Book Reviews

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow This book is a fascinating recounting of Ronan Farrow’s investigation of sexual predators in positions of power, particularly in the entertainment and news industries. Farrow covers the Harvey Weinstein scandal in depth, as you would expect, but also deftly untangles the many cover-ups perpetuated by news media and entertainment executives and powerful attorneys which enabled Weinstein and those like him to continue their abuse with impunity. The author’s style is very accessible and fast-paced, which has the effect of making the book read like a spy thriller (and the book does expose actual spies employed by the abusers). It is easy to imagine that many people would find the expense and effort put in to keep these allegations of extensive wrongdoing buried unbelievable, but Farrow’s investigative results have been duplicated by others, including Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey in their recent book She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement (also available at this library). Perfect for those who appreciate a compelling and thoroughly researched look at current events. - Reviewed by Amy Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane The lives of Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope, two rookie New York City cops, are forever intertwined once their families become neighbors in a small suburb outside of the city. As a friendship between the youngest Gleeson child, Kate, and young Peter Stanhope blossoms, an explosive event occurs that will change the course of the lives of everyone involved. The novel looks at each character with a sense of empathy and understanding through their experiences of mental illness, addiction, and trauma. It follows the characters from the 70s all the way through the current day, exploring how our past and our families can shape who we become. Mary Beth Keane weaves together a beautiful story that shows how forgiveness and redemption are possible even in the darkest of circumstances. Ask Again, Yes was my favorite novel of 2019. This is a beautifully written family drama that touched my heart. The characters were complex and interesting, and I was amazed how the author tried to realistically show how complicated yet beautiful family and romantic relationships can be. She also treated the issue of mental illness with an impressive sensitivity. Great for fans of Celeste Ng and Katherine Center, this is a book that I would never call a romance, but it is certainly about love. - Reviewed by Alexis Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet by Will Hunt Underground is a beautifully written journal documenting the author’s exploration of underground spaces all over the world, including caves, mines, catacombs, and subways. Hunt became enthralled by these spaces after discovering an abandoned railway tunnel in his youth, and eventually graduated to prowling New York City’s subway system, the Parisian catacombs, as well as caves and mines in South America and Australia. Along the way, Hunt provides cultural context for the existence and use of the spaces using mythology and anthropology as well as both the historical and contemporary accounts of those who originally created or currently use these often-unseen locations. Black and white photographs of many of the locations add immensely to the mystery of Hunt’s prose. An excellent book for those who wish to learn about the world’s hidden places. - Reviewed by Amy 4 4 5