The Premiere of Holliday Farms Book Club (HFBC)

The Most Exclusive Book Club in the Midwest? You Bet.

I get it, you’ve heard this before. You’ve even joined a book club or two in the past. But after six months, the group dwindles, people stop reading, and meetings turn into an excuse for cocktails over lunch. Eventually, no one checks the pulse, and the book club quietly dies.

Sounds familiar?

It usually starts with you and your friends chatting over dinner:  

“What book are you devouring right now?”

Suddenly, titles are flying, your Goodreads list explodes, and someone inevitably says:

“We should start a book club!”

Everyone is “all-in.” But the email or text never comes, and by the next social event, no one has organized it.

So, after nearly two years of hearing this same story play out, I’ve decided to make it happen. This time for real. I’m partnering with Stroll to launch the Holliday Farms Book Club (HFBC), and this time, we’re keeping it fun, simple, and sustainable.

The HFBC Rules:

1. We Do Talk About the Book Club! C’mon, this isn’t Fight Club. Love Chuck Palahniuk, such a great writer. We might even pick one of his books to read one day, but the goal is to bring people together, so spread the word! Share on social media your title and progress, post photos of the get-togethers, and (most importantly) text friends to sign up!

2. Adults Only. By all means, bring your spouse or bestie, but let’s keep this a kid-free zone so everyone can actually enjoy the discussion. If it’s tough to read a book next to my two toddlers (unless written by Dr. Seuss), I’m sure no one wants to juggle a meltdown mid-meeting.

3. One Book Every 2 months. Let’s keep it manageable. That’s only six books a year! What’s our first pick? Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Available in every format (Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook) from Amazon (QR code below).

4. Two Fiction, One Memoir. I love fiction, but I get that some prefer nonfiction. The plan is a 2:1 rotation with two fiction picks, then one high-level memoir that reads like a novel (think Britney Spears’s or Matthew Perry’s). But we can see what the members ultimately like and pivot as needed!

5. How to Sign Up? 

• Scan the QR code for the book

• Fill out the JotForm sign-up link (coming soon via Stroll)

• Or… DM me on Instagram (@indy_rican_md)

6. When Do We Start? Tentatively on Tuesday, July 1st at 6:30 p.m. (Final location TBA with Stroll’s help but will likely be at a local spot near Holliday Farms, possibly Sixty’s Pool Bar, Starbucks, Aspasia, or Rivet?). 

7. Who Picks the Next Books? We all do! I’ll curate five great titles, and we’ll vote. If someone has a book they’re dying to read, we can add it to the mix!

Why the Most Exclusive Book Club in the Midwest?

Because it has you in it.

Well, there you have it! The official launch of the Holliday Farms Book Club, sponsored by Stroll Magazine! Excited to join? Have a title you’ve been waiting to read? DM me or bring your suggestion to our first meeting!

(Amazon’s QR code for Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt)

This article was originally published on Stroll Holliday Farms Magazine (May 2025 issue).

The Anatomy of an April Fool | Five Medical Myths (Briefly) Debunked

This article isn’t an April Fools’ joke—I’ve spent my career watching these myths persist.

April 1st never fails to bring pranks and viral videos. The goal? Stay one step ahead of your friends’ tricks. Yet, despite our increased awareness, we’ve all fallen prey to ingrained medical myths that have taken root far deeper than most conspiracy theories.

To avoid being tricked by common medical misconceptions, both old and new, let’s debunk five persistent myths that continue to mislead society—no prank required.

1. Vincent van Gogh: Madness or Medical Mystery 

Often celebrated for his genius brushwork, the Dutch painter lived a life overshadowed by labels of madness and limited recognition. Recent neuropsychiatric research has suggested he had a bipolar disorder with traits of borderline personality disorder, exacerbated by poor nutrition, alcohol use, and psychosocial stressors. Researchers believe van Gogh suffered delirium from alcohol withdrawal, followed by severe depression with psychotic features, ultimately leading to his suicide at 37. Had he lived today, modern psychiatric treatments might have extended his life—allowing him to witness his own artistic renaissance rather than being remembered as a tragic genius.

2. Cutting Eggs Will Lower Your Cholesterol

This one isn’t entirely a myth. Despite their cholesterol content, eggs don’t significantly raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in healthy people. Surprisingly, what matters more is what you eat with them—the oil or butter you cook them with or the extra side of bacon—along with your genetic predisposition and how your liver metabolizes fat.  This explains why, despite diets and excellent fitness, many patients still require medications to manage their levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. In the end, it’s not just about what you eat, but how your body processes it. But, if you really want to eat eggs and be carefree, consider skipping the yolk and eating the egg whites, which are high in protein and lack cholesterol. 

3. The Spanish Flu had an American Passport

In 1918, the world faced one of the deadliest pandemics in history: the Spanish flu. This virus claimed over 50 million lives, primarily among young adults aged 20 to 40. Victims went from mild cold-like symptoms to mahogany-colored cheeks within hours, followed by bluish-black skin from oxygen deprivation, often dying within 24 to 48 hours. The horror was real—straight out of a Black Mirror episode.

But here’s the kicker: despite its name, this pandemic didn’t start in Spain—it likely began in America. The first cases have been traced back to Camp Funston (Fort Riley), Kansas, in March 1918. Then it spread to Europe with deployed US troops by May of that year.4

At the time, World War I was nearing its climax, and the US government censored reports to maintain morale and prevent intelligence leaks. Spain, a neutral country, had no such restrictions and publicly reported the outbreak—hence, the misnomer Spanish flu. 

More than a century later, if such a virus were seen today, The Purple Death—a name sometimes used—might be a more fitting title, regardless of its origins or passport!

4. The Myth of Harmless Toxoplasmosis: Is Your Cat Making You Gamble?

A cat, a parasite, and a man walk into a casino… Sounds like the start of a joke, but research suggests your cat’s infection might be influencing your gambling habits.

Meet Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. It often infects humans through exposure to cat feces (like when cleaning a litter box) or consuming undercooked meat. For years, scientists believed it was harmless in healthy individuals, only affecting the immunocompromised. But research suggests otherwise.

Here’s where it gets interesting: T. gondii rewires mice to lose their fear of cats, making them easy prey. Once swallowed, the parasite completes its life cycle and is shed in cat feces, where it can spread to humans. Studies have linked latent toxoplasmosis to increased dopamine levels, which may reduce fear responses and contribute to risk-taking behaviors, including impulsivity, gambling, addiction, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and suicidal tendencies.

Unfortunately, there’s no approved treatment for it in healthy individuals, leaving scientists puzzled about how to turn these findings into practical solutions. Who knows? Maybe even van Gogh was affected? For now, awareness is key—because what happens in the litter box doesn’t always stay there.

5. Drugs Like Ozempic Are Only for Diabetics or Weight Loss Seekers

This one is modern! You’ve probably seen a friend start Ozempic (semaglutide) and suddenly drop 40 pounds. I have. In fact, many of my patients have achieved healthier weights and better blood sugar control since beginning these treatments. However, most people don’t know that these two hefty goals are only part of the equation. 

Our own Hoosier pharmaceutical giant, Eli Lilly, is leading the charge with research showing a similar drug they manufacture, Zepbound (tirzepatide), has marked improvement in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms, weight, and blood pressure.

Yes, you heard me right: if you’re obese/overweight and suffer from cardiovascular disease, Zepbound can improve your OSA symptoms. Time to order a new set of pajamas and golfing shorts! 

Final Thoughts:

Do you have a favorite medical myth? Share it with me on social media or next time we meet at the Clubhouse—I’d love to hear it.

References:

1. Nolen, W., et al. "Vincent van Gogh’s mental illness: New perspectives." International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40345-020-00196-z

2. Mayo Clinic. "Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers." Mayo Clinic Health Library. 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/cholesterol/faq-20058468

3. Cleveland Clinic. "Spanish Flu: The Deadliest Pandemic in History." 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21777-spanish-flu

4. PAHO. "The Purple Death: The Great Flu of 1918." https://www.paho.org/en/who-we-are/history-paho/purple-death-great-flu-1918

5. NIH. "Toxoplasmosis and Risk-Taking Behavior." 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10242185

6. Malhotra, A., et al. NEJM. "Tirzepatide in Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea." 2024. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404881

This article was originally published on Stroll Holliday Farms Magazine (April 2025 issue).

Love in the Time of Holliday

A cozy, heartwarming love story set in Holliday Farms, Zionsville—perfect for turning your living room into a Netflix-worthy romantic escape.

The treadmill was screaming past 7 mph as Monica flew through her HIIT progression.

Run hard x 1 minute, walk x 90 secs, repeat—it seemed easy on paper.

Her AirPods blasted a Taylor Swift song, and shockingly, she realized she was her own anti-hero.

The gym at the clubhouse was packed, but she felt as free and invisible as she had in a long while. It’d been a full year since everything turned sideways.

IVF and her fifth miscarriage.

Blue, unworn baby shoes for sale—wasn’t that one of Hemingway’s plots?

New Year’s Eve 2023, the night Marc broke her heart by saying he wasn’t in love with her anymore.

The epitome of a failed marriage.

The divorce was quick and painless. Monica kept their six-bedroom house at Holliday Farms, plus half of his retirement accounts. He walked away with his family’s money and their summer house on Florida’s 30A. She still worked as a dermatologist, so money wasn’t an issue—“Medicine’s new ‘It job,’” as the WSJ had called it.

The loneliness of Valentine’s Day had been weighing on her, but meeting new friends at the ladies’ golf clinic and starting a book club with them helped her feel better.

After she finished her last HITT progression, she grabbed a towel and headed down for a swim. A black swimsuit, a pink cap, and bright blue goggles were all she wore.

First lap. Easy.

Second lap. Fun.

The chlorine ripples cleansed her sad memories, and she suddenly realized she’d been swimming for about thirty minutes.

Not bad for a thirty-six-year-old cat mom, she thought.

Monica then turned around and realized she was no longer alone. Another man was in the pool with a toddler, who was happily splashing around, gripping a brightly colored noodle. It was a cute, blonde boy of about two years of age with intense blue eyes that looked just like his daddy.

“Great swim,” the man said.

“What did you say?” she replied, inching closer to them.

“I said, great swim there. You smoked it.”

“Thanks, I was a swimmer in college. It felt good to be out there.”

“D-I?” he asked, the kid now holding him by the neck, on a Spider-Man’s puddle jumper that made him look, well, like a cute little spider.

“Yeah,” she answered, anticipating the obvious question.

“Where at?”

“Notre Dame, but I won nothing. I was always last on the team.”

“Well, if you got a scholarship, that’s still a win in my book.”

“Good point,” she said with a chuckle. “That’s precisely what my folks said—they were thrilled to save all that money.”

She took off her goggles, suddenly aware of her pink cap. His blue eyes were intense, almost magnetic. Suddenly, she realized she was gaping.

I need to close my mouth and head out, she thought.

“My wife used to be a swimmer back in college.”

“Really? Where?”

“She did nursing at Marion University, D-III. Here in Indy.”

“Yes, I’ve heard it’s a great nursing school. Does she still swim a lot? I need a swimming partner.”

Almost immediately, his face softened, his smile fading into something sadder and painful. He let the kid go off his arms, and he just stood there. It was “that pause”—the one that gave the vibes of something awful about to be shared.

“Not any longer. She passed eight months ago from leukemia,” he said, his eyes filling with tears as the boy swam happily, blissfully unaware of their conversation.

“I’m so sorry—I had no clue. I’m such an idiot.”

“No, you aren’t. It was me who brought it up. We’re doing well, though—me and Toby, here. By the way, my name is Gabriel, but I go by Gabe.”

“Nice to meet you, Gabe and Mr. Toby. My name is Monica,” she said with a full smile.

“Likewise.”

Silence followed.

Then she did something she’d never done. Maybe it was the winter chill, the snow outside, or Valentine’s fast approaching. The truth was, she was tired of feeling sorry for herself. It was time to stop being part of the problem.

“Well, if you aren’t terribly busy this weekend, I have an empty house and no one to have dinner with. It would be my pleasure to have you both over on Saturday.”

“That’s too nice. We are, as a matter of fact, always free. Are you sure?”

“Positive. I’ll cook something delicious, I promise!”

“Wow, a D-I swimmer and also a chef? What’s on the menu?” Gabe asked.

“Dino nuggets and chocolate milk for Mr. Toby. Lamb Bolognese pappardelle, and a bottle of red wine for the single adults,” she said, making it certain this was past a friendly invite.

There was immediately a brief pause. Her heart rate climbed, sweat now mixed with pool water dripping down her face. Had she blown it? Was it too soon for him to be back at dating? But then she saw a flirting smile.

“That goes perfectly with a nice bottle of Barolo. I’ll take care of the wine for the night. Would 4:30 p.m. work for you? Toby here isn’t much of a party animal,” he said, now holding him back in his arms.

“4:30 p.m. is perfect!”

Three years later, she would watch their five-year-old son play baseball at Lions Park next to Gabe. After all, Taylor Swift was terribly wrong. Monica was never the real problem. She was always someone else’s mommy hero waiting to happen.

This short story was originally published on Stroll Holliday Farms Magazine (February 2025 issue).

New Year, New Winter Workout: A 30-Minute Routine to Stroll Strong

Kick off the New Year with a simple, effective winter workout that keeps you moving, even in the coldest months.

It’s 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and you realize another year has gone by. To your right, the TV flashes Ryan Seacrest in a tux, with images of hopeful people around the world sharing their New Year’s wishes. In your hand, champagne bubbles rise through the flute as you pull out your iPhone to review last year’s resolutions. You weren’t perfect, but you made some progress.

On average, most people aim for self-improvement, but New Year’s provides a special moment for accountability. As you review your list, you notice a few wins, some ties, and a few losses.

Spend more time with family and friends (win), learn a new skill or hobby (does the wine locker count?), read more (audiobooks definitely count!), golf more (tie), take a big family vacation (win), focus on self-care and mental health (in progress), exercise more (does golfing count?), and maybe lose a few pounds (starts tomorrow).

If this list sounds oddly familiar, and if “exercising more” feels like the hardest goal to conquer, you’re not alone. We all struggle with working out inertia–life happens! We can sit and commiserate about it or take action. So, if you’re ready to strike “work out more” off your list this year, here’s a simple 30-minute routine to kick-start your exercise goals in 2025.

First Step: Dressing for the Occasion

Yes, it’s freezing outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in a good outdoor workout. Sure, the clubhouse has a great gym that’s perfect to take advantage of, but sometimes fresh air can help break up your routine while improving your mood.

When you work out in the cold, always warm up indoors first. Dress in layers to cover your most vulnerable areas—like your fingers, ears, and head—while keeping your core and legs warm. Starting your warm-up indoors helps your muscles retain heat, giving you an advantage against the Indiana winters.

Safety Reminder: Before beginning any new exercise routine, check with your physician or healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe for you. Also, confirm conditions outside are safe and choose a path that isn’t icy, snowy, or slippery.

Workout Roadmap

Warm-Up (5–10 mins): Dynamic stretches (indoors) to get your muscles warm and ready.

Aerobic Activity (20–25 mins): Moderate-intensity exercise (outdoors) like fast walking, jogging, light running, or biking.

Warm-Up (5–10 mins):

We’ll start indoors with dynamic stretches to loosen your muscles and add extra heat. Think of your muscles as rubber bands—when cold, they’re stiff, but when warm, they stretch easily, giving you more flexibility and endurance.

• Core (1 min): Start on hands and knees, taking deep breaths in and out, while arching and curving your back (like the cat-cow pose in yoga).

• Hug Your Legs (1 min): Sit up on a chair with both feet on the ground. Bend over, touch your chin with your knees, and wrap both arms behind your knees. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then sit up straight for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

• Marching Limbs (1 min): March in place, raising knees to hip height and moving your elbows in 90-degree angles. Use light weights (3-5 lbs) if you’d like.

• Core/Legs (1-2 min): Do 10 squats. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, lower your glutes close to your heels, and keep your back straight.

• Jumping Jacks (1-2 min): Do 30 jumping jacks to get your heart rate up.

Once warmed up, you’re ready to move outside. If you feel you need more, repeat the circuit before heading into aerobic activity.

Aerobic Winter Workout (20–25 mins)

Choose an activity that fits your stamina level—speed walking, walk/jog intervals, jogging, or running. If none of these appeal to you, hop on a bike instead. Remember that Stroll article from September with the best outdoor trails in Holliday Farms? Now’s the perfect time to explore those routes!

• Speed Walking: This is the least strenuous, but you’ll spend the most time exposed to the cold. Dress warmly, adding layers as needed, and aim for 0.75 to 1 mile in 20-25 minutes.

• Walk/Jog Intervals: Alternate between 1 minute of walking and 1 minute of jogging. This gives a bit more heat without overdoing it. You’ll cover 1-1.4 miles in 20 minutes.

• Jogging: Faster than walking, but not quite running—jogging generates more heat. Dress in layers so you can remove outer layers if you get too warm. After 20 minutes, you should be at 1.2 to 1.5 miles.

• Running: For those ready for a challenge! Running is the most heat-generating, at an intensity of 5 out of 10. Mix in jogging or walking if you need to. You should hit 1.4 to 2 miles in 20 minutes.

• Biking: This is a great option if you want to avoid impact on your joints. This can feel especially cold because of wind exposure, so dress warmly in layers and consider hand warmers for your gloves.

Final Thoughts

This winter workout is a great way to kick-start your New Year’s fitness goals, keeping you active and healthy through the coldest months. Guidelines recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (like brisk walking/jogging/biking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running) for overall health benefits. If that sounds daunting, start with 60 minutes and build up gradually. 

Remember, every minute counts—whether you walk, jog, or run, we’re here to cheer you on as you Stroll into the best 2025 version of yourself!

This article was originally published on Stroll Holliday Farms Magazine (January 2025 issue).

Is Your BMI Calling You Fat Behind Your Back?

BMI is like judging a book by its cover—it doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the Body Roundness Index (BRI), the tool that looks deeper to reveal your real health risks.

We’ve all stood in front of a mirror, trying on new clothes, wondering whether the polo is too tight or if we’ve gained a few pounds over the winter. It’s natural. It happens to all of us—unless your name is Glenn Powell or Scarlett Johansson and you have a team of nutritionists, personal trainers, and the kind of genetics that seem to make every photo picture-perfect.

“Is my blood pressure high because of my weight?” people often ask me, hoping for a clear answer about their health.

As a cardiologist, I get this question a lot: “Is my [insert disease] because of my weight?” My patients’ eyes lock onto mine, searching for any hint of a flinch or hesitation in my response. The truth is, it’s challenging to be honest with just one word or a single measurement. There’s a gray area between what society has historically labeled as “fat,” “chubby,” “thin,” or “too thin,” and health is far more complex than fitting into these categories.

For the longest time, physicians have relied on the Body Mass Index (BMI) to help answer that question. The formula is simple—just basic iPhone calculator math. You plug in weight divided by height squared, and voilà, your BMI is revealed.

THE LIMITATIONS OF BMI

But BMI doesn't tell the whole story. Take a young, muscular Notre Dame linebacker, for example. His BMI might be classified as obese, despite being purely lean and ripped, simply because BMI doesn’t differentiate between muscle and fat.

Over time, more data has poured in, and as scientists, we’ve come to realize that BMI isn’t as straightforward as we once thought. Sure, countless studies indicate that BMI ranges outside “normal” are associated with worse health outcomes, including higher risks of heart disease and death. But that’s only part of the story. For instance, not everyone classified as morbidly obese develops heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. However, if you already have one of these conditions, being obese often worsens the outlook. So, it begs the question: Is being labeled “fat” by your BMI the best way to measure health risks? Is BMI just half telling you the truth?

INTRODUCING THE BODY ROUNDNESS INDEX (BRI)

Enter the Body Roundness Index (BRI). Unlike BMI, BRI considers body composition, specifically the amount of visceral fat inside your abdomen. Spoiler: BRI is much harder to calculate than BMI. Think TI-89 calculators from college: 364.2 − 365.5 × √(1 − [waist circumference in centimeters / 2π]² / [0.5 × height in centimeters]²). 

Okay, I know that looks complicated, but don’t worry—there are plenty of free online calculators where you can plug in your height and waist circumference (measured around your abdomen, at the level of your belly button). Besides, you’re not expected to do this math alone. Your primary care provider can help answer any questions.

WHY BRI MAY MATTER MORE

As a whole, BRI offers valuable insight into whether you have too much fat in your abdominal cavity, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most important indicators for predicting medical complications.

Studies strongly suggest that BRI outperforms BMI and other measurements in predicting risks for kidney disease, metabolic issues, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even all-cause mortality. As it stands, we should be talking more about BRI than BMI to judge people’s health and risk factors. 

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

So, the next time you talk to your doctor, don’t just ask how "fat" your BMI is—ask about your abdominal fat and Body Round Index, too. Both your BMI and waist size are important when discussing your overall health.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

This article was originally published on Stroll Holliday Farms Magazine (November 2024 issue).

https://www.strollmag.com/locations/holliday-farms-in/articles/-29de5f/

Five Mind-Bending Books to Devour

Five Mind-Bending Books to Devour: Speculative Fiction Picks

As summer ends and kids head back to school, trick-or-treaters remind you of the colder weather ahead. Outside, the golf course is turning shades of orange and yellow, and the promise of that new Marketplace Starbucks has you craving a fancy latte on your upcoming golf cart rides. Even though winter is approaching faster than we’d all like, it seems like the perfect excuse to cozy up under your blankets and start checking off books from your Libby or Kindle apps. To keep things interesting, each season, I’ll recommend some titles to help you embrace the changing weather vibes.

This fall, we’ll start with five books to devour in speculative fiction—a genre that encompasses alternate realities, science fiction, fantasy, and any narrative that bends reality, the supernatural, or the fantastical. Think Inception, The Matrix, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, or Everything Everywhere All at Once. Join me in exploring these narratives, their complex characters, and thought-provoking themes that will keep you turning pages while we wait for the holidays at Holliday!

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab 

“A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget.” This is the tale of a young French woman in 1714 who, at twenty-three, makes a deal with the devil to live forever. In exchange, she’s cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets until she’s willing to part with her soul. Flash forward to 2014, three hundred years after her Faustian bargain, when Addie meets a man who somehow remembers her, revealing how much she hasn't experienced in life despite her many uncelebrated birthdays. This book has it all: beautifully written prose, captivating world-building, breathtaking art scenes, and, most importantly, a strong female character whose story will feel like a romance you've never read before. 

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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

“What if…” That’s the central question of this novel. What if there was a library somewhere in the universe where you could open a book and instantly be transported to another version of yourself? The version who never married and put her career above all else, or the one who made it to the US Olympic swimming team? These are the kinds of questions we ponder when thinking about our pasts, filled with invisible blessings and giant “what ifs.” In this novel, Nora Seed explores these possibilities after the worst day of her life, when she enters the Midnight Library at exactly midnight. As her journey unfolds, we follow her mistakes, the things that make her human, and the realization that life is never as perfect or as awful as we think it is. What truly matters is not having no regrets, but how we choose to live with them.

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Recursion by Blake Crouch

Time and memory are a funny thing—they’re both headed away from one another, but together they weave the fibers of reality. In this novel, the world is coping with a new disease, “False Memory Syndrome,” in which people remember lives they’ve never had and families that never existed. With every page, it becomes abundantly clear that this is just the tip of the iceberg, as NYPD detective Barry Sutton is committed to uncover the truth behind it. Along a parallel line that eventually intersects with Barry’s investigation, a brilliant neuroscientist, Dr. Helena Smith, finds herself as the gatekeeper of one of the biggest inventions ever created, capable of bending the world’s fate into a future that is impossible to conceive. In this thrilling piece, Blake Crouch explores the very fabric of what makes us human, from our deepest forgotten memories to our most cherished and happiest moments, in a book that makes you feel like you’re in charge of saving the world along with the main characters. If you have read and loved Recursion, consider also Dark Matter and Upgrade by the same author.

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 Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

It’s the 1950s, and twenty-two-year-old heroine Noemí Taboada is summoned by her father to investigate a strange illness afflicting her newlywed cousin, Catalina. To uncover the truth, Noemí must leave her opulent life in Mexico City and travel alone to a remote town where Catalina now lives at High Place—a crumbling mansion with dark secrets. As Noemí delves deeper into this enigmatic setting, she experiences eerie visions, unsettling dreams, and nearly supernatural events that pull her closer to the truth while blurring the lines of reality. This novel, filled with both dread and allure, follows Noemí’s journey, proving that being a young woman in the 1950s is not a limitation but a strength.

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The Measure by Nikki Erlick

Imagine one day everyone on Earth received a mysterious wooden box containing a string that determines how much time they have left to live? From Paris to New York City, Tokyo to Moscow, everyone faces the same choice: would you open the box to discover whether you are a “short stringer” or a “long stringer?” In this phenomenal speculative novel, Nikki Erlick delves into the lives of seven strangers grappling with this profound knowledge, exploring how individuals and society react to the implications of knowing one’s ultimate fate. With vivid scenes of anger, tears, and laughter, plus a poignant exploration of what it means to be human, The Measure is a thought-provoking journey into the very fabric of our existence.

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Did any of these titles catch your interest? They are all great picks for your next book club, so feel free to try them all. Do you have any other speculative fiction novels you love? If so, please share them with me on social media—I’d love to read them too!

This article was originally published on Stroll Holliday Farms Magazine (October 2024 issue).