75 Books...More or Less! discussion
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Jan B's 2015 Challenge
message 51:
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JanB
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Apr 28, 2015 07:24PM
Marie, this is one of those quiet novels that is difficult to judge until you've finished. It's one that brings up some central questions that beg to be discussed. I'll be interested in your thoughts when you finish!
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18. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo, Cathy Hirano
I barely know where to begin. I like to de-clutter and organize and some might consider me a neatnik. But this book takes it to a new level. A woo-woo level. I don't think unused objects in my home want to leave and will be happier if I set them free nor do I think my possessions need to be reassured that there's a place for them to return to. It has never occurred to me to remove labels from packages and containers (such as laundry detergent) so my closets and cupboards aren't "noisy". The author was driven to tears at the "slime" that developed on wire shelving in her shower and recommends drying and putting away your soap and shampoo bottles after every shower. Um, nope, not going to happen in my house, Nor will I empty my purse every night because it would be "cruel" to not give my purse a break.
The author gasped and was speechless when she opened a client's sock drawer and saw socks rolled up in potato-like lumps that rolled about. They work hard all day and take a beating trapped between your foot and shoe. Balled up in your drawer, they roll around and bump into each other. What treatment could be worse than this? (this is a direct quote).
There were a few nuggets of good information but nothing you can't read in an online article on organization. Experiencing contentment by being surrounded by things you either use or love is a worthy goal. But worrying about the psychological well-being of my possessions is too far out there for me. I have no idea how this landed on the bestseller list.
On the plus side it was good for a few chuckles as I read parts out loud to my husband :-)
19. Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1) by Louise PennyI first read this book in January of 2013 and just finished a re-read of it for my book club. If anything, I think I enjoyed it even more now that I know what I know about the characters. This time around I listened to it and the narrator, Ralph Cosham, brought the characters to life. He will be greatly missed!
Mod
Mod
by Marie Kondo, Cathy Hirano
I barely know where to begin. I like to de-clutter and organize and some m..."
That sounds really strange. lol!
Andrea, I'm glad you found it helpful. I truly think she has a serious case of OCD and I found some of her childhood memories disturbing. I do acknowledge that anthropomorphism may be a cultural thing but I couldn't get past it. I should have read reviews before I read it, lol
20. Inside the O'Brien's by Lisa Genova4.5 stars
The O’Brien’s aren’t a perfect family, but they are an average, realistic family. Joe is a police officer married to his teenage sweetheart. They’re the parents of 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. One is married and a firefighter , one is a ballet dancer with the Boston Ballet, one a yoga instructor, and one a teen-age boy still finding himself. I loved how the author realistically portrays the sometimes troubling, but always loving, family relationships.
Joe starts to exhibit troubling symptoms, and is eventually diagnosed as having Huntington’s Disease, a hereditary, progressive, neurodegenerative disease that strikes its victims in the prime of life, and is always fatal within 10-20 years after diagnosis. Often, by the time of diagnosis, the victims have had children, and the children have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease. Their fate can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test.
But do they want to know? Can they tolerate knowing they carry the gene? Can they deal with the uncertainty and anxiety of not knowing? Either way, how do they live their lives? What about Joe? How does he find the courage to continue living, while showing his children how to die? How does he deal with the guilt of potentially passing on a fatal disease to his children?
As a fan of Lisa Genova’s previous books, I think she has really hit her stride with this book. She has a knack for portraying the human faces behind diseases many of us only learn about in a textbook. Most of the story is told through the eyes of Katie, Joe’s daughter. The reader can’t fail to feel anything but the utmost sympathy for any family touched by this horrendous disease. Reading about it through the lens of the O’Brien family made it personal and heartfelt.
This would make a great book club choice. I’ve found myself continuing to think about the issues raised long after turning the last page.
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Mod
Elyse, have you read Genova's other 3 books? I do like the way she writes!
Mod
I've read Still Alice and really enjoyed it. I have Love Anthony but haven't read it yet.
21. Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon3.5 stars
There’s a school shooting and a shooter is dead, while his friend, Jake, is missing. Is he one of the perpetrators? What follows is less about the actual shooting or the events that led up to it, as it is about the nightmare the family of the missing boy endures. The narrator is stay-at-home dad, Simon. The book’s chapters alternate between Simon’s memories of Jake’s childhood with the current day events and the search for Jake.
I thought this book offered a fresh take on a subject that has been done before. The emotions and devastation of the family of the accused are explored. What parent hasn’t second-guessed their parenting style? However, there were times that Simon’s naval-gazing became tiresome and his wife’s actions were often baffling.
Other questions are raised: How quick are we to judge others who are different? How quick are we to be judge and jury of the accused? What is the role of the media?
But, at its heart, this is a book that is not so much about the psychology of shooters than it is about parenting, love, families, and forgiveness. There were a few plot holes, and the prose could get a little overwrought at times, but I did enjoy the read.
22. The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz WilliamsDon't believe the publisher's description of a "substantive beach read steeped in history and familial intrigue". This is chick lit, pure and simple. Nothing against chick lit as I enjoy lighter fare from time to time as long as it's well-written. But this is TERRIBLE chick lit of the eye-rolling variety with two of literature's most annoying protagonists ever and a plot that was silly and contrived. If it wasn't a book club book I wouldn't have read past the first chapter.
Not recommended
23. Eight Million Ways to Die (Matthew Scudder, #5) by Lawrence Block4 stars
In this hard-boiled detective novel featuring Matthew Scudder, a retired cop now working as an unlicensed PI, he investigates the murder of a young prostitute. When you read a Block novel you know the crime and investigation will be complex, the characters fully developed, and the dialogue snappy. What really sets this series above the rest in the genre is Scudder himself as he continues to fight his addictions and demons. The seedy and crime-ridden atmosphere of NYC in the early 80s is palpable and parts of the book reads like a social commentary of the times.
Interesting fact: The title is a take-off on an old tv series, The Naked City, in which each episode ends with the line, "There are eight million stories to tell in the naked city. This has been one of them."
Mod
"Don't believe the publisher's description of a "substantive beach read steeped in history and familial intrigue". This is chick lit, pure and simple. Nothing against chick lit as I enjoy lighter fare from time to time as long as it's well-written. But this is TERRIBLE chick lit of the eye-rolling variety with two of literature's most annoying protagonists ever and a plot that was silly and contrived. If it wasn't a book club book I wouldn't have read past the first chapter.
Not recommended"
Andrea, As you can tell, I was feeling rather grumpy when I wrote that :)
Mod
Andrea, exactly!! I particularly dislike it when the blurb compares the book to a huge best-seller and of course, the book never lives up to the it.
24. The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence AnthonyAn enthusiastic 5+ stars!
I first read this book in May 2014 and just finished a re-read. The following review stands. I loved it just as much if not more than the first time I read it. Wonderful, wonderful book!
This just won an Audie Award for best audio book in the bio/memoir category and in my opinion it was well-deserved. It will definitely be among my all-time favorites. I have a soft spot in my heart for elephants and this book reinforced those feelings. I ran the gamut of emotions as I read this book: I laughed, I cried, I was amazed, sometimes shocked, and ultimately, I fell in love with the elephants and their human rescuer.
Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of ‘rogue’ elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in South Africa because he was known as being amazingly good with animals. The elephants would be killed if he wouldn't take them in, so he agreed. When the elephants arrived they were angry, scared, and distrustful of humans. What follows is a fascinating tale of how he not only saved the herd, but also developed an unusual bond with them. The story is interspersed with tales of Anthony's French wife, Francoise, their dogs, the staff, and the Zulu culture.
Sadly, Mr. Anthony passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 2012. By then, the herd had been released back into the wild and had not visited Mr. Anthony’s home in a year and a half. But on his death, the herd inexplicably trudged for miles in a solemn funereal procession to pay their respects at his house. They stayed for 2 days before moving back into the bush. What a beautiful story that teaches us so much about the capability of animals to show deep love and concern, and the bonds they can form with humans.
Wow. That sounds amazing and I don't read a lot of non-fiction. I'm adding this to my "to read" pile.
Mod
Marie & Andrea, I highly recommend it! If you give it a try I hope you enjoy!
JanB wrote: "18. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo, Cathy Hirano
I barely know where to begin. I like to de-clutter and organize and some m..."
Jan,
Your review made me laugh so hard that I just had to share that with you! Does the author really believe all those crazy things about inanimate objects? Well, sounds like she may need therapeutic help of some kind or other.
Thanks for the laughs ;)!
Rachel Joy wrote: "JanB wrote: "18. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo, Cathy Hirano
I barely know where to begin. I like to de-clutter and organi..."
Rachel Joy, strangely, yes, I think she really does believe these things about inanimate objects! Perhaps it's a cultural difference, but I couldn't get past it. Plus,I seriously think she may have OCD tendencies and could use therapy! It has to be the strangest book I've read this year :)
25. My Grandmother Asked Me To tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman3.5 stars
This is a quirky and charming book that’s funny, touching, and sad (without being schmaltzy). Elsa is a precocious seven year old, and a little different. To say her grandmother is eccentric would be an understatement, but she is Elsa’s fiercest supporter and only friend. Her granny tells her stories every night, and creates a rich fairy tale world that helps Elsa navigate her real world. Elsa’s real world is fraught with weighty issues: bullying, the divorce of her parents, the impending birth of a half-sibling, and soon, death and grief.
Early in the story (not a spoiler!) her grandmother dies and sends her on a mission to deliver letters of apology to various people. As she delivers the letters she not only finds out more about her grandmother and her past, but about the various people who live in her apartment building and how they are all connected. Everyone has a story that makes them who they are. (Even awful people can sometimes turn out to be not-so-awful).
I confess I had a little trouble in the beginning with the fairy tales and seeing the world through a child’s eyes. However, I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying the fairy tales have real life counterparts. Once I knew that I wish I had paid more attention. My advice is to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride – the payoff will come.
*copy received from NetGalley for an honest review
26. Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran4.5 stars
Rebel Queen is the story of Rani Lakshmi, the queen of Jhansi, known for leading a rebellion against the British invasion of India. It’s told from the point of view of Sita, a young girl who lives in a small village with her father, sister, and a cruel grandmother who tries to sell her off as a prostitute. Saved by her father, and with few choices in life, she begins training to become a member of the Durga Dal, an all-woman elite fighting force whose mission was to protect the Queen.
We see the world through Sita’s eyes, as she grew from a little girl living in a purdah, veiled and confined to the house, to a member of the Royal Guard. I loved reading about her strength and determination and the loyalty and love she had for her family, the Queen, and for India. The vivid detail and the picture of life in the palace made the story come alive for me.
We don’t meet Queen Rani till later in the story, but both these women are fascinating characters who held powerful roles in a society where women typically had little power.
I also enjoyed the historical notes at the end of the book. I love a book that not only teaches me about a period of history I knew little about, but also keeps me entertained throughout. Highly recommended!
JanB wrote: "26. Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran4.5 stars
Rebel Queen is the story of Rani Lakshmi, the queen of Jhansi, known for leading a rebellion against the British invasion of India. ..."
Sounds right up my alley, Jan!
Karol, if you listen to audiobooks the narrator was awesome. But either way, a good story if you're a historical fiction fan.
Mod
4.5 stars
Rebel Queen is the story of Rani Lakshmi, the queen of Jhansi, known for leading a rebellion against the British invasion of India. It’s told from the p..."
This is in my TBR.
Elyse wrote: "JanB wrote: "26. Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran4.5 stars
Rebel Queen is the story of Rani Lakshmi, the queen of Jhansi, known for leading a rebellion against the British invasion of India. It’s to..."
Elyse, I hope you like it as much as I did!
27. Whiskey and Charlie by Annabel Smith3.5 stars
I almost gave this 3 stars but as I wrote my review I bumped it up slightly because the author really does some things very well, but there were enough things that bugged me to prevent it from being a 4 star read.
I’m a huge fan of stories that revolve around dysfunctional families and I enjoyed Smith’s treatment of the often-difficult sibling relationship. Twins Charlie and William (Whiskey) were close as children but grew apart when jealousy and bitterness took root in Charlie as he lived in the shadow of his more outgoing, flamboyant brother. The twins are in their 30s when Whiskey is left in a coma following an accident. Faced with the prospect of never being able to speak to his brother again, Charlie ponders their lives and examines his relationship with his brother. As he does so, Charlie has some hard truths to face.The narrative switches between past and present in chapters based on the phonetic alphabet, the code Charlie and Whiskey used as children when they spoke on their walkie-talkies (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc….). We, of course, don’t hear the story from Whiskey’s perspective and I suspect that Charlie, a rather unlikable guy, may not be the most reliable of narrators. I would have liked to see a few stories highlighting some of the good times and the closeness he and his brother once shared. (Because, frankly, both of them often come off as total asses)
The author also deftly handles the emotional turmoil and stages of grief a family endures when a loved one is in a coma, perhaps never to awaken. However, chapters that revolved around the phonetic alphabet felt gimmicky, and events sometimes turned a tad too soap-operish for my taste.
The themes of sibling rivalry, guilt, regret, forgiveness and redemption would make this an excellent book club choice, with much to discuss.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
oops, I forgot to add this book that was read mid-May:28. Coming of Age at the End of Days by Alice LaPlante
3.5 (although now, nearly a month later, I think I was feeling generous that day)
In this well-written and compelling story, 16 year old Anna suffers from melancholia and is fixated on death. She doesn’t fit in at school and her only friend is her new neighbor, Lars, a misfit of a different sort. He and his family are members of a doomsday cult and when Anna begins to have strange dreams (visions? prophecies?), she easily falls under the spell of their beliefs and the mission to bring about the Tribulation, the time preceding the End. Anna is convinced her purpose is to help fulfill the prophecy. Her atheist parents are liberal-minded but are at a loss on how to handle her (frankly, the parents are rather strange too and a conversation that takes place between Anna and her father is jaw-dropping).
Along the way, Anna and Lars gain two companions: Jim, a neighbor in his early 20s who also suffers from a lack of direction, and a teacher who sees something of herself in them.
I really liked Anna and the story kept me flipping the pages, even when events turned a bit improbable. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it and continue to do so– a sign of a good read. There’s a lot to ponder and much of it is delivered in a witty and ironic way. There were a few twists along the way, and while the ending may be a little too tidy, I would recommend the book for those who like their stories a little quirky.
**Thanks to NetGalley who provided me with an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review
29. Circling the Sun by Paula McLain4 stars
This well-written book traces the life of Beryl Markham from childhood up to when she took the historic flight across the Atlantic in 1936. She was brought to Kenya from her native England as a very young child, and soon after was abandoned by her mother. It was a watershed moment for Beryl, one that would reverberate throughout her life and color all her relationships.
Her unconventional childhood, free spirit, and love of horses led her to become the first female horse trainer in Africa, and later a bush pilot, both unconventional occupations for women at the time. All of this is common knowledge and can be found with a simple google search. The bulk of this book is about her romantic entanglements and life on the fringes of the ex-pat community, a group of wealthy, hedonistic Brits and Irish-Americans who settled in the Happy Valley region in Kenya. There were scandalous affairs and troubled marriages, but the love of her life was Denys Finch Hatton, made famous by the movie Out of Africa. The contrast of a fiercely independent, strong-minded woman who makes such a mess of her personal life makes for interesting reading. She defied social conventions, yet many of her decisions were made because of the stricture of gender roles and the need for financial security. One has to wonder at the trails she may have blazed had she been born a few generations later.
The middle of the book lagged a bit, there are a few gaps and I would have liked to have heard more about her life as a pilot. But all in all, an interesting story about a truly unique woman.
(As an aside, while on vacation this week I met a Brit who has lived in Kenya for 40 years and she met and had tea with Beryl some years ago. It was fun to chat with her about Beryl.)
* I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mod
4 stars
This well-written book traces the life of Beryl Markham from childhood up to when she took the historic flight across the Atlantic in 1936. She was bro..."
I just finished this book as well and I completely agree on the tedious parts!!
Elyse, lol! I saw your review. I liked it a little better than you did :)
30. Redbreast by Jo Nesbo3.5 stars
Detectives are most interesting when they are flawed and Harry Hole is certainly flawed. Flawed but likable. This is the third Hole book and based on recommendations I skipped #2 after reading #1, The Bat, and finding it just ok. This one spans 6 decades, and is a mix of historical fiction, crime, with a little romance thrown in. The plot is so complex that it can be confusing at first, with a lot of characters and twists and turns, but it comes together beautifully and is quite the page turner. At over 500 pages, I give it a 3.5 for being too long-winded, but liked it well enough to continue with series.
**I listened to both Harry Hole books. In The Bat we’re told Harry’s last name is pronounced “Hoo-lay” (apparently a common Norwegian name) but the narrator in this one pronounced it phonetically as “Hole”, which I found distracting (as well as unfortunate).
31. I'll Have What She's Having: My Adventures in Celebrity Dietingby Rebecca Harrington
2.5 stars
I saw this piece of fluff in a bookstore, then found it as an e-book at my library and downloaded it, thinking it would be an easy airport read for a recent travel day. While amusing, I think this would have worked better an a series of articles. I'd recommend it to be read occasionally a chapter at a time instead of straight through, as I did. The concept was cute, and it was witty at times, but it became tiresome and repetitive after a while. I'm glad I borrowed, not bought.
32. Our Souls At Night by Kent Haruf5 stars
A deceptively simple novel with a depth that touched my heart. With his beautiful, spare prose, Haruf is one of my favorite authors, as well as one of a handful that can write about ordinary people in an extraordinary way. The story is poignant and moving, made even more so knowing that Haruf was terminally ill when he wrote it. As in all his books, his stories highlight the need for more compassion and less judgment in our world.
The novel opens with Addie making a visit to Louis and offering a rather unusual proposition. Both are widowed and in their 70s, and Addie proposes that Louis come over every night to sleep (no sex) and talk, as the nights are long and lonely, filled with ghosts from the past. Louis agrees, and thus begins a sweet friendship. In the night, each slowly reveals to the other their life stories, their dreams and hopes, as well as their tragedies, regrets and failures, a tapestry of a long life.
The relationship between Louis and Addie deepens over time and when Addie’s grandson comes for a visit over the summer, the friendship that develops between he and Louis is sweet and touching. The tension in the novel comes from Louis and Addie’s attempts to overcome obstacles from family and townspeople. (If I have one teeny complaint, it's that he makes Addie and Louis seem older than their 70 years)
Highly recommended. After you read it, (or before, there are no spoilers) read the WSJ article "Kent Haruf's Last Chapter", which sheds light on Haruf, his wife Cathy, and why he wrote the novel.
Mod
Elyse, it is! At least I thought so. I listened to it and the narrator is excellent
33. The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows3 stars
I loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, which Annie Barrows co-wrote. Unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to my expectations.
This tale is part mystery and part coming-of-age, all taking place in the small town of Macedonia, West Virginia during the Depression years. Willa is a 12 year old girl living with her aunts Jottie, Minerva, and Mae, as well as her sister, Bird. After refusing to marry a man chosen for her by her parents, Layla, a rich, spoiled debutante, is forced to take a job writing the town of Macedonia’s history, a Federal Writer’s Project. While there, she boards with Willa and her aunts.
Precocious Willa is curious about the secrets adults keep from children and sets out to discover what those secrets are, especially as they relate to her ne’er-do-well father, Felix. The POV alternates mainly between Willa and her aunt Jottie, while Layla’s narration is told epistolary-style. Secrets and betrayals are revealed that threaten to break family bonds.
The writing is excellent with many well-turned phrases, the characters are engaging, and the colorful small town setting was charming. However, the book was too long and would have benefitted from tighter editing. I became bored when it went on and on and on without anything of interest happening. Also, I thought Willa’s insights and thoughts were too mature for a girl of her age. Still, fans of small town southern fiction that unfolds at a snail’s pace will find much to like here.
** I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mod
Elyse wrote: "I have this one to read from NetGalley."Elyse, that's where I got mine too. Will have to edit my review.
I'll look forward to your thoughts/review!
34. The Paris Architect by Charls Balfoure4 stars
Lucien, an architect, is hired to design hiding places for Jews in occupied France during WWII. At the same time, he’s also designing factories for the Germans. The overriding attitude among the French toward the Jews wasn’t glossed over, nor was the moral dilemma facing the French people. Seeing the growth and transformation of Lucien gave the story depth, while the historical detail, setting, and well-developed characters made the story come to life.
The concept is an interesting one, but what really sets this novel apart is the level of suspense and tension. I had difficulty putting it down and was on the edge of my seat much of the time. There were a few too many coincidences that were unconvincing but those are minor criticisms in this well paced, suspenseful novel.
35. The Wild Inside: A Novel of Suspense by Christine Carbo4 stars
The comparison to two authors I love, Louise Penny and William Kent Krueger, is an apt one. This is not a mystery that is action-packed or filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense, but, instead, it’s a thoughtful one filled with gorgeous descriptions of Glacier National Park. The insight and musings on the nature of the human condition gave the story a depth often missing in police procedurals. The title could be seen as a clever play on words, as the author has much to say about the unpredictable wildness of nature, animals, and of man.
Ted, an agent for the Department of the Interior, is sent to investigate the death of a man tied to a tree and mauled by a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park. Complicating matters, when Ted was 14 he and his father were camping in Glacier when his father was dragged from his tent and killed by a grizzly. The event has haunted Ted ever since, and this investigation forces Ted to deal with the horror of that night, as well as his grief.
There are enough twists and turns to keep things moving along and the resolution was a surprise. I hope this terrific debut novel is the start of a series featuring Ted Systead!
Mod
Elyse, that's where I got mine too. Will have to edit my review.
I'll look forward to your thoughts/review!"
It's coming up for my Lucky 13 Challenge in a few weeks!
36. Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry5 stars
Wow, how can it be that I've never read Wendell Berry until now???
Written from the perspective of 70+ year old Hannah as she reflects on her life in the small farming community of Port William, Kentucky, this quiet, introspective novel touched me deeply, as few books do. Wendell Berry is a poet and it shows in the rhythm and cadence of his prose, which is beautiful and contemplative. My copy is filled with passages I’ve marked, passages that brought me to tears for the sheer beauty of the insights they contained. This is writing to be savored.
At it’s heart, this is a story of life in a tight-knit community, with all its joys and sorrows, and a way of life that is quickly disappearing. I loved the sense of community, and what it means to live a life of gratitude, giving and receiving love and forgiveness, and the “membership” we all have with those living, as well as with those who have passed on.
You don’t read a book like this for it’s drama, plot, or action but as you read, the quiet beauty grows on you and won’t let go. I loved it!
37. Finders Keepers (Bill Hodges trilogy #2) by Stephen King4 stars
In a departure from his trademark horror, this is the second book in the Bill Hodges trilogy. I loved the first book, Mr. Mercedes, and I enjoyed this one as well, although I think the book suffered by Hodges and his team showing up on pg 159, and then it wasn’t the Hodges I expected (not that I own the character…haha). I’m not sure I liked the new and improved Hodges, who has slimmed down, eats salads. and is generally not as interesting.
What I did love was the nod to readers, authors, and fans who think they own the characters. Is King toying with his fans? Very clever. The villain was creepy and evil, Pete was well-developed, and the suspense was intense from the start. The story lagged a bit in the middle, but picked up steam again towards the end. There’s even a touch of King’s trademark supernatural element and a nice set up for book #3. Is it King’s best book? There’s a few too many coincidences used to move the plot forward, but I still enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.
38. Girl At War by Sara Novic4.5 stars
Thanks Alecia for bringing this novel to my attention!
This book gave me a window into a war I (embarrassingly) knew little about, and still find somewhat confusing. Knowing this is a part of our recent past made it even more poignant. In this novel, the story of the Bosnian War in the early 90s is told through the eyes of 10 year old Ana, who is living in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia when war breaks out. Without going into spoiler territory, suffice it to say that a pivotal event happens that is devastating and packs quite an emotional punch.
Fast forward 10 years, and Ana is living in the U.S. as a young college student with memories of her past haunting her. She tries to repress them and has a false narrative to explain her past. Through flashbacks, the full picture of what Ana endured emerges. She finds herself unable to function well in school, or fully assimilate into American life. The term isn't used, but clearly she suffers from PTSD. Her journey leads her back to Zagreb in a search for answers and to make peace with her past. The story was told with sensitivity and the ending was perfect and satisfying.
It’s rare that I find a book narrated by a child/teenager so satisfying. Switching time periods between past and present was done very well and was necessary for the story as a whole. The writing is beautiful and didn’t rely on over-sentimentality to tell the story. I found it difficult to put down. This is a great debut novel and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Recommended for everyone. This would make an excellent book group choice.
39. Us by David Nicholls2.5 stars
Not my cup of tea! At first, I found this book amusing with a few LOL moments, along with a few wry observations that were brilliant. But after a while it felt like I was like reading the script of National Lampoon's European Vacation, minus the charming characters. The inept, hapless dad stereotype is popular in pop culture, as is the all-knowing wife who sides with the kid(s) against the dad. I just don't find it amusing.
Even worse, were the parents who (view spoiler). By the end, every cliche and hot button topic had been hit and these people were caricatures.
I bumped it up from 2 stars because the writing itself was good and the travelogue was interesting. Many people enjoyed the book, it's just not for me.
