Since Dulce was the illustration for my post on Tuesday, it is really Chispa's turn today, but I had a hard time finding a good one of her in my mess of photos. I'll keep looking and share one later.
My teasers were a little unfair since I didn't really give much in the way of hints. So I shall reveal all here today.
Teaser one: O Jerusalem by Laurie King. The book is set in early 1920s Palestine where she and Holmes, not yet married, have quietly entered the country, and have so far spent most of the book traveling on foot. They arrive at the Dead Sea on their way to Jerusalem where Mary is able to swim (?) float in the water. Did I mention she has been dressed as a young Arab boy?
Teaser two: The Bridge of Beyond by Simone Schwarz-Bart, which is a NYRB Classics selection from a couple of years ago. It is translated from French and set on the island of Gaudeloupe. It's an eloquently told story of three generations of women with a dash of magical realism to it. I have yet to pick up and read an NYRB that I didn't like!
Teaser three: The Siege by Arturo Perez-Reverte. I went through a phase where I read a number of his books in close succession and loved the literary conundrums of the stories. This is a writer who who is truly erudite and intellectual. It won last year's CWA International Dagger. He does not scrimp on either character development or plot. Reading his work is like having an expensive multi-course dinner in a very fine restaurant!
Teaser four: The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman. I swear I read this book before years ago, but I recall pretty much nothing from that first reading. How sad to think of all the stories I read and loved that have faded from mind. Read before or not, I am thoroughly enjoying it this time, too. It is a sparkling romantic comedy. Very light but not too fluffy.
Teaser five: Homesick by Eshkol Nevo. This is one of my last class books, which I am trying to finish soon. I have three class books on the go at the moment, but only one left to discuss as a group. I have quite a list of potential reads for when I am finished and sad that I might not get another opportunity like this anytime soon. I'll share my list soon, but in the meantime, Homesick is a totally engaging read. I guess the book was hugely popular in Israel. It is written from a variety of points of view--of the inhabitants of a small town. I love how some of the same events are looked at from different characters and with entirely different perspectives. I'll have lots more to say about this one when I finish.
A little random sampling of books I am reading at the moment. I hope to find some quiet corner this weekend to hole up in and read to my heart's content. Life has been hectic but I need to find a way to carve out extra reading time. I seem to be moving pretty glacially in my books right now . . . What's on your reading pile right now?