Author: Anne Tyler
Published: 2009
Genres: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
A wise, gently humorous, and deeply compassionate novel about a schoolteacher, who has been forced to retire at sixty-one, coming to terms with the final phase of his life. Liam Pennywell, who set out to be a philosopher and ended up teaching fifth grade, never much liked the job at that run-down private school, so early retirement doesn’t bother him. But he is troubled by his inability to remember anything about the first night that he moved into his new, spare, and efficient condominium on the outskirts of Baltimore. All he knows when he wakes up the next day in the hospital is that his head is sore and bandaged. His effort to recover the moments of his life that have been stolen from him leads him on an unexpected detour. What he needs is someone who can do the remembering for him. What he gets is—well, something quite different.
Review
In Liam, Tyler demonstrates her amazing ability to create incredibly flawed yet symapthetic characters. As Liam travels his road of trying to remember, you are rooting for him to succeed despite his obviously quirks and challenges. And you are unsure--in a moment of challenging decision--which side he will take.
Notes
Anne Tyler is one of my favorite character writers.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Escape from Rwanda
Author: John Yves Bizimana
Published: 2010
Genres: Autobiography, LDS Conversion
Rating: 3.5
Summary
John Yves Biziman was ony 7 when his family was caught up in the Rwandan genocide. He tells of their horrifying escape and subsequent experiences as refugees, traveling with his widowed mother and his younger brother and sister from country to country, searching for safety and a place to call home. When they finally reach Zimbabwe, they expect their lives will settle down; they don't suspect that even greater trials are yet to come.
Review
A story of faith admist incapaciting struggles. The challenges of the author's life are overwhelming; but the love and support that comes from many avenues are inspiring.
Notes
Odd word choices and awkward sentences constructions are a rarity despite English not being a first (or even a second) language for the author.
Published: 2010
Genres: Autobiography, LDS Conversion
Rating: 3.5
Summary
John Yves Biziman was ony 7 when his family was caught up in the Rwandan genocide. He tells of their horrifying escape and subsequent experiences as refugees, traveling with his widowed mother and his younger brother and sister from country to country, searching for safety and a place to call home. When they finally reach Zimbabwe, they expect their lives will settle down; they don't suspect that even greater trials are yet to come.
Review
A story of faith admist incapaciting struggles. The challenges of the author's life are overwhelming; but the love and support that comes from many avenues are inspiring.
Notes
Odd word choices and awkward sentences constructions are a rarity despite English not being a first (or even a second) language for the author.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)