Sunday, September 21, 2014

From the Archives: Two Favorite Authors' Works

I began keeping a reading journal several years before I began blogging. I find it interesting to sift through my thoughts of books that I read back then. My reviews were often brief and contained little substance, but I thought it'd be fun to document them here on my blog as well as share them with you. Here are two from November of 2005: 


The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant
Scribner Book, 2005
Fiction; 263 pgs

The Last Days of Dogtown is the story of a small New England backwater town on its last legs during the early 1800’s. This is more so the stories of some of the eccentric people who once lived there, their histories, fates and relationships with each other. Anita Diamant has a gift for creating characters that worm their way into the hearts of the readers and take root. Although the book got off to a slow start, I enjoyed it quite a bit in the end. This was a touching book that seemed to be made up more about character stories than an actual novel itself.



The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
William Morrow, 2006 (ARC)
Fiction; 321 pgs

From the inside cover of The Space Between Us: “Set in contemporary Bombay, The Space Between Us tells the story of Sera Dubash, an upper-middle-class Parsi housewife, and Bhima, the woman who works as a domestic servant in her home. Very little has changed in the last century. A ruling-class exerts power over a working class in any way possible, but nowhere more than the middle-class households.” The author, Thrity Umrigar, has written a powerful and moving novel of suffering, disappointments, and survival. Her characters and the descriptions of the culture and setting brought the story to life. This definitely an author I would like to read more of in the future.

[I am really sad I did not record more of my thoughts about The Space Between Us as I utterly loved the book.  It was one of my favorite reads of 2005.]


© 2014, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

14 comments:

  1. I am impressed that you kept a journal not only of what you read, but also short reviews about the titles. Good work, and so satisfying to look back on.

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    1. Rita - It was in hopes I would be better able to remember what I've read over the years. I only wish I had started keeping track earlier.

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  2. I need to read The Space Between Us! I've had it on my shelf for years.

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    1. Irene - It is such a good book! I hope you will read it.

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  3. These are two authors that have been on my TBR list but have yet to read. It sounds like I should really try them both :)

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    1. Samantha - I know the Last Days of Dogtown weren't loved by everyone. Probably because it isn't really a novel, per say. I read the author's The Red Tent and loved that one as well.

      And Thrity Umrigar . . , how I adore thee. She's one of my favorite authors.

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  4. I liked The Space Between Us very much. Beautifully written and such a moving account of a culture that is so different from ours.

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    1. Jenclair - Yes! It moved me so much--and it's still my favorite by Umrigar, although I've enjoyed the other books I have read her too.

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  5. Both sound interesting and both are new to me though I have seen Thrifty Umrigar's name around lately. I love these reviews because they're generally books I haven't come across before so it's great to be able to add to the TBR mountain!

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    1. Katherine - She's become quite popular and I just love her writing. Her books tend toward the depressing side, and so you really have to be in the right mood for them. She tackles some tough issues.

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  6. I've got Umrigar on my library wish list. Your commentary BELOW your review is what makes me want to read it :-)

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    1. Aarti - You really must give her a try. :-) The Space Between Us is still my favorite by her, but I've enjoyed all her books.

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  7. Absolutely agree about The Space Between Us - I am looking forward to reading it again some day.

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