I recently finished two good books. The first was "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. While it spanned almost a century, it was a surprisingly quick read. Recommended by a friend, I was nervous that it was going to be all history and dates which is the reason that "Devil in the White City" will probably rot in the back of my closet* or become kindling next winter. The story traces the history of a friendship that spans a half century in China. It was the kind of book that made me turn on my computer at 11:00pm to check out pictures of foot-binding. Since I finished, I have thought about or spoken to someone about the book several times, which is always the mark of a good read. Highly recommended.
The other book I just finished was "Water For Elephants." You know how some books are tough to get into. This wasn't. While there are a cast of characters, they are all introduced in spurts and you kind of pick them up as you go (like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz) and so it's not overwhelming. The author tells the story in flashback mode, so there's this toggle between his 2o-something and 90-something self. Of course you want to skip the 90 year old part and get back to the juicy life with the circus, but you can't because it's also funny and sweet in it's own right. I bought it last week on sale (hardcover) but it's coming out in paperback next month.
* If anyone wants Devil in the White City leave a message with your email here!
Oh my, you absolutely have to read Devil in the White City. It is a great book, and the history is not so overwhelming...it is very interesting. It is one of the best books, really!!!
Posted by: Mishka | March 22, 2007 at 05:59 AM