The Crow Road

Iain Banks

Family, love, religion, career, death, and chance are all tackled in this engrossing novel where the characters, family relationships, and the highs and lows of life are brought alive in language and the structure of the novel itself. Banks weaves a lovely tale, moving around in time, changing the voice of the narrator, but never becoming confusing, or overwhelming. Incredibly readable, the novel's first line draws you in, wondering where on earth this story can be going: "It was the day my grandmother exploded."

A boisterous tale focusing on one man's search for himself, but intertwining his family's past, building the characters' histories, enchanting the reader with their lives, this book will draw you in and take you on a most satisfying journey. 

"Nine Parts of Desire"

Geraldine Brooks

Brooks has traveled the world as a corespondent for various news outlets, spending a significant amount of time in the Middle East. She made the effort to get to know women in order to see their inner lives, find out what they believe, and why. 

Her exploration of Islam's view of women and how that has translated into culture, law and tradition is fascinating. I started this book thinking it might be a little dry - not so! She weaves history, personal stories, and her own insights in such a wonderful way. 

I learned much, feel like I have a better understanding of the issues facing Islamic women, and might even know better how to befriend one! A short, very interesting book. Well worth the read.