Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

This was a read for one of my book clubs.  At first, I was hoping it was the "Outlander" book by Gil Adamson that I just finished and adored.  I have to admit that when I found out it was the Outlander book by Diana Gabaldon featuring time-travel to 1800's Scotland and then to discover it is 650+ pages, I was less than enthused.  Then I started reading it.  It was instantly absorbing and heartwarming, and evokes the land and lore of Scotland, quickening both with realistic characters and a feisty, likable heroine. English nurse Claire and husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands in 1945. When Claire walks through a cleft stone in an ancient henge, she's somehow transported to 1743. She encounters Frank's evil ancestor, and is adopted by another clan.

This book has romance, swashbuckling adventures and lots of action (as well as LOTS of sex!). Scenes of the Highlanders' daily life blend poignant emotions with Scottish wit and humor. I believe that this is one of a series of five books and based on how much I enjoyed this novel, I will be reading the others in the series.  Yet another reason why I love my book clubs as, I would never have read this book on my own.  I am glad to have had my horizons expanded by being introduced to this novel.  Thanks Najia!  If you want to lose yourself in a wonderful light easy-to-read novel that will sweep you away with the romance and adventure -- this is it!

Rating: 4.8  Recommend

This is Where I Leave You by Jonathon Tropper

Jonathan Tropper writes compulsively readable, laugh-out-loud funny novels - if you enjoy dark humor....which I do! Judd Foxman is oscillating between a sea of self-pity and a "snake pit of fury and resentment" in the aftermath of the explosion of his marriage, which ended "the way these things do: with paramedics and cheesecake." Foxman is jobless (after finding his wife in bed with his boss) and renting out the basement of a "crappy house" when he is called home to sit shiva for his father--who, incidentally, was an atheist. This of course means seven days in his parent's house with his exquisitely dysfunctional family, including his mom, a sexy, "I've-still-got-it" shrink fond of making horrifying TMI statements; his older sister, Wendy, and her distracted hubby and three kids; his snarky older brother, Paul, and his wife; and his youngest brother, Phillip, the "Paul McCartney of our family: better-looking than the rest of us, always facing a different direction in pictures, and occasionally rumored to be dead."

Tropper is wickedly funny, a master of the cutting one-liner that makes you both cringe and crack up. But what elevates his novels and makes him a truly splendid writer is his ability to create fantastically flawed, real characters who stay with you long after the book is over. Simultaneously hilarious, hopeful and uncomfortably honest, This Is Where I Leave You is as much about a family's reckoning as it is about one man's attempt to get it together. If you have a warped sense of humor, the affectionate, warts-and-all portrayal of the Foxmans will have fans wishing for a sequel.

Rating: 4.5 Recommend

The Vagrants by Yiyun Li

That dark period, running roughly from 1966 to Mao's death in 1976, is fast becoming the Chinese literary equivalent of the Holocaust, a source for reflection on China's cultural mores, the power of one man and his misshapen ideas, and the brutal potential of conformity and mass behavior. This novel centers on the 1979 execution of a Chinese counterrevolutionary in the provincial town of Muddy River and spirals outward into a scathing indictment of Communist China. It is hard to believe that it was only a scant 30 years ago that this occurred. 

This book opens up with a scene of her parents waking up to know that this is the day that their daughter will die.  While Shan's parents are bereft, others celebrate her execution. 

I really thought I was going to enjoy this book but, then it started meandering to include so many different story lines that I just couldn't stay with it.  It jumps around and includes so many characters that I didn't care about.  I wish she would have stayed with the original story line of the parents and built it from there.

Rating: 1 Do not recommend

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Thirteen inter-twined tales from present a portrait of ordinary coastal Mainers living lives of quiet grief intermingled with flashes of human connection. The opening Pharmacy focuses on terse, dry junior high-school teacher Olive Kitteridge and her gregarious pharmacist husband, Henry, both of whom have survived the loss of a psychologically damaged parent, and both of whom suffer painful attractions to co-workers. 

When you click on the 1 star reviews on Amazon, they definitely capture my feelings and puzzlement on how this book could have generated so much interest

I found the characters to be grating.  Olive was so miserable, Henry was mousy, Denise was naive -- and all were very dysfunctional.  Thankfully, I don't know anyone like these people so, none of the characters seem real. 

Rating: 1 Do NOT Recommend

Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen

Bridget Fitzmaurice works for a women's shelter in the Bronx; her older sister, Meghan, cohost of the popular morning show Rise and Shine, is the most famous woman on television. These sisters lost their parents at an early age and Quindlen does a wonderful job of effortlessly showing their sisterly bond.  Bridget acts as a second mother to the busy Meghan's college student son, Leo.

This is a light easy to read novel (a la "beach novel") that is the perfect book to lose yourself in.  There is comedy, good prose and fabulous descriptions of New York and the lifestyle that goes along with living in Manhatten.  Quindlen writes frankly, articulately and believably about female relationships, which are the core of her novels.  This isn't a heavy or "best of" type of novel but, a delicious indulgence to be enjoyed for what it is.

Rating: 3.3 Strong OK

Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich

When Irene America discovers that her husband, Gil, has been reading her diary, she begins a secret Blue Notebook, stashed securely in a safety deposit box.  There she records the truth about her life and her marriages, while turning her Red Diary - into a manipulative farce.  Alternating between these two records, complemented by unflinching third-person narration, Shadow Tag is an  eerily gripping read.  From the minute I read the first page, I was riveted -- similar to how you have to look as you pass a car accident.  This story is so dysfunctional and yet, so raw and honest.  This was a very well written book and I am still reflecting back on it and appreciating it but, I am not recommending it as it is so different that it depends on your taste.  It will stay with you, long after you wish it wouldn't.

Update - Iniitally I rated this lower but, with recent discussions with other book club members, I realized how much I enjoyed this book - both the writing and the warped mindgames as well as the fact that as dysfunctional as it is, you just can't look away.  That is an incredible author who keeps you coming back for more when the book is so messed up  I realize that I tempered my previous rating as, although I loved this book, it may not be for everyone.  I have raised my rating to what I feel this book deserves and will let you do research yourself to see if it is a book that you want to read.

Rating: 4.6 Recommend but disturbing

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Walk Two Moons is the story of a young girl's life after her mom leaves her and her dad gives her a new step mother. It also tells how she starts her new life in a new town and a new school with a lot of new friends and people.  I just couldn't get in to this story so, I toasted it.

Rating: 1 Do NOT recommend

Honolulu by Alan Brennert

My girlfriend Pat recommended Alan Brennert's first novel in this series "Molokai" to me but, I ended up downloading Honolulu.  I don't believe the series of books are connected so, hopefully it is ok that I am listening to them out of order. This book starts off with young Regret, whose name speaks volumes of her value in turn-of-the-20th-century Korea. Emboldened by her desire to be educated, Regret commits herself as a mail-order bride to a prosperous man in Hawaii, where girls are allowed to attend school. But when she arrives, she finds her new husband is a callous plantation worker with drinking and gambling problems. Soon, Regret (now known as Jin) and her fellow picture brides must discover their own ways to prosper in America and find that camaraderie and faith in themselves goes a long way.  This was very a very interesting book in explaining the history of Honolulu and the cultures but, for me, this book was a little too 'sweet' in Jin's outlook and went on too long.

Rating: 3.1 OK

Caspian Rain by Gina Nahai

I tried to like this book.  The writing was so over there was no subtlety left for the reader to infer....anything.  This story takes place in Iran, in the years before the Islamic revolution. Told by a young girl, we learn of the peculiar circumstances under which her parents first laid eyes on each other, and the troubled relationship that denied both mother and daughter a normal life.

The majority of the story is about Bahar (meaning "spring") the girl's mother, who comes from the Jewish slums.  She is so pathetically bubbly and open with all of her husband's society friends who are put off by her lack of style.  You want to feel sorry for this poor inept girl but, the way the story is so in your face which is the biggest put off of all.  I am on to other, hopefully better reads.

Rating: 0 Do Not Recommend

Right of Thirst by Frank Huyler

The masterpiece of Right of Thirst, has the two essential attributes of any great novel: it is exquisitely written and it deals with profoundly universal themes. Cardiologist, Charles Anderson is reeling from the death of his wife, from cancer, when he volunteers to assist with earthquake relief in an unnamed region of the world very much in today's news, the vague border regions of Pakistan.

How does one do "good" in one's life, how do we make a difference if we see our lives wanting, are universal questions for us all, and ones that this serious novels ask and attempt to answer. How does one do "good" in far away, vaguely sinister and foreboding and dangerous parts of the world is also such a question. Frank Huyler confronts these issues with stupendous literary talent and the sensibility of an intensely caring and proficient medical doctor.  If you value unusually beautiful prose that makes you stop on each page and savor some special moment, then you simply must read this book.

Rating: 4.3 Recommend

The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng

First, a HUGE thank you to Dasima for sending me this book!  This is the first book to make it to my "Best of 2010" list.  She knew I would love the way this story unfolds in a quiet Asian way, and it transported me into the lush rainy landscape of Malaysia.  It has beautiful language, history, suspense, big themes of torn loyalty and self-discovery....not to mention it is set in Penang.  Thank you Dasima :-) Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tan_Twan_Eng says the author Tan Twan Eng ranks in the top 3 best writers writing today and, I have to agree.

Starting in 1939, the novel tells the story of young Philip Hutton and his friendship with Hayato Endo. Philip, born to a British father and a Chinese mother, finds himself drawn to a mysterious Japanese diplomat and aikido master, and soon becomes his devoted student.  This book varies between modern day with Philip as an old man reflecting back on his life and then seemlessly shifts back to the time he is talking about in 1939 with the Japanese invading Malaysia.

This is an amazing novel for any author but, especially a first time novelist and it is reminding me of Cutting for Stone.  I can see why many felt that this should have won the Man Booker Prize or at least been on the short list (vs. just being on the long list).  If the dreamlike depictions of the lush Malay landscapes don't draw you in, the engaging narrative will. I enjoyed this book a lot and found it easy to lose myself in it's pages for hours.  Despite the beautiful writing, this is not a light book and it is not to be read in short bursts but, rather consumed when you have an hour or more to devour it.  I was sad to finish it and yet felt such a satisfaction and respect for all of the decades of events that had unfolded.  Truly an amazing story that enlightened me about a period of history I was unaware of.

Rating: 4.9 Definite Recommend

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

When you combine a great title like "That Old Cape Magic"; a book about wonderful Cape Cod, and a Pulitzer Prize winning author, along with hearing some great reviews, I eagerly started listening to this on my commute. I wasn't thrilled from the beginning.  I kept expecting the story to get better--to have some positive thrown in with the negative, dysfunctional marriages the story centers around or, at least some hope thrown in with the desperation-but it never happened. There was some humor thrown in, but not very much. I just felt this book was so negative and didn't understand why people (of several generations no less!) who were so miserable would stay together to continue to make each other miserable rather than choosing to be happy - either together or apart.  I just couldn't finish it as for me, life is too short to be miserable - in real life or by subjecting myself to a book that I am not enjoying.  I toasted it and am moving on to the numerous better books that are waiting for me to enjoy.

Rating: 0 Do NOT Recommend

An Unfinished Life by Mark Spragg

How I have never read any Mark Spragg books until now is a mystery to me.  Thanks Luci for this recommendation.  From when I first started listening to this book I was immediately drawn in.  An old rancher reluctantly takes in his daughter-in-law and granddaughter in this light 'formula' but enjoyable novel .

Jean hasn't been back to her hometown in Wyoming, since her husband, Griffin, died in a car accident. Jean was driving, and Griffin's father, Einar, has never forgiven her for his son's death. Ten years and four boyfriends later, Jean has run out of money and options. With her precocious nine-year-old daughter, Griff, she escapes boyfriend number four, a smirking brute named Roy. Einar isn't happy to see mother or daughter, but Griff loves his log house and ranch life. This book is formula and laid out for a Hollywood formula movie (knowing who starred in the movie probably spoiled the book for me) but, it is still enjoyable entertainment.

Rating: 3 Strong OK

The History of Love by Nichole Krauss

I wanted to love this book, but I didn't.  The History of Love started off as a beautiful novel about two characters whose lives are woven together in such complex ways.  The story spans of period of over 60 years and takes readers from Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe to present day Brighton Beach. At the center of each main character's psyche is the issue of loneliness, and the need to fill a void left empty by lost love. Leo Gursky is a retired locksmith who immigrates to New York after escaping SS officers in his native Poland, only to spend the last stage of his life terrified that no one will notice when he dies. ("I try to make a point of being seen. Sometimes when I'm out, I'll buy a juice even though I'm not thirsty.")

Then it switches to the voice of fourteen-year-old Alma Singer and the book lost me.  Alma vacillates between wanting to memorialize her dead father and finding a way to lift her mother's veil of depression. At the same time, she's trying to save her brother Bird, who is convinced he may be the Messiah, from becoming a 10-year-old social pariah. I just don't care for Alma or her family.

I just couldn't get into this book. 

Rating: 1 Do Not Recommend

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

You have to be warped to enjoy this book.....and I enjoyed it...a LOT!  I have laughed out loud so much with this book. 


This is a story about an impoverished teen on an Indian reservation who has an alcoholic father and faces bullies and racism and the deaths of several close relatives as well as his dog, but don't let that make you think it is depressing as this will make you laugh.  This is a semi-autobiographical tale by Sherman Alexie, written for teen readers, that is in turns wacked-out, funny, heartbreaking, and jubilant. It is the story of Arnold, an Indian kid who has survived a precarious infancy and is growing up on a reservation outside Spokane. It is a powerful story of friendship between two teenage guys who have grown up together on the reservation. It is the story of Arnold's journey after he is persuaded by the math teacher to escape the rez school and transfer to a high school 22 miles away. This is a hysterical young adult book for teens....or seriously warped adults who are in need of a good laugh.

Rating: 4 Good