Books stimulate our minds, soothe our souls, make us laugh...and think.
THE ELEGANCE Of THE HEDGEHOG by Muriel Barbery A new gem! "Someone is playing a classical piece on the piano. Ah, sweet, impromptu moment, lifting the veil of melancholy...In a split second of eternity, everything is changed, transfigured. A few bars of music, rising from an unfamiliar piece, a touch of perfection in the flow of human dealings - I lean my head slowly to one side, reflect on the camellia on the moss of the temple, reflect on a cup of tea, while outside the wind is rustling the foliage, the forward rush of life is crystallized in a brilliant jewel of a moment that knows neither projects nor future, human destiny is rescued from the pale succession of days, glows with light at last, and, surpassing time, warms my tranquil heart."
HOW TO LIVE : A Search for Wisdom From Old People by Henry Alford - This book is a treat you give yourself! Not only filled with inspiring stories of energetic, bright and eccentric people, it is a heartening family story. You will be engaged from the first page. It is a book to keep on the bedside and a book to share with your friends. A 'comfort' book to dip into when you need a lift.
GENTLEMEN AND PLAYERS by Joanne Harris - for comments, see the blog, then visit her site: www.joanne-harris.co.uk/ ASTRID and VERONIKA by Linda Olsson - for comments, see the blog, then visit her website: http://www.lindaolsson.net/me/ THAT SUMMER in SICILY by Marlena de Blasi - A most unusual story that engages our imagination, informs about Sicily's casa nostra and offers a thoughtful philosophy of living. Many layers. HUNTING AND GATHERING by Anna Gavalda - This book takes you into the lives of others in ways you cannot imagine; it is set in Paris and was translated from French; it is in turn heartwarming, funny, sad, cheerful - in fact, it is like life itself. When I finished reading it, I thought wouldn' t this make an amazing movie - like Amelie - and then I find out it was made into a movie Ensemble, c'est tout, and Audrey Tautou plays Camille! Just cannot wait to find it! Read this book - on the last page you will be replete. PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks - This remarkable history and mystery of the real Sarajevo Haggadah is woven into the lives of imaginary characters in a most unique manner, as the plot moves forward following Hanna, the passionate Australian book conservationist, and alternates with the history of the manuscript moving back in time. We see how, between us as individuals, there is much caring in the world, which is terribly and sadly squandered by ethnic and religious divisions. You will not want to put this book down - perfect for a winter afternoon. THREE CUPS OF TEA by Greg Mortenson and David Relin - What happens when a young American mountaineer makes up his mind to build schools for the children of Pakistan, high in the mountains? This is an incredible true story...a page turner! Bravo, Greg! THREE DAY ROAD by Joseph Boyden - Boyden weaves a truly Canadian epic of courage and realism, of friendship and coming of age in the forests of the north and on the battlefields of World War One. Unforgettable. (Giller Prize winner 2008) WHAT IS AMERICA? A SHORT HISTORY OF THE NEW WORLD ORDER by Ronald Wright - He fills in the blanks in the history of America and it is not a pretty picture. This is sobering and necessary reading...but be prepared to face a depressing reality. This is not a middle-of-the-night book...but it ought to be required reading for every citizen of America. (Well documented? His notes alone comprise over 100 pages.) nothing to be frightened of by Julian Barnes - An incredible book - reading it is like sitting across the table, sharing a glass of wine with Barnes as he talks about his family, his life, and his view of what happens when....His wit, his intelligence and his human vulnerability will touch you deeply. THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, trans. from Spanish - Talk about fast-paced! This wild ride of suspenseful twists and turns offers inventive imagery and sly humour. This book spent over a year on the best-seller list in Spain. THE TRAVEL BOOK by Lonely Planet You have to see it! http://www.raincoast.com/lonelyplanet/travel-book.html OLD FILTH by Jane Gardam - A jewel, discovered two years ago when it was recommended by Martin Levin, Books Editor of The Globe & Mail, it is a novel which will always stay with you. The story of a retired British judge - FILTH (Failed In London Try Hong Kong ) - and those around him - reflecting on his life. Exquisitely-crafted, funny and touching. Unforgettable. THE UNCOMMON READER by Alan Bennett - What happens when the Queen takes up reading as a hobby? With tongue-firmly-in-cheek, the inimitable British playwright (The Madness of King George III) and author Alan Bennett creates a scenario which both informs and delights. If only Stephen Harper would accept Yann Martel's invitation, Canadians could see what wonders may be wrought! Check out this link to Martel's site! Yann Martel and Stephen Harper - 63 books and counting! THIS is Book 43!http://www.whatisstephenharperreading.ca/about/ THE 100-MILE DIET: A YEAR OF LOCAL EATING by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon - In 2005, freelance journalists and authors, Alisa and J.B. who live in B.C. embarked on an adventure in eating. Concerned as we all are about the distance our food travels and what effect that is having on our planet, they decided to restrict their food for one year to what could be purchased/found/grown within a 100 mile radius of their home. The couple alternates chapters in recounting their story. They detail their triumphs and their frustrations with finding food and - sometimes - with each other - which is both reassuring and honest. Go to their site for great info and an interview with the authors which will complete the picture. They suggest not everyone has to do this for an entire year - start with one day a week or one week a month. Just fascinating! calm by Steve Barnett - The title says it all. Open, see, breathe, feel.... See it here: http://www.amazon.ca/Calm-Steve-Barnett/dp/images/0740756672 THE ENCHANTED APRIL by Elizabeth Von Arnim. Loved this book! The sentiment and her voice are so au courant that it's hard to believe that it was written in 1922...a lovely evocation of how the beauty of nature in a sunny clime such as Italy and a complete change of venue and pace can soothe the spirit, change attitudes...and lives. BROTHERS: THE HIDDEN HISTORY OF THE KENNEDY YEARS by David Talbot, founder of salon.com and a journalist with the San Francisco Examiner. This is a fascinating and extraordinarily well-researched analysis of the Kennedy administration and what happened to Jack and Bobby once they got to the White House. Talbot also investigates Bobby's attempts to find out what happened to his brother and RFK's own assassination in a stunning conclusion. What Talbot reveals will change your world view.
