Health & Fitness
Truth and Memory Feature in These Interesting Novels
The Expats by Chris Pavone (2012)
Kate has given up her job as a CIA operative to join her husband in relocating to Luxembourg. While he works many hours aiding in the security for a bank, Kate deals with their children, the household chores and meets new friends, also expats. But old habits die hard; some of her new friends’ habits seem a bit off and she starts sleuthing to find out what’s really true. She discovers, through some of her old contacts, that these friends are actually with the FBI. Are they in Luxembourg to assassinate some dignitary or are they investigating her for past work assignments? The truth as it unravels is amazing and complex. I enjoyed the book as a whole but it was a bit disconcerting in that the story is told with flashbacks to other scenes from Kate’s past, fleshing out reasons for her present actions. ~ Recommended by Sue
Kate has given up her job as a CIA operative to join her husband in relocating to Luxembourg. While he works many hours aiding in the security for a bank, Kate deals with their children, the household chores and meets new friends, also expats. But old habits die hard; some of her new friends’ habits seem a bit off and she starts sleuthing to find out what’s really true. She discovers, through some of her old contacts, that these friends are actually with the FBI. Are they in Luxembourg to assassinate some dignitary or are they investigating her for past work assignments? The truth as it unravels is amazing and complex. I enjoyed the book as a whole but it was a bit disconcerting in that the story is told with flashbacks to other scenes from Kate’s past, fleshing out reasons for her present actions. ~ Recommended by Sue
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2013)
Thirteen-year-old Theo Decker and his mother slip into the Metropolitan Museum of Art during a New York City rain storm. Their visit is cut short when a bomb detonates killing Theo’s mother and several others. When the dust settles and Theo regains consciousness, he slips a tiny, priceless painting, The Goldfinch, into his jacket as he leaves the museum. This riveting story follows Theo as he attempts to pick up the pieces of his broken life and find a place for himself as an orphan in the city. Fans of epic family sagas like The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides will find this book especially engaging. ~ Recommended by Rebekah
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman (2013)
There is a bit of eeriness as the story begins but Gaiman pulls the reader in to this tale of magic and memories through the protagonist, never named. He explores the human condition through interesting characters like the Hempstocks who live at the end of the lane. It is a slim read but the power of good and evil play out in a terrific yarn. Gaiman shines as storyteller in this must-read novel. ~Recommended by Sheila
There is a bit of eeriness as the story begins but Gaiman pulls the reader in to this tale of magic and memories through the protagonist, never named. He explores the human condition through interesting characters like the Hempstocks who live at the end of the lane. It is a slim read but the power of good and evil play out in a terrific yarn. Gaiman shines as storyteller in this must-read novel. ~Recommended by Sheila
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