Net Net Book Reviews

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

netnetbookreviews — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:07:00 +0000

My Sister's Keeper: Keep the tissues ready

Although a book about childhood cancer doesn’t make for light reading, My Sister’s Keeper is told through several perspectives that offer a welcome respite from every parent’s worst nightmare.

You’ll learn a little about astronomy, firefighting, bone marrow transplants and the legal system—in just over 400 pages. Be prepared for a good cry – and an unexpected twist of fate.

Suggested pairing: Splurge on a nice white wine like Phelps Creek Estate Reserve Chardonnay Columbia Gorge 2007.

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

netnetbookreviews — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:04:18 +0000

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a boy solider

Need affirmation that Americans are extraordinarly lucky to live in a free, democratic society? Read a few chapters of A Long Way Gone — in fact, read the whole book.

A Long Way Gone is a brutaly honest, fascinating account of Ishmael, a teenage boy, struggling to stay alive in Africa’s Sierra Leone during civil wars that run rip-shod over the country’s beaches, jungles and villages. In a lucky break, Ishmael is chosen to participate in a UNICEF program that gives him a chance at life away from his homeland and the unending civil violence.

Suggested pairing: Something calming, perhaps a cup of chamomile tea.

Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea: Chick Lit Saudi Style

netnetbookreviews — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:16:29 +0000

Girls of Riyadh: Chick Lit Saudi Style

If Girls of Riyadh was based in any other country than Saudi Arabia, it wouldn’t’ work. But this modern sneak-peek into the lives of affluent women in the Middle East’s wealthiest nation — as they try to go to school, date, work and grow up within the confines of society that shuns females – is a fast, fun read. The story unfolds through a series of “anonymous” emails that are witty, funny and enlightening. If you didn’t already know this, here’s a hint: Islamic nations are not a fun place to live if you’re a feisty, ambitious and independent woman.

Pairing: In the spirit of irreverence, a shot of Sex on the Beach.

Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer McMahon: Disturbing Story of Kids “Gone Missing”

netnetbookreviews — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:21:29 +0000

Mystery and suspense kept me turning the pages, but “Island of Lost Girls” is full of strange – okay, downright weird – characters. When a small town searches for a girl who literally disappears in broad daylight, another sad, decades-old mystery is solved. Throw in a guy who dresses up like a rabbit and a back-woods convenience store, and I was just a little, well, lost.

Suggested pairing: I’d say moonshine, but since I never touch the stuff, try a spicy Bloody Mary with an extra shot of vodka (you'll thank me).

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway: Beautifully orchestrated novel about the realities of a war zone

netnetbookreviews — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:52:14 +0000

This book follows the lives of three unconnected people in Sarajevo who share the commonalities of despair and deprivation in a city destroyed by civil war. Ultimately, they are all touched by the music of a brave cellist who brings a measure of humanity to the hellish scene when he takes to the deadly streets to play his instrument.

Suggested pairing: A classical music CD and hot chocolate with a shot of Bailey's – you'll want to feel warm after vivid images of harsh winter in Sarajevo.

Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat: A Teenage Girl’s Captivating Memoir

netnetbookreviews — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:47:58 +0000

If you ever need affirmation that you’re lucky to live in the West, read this book. Teenager Marina Nemat is sent to jail for something Americans take for granted every day: speaking our mind. But in 1980s Iran, this is a crime worthy of imprisonment and even death. Marina escapes execution (barely) when a smitten prison official intervenes.

Suggested pairing: I’m going to ignore Islam’s ban on alcohol for this one and recommend something stout – how about a Scotch on the rocks?

The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee: A Lesson in Love

netnetbookreviews — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:16:03 +0000

Initially, it’s hard to get a read on the main characters in this book – you’re not sure whether to like them, pity them, or both. But the lives of a socialite, Englishman and piano teacher in Hong Kong eventually come together in the last few chapters. I once again found myself appalled at the brutality of World War II — and amazed at the risks taken by brave soles in order to help others survive in an occupied country.

Suggested pairing: Hot tea (as the saying goes, when in Rome…)

Lush Life by Richard Price: Rich storytelling!

netnetbookreviews — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:49:25 +0000

I generally don't go for crime books but this one is worth the read. The story is told in an urban dialect, which makes it feel very authentic and gritty, from many different character view points. I didn't identify strongly with any one of them (usually not a good sign for me to continue reading), but the suspense of the plot was very compelling. Oddly, the description on the back of the book really doesn't jive with the actual story. The summary makes the book sound like a tale between rich vs. poor in NYC but that's not how it plays out at all. A compelling story all the same.

Suggesting paring: A Manhattan, of course!

Princess by Jean Sasson: Royally Indulgent Life in Saudi Arabia

netnetbookreviews — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:58:44 +0000

Saudi Arabia is a fascinating place – hot, dusty, arid and insanely wealthy if you’re a member of the elite ruling class. There was just enough history and culture in this book to keep my interest despite the Princess’ self-pity. Women undoubtedly are oppressed and powerless in this devout Islamic country, but the Princess’ standard of living is opulent and indulgent. To her credit, she’s using her status to shed light on the country’s archaic way of life where men still hold all the cards.

Suggested pairing: In keeping with the country’s non-alcoholic laws, a cup of Arabic coffee.

Michael Jackson – The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story: For MJ Fans, this is a thriller!

netnetbookreviews — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:16:53 +0000

For diehard MJ fans and the curious, this book is hard to stop reading. Written with great attention to detail by a credible journalist who has known Michael Jackson since the 1970s, it provides an intriguing look behind the curtain of MJ's crazy world – and it was crazy. Most of the information comes from direct interviews with Jackson, his family, lawyers, etc. We'll probably never know the real truth vs. fiction but this is a straightforward attempt (and the author just updated it with info about Jackson's final days). The most interesting chapters are about Michael and his relationship with Lisa Marie Presley – fascinating!

Suggesting pairing: "Michael Jackson – Number Ones" CD and a glass of organic grape juice (MJ was a health food nut).