Book Talk: The Thirteenth Tale

Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale is a modern gothic novel involving a ghost, twins, incest, housekeepers, absent parents, a topiary garden, and a governess. I thoroughly enjoyed the prose and pacing of this novel. Actually, it was like two novels in one: the narrator's story and Vida's story. There was only one facet of the story that I felt was contrived, but all in all, it didn't really affect how much I enjoyed the book. For lovers of Jane Eyre or 19th century British fiction in general, I would definitely recommend this book!

Book Talk: One Day

One Day by David Nicholls checks in on British chums Emma and Dexter on the same day (July 15) every year from 1998 through 2007. The story is familiar but nonetheless funny, frustrating and heartbreaking. We have all known and loved someone like Dexter and been afraid that we were someone like Emma - at least I have. Nicholls manages to capture the aimless melancholy that is the foundation of young adulthood in characters that remind us of the best and worst of ourselves.

This was the best book I read in all of 2010. (I cut it close and read it on December 31.)

Book Talk: Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary is the latest book of short stories by David Sedaris. Like his other books, this one tells harsh truths with scathing and weird wit, but this time through talking animals in human-like relationships. I really enjoyed this book because of the dark humor and social viewpoints with commentary on everything from race relations to sex. I don't know if this book is for everyone, but it's certainly worth a try.

Book Talk: The Night Bookmobile

OK, what did Gwen say about doing this?

1. A first sentence that summarizes a book's subject (25 words or less);
2. The takeaway, the most important part of the book, something that can be easily remembered (10 words);
3. Something you liked or didn't like about the book, which can be as personal or impersonal as you want (one more sentence);
4. An optional very quick statement about the author (a couple words).

The Night Bookmobile is a lovely, haunting story about a book lover, her life and afterlife. This story reminds us of the power of what we read on our lives (and others'). I loved the twists, turns and dark, mysterious tone of the book; I like that it made me unexpectedly sad. I really like The Time Traveler's Wife, but this book made me want to read The Three Incestuous Sisters before Her Fearful Symmetry!