The Japanese Lover, by Isabelle Allende

[Amy]

I really really enjoyed it. I got swept up into it. I found it wonderful. Its one of these books where there is the current story, which allows us to wonder and delve into the past of Alma Mendel Belasco, who it turns out was an Jewish orphan of World War II, who lands at her Aunt and Uncle's house in California. There she meets and befriends, the son of their gardener, Ichimei Fukada, whose family as a result of the war becomes interred at Topaz. The story unfolds the challenging and sporadic, but intense love story between the two, unfolded by Alma much later in age. The other protagonist is Irina, a young Moldovian girl, who falls into Alma's life, who has a difficult history of her own, which keeps her unable to love. Of course, there is someone available to walk this road with her, as they together try to uncover the mystery of Alma's story of love. Through the story, he learn more about Irina's troubled past, and of course, she is affected by what she learns of love and life. And so was I. I was deeply moved and it stayed with me….

In other news, I am now reading the Opposite of Everyone, by Joshilyn Jackson. I am already swept up in it. At 26 pages, its just great. Next will be the Queen's Fool, for the Series tag for May for PBT, followed by Fates and Furies, for my book group. The Tsar of Love and Techno is in from the Library, and in queue at the Library is My Name is Lucy Barton, and also Eligible, by Curtis Sittenfeld. And there you have it - my reading plans. I plan to release myself from one or two unwanted Goodreads communities that are clogging my day and my phone. (Gave the deadline of May 1st.) I really love PBT, and feel connected to you guys. I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.

Best to all,

Amy

[Nicole]

Thanks for the recommendation Amy! I have it on my TBR now; not sure when I'll finally get to it, but you know how that goes.

I read one of Jackson's a couple years ago: Between, Georgia. I remember really liking it. It was a fun, feel good read I read during the summer. You'll have to let me know how this one goes! I have a couple more of hers on my TBR but haven't heard of Opposite of Everyone.

[Hope]

Allende's characters are so easy to feel for! How many stars did you give this? Glad PBT is making your groups cut :-)

[punxsygal]

I have this sitting on my dresser. Hope to start it this weekend. Your review up my excitement.

[Sara]

Shouldn't this be in the tag of the month folder?