it is about me. I just love to hold a book. Usually, it doesn't matter too much to me, but this one I had to hold in order to finish it. 

I have such mixed feelings about this book. It took me way too long to finish and, for me, it read like a text book in some places. BUT, in some places, it really sucked me in, especially toward the end. I thought it started picking up immensely. Now, all that being said, while I may not have devoured the book, I applaud this author's creativity! I cannot even imagine being able to come up with this kind of intricate plot. So, overall, I am going to say I did enjoy this even though I spent more time with it than I would have liked. I wish the author the best. One more note: I think this would be a good movie! Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher. No review was required.