I could not put this book down because the story is so compelling: a 10-year old girl and her parents are arrested; she tries to save her 4-year-old brother by locking him up in a cabinet, thinking she'll come back. However, the girl's family is Jewish, and the arrest is part of France's Vel' d'Hiv' roundup during WWII. Fast forward 60 years to Julia, a married American female journalist who is about to move into the same apartment. This book explores the connection between the two, and an episode France would rather forget. The writing is uneven, however, and except for Sarah, the main characters are two-dimensional. Julia's spinelessness with regard to her unfaithful husband is particularly annoying, and the ending is fairly predictable and unsatisfying.
Dates: 30 March-6 April 2011
Stars: 3 out of 5
*****
The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett
Here's the gist: upon the death of her (gay) magician husband, Los Angelean Sabine discovers that he had lied about the death of his family - his mother and sisters are actually alive and well in Nebraska. Although the story is not as compelling, this novel was a nice contrast to Sarah's Key: excellent structure, nuanced language, and 3-D characters. But I pretty much expect this from Patchett. I particularly like dream sequences are used to help Sabine cope with her grief and her relationship with her new family.
Dates: 7-13 April 2011 (estimate)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
*****
36 Arguments for the Existence of God by Rebecca Goldstein
I actually didn't finish this novel, which is rare for me. The writing is lively enough, and some of the characters are larger-than-life, but the story couldn't sustain me. When I get a chance, I'll read the eponymous Appendix, which ironically seems to be the most important section of the protagonist's book.
Dates: 14-22 April 2011 (estimate)
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
*****
The Longevity Project by Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin
What does it take to live a long and healthy life? Friedman and Martin answer this question based on a study initiated by psychologist Lewis Terman, which followed 1500 participants over 80 years. They found people who lived a long life (defined as over 65) did so not because of what they ate or how much they exercised, or because medical advances helped them beat cancer. Instead, their personality traits helped them avoid chronic illnesses:
It was not good cheer or being popular and outgoing that made the difference. It was also not those who took life easy, played it safe, or avoided stress who lived the longest. Rather, it was those who -- through an often-complex pattern of persistence, prudence, hard work, and close involvement with friends and communities -- headed down meaningful, interesting life paths and...found their way back to these healthy paths each time they were pushed off the road.
Consequently, the authors believe that mental health should be considered just as important as physical health, and that government should promote the development of "conscientious and goal-oriented citizens, well integrated into their communities." So, why read this book if I've given you the answers? Because it's interesting to read how the scientists involved in the project (the "Termanators") analyzed data and debunked myths on longevity. Plus, there are surveys to help you evaluate your chances of living a long life. I didn't take all of them, but I was surprised (really!) to discover that I am calm and mellow.
Dates: 23 April (?) -4 May 2011
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
