Put away your preconceptions and read this book. Consisting of essays by different authors, it offers an alternative way to look at US history. This book challenged me in each essay even though I considered myself a progressive thinker.

If you enjoy multigenerational novels, then this book is for you. The plot revolves around three generations of Vietnamese women: a grandmother, mother, and daughter. Their relationships are complex, full of love and resentments. The novel builds as the reader realizes the two older women each have a dark secret. The setting is primarily in a large gothic house in small town Florida. The grandmother's flashbacks occur in Vietnam towards the end of the American War. These scenes reveal the reason she immigrates to the US, which involves one of those secrets. I was surprised that the book was the author's, Thao Thai, debut novel as her writing style is emotive and mature for a new author. Overall, I recommend this book, even though some of the plot was a bit predictable.

I cannot write an adequate review of this book, because I could not finish it. It was not good. It was poorly written and seemed rather juvenile

Exiles by Jane Harper is a solid mystery featuring Aaron Falk, a character the reader might recognize from two previous books. This thriller involves a woman who has mysteriously disappeared at a busy festival. Falk and friends dig into this mystery a year later at the same festival. The exciting plot developed slowly and I did not guess the resolution until nearly the end of the book.
The small town setting in Australia is essential as it allows for close friendships among the townspeople. The family Falk visits is warm and close knit. Falk fits in as his character develops. Jane Harper weaves a suspenseful plot in straight-forward language. I did have a problem with her many transitions from past to present events. They often seemed a bit clumsy and confusing. All in all, Exiles is a great read if you enjoy well developed mysteries with with fully drawn characters - I do.