So many books . . .

The Original Sin is an amazing family saga spanning three generations of women, beginning in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and climaxing in 1970s Arizona. It is a tale of family secrets, tragedy, war, passion, obsession, addiction, kidnapping, love, money, shame and redemption. This is the book that made me a Marius Gabriel fan. The first time I read it, in my late teens 10+ years ago, it utterly blew me away. This time around, too, I didn’t want it to end. It’s a shame that Mr. Gabriel is no longer writing novels.

Rating: 5/5 Further reading: Marius Gabriel (wiki)

 

Lamb is an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek depiction of the life of Jesus, as told through the eyes of his best friend Levi (Biff). More than merely a retelling, it fills in the missing years of Jesus’ life between birth and messiahhood. Who knew he’d spent time studying in India and China? All your favorite Holy Family members, disciples and apostles make appearances, including Mary Magdalene (Maggie). It didn't quite live up to my lofty expectations -- i.e. I didn't fall out of bed laughing -- but great fun for anyone with a sense of humor, regardless of beliefs.

Rating: 3/5 Further reading: Moore's homepage Christopher Moore (wiki)

 

The Things They Carried is the 2007 selection for the Eden Prairie Reads initiative (epreads.org). I was a little hesitant at first, unsure of how well I’d enjoy a collection of Vietnam War stories. However, the book is less about gunfire and battles won or lost, and more of a peek inside the head of the men involved – doubt, terror, obsession, camaraderie, death, survival instinct, the psychological turmoil of going home, and ultimately, for some, closure.

Although considered a work of fiction, one gets the feeling that all of the stories have some basis in reality. In fact, several times the author refers to himself as being present in the stories. As a reader, I felt some frustration in not being able to determine what was true.

Rating: 4/5 Further reading: Tim O'Brien (wiki)