I Know This Much is True - Wally Lamb

A wonderful and complex novel by Wally Lamb.

"I Know This Much is True" follows the lives of a set of identical twins, one of which is mentally ill. Lamb does an excellent job of examining several issues at once. Mental illness, the politics of mental illness, the love of family, the stress of mental illness on others, family history, and the effects of not knowing where one came from. All these layers are woven into a single, powerful, and complex story.

At 883 pages for the mass market paperback edition, this book will occupy some time, and it's well worth it.

A Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon

Another good book by Haddon.

In his previous novel "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" Haddon wrote brilliantly as a boy with a form of autism - Asperger's syndrom to be specific. In this book, he tackles mental illness and family dysfunction with the same skill.

I simply cannot say it better than the quote on the back of the book which says in part;
"As parents and children fall apart and come together, Haddon paints a disturbing yet amusing portrait of a dignified man trying to go insane politely."

Loaded with that dry British humor, and great human insight, this book works on more than one level.

Edited for correction of error - see comments for details.

The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson

A great book.

This book received a lot of attention even prior to it's release. Davidson received the largest advance ever in the U.S. for a debut novel by a Canadian author. Davidson was paid $1.25 million by Doubleday publishing for this book. They certainly got their money's worth, and so did I for my purchase.

Part love story, part historical fiction, part fantasy, and filled with stories within the story, this book was an absolute pleasure to read. Don't let the "love story" thing put you off if you are not a fan of romance novels, it is not that kind of love story!

A man who is beautiful on the outside, and has relied on his good looks, has an accident which leaves him badly burned and horribly disfigured. As he lies in his hospital bed, planning for the day he can commit suicide, he receives a strange visit from a woman who claims to have been his lover hundreds of years ago. This woman who carves gargoyles, tells their tales while nursing him physically and emotionally back to health. Soon she tells him, that she has only twenty-seven sculptures left to complete before her time on earth is done.

A worthy read!

The Retreat - David Bergman

Bergman's "The Retreat" is a wonderfully believable story set in the area of Kenora, Ontario Canada, during the time of the occupation of Anicanabe park, in the early 1970's.

As cultures and generations clash, the reader finds themselves awash with emotional tension. Bergman balances emotions so delicately in this novel, that the reader constantly feels conflicted. Hoping for the beast, but dreading the worst. Love for family against hatred for corrupt authority figures. The sweetness of young romance, with the bitterness of that which is doomed before it starts. This book commands you to keep turning pages into the wee hours.

A fine novel by a former Giller Prize winner, proving that Bergman is a force to be reckoned with on the Canadian literary scene, and likely will be for some time to come.


This book courtesy of Random House - McClelland & Stewart/Library Thing

Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

A wonderfully complex novel. Slow to start, but well worth patience, Mitchell's novel is unique and unlike any other novel I have read.

Mitchell has written one novel, that spans not only several time periods, and several characters, but also several genres. From 19th century historical to sci-fi post apocalyptic future and everything in between. All this is expertly woven into a story of a single soul traveling through time. Themes subtly reappear from one story to the next, adding strength to that which ties these stories together. Technically brilliant and quite entertaining. This book was short listed for the Booker Prize in 2004.

One thing to note about this book is that early on, you may feel convinced that pages are missing, but if you carry on reading, it will make sense.

Brida - Paulo Coelho

Once again Coelho pens a tale of spirituality and the quest for knowledge.

Perhaps what makes his work so intriguing, is that it always spiritual, but rarely "religious" in any kind of traditional sense. His characters are always learning and discovering their place in the world. Brida is no different in that respect.

Brida is in search of knowledge. Her search brings her to a lonely magus, and thus her journey begins. She learns to listen to the soul of the world, to dance to it's music. She learns of her gift, her history, and her soulmate, and what these mean in her world.

A beautiful and enchanting story.

A Dog Among Diplomats - J. F. Englert

Book two of the “Bull Moose Dog Run Mysteries”.

The chubby, lovable, well read Lab, with a nose for trouble, and his owner Harry are back! The series continues as the plot around Imogen’s disappearance thickens. A man is murdered. Randolph’s missing mistress Imogen is implicated, and Randolph must go to work to solve the case.

Going “undercover” as a therapy dog, he is soon immersed in a world of diplomats and spies. Once again our furry hero must navigate his way through danger, and find a way to communicate with Harry to solve the mystery.

This series is light and entertaining. Randolph is completely and utterly lovable. I look forward to the upcoming book three in this series “A Dog at Sea” due for release in spring 2009.

This book courtesy of J.F. Englert

A Dog About Town - J. F. Englert

A light, entertaining, enjoyable mystery!

The first in the Bull Moose Dog Run Mysteries, this book introduces us to Randolph - a chubby, lovable, well read Lab, with a nose for trouble, and his owner Harry. Both are struggling with the sudden disappearance of Imogen, beloved mistress to Randolph, and girlfriend to Harry.

Imogen's disappearance has left Harry with an interest in the occult. When a man dies at a séance that Harry has attended, Randolph smells trouble. Not only must Randolph solve the crime, but he must keep Harry safe, while secretly guiding him to the answers that make up this mystery.

It was a delight to "meet" Randolph, and I look forward to reading more of his adventures!

Review of book two, "A Dog Among Diplomats" to follow.

This book courtesy of J. F. Englert

Dates From Hell - Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong, and Lori Handeland

A collection of four short stories of paranormal dating disaster. Overall, a good book that is light and entertaining. Prior to reading this book, the only author of the four I have read previously was Kim Harrison.

Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil – Kim Harrison:

A recent fan to the Hollows series, I enjoyed this story. Of course I missed some of the other Hollows characters, but it did do a nice job of being able to be a “stand alone” story for those unfamiliar with the series, while meshing with the events and characters of the series for those who know it.

The Claire Switch Project – Lynsay Sands:

While not a bad story, but it was my least favorite of the four in this book. I found it just a little too predictable. I felt that there were too many T.V./Movie adaptations on similar themes.

Chaotic – Kelley Armstrong:

A good story. Some action and intrigue.

Dead Man Dating – Lori Handeland:

This was my favorite of the four stories in this book. Like “Chaotic”, this story contained some action and intrigue, but I liked the story line better, and it had more of a twist.

The Philosopher's Apprentice - James Morrow

A good read, though not exactly what I had expected. Morrow's book has some almost sci-fi/futuristic aspects to it that I was not expecting.

In a world where morals seem to be lacking, is it possible for one person to be too moral? To be consumed by those morals? With no right or wrong answers, does a person of morals suffer more than the amoral? Morrow's book "The Philosopher's Apprentice" leads us to ask these questions.

As philosophical as the name implies, this book is not of the "light summer reading" variety. In fact, if there is to be any criticism of this book, it is that the language and characters often seem a tad arrogant and presumptuous. While one may argue that the characters are in fact meant to be somewhat arrogant and presumptuous, it is sometimes hard to warm to Mason, our hero, because of it.

Still, a worthwhile read.

This book courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada Reading Group.

Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

This book, is a model for what humanity should be, and a commentary on how we treat each other globally, and how that effects the world.

Winner of the Kiriyam Prize (The Kiriyama Prize is an international literary award given to books which will encourage greater understanding of and among the peoples of the Pacific Rim and South Asia) for non-fiction in 2007.

The story starts as young Greg Mortenson, a former army medic and nurse, stumbles ill and exhausted out of the mountains of Pakistan, after a failed summit bid on K2 (the world's second tallest mountain, and by many accounts more technically difficult that Everest, the tallest). After losing his way to the city he planned to go to, he arrives in the small remote village of Korphe, where he is sheltered and cared for during his recovery. He soon becomes very attached to the people of the village. While there, he tries to provide whatever medical assistance he is able to, and soon is dubbed "Dr. Greg". Appalled that the children study in an open field, he makes a promise before leaving, to build the village a proper school.

For many, the story would stop here, but not for Greg Mortenson. For him and his organization, this is where the story starts. Along with Jean Hoerni, he co- founed the Central Asia Institute, and has been working to educate children in that region ever since.

A remarkable story, filled with interesting people and encounters. Well worth reading!

Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer

This is Krakauer's first hand account, of the deadliest storm ever on Mount Everest, which primarily because of that storm, became a part of Everest's most deadly season.

Krakauer is a well respected outdoor adventure reporter and author (see review for "Into the Wild" - Jon Krakauer), and for good reason. His writing skills are excellent, and he writes what he knows about. He is an avid outdoorsman and by all accounts, a fairly competent climber.

I have read another book about this event (see review for "High Crimes" - Michal Kodas), and I have seen a few documentaries about it as well, so I knew how things would come out in the end. Yet I still felt compelled to turn pages late at night to read Krakauer's perspective.

Scuba Dancing - Nicola Slade

This book was a delightful read.

An eclectic group of lonely people, getting together to help each other out through a "barter club", soon find themselves providing so much more for each other than music lessons and carpentry.

I was pleasantly entertained, as each of the characters made their journey to happiness, meaning, and freedom in their own ways.

My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult

A great story, superbly written.

The book is about a 13 year old girl, who is conceived in-vitro to be a compatible donor for her seriously ill sister. Originally, only cord blood from her delivery was expected to be used, however as her sister relapses time and time again, she must continue donating to her sister to keep her alive. One day she decides she will donate no more. What we learn about her and her family is not always as simple as what we immediately see.

Picoult masterfully tells this story. The story is told from the perspective of ALL the individuals directly involved. We are able to observe how the same events are perceived differently by each of the characters. Added to this complex web, we visit different times in the lives of these characters. Only a skilled story teller could do this so well, that we never feel "lost" by changes in character or time. Picoult does an excellent job. We feel for each of the characters in this tragic family.

This is my first novel by Picoult, but judging by the quality of this work, it will not be the last by far!

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka

While not a bad book, I was none-the-less somewhat disappointed by it.

While light and funny at times, it seemed to lack some of the depth and substance I had expected of it. I failed to connect with the characters on any meaningful level.

The story is of an elderly widower, who marries a gold digging immigrant. His daughters who have been feuding, must come together in an attempt to save their Dad.

If you are looking for a book to help you pass the time, this book will certainly do. If you are looking for a book that will make you say "wow!" and become a favorite, you may, like me, be disappointed.

For One More Day - Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom does it again!

Another beautifully inspirational book, that will stay with you.

For any of us who have lost a dear loved one, what we wouldn't give to spend just one more day with them.

Albom's tale of a broken man, who is given the gift of a day with his deceased Mother, is simply put, a thing of beauty. We are reminded, that our loved ones are always in our hearts, and life is never so broken it can't be fixed. That being said, we still cannot afford to take for granted our time with our loved ones while alive. Albom again strikes a perfect balance of sentiment, without being preachy or over the top.

Mitch Albom is finding his way into my favorite authors!

The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom

Profound and entertaining.

This tiny book packs quite a whollop!

Inspirational without being preachy, this book reminds us about how our lives are all interconnected with each other. This story reminds me somewhat of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol", in that our hero learns how his life, and his actions, have affected others he knew, and strangers as well. I hesitate to say more, lest I spoil the book for anyone who has not yet read it!

This is one of those books that becomes a part of you.

Map of Bones - James Rollins

A good thriller.

Intricately woven with twists and turns, this book will keep you up at night turning pages.

Loaded with mythology and fact, this book’s plot revolves around the history of the roles of various catholic figures, sects and events.

Animal's People - Indra Sinha

This book is incredibly under-rated. Whether due to it's very serious story line, or lack of marketing, I don't know. It was however named to the "new" 1001 books list, and more importantly, was short-listed for the 2007 booker prize.

This book is narrated by "Animal", a young man who was left physically twisted and orphaned by a chemical company disaster. Sinha injects enough humor to make this book quite readable despite it's serious and sad nature. I would however caution that there is liberal use of strong language.

This book is not a light read. Many phrases are in French or Indian, and must be gleamed from context (unless of course you know these languages).

Technically, this book would have to be considered a work of fiction. However, don't be surprised if something about this book is niggling at your memory. This book is the author's interpretation of the effects of a very real event. The city of Khaufpur does not exist (don't let the city's "official website" fool you), and the characters may not exist by the particular names used in this book, but nothing in this book could not, or has not happened.

The fictional city of Kaufpur is based on the real city of Bhopal. The fictional American "kampani" talked about in the book is the Union Carbide company (now owned by Dow Chemical). The very real disaster occured on December 3, 1984. The long term effects and responsibility is still a matter of debate.

Water For Elephants - Sara Gruen

Definitely one of the better books I have read.

While Gruen moves us around in time, we always know exactly where we are in the story. This is a real gift. Often when reading other amateur reviews of other books, the confusion over back and forth time lines creeps up often. It simply never happens in this book.

This book chronicles one man's love for a woman, for animals, and for the circus. His loving nature is a stark contrast for the cut-throat world of the old fashioned train circus, and the often brutal men who lived and worked it.

Gods Behaving Badly - Marie Phillips

A perfect summer read!

Light and humorous, this book was ideal for summer reading.

Imagine, gods and godesses of Greek and Roman Mythology, sharing a home in modern day London! (I would have never imagined of Aphrodite being a phone sex operator!) Add a few quirky mortals to the mix and you have "Gods Behaving Badly".

We Are All The Same - Jim Wooton

This book was very touching.

The story is of a young boy, born in Africa with HIV. By chronicling his life, Wooten allows us to read of the daily struggle of so many people who live with HIV/AIDS in a country that ignores their plight. From the loss of his birth family when his mother becomes to sick to care for him, his subsequent "adoption" by his foster family, to his struggle for for the simple right to attend school. This young boy was brave enough to speak in opposition to his government's AIDS policy (which was to say that it does not exist despite having the highest infection rates in the world).

Reading this book, puts a very real face on the AIDS pandemic in Africa. That face is the young, brave, warm, loving face of the late Xolani "Nkosi Johnson".

The Alexandria Link - Steve Berry

I have always liked Steve Berry's novels. They are great page turners.

Berry always builds such exciting works of fiction, based on historical fact. I'm not much of a history buff, so I always manage to learn a little something from these books as well.

This novel is written around the story of the lost library of Alexandria.

No New Land - M. G. Vassanji

A great novel by award winning Canadian author M.G. Vassanji.

A wondrous tale of an immigrant community and their trials. He brings to life the best and the worst of what that experience must be like, complete with family strife, cultural clashes, and personal temptations. His descriptions are vibrant and bold, proving why his work is such a respected part of contemporary Canadian Literature.

Life of Pi - Yann Martel

While reading this book, several people told me what a good book it was. Even People who didn't know me. I fully agree.

"Life of Pi" was winner of the Man Booker Prize for 2002, and winner of the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction, as well as being shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award for Fiction.

On it's surface, this book is a delightful and entertaining tale. But much like the ocean much of this book takes place on, there is immeasurable depth as well.

This is a story of a young shipwrecked boy, and his unlikely companions as they bob in the sea in a lifeboat. Danger looms both from the sea, and from within the lifeboat. Martel's writing is fresh and often funny, and most of all, very entertaining.

A great read.

The Art of Racing In the Rain - Garth Stein

I loved this book.

This book is written from the perspective of Enzo, a deeply philosophical and intelligent dog, (who is almost human), as he tells the story of his life with Denny and his family.

Stein's skill at character development demands emotional payment early on, and while constantly demanding payment, it also is constantly paying dividends. I felt love, grief, anger, love, disbelief, and yet even more love for Enzo and Denny. We learn almost immediately that Enzo is at the end of his life, and yet we still fall in love with him quickly and in spite ourselves.

An absolutely beautiful story about love, loss, and letting go; about redemption, perseverance and living right; about the bonds we make, and the relationships that see us through.

This book is one of the warmest, most touching books I have read in a long time. I dare you to read it with dry eyes!

This book courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada Reading Group.

Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures - Vincent Lam

Giller Prize winner for 2006.

Lam weaves a tale of the inter-connected lives of a group of med students, as they work their way from pre-med courses, to med school, and into practice. His characters are complete and well rounded, each with bright wonderful qualities, and dark flawed qualities as well. His tale shines light on the pressures faced by those in this profession, and how they choose to cope with those pressures.

A good read.

High Crimes - Michael Kodas

An amazing book. One of the best non-fiction books I have read.

Kodas' writing style is reminiscent of Krakauer's, in that he writes not only from research, but from experience. That being said, he is a fine journalist in his own right. Kodas himself has been to Everest, (and in fact was on Everest at the time his subject Dr. Nils Antezana was there) and uses his own experiences to illustrate his points. A gifted writer, Kodas made the history and facts surrounding mountaineering on Everest so interesting, it was hard to put the book down.

This book primarily focuses on Dr. Nils Antezana's dream to climb to the summit of Mount Everest, and his unfortunate demise almost immediately thereafter.

While most people, both climbers and non-climbers are aware of the dangers the mountain itself presents - extreme cold, oxygen depravation, steep and icey slopes that may cause a person to stumble and fall etc., many people may be unaware of the dangers other people on the mountain present. From immoral and/or inexperienced guides, to cut-rate equipment, and theft - which at that altitude can constitute manslaughter. Kodas examines both these types of dangers in his book "High Crimes".

Bravely shining light on some of the darkest aspects of trekking Everest, and some of it's darkest characters, it should be required reading for anyone considering climbing any major peak, not just Everest.

This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.

The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

I quite enjoyed this book.

This story's hero travels back and forth in time, while the heroine, travels time in a straight line.
The logistics of this story can be mind-boggling, but Niffegger does it with style. This story is touching and sweet, with out going over the top.

The Girls - Lori Laansens

A beautiful, touching story.

Lansens portrayal of craniopagic congjoined twins is simply superb. Witty at times and touching at others, and always with an element of real life. I cannot imagine that truly conjoined twins would find her descriptions of their lives and challenges anything other than believable. Though you realize very early on how the book will end, you find yourself interested in the journey to that end.

Simply put, a brilliant piece of work.

Atonement - Ian McEwan

I have to say, I struggled with the overpowering temptation to put this book down and never pick it up again. I found it monotonous and pointless and did not feel at all entertained by this book...until the second half.

Should one gather enough patience to finish this book, it is rather rewarding. When taken as a whole, it is a very worthwhile read; and in finishing it, my overall opinion of the book is positive.

This book has been adapted to film, and was recently in theaters.

A Complicated Kindness - Miriam Toews

I was a little disappointed with this book.

That is not to say that the book was bad, only that it did not live up to my expectations of it. This book won the 2004 Governor General's Award for literary fiction, and was a finalist for the Giller.

I found it incredibly difficult to connect with the lead character, or perhaps it was more a matter of not being particularly sympathetic to her, as I did not find her to be extraordinary in any way. All adolescents have difficulty fitting in and feeling like they belong. I did not feel her to be much different than any other person her age; drinking, smoking, staying out late, and other forms of challenging authority are normal - and her family’s religious affiliation just did not make it enough of a stretch for me. Only as I came to the end, did things seem to stray from the normal, and then the pendulum had swung too far, and it just seemed bizarre , but without substance.

Late Nights on Air - Elizabeth Hay

I found this book a little difficult to "get into". That being said, once I did, it was a good book.
This book won the 2007 Giller prize, and although good, my own preference would have been to
M.G. Vassanji's "The Assassin's Song", since I found the characters in that book immediately more engaging.

It is easy, however to see why the critics liked this book. The relationships in this book are real and complex, and the rugged, barren, backdrop of the North provides a perfect setting. Hay's characters navigate their lives, sometimes with the help of, and sometimes in spite of, each other, as they share their most life defining experiences

Breath (Advance Reading Copy) - Tim Winton

Set on the Australian coast, amid the surf and sand. A good summer read!

A coming of age novel about two boys growing up in a small town, always daring and challenging each other. They learn their life lessons on surf boards, with their aging, surfer "guru".

An engaging work pairing the turbulence of adolescence with the turbulence of the sea. Winton's descriptions are so enchanting, you can almost feel the ocean mist on your face!

This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.

Ink Exchange (Advance Reading Copy) - Melissa Marr -

A wonderful, fun sequel to "Wicked Lovely".

Our heroes and heroine are back. Once again Aislinn must morally try to balance the needs of her mortal world, with the summer court. With the fairy courts on the verge of war, her attention is drawn from her mortal world, and soon she finds that one of her best friends is being drawn into the dark court, and must struggle to save her.

If you liked "Wicked Lovely" you will like "Ink Exchange". I look forward to Marr's next book!

This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini

Another great, moving novel by Hosseini.

One cannot help but be touched by the depth of relationships portrayed in Hosseini's work.
Both this book, and his previous "The Kite Runner", explore the depths of human relationships in great detail. Set against a background of political and social unrest, his characters are very well developed and deeply engaging.

This book follows the lives of two women, both coming from difficult circumstances, as they become unlikely allies in life, living under Taliban rule.

If you enjoyed "The Kite Runner", you are sure to enjoy "A Thousand Splendid Suns" as well.

The Inheritance of Loss - Kiran Desai

A very good book.

Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2006, and deserving of it.

Set mainly in India during Nepal's fight for independence, it also follows one character to New York.
As the struggle for independence goes on, relationships are challenged. Differences in culture, religion and social standing, formerly meaningless, suddenly have great impact, and tear some apart, while bringing others together. Desai's characters are well developed and believable.

Executive privilege - Phillip Margolin - Advance Readers Copy

Margolin, is a long time favorite of mine when it comes to legal thrillers. His latest work, shows he still has it!

An exciting, thrilling book, I raced through it in almost no time! Margolin is expert at plotting lines that leave you not wanting to put down the book, until you know how it ends! With high level political intrigue, and plot twists that will keep you guessing, this book will keep you going till the end!

Due out in June '08.

This book courtesy of HarperCollins Canada Reading Group.

The Devil and Miss Prym - Paulo Coelho

A very enjoyable book.

Paulo Coelho spins a tale of myth-like quality. Featuring the common myth-like theme of good battling evil, this book, though short, is a very worthwhile read. Coelho's smooth style, finds pages turning rapidly, and soon leaves you wishing the book were not yet over. A modern book of classic quality!

Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro

A very good book.

This story probes the depths of the human heart, in a way that few others can. Even when we are limited in our futures, we can dream beyond, and often these dreams make us who we really are. We cannot deny our upbringing, but we can blossom beyond what is expected of us, and our love means no less if limited by time.

A beautiful story of love, morals and ethics. Touching and moving.

Incendiary - Chris Cleave

A touching novel, written in the form of a mother's letter to the terrorist responsible for her family's death.

Cleave weaves together, not only the state of the mother writing the letter, but also the whole city she lives in. While the lead character is not perfect, we come to feel for her, as we watch her mental state decay.

In this day and age, we seem to live with the constant threat of terrorism over our heads, and forget what it must be like to those have suffered from it's hand. Cleave has brought it to a level that can be understood by all.

Well written, and poignant. Definitely a worthwhile read.

The Birth House - Amy McKay

Set in the early 1900's in beautiful Nova Scotia, this book highlights the importance that midwives played in that time, as well as the struggle between the traditional ways, and modern medicine.

As an aging midwife, Miss Babineau chooses a young girl Dora to inherit her knowledge. At about the same time, modern medicine is trying to force it's way into the community. Soon Miss B disappears, leaving Dora to care for the needs of the community, which includes fighting the aggressive Dr. Thomas, in his attempts to take over the health care of women in the area, regardless of their wishes. Initially reluctant, she soon takes over this role with strength and spirit.

A wonderfully captivating and realistic story.

The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver

A wonderful epic story of a family who serve as missionaries in the Congo. The story spans several decades after their arrival in the Belgian Congo in 1959.

The story is told in turns by the wife and children of Nathan Price, a tumultuous baptist minister, who is already haunted by the ghosts of his past. Ill prepared both in terms of supplies and mindset, the family faces many obstacles both internal and external, illness, tragedies, and heartache during their time in Africa.

In the end, the Congo changes the family as a whole, as well as each of the individuals.

Well written, this book is holds elements of adventure, personal growth, tragedy, and hope, all woven into a smooth fabric.

Housekeeping - Marilynne Robinson

This novel follows the story of Ruthie, and her sister Lucille. Through several tragedies, they find themselves orphaned and put in the care of , first two great aunts - unsuited for raising two young girls, and then their aunt Sylvie, a drifter.

Life for the young girls is difficult living with their eccentric aunt, amid the mountains, and soon the sisters who were once so close, drift apart. Lucille leaves, looking for and finding social acceptance, and Ruth is now alone with Sylvie, drifting further from the socially accepted norm. She comes to be close to, and depend on Sylvie, as in her own way, Sylvie depends on her.

While not the most memorable novel I have read, it is a good book.

Middlesex - Jeffrey Eugenides

Winner of the Pulitzer prize for fiction in 2003.

This novel spans several generations of Greek immigrants, as they lead up to the life events of "Cal/Callie" a hermaphrodite that is undiagnosed until his/her teens. Raised as a female, we see life through her socially awkward eyes. We feel for her, in her inability to fit in, and the crushing blows and life altering events that are visited upon her in her teens. We come to like Callie, and we come to accept Cal.

This novel is not dry, although it's subject matter is serious. Eugenides takes us on a long journey, but entertains us the whole way.

A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

One of the best books I have ever read!

It is no wonder that this book won many titles; the Giller Prize in 1995, the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book in 1996, The Los Angeles Book Award for fiction in 1996, among others, as well as being shortlisted for several other highly regarded awards, such as the Booker Prize.

Mistry is a master storyteller.

A Fine Balance, is a touching, beautiful, and yet sad tale. Intricately woven, and multi-dimensional this book will stay with you. Set in India, during a time political upheaval, corruption, and crushing poverty, four lives intermingle with each other. Though their initial meeting have them suspicious of each other, as they each face crises they come to depend on and bond with each other, in a deep and beautiful way. This books presents the best and the worst of what the human race has to offer.

It is hard to put into words my feelings on this book without saying too much for someone who has not yet read this book, but will read it. I can only say, as cliche as it is, this is a must read!

Of Mice and Men - Jon Steinbeck

This of course, is a long time classic. A very short, but very good book.

I am convinced that the classics should be read as adults, and not as teenagers. In my youth, I would have not really appreciated this story in the proper way.

There is little for me to say about the story-line in this book. Even if like me, you haven't read it before, you have heard enough about it to know the basics. Even knowing that, it still brought tears to my eyes as I read the last pages.

This book does find itself on the lists of banned and challenged books. While there are racist terms, there is no racist message to the book. While there is violence, it is not overly graphic and does not promote a message of violence. Once again, this is a result of zealots who refuse to examine the work, in it's entirety, in the context of the time and place in which it is set, or was written. I think society would be better served to just ban the zealots instead!

Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer

An excellent book

A sad but true story of a young man who embarks on an adventure, into the wilds of Alaska, only to die alone.

Krakauer does a superb job of telling Chris McCandless' story. Not only are his narratives artful and vivid, but his research of McClandless is so complete, you feel not only that Krakauer knew him, but you did as well. Krakauer is himself an adventurer, and his own experiences add to the overall feeling of the book, as well as add some insights that could only come from another who has truly experienced similar adventures.

I have not yet seen the movie, but fully intend to, I will amend this review at that time.

We Are Now Beginning Our Descent (Advanced Reading Copy) - James Meeks

A good read.

This book follows Adam Kellas - a London based war reporter- as he explores not only the war torn regions of Afghanistan, but the war torn regions of the human condition as well.

Meeks characters are very well developed and believable, and we come to know them in a multi-faceted manor. Most are likable, but none are perfect.

Ironically, Kellas is writing a novel about terrorists, when terrorist action prompts a war. While in Afghanistan covering that war, he meets another reporter, Astrid. Suddenly separated, Kellas spends a year thinking about this woman. One day, while already emotionally volatile, he recieves a sudden email asking him to go to her. While his life seems to be falling apart around him, he finds himself questioning much of what he believed about not only her, but himself as well.

This Advance Reading Copy courtesy of HarperCollins First Look.

Flowers for Algernon - Daniel Keyes

A great book that has withstood the test of time.

Originally copyrighted in 1959, this book is still available for purchase brand new. The story is as viable today, as it was in 1959, and still as meaningful. Warm, thoughtful and touching, Keyes deserved the accolades and awards given for this book, including the Hugo Award in 1960, and the Nebula Award in 1966.

The story went on to be adapted for stage, T.V., and movie (incidentally winning the lead actor Cliff Robertson an Oscar Award).

The story follows Charlie, a mentally impaired person in his quest to become "smart". He is brought to a lab and introduced to Algernon, a mouse who has had an operation, that has greatly increased his intelligence. Charlie soon receives the same treatment, and before long has reached genius status. Soon, our new genius notices changes in Algernon, and must come to terms with what these changes mean to him.

A social commentary on how we treat our mentally challenged segment of society, as well as the ethics of medical experimentation.

What Dreams May Come - Richard Matheson

I saw the movie a long time ago. I remembered it being a really good movie, although dark and twisty. After my experience with another of Matheson's books/movies - "I Am Legend" (see recent reiveiw), I was a little apprehensive about reading this book. I had no need to worry.

Yes, it is dark and twisty at times, but a good read. There is a lot that differs between this book and the movie, but both are worth the time. While the book chronicles the journey of one man, through what can only be easily described as "hell", it is ultimately a love story as well, as he does this willingly, in search of his beloved wife. In the end, it does what so many books do, it encourages us to examine ourselves, and be the best people we can be.

P.S. I Love You - Cecelia Ahern

Chick lit it may be, but it is a sweet touching story, and a nice read.

Although I am not usually a reader of the "Chick Lit" genre, with all the attention this book was getting, both in book discussions, and the movie, I had to check it out.

While somewhat predictable in it's "pull on your heartstrings" story, Ahern was able to inject some good laughs as well. Following Holly in her grief process, we are reminded of the many people in our lives we depend on without realizing, and also, the many types of love that touch our lives.

I have not seen the movie, so I cannot comment on how closely it relates to the book, but should I see the movie, I will amend this post.

Children's Hospital paperback sale, Feb 7-9/08

Heads up to all Winnipegers looking for great deals on books!

Children's Hospital Book Market-Paperback Sale

• Location: St. Vital Centre

• Date: Feb. 7-9, 2008 during Regular Mall Hours

The Children’s Hospital Book Market, sponsored by Dufresne Furniture and Appliances, will hold their ever-popular Paperback Sale from February 7-9, 2008 at St. Vital Centre. Visit the mall during regular hours to find fabulous books at great prices.

Bargain hunters and avid readers will be able to peruse through thousands of books in categories including biographies, fiction, mystery, romance, war, and science fiction. Don’t miss our huge selection of children’s books and comics including titles in French!

Each sale supports the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba and allows us to fund pediatric research, equipment and kids programs at Children’s Hospital and the Manitoba Institute of Child Health.

I Am Legend - Richard Matheson

Having seen the movie first, (and having enjoyed it thoroughly), I expected to be dazzled by the book. After all, the book is usually much better.

First, let it be said the two were vastly different from one another. I was surprised to find I quite preferred the movie version over the book. The movie version had more action, and the hero, well, just seemed more heroic. Without divulging too much of what happens, in either the movie, or the book, I can only say, that of the two, the movie had a more realistic slant.

The second half of the book is short horror stories, and truth be told, I'm usually not a fan of horror films, or books, and prefer novels to short stories. Perhaps a true fan of the horror genre would appreciate this book more.

Matheson also authored another book that was made into a movie some time ago. It was in my opinion, a wonderful (if somewhat dark, twisted) movie. I ordered that book at the same time I ordered "I Am Legend", so a review of that book will follow.

Despite finding the book version of "I Am Legend" somewhat disappointing, I would still consider reading Matheson's work, and certainly seeing movies based on his work.

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Originally released in 1961, this book has rightfully earned it's spot in the category of modern classics.

Set in the time of the depression, and rampant racism, this book shows how any segment of society, contains both the best, and the worst, of what the human race has to give. We watch the story of a town, caught in the midst of a race fueled trial, unfold through the eyes of a young tom-boy. In the beginning, she does not understand the dynamics of the events surrounding her, her family, and her town. While her aunt tries to guide her into becoming a young "lady", her real understanding of what is proper, comes from the events set in motion by this trial.


This book was courtesy of HarperCollinsCanada The Reading Group under the theme, Perennieal Modern Classics.

The Reader - Bernhard Schlink

A good thought provoking book.

Schlink weaves us a story, with elements of love, loss, secrecy, and coming of age. Tightly packed with moral dilemmas, this book makes you think. How far are you willing to go, to protect your own secrets? How do we judge people in certain situations, only assuming we know all the facts? When is it our responsibility to step in, when someone has chosen a self destructive path?

This book, is relatively short - only 218 pages - but packs a lot of punch in that short time.

Lullabies for Little Criminals - Heather O'Neill

Sad and touching. A very well written book about life on the streets, poverty and the loss of innocence.

The most unfortunate aspect of this book, is it's absolute reality. O'Neill writes from the heart, about childhood damaged, almost before it starts. Even as we watch Baby's innocence slip away, O'Neill forces us to remember her as the child she is. Somehow, she manages to hang on to a tiny thread of her innocence, and we cheer for her to pull herself back from the edge using it. It is easy to understand how Jules and Baby end up on the path they are on, but it is no less sad, and we cheer no less for them.

Invisible Armies - Jon Evans

A high action page turner.

This book draws you in early, and keeps you hooked till the end. Filled with international intrigue, Evans entertains us using everything from high tech drama, to low tech combat, all the while, posing questions about social and ethical issues in the world today. All of these aspects are carefully and seamlessly woven together, to produce a novel well worth reading.

Although I am a believer that the book is always better, this is one book I think could make a wonderful action-thriller movie, if carefully adapted and well casted, sure to be a winner at the box office.

Dead Witch Walking - Kim Harrison

A great book for fantasy lovers, by Kim Harrison.

First in "The Hollows" series. It introduces us to Rachel Morgan, and her friends Jenks and Ivy. Exciting and written with a vivid imagination, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy novels. In fact, this is the second book of this series I have read (out of order, obviously), and would recommend the series.