Room by Emma Donoghue

I just finished Room (listed as one of the Top 10 Fiction works of 2010 by the New York Times)--same author as Slammerkin (which I had intended to order a few months ago but got stacked up, so postponed). It is an astonishing work and I stayed up until 1:30 ON A SCHOOL NIGHT reading to it's conclusion. Anita Shreve wrote "I loved Room....It's unlike anything I've ever read before." Another author wrote "Room is one of the most profoundly affecting books I've read in a long time. Jack moved me greatly. His voice, his story, his innocence, his love for Ma, combine to create something very unusual and, I think something very important. I read the book over two days desperate to know how their story would end...Room deserves to reach the widest possible audience." Author of The Hours wrote "Room is that rarest of entities, an entirely original work of art. I mean it as the highest possible praise when I tell you that I can't compare it to any other book." Can't wait to hear what you think!!!! -BT

Too Close to the Falls by Catherine Gildiner

Thanks, Sister Tillie! This is a fun memoir about a girl growing up in a small town in upstate New York in the 50's. Perhaps I could have related to her school experience a tad more if I'd attended Catholic schools, but I still loved reading of her adventures. Her family is unique (never eating any meals at home) and her friends are unforgettable (especially Roy). Great book! - June

I recently read Too Close To The Falls (thank you, BT) and loved, loved, loved that little shit. She reminded me so much of my growing up during that time. Now I just finished After The Falls, and was disappointed. Once again, I enjoyed reminiscing about those years (which was while we were all meeting each other, and SOME of us were still growing up, as I recall :), but I hated to see that innocence and self confidence slip away. Ah well, that's the bumps of life, I guess. I hear Blackie in there giggling at Too Close To The Falls, as I type. Very fun book (except the end).-Carit

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

I LOVED Little Bee. I loved the story development, I loved the characters, and I was really impressed that a male writer nailed female emotions the way he did. I think that's one of the best in a long time. - Carla

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard

Our book club recommended this book, and I'll admit it isn't one I'd probably seek out and read. It was slow at first and the author seemed a bit self-absorbed at times, but her experiences and her insight into the French culture made the book worthwhile. She draws many comparisons between the highly motivated Americans and the more laid-back citizens of France. Each chapter ends with several recipes, and they sound wonderful! -June

Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

Such an oldie but a goodie! I remember reading this years ago and loving it. But its a book I've wanted to reread to see how I'd like it now. I think when I was younger, I focused on the early part of the book when the characters were my age. Now as I read it, I identify more with the characters in their "advanced" years. But what a great story of marriage and friendship. Such interesting character studies. Highly recommend this book. -June

The Mulberry Child by Jian Ping

I've been slacking off it seems. I can't believe it's been 6 weeks since I last posted anything here. Anyway, I did read The Mulberry Child for my book group, and I'll just say that it was reading an assigned book for a college class. I had to force myself to read it, and I confess I didn't quite complete it before the book club meeting. The author jumps around in time and from person to person. While the story of her childhood is interesting, she's just such a horrible writing that I found myself editing instead of reading. I don't recommend this book. - June

What BT is Reading...

Just read Amy Bloom's Where the God of Love Hangs Out and it is really good. 4 short stories -- and I typically do not go for a collection, but The Week featured it. Quick read. I'm kinda struggling with an 2009 Oprah's Collection Say You're One of Them.

Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson

This book has been around a while, and for some reason (maybe the horse thing), I just never picked it up. After some nudging from a friend, I did and I'm glad. The style of the writing is difficult to follow sometimes with long rambling sentences that beg for punctuation. But the story and the relationships are fascinating. I love the way the author moves into different times so easily. Great read. -June

This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

What a hoot! I loved this book! This is the perfect book to read after you've read something serious and intense because it will make you laugh out loud! It includes family dysfunction to the max, but it's cleverly written and somehow believable. -June

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

A very interesting read about a slave woman who maintains a relationship with her owner. Every summer she travels with him (without his wife) to a resort in the north where they meet other slave owners and their female slaves. The book focuses on Lizzie, her relationship with the other slaves, and her relationship with her owner. The book takes place during the 1850's before the Civil War. The book is only somewhat well written, but it certainly is about an interesting subject. -June

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

This was a book club selection, and one that I would not have chosen on my own. And we actually read two books in the series, the first and the second. I'll admit they held my interest but there was just something predictable and almost romance-like about the writing. Now I admit I read most of the books while recuperating and under the influence of pain meds, but even the drugs didn't make me love these books. -June

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Just finished "The Heretic's Daughter" by Kathleen Kent and highly recommend it. It is historical fiction about the Salem Witch Trials unlike any I've read because it is told from the perspective of the young daughter of one of the women hung for a wtich. Some of the passages were so moving and exquisitely written, I dog-eared the pages before remembering that the book wasn't mine (otherwise I would have brought it with me to Oregon). The author is descended from the protagonist. Anita Shreve (one of our favorites) says "The Heretic's Daughter is raw, honest, and completely captivating. Kent takes what would seem to be a familiar subject and gives it fresh, new perspective--moving us through a wrenching gamut of emotions as she does so. A searing look at one of the worst periods in our history." It's a winner! -BT