Cheryl Truman on books

From Carole Lee:

“I just finished reading (for the second time) a delightful novella by Alan Bennett, The Uncommon Reader. What happens when the Queen develops a passion for reading?

I loved Losing Battles by Eudora Welty. When I finished reading it, I was saddened to leave the characters - I miss them.

My favorite book of all time is The Floatplane Notebooks by Clyde Edgerton. The “hook” came for me when an old vine growing beside the family cemetery begins to tell its story of what “really” happened. This book has everything - the South, lots of humor, knowing what a loved one needs. I had the opportunity to talk at length with Clyde Edgerton and he told me that this was his favorite novel also. He said his mother told him that she loved it except for the ——- part. I’ll leave that for you to discover. Needless to say, I don’t agree with his mother on that issue.

From Jenna Bobbitt:

“Suggestions for a book that might end your ‘reading drought’. ‘What could I possibly have read that a book editor and reviewer has not?’ was admittedly my first thought. However, after perusing my bookshelves and my memory, I offer the following suggestions.

Nobody’s Fool - Richard Russo
Before his recent bestsellers Empire Falls and Bridge of Sighs there was this wonderful story of Sully, his bad knee and even worse luck, his fractured family and the desire to fix things (literally and metaphorically). This story has moments that made me laugh out loud. I truly appreciated the characterizations and the descriptions of life in small town New York. Remembering Sully’s best friend Rub and his wife Bootsie still makes me laugh, 12 years after reading this novel.

Four Spirits - Sena Jeter Naslund
The issue of race in 1960’s Alabama and the indelible mark is leaves on the citizens of Birmingham. This book was hard to put down and got me through a nasty round of medical tests and treatment. This book was so wonderful that Ms Naslund shares equal credit with the doctors for saving my life.

Snow Falling on Cedars - David Guterson
A moving story and quite simply, some of the most heart-felt, evocative writing I’ve been privelaged to read. I read it one Thanksgiving weekend; it continues to hold a place in my mind as a cold weather read.

The Space Between Us - Thrity Umrigar
This was a book club selection. This novel details the lives of Sera (an upper middle class woman) and Bhima (her servant). The characters and details of India are richly drawn and the ways in which the diverse families are intertwined, speaks to the larger idea of loving your neighbors, even those who come from a different world.

A Fortune Teller Told Me - Tiziano Terzani
This book chronicles a year in the life of journalist Terzani, after being told by a fortune teller that the must not fly. It is a remarkable look into the small communities in Asia as well as an expose of the power and popularity of fortune-tellers, mystics and the like. The book also contains insights into Terzani’s search for self.

Color: A Natural History of the Palette - Victoria Finlay
Equal parts history and geography lessons, this book brings to light (no pun intended) the background of color; it’s origins, early uses and economic power (lapis). Finlay allows the reader insight to her extensive color-research and the people she meets on her journey. As a jewelry designer, this book provided a great deal of fuel for my creative fire; that is was entertaining was a happy plus.

When all else fails - I turn to poetry to kick-start my love of reading. Two favorites: The Poetry of Robert Frost and A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein. The latter is considered a children’s book but I’ve never encountered a bad day that wasn’t improved by reciting “Somebody Has To” or “Whatif”.

I hope this list provides some worthwhilte suggestions or allows you to remember books you have enjoyed in the past.”