In the Shadow of the Greenbrier Book Review

An intergenerational tale that unlocks a purposefully held family secret is a common one. It is the mystery and the slow unraveling of the past that should keep the audience/reader engaged.

In the Shadow of the Greenbrier, by Emily Matchar, was published in March. It follows four generations of a Jewish family living in West Virginia and their interaction with the local hotel, Greenbrier Resort. Specifically, the audience follows the mother/daughter duo of Sylvia and Doree.

1942, the hotel is turned into a high-end prison for enemy combatants. For the sake of her family and their locally run store, she has put up a front. But the reality is that Sylvia is not a happy camper when it comes to her marriage. Her world turns upside down when she meets one of the prisoners.

In 1959, Doree is a high school senior and eager to leave her small town for college. A handsome newcomer catches her eye. While her young heart is being turned, her brother Alan is constantly getting into trouble. When the shit hits the fan, Doree will have to choose between potential romance and her family.

I wanted to like this book. Matchar’s narrative is well-researched and well-written. The problem is that I was underwhelmed. The big reveal is not as earth-shattering as I thought it would be.

Do I recommend it? No.

In the Shadow of the Greenbrier is available wherever books are sold.

Throwback Thursday: Cars 3 (2017)

Nothing makes one feel as old as when the younger generation steps up to the plate. That does not mean, however, that we are ready to be put out to pasture.

Cars 3 came out in 2017. It follows the events of Cars (2006) and Cars 2 (2011). Lighting McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is now the elder of racing cars. Needing to prove that he still has it after an accident on the track, he decides that a little bit of training wouldn’t hurt. Teaming up with trainer/former racer Cruz Ramirez (voiced by Cristela Alonzo), McQueen might still have enough pep in his step to remain at the top.

I think this is the best out of the Cars trilogy. Despite all of his successes, McQueen still has a lot to learn. Knowing when to be humble is an ageless skill.

I don’t know what took the filmmakers so long to add another female character, but I am glad that Alonzo had a major role to play in the narrative. It was a nice change from Sally (voiced by Bonnie Hunt) being the only non-male who was not sidelined.

Do I recommend it? Yes

Cars 3 is available for streaming on DisneyPlus.