Wandering Stars – Tommy Orange

Expectation: A study in modern Indigenous life in California told through interwoven stories.

Reality: A powerful but uneven exploration of Native American identity that falters a bit as both a sequel/prequel to “There There” but shines with a stellar audiobook narration.

Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears – Michael Schulman

For expecting this to be a frothy history, I was surprised by the detailed explorations of how the sausage was/is made – from studio system contracts to politicking and power grabs. People looking for an exhaustive recap of the awards themselves will be disappointed as Schulman presents more a chronicle of Hollywood in 11 eras, with the Oscars serving as a (sometimes loose) connective thread to introduce the films, actors and creators that defined each generation. 

The Vanishing Half – Brit Bennett

Expectation: A searing exploration of race and class told from the perspective of twin sisters who live on opposite ends of the color line. 

Reality: Structured to be palatable for the masses, it’s entertaining enough but far from the powerful story I expected given the near universal acclaim it has received.

March: Books One-Three – John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

For readers that want to brush up on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the “March” series is an exemplary feat of storytelling that exposes the hypocrisy, violence and injustice that spurred the movement while celebrating the everyday people who protested – and died – for desegregation and the passing of the Voting Rights Act. 

Come & Get It – Kiley Reid

Expectation: A racially-charged exploration of college life in the Southern United States. 

Reality: A dissection of capitalism from the perspectives of different students, professors and resident advisors delivered with biting commentary and razor-sharp dialogue.

The Women – Kristin Hannah

Expectation: A sweeping story of hardship and survival set against major conflicts of the Vietnam War.

Reality: Informative and engrossing, if a tad long, Kristin Hannah once again delivers an historical fiction epic but continued trauma dumping on the main character lessens her credibility.