Book Recommendations August, 2011:
Books I’ve recently read and loved:
Mary Ladd Gavell: I CANNOT TELL A LIE, EXACTLY: AND OTHER STORIES. Ms. Gavell found success posthumously. Her tales are beautiful, heartrending – and heartwarming. They’ll remain with you long after you close the covers.
Stacy Schiff: CLEOPATRA. Ms. Schiff has a sardonic wit, a highly readable style, and her research into a fascinating subject is prodigious.
And for those who haven’t picked up MIDDLEMARCH in a while, George Eliot’s brilliant prose provides a lovely, thoughtful ramble through the verdant British countryside.
Martha Beale Fans responded with their own terrific suggestions.
Dana Chesnos:
Michel Faber’s THE CRIMSON PETAL AND THE WHITE, it is truly astounding, one of those “I couldn’t put it down until I was finished it” books. Stupendous.
Also: THE RELIGION by Tim Willocks. Simply the best book I have ever read.
William J D Jordan:
TRIPLE AGENT by Joby Warrick. It is just out and is currently in the NY times top 20 best sellers. Non-fiction that reads like a spy novel.
Stacia Friedman:
LA SEDUCTION, an exploration of French culture by the former NY Times Paris correspondent. It was a VERY good read.
Right now, I’m re-reading Michael Chabon’s THE YIDDISH POLICEMAN’S UNION. He uses such rich language, I feel I’m gaining weight as I turn the pages.
John Touhey:
THE PIANO SHOP ON THE LEFT BANK by Thad Carhart. It’s one of my favorite “turn off the light” books for the author takes one on such lovely moments that you just want to turn off the light and savor the moment.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR FAVORITES, AND I’LL ADD THEM TO OUR LIST!
Happy Reading,
Cordelia
