Hosted by J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog
Books completed last week:
83.Addition**** by Toni Jordan (Australia) 2008 Very good. About a woman whose life has fallen apart and her obsessive-compulsive disorder of counting everything in order to function at even a basic level. She also has a fascination with Nikola Tesla which adds much to the story. It's an eye opener about the OCD but ultimately an uplifting read about the effects of tolerance. And for those who need it, there's romance in there too. Addition was nominated for an award and made the Richard and Judy list in the UK. Recommended.
84.The Mysteries of Glass***** by Sue Gee (UK) 2004 (346 pages) Loved it. A perfect Victorian fiction about a young minister who finds himself emotional attached to a woman he can't have, and the crisis of faith that ensues. I must read more by this author. Highly recommended.
85.The Signal**** by Ron Carlson (US) 2009 (200 pages)
I previously read Five Skies****+ by this author and wanted more. He's a very good writer, his protagonists are men who are flawed but trying hard to be stand up guys. This story is a about a backpacking hike into the wilds of the mountains with his now ex-wife. They've made this trip annually for nine years and she's agreed to do it one last time. He's been in jail since his conduct got out of hand after she left him. He's hoping to regain some respect from her, but there's something he's not telling her and their hike will take a terrible turn because of it. Recommended.
86.Shipwrecks***** by Akira Yoshimura (Japan) (180 pages)A very good story about a small Japanese fishing village that takes advantage of its rocky coast to lure ships inshore to sink. They retrieve the cargo, usually food, and it keeps them from starvation. But one day they take something from a wrecked ship that brings retribution and terror to the people of the village. Well written, an excellent story with a strong Gothic sense. Highly recommended.
Currently reading:
The Entropy of Aaron Rosclatt by James Sandham (Canada)
Next up:
This is How by M. J. Hyland (UK) 2009
I enjoyed Carry Me Down**** by this author, which was nominated for an award two years ago.
Plum Wine by Angela Davis-Gardner (US) 2007
Set in 1960s Japan.
Novel About My Wife by Emily Perkins (New Zealand) 2009
A psychological thriller that won the $10,000 Montana Medal for fiction in the Montana New Zealand Book Awards.
What are you reading this week?
I welcome questions, comments, opinions, reading recommendations, links to books I've read, reviewed, or mentioned. I'd love to read them.
I have not read any of these, but I am adding them to my queue.
ReplyDeleteQuite a list! I am interested in The Mysteries of Glass. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI have borrowed Mysteries of Glass a couple of times, but never been able to read more than a couple of pages. I am definitely going to try again though.
ReplyDeleteI like the titles of all the books and very much interested to read!
ReplyDelete:D
Mondays: What's up?
haven't read any of these. the 'mysteries of glass' reflect what i also find myself in right now. I am in love with a girl i cannot have. So i am trying to stop seeing her altogether and move on with my life. it is always painful. 'shipwreck' to would be an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of The Mysteries of Glass. I would pick it up just for that. I am glad to hear Addition is good as I have had this one awhile.
ReplyDeleteYou've been reading a lot. A Novel About My Wife sounds interesting - I'll be looking for your review of that one.
ReplyDeleteToni Jordan's book would hit too close to home for me. Even so, it sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteI had a flatmate with OCD, so Addition looks very interesting to me.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading! :)
I have just added most of these to my must read list. Especially the Japanese book. Sounds really good. Heck, they all do!!!
ReplyDeleteIt never fails, everytime I visit I end up adding more books to my list!
ReplyDelete'The Mysteries of Glass' looks great and 'Shipwrecks' reminds me of a well loved song around here by Stan Rogers - The Wreck of the Athens Queen.
I have an award for you here, Sandra!