RECOMMENDED READS

Welcome to our literary circle, in which San Diegans pass the (printed) word on books

Sergio Ordóñez

Job: Library Technician III, 4S Ranch Branch, San Diego County Library He Recommends: “Stanley’s Secret” by John Sullivan (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023; 48 pages)

Why? From award-winning author John Sullivan and illustrator Zach Manbeck, “Stanley’s Secret” rouses readers to not sit secretly on a talent. Meet Stanley. Stanley is a boy. Stanley is nice. He is quiet. He keeps to himself. He also has a secret no one knows about. This secret is a talent but, unfortunately, it’s still a secret. The only ones who know of this secret are Stanley’s pet mice, Squeaker and Nibbles. When some kids from school accidentally learn of Stanley’s secret, they also see that Stanley has talent that should not be kept hidden. They, along with Squeaker and Nibbles (and some feral cats), help Stanley overcome his fear and present his talent. Because talent should not be secret. Talent should be shared. Talent should shine.

Marianne Reiner

Job: Bookseller, La Playa Books, San Diego She recommends: “The Godmother: Murder, Vengeance, and the Bloody Struggle of Mafia Women” by Barbie Latza Nadeau (Penguin Books, 2022; 242 pages)

Why? Summer always puts me in the mood for mysteries and real crime stories. And “The Godmother” definitely checked both of these boxes. Investigative journalist Barbie Latza Nadeau’s book is the gripping story of Pupetta Maresca, who when she was only 18 years old fired 29 shots killing her husband’s murderer. Her story is fascinating and chilling. I liked Nadeau’s narration beyond Pupetta’s story of women’s place in the Mafia. In a criminal organization where women are mainly known for being victims, powerless and oppressed by a system dominated by machismo, it was such an original angle for a true crime story. The research that went into this book makes “The Godmother” a captivating read.