July 2011 - Book 16

 The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

 

 I am not a lover of autobiographies or biographies at all. I much rather prefer the escape that fiction brings. But sometimes the saying "truth is stranger than fiction" actually rings true. Without a doubt this is one of those instances.

Whilst reading this book I was constantly gasping for my breath, wondering if indeed there were people thinking and living the way the author was raised. The result of a total dreamer alcoholic for a dad and a frustrated idealistic artist for a mom, Jeannette turns out a huge success in life, but not without fighting every misguided principle her parents forced on them Strangely enough, only the youngest sibling seem to be unable to break the constraints of a seemingly childhood of freedom or neglect, however you wish to phrase it.

Totally fascinating and extremely well written, this is a memoir worthy of a read and the bestseller status it has achieved. 

A must read 9/10

June 2009 - Book 16

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
I have looked at this book for years, thinking to buy it and always choosing something else in stead. I was simply not ready for another story of liberation in Africa. So when I saw it in the Book club, I also took a few months before I actually borrowed it and read it. And boy, was I wrong about this book - it is not about politics in -Africa at all, but more about politics right in every home.

When a borderline deranged missionary decides to take his family to Africa to "save the savages" the real savage in him comes out to play. A brutal and disillusioned man, he influences the lives of his daughters until the end of time.

Excellently written and a great story with very real and unique characters, this is simply a "must" read. Even if you do not feel like another African read.

Cat's rating: 9/10