Book Reviews

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: This epistolary novel was most excellent. The quirky characters, witty prose, and extraordinary plot were wonderfully enrapturing. The last chapter/letter wrapped things up a little too neatly for me- it seemed out of place with the rest of the novel. The characters seemed to have a few too many personality traits in common with each other, if I'm being honest. But for the most part I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s hard to find a light-hearted novel that isn’t written in a light-handed way. This book, however, was delicious from its inception to its conclusion; From its defense of humanity in postwar Europe to the quiet love story it reveals. It felt very human (read: not contrived.) Very well written. It was a welcome reprieve from the more heavy books I’ve read lately. A-

Stalin's Children by Owen Matthews: Speaking of heavy, I now bring you to Russia. This family memoir traces the lives and stories of three generations: How they were liberated, betrayed, freed, inspired, broken, and ultimately survived. Owen Matthews is a wonderful storyteller. Really magnificent prose. He does a good job of painting the various shades of Russia, depending on which decade/social class/ethnicity you happen to belong to. He gives a remarkable account of Russia's political history in the 20th century, and clearly shows how those politics affected the people, a remarkable feat considering the vast decades the novel covers. Matthews captures these changes, and shows the heart of Russia with insight and intelligence, all while portraying the resilience and instinct for survival that Russians have garnered through their experiences. Now for the less than stellar aspects: His family certainly has impressive stories, but I couldn't shake the feeling of sadness I felt while reading, even when reading of undying faith, fortitude, and determination. This novel was just as much about loneliness and loss as it was about courage- which is not necessarily a bad thing. Russia certainly has seen dark days. I just thought the tone was a little too heavy. Matthews tells an extraordinary story, and then seems to wonder if it was worth it. I finished the novel glad that I had read it, but equally glad that it was over. B

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner: I'm a little late on reading this one. It was "the book" about 5 years ago, and I only read it now because it happened to be in Mike's backpack while we were traveling and I wanted something to read. So this is probably not new to you, but here goes anyway. With only cold logic, Levitt turns economics into something illuminating and interesting, and invites his readers to dare to ask questions and look for connections in the world around us. I appreciate his goal- I generally like books that urge people to think more. I didn't agree with everything he said, but I still enjoyed reading his insights on tough subjects (abortion, crime, cheating, racism, and parenting, to name some.) It's not often that an author will take these difficult subjects and compare them to say, sumo wrestling. But Levitt does, and manages to do so without coming across as a complete idiot, so I guess that deserves praise. Applaudable and interesting, despite being a little pretentious. B+

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: This book broke my heart. Narrated by Death in World War II, this novel tells the story of a young girl named Liesel. I won't get into specifics because if I do I'll start bawling my bloody eyes out (which would be awkward since I'm at work right now.) Incredibly touching, poignant and painful, mesmerizing and compassionate. This novel reminds us of the power of words- the good they can do, as well as the evil they're capable of. What would Hitler have been, after all, without words? As this book reminds us, what would any of us be? This novel is about as close to perfection as it gets. A+

Next on my list:
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Beloved by Toni Morrison