It's Monday what are you reading.

Well it's May already.  April just flew by, it was very busy, and May doesn't look like it's going to slow down.  I didn't read great amounts, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading my Irish authors throughout the month of March, and finished Maeve Binchy, The Glass Lake, into the first week of April.  And then I had a Sarah Addison Allen thing happen to me.  If you've read Sugar Queen, you'll remember the character found books appropriate to her life, at the moment, dilemma.  Well I went to my monthly Antique Assoc. meeting and didn't we have a guest speaker on Stain glass windows and their history.  She focuses on Notre Dame.  Meanwhile in the book world,  Margaret from Books Please, had recommended, The Cleaner of Chartres.  I really enjoyed the read, and was now able to visualize the lovely descriptions.

Up next Pretty Girls

Emerald Atlas, a quick review...

Emerlad Atlas

My Thoughts:  I read the reviews for this YA book somewhere in my blog roll, and immediately picked it up for my grand niece to read, when I got it home, I decided it was too thick and I might have to check out the contents before I passed it along.  (I always read the books I give as gifts).  This was a not very short read for a YA book, interesting, and if we all loved Harry Potter than this was up that alley.  As in Harry Potter the wack in the head for me was "the horrible way children are treated".  I hated that part in Harry Potter and for me the magic bit was just that, a little whimsy that a child uses to escape the horror of its life.  I can't imagine leaving my children "behind" or sending them off for their own safety. (Remember all those British children being evacuated, I know that did not turn out well) Huh? I'm not sure the mother of Kate, Michael and Emma should expect her kids to forgive her.  If the world is going to end, I'm going with my kids to that end.  All the while I was reading this book, I wanted to start adoption procedures, (just like when I read Harry Potter) my husband was not co-operative, but then again, maybe I was not pushy enough.  Anyway, this was a wonderful adventure, and as you can tell it certainly made me WILD, I look forward to see what the next book has to offer. 

P.S. I'm not sure my little niece will get this one, maybe my big niece.  They both know there is no orphanage in their futures so it won't traumatize them. 

I read this book as part of my What's in a Name Challenge (Jewelry or Gem).

Marriage Bureau for Rich People...

"That's right," interrupted Mr. Ali. "Your daughter  won't have a mother-in-law. you know what they say: A woman without a mother-in-law is a very fortunate daughter-in-law."

As a potential mother in law, I take personal offence to this line. But, I know it to be true.  How sad.  I don't have daughters, so I was hoping... However...  

For a pleasant read in a country other than what we know do read "Marriage Bureau for Rich People" it will open new worlds to you.  Once again my poor bookkeeping skills have not yielded the blogger who recommended this, but thanks anyway.  My parents had an arranged marriage, and it lasted "till death parted them." So it's interesting to hear of the beliefs around this type of custom.  go for it, read it.

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Where Are You Reading Challenge, India

Annexed, Sharon Dogar

 

My thoughts: WoW! I read Nise's review some time ago, and although it's been a long time since I read Anne Franks Diary, I was drawn to this story, although it was fictional, just because... I visited Auschwitz when my mom and I visited Poland a number of years ago.  It was the most incredible experience.  It has been something I will never forget, and reading the personal accounts real or factious has been a particular interest for me.  It may seem like a most gruesome interest, but such and important time that I cannot seem to forget.

Where are you Reading (Holland)
Photo of book I own.

The Book of Tomorrow...

My thoughts:  First off I want to say, I'm getting me one of these books.  I think actually the book was not such a huge part of the story. Tamara is certainly struggling. and I for one have never really considered how a young person would grieve.  It only just occurred to me through Tamara that perhaps my kids will have difficulty when one of their grandparents passes.  I don't know how one helps young people, they are too often not open to help.  I enjoy this book in spite of the "grief" I love the twists and turns, and I loved the historical descriptions of the surrounding "castle" and I particularly loved that Tamara appreciated it.  A good read.  Thank You to the blogger who recommended this one.

Ireland Reading Challenge

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Where are You Reading.

Safe From the Sea...

 My Thoughts:

This was  a short read, a family dealing with emotions, and secrets, and unresolved heartache.  I did enjoy this read as well.  I'm getting to be quite a sailor, I set out on the water for the last two books, and I must say a cruise is not in my immediate horizon.  

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Where Are You Reading   Minnesota