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2009 Book Reviews #2

I'm so far behind on my reviews. What follows is abbreviated reviews of some of the books I've read this year. On this list my top 3 would be - Three Junes, Same Kind of Different as Me, and A Thousand Splendid Suns

Three Junes by Julia Glass

I wasn't sure about this book when I first started it, but found myself drawn to the story and the people. It is about family and the expectations they put on each other and on themselves, and about love and basically just surviving life.

Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

This is an easy read that is best described as a story. I found nothing deep in it or any layers, but did enjoy the word picture it presented. It is set in Holland and I could picture the life and the world that the characters inhabited. Another decent book.

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

A true story that is a tribute to a woman who saw people through the eyes of God. She lived a life of grace and service that reflected God's love in so many ways. It is a convicting story that inspires a person to strive to be the same.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A very engrossing story about life as a woman in Afghan. This is set during the 1970's through the early 2000's and all turmoil and upheaval of the country. It reads as a true story and is a book that draws you in and you will not want to put down in spite of the horrible events that surround the people.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

I had not heard of this book until recently when I noticed it on several "must read" lists. It is based on the march of Japanese women and children in Malaya during World War II. The story centers around an English woman who was working in Malaya when it was invaded and she ends up in the group of prisoners. During the march she meets an Australian soldier and that is where the love story comes in. I don't know that I would classify it "must read" but it is a good read and worth the short amount of time it takes to read it.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Another classic that I felt like I should read. It is an interesting story in it's own way. Before reading this book, I thought it was a romance - kind of a romantic triangle. Instead I found a mystery/horror story. Not exactly what I thought it would be but not a bad read.
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