No, I shall probably finish it in a week.  I am already 1/3rd through in 3 days.

Best books for July 2009.

1-  “Crime and Punishment" –Two books- by  Fyodor Dostoyevsky – Russia. One of the best world classic novels.

2-  “Sofie´s World” ( Sofies Verden )  by Jostein Gaarder – Norway.

A good philosophy book.History of the world philosophy.

3-  “ Le deglement Du Monde” by Amin Maalof - Lebanon. A newest history and research book.

  4- “Kodin” by Panait Istrati – Romania .A very nice novel.

Zorro

by

Isabel Allende

It´s a good read, particularly if one is interested in that aspect of CA history.

Dante Alighieri, Divine Comedy-inferno (but in Dutch translation).

Haven´t made much progression yet due to the very long and comprehensive introduction from the translator, but so far very delighted to have finally started a book that has been on my list for a long time, and with upcoming trip to Italy seems about time I read it.

In the meantime for some ´lighter amusement´ I am also reading Jan Wolkers´ ´De perzik van onsterfelijkheid´ (the peach of immortality), a fine piece of Dutch literature.

Janet Evanovich "Finger Lickin Fifteen"  I love her books!

The Kite Runner

by

Khaled Hosseini

It´s been on my list of "must read" for a while.  It´s a very disturbing book, but also an interesting view into the relatively peaceful and idyllic prewar Afghanistan.

 I agree, Kite Runner is a beautifully written book.  A bit disturbing but a story you can´t stop reading.

If you like it, try "A Thousand Splendid Suns."  It was also a good read.

I agree too!     I read ´A Thousand Splendid Suns´ first and I think I actually preferred it.  I have also seen the film of ´The Kite Runner´ but like most films of really good books it was a little bit of a let-down.  I wonder if there are any plans for a film of ´Splendid Suns´?

My current read is ´Making Money´ - Terry Pratchett - I just love his books - they make me laugh out loud   (Somehow I don´t think I fit in with the ´intellectuals´ of TC!   )

 Yes, I didn´t read anything about it other than it was a good book and about Afghanistan....there was something about kites...what did I know?....so I was quite shocked as the events unfolded...not being in any way prepared for them..... There are a lot of Afghan refugees (in fact a lot of refugees in general) where I live, and I´ve made friends with some of them. 

Their stories are amazing.  The hopes and dreams, the nightmares they escaped. They there is the issue of their status and how it changes when they arrive here.  The once wealthy and respected become gas station attendants, clerks in bargain stores, or flea market dealers.  The Afghans seem to gravitate to the flea markets. I have been amazed at how quickly they learn the American wants in their flea market stalls.  Very rapidly they learn what is collectable and stock their stalls with just that.  They have quickly learned how to price things, and they are quite open to exchange of information.

I guess I´m sort of a flea market connoisseur, and I find the Afghan dealers intriguing. The way it was described in the book was pretty accurate. They usually have some sort of van, very well equipped with carpets and tea service inside. It really is reminiscent of the old caravans.

 You´re not alone.......TRUST ME.....I try not to read anything too intellectual.  I usually read to escape!  I have been known to read an occasional trashy romance novel...

 If you have read a book and then see the film, most often they are dissapointing.  Hmmmm...Splendid Suns....sounds like a must read.

I have to admit though, much of my reading depends of what I find of interest at garage sales.  Both my last two reads were garage sale finds.  I much prefer paying $1 than $15 or $20 for a good book, although I do break down and order hardbacks of ones I particularly want to read.

Terry Prachett was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers, did you know that?  He sounds like a very interesting man.  I really should read some of his works sometime.  I spent a whole winter one year reading Edgar Rice Burroughs...it was wonderful. 

"Alzheimer´s disease

In August 2007 Pratchett was misdiagnosed as having had a minor stroke in 2004 or 2005, which was believed to have damaged the right side of his brain. While his motor skills had been affected, the observed damage had not impaired his ability to write (or at least no one noticed the difference).On 11 December 2007 Pratchett posted online that he had been newly diagnosed with a very rare form of early-onset Alzheimer´s disease, which he said "lay behind this year´s phantom ´stroke´." He has a rare form of the disease called posterior cortical atrophy, in which areas at the back of the brain begin to shrink and shrivel. Pratchett appealed to people to "keep things cheerful", and proclaimed that "we are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism."