This novel is not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.  It’s a family saga about Iranian Jews who are forced to leave their homeland when the Shah is overthrown. Wealthy in Iran, most of them eventually find success in Los Angeles, but often pay the price for financial gain.  There is a touch of surrealism in the novel, which does not add or detract from the books artistry but does help emphasize Nahai’s themes of family and lineage.

A wonderful read that I would recommend to just about anyone.  A coming of age novel about a 14 year old boy who must spend a summer in rural Kentucky with his mother, who is traumatized by the death of his younger brother, and his grandfather.  With his grandfather’s love and guidance, Kevin Gillooly learns what it take to be a man.  Well-written, engrossing and heart-warming.

What a wonderful surprise! I knew nothing about this debut novel before I began to read it, and found it a thoroughly pleasurable experience.  It is the story of the Lee’s, a racially mixed family, half Chinese-American, half WASP, living in a small town in Ohio in the 70’s.  The novel begins with sixteen year old Lydia Lee’s death, and then unfolds to reveal layers of problems and untold dreams within the family.  I highly recommend it.

Finally, a new novel by Richard Price.  I am a fan and The Whites was everything I expected from him.  A flawed New York City policeman, Billy Graves, discovers that some coworkers, who also happen to be his friends, are moving beyond the law.  Alongside this dilemma, Graves must also deal with a mysterious person who is stalking his family.  An intriguing tale about, friendship,family, betrayal  and the seedy side of New York.

A remarkable memoir about a woman in her mid 30’s suffering from Usher II, a genetic disease that slowly takes away vision and hearing.  Despite her many obstacles, Alexander is a therapist with two graduate degrees from Columbia as well as being a personal trainer.  This is an insightful depiction about disease and loss without being dramatic, idealistic or schmaltzy.

An engrossing, well-written novel about a woman, Anna, who cannot stop herself from committing adultery.  Although married with three children, Anna is, in some ways, alone and unloved.  She is an American living in Zurich and feels foreign in every respect.  A fast, easy read, but one that is satisfying.