(or get it on Thursday the 16th when it officially comes out!)
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Best of Times
This week's "The Best of Times" did not even require reading past the front cover. I have been following the reviews and press for Katherine Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers for a while now and I am so glad that it is finally coming out. Certainly not light reading, this book delves into the stories of people living in the Annawadi slum near Mumbai's airport, specifically following a young garbage trader named Abdul. This sounds like an incredible, in-depth piece that will shed light on the deeply divided society and falls more on the eye-opening end of the scale than the entertaining. With Boo's impressive writing career (including a Pulitzer), I have no doubt that this will be a worthwhile and well-written venture.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Literary Links
Perfect for any bibliophile, these vintage Penguin Books cufflinks are an incredibly fun find. The only hitch, as well as the characteristic that makes them unique, is that they are actually made from old books. It seems wrong to cut up a book for any purpose, but anyone with a literary love will appreciate the sacrifice.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Princess and the Architect
With a subject like a fictionalized account of the story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal, my hopes were high. Unfortunately, Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The story follows the journey of Princess Jahanara as she navigates the political world of Hindustan and falls in love with the architect of the monument. Along the way, she deals with the death of her mother, the decline of her father, the arranged marriage with her cruel husband, and the rivalry of her brothers for the kingdom. My favorite aspect of the novel is the strength of the female characters. Her mother, and the woman the Taj Mahal is dedicated to, is an irreplaceable partner and advisor to the Emperor and she passes this knowledge and training onto Jahanara. Women are constantly underestimated in the community, which actually benefits Jahanara in several ways throughout the story including a crucial female spy and allies for an escape plan along with her own way of outsmarting those around her. Beneath a Marble Sky is definitely a pretty story with certain components I liked, but overall it was a book I could put down for periods of time without remorse. It’s not a large time commitment since it’s not very long, so if it sounds like a topic you’re interested in, definitely give it a whirl and you will be caught up in the romance of it if nothing else.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Fifty and Fabulous
Though A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle has had numerous covers over the past fifty years, the above will always be the only one for me. I have this version of the book on my shelf, though admittedly it is faded and worn as are all of the most-loved. I can't even count the number of times I read the tale of Meg and Charles Wallace over the years and how enthralled I was with the classic good versus evil battle. From Meg's brains and unwavering heart to the science fiction elements of the search for their father through the tesseract, it's impossible not to join the wild adventure. It is truly one of the books I grew up with and I am delighted that it is getting so much press on its 50th anniversary. If it isn't already, hopefully this will help it become a must-read for this generation as well as all future readers.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
And All That Jazz
A flashy tale set in 1930s New York, Amor Towles’ Rules of Civility follows the exploits of Katey, Eve, and Tinker as they orbit New York society. As if Edith Wharton was crossed with Gossip Girl, this book is a sensational treat filled with manipulation and social-climbing. Towles constructs a beautiful backdrop for the intrigue of his well-constructed characters and you will easily be transported to this era as well as reluctant to leave. Enjoy this novel with a cold martini and you’re guaranteed a great night.
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