I'll admit I'm a little behind on reading and sharing. But I'm catching up. So don't fret. I didn't read anything in March, and losing my glasses certainly didn't help that! Here's an update on a few of the recent books I've read!
Book 5: Divisedero by Michael Ondaatje
I Kind of loathed this book. It had very mixed reviews on Amazon, sort of a love or hate situation. The writing of the book isn't necessarily poor, but the overall voice of the story and certainly the structure of the book are frustrating as hell. The story breaks in it's timeline frequently, alternating between time periods over 100 years apart. One of the characters seems completely forgotten about, as though the writer meant to come back to him in the story but sort of forgot to. In other words, don't waste your time with this book.
Book 6: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist fight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie
I am deeply interested in the culture of American Indians. My book shelves are littered with novels and memoirs filled with their prose. And I've spent a good portion of time in my own writing talking about Indian culture and it's relation to my family. I've been hearing praise for Alexie's writing since I worked in the bookstore. This collection of stories did not disappoint! Not only is the writing beautiful, but Alexie gives voice to several generations and their fight for survival. Haunting and hopeful, Alexie's stories are ones that wont' be forgotten. I'll definitely be reading more of his work.
Book 7: Then we Came to the End by Joshua Ferris
I bought this book at one of Ferris' readings. He signed my book "Ferris, like the wheel." after I told him my name was "London, like the city." It's no surprise why this young emerging author is collecting awards. His writing is witty and emotive. I thought that mostly his book about working at an ad agency would be like watching "the office" and in moments it is. there are some of the same sorts of awkward humor and riffs between co-workers. Ferris writes in depth profiles of each character that strikes a chord and makes them family. In moments it seems you are right there at the water cooler gossiping about the office and in another you are taken through moments of great loss and human experience. You'll want to read it more than once...and maybe even recommend it to all your friends. I just did ;)
Book 8: The art of Losing by Rebecca Connell
I picked up this book last week mostly because the cover was kind of awesome. I do that. So far it's served me well. I read the description and the first few pages and knew I wanted to read more. The writing is average but the story is very intriguing in a soap opera/grey anatomy drama kind of way. I read it in one sitting. Following the affair and death of the main character's mother over 20 years ago from two opposing story lines is what makes this book unique and worth reading. Sometimes everything is not as it seems...be prepared for a few unexpected and disturbing twists.
