Tag Archive book reviews

ByGD

Because I’ve Read Assata

Assata autobiography coverI’ve mentioned my history with book clubs more than once. But I’m trying one more time, with #BecauseWe’veRead, and their inaugural choice, Assata An Autobiography. Read More

ByGD

Lachesis’ Allotment

Lachesis' Allotment book coverI never knew the names of the Fates in Greek mythology until I saw the new musical, String, at Village Theatre last month. Lachesis is the middle sister who allots each of us our life’s length of thread. A few days later, I was offered a review copy of the book, Lachesis’ Allotment, by Diana R.A. Morris. I had to check it out. Read More

ByGD

New Old World

NewOldWorldCover I don’t remember where I first read about New Old World by Pallavi Aiyar, but I do remember that I stopped reading and immediately put a hold on the book at the library. And I’m so glad I did because it might be the best book I’ve read all year. New Old World was eye opening in the same way that the novel The Life of Octavian Nothing was for me – it changed my perspective on something I thought I already knew, and I will never look at it the same way again. Read More

ByGD

Book Report: Names for the Sea

Names for the Sea book cover

I took a picture of my copy. I like the American cover best, partly because I know where to stand to get this shot of Tjornin.

People read travel stories about places they have never been in order to vicariously experience a trip they could never take themselves. Or they read as a form of research for trips to places they might someday go. I’m not sure if it is as common to read travel books about places you have already been, but I like to do it. It’s a weird combination of vicarious adventure, excitement over shared experience, and the alternate schadenfreude over the author’s mistakes and embarrassment at the reader’s own. Read More

ByGD

Book Report: Frisky Business

Frisky Business Book CoverPartway through 101 Reykjavík, I got fed up with Hlynur Björn. I had to take a break from him, so I picked up Tawna Fenske’s latest release, Frisky Business. It was just the playful thing to break up the sludge of Hlynur’s misanthropy, and it delivered all the goodies that I’ve come to expect from Fenske’s books. Read More