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

The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo by Steig Larrson

OK, I'm the last person on the planet to read this book so I hate to even write my review. But let's just say it is a wonderful book, and I immediately started on the sequel. I did make the mistake of seeing the movie before reading the book, and even though I knew the ending, there is just so much more wonderful detail in the book. Sometimes books that are translated into English seem confusing or unclear, but this one has no traces of that. - June

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

Just finished “A long Way Gone”. True story of a twelve year old boy who was forced to become a soldier in Sierre Leone in the mid 2000’s (just a few years ago) after his family was slaughtered in their village. Heart wrenching. I guess we all need to be reminded of our blessings. - DS

The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman

I really like this author and (I think it's her latest) "The Story Sisters." Now I want to read "The Third Angel" which she wrote before this one. "Here on Earth" was an Oprah selection and we read "Turtle Moon" and "Practical Magic" (made a movie) and the last one I read was "The Probable Future." I think June turned us on to Alice Hoffman, but I've slept plenty since then, so... Anyhoo, this is a page turner, odd, disquieting, sad and Jodi Picoult says "Alice Hoffman has outdone herself" but they probably all say that about one another. I liked this snippet best: "A bewitching weave of psychologically astute fantasy and shattering realism...This is an entrancing and romantic drama shot through with radiant beauty and belief in human resilience and transformation." - BT