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wall of books with images of the five books discussed in the article

Lois’ Book Roll #1

Novels written by authors starting with “C” and “D” from the Library

“Lois’ Book Roll #1” comes from the phrase “camera roll”. You probably know what that is.

Some people jam their camera roll with pictures of their kids, and some people with their kids: I jam mine with book photos.

Choosing what to read is causing me too much stress, so I need all of you to help me and also tell me what books you want to read about on The Lois Level.

Where I found the books for Lois’ Book Roll #1:

When you saw the heading above, I’m sure you were scratching your head and asking “What?”

Let me explain.

Today’s picks all came from photos I snapped while I was “reading the shelves” in my volunteer position at the library. I usually get one or two shelves done each week, which is why the authors all come so close together in the alphabet. Obviously, I’m working on fiction right now.

Picking a novel from Lois’ Book Roll #1 is easy:

  1. Pick one of the 5 books that you see.
  2. Tell me by commenting on the site, on Instagram, or Facebook.
  3. The book with the most votes after 7 days wins.
  4. I will post about it as soon as I can.

How you choose is up to you.

Are you wondering if the book is something you should read?

Is it something you think I should read?

Did you read it, and want to discuss it?

Any reason is ok; it’s your choice!

The Books on Lois’ Book Roll #1

The Loving Spirit by Daphne du Maurier

I didn’t know that du Maurier wrote so many books besides Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, and The Birds until I saw this book. I like books set around the ocean or at sea, so The Loving Spirit is my pick, but many more of her books are available.

The Police Women’s Bureau by Edward Conlon

The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis

I remember when The Dollhouse came out, but I’m not sure why I never read it. It’s about a young woman living at the famous Barbizon women’s hotel in NYC during its heyday in the 1950’s. I’ve never read Fiona Davis before, but several of her books caught my eye in the library.

The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

I read Donoghue’s Room when it first came out. It’s an amazing read except for one small problem: Donoghue gave her very American protagonist very British diction and syntax, which drove me bananas. I did not realize that Donoghue has written so many other intriguing books. As long as they aren’t set in the U.S., I’m in.

The Wonder is also about a child confined to a small room, but instead of being physically trapped, this child is trapped by her mind. Unlike Room, The Wonder is historical fiction set in Ireland.

The Time in Between by Maria DueƱas, translated by Daniel Hahn

The Time in Between looks much like your typical “bestseller masquerading as literary fiction”, but it caught my attention because it is translated from Spanish, which caught me by surprise.

The story seems like a Spanish take on French designer Coco Chanel. Except that Chanel collaborated with the Nazis, and the protagonist of this novel is on the other side. It would seem. With a spy novel, you never know.

Part of the novel is set during the Spanish Civil War, which is confusing yet interesting to this American educated woman.*

If you want to practice your Spanish, the television series El Tiempo Entre Costuras is available in the U.S. Reviewers describe it as the Spanish Downton Abbey.

*American high school students typically study American topics in history for 3-4 years between ages 11 and 18, yet get only one year of world history.

Get your vote in soon!

There you have it: five books I’m trying to choose between this week. Let me know your pick by Friday, August 21, 2021. I can’t wait to find out what you decide!

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