Books are the eyes into the world for those unable to travel it. Any reader wishing to travel to Tuscany's countryside need not save money and purchase a plane ticket. Simply pick up Frances Mayes' book Under The Tuscan Sun. Or for a mysterious travel throughout London and France, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova will hit just the right spot. Many a reader prefer numerous subjects, not just one. A reader who is thrilled when a new romance novel hits the shelves can also jump for joy over a new cookbook by Paula Deen. Open minds can be a wonderful thing.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
This book combined travel, mystery, suspense, romance, and murder all in one. It is a fine everyday read, however, once started it will only take a short time to finish. Based in such places as London, Amsterdam, and France, this memior takes the reader from 20th century to 15th century...and everywhere in between. Kostova's memory of exact conversations from years before is profound. And whether he is referred to as Drakula or Vlad the Impaler, he is always been a perfect villian to hate, and this book makes him no different. This book is worthy of a second read.
This book combined travel, mystery, suspense, romance, and murder all in one. It is a fine everyday read, however, once started it will only take a short time to finish. Based in such places as London, Amsterdam, and France, this memior takes the reader from 20th century to 15th century...and everywhere in between. Kostova's memory of exact conversations from years before is profound. And whether he is referred to as Drakula or Vlad the Impaler, he is always been a perfect villian to hate, and this book makes him no different. This book is worthy of a second read.
Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout
A wonderful mother-daughter relationship story that brings in many outside characters which the author deftly develops. You really get to know these people. Isabelle is a single mother bringing up a daughter, Amy, in a New England mill town in the 60's. Amy is Isabelle's life and when she gets involved with her Math teacher, Isabelle is actually jealous of the relationship. She regrets that her love life is completely empty. The story revolves around this relationship, the office staff at the mill where Isabelle works, UFO sightings, a missing teenager, and class struggles. Strout is a master at developing these themes and resolving, in the end, Amy and Isabelle's relationship.
A wonderful mother-daughter relationship story that brings in many outside characters which the author deftly develops. You really get to know these people. Isabelle is a single mother bringing up a daughter, Amy, in a New England mill town in the 60's. Amy is Isabelle's life and when she gets involved with her Math teacher, Isabelle is actually jealous of the relationship. She regrets that her love life is completely empty. The story revolves around this relationship, the office staff at the mill where Isabelle works, UFO sightings, a missing teenager, and class struggles. Strout is a master at developing these themes and resolving, in the end, Amy and Isabelle's relationship.
