The Lost Continent- Bill Bryson

Yep. I liked Bill Bryson so much that I went ahead and read another book of his. This is his witty take on America as he takes a roadtrip across the country in search of the perfect small town. His descriptions of some towns are dripping with sarcasm that will make you laugh out loud, but during the parts of his trip he was bored, he bored me the reader as well. I guess that's fair enough. I liked best reading his thoughts on places I have actually been. I was laughing hysterically at his description of Mackinac Island. And for my LA friends, I can't resist including his bit on it here:

As I was so close to Los Angeles, I toyed with the idea of driving on in,
but I was put off by the smog and the traffic...I think it's only right that
crazy people should have their own city, but I cannot for the life of me see why
a sane person would want to go there.

A Short History of Nearly Everything- Bill Bryson

If you're looking to tap into your inner science geek, this is the book for you. It's actually a short history of nearly everything "scientific." Bryson has done an amazing job putting the most complex scientific topics in layman's terms. In fact, if you're someone who never really got what science is all about, then this is a good book for you as well. I found it incredibly mentally stimulating and entertaining at the same time.

Bryson adds personality to well-known and unknown scientists of all disciplines by including anecdotes and personality quirks. My only bone of contention would be that each chapter seems to cover a topic (i.e., geology, astro-physics) almost entirely independent of the others. To his credit Bryson did create some linkages between the topics, but more than once I would be reading something I was positive contradicted something else I'd read earlier (i.e., how long ago earth was created). Then again, for all the information we know/have in science, there's nearly just as much we don't so maybe the contradictions are the reality rather than an oversight by the author.

Be Honest- You're Not That Into Him Either- Ian Kerner

First and foremost, I am completely embarrassed to be including this title in my list of reviews next to books like The Great Gatsby, but since I read it, I guess I feel obliged. I think the pink cover sucked me in. Believe it or not, there is some substance in this book beyond fluffy confidence boosters for women with no self-esteem. Kerner describes, in detail, the chemical processes at work in both males and females as they relate to sex and relationships. Girls, next time you feel psycho over a guy, you can rest easy. You're not actually psycho, you've just got too much oxytocin in your system (incidentally, it's released during orgasm so quit sleeping around). He also includes a brief history on the sexual revolution of women.

I disliked the "wrap-up" sections at the end of each chapter; "'Be Honest' functions as a two A.M. phone call from your best friend, the voice of reality. 'Raise and Reach,' provides some ideas on how to raise your standards and reach for the love you deserve." Yeah, umm, both sections were the fluff I was talking about and a total waste of time. If you read nothing else, girls, do yourself a favor and read the Conclusion (at the end of the book obviously) written by the author's wife. It's hilarious.

Dear Exile- Hilary Liftin / Kate Montgomery

If we are good friends, please, please read this. It is a series of letters written between best friends when one joins the Peace Corps with her husband while the other gets her life together in the city that never sleeps. The back and forth dynamic of two lives in very different parts of the world was spot on and made me think of the lives my friends are living in LA while I'm here in Burkina (i.e., They can't find an apartment for reasonable rent while I can't cook because my propane tank is empty and the whole city is out of gas).

The Motorcycle Diaries- Che Guevara

Not quite the inside scoop on Hell's Angels one might assume, but it was still good enough to be made into a movie. This is the diary of one of two friends who tour South America by motorcycle. It begins in their native country of Argentina in 1951 and the men are in their 20's. It's a quick read as diaries always are. It's a way to see the better part of South America through someone else's eyes. Che's excursion in Peru made me especially happy to be friends with Marco. If you know who I'm talking about then tell him he has to read this.

The Constant Gardener- John le Carre

This is another typical Peace Corps read. Everyone I've talked to that's read it really liked it, but it wasn't my favorite. It had an extremely slow start and never really picked up even after the story started getting good. It basically presents the idea that populations of undeveloped countries are used as guinea pigs for clinical trials before big pharmaceutical companies get approval to sell their drugs in developed nations. The main character's wife was murdered and he sets about to discover why. He learns of scandal and corruption in the pharma biz from as high up as British Parliament and extending down to the drug distributors. It's kind-of-but-not-really like a John Grisham novel but definitely not as quick.

Touching the Void- Joe Simpson

The first half of this book about two mountain/ice climbers was way too technical for a person who knows nothing about climbing. If only I had discovered the glossary of climbing terms in the back before I started reading. The meat of the story starts after the author, Joe Simpson, breaks his leg. At one point, his partner, Simon, is forced to cut the rope Joe is hanging from. Simon is then left to finish the decent alone with the death of Joe on his conscience. The miracle of this true story is that Simpson actually survived the fall and limped, hopped and crawled his way to survival.

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire- J.K. Rowling

This was the longest book in the series so far. It’s also the first time the movie has really strayed at all from the book version, and even so it was only concerning minor details. The build-up of the climax goes until almost the very end of the book before it is revealed who is working at Hogwart's as a traitor for Voldemort. I especially liked that this story validates Harry's credibility as someone special beyond his passive defeat of Voldemort as an infant.

Life of Pi- Yann Martel

The first three-quarters of the book rivaled Kiterunner as one of my favorites, but the last quarter of it was so bad that I don't even know if it even makes my top 10. The first half of the book describes Pi's life in India with his family's zoo and his study of Hindu, Islam and Christianity as a 15 year-old boy. When their ship sinks during his family's (and their zoo animals) move to Canada, Pi finds himself in the unlikely predicament of sharing a lifeboat with an injured zebra, hyenna, ape and tiger. Pi's ability to survive his living situation was completely believable as written. It's when he comes across a man-eating island made of acidic plants that the story takes a turn for the worse. In the final chapter you are presented with an alternate animal-free version of Pi's life's events after the ship sank. And in the end, the author leaves it up to you to decide which was the more believable version.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- J.K. Rowling

A lot of people told me this was their favorite in the series which may explain why I had such a difficult time finding a copy in our hostel library. Having seen the movie first (again), I'm not sure I agree. Because I already knew Hermione's secret, the mystery of her conflicting course load was lost on me. However, the story did pick up in the last three chapters making the entire book worth reading.

The Poisonwood Bible- Barbara Kingsolver

This book has received rave reviews from volunteers so I figured it must be worth reading. They weren't exactly wrong, but it's no Kiterunner. It's a story about a Baptist missionary who moves his wife and four young daughters to the Congo. It's told through the eyes of the children and mother about the good times and the bad as they strive to survive physically and emotionally in the jungle among an unknown culture. At 600+ pages it was a bit long. At least for me I could relate to some of their experiences, but I'm not sure it would have been as good reading it from the comforts of America. See for yourself. It made Oprah's book club anyway.

Sushi for Beginners- Marian Keyes

Unlike "The Devil Wears Prada," the bitchy magazine editor in this book is actually relateable. You understand what she's thinking and exactly why she way she is. The book covers both sides of the 20/30-somethings' lifestyles; two friends, one a stay-at-home, married, mother of two and the other working at a magazine, single & dating. No matter which you are, no doubt a look into both sides will make you appreciate the book. A great beach read. Just a quick note that the book is set in London and Dublin so there are some British expressions, but it doesn't feel overly British like Bridget Jone's Diary.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets- J.K. Rowling

Unlike C.S. Lewis, Rowling's books don't feel like she's talking to a child. This book, second in the series, had more suspense and mystery than the first, but maybe that's because the first had to lay all of the groundwork. However, if for some reason you come to have to read this one before The Sorcerer's Stone, Rowling does a good job recapping pertinent info. Like the first, the second Harry Potter movie mirrors its book pretty closely. Looking forward to reading the next (providing I can find it in our hostel's library).

The Four Agreements- Don Miguel Ruiz

I received a forward ages ago with the four agreements. I liked the concept so much that I still have the email today. If you know the agreements I'm not sure you really need to read the book which goes too in depth about the concept behind each. I'll save you the time. The four agreements are these (by the way #2 if my favorite):

1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD- Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY- Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS- Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transofrm your life.

4. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST- Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judegment, self-abuse and regret.

The Catcher in the Rye- J.D. Salinger

From what I understand the story is told by a teenager who is in a mental institution recounting stories and events in his life just before he was admitted. This is another example of a book written as if a friend was telling you something firsthand. It's a classic for good reason, but for as many times as the storyteller says "It kills me when......" you'd think he should be dead by the end. ;)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- J.K. Rowling

I saw the movie before I read the book, but I recommend it that way. Having a face to put with the character's names helped me imagine the story better as I read it. The movie follows the book pretty closely, and the small difference in details doesn't take away from the story.

The Secret Life of Bees- Sue Monk Kidd

A cute book set in the south during the Civil Rights Movement. A young girl runs away with her black nanny (whom she rescued from a jail sentence) to discover as much as she can about her dead mother. The two find themselves taken in by a family of three black sisters who run a honey farm. In general, it was just a feel good story.

Nine Hills to Nabonkaha- Sarah Erdman

This girl served in Peace Corps Cote D'Ivore not that long ago. The book outlines her entire experience as a health volunteer in a neighboring country. Many things she describes are exactly the same here in Burkina Faso. If you ever wanted to really know what life is like here, I suggest you read this.

Little Altars Everywhere- Rebecca Wells

This is the prequel to The Ya Ya Sisterhood (which I have yet to read), but it seems like the movie was probably based on this book. It's written so each chapter is a different character telling their version of a story as it went down growing up in a household with a partying alcoholic mother, her husband, four kids and their paid help (a black family that lives nearby).

The Nanny Diaries- Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

This is written in the same style as The Devil Wears Prada where you get the feeling someone is actually talking to you about their story rather than reading it. As the title suggests it's a young woman who talks about her job as a Nanny in New York for a rich family. At times the main character makes it sound like the mother of the kids is a pain in the ass, but nothing she wrote drove it home like in The Devil Wears Prada.

The Red Tent- Anita Diamant

A fictional story of the biblical Dinah (Jacob's only daughter with his first wife Leah) and her family. Especially important is the red tent where the females congregate monthly during the new moon for 3 days and hold sacred female rituals. I couldn't help but feel like Dinah had a bond with her mothers (the 4 wives of Jacob) the way I have one with the women in my family. Recommend this as a must read for all of the women in my life.

The Chronicles of Narnia- C.S. Lewis

The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; The Last Battle

By the 7th book I was tired of reading books written for children, but Lewis does offer interesting insight and wisdom for our younger minds (i.e., people won't suspect you of running away if you leave during the day). Ironically, I found some of the language a bit advanced (or maybe it was just British) for kids. The Silver Chair was my favorite of the series.

The Devil Wears Prada- Lauren Weisberger

I didn't get a chance to see the movie before I came here, but the book was great. Reading it is like listening to a friend's life story first hand. And if you didn't know already, it's a friend who works for the devil; an extremely powerful and bitchy editor-in-chief at a fashion magazine in New York.

White Oleander- Janet Fitch

The beginning and the ending sucked, but the middle makes this book worth reading. It's about a girl who's mom goes to jail for murder, their relationship and her life in and out of foster homes. I promise it gets good after the first or second chapter if you stick with it.

Here on Earth- Alice Hoffman

If I remember right, a girl breaks up with her hometown sweetheart (a boy her family adopted as a foster child) and moves away, marries someone else and has a kid. She goes back to her hometown with her daughter sans her husband and eventually gets swept back up in her old relationship which turns out to be with an emotionally and physically abusive man. It was alright. If you have nothing better to do then you might consider reading this.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay- Michael Chabon

This won a Pulitzer Prize. Interesting enough, it's about two cousins who start a comic book in America amidst the Holocaust. They base their characters on real players in Europe. A longish read, but definitely a good book to add to the collection.

Lucky- Alice Sebold

A true story about Alice Sebold's rape and how it changed her life. Aside from the rape I didn't find anything else about what became of her life very interesting or surprising. The boring details of her life (post rape) take up most of the book, and out of nowhere at the end she devotes less than 10 pages to talk about how she turned into a big drug user.

Trading Up- Candace Bushnell

The writer of the original Sex and the City book was good enough reason to get me to read this, but I couldn't get into it. Maybe it's living in a 3rd world country that couldn't make me feel sorry for the porsche driving, kaniving, Victoria Secret model character and her cry me a river life story.

How To Be Good- Nick Hornsby

The dumbest book I have ever read about a spiritual healer who turns a complete cynic's look on life around and even moves in with his family. The two engage in saving their neighborhood's homeless together as the wife tries to understand exactly what happened to the husband she used to know. Don't read it.

Summer Sisters- Judy Blume

Loved, loved, loved it! A story about childhood girlfriends growing up and their annual summer trips to a cottage, and how they grew apart as they became adults. It reminded me of my own childhood and going up north with the Maddock family every 4th of July.

The Da Vinci Code- Dan Brown

Basically part II of a series and just as interesting. I did however find a lot of similarities between the two books that were kind of annoying. Like the people you least expect end up being the bad guys in both stories, the token female in both stories basically plays the same role and what's with the use of handicapped characters??????

Angels & Demons- Dan Brown

I found this to be a real page turner. Think of Indiana Jones movies as a book. Interesting food for thought if you ever wondered about certain religious symbols and where they came from.

The Kiterunner- Khaled Hosseini

An amazing story about two childhood friends, and the emotional challenges one of them faced as he struggled with a difference in their ethnicity and class as he grew up. I loved everything about this book. Read it!

The Girl's Guide to Hunting & Fishing- Melissa Bank

A series of short stories that seemed link together by a universal character in the beginning of the book, but turned out not to be by the end. If I remember right, the stories were about this girl's experiences with men. I got nothing out of it.

Alive- Piers Paul Read

True story about a team of rugby players whose plane crashed in the mountains in South America in the middle of a blizzard. They had to resort to cannabilism of the dead passengers to stay alive. It paid off as many actually survived the terrible 72-day-long experience. The whole thing was fascinating and certainly relatable as you read about each person's emotional and moral struggles.

On The Road- Jack Kerouac

Hated it. Maybe it's a guy's book, but the story about a guy traversing back and forth across the country did nothing for me. Once the characters started getting into drugs it reminded me of the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (I never read the book), and I found it hard to follow.