TOP 5 BOOKS FOR YOUR WEEK-END
October 6-7, 2012
Here are the latest titles added to my Goodreads TBR,
I suggest them as the top 5 books for your week-end.
FICTION
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
3.81 · Things have never been easy for Oscar, a sweet but disastrously overweight, lovesick Dominican ghetto nerd. From his home in New Jersey, where he lives with his old-world mother and rebellious sister, Oscar dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien and, most of all, of finding love. But he may never get what he wants, thanks to the F- the curse that has haunted the Oscar’s family for generations, dooming them to prison, torture, tragic accidents, and, above all, ill-starred love. Oscar, still waiting for his first kiss, is just its most recent victim.
Díaz immerses us in the tumultuous life of Oscar and the history of the family at large, rendering with genuine warmth and dazzling energy, humor, and insight the Dominican-American experience, and, ultimately, the endless human capacity to persevere in the face of heartbreak and loss. A true literary triumph, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao confirms Junot Díaz as one of the best and most exciting voices of our time.
The Chocolate Thief (Chocolate #1)
Breathtakingly beautiful, the City of Light seduces the senses, its cobbled streets thrumming with possibility. For American Cade Corey, it’s a dream come true, if only she can get one infuriating French chocolatier to sign on the dotted line…
Chocolate
Melting, yielding yet firm, exotic, its secrets are intimately known to Sylvain Marquis. But turn them over to a brash American waving a fistful of dollars? Jamais. Not unless there’s something much more delectable on the table…
Stolen Pleasure
Whether confections taken from a locked shop or kisses in the dark, is there anything sweeter?
Maya Lord
Based on actual people and events, this exotic historical novel follows driven characters as they chart conflicting courses through a tumultuous world unlike anything they could ever have imagined.
Gonzalo–shipwrecked in a violent storm, he finds himself cast away on an unknown shore in the New World. A fierce tribe enslaves him and the other Spaniards in his small party. With little hope for escape, this brilliant and pragmatic adventurer searches for a way to advance in a strange new culture.
Jeronimo–lost in the shipwreck with Gonzalo, this uncompromising priest rejects Maya ways, holds fast to his beliefs and remains a slave. Like his fellow survivor, he is convinced he is the better man for his choice.
Ix Zazil–the spirited and independent daughter of a powerful chieftain, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to a strange foreigner who has been thrust into her life from another world.
The Medical Book: From Witch Doctors to Robot Surgeons, 250 Milestones in the History of Medicine
Wonderful Life with the Elements: The Periodic Table Personified
From the brilliant mind of Japanese artist Bunpei Yorifuji comes Wonderful Life with the Elements, an illustrated guide to the periodic table that gives chemistry a friendly face.
In this super periodic table, every element is a unique character whose properties are represented visually: heavy elements are fat, man-made elements are robots, and noble gases sport impressive afros. Every detail is significant, from the length of an element’s beard to the clothes on its back. You’ll also learn about each element’s discovery, its common uses, and other vital stats like whether it floats—or explodes—in water.
Why bother trudging through a traditional periodic table? In this periodic paradise, the elements are people too. And once you’ve met them, you’ll never forget them.
Includes pull-out poster!
WHAT ARE YOUR READING PLANS FOR THIS WEEK-END?
Words And Peace 
I’m afraid I don’t share your enthusiasm for Junot Diaz’ book… I started reading it twice but never got through it in the end. I would, however, pick up The Chocolate Thief (what a title!) and Maya Lord in an instant though 🙂
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actually, if you see my introduction, it’s books I added to my TBR list, so I have not read it yet. This author just got a huge literary award, so I thought I should try him, BUT if you say so, I may reconsider. thanks for the warning!
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Sorry, I really have to read better o__o He did earn a big literary award, but I just could not get through it…
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I’m always careful with those big awards anyway, so will just look more closely at it, and will see if it ends up in my unfinished list!!
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Oscar Wao is such a great book. It’s one of my favorites of all-time. I’m currently reading Diaz’s latest, This is How You Lose Her, and enjoying it. I’m going to have to check out the Periodic Table book. It sounds really interesting. I hope you’re having a good weekend.
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Thanks for your encouragement to read this book. Yes, I had a great walk and birding time today, as I often try on week-ends. and now time for reading! Enjoy your Sunday
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