Books on the go!

Here are a few of my reads from the last few months:

Atonement
I found this over all to be a rather boring read with some good parts. The narrative throughout the war is particuarly good but in the end, I think most readers will walk away disappointed. I chose to read this because I heard such good things about the movie but was unable to get my hands on a copy. I really hope the movie was better...

Out of Iran
A really interesting autobiography about an elite and rich family in Iran and their escape during and after the revolution. I would highly recommend this book. Jermey and I read the whole thing out loud to each other over numerous dinners and he loved it as well.

Reading Lolita in Tehran
After you read the one above, make sure you read this one. This is a memoir/literary criticism about a middle class family and their experiences during the Shah's reign and after Kohmeini and his revolution. The writer talks about her secret literature classes where she taught banned novels to a select group of girls who once a week came to her hous and took off their veils. Evaluating numerous novels such as Pride and Prejudice and The Great Gatsby, the author shows how each girl from a different class and different perspective interprets these great books and sees themselves throught he character's eyes. Highly recommended.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
This is a fascinatnig biography/anthropological/medical study about a family of Hmong refuges from Laos struggle with doctors, CPS workers, community members, religion, and western culture to treat their daughter who was born with epilepsy. It will significantly change your mind and hyou heart when you read of not only their struggles but those of the doctors and it'll probably inspire you to be a little kinder with the next immigrant you meet who can't speak English. Highly Recommened.

Natural Causes
An airport novel about a doctor who is framed because she practices alternative medicine. It's a quick paced book that won't challenge you at all. But hey, if you'd like to check out and read a book as if you're watching a movie, go ahead. But don't be surprised by the numerous cheesy one-liners. Not recommended.

The Secret Life of Bees
Oh my! This is a beautiful comming of age story about Southern life, racism, the powerful bond between mothers and daughters, and the power within every woman to defend herself. I can't say anything more than to go---go read it! I don't want to give anything away! This book is perfect for mothers, daughters, sisters, nannies--pretty much every woman! LOVED IT. READ IT. (Aunt Judy, I expect to hear from you about this book!)

The Road
Well, I just started so I can't say too much except that it's obviously a master piece and sooo worthy of it's Pulitzer Prize. It's a post-apocolyptic novel about a father and son crossing American in search of the ocean and a better life. The book is relatively easy to read (with small chunks of stream of consciousness thrown in) but thoughtful. READ IT.