The Reading List #33
I’ve had so many of these posts
ready and waiting to publish. I race through books at such a pace that I need
to hold back a little from publishing or this blog would feature book after
book after book.
Here’s the latest round-up of four
mini book reviews:
The Submission, Amy Waldman
During an anonymous competition
to find a designer for a 9/11 memorial, jurors open the envelope containing the
winner’s details to find he is an American Muslim, architect Mohammad Khan.
Debates as to his suitability or how this will be perceived by the public
ensue. I was really impressed by this novel, which explored the feelings of a
huge span of people in the wake of such a tragedy. There were different
reactions to the competition winner, and an interesting and complex picture of
America post-2011 was created. I also found Khan’s story incredibly moving,
as he documents a period living under suspicion wherever he walks, whilst
himself in mourning for the America he knows and loves.
The Lunch Box Diet, Simon Lovell
I got this free with a magazine
years ago and it has sat on my bookshelf ever since. When I finally picked it
up and read it, I was pleasantly surprised to find such a handy little guide.
It’s based on the concept of taking a full lunchbox to work and grazing from it
all day, and contains rules on portion sizes, food types to include, and how to
make sure the foods being eaten are well-balanced and varied throughout the
week. He suggests different food combinations, and how to make from scratch
your own marinades and dressings, all whilst explaining the nutritional
benefits of the foods he is suggesting you include. The idea is that it’s
tasty, nutritious and sustainable, and it’s an achievable lifestyle change,
especially for office-workers. I’m not going to embrace the plan fully, as I
have my own routines at the moment, but I certainly took a lot of lessons and
tips away from it.
Sisterland, Curtis Sittenfeld
Identical twins Kate and Violet,
now aged 33, couldn’t be much more different: Kate is a wife and mother, Violet
single and eccentric. When Violet predicts a major earthquake, which is picked
up on by journalists, Kate must evaluate her own life, and her relationship
with her sister. The two women were written convincingly, and the relationship
between the two sisters was written well – there were certainly parts where I
could draw comparison with my own sister and me. Small town life was captured
beautifully, and it was a pleasure to read.
May We Be Forgiven, A M Holmes
Harry is envious of his brother
George, who seemingly has the perfect home and family, until one adulterous
kiss makes George lose control, with awful consequences. Both brothers find
themselves starting a new life, and both need to make amends. This was
shocking, very realistic, and also written with great humour. The short, snappy
sections were a little too abrupt for me at times, but it was a family saga
originally and expertly handled.
What should I move onto next?
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