Somusing: Category Books

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum

Erin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:55:58 +0000

Those Who Save Us was not easy to read, but it was worth it. It's two stories, told in alternating sections, one about a young German woman living in Weimar during World War II and the other about her daughter 50 years later who's trying to figure out her past because her mother has never talked about it. It's hard to read because of the sometimes graphic war stories, not all of them about violence against Jews. Most of them aren't even violent; they're sexual, but they're still war stories. (That's my warning.)

It's also hard to read because the characters are so complex. There are no easy answers to why they make the decisions they make, but I think that's what makes this book outstanding. The answers aren't easy, but they're realistic and believable. After I finished the book, I dreamed about it all night and then told Jon all about it and why it was bothering me. His comment was "Life is messy." This book really captures that.

Our book club had a great discussion about it, too. It's a different perspective on World War II, and there's a lot to talk about. (See warning above, however! Having said that, I'm glad I read it.)

Until the Real Thing Comes Along by Elizabeth Berg

Erin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:39:36 +0000

I read Open House by this author several years ago and liked it, but this novel set me on an Elizabeth Berg path--I've since read two more novels and some short stories by her. It's like finding another Anne Tyler. Not that they are the same, but it's been a while since I've wanted to read more by a particular author. (It's also kind of nice to discover an author after she's written several books, instead of having to wait for whatever she's writing next.)

The descriptions of longing in this are so real they made my heart hurt. I loved it. I'll post about the other books by her soon.

The Devil and Miss Prym: A Novel of Temptation by Paulo Coelho

Erin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 02:36:44 +0000

This little novel is a quick read, but unfortunately, I didn't like it much. It's possible that I objected most to the parable-like style of it. I had the same feeling of impatience I experienced while reading Ishmael by Daniel Quinn: interesting ideas, but just get to the point already!

On the other hand, we had a very interesting discussion about it at one of the book clubs I go to.

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls

Erin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:42:01 +0000

This is one of the most fascinating books I've ever read. It's the true story of the author's unusual childhood with parents who were intelligent and loving, but also eccentric, to put it mildly. They were often homeless, hungry, and "doing the skedaddle," which was her father's term for picking up in the middle of the night and fleeing bills and other responsibilities.

It's entertaining and easy to read, even when the stories are appalling. It's also thought-provoking on many levels. I coerced Jon into reading it after I finished. I could go on and on, but I'll settle for posting this right now, and if anyone wants to discuss, please comment. Highly recommended.

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Berry

Erin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:57:00 +0000

This is a compelling and suspenseful first novel that takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, amid tourists, modern-day witches, future-divining women and a group of relgious fanatics. There is something strange going on, and it's fun to try to figure out what it is.

Also interesting is the story of the book's rise to publication. The author and her husband decided to publish it on their own. First, they gave copies of the manuscript to a local book group and asked for feedback. After their self-publication and subsequent success due to word of mouth and a PR firm, the author found an agent (or the agent found her). A bidding war between various big publishers followed, and Berry got to take her pick. A nice story for a first novel!

Here's an interesting online book group featuring Brunonia Berry, if you're interested.

A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich

Erin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:33:46 +0000

I read this a long time ago, probably as a young teenager, and I loved it. This time around I got a little impatient with the speed of the narrative, which jumps years at a time and then gives lots of details about certain events, and with the constant self-sacrificing of the main character. I suspect that I'm being overly critical, and it's also possible that I'm feeling defensive because I don't give up everything for my kids, like this woman did. So, yeah, it might be guilt, because I live in a time when I can have a family and still do things for myself.

This is a book worth reading, though. You've got the story of the settling of Nebraska and also a life from childhood to old age. There's a lot to think about.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Erin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:15:07 +0000

I loved Austenland and thought it was about time I tried something else by Shannon Hale. I didn't love this in the same way, but I liked it pretty well. My favorite thing about it is how the main character learns that her assumptions about people are usually wrong. It's an entertaining story with good messages, just like a kids' novel ought to be.

Shannon Hale is a better writer than most of the LDS authors out there these days. I'll be reading more of her stuff.

Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

Erin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:12:06 +0000

If You Lived Here, I 'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende

Erin — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:43:21 +0000

This book of stories about the residents of Haines, Alaska, is funny, entertaining, and thoughtful. The author has written obituaries for the local weekly paper and a column for the Alaska Daily News for years, and she knows everyone in town. That's not particularly difficult, because Haines is an isolated town of 2500 people, accessible only by ferry and airplane, except in winter, when it's not really accessible at all. The locals are colorful and quirky; it's kind of like reading Northern Exposure, one of my all-time favorite TV shows, but these people are real.

I sometimes felt like I was reading about our current location, with the politics, hunting, nature, etc., and that made it even more fun. I really liked it.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Erin — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:24:30 +0000

Curiously (ha ha! couldn't resist!), I read this book at the same time I was reading Louder Than Words. Curious because The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is narrated by a 15-year-old autistic boy.

This is a really good book. (I know that's a lame description or review or whatever, but I have good music in my ears right now and I'm distracted. Thanks, Pandora!) There's a mystery, lots of insightful insight into a functional autistic mind, some humor, drama, family stuff. It's also a quick read. Jon read it, too, and liked it.