Book 26: July 2008
A few months ago, my mom mentioned that she'd read a great book that she thought our book club would enjoy. I filed it away in my head, then pretty much forgot about it. It surfaced a few times and I thought I really ought to write down the title. As usually happens, I had to email her for the name (probably again). But this time, I'm writing it down and I'm suggesting (as she did), that we all read it together. It sounds like a TERRIFIC read. Please join me and my mom in reading People of The Book by Geraldine Brooks.
The book is centered on Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, who is offered the job of analyzing and conserving a priceless Jewish prayer book. Through the process, she discovers artifacts and begins to unlock the book's mysteries taking us through the past to trace the book's journey. History, mystery, love, books - and all of it inspired by a true story. Count me in.
Only bad part - it is not yet available in paperback.
Reviews from people we don't know:
"I listened to Geraldine Brooks on NPR. She was such a wonderful story teller, I decided to buy her book on a whim. I was immensely happy with my choice! Her book is well crafted and the main character is given considerable depth. Her prose is not on par with the 'masters,' but it is obvious that a ton of research was conducted prior to this book." - Tess
"Wow, I just turned the last page and I'm digging way back to try and remember a more enjoyable read. Geraldine Brooks proves that illumination can be done with more than just brushes and ink. So very nice to have discovered and read this marvelous book." - Liam
For this month's pairing, I'm recommending a wine that has nothing to do with the book other than I think you might like both - Sauvignon Blanc by Rancho Zabaco. It is light and delicious and reasonable priced, described on their site as "RACY & CRISP". What more can you ask for?
The book is centered on Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, who is offered the job of analyzing and conserving a priceless Jewish prayer book. Through the process, she discovers artifacts and begins to unlock the book's mysteries taking us through the past to trace the book's journey. History, mystery, love, books - and all of it inspired by a true story. Count me in.
Only bad part - it is not yet available in paperback.
Reviews from people we don't know:
"I listened to Geraldine Brooks on NPR. She was such a wonderful story teller, I decided to buy her book on a whim. I was immensely happy with my choice! Her book is well crafted and the main character is given considerable depth. Her prose is not on par with the 'masters,' but it is obvious that a ton of research was conducted prior to this book." - Tess
"Wow, I just turned the last page and I'm digging way back to try and remember a more enjoyable read. Geraldine Brooks proves that illumination can be done with more than just brushes and ink. So very nice to have discovered and read this marvelous book." - Liam
For this month's pairing, I'm recommending a wine that has nothing to do with the book other than I think you might like both - Sauvignon Blanc by Rancho Zabaco. It is light and delicious and reasonable priced, described on their site as "RACY & CRISP". What more can you ask for?
Not available in paperback, but available at your local library! (for most of us!)
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Okay... my first book as the newest member of the club. I have to admit, I was a little worried the first chapter in. A book about someone who restored books seemed about as dull as a subject matter as I could dream of. I confessed to Jennie that I wanted to give up on the book right out of the gate. I have important things to do like take my children to the waterpark and watch them ride up and down the block on their bikes. Okay, scratch that. I will give it another chance. Third chapter in, a little sex and intrigue... that'll keep me going. I finished no problem. I have to admit my lack of knowledge of world history began to bug me and "what century are we in now?" would continually plague me. It ended up being a fairly entertaining book. Maybe not the trashy teenage vampire summer read I was yearning for... but I won't say it was time poorly spent. I can't recall the scale of rating, but I believe it is out of five. I am giving it a three and a half. Maybe better fall material. I clearly like a little trash for the summer, but I liked the way the book skipped from character to character and I feel slightly more educated on worldly events. There was something not quite likable about the main character that kept me from truly enjoying the book. I am not sure what, but maybe someone else can pinpoint it. Anyhow, as a representative of half of the Canadian membership, I feel slight pressure in sounding a little more enlightened. However, my final review is.. it was pretty good. I've definitely read a lot better, but all in all a fulfilling read.
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