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!

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.