July 2009 - book 22

'n Tapisserie met klein diere van Erika Murray-Theron 

Ek was aangenaam verras deur hierdie boek - ek het altyd gedink dat die skrywer jou tipiese Afrikaanse romantiese boeke skryf. Maar nee, sy skryf meesterlike stories wat ver buite die gewone raamwerk span.

In hierdie boek ontmoet 'n uiters komplekse en diverse familie mekaar vir 'n soort van reunie rondom 'n vakansie. Die uiteenlopende karakters, wat elkeen op sy eie manier tot jou spreek, het ook uiteenlopende geskiedenisse, fyn verweef met mekaar. Dan is daar ook die geraamtes in die familiekas wat ontbloot word.

Werklik 'n goeie en verrassende lees - 8/10

July 2009 - Book 21

 

Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella
This is not my usual reading matter, but it is one of the benefits in being in a bookclub - you get the chance to read  books you would not generally buy, and enjoy them. I can certainly see why the book was a bestseller and will read the other books in the series (but will not buy them). 

I found Becky very entertaining as a character, although she is sometimes rather shallow - but her heart is in the right place. We all know that becoming a mom is not the easiest transition ever, and Becky, well, takes the tumble and the stride with ease.

An entertaining but very light read - at a 6/10

July 2009 - Book 30

I am doing this one in Afrikaans as it is not available in English.
Verblyf deur Erika Murray-Theron

Wat 'n heerlike verassing was die boek nie. Ek het die boek doodeenvoudig impulsief by die boekklub geleen, en so ou tannie tipe boek verwag. Maar hierdie boek is uitstekend geskryf met 'n boeiende storielyn. Die hele toon van die boek is effe ongemaklik, mens kan as aan't ware die ontuisheid van die karakters in die boek aanvoel, wat op die ou einde vir almal na 'n soort van "behoort" ontwikkel.

Regtig 'n goeie lees.

Cat's gee die 7 en 'n half/10.

July 2009 - Book 19

The Road Home by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen
A modern version of the age old story of Ruth portrayed against the background of Las Vegas and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania's Amish and Mennonite communities. The book features many very likable characters and manages to wield the charm of a rural lifestyle by pure descriptions- I could form clear pictures in my mind as to the countryside, buildings and people.


I would have never bought the book in a shop,. but I guess that's one of the advantages of belonging to a  book club - you get to read books that surprise you quite often.


Well written is is really worth the read.


Cat's opinion: a solid 7and a half/10

July 2009 - Book no 24

"The Women" by T.C. Boyle.

Most architects have a hero, and architect that inspired them when they were students, someone that fascinates them. I have two, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright. I was therefore so excited when I heard about this book on Frank Lloyd Wright and the women in his life and I could hardly wait to buy it and read it.

In a fiction format it provides a fascinating look into the real life person of one of the greatest and most famous architects that ever lived and the 4 woman that played a major role in his life. From his arrogance and arguably womanizing ways to is sensitive part, well hidden behind the curtain of his larger than life persona. I also learned a lot about the facts surrounding his private life and biggest projects.

The narrator is a fascinating character in his own right and keeps a lively story line. I found that I could not put this book down and although it is a long read, I really enjoyed every page. Although this is really an excellent book, I am not sure if you would enjoy it if you have no previous knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright and his work. A great read for a limited audience.

9/10 for the interested.

July 2009 - Book no 23

In stead of trying to catch up on books from January, I would rather review them as I go along and catch up on the rest as I go on. As you can see, I am right on track with my target - actually 2 books ahead of schedule, but believe me with what I am busy at present, I am going to need that bit of play.

Book 23: The Secrets of the Notebook by Eve Haas.
I can not find this book at Amazon, but it is published by Harpertrue in the United Kingdom.

Imagine fleeing before the Nazi's and leaving your aged Grandmother behind, hoping she would go unnoticed. Imagine not hearing from her after 1943. Imagine being shown a notebook by your great grandmother on your 16th birthday, just to be denied reading it until you mothers death. And imagine finding out that you are the decedent of one of the biggest war heroes and wealthiest princes to have ever lived. And that you are not even Jewish. And that your Gran was murdered by the Nazis who was one of this prince's biggest admirers.

Yes, this is what Eve Haas finds out in a long search for her origins. It is a well written and fascinating story exploring the Prussian, Nazi era and cold war eras at the same time. What is even more amazing is that this is a 100% true story. I have not told you half of what happens, so do read this little book, it is a great read.
A fascinating 8,5/10