FEBRUARY 2008 - BOOK REVIEWS
Short Stories, Epic Tales, and Engrossing Novels | | | | The Pillars of the Earth
By Ken Follett
A completely absorbing work, The Pillars of the Earth is a must-read for fans of Edward Rutherford, fans of British history, and/or fans of a terrific, compelling book. Set in 12th Century England, the novel follows the lives of a cast of characters who are thrown together by fate, by chance, and by their own devious machinations. Not only does Follett paint a convincing portrait of the role of religion, politics, and royalty in this era, but he also does a masterful job of describing the construction of a cathedral, which serves as the timeline for the novel. A mystery writer by trade, Follett has departed from his roots to bring us arguably his best work to date. Click on the image to buy now!
| | | | | | | People of the Book
By Geraldine Brooks
People of the Book, the latest epic by Pulitzer-winning author Geraldine Brooks, is a multinational, multi-faith, multi-era novel of amazing depth and complexity. Following the format so popular with historical fiction, Brooks weaves two intertwined stories simultaneously: the modern-day account of Hanna Heath, a book conservator who is asked to analyze and restore the priceless Sarajevo Haggadah, thought to have been lost during the Bosnian war. The other narrative thread follows the book's creation and history from the 15th Century to the modern era. It's an ambitious, deeply researched and wonderfully presented work. Click on the image to buy now!
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| | In Defense of Food
By Michael Pollan
I tend to shy away from books that tell me how to live. One of the main reasons for this reluctance is because most authors can't find that delicate balance between instruction and lecture, between giving advice and preaching. That's why Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food works: it's straightforward and simple. Its premise is basic: eat real food, focus on the veggies, and you'll be okay. All of us, and those of us in the U.S. especially, have been overwhelmed by what organizations and doctors and the latest fad tells us is nutritional and what is harmful. Pollan dispenses with the Atkinses and South Beach Diets of the world and focuses on the essentials; and he does so without spinning a complex tale that the average person won't understand. Click on the image to buy now!
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