The Birth of Venus: A Sexy Book

The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant

THE PLOT:

The story takes place in Florence, Italy during the Renaissance and the reign of the Medici family. Alessandra, the only daughter of a wealthy family, is every bit a child of the Renaissance who finds her life disrupted when her father employs a struggling artist to paint the chapel ceiling in their home. Alessandra is instantly drawn to this young man, but her family is determined to keep them apart. Alessandra is horrified when she learns she is going to be married to a man who is much older. As Alessandra is forced to leave her painter and her family, the city around her is in turmoil. A fundamentalist monk is working to gain control of the city and suppress the Renaissance movement. As the situation in the city continues to grow worse, Alessandra discovers that her marriage was built upon a secret, and she finds her thoughts continually returning to the painter. Just as the chaos around the city erupts, so does her personal life.

THE SCOOP:

This book is amazing to read. I will admit that I am a bit of an Italian Renaissance junkie so stories set in that time period already have a point in their favor. But there is more to this story than just the time period it was set in. The sexual tension between Alessandra and her painter is intense. I found myself reading as fast as I could just to try to find out whether or not they ever got to be together because I could almost feel their longing myself. The book is beautifully written and the descriptions will have your imagination running rampant with vivid images. This is a must read for everyone. I told one of my friends to read it and she dubbed it a “sexy book.” And what a sexy book it is!!!

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

PLOT:

Christopher is a 15 year old autistic boy who gives us a narrative of his adventures when he discovers something curious. The story begins with Christopher finding his neighbor’s dog dead. She comes upon Christopher and her dearly departed dog and, thinking he killed the dog, has him arrested. Christopher decides to uncover the truth about what really happened to the dog. As Christopher searches to learn the truth, he discovers what really happened to his mother. Through his journey, we get to view the world through Christopher’s eyes, a world where logic, the cornerstone of Christopher’s world, is often swept under the rug.

THE SCOOP:

I loved this book and recommend it to everyone. The story is deliciously funny and Christopher is truly a character you can understand and relate to. What makes this story stand out, is the author’s brilliant way of writing from the viewpoint of an autistic boy. I felt as though I had a new appreciation for how a person with autism sees the world, and how hard it can be for them to relate to the way the rest of us act. One of the most fascinating part of his tale is when Christopher describes how he “feels” emotion. I am still amazed by the insight this author has. This book also made me realize how complicated (unnecessarily so) we can make things.

This book is funny and insightful all at the same time. It’s one of those books I just couldn’t put down and hated to see end. As an added incentive (as if you should need one) this book is listed in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. Grab a copy of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and settle in for some fun.

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The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner by by Khaled Hosseini

PLOT:

Amir is a young boy growing up the only child of a single, wealthy business man in Afghanistan before the Russians invaded. Amir desperately wants the approval of his father. The story begins with Amir and his father’s servant’s son enjoying their childhood’s together as friends and comrades. The boys are happy and carefree until they become involved in a horrible crime. When faced with a major decision during the crime, Amir makes the choice he thinks will gain him his father’s approval, and it does, but that decision has dire consequence which impacts the rest of his life.

Shortly after the incident, Amir’s father’s servant and his son leave. The Russian invasion forces Amir and his father to leave Afghanistan and head to the United States. Amir grows into a man thousands of miles from his homeland. After the Taliban come into power, Amir returns to Afghanistan. On his journey home Amir uncovers truths he never knew, and is given a chance to make things right for his childhood friend.

THE SCOOP:

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the plus side the author does a great job of using his words to paint the images from the book. Even though it’s been awhile since I read the book, I can still close my eyes and see the scenes from the book. Also on the plus, the characters are all human and suffer from the same flaws we all do. On the negative, for me, the story served as a reminder of the horrible things that people do to each other which often leaves me irritated.

This is book that will make you think and will make you wrestle with the horrible things that happen all too often in this world. If you are just looking for a happy little story, this isn’t the book for you. But if you are looking for a great story, one that offers a few life lessons, grab a copy of The Kite Runner today.

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1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die; Editor: Peter Boxall; Foreward: Peter Ackroyd

If you love to read and you love challenges, this is the book for you. Over 900 pages fill this anthology of reviews of books everyone should The books that made the list are grouped by the century in which they were written beginning with Pre 1700’s to the current 21st century including authors from all over the world and a variety of genres. The reviews include titles of old favorites such as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby and titles I’ve never heard of such as Blood and Guts in High School and Love in the Time of Cholera. Each book on the list is accompanied by an enticing review which will make you eager to grab a copy of each book and begin reading.

If you are into challenges, 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die presents the fun challenge of getting them all read in your lifetime.

If you aren’t into challenges, use 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die as the greatest reading list ever compiled.

This is one book that every reader should keep in their collection.

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