Beneath a Marble Sky-John Shors

From Others: In Beneath a Marble Sky, readers enter a realm rife with contrasts; where love turns into betrayal; where war collides with beauty; and where the visions of a commoner inspire the dreams of a princess. Richly authentic, superbly written, this extraordinary work of historical fiction immerses one within ancient India's finest and darkest days.

Set at the height of the Mughal Empire, Beneath a Marble Sky recreates the remarkable lives of those responsible for the Taj Mahal's existence. From the famous lovers who inspired it, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, to the architect who designed it to the man who sought to destroy it, Beneath a Marble Sky recounts the stories of those who oversaw the rise of the world’s most famous building.

From Me: I will definitely come back and write more about this one, but all you need to know for now is that I love, love, love this book. It was beautifully written, kept my attention from page 1, and I have every intention of re-reading it (as soon as I finish the other 400 books on my to-read list!).

Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin

From others: Helprin's first novel in a decade is a satire that finds the hapless and maligned heirs to the British throne sent on a mission to re-colonize America... a task that involves everything from naked parachuting to impersonating dentists.

From me: This book is essentially a parody of a future king and queen of England. I do have to say that it was a bit long for what is was, but none the less I found the book a rather humorous page-turner. There was just enough historical significance in the book to peak my interest in the beginning ( I have a deep love for historical fiction) but plenty of antics to keep any reader interested-I was never bored with the book.

I would not venture to say that anything sentimental or enlightening might be gleamed from his book, but in turn, anyone could always use a break from enlightenment for a good laugh. Highly recommended.

Oryx and Crake

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Rating- 5 out of 5

Synopsis from B&N: Humanity here equals Snowman, and in Snowman's recollections Atwood re-creates a time much like our own, when a boy named Jimmy loved an elusive, damaged girl called Oryx and a sardonic genius called Crake. But now Snowman is alone, and as we learn why we also learn about a world that could become ours one day.

From me: This is a favorite of mine. It's very much a dystopian novel. I had to read this book for my literature class in college and was instantly enamored with the story as well as the characters. I don't always know what to say about the book without giving too much away so I'll just say a few things. It's a very quick read that pulls you in within the first chapter and also you will NEVER look at chicken nuggets the same. After reading this I couldn't eat them for a while.

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee

In my opinion, there is no need for a synopsis here. I am adding this review to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this wonderful book.

From Me: I am not sure anyone could say anything negative about this novel. Anyone can relate to this book. Harper Lee explores so many facets of life and human nature, but she does it in such a way that she invokes the reader's emotions with the story line. I believe that what makes her book so powerful is the focus on one man's struggle to prove his innocence and his resilience in doing so despite a hopeless situation.

Reading this book for a third time in law school I have a new appreciation. I am not sure anyone could say anything negative about this novel. Anyone can relate to this book. Harper Lee explores so many facets of life and human nature, but she does it in such a way that she invokes the reader's emotions with the story line. I believe that what makes her book so powerful is the focus on one man's struggle to prove his innocence and his resilience in doing so despite a hopeless situation.

Reading this book for a third time in law school I have a new appreciation for the book. Atticus Finch is often hailed by attorneys and legal scholars alike as the model lawyer, a hero to ethics. Although Atticus provides an excellent model for both character and attorneys, I beleive he is cheated by many who do not recognize his human frailty. Atticus is no civil rights leader, simply an attorney trying to provide a fair trial to his client. Atticus makes many missteps along the way, but in the end he makes a difficult choice to protect his children that illuminates his character.

The God of Small Things

The God of Small Things
Author: Arundathi Roy

Description: In her first novel, award-winning Indian screenwriter Arundhati Roy conjures a whoosh of wordplay that rises from the pages like a brilliant jazz improvisation. The God of Small Things is nominally the story of young twins Rahel and Estha and the rest of their family, but the book feels like a million stories spinning out indefinitely; it is the product of a genius child-mind that takes everything in and transforms it in an alchemy of poetry. The God of Small Things is at once exotic and familiar to the Western reader, written in an English that's completely new and invigorated by the Asian Indian influences of culture and language.

From Me: This book was a quick read, but I believe I may need to reread it. Roy apparently has a great affinity for verbosity and word-smithing. Not that I do not enjoy a good word-smither, it keeps me guessing about the intentions of the author. As is often the case, however, excessive word-smithing and description leaves me confused about what I just read. Nevertheless Roy has a fascinating writing style and a is quite good at plot twists. The end is not only shocking but saddening.

The Hot Zone

The Hot Zone by Richard Preston

4.5 out of 5

Maybe because completely and utterly convinced a virus is going to wipe us clean or just because I just find viruses really interesting, but I did love this book oh-so-much.

While it reads like fiction, the scary thing is that this book is actually true. Completely terrifying but yet you can't quite seem to pull away.

Both arising from Africa, the book describes two hemorrhagic fevers, Ebola and it's much less terrifying but still scary sister, Marburg virus.

While I don't have too much to say on the book besides the fact that I flew through it and really liked it, I'd say it's a must read for any fan of viruses, outbreaks, or even fans of post-apocalyptic fiction. I know I wish I had my "blue suit" ready.

Atlas Shrugged

Atlas Shrugged
by Ayn Rand

This book is long and daunting but well worth the read.

Ayn Rand is an objectivist (obvious, obvious). Although this book discusses many themes like business, self-preservation, the evasiveness and permeation of human nature, etc. I believe that the book is largely about how creativity is the heart of human nature and that if it is stifled we will fail as a society but where we cultivate it we will thrive.

This book is long and daunting but probably one of the most influential but overlooked books of the 20th century.

My only dispute with Ayn Rand is with her interpretation of the title. In the book she eludes to the idea that the title is meant to signify indifference. I, on the other hand, think the book is better served by a different interpretation of the title. To say that "Atlas shrugged" means that the world is "shaken", as Atlas holds the world steadily upon his back. In this book I believe that the world is shaken by the regression and progression of freedom and creativity at different stages (all contingent on those able to suppress or cultivate freedom and creativity).

The Notorious Mrs. Winston

The Notorious Mrs. Winston by Mary Mackey
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0

Description: With the nation on the verge of civil war, Claire Winston becomes a crusading abolitionist. But she takes an even greater risk when she finds herself in love with John Taylor, her husband's nephew. As much as John loves her, his devotion is to the Confederacy-and to the rebellious fighters known as Morgan's Raiders.

Separated from him by the war, Claire boldly travels across the war-torn country in search of her lover. Disguised as a male soldier, she suddenly finds herself drafted by none other than General Morgan himself, swept up in the greatest guerilla raid in American history-and caught between her loyalty to the Union and her love for John.

From Me: An excellent read. I have always enjoyed civil war themed books, and this was one of the most well researched and written that I have encountered. Typical chic-lit, Claire is miserable in her marriage, she falls in love but it is forbidden, and then, of course, things straighten themselves out. Though predictable I did enjoy the story and of course I enjoyed the historical tidbits slipped in here and there by the author.