Daily Book Review – The Kite Runner

Here is a strong recommendation for the author Khaled Hosseini. His novel, “The Kite Runner”, is my selection for today. I was reminded of this when I read that a Turkish Novelist has just been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. That, in turn, reminded me of Prize winner Salman Rushdie and the obvious comparison to the powerful writing of Hosseini. I won’t repeat the summary and details that are referenced here by links. Readers of this blog know that I like to read books before they are forever transformed by film adaptations. So, read The Kite Runner before you see the soon-to-be-produced film version.

Daily Book Review – All the King’s Men

Here is another selection from the 100 Best Novels. “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren. Previously, I’ve mentioned the Modern Library’s list and reviewed a number of their recommendations. Not only is this one of the very best novels of all time, it is the perfect expose of politics and politicians – past, present and future. You will never again be able to listen to a politician speak without thinking of mythical Governor Willie Stark. If you haven’t yet read this novel, you might want to put a rush on before the new film version forever destroys the original intent of the author.

Daily Book Review – The Hiding Place

I never wanted to bother reading “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom because a) I thought it was a Christian book and b) I imagined it was for young readers; I couldn’t have been more wrong. Although it certainly appeals to Christians and young people, it is also a powerful and poignant account of the holocaust. If you have not yet read this work, I strongly urge you to do so – the sooner the better. Our world desperately needs more people like Corrie and perhaps this story will inspire some to rise to the challenge.

Daily Book Review – Robinson Crusoe

The concept of survival after a shipwreck has become trite after years of television treatment. Daniel Defoe was not exactly the first to invent the genre since he was influenced by real tales of shipwrecks in the Pacific. In any case, “Robinson Crusoe” is indeed THE classic – not just for being first, but for being so much more than an adventure story. There is a whole other level to the novel, one of the internal struggles between Man and his God, a subject of much interest in America. But, the reader can skim past that extra level and appreciate the work for its outstanding narrative and detail. In my mind, this book still deserves to be on your reading list.

Daily Book Review – A Bend in the River

Africa is still on my mind after posting yesterday’s recommendation, so today I recommend the author V. S. Naipaul. I’ve previously discussed his Nobel Prize and the wonderful work “A House for Mr. Biswas”. His novel, “A Bend in the River”, is a dark tale of the emerging African Rage. If we are to ever solve the problems of Africa, it will be because writers like Naipaul force us to understand the poverty, brutality and politics of this place.

Daily Book Review – The Heart of the Matter

You are in for a great discovery if you have never read anything by the author Graham Greene. Greene’s novel, “The Heart of the Matter”, is my selection for today. Like Bruce Chatwin, Greene was often type-cast as a travel writer or spy master but he is so much more than that. The Heart of the Matter is essentially about a man trying to be true to himself and to his God. Greene’s views on morality are particularly relevant now. And, this book is on the 100 Best Books list.

Daily Book Review – A Short History of Nearly Everything

I promised to discuss this other book by Bill Bryson after you took “A Walk in the Woods” with this incredible writer. “A Short History of Nearly Everything” is a must have title for anyone with the least interest in how we (and everything else) got here. Bryson cracks me up with his often unexpected humor, which is just the thing to lighten heavy subjects. If the reader has a low tolerance for facts and figures, I can’t think of a better writer to explain and entertain. The title is a huge promise, but Bryson delivers.

Daily Book Review – Great Expectations

Let’s round out our discussion of Charles Dickens by recommending his novel, “Great Expectations”. The rise and fall of our hero, Pip, and his love for Estella have enthralled generations. This is one of Dickens’ later works, so it is influenced by his own experience of the hard lessons in life. It is not as autobiographical as “David Copperfield”, but it is surely informed by “Great Expectations” in his early life. The restoration crowd will be particularly interested in the “before scenes” of Miss Havisham’s Mansion. In Great Expectations, a brewery is attached to the house instead of a vineyard, and the house is called “Satis House” (its real name is “Restoration House”).

Daily Book Review – David Copperfield

As long as we are on the subject of Dickens, have you read “David Copperfield” recently? If not, let me suggest this novel as a wonderful alternative to modern fiction. This book has inspired and entertained generations of readers of all ages. American’s were so taken with English Author Charles Dickens that he attracted huge crowds when on the lecture circuit in US cities. Many of his works were first published as serial installments and you can imagine the suspense as eager readers waited for resolution to the circumstance of their fictional heroes like David Copperfield.

Daily Book Review – A Tale of Two Cities

I would argue that Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” is the most powerful story of unrequited love ever written. The selfless acts of Sydney Carton for his beloved Lucie rise to a spiritual level, not unlike Christ’s love expressed through his crucifixion. Perhaps I am overdoing the comparison since Dickens wrote popular lessons for the common man and the Bible was written for… Well, let me just say that the redemptive love of Sydney Carton is something to which all men should aspire and that all women desire.