Recent Reads

46. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors
This would be a fun and colorful way to introduce beginner readers to words and a culture they might not be otherwise exposed to. Rating: 3 stars.

47. Looking at Lincoln
This little biography of Lincoln is done with Maira Kalman's usual flair, and is a delight to read. I love how she paints with such care everyday things - Lincoln's hat for example. There is something so fresh about her style. I guess this is targeted for the kiddie set, but I poured over it, and learned something new to boot. Rating: 4 stars.

48. Safe from the Neighbors
I like how the author weaves a story set in present day Mississippi, and the flash point days of 1962 during the integration of Ole Miss. The novel explores history - personal, town, state and national - and the consequences of actions both great and small. Rating: 3 stars.

49. Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar
First thing to know going in, is that this is not your mama's advice column of old. Second thing to know is that it works better if you look at each letter/response as a short story, and treat it that way. Read. Linger. Marinate. Pet the cat. Take a nap with said cat. Go for a walk. Read another letter. Repeat.

I read this book over a couple of months, dipping in and out, tapas style, and I honestly believe that the book looses its power if read in one sitting. Yes, some letter/response combinations are amazing, and some are merely OK, but the writing. The writing is fierce, and honest, and blazing, and sharp, and clear, and when it is good, it is oh so good. Take my breath away good. And I say this as one of the few people on the planet who did not love her hiking memoir Wild. This one reads more like an authentic, soul-baring memoir than Wild, and with this one, she just got herself a new fan. Dang it but I've joined the herd. Rating: 4 stars.