Man Walks Into A Room

Author - Nicole Krauss
4 out of 5 stars
A very well crafted and intelligent novel about memory, time, and human emotion and its significance. I thought this book was perfectly shaped and consistent. Any other writer taking on the same idea could have easily turned it into a messy jumble of unorganized thought but Krauss keeps Samson exactly as he should be -- clinical, cold and scientific while observing the emotions of the world almost as an alien would (hence the Mars references).

Salem Falls

Author - Jodi Picoult
2 out of 5 Stars
I have a love/hate relationship with Picoult's writing. She's very hit or miss. I thought the story in this was pretty far fetched. And that it was far more predictable than her other novels. Even the court room scenes could have been cut down. I don't think the reader needed the endless pages of DNA testimony. And I found the 'reality' of the crime extremely bizarre. Witches? 'Salem' Falls? Jack and Gill. Quotes from the Crucible? Definitely not my favorite of Picoult's novels.

The Post Birthday World

2.5 out of 5 Stars
author - Lionel Shriver
I found this novel needlessly long -- not because it was 'wordy' -- Shriver spends pages repeating characterization details. I love the 'Sliding Doors' concept, what would the outcome be and would our lives play out differently if we made a different choice at a pivotal crossroads. Still, her use of this concept fell flat -- she made her point but the ending was rushed and the reader isn't given a chance to process Irina's ultimate difference decisions. Neither of Irina's 'lives' (post Birthday moment) were particularly appealing, and to make matters worse I didn't identify with any of the main characters -- I thought they were all rather flat, cliche and hard to get to know on a deeper level. I found myself not caring about which direction Irina's life took. The book picked up it's pace in the latter 100 pages, which I appreciated, when I wasn't cringing at the stereotypes of Shriver's characters' personalities. This novel was very different from 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'. I loved the concept, and it is something I think other authors should try, but the writing and the two alternate stories fell flat.

The Kite Runner

2 out of 5 Stars
This is one of those melodramatic best sellers with constant drama and little exposition. It's a fast read. But it's a very 'convenient' story -- lots of coincidences and the story is very predictable. Still, the descriptions of the changes in Afganistan were interesting and after reading this book I am even more afraid of the Taliban. Last night at 3am I was convinced there was a Taliban dude with a long beard and brass knuckles hiding in my closet.

Obedience

2.5 out of 5 Stars
Author - Will Lavender
This book is far from a great piece of literature -- it's actually rather contrived and downright silly at times -- but I read it in a few hours and while it was cliche and over the top, it held my interest enough that I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Girls of Riyadh

2 out of 5 Stars
Girls of Riyadh: A Novel
Author - Rajaa Abdullah Alsanea
I had a hard time reading this book for several reasons. First, it was never intended to be translated into English and by doing so I'm sure the author had to provide tons of extra passages of explanation about Arabic culture to the english speaking readers. Second, I'll openly admit that it is not a well written book (in English)-- it reads like a middle school essay on 'how I spent my summer'. But that aside, this was an interesting exploration into a culture that I know very little about, even after traveling to United Arab Emirates. I had absolutely no idea just how much more strict Saudi culture is. The author is very opinionated about Saudi Arabia and the way 'love' is percieved in Islamic culture. But she never openly critiques it, more she just whines and complains that love is hard and causes pain (and isn't this true worldwide?). She aims to be an Arabic Candace Bushnell but given the circumstances she can't pull it off. And not because the characters' simply aren't permitted by law to live and love the way the well known SATC girls do. But because the author lacks words and descriptions and emotions to adequately write about love. It's a worthwhile read if you are looking to learn more about the Islamic culture. But otherwise, skip it

Kaffir Boy

Kaffir Boy - The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa
Mark Mathabane
3 out of 5 Stars
Having visited both the remaining Townships in Capetown and Soweto in Johannesburg, this book provided additional insight into the abhorrant rules and conditions of apartheid. This is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in African studies, or in learning more about conditions in SA in the late 60s and 70s. Mathabane is truly inspiring -- he realized early on that education and sports were his way out of oppression and his strength and determination not to become a tsotsi is very impressive. His words are serene, honest and sincere. I have nothing but respect for this biography and this author.

Heartstopper

Author - Helen Fielding
3 out of 5 Stars
I love serial killer novels. And this one certainly did not disappoint. The 'twist' ending is kind of guess-able but after reading this I would definitely read more by this author.