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Fathers in Life & Memory, and Families

The grieving process in fact and fiction 

[2 books arranged next to each other: left - Black Widow: A Sad-Funny Journey Through Grief for People Who Normally Avoid Books with Words Like "Journey" in the Title by Leslie Gray Streeter; right - The Martian Contingency (Lady Astronaut #4) by Mary Robinette Kowal] 
 
Black Widow: A Sad-Funny Journey Through Grief for People Who Normally Avoid Books with Words Like "Journey" in the Title by Leslie Gray Streeter 
non-fiction memoir 
Little, Brown and Company, May 2020 

In eighteen chapters with titles from lyrics of popular television show theme songs and other cultural references, this author offers readers candid emotional details about her experiences in coping with the sudden death of her spouse. Grief as a form of emotional schizophrenia.  Her insightful revelations are poignant and funny in unexpected ways. Connections between family by blood, by choice, neighbors and extended community create an engaging picture of a relatable life with lots of often overwhelming responsibilities and commitments. 

From the last chapter: ... This isn't the end of anything. It's just the beginning. 

In addition to being a substantive memoirist, Leslie Gray Streeter is an award-winning journalist with the Baltimore Banner and a novelist as of the April 2025 release of Family and Other Calamities. Earlier this month she, Heather Brooks (founder and co-organizer of The Write Women Book Fest) and I enjoyed a lively chat about the challenges and rewards of hosting a big book event, being authors and much more. 

  
The Martian Conspiracy (Lady Astronaut #4) by Mary Robinette Kowal 
alternate history sci-fi set in the 1900s 
Macmillan, February 2025 

An alternate history of the 1950s through the 1970s interweaves battles for and against entrenched gender roles, racism, reproductive autonomy, sociopolitical maneuvering and upheaval, and a variety of natural and man-made disasters in the context of emotional intimacy, assorted cultures and religions--all while exploring space. Outstanding and gorgeous character development and narrative dexterity. 


More library books (of course) in support of my BAC - Book Acquisition Compulsion - issues 

[a bookstack from top to bottom: Problematic Summer Romance, What Happens in Amsterdam, It's a Love Story, The Love Haters, Dying to Meet You]

[Libby ebook app showing cover art for 2 titles on loan: Crossing Paths, Gold Coast Dilemma]  

Some people stress eat (don't ask me how I know, but you can guess). Stress reading is my jam. 

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