Surprise book

I spied on the new book shelf at my library The Golem and The Jinni. I heard a lot about this first time novelist and read a couple of reviews but I was not really sure it was a tale that I would enjoy. But for some inexplicable reason I picked it up and checked it out. What a surprise. I am really enjoying it. I like the writing, I like the story and in spite of the length, I can't wait to see how it ends. I had to renew it because I couldn't finish it in two weeks.

Prior to starting that I listened to The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohajalian. This is a historical fiction novel set in 1915-16 Syria and present day Bronxville New York with a focus on the Armenian genocide. Horrifying, and intense- I know little about the genocide but the book (even on tape) was riveting. Amazing to learn how awful people can be to each other. I don't usually listen to audio books because I find there are too many interruptions- I don't drive long distances etc but I found myself listening while I walked each morning. I had not read Chris Bohajalian before this but I think I will go back and read more of his work.

Book Lover's Day

Phew! Haven't posted in quite a while but thought today is a good day to write. Happy National Book Lover's Day!! It is pouring rain- blowing hard- so it is definitely a cup of tea with a good book day. I started listening to an audiobook on my drive to RI yesterday. The Sandcastle Girls. First, I can't remember requesting this title from the library and second I don't remember requesting an audiobook. It is so tiny- like a MP3 player. Just add earphones! Hopefully I will stay awake and focused on the story. Have read several really good books in the last few weeks. First, Afterwards.

A heartbreaking story of a mother and her daughter who are in the hospital after being rescued from a burning school building. Told from their perspectives (the mother is in a coma and the daughter needs a heart) it is moving, and compelling and a bit of a mystery as they (and the police) try to find the cause for the fire. They learn that people, families and relationships are not always what they seem. The ending was gut wrenching. I was hoping for a happy ending.....The next great read was Me Before You.

This is another tear jerker. I could not put it down. Even with house guests arriving - I just had to finish it. Amazing. Hooked from the first page. The story is of Lou who takes a job as a caregiver to a quadriplegic young man who wishes to die. Will not say more to avoid giving away any of the story. The third great read was recommended to me by a good friend who has not disappointed with her book suggestions. Another hit. The book is A Constellation Of Vital Phenomena

This story is of the Chechnya wars- a doctor whose sister had gone missing. A young girl whose father is taken away in the middle of the night and she escapes into the woods. And the neighbor who befriends her and takes her to the hospital where he hopes the doctor with care for her. There are several characters to follow and the story flips back and forth in time which took some getting used to but- wow. So intense, so horrifying (how can people do so many awful things to each other?) and so interesting. I knew so little about the wars but this has definitely tweaked my interest. Well I think that catches me up with reading. Time for a cuppa!