In the title we find the clue to what is contained within: a book that explores the meaning of “common” and “uncommon”, expressed through the mind’s eye of those who are – and aren’t. This is a story where perception rules, and how the changing of it alters us and everything around us. Continue reading
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie FordHistorical Fiction, 304 pages, Advanced Reader’s EditionBallantine Books an imprint of Random House PublishingAvailable in book stores end of January 2009 I’ve just finished reading this book by Jamie Ford … Continue reading
Irish Girls About Town (2002)Anthology of Short Stories, 310 pagesThis edition: Simon & Schuster, Inc. for Barnes & Noble (2006) As with the U.K. and Irish edition, Barnardo’s and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will benefit from the … Continue reading
Interpreter of Maladies, Lahiri’s first book, is a collection of short stories depicting the lives of Indians or Indian immigrants. Some may wonder how they could relate to the stories or characters. This should not be a concern as everyone can identify with the themes, which are universal. Continue reading
Sweetsmoke, David Fuller, 2008 Historical Fiction, 309 pages Hyperion Books, ARC Edition Synopsis taken from the author’s website: The year is 1862, and the Civil War is in full flame. Cassius Howard, a slave and carpenter on a tobacco … Continue reading
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (2005) Historical Fiction, 253 pages The Random House Publishing Group Random House Trade Paperback Edition Read for the 888 Challenge and the Historical Fiction Challenge As I noted in another post, … Continue reading
“Horseman” by Richard RussoFirst published in The Atlantic Monthly, Fiction Issue 2006Reprinted in The Best American Short Stories 2007 “Although to be driven back upon oneself is an uneasy affair at best, rather like trying to cross a border with … Continue reading
From the perspective of some, this a ‘bleak’ and depressing read. I will admit that initially, I felt the same way. However in letting this book stew on my mind for a few days, and after re-reading several passages, I realize that I had missed something. This book is about life, not death. It is about the journey’s we take and choices we make, and how each affect the other. Continue reading
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Contemporary Fiction, 536 pages Published by Harcourt Inc. The author succeeds in creating a story, and a set of characters that can evoke strong emotional responses. I don’t think I have ever been so … Continue reading
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (2005) Translated by Lucia Graves Historical Fiction, 487 Pages Penguin Group, New York Ten years old, and still grieving the tragic loss of his mother six years earlier, Daniel Sempere is … Continue reading
I highly recommend this book with the simple advisement that one take into consideration the language and subject matter and rise above it, for its message is much more important than the words used to convey it.
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