The Camel Bookmobile

My Mimi gave me this book and I was intrigued. An American woman moves to Africa to run a mobile library and increase literacy in remote villages. The story is told from three different perspectives. I didn't love the book, and it is hard to pinpoint a reason. Maybe I expected too much from the story? I can't recall exactly. Anyway, here is the summary from Amazon:

Hamilton's captivating third novel (after 2004's The Distance Between Us) follows Fiona Sweeney, a 36-year-old librarian, from New York to Garissa, Kenya, on her sincere but naïve quest to make a difference in the world. Fi enlists to run the titular mobile library overseen by Mr. Abasi, and in her travels through the bush, the small village of Mididima becomes her favorite stop. There, Matani, the village teacher; Kanika, an independent, vivacious young woman; and Kanika's grandmother Neema are the most avid proponents of the library and the knowledge it brings to the community. Not everyone shares such esteem for the project, however. Taban, known as Scar Boy; Jwahir, Matani's wife; and most of the town elders think these books threaten the tradition and security of Mididima. When two books go missing, tensions arise between those who welcome all that the books represent and those who prefer the time-honored oral traditions of the tribe. Kanika, Taban and Matani become more vibrant than Fi, who never outgrows the cookie-cutter mold of a woman needing excitement and fulfillment, but Hamilton weaves memorable characters and elemental emotions in artful prose with the lofty theme of Western-imposed "education" versus a village's perceived perils of exposure to the developed world.

Read: July 2010

The Carrie Diaries (Candace Bushnell)

Carrie Diaries is the story of Carrie Bradshaw as a senior in high school. It is full of high school drama - boys, mean girls, college applications, family drama, etc. Carrie and her best friends are not the popular girls, but they have a lot of fun. Carrie ends up dating the popular new guy, leading to lots of jealousy and cat fights. It made me feel really glad not to be in high school anymore! I liked the book overall and it was fun to see where Carrie got her start. The end of the book makes it clear that there will be a few more books covering Carrie's college years!

Read: July 2010 (from the library!)

Up Next: Camel Bookmobile

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake (Aimee Bender)

We just finished this book for Book Club, which is one of my favorite things every month. Anyway, after reading this book, I discovered that it is in the genre of "Mystical Realism", which explains so much. The book is about a girl who can taste the feelings of whoever cooked her food, whether she wants to or not. With her gift, she discovers that her seemingly happy mother is hiding some strong feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction. The book is well written and and the main character, Rose, draws you in, but the storyline is just odd. And I felt a bit unsatisfied at the end.

I kept hoping for the book to turn into chick lit. You know, girl ends up with guy who she has been in love with her whole life. Not girl ends up with folding chair.

I would not recommend rushing out to buy this book in its hardbacked glory (sorry, Sara), but if you stumble across it at Half Price Books someday and need something interesting, then it would be perfect.

And do not be deceived by the lovely piece of cake on the cover. This is not a book version of The Waitress!

Read: July 2010 (on a Kindle!)

Next: Camel Bookmobile

Guernesy Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I love, love, loved this book! I read it on our trip to Spain in a matter of three or four days. The novel is comprised of a series of letters that reveal the story of Juliet, an author who visits the island of Guernsey after WWII and becomes enamored with the island's residents. During the war, they island was occupied by the Germans. The captive residents formed a book club and banded together, protecting each other and bravely finding ways to keep their humor and humanity. Such a touching story. Please read it.

Read: March 2010

A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens)

In an effort to add more classics to my list, I got A Tale of Two Cities from the library on CD. There is a reason this is a classic! I was mesmerized by the story, which is set during the French Revolution in Paris and London. Themes of redemption and revolution, love and loyalty, tie you to the characters and the story. I admit to reading Spark Notes to supplement my understanding of the story at times, but I really loved this book. It is so well written. Definitely going to read more classics soon. Any suggestions?

Read (Listened): June 2010

Savor the Moment (Nora Roberts)

This is the third book in the Bride Quartet and, as you can tell from the title, focuses on the pastry chef and her search for true love. Could he be her best friend's older brother?? Oh the drama. Just as predictable and girly as the first two, but I still loved it and can't wait to read the last one. Perfect for reading by the pool on a lazy Saturday.

Read: July 2010

The Girl who Played with Fire (Steig Larsson)

This is the second book in the trilogy and I enjoyed it even more than the first. This time Lisbeth Salander is accused of murdering two journalists. Only Blomkvist believes in her innocence and sets about trying to help her. We learn a lot about her past and her twisted family. Definitely another page turner. And if you're like me, you have to finish a series once you start.

Read: June 2010