Recent Reads {A Thousand Splendid Suns}

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.  This was the September read for our MOMS Club book club.  We had originally thought about The Kite Runner, since the movie was coming out, but of course that meant the book was in high demand at the library.  So we decided on this, also thinking it would be an appropriate choice for a moms' group, since the story is about women.

 

I don't know quite how to describe it - not an "enjoyable" book, because it tells of so much sorrow and suffering.  But I certainly am glad I read it.  Although the characters are fictional, I know the situations are all too real.  Have been the reality for too many in Afghanistan and other countries where women are treated as property, chattel, or slaves.  I don't know how one could read books like this and not feel compassion for these people, or anger that these atrocities are committed in the name of religion.  Even considering all that heaviness, this story also had warmth and love, and portrayed an unlikely friendship that was characterized by a depth of devotion and commitment that was truly beautiful. 

Recent Reads {The Falcon and the Sparrow}

The Falcon and the Sparrow by M.L. Tyndall is a book I picked up because I'd read the previous pirate themed trilogy by Tyndall and quite liked it.  Then again, I tend to like piratey things.   (Did I write about those books here?  I somehow don't think so)   After the vaguely disappointing The Friday Night Knitting Club, which was the book I read previous to this one, I wanted something fairly light and escapist.  I like historical fiction, there is just something satisfying to me about reading a mystery or drama or romance set in the distant past.  From Tyndall, I knew I would get a historical setting (England in 1803), a little romance, and a "could only happen in fiction" adventure storyline.  Got all three in this quick read.  I thought she did a good job of creating the setting and she presented interesting characters.  As in the pirate trilogy, the events and plot are truly the stuff of fiction, but enjoyable (to me) nonetheless.  My favorite of the Tyndall books I've read is still the first one in the pirate trilogy - The Redemption.  That was the closest to being believable!  LOL  I will be watching for the next Tyndall offering, which is due out in the spring, The Red Siren. 

Recent Reads {The Friday Night Knitting Club}

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs is a book that had been on my reading wishlist for quite some time.  In fact, several ladies in my MOMS Club wanted to read it, so we all held off until we could acquire enough copies from the library to make it book club pick of the month.  So all that hype and anticipation for this book ----  and in my opinion, it was only "okay"

 

A novel about women's relationships and knitting - of course I didn't expect adventure and suspense!  But I found the plot and characters to be entirely too predictable.  At least they were likeable characters, I will say that.  I did care what happened to them, and I liked the story as a whole.  I got teary-eyed at the places where I was expected to, and was sympathetic with the characters in general.  And when we got together to discuss the book, we found there wasn't much to talk about.  The other ladies in our book club felt more or less the same - it was an okay read, but slow going and predictable.

Recent Reads {The False House}

I am behind on all kinds of blogging, message board, and email-related things, and my Bookcase is no exception.  I finished this book weeks ago!

The False House by James Stoddard is the sequel to The High House, which has become one of my favorite books.  In this one, the house is under great threat by a new plot of the Anarchists.  A young girl is kidnapped and held captive, and the anarchists are using her to change the house.  As in the first book, there are fairy tale and allegorical elements to the story, and lots of fantastic adventure as Lord Anderson and his brother search for the missing girl and for the key to unravelling the plot against the house.  And it appears there are traitors in their midst!

I'm so glad I found these books, and purchased them - they are on my list of books to read over and over again.  Perhaps they will become read-alouds as well.  I will certainly encourage my kids to read them!