Dragon Bones

Wow, one thing I will say for Lisa See is that she does not write to formula. This book is totally different than "Snowflower and the Secret Fan", a book which I LOVED. This book was set in modern-day China, and I got very confused with the government functions and political environment that is important to the story. It is basically a murder mystery, with and archeology/Ancient Chinese History as the motives, and modern China in the backdrop.

I will be curious to see other opinions.

Personally, I often get confused in the murder mystery/thriller type of book, so I am not holding that against Lisa See so far.

Girl with a Pearl Earring

I reread this because my bookclub is reading it this month, and I must say it remained as good as I remembered. I love this book, and I'm not quite sure why. Love the characters and the "what if" story being woven into the facts of Vermeer's life.

This book inspired me to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, where I saw 5 of Vermeer's paintings, not "the one", but five others. It was a unique experience, and we really enjoyed the other areas of the museum we were able to visit (It is a huge, huge, huge, place). Gord picked 'Armor" and "Battle Gear" and I picked the European masters........ along the way, I saw many Monets, Manets, Renoir, and a bunch of other famous works, being I am pretty dumb about art it was a new experience for me. And a good one.

As was rereading this book. Still enjoyed ever page. So I guess it gets to stay on my "favourites" lists.

Joanne

What I read this week

People magazine. Two of them.

Sorry folks, that's it!

I tried, tried, and tried on the Outlanders but I am just not captured (yet?)

In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant

Another small photo, sigh...

OK, I bought this book with enthusiasm, because I did enjoy "Birth of Venus". I now have a copy that I am happy to lend out with enthusiasm, because I can't wait to hear what anyone else think....

Here's a review from Amazon.ca: I gobbled this novel up. I love the historical facts and the fiction of the times. I love the customs and the intrigue. I loved the main characters and their stories as told by the dwarf Bucino. I can't wait to read the "Birth of Venus".

From "the New Statesman": A rip-roaring tale in which gusty vulgarity and ferocious intelligence go hand in hand.

Bottom line..... Too much "gusty vulgarity" for Joanne, not sure about the ferocious intelligence, and I was very much wondering about the historical fact "accuracy" albeit it is ficition.... she does list a big bibliography. I didn't love it, but I'm waiting for someone else to post their opinion. She is a good writer, and her writing does draw me in.....

I think it is worth a read, if only for your opinion. Easy to read. I'm not a fan.

On to the next one!!!!