Well, after living here more than a year – I finally discovered the local library and so I thought that I would share some book reviews as of recent (including a few that I actually got from Deseret Book not the library):

A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini

So I had already read The Kite Runner by Hosseini so I should have known what to expect. But I was still stunned by the multitude of emotions I felt for the characters. Much like in the Kite Runner, I was catapulted across the gamut of: fear, disgust, anger, remorse, pity, sadness, contentment, hope.

The story is about the lives of two women in Afghanistan. It’s fiction, of course, but completely enthralled me with the story of a girl about my age amidst the real history of the war-torn country. First the soviets, then the war lords, then the Taliban, then more war lords, and to the present day…

As I mentioned, I think that I was most shocked by the realization that my life is in stark contrast to Leila’s – although she is born about the same year as me half way across the world. I felt like an ignorant American. As I related to the storyline to WE, he quickly rebutted that this is a story exposing the degradation and mis-treatment of women  - to which I agreed. But for me it was about much more in addition to that.

As an aside, on my way to work this week I heard an interesting story about a Saad Mohseni -  ”Afghanistan’s First Media Mogul.”

The timing of the NPR newscast couldn’t have been more perfect as I was just finishing the book. The linked article is quite long – but is a fantastic read about this man that’s trying to balance freedom of expression and the state of Islam. Considered liberalist by many traditionalists, he’s famous for Afghan star, soap operas, and unordinary newscasters (i.e. uncovered women) – all only a few short years after the Leilas and Miriams of the world were not allowed to speak to a man in public and were burying their TV in the backyard to hide it from the Taliban.

Most poignant: An anguished letter from a remorseful father apologizing to his daughter…alas, but too late

Prayers that Matter – Robert Millet

Robert Millet is always a favorite of mine. Thoughts on communion with God. Not all prayers are equal, nor should they be.

Most humbling: “Being in agony, he prayed more earnestly” Luke 22:44 (i.e. Most simply put, we should pray because He prayed)

The Silence of God – Gale Sears

Another LDS historical fiction book – but this time not based in Missouri, Ohio, or Utah. Here’s a rather cheesy but telling book announcement from Deseret Book’s website:

I enjoyed the history behind the novel more than the novel itself. But still a very fascinating read. I think that anyone serving or once serving in Russia would love this book for the sentimental value of the history behind your mission experiences. I also thought it was awesome to have read this when I saw that the front cover of the Ensign this month commemorated the dedicatory prayer for Mother Russia.

Most enjoyable: Riddles laced throughout the plot

The Time Traveler’s Wife* – Audrey Niffenegger

Besides that she has a great name, I’ve liked this authors style. The book reads as any great love story should – easy. Yet hard to forget. I’ve got much of the story to get through yet – but have quite enjoyed the little I’ve heard (book on cd) already. It’s the attention to details that I’m fond of.

Most Romantic: Who doesn’t like a good love story – I’m not through with it so hopefully it won’t get too romantic (if you know what I mean)

The Historian* – Elizabeth Kostova

This is my “I’m too old / sophisticated  for Twilight” book (no offense to any ‘team Jacobs’ out there!). I was recommended this book by a woman that I had just told that I served a mission in Bulgaria. Raved as an incredible Eastern European travelogue (much of which is in Bulgaria, I guess), it’s also the main character’s quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler (the infamous ruler that formed the basis of the legend of Dracula). It’s a doozy (640 pages) so I’m barely scratching the surface just yet. But I’m also hoping that I’ll get lured in real soon as the first 10 chapters have me on the fence.

Most difficult beginning: Hard to keep up with the narration and who is who since every character so far is being portrayed in the first person and there are no clear indicators when it switches all of the sudden

John Taylor – Mormon Philosopher, Prophet of God* – Francis M. Gibbons

Intriguing story of a Mormon convert turned leader of the young, new church. An uplifting bio of a prophet, for obvious reasons, but also surprisingly telling about other early Church leaders as well.

Most Spirit of Elijah Invoking: Talks about John’s early missions to the Isle of Mon, among other places – making me want even more to visit that place and follow my family history roots there.

*Books in progress – so take my opinions for what they are worth (‘half’ way decent!)