The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coehlo

This is a tale. Just like any Paulo Coehlo novel, a really good tale. It is as deep as the blue on it's cover. I might be partial here in this review. First, I am a Coehlo fan, second I have been searching out certain forgotten and ancient pieces of worship, something I am driven to do, for nearly three years. This book happened to be one of the links in bringing understanding to some of the misatched pieces of information I have, like many other books have been. I loved the main character, I loved the plot, and though the ending is given away in the first chapter, still I loved the ending and found it surprising. After reading this it has taken me awhile to pick up a new novel, it leaves so much on your mind, so much to sort out that you can't really just pick up the next thing. Really a good story, heartfelt, motivates you to search out your own spirit and what connects you to it with out lectures and sermons and a map that says there is only one way. There is a lot of liberation in this book, it is bound to rub off on it's reader.

jlw

The Best American Poetry 2007

This is a clever collection of poetry gathered together by Heather McHugh and David Lehman. I mostly enjoyed it but must admit that some of these poems had me feeling very small and unsure if I knew what poetry was at all. But others took me to a place in the poets soul that I was glad I went to, wishing I could snap a few pictures like a bubbly tourist. Some of my favorite poems in this collection: Where He Found Himself by Stephen Dunn, Language Police Report by Denise Duhammel, What Every Soldier Should Know by Brian Turner, and The Home of the Brave by Joe Wenderoth. There were others that I enjoyed but too many to mention in my small paragraph here. Point being: they are all American and I see it as a beautiful collection of our varied differences, highlighting that year in history, taking us to a history not written in books but only written in that fleeting moment of time, shedding light on that passable soul of America. Even when I didn't understand the poem, I enjoyed it. So I highly recommend a pick up of this book. If only to get you out of your box.


jlw

The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson

This is a good book. Creatively written in letters from Olivia Hunt to the people she loves, she hates, and the people she works with. The Characters are colorful and lead colorful lives and remain true to themselves. I enjoyed the varied back drops in this story - Rome, Spain, California, New York. And I especially like the fact that the main character, Olivia, is a Hollywood Producer, an industry I know nothing about. The other big thing in this book is the devastating sickness of her sister. Being in health care myself put me at a disadvantage here. Elisabeth's research on the subject was pretty good but the few places where she made a mistake, on obvious mistake to me, was quite a turn off. However, the story was great and if you have no idea what a Hickman is then you will have no problem enjoying this book.


jlw