Thursday, December 9, 2010

Recently read and highly recommend...

Adult non-fiction: Foreskin's Lament by Shalom Auslander - a witty and wonderful book about how years of 'theological abuse' left this author scarred for life. So insightful, entertaining and brilliantly written.

Young Adult: Hush by Eishes Chayil - had to read this one because of its similarities to Dancing in the Dark. It too is set in a haredi (ultra-orthodox) community, though it's much darker, as it deals with incest and sexual abuse. Desptie the gravity of its subject matter, it's a very easy and compelling read.

Young Adult: Mice by Gordon Reece - a powerful, thought-provoking psychological thriller about what happens when a teenage girl and her mother retreat to a house in the country to escape further bullying by culprits who got away scott free. A real page-turner!

Young Adult: Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell - as beautiful as its title suggests, with flawed, relatable and endearing characters you'll always remember.

Children's Fiction: Darius Bell and the Glitter Pool by Odo Hirsch - adorable, clever, delightful, and beautifully written. This is a book full of heart. It's one of those rare gems that remind you why you liked reading in the first place. 

What have you read lately? And what do you recommend for the approaching holidays?

2 comments:

  1. Just finished reading and reviewing ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins which was amazing!

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  2. hush sounds beautiful.

    I love this post and all the books on it :) I should track down some Odo H stuff...

    As for what I've been reading - some Karen Tayleur (fantastic!) and re-reading a jaclyn moriarty (an old old favourite)

    For holidays I recommend This Is Shyness for something really different and atmospheric. And Raw Blue (Kirsty Eagar) for something gripping and powerful. I'll stop there...

    x

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