National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home by Anya Von Bremzen

Can you pinpoint one dish that speaks for an entire country? Despite the book’s bold title, the author finds that it’s hard to do so. But the more dishes, the tastier the repast. Blending travelog with history, this is a mouthwatering romp through the popular hits: ramen in Japan (influenced by the Chinese), Neapolitan pizza (which started as an inexpensive food to feed the city’s teeming population), and a melange of moles, among others. It’s hard not to be jealous of the author’s access to knowledgeable locals who grant her insider views. At least we can piggyback on the ride.

Fishing for the Little Pike by Juhani Karila

 “Elina Ylijaako had to catch a pike from a certain pond by June 18th every year. Her life depended on it.” So launches this utterly delightful romp through the middle-of-nowhere Finland where a boggy swamp defines the extremely remote village of Vuopio. Part of the mystery is exactly why Elina needs to catch the pike and what crime did she commit to have a policewoman on her tail. Strange creatures, many derived from local folklore, further complicate her task. Even if the ending is rushed and too confusing and riotous, the spirited protagonist and characters liven up a fun story. 

The Dissident by Paul Goldberg

 

In ‘70s Moscow, a lot is on the line in the lead-up to a visit from Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. So when two gay men, one of them an American, are brutally murdered, the KGB is keen on solving the crime right away. Viktor Moroz, an engineer waiting to leave for Israel,  becomes an easy suspect. He can earn his freedom if he solves the crime. Ample doses of real history such as the Helsinki Agreement, are tucked into a vivid portrait of Moscow. The nonlinear plot lines leave frayed threads but the travelogue and snappy dialog compensate somewhat.

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

 

Teenager Rintaro Natsuki is a hikikomori, a nerdy introvert who would like nothing better than the company of books. But the bookstore he inherits from his grandfather is dying and the teen must accept its inevitable fate. Or must he? One day a tabby cat appears at the bookstore pleading for Rintaro’s help: books are being mistreated and the teenager and his friend can help. The three set off on a series of such adventures (entering “labyrinths”) and the charming ending wraps up endearingly if a tad predictably. A warm and inviting story that will please ardent book lovers everywhere.