Thursday, January 8, 2009

Book club

A few books I've read recently:


Who by Fire by Diana Spechler

Publishers Weekly says:

"In her affecting debut, Spechler raises the question of whether, in rescuing others, we risk ruining ourselves. Thirteen years after the abduction of youngest child Alena at the age of six, the remaining members of the Kellerman family are still deeply damaged by their shared loss. Though the ending is overly tidy, Spechler's debut raises provocative questions about religion, violence and the resilience of families and individuals."

JGIWC says:

Start to finish, this had me constantly guessing and always wanting more. It's not often that I read books so tied to Judaism but this was suggested to me and I felt wildly inspired upon completion. I don't necessarily agree with PW's opinion about the ending - I believe that tidy within writing can be wonderful. I highly recommend this. It is phenomenal.



American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Publisher's Weekly says:

Um...I can't find it but I know it was negative.

JGIWC says:

You all know how ecstatic I was to read this and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I have to be honest. I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed Prep.

And now, to be really honest, I think I liked it more! Are you shocked? Sittenfeld is truly my mentor; she makes me feel as though there is unlocked potential in me and that some day I can achieve some of what she has in a writing capacity. She's unbelievably articulate and never ceases to amaze me.


Next on my list...


Ani ohevet Rechov Sumsum!

12 comments:

  1. I have been dying to read American Wife, but have been nervous about reviews. I now have to go out and buy it!

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  2. I have stopped by your blog and have been so rude as to NEVER have left a comment. So in 2009 i vow to be a better blogger and say Hi when I stop by! LOve your blog!! Much blessings for 2009!!

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  3. Love this post. I am putting these on my list. I just love your blog, not sure why I did not find it sooner.

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  4. Being slow sometimes to keep up with things, we just finished "Man of my Dreams." We are loathe to disagree with someone who knows this stuff like you do, but we liked it even less than 'Prep,' and we weren't too fond of that at all.

    We feel so.... so... well, plebian.

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  5. I LOVED American wife. So great. Thanks for the other recommendations!

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  6. Thank you for sharing, I'm definitely going to pick up a copy of American Wife as I also enjoyed reading Prep.

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  7. where in the world can i get a copy of some hebrew sesame street....

    it has been far, far too long

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  8. I liked Who by Fire and I intensely disliked American Wife. I have several great books I've read recently based on Jewish families. If you like, I'd be happy to send them your way as I usually try to pass my books on. If you want you can email me at ktlangmeyer@yahoo.com and I'll get them to you.

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  9. I have heard of Who by Fire, but just haven't had the chance to read it yet. I must make the time !

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  10. I want to read American Wife! You should post some of your work on here.

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