Page 52 - Reader's House magazine

EDITOR’S CHOICE CROSSING FIFTY-ONE by Debbie Russell A deeply moving, beautifully written memoir blending mystery, family secrets, and resilience, Crossing Fifty-One is a must-read emotional journey. Debbie Russell’s Crossing Fifty-One is a deeply introspective, multi-generational exploration of fam- ily, addiction, identity, and personal reinvention. As a former trial lawyer, Russell turns her investigative instincts inward, embarking on a journey through her family’s past that is as revealing as it is emotionally raw. The memoir—though structured like a mys- tery—examines how secrets, grief, and resilience shape the lives of generations. At the heart of the book is Russell’s relationship with her father, a man she deeply admires, yet one whose history is intertwined with hidden truths. When he enters hospice care, Russell finds herself confronting long-suppressed family dynamics. Her search for answers leads her to her grandfather, Dr. Ralph Russell, who voluntarily admitted himself into a federal drug-treatment facility in 1951. Through archival letters and relentless research, she pieces together his battle with addiction and its reverbera- tions through her lineage. The memoir beautifully balances the intellectual rigor of a legal mind with the vulnerability of a daughter trying to make peace with her past. Rus- sell’s writing is gripping, sometimes heart-wrench- ing, yet infused with hope. Her reflections on midlife crisis, grief, and self-discovery resonate universally, making this book a compelling read for those navi- gating their own familial complexities. Crossing Fifty-One is not just a memoir—it is an invitation to examine our own histories, to seek understanding amid pain, and to redefine our- selves beyond the roles we inherit. A powerful and thought-provoking debut. 52 II Reader’s House NOVEL • STORY • LITERATURE CRUSADER’S PATH by Mary Ann Bernal BLUE BY YOU by Larry B. Gildersleeve A beautifully written, historically rich novel that masterfully blends faith, love, and redemption against the gripping backdrop of the First Crusade. A beautifully written, heartfelt journey of love, loss, and redemption, Blue by You masterfully explores the power of second chances. Mary Ann Bernal’s Crusader’s Path is a deeply moving and historically rich novel that transports readers to the turbulent era of the First Crusade. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for blending history with human emotion, Bernal crafts a compel- ling narrative of faith, redemption, and love against the backdrop of war and religious fervor. The novel follows Etienne, a knight driven by a quest for redemption, and Avielle, a woman profoundly impacted by religious devotion and the horrors of conflict. Their paths cross in Constan- tinople, where shared trauma and a fragile hope bind them together. Bernal masterfully develops their relationship, weaving a love story that feels both authentic and heartbreaking. Etienne’s internal struggle between his sacred vow and his love for Avielle adds emotional depth, making his journey profoundly relatable. What sets Crusader’s Path apart is Bernal’s commitment to historical accuracy. The vivid descriptions of medieval Europe, the brutal realities of war, and the religious fervor of the time create an immersive reading experience. Her portrayal of the characters is nuanced—no one is purely heroic or villainous, reflecting the moral complexities of the Crusades. With beautifully crafted prose, gripping historical insight, and a powerful exploration of faith and love, Crusader’s Path is a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts. Bernal delivers a poignant tale that lingers long after the final page, making this novel a standout in the genre. Larry B. Gildersleeve’s Blue by You is an emo- tionally evocative exploration of love, loss, and second chances that will resonate deeply with fans of introspective and character-driven storytelling. The novel opens with Daniel, a man consumed by grief after losing his young wife to cancer. Retreating to the solitude of the Colorado mountains with only his loyal dog, Blue, as a companion, Daniel embodies the fragility of a man disconnected from purpose. Gildersleeve’s vivid descriptions of the serene, yet isolating, mountain backdrop mirror Daniel’s inner desolation perfectly. What sets Blue by You apart is the arrival of Paula, a vibrant force who disrupts Daniel’s self-imposed exile for one transformative week. Their brief con- nection is beautifully portrayed, rich with tension, vulnerability, and a hint of magic. Decades later, when fate conspires to reunite them, their unex- pected second chance adds a heartwarming twist. However, Paula’s inability to recall their earlier en- counter introduces layers of mystery and emotional complexity, leaving readers questioning the nature of memory and love. Gildersleeve’s prose is lyrical and poignant, drawing readers into Daniel’s perspective with authentic emotion. While the pacing occasionally drags—particularly during the middle sections—the sheer beauty of the writing and the heartfelt storyline compensate for these moments. Blue by You is a bittersweet, uplifting tale about finding meaning amidst despair and the redemptive power of human connection. Readers searching for a deeply reflective and tender novel will appreciate this gem. Highly recommended.