I agree, Anne My Irish heritage was before the potato famine, however my sister-in-law’s migrated due to the potato famine. She told me her family never were told how devastating it was.
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@Aprile_G I know several of us have read Whistler and have loved it - at least @Dee_Driscole, @Lynne_G, and me, probably others. 
I hope you enjoy The Emperor of Gladness. It’s the only book of Vuong’s that I’ve read, so I don’t have a comparison for you, but it was a favorite last year.
At this time Whistler is my favorite book of the year. Both my son (mid forties) and granddaughter (senior in high school) loved the book.
Both of them are big fans of Project Hail Mary. Actually I have to admit I am proud of myself for completing Project Hail Mary..—-lot of the math was over my head but I loved the story for the theme of the book’s ending.
The Emperor of Gladness was also a favorite for my last year reading list./
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I read Elizabeth Berg’s Life: A Love Story last week (shout out to Lynne and Gabi) and enjoyed it. It was classic Elizabeth Berg with a gentle exploration of family and friends who are like family. And yes, as a Boomer, I could relate to much of the nostalgia described in the story. I was especially grateful that there is an underlying message to think less of material possessions and to simply enjoy the special memories. In other words, there is permission to let go of the item and cherish the life lessons. (I say this as I continue to try to release and discard the accumulated “stuff” in my household.) 
I started An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro which has been on my bookshelf for far too long! Fortunately, I have an opportunity to discuss the book with an IRL book club - one that is sponsored by a museum specializing in Asian art.
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I am pleased you liked Life. Your review was excellent and described all charming aspects and emotions the book expressed. Thank you
Since I needed a break from “ John of John” this weekend, I was ready for a lighter romantic piece of fluff, the perfect beach read. I read several reviews on “Dolly All the Time” by Anabel Monaghan and decided it was just what I needed. The premise. . . What happens when Stewart, the heir from the wealthiest family in town offers $60,000 to a 39-year-old single mother to “fake date him” for a couple of months while she juggles four jobs. Easy to read book with a predictable ending. Now back to the hills and John’s wandering. . .
I finished The Invincible Brain by Majid Fotuhi. Accessible read although a bit repetitive. A few of my highlights:
Your brain is like a muscle. The more you use it and challenge it, the stronger it gets. Learning to do things you’re not naturally good at is a kind of cross-training for your brain. Engaging your brain not only makes you smarter but also makes you more resilient against brain degeneration as you get older. That’s how you make your brain invincible.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most important protective proteins produced mainly in the brain, especially in the hippocampus and cortex (some are also made in other organs like the heart, muscle, and kidneys). BDNF helps to support the survival of existing neurons, promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses, and is involved in neuroplasticity. It is vital for learning, memory, overall cognitive function, and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Lifestyle factors such as poor sleep and prolonged stress can add methyl groups to the DNA gene that codes for this critical protein, reducing BDNF production. Fortunately, positive lifestyle choices such as exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and challenging your brain mitigate this effect and increase levels of BDNF in the brain.
Go on a walk. Help someone. Make more BDNF. Sleep longer and better. Eat more nutrients. Eat less sugar. Raise your HRV. Calm yourself. Breathe deeper. Go outside. Be alone less. Learn something. Practice something. Play games. Challenge yourself. Practice memory tricks. Look on the bright side. Believe you can do it. Find your purpose. Find your joy. Be grateful for what you have. Expect less. Live more. Make people happy. Let yourself be happy.
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I’m now reading The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan by Lyse Doucet, which has taken me a while to get into – I’m finding it written in a strange way to be nonfiction, but I’m learning more about Afghanistan’s recent history (and I’m hoping the hotel employees and their families that Doucet writes of have been able to escape, yikes!)
I’m also reading The Museum Detective by Maha Khan Phillips. It’s a bit darker than I was expecting, and none of the characters have endeared themselves to me yet, but I’ll stick to it to see if my hunch is correct. But I am enjoying learning some history and geography (Persia, Pakistan). I love it when books teach me new things, subtly weaving information into a story, or when books take me to distant places. Also, I’ve been hankering for some pakoras, and to my delight, the main character mentioned them (among other foods)!
I have enjoyed my time here as a member of BookBrowse – I had won a year’s membership last year, and it ends in a week, on the 31st (how has it been a year already?!). Unfortunately, it’s not within my meager budget to join, even if I do feel it is worth every penny. I’ll keep entering the contests though! 
I’ve loved reading posts by fellow bibliophiles; I will miss visiting this forum.
Wishing you all happy reading!
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I loved The Finest Hotel in Kabul.
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My abbreviated review of The Song of Stork and Dromedary:
Long, but worth it.
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That seems to be the general consensus and true for The Remembered Soldier also.
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I finished The Museum Detective by Maha Khan Phillips. Too dark for my tastes, and sometimes the writing felt clunky. I also realize how much I prefer spacing or separate lines for when two characters are talking to one another, instead of in the same block of text (where it looks like that one character is still speaking, but it’s actually another character responding).
P.S. It’s inspired by a real scandal – don’t Google anything if you don’t want any potential spoilers!
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@Lisa_B3 Totally agree with you on separation when two or more characters are talking. It’s even worse if there are no quotation marks!
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I am reading The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian this week.