Before I Go to Sleep

Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

Watson’s debut novel is well done. I enjoyed the writing, the story moves fluidly. The suspense was as bit lacking, and the plot a bit more contrived than I like, but overall I would recommend.

Every day Christine wakes up not knowing anything about her life. Every time she goes to sleep she loses all memory. Her husband is supportive, always there to help her remember the important things. She is secretly seeing a doctor and he has encouraged her to keep a journal. One morning she discovers in her journal the words “Don’t trust Ben.” Why? What is she learning about her life?

A Thousand Splendid Suns

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Hosseini has done it again. This book is, simply stated, amazing. The story starts off slow but quickly picks up speed. I kept thinking…surely things cannot get worse, but then they do.

Covering a period of 40-50 years, this story is told in four parts that converge. It is a rich, emotional story, set in Afghanistan. Religion, class, the role of women and motherhood are themes that play strongly in this novel.

Mariam is an illegitimate daughter raised by her Mother, rejected by her Father. Her story was the hardest for me, emotionally. She is stoic and everything I would wish to be. I loved her from the beginning and with every kick she suffered I felt the pain.

Laila grows up differently. She is loved dearly by her Father, not used to the typical role that women are placed into, until tragedy strikes. For this character, her role as a mother was heartbreaking for me. The points where she is forced to protect her child had me in tears. I cannot imagine the decisions a Mother in this cultural would have to make.

Both main characters are forced into a marriage. Their struggle to survive, to live a worthwhile life was both tragic and hopeful. I am incredibly blessed to live in a country that recognizes women as (relatively) equal to men. And a country that allows freedom. The life of the women depicted in this book torments me.

The Princes in the Tower

The Princes in the Tower by Alison Weir

This is a recommend for the history reader. In this genre, Weir is one of the best. I am intrigued by English history, especially the monarchy.

How did King Edward V and his brother Richard die? Who killed these young boys? Weir’s examination is educated, well-researched and plausible.

The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

There was a lot of hype surrounding this novel. It was described as full of fantasy and intrigue. Most of my bookish friends loved it, or hated it. I had mixed feelings.

The best part is the language—it is absolutely beautiful. The story is full of imagination and is titillating to the senses.  But the actual story is hard to follow at times. The characters lack depth, and there are too many of them. The plot is confusing.

Final verdict--I enjoyed. I read in small doses, mostly just to enjoy the beautiful prose.

Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? By Beverly Daniel Tatum

To start, I  appreciated the beginning of this book. Tatum relates this tale, and this is how I try to live my life…”A young girl was walking along a beach. To her amazement, she came upon thousands of starfish. Washed ashore by a storm, they were dying in the hot sun. The girl began to toss starfish back into the sea, one by one. After a while, a man approached her. “Little girl,” he asked, “why are you doing this? There are thousands of starfish on the beach. You cannot possibly hope to make a difference!” The girl was discouraged, and dropped the starfish in her hand. But a moment later, she bent down, picked up the starfish again, and tossed it as far as she could into the sea. She turned back to the man. Smiling brightly, she said, “I made a difference to that one!” Inspired, he joined her. A crowd had gathered, and soon others joined in. Before long, there were hundreds of people tossing starfish back into the sea and calling out, “I made a difference to that one!” After a while, their calls subsided. The girl looked up. To her amazement, she saw no starfish on the beach. Each one had been tossed back into the sea.”  

What a powerful image. Everyone truly has the power to make a difference in someone’s life!

This book is about race and the impact it has on children. This is certainly something I have struggled with in my own life. Race is a serious conversation, a conversation too often avoided. Tatum opens that conversation and her analysis is detailed and important.

My daughter made a comment that resonated.  I love her for being a thinker. She asked me why people say her friend is Mexican. She said “Mom, she has never even been to Mexico!” I love that she boiled it down to the very heart of the matter. Why is it so necessary for people to label? Why can’t we all just be American? If I gave a recount of every country in my heritage I would have to introduce myself as Native, African, Irish, English, German American. How ridiculous is that? I’m simply an American. I chose not to be defined by labels. I’m me…the end.  

Sixkill

Sixkill by Robert B Parker

Well…here I am, once again I’ve fallen into the middle of a suspense series. I really liked this one.  Parker’s writing flows quickly and the characters are interesting. Back to the beginning!!