By Marjorie Preston
This week, it’s a delicious novel based on the life of Maria Callas; a Southern Gothic drama; the memoir of New York’s first house-call veterinarian; a rock star retrospective; and a gripping murder mystery. Check them out!
“Diva”
By Daisy Goodwin
St. Martin’s Press
Operatic supernova Maria Callas was called “La Divina,” the Divine One, for her golden soprano and striking beauty. But she was just as well known—perhaps better known—for her romance with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
All her life, Maria felt valued only for her voice. Her mother turned a gifted child into the family breadwinner. Her husband treated her like a commodity. In Onassis, Maria found someone who loved the woman more than the superstar.
For Ari, she left her husband, renounced her U.S. citizenship, and almost abandoned her career. Then the world’s richest man married the world’s most famous widow: Jacqueline Kennedy. And a devastated Maria was left to pick up the pieces.
You don’t need to be an opera fan to love this fictional portrait of the music star, who cloaked her insecurities in a mantle of hauteur, and found true happiness elusive.
“American Pop”
By Snowden Right
William Morrow
The Forsters of Mississippi build their dynasty on a cola brand bigger than Coke and Pepsi. But they soon go from riches and renown to obscurity.
Behind the counter of his father’s pharmacy, young Houghton Forster creates the fizzy confection that changes the world. Later, with wife Annabelle, he raises up a stable of children whose destinies seem assured.
But politician Montgomery harbors a tragic secret from the Great War. Twins Lance and Ramsey, children of the Jazz Age, live only for pleasure. Harold, or Haddy, is mentally challenged and so childlike, he’s overlooked even by those who love him.
While the cast gets crowded—we also meet Houghton’s grandchildren, who eventually vie for control of Pan Cola, and assorted love children—the characters aren’t caricatures, and it’s easy to care for them all.
This dynastic drama is extraordinary in its inventiveness, grand in its use of language, and satisfying in its resolution.
“Pets and the City”
By Amy Attas
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
New York City veterinarian Dr. Amy Attas has no plans to start her own practice. But her boss, an egotistical vet with a Park Avenue clinic, is jealous of her bond with celebrity clients like Joan Rivers. “Dr. B” reneges on a promised partnership and, without warning, fires Attas.
Out of work and panicking, she has a bright idea: why not create a house-call practice, so patients and their owners can be treated in the comfort of their homes?
It’s a winning formula. Attas zips from the Bronx to the Battery to Long Island, visiting dingy walkups and fancy penthouses, and caring for all creatures great and small. She soon realizes that her human clients need as much help as the animals—help coping with a pet’s disability or death, or help understanding when neglect or misinformation contributes to an animal’s health woes.
“Pets and the City” is a charming, funny, often moving account about the unique connection between people and their pets. It also dishes about famous pet owners like Billy Joel, Cher, Paul McCartney, and Rivers, who became a devoted client and loyal friend.
Love animals? You’ll love this book.
“What A Fool Believes”
By Michael McDonald
Grand Central Press
McDonald was the unmistakable voice of ’70s and ’80s rock and R&B. He lent his soulful baritone to the music of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and sang backup on hits by Kenny Loggins, Toto, and Christopher Cross.
In “What A Fool Believes,” the Grammy-winning singer and musician tells the story of his life, from Irish-American boyhood in St. Louis to the glittering and sometimes dissolute life of a rock star.
McDonald’s father was a streetcar operator who sang in local bars. Little Mike tagged along, sent by his mother to ensure her husband didn’t stray. At just five years old, he got up and sang “Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing.” That’s all it took for him to choose showbiz over the priesthood.
Though insecure about his talent, McDonald got lucky with an invitation to join the Doobies (he’s been both credited and blamed for changing the band’s fundamental sound). Along with riches and fame, he found drugs and alcohol. After years of abuse, he finally achieved lasting sobriety along with his wife, Amy.
This retrospective, co-authored with, of all people, comedian Paul Reiser, offers an insider view of the music scene of the time, and snapshots of luminaries like Ray Charles, Elton John, Carly Simon, and Patti LaBelle.
“No One Can Know”
By Kate Alice Marshall
Flatiron Books
After the shooting deaths of their parents, the Palmer sisters lost touch. For years, the home where they all lived sat empty. The killer was never found.
Years later, Emma Palmer learns she is pregnant just as her husband Nathan loses his job. Scrimping to survive, they make the difficult decision to live in the vacant house until their fortunes change.
Returning to the scene of the crime, Emma must reunite with her siblings, Juliette and Daphne, and confront lingering suspicions about her involvement in the murders.
This dark psychological thriller has more twists and turns than a Tilt-a-Whirl. Many times as I sped toward the conclusion, I thought I knew whodunit—only to be surprised, again and again. “No One Can Know” will keep you guessing, too.
Marjorie Preston is a business writer, editor, ghostwriter and compulsive reader, who gobbles up books like potato chips. For more information (and more book reviews), visit marjorieprestonwriting.com.
