Love and Tragedy

Spanning generations and cultures, this tale of unrequited love seems, on the surface, to be a tsk-tsking of what was, but in fact, seems to still be. From the story of the young bride, peering at the world from under a veil in 1929, to her addiction- recovering descendant 70 years later, each of us has the potential to make inaccurate assumptions based on our own desires. Based on family saga, Sahota weaves the two narratives together to create a book that is lyrical and desolate, but ultimately victorious.

Anything But Dry

After reading Augusten Burroughs' frightening account of his "childhood", it's no wonder that he ended up self-medicating. And boy, did he. In Dry., he manages to relate his journey of successful but sotted advertising career along with the death grip alcohol had on his life. Written with his signature humor and wit, this book nevertheless delivers the message of just how strong that urge is when it has been one's coping mechanism for so long. We probably all know someone (or several someones) who will come to mind, and in one's sympathy for Augusten, we can find a new understanding of others. His outline of the alcoholic mind is frightening, mystifying, and in the end, enlightening.

Think You Know? You Don't.

My sis (who is an elementary school librarian) gave me this book when it first came out around five years ago. Since that time it's blown up with awards, recognition, a movie, etc., and rightfully so. Suffice it to say that for those who think they have it all figured out, this will promptly set you back on your heels. Important and valid for young and old alike, this is a story that can help open eyes, minds, and possibly, hopefully, hearts.