Fiction Addiction

Do librarians know books? Yes! Check out the latest fiction reviews from an Indiana librarian!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert


This is Elizabeth Gilbert's story about soul searching and self discovery through travel to Italy, India, and Bali. Following a bitter divorce she decides to take time off to "find herself". She chooses Italy as a symbol of pleasure, India, to study at an ashram and Bali to balance herself by studying with a medicine man and unexpectedly finds a new love affair.
What I enjoyed about the book is that Elizabeth spoke candidly about the bad parts of her life without being self serving. She was able to put her problems in perspective with some gentle humor.
I enjoyed the book as a travel memoir as well. She chose 3 totally different locations to visit and vividly described each place. At the end of the book I felt like I'd been on the trip with her.
If you enjoy books on travel, memoir and books on self discovery Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" might be just what you're looking for in a good read.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg


The setting for Berg's novel is Chicago at the time of World War II. The story revolves around the Heany family and their three daughters, Kitty, Louise and Tish.
The two older girls, Kitty and Louise have seen their boyfriends Julian and Michael leave for the war and they face an uncertain future. Part of the story takes place in the form of letters from the girls to their sweethearts. This plot device helps to bring the male characters to life considering they are not seen for most of the book.
I have read many reviews critical of the book's ending but I don't agree with most of them. I enjoyed the book because it gave an accurate and human snapshot of a time when most families were waiting anxiously for loved ones to return safe from the war.
This book is the perfect companion for a rainy fall night. You'll be caught up in Kitty, Louise and Tish's stories and you'll be glad that you got to know them.