"The African-born author of more than 50 books, from children's stories (The Perfect Hamburger) to scholarly works (Forensic Aspects of Sleep), turns his talents to detection in this artful, pleasing novel about Mma (aka Precious) Ramotswe, Botswana's one and only lady private detective. A series of vignettes linked to the establishment and growth of Mma Ramotswe's "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" serve not only to entertain but to explore conditions in Botswana in a way that is both penetrating and light thanks to Smith's deft touch. Mma Ramotswe's cases come slowly and hesitantly at first: women who suspect their husbands are cheating on them; a father worried that his daughter is sneaking off to see a boy; a missing child who may have been killed by witchdoctors to make medicine; a doctor who sometimes seems highly competent and sometimes seems to know almost nothing about medicine. The desultory pace is fine, since she has only a detective manual, the frequently cited example of Agatha Christie and her instincts to guide her. Mma Ramotswe's love of Africa, her wisdom and humor, shine through these pages as she shines her own light on the problems that vex her clients. Images of this large woman driving her tiny white van or sharing a cup of bush tea with a friend or client while working a case linger pleasantly. General audiences will welcome this little gem of a book just as much if not more than mystery readers."
Amazon.com


Haven't read it, but it looks pretty great!

The Illustrated Man

I'm so excited to read this book again. It satisfies the need for a little creepiness in your life - without going over the edge. It is also great because you don't necessarily have to read the whole thing, due to it being a compilation of short stories. 
Here are two reviews that echo my feelings about the book. 

"I have read The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury many times. I will continue to read this wonderful little book. Like most of Bradbury's work, one can never get bored reading his stories. His stories are at times terrible, dark and they are beautiful, fascinating and in many ways a portal to the future. They are also a wonderful escape from the now." 


"I highly recommend this book to any fan of Ray Bradbury's work, or to anyone who wishes to introduce his classic works into their library. He is a passionate visionary that writes not only about sci-fi, but his colorful writing style encapsulates the sometimes ineffable feelings that each and every one of us have had about every possible situation in life, and dare I say, in death. I always feel like a kid again when I read his books, I am taken away to warm, sunny Saturdays when I was still in awe of the newness of life. I can hardly force myself to read the works of others as I am convinced that no one can do with words the magic that Ray Bradbury has done."


Apparently it is also a movie - might have to watch it at the meeting. Maybe not, it might be one of those books I don't want to ruin in my head. 
Hope you enjoy!

The Life of Pi

We chose to read The Life of Pi for August. Our next meeting will be held at the Livsey's home in Salt Lake. Marie will be in town! Here is a link on Amazon for like 1,000 reviews. I will be in Boston during our next meeting :(, so I nominate Katie to lead the discussion since she has already read it.
Enjoy reading!

The Alchemist & Star Girl

Our next meeting is November 19, 2008 @ 7:00 pm....Gina's house. We are reading The Alchemist and if you have time you can read Star Girl. Both of the books are really fast reads. See you then.