Because good things continue to come in threes...

I am reading three books simultaneously again:

1. The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.
I figured that there are so many of them, it must be a good book. It's off to a slow start for me, though. I am hoping it gets better.

2. When a Crocodile Eats the Sun by Peter Godwin.
I have a thing for Africa. Any time I find out that there is a biography or autobiography of someone who lived and experiences some part of Africa, I have to read it. So this is the latest. I have high hopes. I'll let you know...

3. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella.
In my last post here I told you I was reading Kinsella's first book in the series, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I am excited to read the next on, although I've been told that none of them stack of to the first in the series. But I am holding out hope regardless.

Good things come in threes...

I am reading three books simultaneously right now and they are all really good.
1. A Death in Belmont -Sebastian Junger (given to me by Mr. C for Easter)
2. Confessions of a Shopaholic -Sophie Kinsella (yes, it took me awhile to get on this bandwagon)
3. Bodies and Souls -Isabel Vincent (purchased on a recent weekend trip away and inspired by my desire tor ead more about the persecution of the Jewish prior to WWII)

I recently finished Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky, so anything I read after that was a hard act to follow.

What else?...

It's awesome.
It's relevant.
It's scary as hell,
but everyone should read this book.

Blood Diamonds

Mr. C and I went to see the movie by the same name a week ago. It was one of those movies that makes you want to go home and join an organization, or donate money, or adopt an orphan. I couldn't shake the images, and to some extent still can't. I wanted to read more about it and find out where truth and fiction were blurred. Turns out there was more truth than fiction in the film, as I had anticipated. I have just started the book. I can't imagine that it will be a bad read; only a very sad one.

Museum of the Missing

Museum of the Missing by Simon Houpt was one of many books that I received for Christmas. Some of my favourite moments on Christmas Day and in the days following Christmas are spent curled up on the couch, with a hoard of dark chocolate and some really good books. I usually like to read non-fiction right after Christmas. I really don't know why...

This book is a nice coffee table book, but also a very easy and interesting read. The early section deals primarily with artwork that was stolen during WWII, which is a concise and fascinating read. It is well-written and has beautiful photographs and reproductions of all the major artwork which is described. I highly recommend it if you find this topic in any way interesting. I am half-way through, but so far, I rate it an 8/10.

Serving Crazy with Curry

I am currently reading Serving Crazy with Curry by Amulya Malladi, which humorously describes a woman's pressure to marry and become a traditional Indian wife and the humiliation os losing her job in Silicon Valley. She tries to commit suicide as a result, only to be found and rescued by her obsessive mother. This book was recommended to me by Sophie, when I was going through my brother's suicide attempts, and I am finding it very insightful and genuine. I don't know whether the author has any firsthand experience with suicide attempts, but it reads in a refreshing and candid tone. The characters are delightful and remind me of Bend it Like Beckham, which remains one of my favorite movies. I am not finished yet, but I have a feeling that it will warrant a high rating!

Christmas Reading Wishlist

My Christmas Book Wishlist
In no particular order:

• Hundertwasser -Harry Rand
• Childhood Treasures: Handmade Gifts for Babies and Children: -Caroline Zoob
• My Naughty Little Sister -Dorothy Edwards
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas -David Fickling
• Sala's Gift: My Mother's Holocaust Story -Anne Kirschner
• Inheritance of Loss -Kieran Desai
• Running in the Family -Michael Ondaatje
• The Sea -John Banville
• Your Daughter Fanny; The War Letter of Frances Cluett
• Apples: Recipes from Canada's Best Chefs -Elaine Elliot
• Jamie's Dinners: Family Meals for Everyone -Jamie Oliver
• Women in England 1500-1700: A Social History -Anne Laurence