The Lacuna

The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver; Harper Publishing, 2009

Reviewed by Barb Sachi

Kingsolver's eloquent novel--The Lacuna, transports us to Mexico and the era of Diego Riviera and his wife, Frida Kahlo, as they house revolutionary Leon Trotsky, and try to prevent his assassination. The story is seen through the eyes of a young writer, narrated in the form of letters, diary entries and newspaper clippings. Amazing book! In a different direction, I read The Last Dickens, by Matthew Pearl. This story centers on Charles Dicken's tour of the U.S. during a time of rampant opium trade in China and Britain. There is also a murder to solve. The writing is in period style, and I found it to be somewhat uninteresting. For a real change of pace, I read Tracy Kidder's Strength in What Remains, which explores the reasons of ethnic violence in Rwanda and Birundi. Kidder's main character 'Deo' has fled the genocide, lands in New York City, and makes his way from living in Central Park, to Columbia University, through the kindness of caring people. His goal is to return to Africa in peacetime and build clinics.

The Unbearable Lightness of Scones

The Unbearable Lightness of Scones: A 44 Scotland Street Novel, by Alexander McCall Smith; Anchor Publishing, 2010

Reviewed by Deborah Daline

I started out Alexander McCall Smith's series with this one--his fifth book, but found it to be no less enjoyable, and was able to play "catch up" with "Scones" enjoyable characters, including Bertie, the overprotective mother, Bruce the Egotist, and Matthew--who was rescued from drowning by a dolphin.The neatly interwoven storylines include the ups and downs of a young, newly married couple and an artist who finds himself saddled with too many dogs. Wallace Stegner's Angle of Repose consisted of two stories--past and present--that are woven together with a satisfying tie-together at the end. The story centered around a retired, disabled professor who delved into the life story of a pioneering grandmother. I was intrigued by the title, and the fact that it won the Pulitzer Prize. Information, by Martin Amis, told the story of a "literary" author who's jealousy rears its ugly head toward another author who reaches the 'bestseller' list. I've heard Amis has a cliche phobia and a 'quirky' style.

Born To Run

Born To Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, by Christopher McDougall; Vintage Publishing, 2011

Reviewed by Joy Wentzel

This is the world of the ultramarathoners--a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners. I enjoyed the McDougall's perspective and knowledge of ultrarunning, how running has evolved over the years (not all in a positive direction), and how inspirational it is to know that we are Born To Run. For centuries, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico have practiced techniques that have allowed them to run hundreds of miles without rest, or chase down game. This superhuman talent is matched by remarkable health and serenity, with a much higher immunity from disease. I also enjoyed The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease. This book reinstilled the fact that literacy and the love of reading opens the world to us. I also appreciated its list of recommended books. And now, for a wildly popular novel of murder, mystery and mayhem, there is The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, by Steig Larsson. I wasn't overly impressed by the writing quality of this book, but I trudged through it.

Intrusions

Intrusions, by Ursula Hegi; Touchstone Publishing, 1997

Reviewed by Anne Holman

I highly recommend this humorous and original novel-within-a-novel that offers fascinating parallel stories between the author's novel and her own life. Ursula Hegi's Intrusions is an innovative exploration of doubts, choices and ambiguities between her book's characters, and her own existence. Reality and fiction merge in her writing and living. If you're looking for a great read that is 'deep as a too dark night sky', try Ahab's Wife, by Sena Jeter Naslund. This is a gripping depiction of life in Kentucky, Nantucket, and aboard a whaling vessel during the early 1800's. The book is written from the viewpoint of an independent-minded and curious young woman. I also enjoyed The Secret Papers of Madame Olivetti, a warm, fragrant and languorous 'escape' to a coastal village in southern France. This book is perfect for a too long winter.