Ayelet's Booklog

Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

I did not expect to like this book. I thought it would be precious and too cool, in both senses of the word. But I loved it. It’s heartfelt, the writing is terrific, and the first person plural works beautifully.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz.

Wow! This book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go.

Ingenious Pain by Andrew Miller

Very ingenious, and great historical details.

Evening by Susan Minot

Loved the Maine details.

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

Oh right, THIS is why she won the Nobel Prize! Out of this world.

Portnoy’s Complaint by Philip Roth

I was reading this book while trapped on a plane with 100 of my bretheren. I wanted to melt into my seat. When I wasn’t laughing I was cringing with horror -- I know your pain, Philip Roth!!

The Beans of Egypt, Maine by Carolyn Chute

Great novel, great Maine info.

Uncommon Arrangements by Katie Roiphe

Thank God I live and am married NOW rather than back then.

Away by Amy Bloom

I love her other books. Adore them, even. This one...I don’t know. I just never cared that much about the character and I felt like the people she met were types rather than real people.

Music & Silence by Rose Tremain

I learned from this book that you actually don’t need to know that much about music to write a book in which it’s a major plot and thematic device.

Consider the Lobster by David Foster Wallace

He’s the funniest man alive.

Songs Without Words by Ann Packer

Ann is a friend, and you must read this devastating book.

Life Class by Pat Barker

You all know how I feel about the Regeneration Trilogy, but I felt this book was something of a retreading of familiar territory.