2009 Book Reviews #1

Everything Must Go by Elizabeth Flock

A story about a family affected by a terrible tragedy. The story is more about the paths that their life's take following the tragedy and the dynamics that follow. It is a depressing story and I still haven't decided if I'm glad I read it or not.

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson

I like Ms Jackson's books - this being the third of hers I read. When I started this one I wasn't so sure, but as I got into it and the characters developed, I found myself drawn in. I was a little disappointed in the ending - too much like a movie ending for me. But well worth the read.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

I must of been the last person on the face of the earth to know about this book. It was a Christmas gift from my good friend, June, and I hadn't heard of it before receiving it. I expected this to be a little depressing, but it really was full of positivity. In some ways it was a little too "surface level" for me, but I had to remind myself it was written by a man and a computer nerd at that. I think it is an encouraging book that most anyone would be glad they read.

The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar

This was one of my "work-out" books so it took me a while to read. It's probably a good thing that it did as this is one of the most depressing books I've read lately. In fact while reading it, I kept wondering why I wanted to continue. But there was something in me that wanted to find out how it all played out. It is set in India - in the midst of poverty and riches. The contrast between how the two live and the prejudices that were displayed was both unbelievable and too real at times. While it was not easy to read, I would recommend it.

Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund

I enjoy well written historical fiction and with this book Naslund delivers - as usual. The book is not only well written, but appears to be well researched. Marie Antoinette has never been a historical figure that I followed to much but I found myself really drawn to her character. Naslund has become one of my favorite authors and in Abundance, she has not disappointed.

Red River by Lalita Tademy

I really enjoyed reading Cane River and couldn't pass up reading another book by Ms Tademy. I must say that I was a little disappointed in this one. I felt more like I was reading a history book and didn't feel as connected to the characters. I was shocked by the events in the book and while I felt sympathy for those oppressed, I didn't feel empathy. It is an interesting read for the historical part of it.

Ahmads War, Ahmads Peace: Surviving Under Saddam by Michael Goldfarb

This was written by a reporter who was in Iraq during the beginning of the current war. Ahmad served as his translator, but he became much more than that. He was a historian, a political person (but not a politician), a father, husband, and community leader of sorts. He was a principled man who stood up for his beliefs. A good, eye-opening book of one man's experience growing up, living, and dying in Iraq.