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!

Murder in Amsterdam: The Death of Theo van Gogh and the Limits of Tolerance by Ian Buruma

A very interesting read indeed. Buruma uses this work to discuss tolerance, intolerance, Islamism and radical Islamism. An articulate and easy read - and definitely a topic we need to understand.

Right Side Up: the Fall of Paul Martin and the Rise of Stephen Harper's New Conservatism by Paul Wells

Well-written and undoubtedly well-researched, but oh my aren't many of our politicians and their activities just so boring? Or maybe it's me but I just couldn't get excited about it. Much of their activities just seemed so petty. Of course, now that our provincial politicians are even thinking about considering things like Shia Law and Faith-based schools, I'm a little more attentive.

Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King, by Antonia Fraser

I really didn't think I was going to like this book, but after the first 50 pages I was hooked. Extremely well-written, Ms. Fraser makes you care. The names, and their similarities, are a little overwhelming, but I persevered and learned a lot of history. Yes - the Royals really do lead a very, very different life than the rest of us. I find it amazing that the institution still exists.

The Weather Makers: How We are Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth by Tim Flannery

Probably my book of choice to recommend for those people who want to read something, but not everything, about climate change. Accessible - well-written, straightforward, intelligent.