Suggestions for January 2011 read

[Laureen]

Hi - as this is a new group and in order to limit suggestions for the January 2011 read, we are looking for books from Afganistan (first country listed on geographic.org). The obvious choices from that country are: Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns; however, many have probably read these. Other suggestions are The Swallows of Kabul, Lipstick in Kabul (non-fiction), or Annisa. I am open to other suggestions - they must be submitted no later than Dec 20.

[Elizabeth]

Hi - It looks like I might be the second member to join. This is the first time I've tried something like this but I do love to read, especially about other countries including travel literature, biography, fiction and history. Would be interested in reading one of the books from the second list about Afganistan (Ive read one on the first list). When do you choose and how do I find out which one to read? I will be borrowing from my local library.

[Laureen]

Would reading The Swallows of Kabul be fine? The goal would be to read at least one book per month, but if the group gets larger or we find we read quicker we can increase the pace.

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth wrote: I got a copy of The Swallows of Kabul but I am having a very difficult time logging into the Goodreads website. I've started reading it and will post once I have a few comments to share. Cheers.

[Elizabeth]

I am enjoying The Swallows of Kabul. It is making me think about how much we have here in North America and how thankful we should be for the opportunity to live at this time in this place. We have just about everything. Unlimited (it seems) amounts of food, cars, computers, homes, travel and more, particularly if you are lucky to have a decent income. And then there are public services, at least in Canada, that enrich our lives and help us not fall through the cracks when we are suffering and which provide stability to our lives and communities. It is also making me think about how, within a decade or so, everything can be gone as in Europe during the second world war, and in Afghanistan, in more recent times, as described in this book. Very thought provoking novel.

I have a suggestion for our next book, A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor, a highly rated Travel Novel about walking through Europe during the decade leading up to the second world war. However, I am not sure if the moderator is suppose to pick the book or if we can go back and forth on this?

I am now using a different computer to log-in to the site so am having an easier time of doing that.

[Elizabeth]

Almost finished. A short very quick read. Not as complex as A thousand splendid suns which I've also read. I am glad I read that one first as it provides a broader overview of the history of Afghanistan and the current difficulties facing those who remain. More hopeful in many respects. This is a very political book with a strong message about religious and political fanaticism and the mental anguish experienced by those trapped within an oppressive regime.

[Laureen]

I just got Swallows of Kabul and started it so I am only a few pages in with the holidays and all. I am open to reading a Time of Gifts, but it won't be for a while. It sounds very interesting and I am open to it being our next book if Mar is interested after the Swallows or any other suggestions.

[Elizabeth]

I am having similar problems figuring out the site and how to post. Hopefully you are getting all of my discussions about the book as well. Looking forward to your comments.