Vacation Reading

I have been away on vacation for the past two weeks and had some time to read. Some of the books I read are listed below. As I catch up here at work I will tell you more about them.


Title: Small Island
Author: Andrea Levy

excellent

If you want to know what it feels like to be in someone else's skin. Read this book. Andrea Levy does a wonderful job of telling the story of Jamaican immigrants to England just after WWII.

School Library Journal's review

Black Issues Book Review has a long informative article about the book and the author, Andrea Levy.



Title: Mission Song
Author: John Le Carre

good
Suspenseful, timely and well written as ever with John Le Carre.

New York Times Book Review






Title: Never End
Author: Ake Edwardson

very good


Title: Garden of Eden and other Criminal Delights
Author: Faye Kellerman

bad. Her recent books are no where near as interesting and her first three or four. Very trite and filled with cliches. I miss the early emphasis on her jewish heritage.

That Night

Title: That Night
Author: Alice McDermott

Alice McDermott took me back to my suburban childhood in this disturbing story of young love. I remember the gossip, the pressure of everyone watching you and knowing your business as well as the comfort of everyone knowing you and watching your business! She captures the feeling of being a child and knowing something is wrong but not quite understanding exactly what all the fuss is about. I have read Child of My Heart and am reading After This so far That Night is my favorite.


Read an interview with her at Powell's .

Girl Named Zippy (sound recording)

Title: Girl Named Zippy
Author: Haven Kimmel

Charming, funny story of life in the mid-west in the mid to late 60's. Zippy childlike and sometimes wise observations of life growing up the youngest of three. She is brashly honest about her feelings good and bad. Her observations of adult life bring a fresh view to humanity. This book made me laugh and think! A great combination.

- vicky