Playing Catch-Up

There are always so many books to read and I don't always get to them in a timely manner.  I have taken a brief break from my galleys to catch up on books that I missed for one reason or another. I'll give these books a mini-review.

1. CUTTING FOR STONE by Abraham Verghese
Very well done.  Reminded me a bit of THE KITE RUNNER in terms of style.  Recommended.

2. PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE by Aimee Bender
A disappointment. I was expecting this book to be like GARDEN SPELLS but instead it was more like THE SOLITUDE OF PRIME NUMBERS. Perhaps my preconceived notions about this book prejudiced me but I can't recommend this one. An interesting idea but it left me cold.

3. LITTLE BEE by Chris Cleave
Really wonderful! I can't believe I didn't read it sooner.  I cried and cried at the end. An incredibly moving tale of two strong women and the one shared moment that changed their lives forever. HIGHLY recommended.

4. VENETIA KELLY'S TRAVELING SHOW by Frank Delaney
Overall, I would say this book was just okay. I loved the time period and the Irish setting but the story seemed far-fetched and strange. I didn't buy the fact that all these men were in thrall to this woman.

5. COOKBOOK COLLECTOR by Allegra Goodman
This book felt like a variation on a theme for Goodman. The whole question of business ethics felt like a re-run of ground she had covered with INTUITION.  The characters weren't particularly interesting and the whole thing felt pretty dry.
Check back here for the micro-reviews of these books. I'll get back to work on the galleys soon!!!