Desirable Daughters by Bharati Mukherjee ***

I read this book on a recommendation from a friend who knows how much I love Asian literature. But, even though I'm not an Indian fiction novice, I still found myself on the outskirts of this very private Brahmin lifestyle described by the author.

I'm not sure if it's because of the affinity towards poetry by the main character's caste, but I found details - even urgent, important, plot-essential details - a little fuzzy around the edges, like a cloud you're trying to make the shape of before it evaporates, or a wave you see approaching the shore that's definitely going to be substantial (this one is going to really get us soaked)... and then it barely covers your feet. I found her circuitous routes of narration a little difficult to focus on. But I think all of this is a confirmation of the author's idea that the only way to truly understand Indian culture is to be a true Indian. And perhaps, it's all intended to mirror Indian culture - just when you think you've mastered it, it changes just a little bit so that you have to go back to the drawing board.

A pleasant diversion, though, and each time I opened the book I found it a sufficient escape from reality. Like. Not love, but not dislike, either.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson ****

I bought this book for Joel for Christmas about two years ago after hearing a story on the radio about it being published posthumously. It's only been in the last few months or so that I've seen it EVERYWHERE. Seriously everywhere I looked people were reading this book. Finally my friend Ashley invited me to read it for a book club, and that's the push I needed.

I really liked it. Compelling mystery, intriguing characters, and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. I was almost turned off at the beginning with the financial talk, but Ashley assured me I had gotten enough out of the part I was sure was way over my head. Joel also advised me to remember that no one in the book talks like real people really talk. Once I was on board with that and got used to the Swedish references it went really quickly. It was high on shock value and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Millennium trilogy.

Page One

The average American reads one book a year. ONE BOOK!! Taking a tip from my English-teaching husband, who invented a challenge for himself to read 52 books a year, I decided a while ago to try to keep up. I've half-tried in the last couple of years, but haven't even come close once. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm an avid reader. Self-proclaimed bookworm, I'm one of those who always has a book in her purse, and I get through my fair share. But it's become obvious in the last few months (see list of books read thus far in the sidebar to the right) that if I want to do this, I'm going to have to buckle down and get serious. Enter blog, a.k.a. accounting mechanism. So, here are the rules:

1. My year begins tomorrow, September 19, 2010. Not following the Roman, Chinese, Jewish or lunar calendar, just my own.
2. I will report each Sunday night about the book read the previous week.
3. Three "passes" may be utilized during the one year period. These will only be used to give a reason for an incomplete weekly post; the 52 book rule stands firm, so I'll have to either read books simultaneously, or read a couple short ones to make up the difference.

I am ALWAYS looking for new books to read. If you have one you'd like to recommend, please don't hesitate to suggest it.

One note for the would-be blog follower: My weekly posts contain my impressions of the book. While content may be referenced in regard to my opinion of it, my intent is not to summarize or screen books for any particular set of values or expectations. I won't be informing you how many times the characters have sex, or on which page a certain swear is used. That's a different blog, not mine. This blog is my view, which I hope you find interesting. If you don't, I respect your right to differ in opinion ... but I hope we'll be able to remain friends. I'll try to keep the reviews spoiler free (wouldn't want to ruin the end of the Harry Potter series for you or anything), but I will give you fair warning if I find it is necessary for me to do so. I welcome your comments and suggestions - after all, that's part of why I'm using this as a blog instead of a spreadsheet!

And so it begins ...