“Whale Fall,” “How to Read a Book,” and other short reviews from readers

“Spin a Silver Dollar” by Alberta Hannum (Ballantine Books, 1972)

Editor’s note: The opinions of the smart, well-read women in my Denver book club mean a lot and often dictate what the rest of us put on our nightstands. So we asked them and all Denver Post readers to share their mini-reviews with you. Have any to contribute? Email [email protected].

“Whale Fall” by Elizabeth O’Connor (Pantheon Books, 2024)

Manod is 18 when her remote Welsh island is thrown into turmoil, first by a dying whale and then by two social scientists with unknown intentions. Manod believes Edward and Joan can help her attend university on the mainland and becomes their assistant in researching the small fishing community. But it is 1938 and the outside world will not leave the island isolated for long. O’Connor’s short novel is terse and quiet, but the details of life on the island are vivid. Readers are lured into reading “between the lines” of this very atmospheric book. — 3 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker

“How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood (Mariner Books)

A delightful novel with characters spanning multiple generations, it brings together (1) a retired teacher who volunteers to start a book club for female inmates at a local Maine prison; (2) one of the book club members who is about to be released early for good behavior; and (3) a retired machinist who intersects with the lives of each of the women in surprising but perhaps inevitable ways. Each storyline is given equal time, with alternating chapters presented from each character’s perspective. There are moments that will make you laugh, but there are also moments that will bring heartache. Plus, the book club segments will teach you how to read a book in a thought-provoking way. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

“Spin a Silver Dollar” by Alberta Hannum (Ballantine Books, 1972)

An autobiography with a vivid western setting tells a charming story full of nostalgia and rare insight into the arts. Published decades ago, the book is hard to find today, but it’s worth it. An Eastern couple bought a trading post in the desert and discovered Jimmy, aka Little No Shirt, a Navajo boy who carved images into rocks. They nurtured and encouraged the young artist and then brought his work about desert life to the attention of the outside world. The author knew the artist Beatien Yazz, who indeed grew up to become a respected artist, as well as Bill and Sallie Lippincott, the post owners. Generously illustrated with color reproductions by the artist to convey the traditions and lifestyles of the native peoples, as well as the rich heritage of their wool industry and history. — 3 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)

“After Annie” by Anna Quindlen (Random House, 2024)

What happens to individual family members when the wife/mother/sister/daughter and central staple of their immediate family dies suddenly at a young age? Quindlen’s latest novel describes in loving and agonizing detail the experiences of a family dealing with shock and grief. But more than that, this novel also examines the impact of such a loss on a lifelong friend. Novels dealing with grief rarely grapple with the loss of a close friend, but Quindlen does so in a way that is both touching and haunting. Fair warning: have your tissues ready, dear readers. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

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