DECEMBER CHOICES and NEW REVIEWS (11/27/11)

The holidays are approaching and books make a great gift (but only for someone who enjoys reading.... otherwise jewelry!!!!) so hit the bookstores... or if you are traveling, start downloading books on your kindle!!

HERE'S A FEW GIFT SUGGESTIONS!

STEVE JOBS BY WALTER ISAACSON...A collection of forty interviews with Jobs, his family, friends, competitors..and many others....makes a great gift!

PILGRIMAGE BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ.... An exciting collection of photos taken by Leibovitz when not on assignment. Interesting text as well as dynamic photography.

JACK KENNEDY/ELUSIVE HERO BY CHRISTOPHER MATTHEWS...This biography is based on personal interviews with those closest to JFK. Written in typical Matthews conversational style, it conveys a different JFK than other bios have depicted.

11/22/63 BY STEVEN KING
Gary S, my non-fiction reviewer informed me that Steven King just came out with an 849 page epic about a man who travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination. I'm not a Steven King fan but have read some of his books and have found them very suspenseful and sometimes just plain insane!!!!... but always well written....not sure about attempting 849 pages!!.....probably won't.....(A great gift for a Steven King fan!)


NEW REVIEWS IN FICTION AND NON-FICTION

ZERO DAY BY DAVID BALDACCI    (11/28/11)
Typical Baldacci fast moving crime thriller!  Probably not the most original story line, but a fast read, short chapters, and lots of action....Good read for holiday travelers!


COCKTAIL HOUR UNDER THE TREE OF FORGETFULNESS   BY ALEXANDER FULLER
Reviewers have praised this memoir  for the author's great writing style and insights about her family's exotic life in Africa. . "A classic is born in this tender, intensely moving journey" (Publisher's Weekly).. Also my cousin, Monica, who was born in Khartoum gave it a great review and she's very convincing!

THE  BITTER SEA; COMING OF AGE IN CHINA BEFORE MAO BY CHARLES N. LI
My friend Joan, who is in a book group in Boston recommended this book. She said it is an unforgettable true story of a young man, his father and his country.....A candid memoir beautifully written...(I have already downloaded it!!)

HAND ME DOWN WORLD BY LLOYD JONES
This book was recommended by my friend, Marlene who encouraged me to write this blog! She is a really dedicated reader and I usually like what she recommends!(Not this time!)
Lloyd Jones wrote Mr Pip ( which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and my  summer book group's selection)  His new novel, Hand Me Down World  is the story of a young African mother's journey to reclaim her stolen infant son. It's been labeled compelling, extraordinary and thought provoking.

UPDATE: Very disappointing and slow moving.  Story starts well but slowly  winds down..to simply boring