Anita's Reviews

SNOW CHILD
By Ewoyn Ivey
A beautifully told tale of an older couple trying to homestead in Alaska during the early 1900s. As the burdens of their lives weigh heavily upon them, they are suddenly transformed by the apperance of a little girl running through the snow-covered woods. How is this child surviving? Life in Alaska is magnificently depicted in this haunting and magical story. Order here

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE
By Aimee Bender
Nine year old Rose Edelstein has the unwelcome “gift” of literally tasting the emotions of those who prepare her food. This becomes a burden for the young girl as she grows older and continues to be privy to people's secrets and emotions. Binder writes with a beautiful touch as she flirts with magic realism within a bittersweet tale of familial disfunction and love. Order here

ROOM
By Emma Donoghue
Five year-old Jack has lived his whole life inside a tiny, single room. Born to a mother held captive, the two live a sequestered existence in which they develop their own language, games, fantasies and communication.  The book, which is told from Jack’s perspective, is haunting and disturbing.  Yet it is also incredibly beautiful and moving, as it explores the redemptive power of a mother’s love. Order here

CALEB’S CROSSING
By Geraldine Brooks
A fictionalized account of the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College.  The year is 1665 and the place is Martha’s Vineyard.  Bethia, a young girl who has already experienced many hardships, lives with her family in a Puritan community, where her minister father’s mission is to convert the native Wampanoag inhabitants to Christianity.  When Bethia meets the son of a Wampanoag chieftain, she renames him “Caleb”, and the two young people form a strong, life-changing bond.  A beautiful tale of two cultures, friendship, and the risks of pursuing one’s dreams. Order here

STATE OF WONDER
By Ann Patchett
A team of doctors and scientists are studying the Lakashi tribe who live hidden deep in the Amazon jungle. They have discovered that women in this tribe remain fertile and able to bear children well into old age. A drug company is funding a research project there, but the head researcher has remained uncommunicative and evasive. Marina, who works for the drug company, is sent to the Amazon to locate the researchers and find out how a colleague of hers died on a similar mission. A fascinating mystery and adventure story all rolled into one. This is a beautifully written novel filled with glorious and vivid descriptions. Ann Patchett at her best! Order here