What I’m Reading

I’ve read a lot of books over the past year, but the ones I have read most recently are the ones that stick in my mind, so in random order, here are my reviews.
Good Lord Bird by James McBride
Can’t say enough good things about the book.  It is a fictionalized account of the raid on Harper’s Ferry and the events leading up to it. The narrator is a 13 year old, and the literary techniques used by the author are very effective.



The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
During the Thanksgiving holiday numerous top book lists came out, and this one was on everyone’s list. There’s a good reason, the book is outstanding. Donna Tartt is terrific writer. I read it much slower than I normally read so I could savor every word and phrase. if you are looking for a light-hearted, feel good book, look elsewhere. This book is a heavy lift.


The Lowland by Jumpa Lahiri
I’ve read everything this author has ever written, but this one is different because many parts of the book are set in India.  It follows the story of two brothers, one in India and one in Rhode Island. There’s a reason Ms. Lahiri won a Pulitzer Prize. She’s an outstanding writer.


Second Person Singular by Sayed Kashua
I would never have found this book on my own, it was recommended by one of the bloggers I follow. It’s a quick read but not a lightweight book. The author is a Palestinian who writes in Hebrew Fortunately it’s available  in an English translation. The book chronicles the lives of two Arab men who live in Jerusalem. One a successful lawyer, the other a socially awkward social worker. Their lives intersect in unusual ways. I liked it not only for the psychological drama, but also for the window into life for Arabs living in Israel. 
That’s it for now, next on my list is S, the complex book by  J. J. Abrams (Creator) , Doug Dorst (Author)





Later…