The God of Small Things

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy has been re-shelved about 142 pages into the story. I just can't seem to get into it. And there are so many books to read. Maybe I'll pick it back up and finish it one of these days but for now it will get dusty.

The Dark Water

The Dark Water by David Pirie tells the adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle and his friend Joseph Bell. Doyle is stalked and hunted by a man known as Cream. Much like Holmes Moriarty this man figures profoundly in Doyles life.

I picked this book up at the library on a whim. And it is a very fast and easy read. I found myself immersed in the story and enjoying it. But I also found myself distracted and my mind would wander. I don't know if it was the book or my mood but I even put it down about 120 pages into it and thought to return it unfinished. But I picked it back up and finished it in no time. I'm glad I at least found out the end to the mystery.

Teckla

Teckla by Steven Brust is the 5th book chronologically in the Vlad Taltos series. I love these books. Fast reads with enough action and mystery to keep me hooked.

Please Don't Come Back from the Moon

Please don't Come Back from the Moon by Dean Bakopoulos tells the story of a small midwestern town. One day almost all the father's up and leave. The explanation: they went to the moon. How else could they disapear so completely.

This is the story of how the abandoned sons grew up and what their lives became. Would they join their father's? What would they all become as they grew older?

It's a fascinating story. An easy read. Nothing incredibly deep or life changing. But I read a review when this book first came out and they said it was marvelous. I enjoyed this story and I"m glad I read it.

In the Hand of Dante

In the Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches is quite a read. I enjoyed this book. The author is raw and graphic. But also heartbreakingly beautiful in his writing style. The story is fascinating. And this is the second book in a row in which I feel that the author is truly a deeply knowledgeable person with more brains in their pinky than the a roomful of average people. Damn is this man smart.

But much like Club Dumas this is not a book that makes you feel stupid. On the contrary. It's entertaining and educational. It is also a great adventure into the seedier sides of life.

The Club Dumas by Arturo Perez-Reverte is a stunning book. Very intriguing, highly intellectual, yet all the time remaining on solid ground with a writing style that flows easily, isn't pretentious, and allows any reader to enjoy the story. I could have felt a bit out of my league reading this but the author does an excellent job of "keeping it real" for lack of a better way to describe it. It is the story of a manuscript, a chapter from Dumas' Three Musketeers. Is it authentic? And if so why are there two different handwriting's on the pages? Why is one set white and the other blue?

While trying to find out the authenticity of the manuscript the main character is plunged into another mystery. That of a book of which there are only three known copies in the world. Believed to have been destroyed for it's satanic content could any of the three be the actual original? Or are they all copies? Do they differ in anyway that might be telling?

The main character suddenly finds himself in trouble. Someone wants him dead. And the two mysteries are somehow tied together.

You'll have to read the story to find out more. It's a fast paced read. A fascinating look into the world of book collecting. As well as a little bit of history. You learn a lot in this book but find yourself enjoying the education.

The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad is a very good read. I learned a great deal about the Afghan culture as well as enjoyed a good story. The author lived with a family for several months and this is their story. She tells us a little about each family member. Telling us their story from each of their own perspectives. It's a fascinating tale.

If you ever wanted to know more about this region of the country this is an excellent and fast read.