This book is an amazing story of two young men Lev Beniov who is arrested for looting during the Nazi seige in Lenigrad and Kolya, who is a charming deserter. The two are literally thrown together in a dark jail cell one night and an wonderful friendship begins. Instead of being executed the two are sent by the general on a crazy and near impossible mission. Times are so difficult for the people of Leningrad, they are cold, hungry and caught in the middle of the war. The journey that these two boys embark upon is terribly dangerous yet the friendship that develops is endearing to watch unfold and during those times of uncertaintly they were able to bring some humor and comfort to one another. I couldn’t put this book down and although at times it was difficult to read about how people lived and tried to survive during those times, I wanted to be with these boys to see how they handled each situation/obstacle that came their way. I higly recommend this book.

Buy City of Thieves: A Novel

Comments(4)

I have to say that this book drew me in immediately and I couldn’t put it down. The story is about a relationship between a 15 year old boy and a 36 year old woman. Although it is a complicated relationship, there is love and passion until one day she just disappears. The two do not see each other again for many years until just by coincidence the boy, who has grown into a man, sees her when she is on trial for committing a hideous crime. There are so many unanswered questions for the boy as well as the reader, and I have to say there is not a lot of closure in the end which I had a hard time with. I wanted answers and to know more. I liked the beginning of the book a whole lot better then the end, but I am glad that I read it and now I think I will see the movie, which stars Kate Winslet. She won the Best Actress Award at the Oscars for her role.

Buy The Reader

Comments(1)

“What happens when smart, educated women temporarily leave the work force for motherhood - and somehow don’t find their way back?” This book sounded like it was written just for me and I was so excited to read about it and I tried and tried and kept waiting for it to get started and tell me this great story…but it never happend. My husband heard the author on NPR and also thought it would be a great book. Just to make sure it wasn’t just me I even gave it to my neighbor who said the same thing, and she even finished it. The book is about 4 successful New York friends, who leave their careers temporarily to stay home and raise their babies and somehow 10 years later, and in their 40’s with older children who no longer need them around constantly, “they wonder how they got here - in lives so different from the ones they were brought up to expect - and why they have chosen to stay so long.” I know, it could have been the perfect book filled with all the answers some of us are looking for, but unfortunately it just didn’t do it for me.

Buy The Ten-Year Nap

Comments(2)

Regardless of your views on prostitution, you have to admit it is a fascinating world that really we do not know much about, mostly just our own preconceived notions. This book, written by a medical student, started her study out of curioisty about how no prostitutitues in Nevada (where prostitution is legal) had contracted HIV since testing for the disease started back in 1986. Her studies into that led her on her journey deep into the Nevada brothels where outisders have never really been admitted. I have to say that of course like many I have always wondered what makes a woman go into prostitution and honestly what is it like do what they do day after day, client after client. This book really lets you know about the business, about the woman, and even about the men that frequent the brothels. And like I said, regardless of how you feel about the issue, these women are just people trying to make a living and support themselves and their families. It is interesting to learn their stories and hear their feelings on what they do and why. Not to mention that they make really good money. The book is short, only about 250 pages and easy to get through. It is in interesting look into this very unknown world.

Buy Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women

Comments(3)