Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

I really liked this book. It is a fictionalized account of a love affair that took place between Frank Lloyd Wright (the architect) and Mamah Cheney, a client of his. The book is set in the early 20th century, and takes place in both the United State and Europe.

While this book is most identifiably a love story, it also explored how pervasive Wright's opinions about design were in his personality. I enjoyed learning more about Wright, although I am tempted to read a biography of him soon to learn what is really true about him and what was imagined by Horan.

The book also tackled themes of feminism, as Mamah gets a job translating essays by Ellen Key (Swedish feminist) into English. In doing so, Mamah struggles with how early 20th century feminism viewed her leaving her husband (ok) and children (bad).

What I liked most about the book was how much the author was able to teach me about Wright and about feminism without my noticing.

Soliciting Recommendations!

This is the time of year when I've generally gotten through all the books from last year's booklists that I am interested in and despite my bookshelves being overwhelmed with books I haven't read I'm on the prowl for new recommendations.

In addition, I'm looking for good biographies of The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

What say you, reader?

A Free Life by Ha Jin

I remember liking Ha Jin's Waiting (although I can't remember what it was about other than something relating to a ponytail) so when I saw this on the shelf I picked it up. I didn't even notice until now that it was a book about freedom and I was reading it during Passover.


The book is about a young family who immigrate from China to the United States and what their first decade or so is like in the U.S. I was enthralled by the story and the decisions they faced. It is probably the best book I've read in a long time that gave me a window into a particular 'universe' so elegantly. I learned a lot about the economics of starting over in a new country, and especially enjoyed the sections about their owning a Chinese restaurant in Atlanta.



I did not think the writing was as good as it could have been, although the story was, but that may have been intentional since the main characters' first language is not English. Aside from finding the style simplistic and lacking in physical details in places, the book was intriguing.

Remainder by Tom McCarthy

I think I saw this book recommended somewhere; in any case it showed up in my library queue. It's about a man who is recovering from a bad accident. One day he sees something that reminds him of childhood and becomes obsessed with re-enacting scenes from his memory to the tiniest detail. The author played with concepts around memory and reality, as well as authenticity.

While the book started off slow, I really enjoyed the middle 75% of the story. However, I was disappointed in the ending. Like the Sopranos, it didn't really end, although I don't think McCarthy has any illusions about their being a movie made of this book. If you've read this and have any insight, please comment below!

Humans by Robert Sawyer

Humans is the second book of the "Parallax Trilogy" Sawyer wrote about a parallel Neanderthal world that contacts our world. I usually wait a bit longer between books of the same author but I could not wait to read this continuation. I was not disappointed.

Sawyer continued to build his vast social commentary, this time focusing on reproduction, environmental issues, and criminal justice. At the same time, he draws some interesting conclusions about the fossil record and what we know about evolution. While it is not entirely clear that the fantastical nature of the Neanderthal world could have been derived from the differences between humans (ok, Robert, I'll call them homo sapiens) and Neanderthals, I'll let Sawyer chalk it up to the randomness inherent in the creation of multiple worlds because I liked this book so much. He created a great pair of universes and a believable love story to boot.

I do not know how long I will go without breaking down to read the finale, Hybrids.

I'll Fly Away by Wally Lamb

This book is a continuation of Lamb's 2002 compilation of woman's' writing from the York Correctional Institution (i.e., Jail) entitled Couldn't Keep it to Ourselves. While I enjoyed the original book for its honesty and the stories around how women got into situations that ended with their committing crimes, this follow-up was disappointing.

After a multi-page forward about the political troubles at the York jail, the book has about a dozen women's' short essays and poems with no discernible theme. While I'm sure the writing was therapeutic for the prisoners and their teachers, it's less than inspirational for the reader.

I'm ready for Lamb's next novel already. Which he promises is coming.

Update on the Book Swap

A few months ago I mentioned going to a party with a book swap. This weekend we actually did it and here are the results:

• I gave a book about the invention of longitude based on my lifelong obsession with maps


• Web gave a book on the science of science fiction writing, because he loves sci-fi and most people don't know that about him


• Sara gave a book about storytelling since she is a new mom and has been struggling to be creative in her stories to her son at night on three hours' sleep


• Ethan gave Tom Sawyer, a childhood favorite of his


• Jamie gave Bill Clinton's Giving, because she once met him at a basketball game


• Jay gave a Real Simple cookbook because he used to cook dinner for his mom when she worked late


• Jenn gave a book about travels in India and one of crossword puzzles because of one lifelong and one new obsession


• Greg gave me a book on modern art and one on the game of Go. I could have pegged him as a Go aficionado but the art was a complete surprise.
  

All in all, a fun way to learn a little more about close friends.