TOMATO RHAPSODY, by Adam Schell

I read this whole book with a pleasant smile on my face and was saddened when it came to a close. Adam Schell ably chops, minces and molds the gusto, emotion and fun of fantasy stories such as THE PRINCESS BRIDE along with the wit and intelligence of Shakespeare's best comedies.

TOMATO RHAPSODY is a story built on the how the tomato was introduced to Italy. If you are anything like me, Italy and tomatoes are indistinguishable (pizza, bruschetta, lasagna, caprese salad, etc.). I never thought that Italy ever was without this luscious fruit.

The tomato finding its rightful place is the foundation of the story, but the strength of the book comes from the diversity of characters, forbidden love, descriptions of delicious food, an author that often "talks" to his reader, and a heavy dose of humor throughout.

If you are in need of a light-hearted, fun, fantastical book, this is your pick! In the cold months of winter, it was a pleasant vacation in my mind. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie writes of his life as a teenager, with one foot on the rez and one timidly reaching to step beyond it. I grew up in a town that bordered a Native American reservation, and a lot of the topics and feelings expressed throughout were ones that I was familiar with.

Cartoons pimple the text, enhancing the story visually and reminding the reader that this is a youthful book, a book that is light-hearted but with seriousness and emotion. The honesty and teenage angst that are nakedly communicated is refreshing, and the feelings of sadness, loss, and fear are universal. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN is a wonderfully written book.

Enjoy.

STUFF WHITE PEOPLE LIKE by Christian Lander

This book is an absolutely funny, "calling out" of the most critical, band-wagon class there is! If you are someone with "thin skin", or are easily offended by the obvious, then I would not recommend it. Otherwise, if you are one able to laugh at yourself, you will LOVE it!

Recommended by my friend Dayna, thanks!

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by Geraldine Brooks

This is a story that takes readers on a journey, spanning centuries, continents and cultures.

Geraldine Brooks is a fantastic craftsman. She allows the reader the opportunity to connect with the many characters lives, in all their intricacies, while we learn of a faith that cannot be undone, and of a people that have endured hardships for eons.

Initially I thought that the "People of the Book" would be about the people IN the Haggadah, but it is more about the people that have protected, preserved and pushed it onward in its journey through the hands of humanity. The book has such a power, an appeal because of its beauty, its fragility and the persecution of the people that revolve around it.

Geraldine Brooks does a wonderful job of giving us an honest look at its path without giving an opinion that could sway the reader in any direction. It is simply a story of a book. It is simply fantastic. It is simply a must read!