Dave Barry's Money Secrets by Dave Barry: Dave Barry's Money Secrets is one of those books that makes you laugh out loud and then read that passage to whomever is with you, and then give them the book to read when you're done. Even though Dave Barry has retired from writing his weekly newspaper column, it's obvious his skill at writing humor still runs strongly within him. I can continue quoting humorous passages from the book, but do yourself a favor instead, and get your own copy.
The Havana Room by Colin Harrison: Still, The Havana Room manages to capture the soul of a city, although it's not an honorable one. New York is as complex as the characters within The Havana Room and just as full of secrets and desires for more. Perhaps the city is really the central character here, flawed, beautiful, and impossible to understand. Within its scope, Colin Harrison paints a portrait of a man struggling to understand himself and his place within it, and to give up wanting more and appreciate what he has. Enjoy the secrets of The Havana Room.
The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch: The Highest Tide is a short book, less than 250 pages, and can be read in one afternoon. Jim Lynch's debut novel spends a wonderful summer with Miles O'Malley and the interesting and peculiar life that abounds in Puget Sound. Take an afternoon and enjoy it for yourself.
Gazelle by Rikki Ducornet: Gazelle is ultimately a sad, but beautiful, book. Rikki Ducornet creates a vivid world of fragrance and sensuality, and the power those forces have on those caught in their spells. Like the magician of the story, though, it can be an empty power and just a delusion. Not even the ancient powers can control a heart and bring love where it's not offered. Enjoy Gazelle for its adventure through the realms of sensuality and let the fragrance of this story waft to your mind. Rikki Ducornet casts a tantalizing spell.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris: It's sentences like that grab your attention with his off-kilter way of telling about his life that makes you want to find out what it's all about. Fortunately, David Sedaris continues to deliver on the promise with more interesting, funny, and thought-provoking parts of his life. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a welcome addition to his private literary genre and a gift to the world that can always use more laughter. My time spent with David Sedaris passed too quickly, but this is a book that can be read again when a dose of laughter is needed. If you haven't read any of his work before, this is a fine place to start. If you're a fan of David Sedaris, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is one you must read.
Ironfire by David Ball: In Ironfire, David Ball has given us a prime example of exemplary historical fiction. Not only is it a realistic depiction of a faraway time and place, but he's populated his story with interesting and believable characters and keeps the suspense ratcheted in top gear all the way. Ironfire allows a peek into different worlds that coexisted at the same time with the hatred and fanaticism that rings true to this day. It's easy to divide the world into good and evil and be appalled at the actions of those opposed to one's religion or way of life. Part of what David Ball has presented with this novel is the perspective from both sides that considers the other to be evil, and the justifications of their actions as being God's or Allah's way. In that sense, Ironfire also succeeds as precautionary tale for today with hope that we all learn from the lessons of history so that we don't repeat the same mistakes.
The Echo Maker by Richard Powers: The Echo Maker never loses its emotional power. As Richard Powers navigates the landmarks of his characters' lives, his artful prose keeps the novel moving forward in the year that follows Mark's accident, a year that will redefine all of their lives. It's a moving tribute to the human condition, that search for the emotional truths of our lives and how that defines our sense of self.
The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard: All this makes The Great Fire an easy book to put down, and difficult to read at times. Ultimately, there's little invested in the characters besides some gentle interest as to how each of their stories would play out. The plot, whether it be the love story or the different reactions by each character to the postwar world, is slight and never consuming. Others may be able to look past these shortcomings and indulge themselves in the fine literary qualities presented in this novel, and enjoy it much more than I did. For me, it was like going to a movie or a play where the scenery was perfectly captured, the costumes entertaining and optimally chosen for each character, and the acting brilliant, except they forgot to wrap it around an engaging story. Perhaps sitting back and enjoying the presentation can be an enjoyable experience, if you can live without the story. The Great Fire, despite its praise and award, was a disappointing book because of its inability to foster much interest in the lives of the people within it.
Annette Lybacki hopes that you found this piece helpful and invites you to read her articles on Do You Need a DUI Lawyer? for some Hints and Tips on DUI Lawyers.
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