In the Shadow of the Banyan

Poignant tale of a young girl living as a refuge under the regime of the Khmer Rouge. My only problem with it is that sometimes the knowledge of the main character seemed beyond that of her age in the book. Beautifully written.

I just finished reading a beautiful novel, called, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. It tells of an older man who embarks on a journey of discovery and redemption. I've also finished reading another memorable book called, Forgotten Country. There are so many good books I've read this year, many of them debut novels that have been well reviewed. Some have even appeared on short lists for awards.

Mysteries

I guess I am really in the mood to read mysteries. I just finished two more, 61 Hours and Room No. 10. At least I am catching up on reading for my goal of 100 books this year. I've been way behind schedule.

I've been reading some mysteries lately, one called The Seventh Trumpet, the other called The Claws of the Cat. Both just okay. Starting my third mystery called Eva's Eye. A little bit of light reading for a change.

Those We Love Most

I have really mixed feelings about this story. In some ways, it seems so prosaic and predictable; even as it does have some memorable scenes and phrases. It is a very sad story, and I do not ultimately find it uplifting since I can't even begin to imagine the anguish expressed by the characters. The book has received many good reviews, and I can understand why even as I disagree.

I just finished reading The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, really enjoyed reading it but I actually liked the movie better. The two present quite different stories but the movie felt more credible and definitely more upbeat which I have to confess I liked.

I've been reading a lot, just not writing reviews. I think my brain has stopped working. My thoughts have dried up. Just finished a non-fiction title, Between Man and Beast. a book about an explorer of the Congo who wrote about the Lowland Gorilla, The book is set within the context of the discussion of the theory of evolution, Then I read a mystery called A Sunless Sea about the opium trade, specifically about the fortunes to be made by selling opium to an uninformed public.

The 100 YEAR Old Man Who Climbed Out The

Wonderfully humorous. Excellent.

Recent books read

I've been reading quite a bit lately without writing reviews. They were all good:
Tell the Wolves I'm home, The Garden of Evening Mists, The End of the Point, and Mary Coin, all good, although the first two listed are excellent.

Wild From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

The author of this book recounts vividly the astonishing tale of her solo hike of over eleven hundred miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin

An excellent story.