1) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
So, I know this is not a particularly new book; in fact, it's already been made into a movie. I just never read it, for some reason, until a few weeks ago. Maybe because I knew it would be a tear-jerker, and I have a history of letting books really get to me. Exhibit A: Bridge to Terabithia. I was in the 4th grade, I believe, when I read Bridge to Terabithia and when I finished it, I sobbed for well over an hour. This is the first book I really remember affecting me in that way.
Anyway, I digress. The Kite Runner was definitely as sad as I expected it to be and more. It was a difficult read, but an excellent one, at that. I'm glad that the author (Khaled Hosseini) didn't try to sugarcoat the very real nightmare that is still going on in Afghanistan. To portray how the children are suffering made it even harder to read, but, I think it's important that he came out with it. Do we really know what the people of Afghanistan are going through? In the US, everything is given to us with a spoonful of sugar to wash it all down. The truth is not nearly as sweet. If you haven't read The Kite Runner, I strongly suggest that you pick up a copy as soon as possible.
2) The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard
I saw this book at Barnes and Noble almost six months ago (or maybe more) and wanted to read it but ended up buying a different book instead. Then, the other day, while browsing at Half Price Books, I found it: a single copy on a bottom shelf. How on earth I spotted it is still beyond me!
Now, if you love mysteries, then this book is definitely for you. The fact that I finished the book in a single sitting resonates for how suspenseful the book really is. However, it also kind of tells you that it's not exactly a difficult read. Nancy Pickard definitely spins a good story, however, the writing itself got a bit dry in certain places, perhaps a bit hokey in others. The novel in all reminded me of Twilight--spellbinding story, mediocre writing. As far as mysteries go, however, it's one of the better ones I've read in awhile.
3) The Help by Kathryn Stockett
This was a reading assignment for the summer tutors at the Blinn Writing Center. And let me tell ya, I can't think of a better assignment than to read a good book! This particular novel did not disappoint. In fact, even though the W.C. provided us with copies, we couldn't take them home; so, I went out and bought my own so I could finish it!
The Help is another one of those difficult reads. It's about how black women were treated in the 60s as maids in white homes. The truth of the situation was hard for me to read--particularly as a Southern woman. There is a lot of pride in being "Southern"--if you are, indeed, Southern, then you know what I'm talking about. However, this book made me quite ashamed of our history, because our history is in fact one of bigotry and hatred. I think, though, that this is another book that is important to read to be able to gain the truth of what really happened in that time.
Yeah, think of how hard it must've been for black women, back in a time when both racism and misogyny were not yet checked. I think theirs is a forgotten crucible, lumped together with all Black People.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note...the only novel I've ever randomly picked up in a store with no prior knowledge of anything about it was a book called 'Going Nowhere Faster', by Sean Beaudoin. It was one dollar at a Waldenbooks closing, and I enjoyed it so much that I keep watch on his website for any new books of his (he's put out one more since then, and his new one comes out early next year...I'm excited!).
Also...I'm strangely still a Louis Sacher fan. I bought 'Small Steps' (a semi-sequel to 'Holes' starring Armpit), and also his brand new book 'The Cardturner' (about the card game Bridge). And yeah...I'm addicted to 'How To Train Your Dragon' books :-P.
One day, I'll try some older-people books. One day...('Good Omens' is somewhere on my "To-Read" list).