Say When

I've read a lot of Elizabeth Berg's books, some I like better than others. Say When is probably one of my favorites. It is such an honest portrayal of a marriage falling apart. Berg writes convincingly from the point of view of Griffin, the husband.

Although I didn't always understand Griffin's choices, or that of his wife Ellen, the story felt so real to me-it told of two flawed people, just like any of us, trying to make their marriage work. I felt sympathy for all the characters, including their eight year old daughter Zoe.

It would have been depressing in the hands of a less gifted writer, but Berg is a wonderful writer, at some moments funny, others sad and even tender. I truly enjoyed this book.

Flying Changes

Flying Changes by Sara Gruen is the follow up to her first novel, Riding Lessons. We again follow Annemarie Zimmer and her daughter Eva who is now ready to ride competitively, with the possibility of having an Olympic career; a dream that ended for Annemarie when she was 18 and had a tragic fall that killed her beloved horse, and nearly killed her.

Although at first this seems like it is a novel about Eva, it turns out to be the continuing story of Annemarie and her 20 year long journey of healing. She's rather neurotic and not always likable. Still, the novel is compelling and Gruen is a wonderful writer. It's worth reading for the in depth details and descriptions of the horses alone.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt, a novel in pictures, by Caroline Preston is a wonderfully original book that I didn't want to end. It is written in the form of a scrapbook filled with pictures, ticket stubs, ads, candy wrappers, vintage postcards, etc.  It's the kind of book you just slowly pour over again and again.

Frankie is a young and independent girl in the 1920's, and although her story is a bit cliche and predictable, it doesn't matter. The book is a visual feast. and I only wish I had put it together myself.

Stone Arabia

I picked up Stone Arabia by Dana Spiotta, author of Eat the Document, as it seemed like an interesting departure from what I'd been reading. It follows Denise and Nik, siblings who grew up in 80's LA, now in their late 40's. Nik is a brilliant, but obscure, musician/artist who obsessively creates art only for himself and his sister, Denise, who more often than not ends up supporting him.

Spiotta is an original writer, delving into the depths of the sibling relationship and also into the mind of a true artist. However, the book was so depressing that I found it hard to read. We follow the slow loss of their mother's mind, while Denise herself is slowly losing her own memory and slipping into sadness. This is punctuated by brief pictures of the LA music scene.

None of the characters were fully developed (including Denise's daughter Ada who decides to make a documentary about Nik.) The story is messy and never really goes anywhere, like life itself, and this seems to be Spiotta's point.

Although I appreciate Spiotta's writing, the novel didn't really work for me.

Feast of Roses

Feast of Roses by Indu Sundaresan is the follow up novel to The Twentieth Wife. This new novel follows the life of Mehrunnisa after she marries Emperor Jahangir in 17th century India and becomes Empress Nur Jahan, "Light of the World." We learn that it is she who is really in control of the Empire.

This book is a fascinating portrait of India during the height of the Mughal Empire, and of one woman who managed to rule an empire against all odds. We learn of life in the imperial zenana (royal harem) and the politics there, and how Empress Nur Jahan became the power behind the veil.

It is a brutal time in history when sons fight with brothers, cousins, and fathers to claim rights to the thrown. The most famous of the Mughal Emperors is Shah Jahan, Emperor Jahangir's son, for it is he who erected the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, and unfortunately, Empress Nur Jahan has been all but forgotten. Sundaresan brings her story to life here.

However, without first reading The Twentieth Wife, Feasts of Roses can be a difficult book, and much of the depth of the characters is lost. I enjoyed reading The Twentieth Wife more, and I think it is a better novel, but I was happy to read The Feast of Roses, to find out the end of Mehrunnisa's story. To truly enjoy this novel, I would suggest starting at the beginning.

House at Riverton

I love Kate Morton's novels. They are big, detailed, intriguing stories that pull me in and keep me up half the night reading. The House at Riverton, her debut novel, is no exception.

Here Morton has brought us to 1920's England, a time between the 2 world wars, and shown us the dichotomy between the wealthy inhabitants of the manor, and their staff who serve them. We are told the story by Grace, now 98 years old, remembering her years of service at Riverton when she was still a girl.

There is a mystery at the heart of the novel, as well as a love story. Morton shows us a way of life that has completely disappeared and we almost feel as if we were there. A very enjoyable read.

Abide with Me

Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout is a rather grim book about a Congregationalist Preacher and his daughter in a small town in New England in the late 1950's.

Although I love Strout's writing, (there are even moments here reminiscent of Marilyn Robinson's masterpiece Gilead,) reading her novels would have you believe that the world is full of small minded, small hearted, gossiping people who aren't satisfied until they have caused harm to others, and only then are the repentant.

I would love to read something by Strout that was not quite so depressing. So far I haven't found it.

Big Girl Small

Big Girl Small by Rachel DeWoskin is an unexpected delight. We have the clear strong voice of Judy Lohden who seems much bigger than her 3'9" stature. She is an overly smart, yet troubled teen.

De Woskin's writing is wonderful. At times hilarious, at other times sad.  This is an inside look at modern teen culture, as well as the life of a "little person" trying to navigate her way through main stream American highschool.

This is a modern day coming of age story with all its sad and scary moments as well as great love and the kindness of strangers.  This is one book I won't soon forget.

Falling Together

I loved Marisa de los Santos' first two books, Love Walked In and Belong to Me. I was so excited to read her latest, Falling Together. I liked it a lot, but I can't quite say I loved it.

It is the story of Pen, Will and Cat, three inseperable college frineds who haven't seen each other in six years. Cat mysteriously summons them to their college reunion and from there they begin a long search for her which takes them to the other side of the world.

I loved the character of Pen, but never really understood Jason, Cat's husband. Sometimes the story worked and sometimes it didn't.

I still think Marisa de los Santos is a truly wonderful writer with the rare ability to really draw you in to the story and the characters, and I look forward to reading her next book.

Blue Shoes and Happiness

Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith is the latest book I have read in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series.

If you are not familiar with Precious Ramotswe and her Detective Agency in Botswana, then you should be. The simple wisdom she imparts is wondeful, and the beautiful pace of African life always draws me in. I love these books!