9. This is Steve Inskeep's new book about Jessie and John Fremont. It is pretty good, and they were certainly interesting characters. Although I am developing more of an interest in history, it is still slow reading for me.  Inskeep likes her better than him. He paints a good picture of the pair and what it might have been like during the times. Many people were motivated by greed, big surprise.

10.  Louise Penney's The Nature of the Beast.  this is another Gamache novel.  One should read the author's notes first.  The unbelievable part of it is based on fact.

11.  The Only Woman in the Room,  about Hedy Lamarr.  H.L. has an amazing story.  I preferred the documentary, Bombshell, for the telling of her story.  Like #9 above, it left me asking, "What's wrong with people?!"

12. Currently reading Circe for a possibly forming book group.  I don't love mythology and even less witchcraft, so this is not a good choice for me.