Books from April and May

The Disapparation of James - Anne Ursu
This was an interesting book by a local author. The book is about an ordinary family who are touched by an extraordinary event. The son vanishes during a magic act at a circus, and cannot be found. The magician says he doesn't have the ability to perform a true disappearing act, the police are clueless, and the family is a wreck. I thought the characters were well formed, and the story was an interesting concept, but I wasn't that wowed by the ending... POP, the son returns. No explanation, no details. I have read another book by this author and felt similar about that one. Ursu's novels are a bit like sci-fi in the concepts, but the explanation for the weird events never is confirmed as paranormal. I liked the book, but probably won't read another as I felt like a true conclusion in terms of the "whys" were missing.

Unaccustomed Earth - Jhumpa Lahiri
I read this book on the way to India in December 2010, and missed it on my novel list from the end of the year. It was a collection of stories of Bengalis (from the city of Bangalore, where I was going) of modern day Indian relationships. The core of the book focuses on the differences and difficulties of American raised children/adult children of Indians  I loved this book, it was a great window into how I imagine many of my coworkers are perceived by their parents after spending years in America.


I'm currently reading two books...

Working with you is Killing Me - Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elser
I'm reading this to learn some new tricks to better deal with my frustrations at individuals and teams that are very trying at work. I've enjoyed the breathing techniques and the examples of different relationships. The book does a nice job walking you thought exercises on how to identify issues and resolve them.

Madamde Tussaud: A Life in Wax - Kate Berridge
I picked up this biography on Madame Marie Tussaud at the Albertville Outlet Mall, just because I don't know anything about the woman who created the famous waxworks. I'm about a third of the way through the book, and I love how the author incorporates such rich information about the way of the world in Paris when Marie was growing up and developing her talent. The focus on fashion and the monarchy opens up a time I didn't know much about.