WHAT'S TRENDING IN PAPERBACK? (11/06/2013)

Even Onslow, who sleeps all day, perked up for this news! Two of my favorite books for 2013 are out in Paperback. Both are controversial reads and if you haven't discovered them, now's the time. You won't be sorry.

THE DINNER by Herman Koch

An internationally bestselling phenomenon: the darkly suspenseful, highly controversial tale of two families struggling to make the hardest decision of their lives -- all over the course of one meal.(Wall Street Journal )

MAY WE BE FORGIVEN by A. M. Homes

May We Be Forgiven digs deeply into the near biblical intensity of fraternal relationships, our need to make sense of things, and our craving for connection. It is an unnerving tale of unexpected intimacies and of how one deeply fractured family might begin to put itself back together. (Amazon.com)

To Order:

 Click on the Amazon Search Box in the Sidebar

THOUGHTS FROM UNDER THE PERGOLA (12/26/2012)

This was my favorite reading spot while on a recent vacation. Even though two of the three books I read were disappointing, it made them tolerable. Why not..in these surroundings?

SWIMMING HOME by Deborah Levy    

I felt like a detached observer throughout this small novel. It's a convoluted story of people on holiday when a stranger unexpectedly joins them...complications arise...you can imagine the rest.. 

Written by British playwright, Deborah Levy, SWIMMING HOME was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. I couldn't wait to read this novel but found it disappointing and predictable in spite of its well written prose.

For more information, type SWIMMING HOME in the Search Box at the top of the blog.

Info for Deborah Levy at: www.deborahlevy.co.uk/about.html

MAY WE BE FORGIVEN by A. M. Homes

This book is not for everyone but definetly for me! It's funny, sexy, political and well written...need I say more? Well, yes..

The not so nice main character, Harold Silver (A Nixon expert) finds his life runs amok after his brother kills three people in an auto accident. Harold becomes involved with his brother's family and all hell breaks loose..dysfunction galore, murder, and lots of black humor. This is high drama mixed with outrageous  fast paced situations and A. M. Homes kept me engaged throughout. 

MAY WE BE FORGIVEN is a mad, sad, clever, blatant, cannot put down, crazy ride...Never a dull moment and I loved every minute.

Info for A.M. Homes at: www.amhomesbooks.com/biography

LIFE AMONG GIANTS by Bill Roorbach

Labeled a mystery, LIFE AMONG GIANTS is slow moving and repetitive. The story is told through a young man's eyes after witnessing the murders of his parents when he's seventeen. It continues through middle age as he and his unstable sister attempt to make sense of their tragedy.

The book moves back and forth over decades revealing secrets and more secrets..characters and more characters.. focusing on a mysterious ballerina who is involved in every sub plot..introducing celebrities and rock stars...Enough already!

I felt no concern for any of the characters and kept hoping it would get better...It didn't.


Info for Bill Roorbach at www.billroorbach.com/bio.html

(Don't tell him I sent you...)



All of these books can be ordered by using the Amazon Search Box on the Sidebar.