Doozies, But Goodies!

I've been reading some doozies and way past my bedtime these last few weeks. My contact lenses are telling me they need to soak longer! Oh, but they were all so good!

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My favorite kind of book is one that gets me to think deeply about my life, and challenges my worldview, all in the packaging of a superbly written novel. This one delivered. In my opinion it ranks up there with A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, NINETEEN MINUTES, and SNOWFLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN.


VEILED FREEDOM by J.M. Windle is a captivating snapshot of present-day Afghanistan that pulls no punches. It's been 8 years since invading forces freed the people from Taliban rule, and Windle explains the intricate trickledown effect that has resulted through 3 main characters: Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson who returns to Kabul as security chief to the minister of interior, relief worker Amy Mallory, and Afghan native Jamil who is coming home with many battle scars.


Not only was this a gripping tale, but it showcased the author's understanding of the multitude of subplots that make life hard for the citizens of this ancient land and those who are trying to help in the aftermath of war.


A few questions and quotes:

Does poverty breed corruption and violence, or is it the other way
around?

What do you do when the very aid that saves a few lives also enables bad
governments to keep their grip?

"You can't give people freedom at the point of a sword--or gun--any more
than you can give faith. And much for the same reason. It's got to
come from inside."

"We expected that when we took away the excuses for these people to keep
fighting and abusing each other that they would stop. That we could roll
in with our money and heavy machinery and good intentions, have everyone shake
hands, and get to work rebuilding this country."

"It bothers me too that we--the West--should cooperate with ideologies that
put people to death for their faith. But you can't be suggesting we
withdraw humanitarian aid from countries that don't share our ideas of human
rights and freedom. Why there'd be millions starving this winter right
here in Afghanistan if we weren't here to offer food and shelter."

The abundance of technical/military acronyms was a tiny bit confusing at times, but it didn't prove to be a big drawback to understanding the plot or anything.

Definately one to add to your reading list for this year!



Another book that I just finished came highly recommended by my friend Lynn--and I must add, was my first NON-FICTION of the new year! :o)


BIRTH: The Surprising History of How We Are Born by Tina Cassidy made my jaw drop to the floor.

I found myself alternating between nervous tittering laughter and exclamations of horror! I had to suppress the urge to run out and ask every mother over the age of 50 about their childbirth experiences! I called my mom and read snippets to her. My husband kept remarking that he didn't want to hear any more! No more! It was all TMI! LOL.



I think every mother, especially my generation, needs to read this book. What an eye-opener!



As the Introduction chapter concludes, "...no matter that birth is the most natural of events, the arrival of a healthy baby is truly a miracle."

And lastly, CROSSFIRE by J. M. Windle, proved to be a thrill-ride if not a book to give phonebook booster seats some competition, weighing in at alittle over 600 pages. Since I had thoroughly enjoyed VEILED FREEDOM, I decided to check out some of her other works.

This novel follows the life of a new bride named Sara, as she moves to Bolivia, her husband's native country. She quickly realizes that she doesn't know him as well as she believed. Sara is forced to make a choice. Will she turn a blind eye to her suspicions or will she work with the DEA and live to tell about it?

It's a bit predictable in parts and I got alittle frustrated at her naivety, but it was still a gripping tale that wrapped up perfectly in the end, AND it generated some very interesting discussion about cocaine between me and the hubby. :o)

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Next up, SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, a true story by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.