From the critically-acclaimed author of Red Weather comes a heartwarming, witty story of immigration and belonging, false starts and new beginnings, aFrom the critically-acclaimed author of Red Weather comes a heartwarming, witty story of immigration and belonging, false starts and new beginnings, and finding out what home truly means
Khosi Saqr has always felt a bit out of place in Butte, Montana, hometown of motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel. Half-Egyptian, full of nervous habits, raised by a single mother, owner of a name that no one can pronounce -- Khosi has never quite managed to fit in. But when a mysterious stranger arrives in town (and Khosi's longtime love uses Butte's annual festival, Evel Knievel Days, as a time to announce her impending marriage to someone else), Khosi takes his first daredevil like risk, and travels to Egypt to find his father -- and a connection to his heritage.
What he discovers, in Cairo, is much more startling than he'd imagined it could be. The city is a thrilling mix of contradictions -- and locating his father turns out to be the easy part. Through mistaken identity, delicious food, and near tragedy, Khosi and his parents rediscover what it means to be connected to each other, to a family, and to a culture.
The timely story of a young man searching for his roots, and along the way finding his identity, Evel Knievel Days is Khosi’s charming and funny journey to learn where he came from, and who he is. ...more
I could not put this book down - and I needed a copious amount of tissues. Inspired by a true story, this haunting tale proves that it's possible to rI could not put this book down - and I needed a copious amount of tissues. Inspired by a true story, this haunting tale proves that it's possible to rise above the unspeakable pains in our lives and create something beautiful. It follows four generations of women and children coping with domestic abuse and the strength, hope and courage that they had to discover within themselves....more
While murderers and crime scenes aren't usually my thing, John Verdon weaves this mystery with characters of pleasing texture and personality -- and sWhile murderers and crime scenes aren't usually my thing, John Verdon weaves this mystery with characters of pleasing texture and personality -- and such tantalizing brain-teasers that you're compelled to keep reading and find out "how the %^&$ did he do that?!!"...more
I really liked this book. I'm not the biggest fan of historical fiction, but this book felt different than the other I've read. It was dark and had noI really liked this book. I'm not the biggest fan of historical fiction, but this book felt different than the other I've read. It was dark and had noir / detective elements to it - plus it was informative! When you think about the U.S. Presidents who have been assassinated you rarely read about William McKinley, but the story behind his assassination is fascinating.
My favorite scenes in the book feature Theodore Roosevelt, who was McKinley's VP. The author does a great job of making his larger-than-life persona come through - even though he has a small role in the book. I will say no more... read the book. ...more
Loading...
