NORA BONESTEEL'S CHRISTMAS PAST by Sharyn McCrumb

Two separate Christmas stories that take place in McCrumb’s Appalachia are intertwined in this cozy novel. Although the stories never link they are both lyrical and atmospheric.  McCrumb’s characters are fully developed even though the two stories are individually quite short – novella length.  Both combine comic scenes with pathos.  I enjoyed the jumps from story to story as the chapters alternate stories.  Some may find this disconcerting.  

4 of 5 stars

IN PRAISE OF HATRED by Khalid Khalifa

IN PRAISE OF HATRED   by Khaled Khalifa

I tried really hard to like this book, but the bad translation stymied me. I made it through 75 pages before giving up. It badly needs some explanation of the many Islamic/Turkish/Arabic words and phrases used.

FROM BOMBOLONI TO BAGEL by Jacqueline Semha Gmach

This interesting and informative book detailing the life of a Jewish woman born and raised in Tunisia and finally living in America is written in a series of vignettes.  The order of the vignettes wanders from Tunisia to France to Canada to Israel and America and back again.  The reader often wishes the order were more chronological, but the tales are interesting and follow a thematic message.

The structured life of a very sheltered and privileged family is detailed although the effect of WWII is glossed over initially. When the author moves to France for university we learn more of her life and the life of her future husband as the Shoah (Holocaust) shatters Jewish life in Europe and North Africa. The structured life of observant Jews is detailed and made interesting for the general reader.

Finally the author lives out the advice of her first “real” teacher – If you want to succeed, you can – and finds a fulfilling and very successful life in America, the land of the bagel.

4 of 5 stars

The Execution by Dick Wolf

THE EXECUTION   by Dick Wolf

A great thriller with good characterization and tight plotting.  The characters are "real" with back stories that support their actions.  The plot is believable and moves along quickly without feeling rushed. The final twist is realistic and right for the characters.

4 of 5 stars

TOMORROW THERE WILL BE APRICOTS by Jessica Soffer

Lorca, Victoria and Blot, three damaged people, populate this novel that touches on Iraq, cutting and drug addiction leavened by lies, secrets and poor parenting.  Ultimately hopeful, the book drags a bit after many chapters of discouraged, depressed people.  I was happy to see the end. 

The three main characters, Lorca’s mother and Victoria’s “best friend” Dottie are all clearly drawn. Each is likeable except for Lorca’s mother who is clearly the villain. Joseph, the only other character, is not so well developed and plays an important, though minor, role.

Cutting and food are also main characters.  I learned much about the whys of cutting, coming away with a very sympathetic and empathetic view of those who suffer from this scary disease.   Food offers the much needed lightness.  Iraqi dishes are presented and prepared by Lorca and Victoria. One recipe is given. I would have liked to have others – the descriptions had my mouth watering!

Because I feel the book is too long, only 3 of 5 stars.

ISLAND OF A THOUSAND MIRRORS by Nayomi Munaweera

I enjoyed the writing which was clear and moving. The descriptions of the island were wonderful, not just the physical beauty but the smells of food, people and nature.  I felt like I really knew the characters.  I hope the final edition has a “cast of characters” as it was difficult to keep the various families and generations straight, especially as they were seemingly unrelated as the narrative moved from generation to generation and Sinhala to Tamil and back again.  I learned a vast amount about the Sri Lankan history of civil violence. 

Book groups will find themselves discussing discrimination, arranged marriage, ethnic differences, education, parental desires for their children, the life of the immigrant in a new land, jealousy between siblings, soldier versus terrorist, the effect of violence on people and culture, and the sense of smell. Some groups may find the descriptions of sexuality (including violent rape) disturbing.   

4 of 5 stars