Continuing my post from a couple a days ago, here are some more books that I have read in the last month:
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
This book was incredible. It is definitely one of the best books I have ever read, which is not surprising since it won the Pulitzer Prize (that is actually why I had put it on my wishlist; one of my methods for finding new books is looking at lists of award recipients).
The book is set in both the Bronx and the Dominican Republic. It tells the story of Oscar Wao, an unpopular, Dominican nerd, and his family. The book combines Dominican history and culture with a classic and compelling coming of age story. While the book is mostly in English, Díaz mixes in Spanish words and phrases regularly. However, at no point did I feel excluded or isolated. Instead, this book became the determining factor in my beginning to learn Spanish in my free time. That is how good it is; it inspired me to do something. I recommend this book to anyone. Read it.
Invisible by Paul Auster
Paul Auster writes meta-fiction at it's finest and his newest novel does not disappoint. However, trying to summarize this plot results in a problem because if I try to tell you what it is about, I will ruin some great twists. Let me just say that it is a compelling story, exquisitely written, that highlights some of my favorite aspects of literature: perspective, reliance on the narrator and self-awareness. I am sorry if I am vague. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Willaim Faulkner, Agatha Christie, Atonement by Ian McEwan or the movie Memento.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson
This is one of the best crime thrillers I have read in years. Not only was it a good story, but I was captivated by the details of Swedish life that snuck into the novel. Written by that late Stieg Larrson, the book tells the story of a fallen Swedish financial reporter. He becomes wrapped up in his new assignment: researching a tycoon's family history in search of a girl who has been missing for 40 years. While researching, he comes in contact with one of the most interesting mystery characters I have ever read about: a girl called Lisbeth Salander, a very private and secretive computer hacker.
While each element of the story could be a corny stereotype, Larrson weaves a complex story that keeps you turning pages as fast as your eyes can take you. Please do not be put off by the book's hefty size. You will not be bored by it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes crime fiction or thrillers.
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larrson
Shortly before Steig Larrson passed away he turned 3 manuscripts over to his publisher. This was the second manuscript. The third will be published next month in America. I won't tell you much about this sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo because I don't want to ruin it. I will admit, I didn't like the first half of the book. I thought it was slow and not as well written as his first book. However, about 150 pages in, the book took a drastic turn for the better and I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book only if you have read the first one and then it is obligatory.
That concludes my summary of books read in the last month. I am currently reading The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho. Hopefully you will hear all about it next month.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
This book was incredible. It is definitely one of the best books I have ever read, which is not surprising since it won the Pulitzer Prize (that is actually why I had put it on my wishlist; one of my methods for finding new books is looking at lists of award recipients).
The book is set in both the Bronx and the Dominican Republic. It tells the story of Oscar Wao, an unpopular, Dominican nerd, and his family. The book combines Dominican history and culture with a classic and compelling coming of age story. While the book is mostly in English, Díaz mixes in Spanish words and phrases regularly. However, at no point did I feel excluded or isolated. Instead, this book became the determining factor in my beginning to learn Spanish in my free time. That is how good it is; it inspired me to do something. I recommend this book to anyone. Read it.
Invisible by Paul Auster
Paul Auster writes meta-fiction at it's finest and his newest novel does not disappoint. However, trying to summarize this plot results in a problem because if I try to tell you what it is about, I will ruin some great twists. Let me just say that it is a compelling story, exquisitely written, that highlights some of my favorite aspects of literature: perspective, reliance on the narrator and self-awareness. I am sorry if I am vague. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Willaim Faulkner, Agatha Christie, Atonement by Ian McEwan or the movie Memento.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson
This is one of the best crime thrillers I have read in years. Not only was it a good story, but I was captivated by the details of Swedish life that snuck into the novel. Written by that late Stieg Larrson, the book tells the story of a fallen Swedish financial reporter. He becomes wrapped up in his new assignment: researching a tycoon's family history in search of a girl who has been missing for 40 years. While researching, he comes in contact with one of the most interesting mystery characters I have ever read about: a girl called Lisbeth Salander, a very private and secretive computer hacker.
While each element of the story could be a corny stereotype, Larrson weaves a complex story that keeps you turning pages as fast as your eyes can take you. Please do not be put off by the book's hefty size. You will not be bored by it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes crime fiction or thrillers.
The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larrson
Shortly before Steig Larrson passed away he turned 3 manuscripts over to his publisher. This was the second manuscript. The third will be published next month in America. I won't tell you much about this sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo because I don't want to ruin it. I will admit, I didn't like the first half of the book. I thought it was slow and not as well written as his first book. However, about 150 pages in, the book took a drastic turn for the better and I couldn't put it down. I recommend this book only if you have read the first one and then it is obligatory.
That concludes my summary of books read in the last month. I am currently reading The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho. Hopefully you will hear all about it next month.
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