Calling All Readers
Jul 31st, 2007 by admin
I have been reading a lot of novels lately. Here’s a quick recap of what I’ve read since Sun was born:
1. I finished reading “I am a Cat” by Natsume. This was not my favorite Japanese author to read. But it had its moments. It was interesting reading about life in Japan from a cat’s perspective. But it isn’t something I could recommend to anyone.
2. Then I read “The Lost German Slave Girl: The Extraordinary True Story of Sally Miller and Her Fight for Freedom in Old New Orleans” by John Bailey. I could not put this book down. It was very well documented and well written. The legal wranglings done back in the day were quite different than how they are today! Bailey also did a good job describing the legal issues surrounding slaves. For example, did you know that when you owned a slave and took her to a free state, like France, then you freed her? And she could sue for her freedom? And win? Or that you could leave your slave to your child in your will when you died? Interesting stuff.
3. Next was “Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia” by Elizabeth Gilbert. This came recommended by Jenny at Absolutely Bananas. This, too, was a book I devoured. It made me want to, well, eat, pray and love. I haven’t been inspired to want to pray in quite a while. And this book handled the religious end of things beautifully and not in a preachy way at all.
4. Next came “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. This came recommended by several sources. I hate to say that I did not enjoy this book at all. The ending redeemed it a bit for me, but it was just too violent and trite for me. For another coming of age book dealing with similar issues, I much prefer John Knowles’ “A Separate Peace.”
5. Then came J.K. Rowling’s seventh and final Harry Potter novel–”Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” I dodged all rumors and managed not to be spoiled on this book. Man, that Rowling can spin a yarn! I will miss you, Harry Potter! I am still suffering Post-Potter Depression.
6. Now I am on “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel. I am just sinking my teeth into this one, but so far so good. It, too, deftly covers the philosophical issue of religion. It has a good sense of humor, too.
But alas! Once I am done with “Pi,” I will be running low on books to read. And I still have five weeks of maternity leave to go! So I need your help! If you could recommend a book to read–maybe your all-time favorite or your current good read–I would be much in your debt. Long or short, fiction or not, classic or trashy: as long as you really liked it, I want to read it.
Stumble it!
Okay, I can’t believe you’ve had any brain energy left to read. I could barely get matching socks on in the beginning.
I’m just finishing up Middlesex, which I am loving.
Sammy’s Hill by Kristin Gore is hysterical.
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck is a great one if you haven’t had the chance.
The Lemon Tree was another interesting book club read.
March is about the story of the father of the girls from Little Women–about what happened to him while he was gone and their story took place. Very good.
Those are some of the good recent good ones off the top of my head.
Mamma, who said I am matching socks? That’s why I wear sandals! I’ve read Middlesex, but will look at the others. Thanks!!
I tend toward the more violent books, I guess. I loved, loved, loved Kite Runner and the I have The Lost German Slave Girl but never could get into it. I’ll have to try it again. I just finished Cane River (it was an Oprah Book Club, didn’t know it when I found it) but you may like it. It’s about the Slave community in Nachtitoches and the surrounding areas. Eat Love Pray sounds great.
I guess I needed to come to you for some book recommendations. However, I think your books are little too brainy for me. You know I like them on the simple side.
However, I have decided to take up books again and especially those that have nothing to do about child rearing or parenting. I started reading The Stolen Child. I have no idea who the author is and I am too lazy to look. It is about changlings and how they take the place of human children. I am not that far into it, but I am really enjoying it. Now, if I could only get a whole day to myself to just read I am sure I can finish it. I have many questions that must be answered.
Oh, and you know George couldnt help but tell me the end of Harry Potter. I just hope that by the time I get around to reading it (I have to read books 2-6) I will have forgotten. It looks promising.
And I have to agree with Mamma Loves, I cant believe how you can read all these books. Although, I do know that you take to books like I take to TV, so really it is not that hard to believe.
I’m so glad you enjoyed Eat Pray Love!! I’ve been wanting to read Life of Pi… will be curious to hear what you think of it!
I have Mary’s Monkey but I don’t remember the author. I haven’t begun reading it but from the publicity it seems very intriguing.