The Friends of Meager Fortune by David Adams Richards

Quite an interesting and moving little book. A very different and shocking glimpse into the life of loggers in mid-twentieth century Canada. More than "real" it is almost surreal! it might have been entitled "Lives and Boys and Men in Logging Camps as they were being driven out of work by new technology and the women in their lives" or something like that, with a nod to Alice Munro. Great characters.

Empress of Asia by Adam Lewis Schroeder

Described as dark, funny and beautiful. I guess so. Not so sure. I would have to, more than anything else, call this "old-fashioned." Nonetheless a compelling read. Lots of good elements - love, history, intrigue, mystery. Not a page-turner for me.

Black Swan Green by David Mitchell

I didn't think I was going to like reading this "yet-another-coming-of-age" novels about a boy in England. But partway through I discovered that the author was managing to subtly sneak in some very profound material here! At times I wondered if we were to take seriously some of the main character's observations - they just seemed too mature. But then .... I suddenly thought back and realized that many "childish" observations are the most profound ones we've ever had - unencumbered by later experience. A truly magical read - bravo Mr. Mitchell.

So Many Ways to Begin by Jon McGregor

A good read - not great, but good. Excelllent prose. A bit of a mystery. I thought it ended with a bit of a whimper. Definitely an intimate portrayal but ultimately I'm not sure if this will resonate with many people.

Carry Me Down by M.J. Hyland

Wonderful prose. Interesting but not all that enjoyable a read for me. A unique if not dysfunctional family story.

Echo Park by Michael Connelly

A great read. A new discovery for me. I will now read all the others in the series. Yay - 11 more! A very human detective. Not one of the "great" detective series, but certainly very readable.

Grief Lessons: Four Plays by Euripides, Translated by Anne Carson

This book is clear evidence to me that my Odyssey is working. Never would I have imagined reading this book, and yet I thoroughly enjoyed it. It reminded me why I intend to go back to university when I retire and take Latin, Greek, and the Classics - all things I didn't have the opportunity to take in high school and chose not to take in university. Talk about making something remote accessible - Bravo Ms. Carson! Oh yes - and Euripides too. Go here to find humanity, morality, ethics, dilemmas, frailties and all those other good things!