49

Sometimes my library books are busts. I try not to waste too much time on books I'm not interested in. Unfortunately sometimes I keep hoping that they'll improve and they don't. I finally gave up on Sue Miller's The Lake Shore Limited. I just couldn't see that it was going anywhere I cared about. I decided to stick with something I know I love and read Peter Robinson's A Necessary End instead. Gotta love a good mystery.

48

My latest novel was The Spaces Between Us by Thrity Umrigar. This one almost felt like it should be a book club book since it contrasted so well with one of the books we did last year (A Thousand Splendid Suns). This one is set in India (Bombay) and juxtaposes the life stories of two women, one a wealthy house wife (Sera) and the other her housekeeper/maid (Bhima).

Even though Bhima lives in the slums and is a servant, I was surprised by the quality of life these women had - I think I expected women to be treated more like they are in Afghanistan. Though now that I think about it, I'm not sure why I was so surprised.

I loved the author's voice in this book. I've watched a few Indian movies, and always thought that the weird English/Indian they use in the films is a result of poor translation and the funny way non-English speakers use our language. But reading this book was exactly like watching an Indian film and it made the story so much more real for me.

While I really did love this book, I found the ending a little abrupt. Maybe because so much of the book felt like it got right down to the nitty gritty of every day life, and the ending felt very...philosophical. It wasn't truly satisfying.

That said, I think it makes my Top Reads of 2010 list. I'd love to read another book by this author.

46 & 47

Thank goodness my request list came through for me. Just got back from a road trip through the mountains in Washington State and my two books came in handy for all the scary bits!

First up was the second book by Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie author, Alan Bradley. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag was every bit as good as Sweetness, and I must admit I can't wait to read A Red Herring Without Mustard. Too bad it's not out till February!!

Next was Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson. I have to admit I wasn't too sure I would like this book. I think I only ordered it based on the title. And I probably wouldn't have chosen it to read next except it was the first book due back at the library.

This was one of those books that had me laughing out loud, reading quotes to Andrew, and scribbling little lines (like this one: "...passion is all very well, but it wouldn't do to spill the tea...") I loved this book and have ordered Andrew to commence reading immediately!