Books I Read This Month - April 2012

City of Thieves – David Benioff

When 17-year-old Lev is captured by the German military and meets another young feisty prisoner, the two are told the only way they will be freed is if they go on a quest to find a dozen eggs to bring back for a German girl’s birthday cake. Set in Russia during the scarce resource conditions of World War II, this coming of age story is both hilarious and moving. A fun read with quirky characters that provides a great picture of the freezing Russia of the 1940s. A fictionalized account of the author’s grandfather’s true story.

The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller

This is a fresh take on the story of the Trojan War, from the point of view of Patroclus. The love story of Patroclus and Achilles, wrought with drama, family loyalties, and the trials of war, The Song of Achilles is impossible to stop reading. The literary prose is beautiful and tangible.

Bel Canto – Ann Patchett

When terrorists, planning to murder the president, invade a wealthy man’s home during his birthday party, dozens of people are held hostage for weeks. The owner of the home, a Japanese businessman, falls in love with the woman he hired to sing at his party. Though at times it seems highly unrealistic, the likeability of the characters makes it hard to put down.

Henderson the Rain King – Saul Bellow

I am highly intrigued by African history and culture, and though this novel is completely fiction, I found it fascinating. A man named Henderson takes a trip to Africa alone because he is bored with the man he has become and is looking for a personality or spiritual change. Moving is some parts and goofy in most, this book is an enjoyable read.

When the Night­ – Cristina Comencini

Marina takes her young son on a trip to the mountains, where she stays in a rented cabin for a few weeks. The owner of the cabin, Manfred, is still coping with his divorce and is incredibly judgmental of all women. When Marina’s son, who refuses to speak and sleep, has a terrible accident, Marina and Manfred go head to head. I found that the characters were not likeable at all in this book, Manfred being a self-centered tough guy and Marina being a terribly self-conscious and terribly awful mother, but the prose style made me keep reading and reading until I had finished. Writers are always saying that it is difficult to make a character likeable, but I believe (or maybe I’m just an optimist who comes to like characters quite easily) it takes a lot of effort to make a reader dislike a character so strongly. I didn’t find any redeeming qualities in either Marina or Manfred, and yet this book is so enchanting I just had to continue reading.

Books I Read This Month - March 2012

Here are the books I read in the month of March! And remember I'll be participating in the A-Z blog challenge in April! See you then. :)


A Killer's Essence — Dave Zeltserman

A series of brutal murders and a mentally unstable witness leads a detective to question the existence of supernatural powers. A crime thriller with paranormal elements, this book explores the balance of good and evil in souls. An intriguing and quick read.


To the Lighthouse — Virginia Woolf

A disabled boy desires to travel to the lighthouse near his home, which he can see out his bedroom window, but his parents are afraid to take him. This may be the only plot line, and a weak one at that, but the philosophy behind the story is worth the read. While the prose can be hard to follow, the characters in this novel are dynamic and interesting. Virginia Woolf is a classic, modernist writer, and I believe everyone should read at least one of her books. This is the only one I've read so far, so I'm not sure if this is the one I'd recommend.


Wise Blood — Flannery O'Connor

After reading Flannery O'Connor's short fiction, I didn't know she could be funny, and while I was not surprised by this book's wonderfully written prose, I was surprised that I enjoyed the main character's journey more than those of O'Connor's other works. A young man moves to a new town, meets some intriguing and unique characters, and has a crisis of faith, founding The Church Without Christ. I very much liked this book. O'Connor is inching her way up my favorite writers list.


The Mysterious Island — Jules Verne

This classic is a fun, thrilling adventure story that I just couldn't put down! Even though it's quite long, over 600 pages, it is fast-paced, and the mysteriousness of the mysterious island upon which these five explorers crash is exciting. The occasional deus ex machina may turn some readers off, however.


The Sorrows of an American — Siri Hustvedt

Psychologist Erik Davidsen recalls episodes from his childhood and reads excerpts from his deceased father's writing works and memoirs while contemplating the meaning of freedom and forgiveness. Written in beautiful language, this book has great literary value. I would recommend it, especially to you, my fellow literature lovers.


The Fry Chronicles — Stephen Fry

As a British comedy lover, I absolutely had to read this book. I've already read Stephen Fry's first memoir and his four works of fiction, and this (his second memoir, which documents his college years and the beginning of his comedy acting career) made me love his work even more.

The Literary Lab Presents: Variations on a Theme Anthology

The Literary Lab's third anthology, Variations on a Theme is now available. My short story, "The Empty Nest" is included in the anthology, alongside 20 other brilliant writers.

You can find a paperback version of the anthology on Amazon here:

I can't thank The Literary Lab enough! And thanks to you fellow writers, for all your support. I hope you enjoy the anthology! :)

Peace, Aimee