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The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras
In Colombia, people start stories not with "once upon a time" but with "in real life," and indeed, real life there often sounds like what we would call magical realism. Contreras's grandfather, a curandero, could affect the weather along with his other healing and entrepreneurial activities. His daughter, known as Mami, and granddaughter, Ingrid, both inherited his skills but, as women, were forbidden to practice them. Both also had serious mishaps that profoundly affected their consciousnesses as well as their bodies. As Mami remarked, "Who else would have an accident and love the void?" This refers to Ingrid's two-week spell of complete amnesia post-calamity because Ingrid recognizes that experience as a gift. Familial and cultural history, notable events, reflections on the pervasive ills of colonialism—a cornucopia of rich material beautifully told.
Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood
Grace is a polyglot, separated from her husband, Ben, who has similar talents and estranged from her teenage daughter, Lotte. Grace once hosted a TV contest where the "amazing" was affixed to her name. Now she's in deep premenopausal depression, falling behind on her duties as a freelance translator, yet determined to deliver a cake for Lotte's 16th birthday party to which she's not been invited. Her journey to Ben's across London is beset with obstacles and blasts from the past, sometimes hilarious and often poignant. Sweet, intelligent, and funny.
We Are Not Strangers by Josh Tuininga
Marco's grandfather was Sam's long-time fishing buddy in Seattle. Both were immigrants: Marco from Turkey after WWI when anti-Semitism ran rampant and Sam from Japan. When Pearl Harbor sparked the internment camps, Marco stepped in to protect Sam's property, and when the family was released, they had a home to return to. It is a shining example of friendship, a mitzvah, and activism. All this is conveyed beautifully in a heart-lifting graphic novel based on a true story.
Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper
An over-the-top thriller set in LA. Mae is a publicist, spinning the straw of famous and infamous clients' scandalous behavior into less damaging takes. Chris is a "fist," working for an arm of what's known as the Beast, a conglomerate of corrupt, manipulative industry movers and shakers. When a pregnant 14-year-old is abducted, Moe and Chris join forces to rescue her, cutting themselves loose from their powerful employers. The city itself is a significant character in the book, as action rages through the neighborhoods. There was lots of violence and wild chases—I had to suspend belief periodically—but it was exhilarating and entertaining.
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