What Happens
The lead character Balram Halwai recounts his life story in a series of letters to the Premier of China. In the first of 7 letters he introduces himself as an Indian fugitive fleeing the law after murdering his boss. Through the next 6 letters Balram tells of his life as a villager, driver and servant and finally his success as an entrepreneur.
What I Think
Aravind Adiga is an amazing storyteller who writes an extremely entertaining book. His insight on the life of the poor and the ironies of servant/master relationship are poignant. Highly recommended for all.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
8. look me in the eye - my life with asperger's by John Elder Robiso
The Read
A memoir from John Elder, a boy raised in the 1960's with Asperger's. John is not diagnosed with Asperger's until he is in his 40's, throughout his childhood his odd social behaviors result in the diagnosis of 'social deviant.' John is exceedingly intelligent in anything mechanic, and recounts his (rather unbelievable) inventions spanning from exploding guitars commissioned by KISS to homemade furnaces.
The Reflections
Written with a raw honesty that endears the reader to the writer and his story, this book explains Asperger's better than any diagnostic text I have ever read. John Elder conveys through the events of his life, but also through the perspective and manner in which he writes, what it means to live his daily life with Asperger's. An insightful memoir for anyone interested in learning more about Asperger's and a enjoying a few laughs along the way.
A memoir from John Elder, a boy raised in the 1960's with Asperger's. John is not diagnosed with Asperger's until he is in his 40's, throughout his childhood his odd social behaviors result in the diagnosis of 'social deviant.' John is exceedingly intelligent in anything mechanic, and recounts his (rather unbelievable) inventions spanning from exploding guitars commissioned by KISS to homemade furnaces.
The Reflections
Written with a raw honesty that endears the reader to the writer and his story, this book explains Asperger's better than any diagnostic text I have ever read. John Elder conveys through the events of his life, but also through the perspective and manner in which he writes, what it means to live his daily life with Asperger's. An insightful memoir for anyone interested in learning more about Asperger's and a enjoying a few laughs along the way.
7. Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
What happened?
Old favorite character Rebecca Bloomwood becomes engaged and begins planning a bi-continental wedding trapped between three very strong forces, her mother in law, her mother, and her own desires.
Did I like it?
Quick, predictable, and light. Kinsella crafts well-written books with likable characters and humorous plot lines - creating an overall enjoyable reading experience. I would recommend this and all Shopaholic books for someone looking for a 'beach' read.
Old favorite character Rebecca Bloomwood becomes engaged and begins planning a bi-continental wedding trapped between three very strong forces, her mother in law, her mother, and her own desires.
Did I like it?
Quick, predictable, and light. Kinsella crafts well-written books with likable characters and humorous plot lines - creating an overall enjoyable reading experience. I would recommend this and all Shopaholic books for someone looking for a 'beach' read.
6. Three Junes by Julia Glass
The W's (Who, What, Where, When)
A book made of three very distinct, yet subtly connected parts. First, the story of a father, traveling through Greece after his wife's recent death. He meets new characters on his journey, but also thinks back to growing up in Scotland, meeting his wife, their marriage and their three children. Second, the book shifts to the perspective of one of the sons right after the death of his father. He is living in New York in the late 80's and is part of the gay community. His story includes a bookstore, a close friend dying of AIDS, and feeling like the black sheep of the family. Finally, the last and shortest section is a stranger, who oddly connects the father and the son. She is pregnant and reflecting on her past relationships, marriage, and current relationship.
The O's (Opinions and Observations)
An exquisitly well written book, that at times felt almost poetic. Chock full of words that I had to look up (in a good way, not in a pretentious snooty sort of way), this book was intellectually stimulating, as well as beautiful. I enjoyed the way the characters lives unfolded in the present and in their reflections of the past, as well as the way the connections between the characters were revealed. One word: beautiful!
A book made of three very distinct, yet subtly connected parts. First, the story of a father, traveling through Greece after his wife's recent death. He meets new characters on his journey, but also thinks back to growing up in Scotland, meeting his wife, their marriage and their three children. Second, the book shifts to the perspective of one of the sons right after the death of his father. He is living in New York in the late 80's and is part of the gay community. His story includes a bookstore, a close friend dying of AIDS, and feeling like the black sheep of the family. Finally, the last and shortest section is a stranger, who oddly connects the father and the son. She is pregnant and reflecting on her past relationships, marriage, and current relationship.
The O's (Opinions and Observations)
An exquisitly well written book, that at times felt almost poetic. Chock full of words that I had to look up (in a good way, not in a pretentious snooty sort of way), this book was intellectually stimulating, as well as beautiful. I enjoyed the way the characters lives unfolded in the present and in their reflections of the past, as well as the way the connections between the characters were revealed. One word: beautiful!
5. Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish
byKris Plot
Annie Freeman's death begins this novel of friendship. Annie plans a traveling funeral for her closest friends to participate in after she passes. The women are all connected through their friendship with Annie, although many of them have never met, before they embark on the 9 day, 6 city traveling funeral. At each location the women learn about a milestone in Annie's life, and through her struggles and triumphs, loves and losses they begin to know their friend even better through her death. Throughout the funeral the pallbearers mourn the loss of their inspirational friend while they reflect on their own lives. The journey becomes a celebration of life and an appreciation for the support and strength gained through friendship.
Perspective
A book that celebrates the importance of friendship. The strong women characters are extremely self-reflective; they reflect on death and subsequently on life. A good book for anyone examining their currently lifestyle and wishing to be more present, more thoughtful, and more connected. A book that made me laugh, cry and begin planning my own traveling funeral.
Annie Freeman's death begins this novel of friendship. Annie plans a traveling funeral for her closest friends to participate in after she passes. The women are all connected through their friendship with Annie, although many of them have never met, before they embark on the 9 day, 6 city traveling funeral. At each location the women learn about a milestone in Annie's life, and through her struggles and triumphs, loves and losses they begin to know their friend even better through her death. Throughout the funeral the pallbearers mourn the loss of their inspirational friend while they reflect on their own lives. The journey becomes a celebration of life and an appreciation for the support and strength gained through friendship.
Perspective
A book that celebrates the importance of friendship. The strong women characters are extremely self-reflective; they reflect on death and subsequently on life. A good book for anyone examining their currently lifestyle and wishing to be more present, more thoughtful, and more connected. A book that made me laugh, cry and begin planning my own traveling funeral.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
4. All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
What Happens:
Herriot recounts his early days as a veterinarian's assistant in the rural Yorkshire Dales. He tells the stories of caring for sick animals (small and large) and building relationships with the often quirky owners of those animals.
How I Felt About It:
Herriot writes a highly relatable book about living and working in a small town. As someone currently living in a small rural community, I found his insights and reflections to be spot on. He has a wonderful sense of observational humor that surfaces throughout the book. Herriot has an authentic love for animals combined with his persistence against criticism that makes his character highly endearing to the reader. All in all a winner of a book that I recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable, funny, insightful and enjoyable read.
Herriot recounts his early days as a veterinarian's assistant in the rural Yorkshire Dales. He tells the stories of caring for sick animals (small and large) and building relationships with the often quirky owners of those animals.
How I Felt About It:
Herriot writes a highly relatable book about living and working in a small town. As someone currently living in a small rural community, I found his insights and reflections to be spot on. He has a wonderful sense of observational humor that surfaces throughout the book. Herriot has an authentic love for animals combined with his persistence against criticism that makes his character highly endearing to the reader. All in all a winner of a book that I recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable, funny, insightful and enjoyable read.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
3. The Boy Next Door by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
Plot
Two childhood friends and teenage sweethearts are separated by a tragic event. They become adults in different countries and for all intensive purposes different worlds. They meet again (by chance of course), as adults, one of them engaged to be married and the other raising her adolescent son alone. The two end up spending time together, fueled by the adolescent son's adoration of his mother's old friend. Reality forces the two old friends to confront a painful past and they uncover more than the events that tore them apart.
Perspective
An enjoyable read about lasting childhood romance and confronting the past. Generally well written, with flash backs that keep the reader intrigued. I would recommend this book if you happen to stumble upon it, have some free time, and are looking for something light - definitely worth the time I spent reading it, but not a book that will stick out in my memory.
Two childhood friends and teenage sweethearts are separated by a tragic event. They become adults in different countries and for all intensive purposes different worlds. They meet again (by chance of course), as adults, one of them engaged to be married and the other raising her adolescent son alone. The two end up spending time together, fueled by the adolescent son's adoration of his mother's old friend. Reality forces the two old friends to confront a painful past and they uncover more than the events that tore them apart.
Perspective
An enjoyable read about lasting childhood romance and confronting the past. Generally well written, with flash backs that keep the reader intrigued. I would recommend this book if you happen to stumble upon it, have some free time, and are looking for something light - definitely worth the time I spent reading it, but not a book that will stick out in my memory.
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