Editor’s note: The opinions of the smart, well-read women in my Denver book club mean a lot, and often determine what the rest of us choose to pile onto our bedside tables. So we asked them, and all Denver Post readers, to share their mini-reviews with you. Have any to offer? Email bellis@denverpost.com.

“Unsheltered,” by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper, 2019)

How do we move forward undeterred when life has left us unsheltered? The Knox family is experiencing a perfect storm of challenges in 2016: job losses, caring for an aging parent, adult offspring facing their own crises, the U.S. in political upheaval and. oh yes, their house is becoming uninhabitable. In the same house in the 1880s, science teacher Thatcher Greenwood finds himself facing cultural changes that leave him unprotected by cultural mores. The real-life character of Mary Treat, a scientist respected by Charles Darwin, particularly enchanted me. Under Kingsolver’s pen, the dual timeframe approach is so balanced that I’m undecided which storyline I prefer; both are enthralling.

I revere Kingsolver’s compassion and comprehension of human nature as she clearly illuminates contrary viewpoints. I learned much from this book. — 4 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker

“This is How It Always Is,” by Laurie Frankel (Holt Paperbacks, 2018)

Families with many children frequently seem to have at least one or two who are screwed up. There simply are too many little souls rushing around for all of them to be quiet and mannerly. The one jn this novel just happens to be transgendered. Fortunately, the story goes far beyond hysterical platitudes and assumptions to create a real gathering of children and adults with lots of good, bad and dispassionate characteristics. Claude, the youngest of five siblings, knows from the get-go that she’s a girl; it’s the world that won’t agree. She manages to skate through most sticky situations for the first 10 years before her secret is revealed. Readers will be in awe of the entire family for fording this situation with grace and love, as well as thankful to the author (the mom herself of a transgender child) for sharing her insights. This book truthfully opened the door to new perspectives and enhanced understanding. — 4 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver

“The Life Impossible,” by Matt Haig (Viking, 2024)

In the framing story of this novel, a former student reaches out to a formative teacher for a bit of encouraging life advice. The teacher is moved, in response, to reflect on her own life’s improbable journey of finding personal redemption and purpose on Ibiza, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. In the book’s somewhat heavy-handed pivotal scene, the Good (embodied by Ibiza’s environmental activists) is pitted against Evil (a rapacious developer), illustrating one way in which a life impossible can become the good life. Note: This novel mirrors Haig’s own experience of struggle and finding a new life on Ibiza. — 2 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

“The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times,” by Jane Goodall and Doug Adams (Celadon Books, 2021)

Jane Goodall knows many of us who love this planet are discouraged. Her aim is to alleviate our “eco-grief” through an understanding of four reasons she is hopeful: The Amazing Human Intellect, The Resilience of Nature, The Power of Young People, and The Indomitable Human Spirit.

Listening to Adams interviewing Goodall was a turnaround experience for me. Goodall often amplifies her points with true stories that resonate with emotional impact. I was uplifted by Goodall’s tempered optimism, and her clear-eyed view of the human animal’s place within the animal kingdom. I loved this entire book, but my favorite part is the conclusion. Thank you, Dr. Goodall. — 4 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker