THE STARBOARD SEA AND All THAT JAZZ (03/03/2012)

Have I read every book on this blog, you ask? I've read enough of them, but I also have a stable of readers, bloggers, and reviewers that chime in and express their views. (Without asking, I might add!)

.I am basically an artist who is addicted to books. I'm not a book critic by any means, but that doesn't stop me. You may disagree with my opinions and that's fine...post a comment and let me know.

In the words of the infamous Joan Rivers "let's talk"........

      

Here's some suggestions for March......

         THE STARBOARD SEA by Amber Dermot

I recently read a review of this book in a local paper and was immediatly attracted. I like coming of age stories and this is a tale of wealthy, spoiled rotten prep school kids behaving badly. However the  redeeming features are, it examines the abuses of class privilege, the cost of keeping secrets, tells a bittersweet story and has a lot to do with sailing.

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 Basically The Starboard Sea is a moving novel about a young man coming to terms with himself and what he has done.

Author, Amber Dermont has touched on the dangers and the joys of young adulthood and created an impressive first novel.

Not sure if this novel is book group worthy (depends on the group) but it's an easy and enjoyable read.

I wrote these comments before the NEW YORK TIMES reviewed the book. Their review was a positive one with a lot of references to the sailing aspect.



          
            HALF-BLOOD BLUES by Esi Edugyan

AMAZON BEST BOOK of the MONTH, March 2012 and also a 2011 BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST, this novel loops from Nazi-occupied Berlin and Paris to modern-day Baltimore and back. Reviewers labeled this a "musical novel about the cultural cost of racism and what we're willing to surrender for love and art."

In part this is the story of two black American jazz musicians and their German colleagues whose music is suppressed by the Nazis in 1939 Berlin. 

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 The book is well written and gripping with an interesting plot twist. HALF-BlOOD BLUES leaves you wondering, and somewhat haunted by the characters and their story.  

Recently released in paperback and e-book this book comes highly recommended.

Esi Edugyan and Prizewinning Book Cover