what i’m reading

If you’ve known me for a while, you know that I pretty much always have my nose in a book.  In fact, my mom likes to tell people that I won the first and only ‘reading award’ at the archery station at Camp Kahdalea when I was a kid.  My cousin Justin and friend Adam used to call me ‘bookworm’ (I know they did it as lovingly as 9 year olds could!!) and I can’t hear that word without thinking of them.

Anyway, a few of the books I’ve read the past few months were really good and I can’t stop thinking about them.  If you’re looking for something to read this summer, pick one of these up.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
This story is told in the voice of Dinah, one of Jacob’s daughters whose life is just hinted at in the Book of Genesis.  The author imagines the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood–the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of the mothers–Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah–the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through childhood, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
This is a beautifully written book chronicles the relationships that are forged when a band of gun-wielding terrorists takes the revelers at a party in the home of a politician hostage. What begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, a moment of great beauty, as people from different continents become compatriots.

Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay
This story was told in flashbacks by a former Bolshoi Ballet star who finds herself overwhelmed by memories of her homeland, and of the events, both glorious and heartbreaking, that changed her life half a century earlier.  The author’s descriptions of Moscow as a closed society during Stalin’s regime are vivid and harsh, but the scenes where Nina is dancing are beautiful and sublime.

Defending Jacob by William Landay
The main character’s world is rocked when his son is accused of a cold-blooded murder.  This book isn’t just about a father defending his son, but goes deeper and looks at what happens to a family in crisis.

I’d love to hear your book suggestions.  Let me know in the comments if you’ve read anything good lately!

{images and information from Amazon.com}