Garlic and Sapphires

By Ruth Reichl...Once a New York Times food critic...Ruth takes us on a journey. She tells us how she became the food critic of the New York Times and how she adjusted to her life in New York. She also talks about food in a way that will make your mouth water. Her chapter on steak made me want steak so bad I told my husband the next meal had to be steak prepared as she described in her article. She mixes personal story with her experiences and eating and then just manages to add recipes in for good measure. Funny, descriptive, and lots of fun reading...if you are a foodie...this is a MUST READ!

Small Island

By Andrea Levy...I heard a book discussion on the BBC World Book Club and it made me want to read the book. I recommend the BBC World Book Club to anyone who is looking to read international authors. I have found quite a few books this way. However, know that if you listen to the book club you will hear about the whole book...although I would argue it isn't the same as reading it yourself! http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/wbc/ Here is a link if you are interested!

But, I found that this book was very interesting. Gilbert is from Jamaica and has come to England to fight in World War 2...Queenie is an Englishwoman who is renting her rooms to get by after the war...and Hortense is Gilbert's wife who comes to live in England with her husband. There is much in this book, racism, relationships, war, and colonialism. The characters and well developed and you empathize with them as they make their way through a post war England.

Gone

By Jonathan Kellerman...I have read a few of the Alex Delaware novels...and this is one that I enjoyed. I didn't find out "who done it" until late in the book. However I should mention for those who are weak of stomach...this could have some disturbing parts in it. The mystery, the investigation and the final moments make this book a great mystery, suspense! I would recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery with a little something extra. If you want another good mystery/suspense try MONSTER by the same author!

Fancy Nancy Tea Parties

By Jane O'Connor...for parents of girls who love Fancy Nancy, here is a guide to throwing a tea party Fancy Nancy style! I loved this book...the illustrations, the simplicity of the party planning and I am a lover of all things tea...so this was perfect for me! I am a little girl at heart and there is NOTHING like serving tea to a few of your friends.

Shanghai Girls

By Lisa See...May and Pearl are sisters growing up in Shanghai in the 1930s. Their lives seem easy but their father has plans for them and they are married off to help pay a debt. They are sent to America. Their lives become even more complicated as they struggle to return to the way they lived before. This is not only a story about sisters and the complications that come with a family relationship but a story of two Chinese women making their way in America. The story is riddled with historical truths about the time. I guess this is one of the reasons I love Lisa See's novels. The story is good, but so is the history! I highly recommend. Also, as a side note, the book was left with the possibility of another book...at least I think so. Hopefully I won't be disappointed!

The Reluctant Fundamentalist

By Mohsin Hamid...I was turned on to this book listening to one of my favorite podcasts, the World Book Club by BBC. I have been trying to read more international authors...and this is definitely one of my favorites. Written as a narrative, it takes place from about 4pm to evening and we meet Changez from Pakistan...educated at Princeton, lived in America, returned and telling a stranger (an America) his life. It has the run of emotions as the reader wonders what is going on or what will happen next. Love, loss, triumph and failure are all in Changez's story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, didn't want to put it down. This is a short read, but powerful.

A Cup of Tea

By Amy Ephron...a love story from 1917. This fictional novel (although it is more like a novella, it is so short) is about a love triangle. Rosemary meets a cold and hungry Eleanor one evening and invites her home for tea...Rosemary is engaged to Phillip, who is friends with Jane who is also friends with Rosemary. Once Eleanor leaves Rosemary's house Jane tells Eleanor where she can find a job...and the rest is history. Phillip comes to where Eleanor works and falls in love. Out of duty he marries Rosemary...and the plot thickens. I won't say anymore...but it is tragic. Want to curl up on the couch with a tissue and just get sucked away to 1917, this is the book for you. I don't highly recommend it...but it was an okay read...and short!

Living Dead Girl

By Elizabeth Scott...I was drawn to this book because someone said "I kept thinking the book would end well and it didn't". The story is haunting...Alice has been living with Ray since she was 10 years old...she can't eat much, she has to be home at a certain time and she is home schooled. But Ray isn't her father and Alice is 15 now...who was she before? Now Ray is making her do something she wants to do...but will she be free? I really can't say much else...it would give it away. But, what an incredible book...and what a sad story!

Cape Refuge

By Terri Blackstock...just finished listening to this mystery in the car. I knew that Terri Blackstock was a Christian fiction author...sometimes that means different things. I will say that in places the book is a little preachy...and there are characters who struggle with their faith. The mystery portion I found to be great. I had NO IDEA who had committed the murders until the last minute...which I LOVE in a mystery. If you love a good mystery but prefer not to blush when reading...this is the series for you! This is the first of five I believe! As for me...I may continue reading the series, I may not...I like to shake things up a bit and try a book that I wouldn't normally choose. I have to say it was a pleasant surprise! And...one of the main characters is a Librarian...what's not to like about that?

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. What fond memories...I think I read this book for the first time in 3rd or 4th grade and then read it several times making this reading either my 6th or 7th! I loved the book when I was younger, a little shocked when I finally saw the Disney version (as most of the characters were not as I had imagined) but I did love them just the same...and the FLOWERS...my favorite part next to the Cheshire Cat! But, it was fun to re-read...seemed a little simpler running through them again. Also got a kick out of the ramblings of Alice when she tries to make a decision...sounds so familiar to me! Anyway, I highly recommend these books and...the movie comes out tomorrow...I am excited to see the Tim Burton version!