Just Kids by Patti Smith
A tender, kind, lyrical and lovingly written memoir that celebrates the friendship between poet/singer Patti Smith and the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Smith paints a portrait of a time and place long gone by using language that most of us can only dream about, heartbreaking in places, funny in others, this book puts a whole new spin on the meaning of the words love, loss and generosity.
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
A huge doorstop of a book that takes you on a journey with the Berglund family through every imaginable scenario that might possibly play out on a families landscape. A well written dose of what might be many folks reality and experience, no stone is left unturned, you can either like the characters or hate them but their well defined characteristics will put you in mind of someone you either know or have known. This book will make you laugh, some tears could be shed, you will enjoy the reading of it and as a salute to the humanity in us all. You will never forget it.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Set in the South in the 1960s this book takes you into the heart of the Civil Rights struggle. Essentially the story of three friends whose lives collide and insect with unforeseeable consequences. They are ruled by the racial divide and social expectations but darned if they gonna let that beat 'em! A beautifully written book that stays true to the South and the norms of that time, it resonates with both hope and failure; it never becomes maudlin and there are plenty of laughs as you traverse the path and share the journey.
Room by Emma Donoghue
A sparse, tightly written book that takes you inside a situation you would never actually wish anyone to be in. Jack and Ma and one visitor live their lives and we look on as Jack (as narrator) shares his and his mother's rather restricted existence with an understanding that few writers would be able to convey. It is still stunning months after reading this to realise that someone can take so little and make so much out of it. Read this and you will understand what I mean.
Life by Keith Richards
An amazing ride through the life of one of rock's true characters...from a rather humble childhood to massive riches, from Mick Jagger's Tiny Trodger to Bob Marley's dubious talent. Keef shares his views in a manner that will not only enlighten you, it will have you crying with laughter. This is a life well lived, if perched precariously on the edge at times, but as Keef assures us, he only used "High Quality Stuff" and that's why he's still standing. Drink, drugs, cars, money, women, music, parties: they are all here tied up with a dose of enormous love for family and music, and a sprinkling of dislike for the lower regions of our fine nation.
House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Jodi takes you slap, bang inside the lives of a family facing the challenges of Asperger's Syndrome and then comes the complications born of an obsession with all things forensic when everything turns to unimaginable pain and heartbreak.
This book is not pretty but it is realistic and most people having anything to do with ASD have praised it. To a certain degree Picoult is formulaic and some people dislike this, however no one could ever accuse her of failing to research her topics, she knows her stuff and writes with a heart that is inclusive, it draws you in and you can feel the characters reality, empathy is her strong point. Bravo to Jodi for taking an often controversial topic and putting it out there in the mainstream and hopefully help to spread understanding of those who often confuse and baffle the supposedly average Joe.
Private Life by Jane Smiley
In the 1900s the old thing worse than being a spinster, maiden aunt or left on the shelf was quite probably to be dead and that may have been the better choice. Jane Smiley takes the character of Margaret Mayfield and spreads a rich, warm, human drama that is pivoted on what can only be called exasperation...well that's how you end up feeling about Andrew Early who seems to be the man of Margaret's Dreams until she marries him and finds that all is not a bed of roses. His rather obsessive interest in the field of science leads to all sorts of troubles, unimaginable to Margaret as she sets out to lead an entirely satisfactory domestic life circa 1905. You feel immense compassion and pity for her as she battles to keep Andrew within the confines of convention and the outcropping of his unusual behaviours behind closed doors. Jane Smiley tends not to use two words when five will do and at times the book can become a wee bit laboured but ultimately perseverance leaves you feeling well rewarded.
Race of a Lifetime: How Obama Won the White House by John Heileman and Mark Halperin
A riotous race throughout the Minefield which is American Politics and the way it choose its presidential candidates. Nothing is left to the imagination...and frankly after reading this your imagination will have taken a big hit! Not nice behaviour from anyone involved, The rightful heir to the throne is usurped by a smooth talker with little if any substance, while John Edwards is waylaid by a bimbo, John McCain is waylaid by a complete brain freeze and picks Sarah Palin who takes over the whole damn thing Republican wise, Bill Clinton is literally locked in the Ceremonial Cupboard, the hangers on fight over the scraps and ultimately the American people chose to listen to the combined voices of Uncle Teddy, Caroline Kennedy and Oprah to guide their pick for President. Everything you never wanted to know and so much more, a great read!
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