Four Books Contributing to My Temporary Lapse of Reason, Part I

Berlin Diaries 1940-1945 by Marie Vassiltchikov
A great read about what it was like in Berlin during the Second World War. This is the account of a woman who had aristocratic ties - her account mixed the glamor of the Adlon Hotel and the basics of the wartime experience. A great read. A recommendation from my father ages ago. Can't believe it isn't in e.* This book was one that I used (together with Hopeful Monsters*) as a guidebook to the city when I lived there in 1995 and again in 1999.

Dear Exile by Kate Montgomery and Hilary Liftin
Very compelling exchange of letters (imagine how thi sbook might not have happened if there had been email/blogs when they wrote these messages back and forth. The conversation between the two women as they find their way reminds me of some of the correspondences that I have had with friends over the years. One day soon, 'll track down the letters I wrote to my dear friend H. and those that I received back in 1991 when I lived and worked in the Pacific Northwest. While I enjoy Twitter as much as the next person... I must say that I sometimes miss the depth of correspondence that I had with my closest friends and family before the 160 character limit fixed itself in our collective consciousness.

A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan
I wasn't sold on this recent book until I hit the chapter that takes place in Africa, and though I found it heartbreaking, it was one of the best things I have read in a very long time. Also, if you share my current obsession with communications and social media, you simply must get to the last section of this book (can't do any plot spoilers here). I've been a little off of fiction lately, though I think I may swing back soon... largely because of this particular book. I am definitely not writing fiction though I have tried in the past - it's too hard to keep up my willing suspension of disbelief.

Reluctantly, I will also refer to Eat, Pray, Love. I did enjoy the book, but I must say that I've read so many others that were at least as good, so I'm not sure what is was about this adventure that so captured the imagination of so many women. I liked the spiritual chapters most, and although the Bali bits were fun, I was a bit disappointed that she ended with such a traditional resolution: a boyfriend! It was like Clueless! I must say that I've been a little let down by her recent developments; after traveling the world, searching for enlightenment, writing a book on marriage, she ended up... opening a import/export store in New Jersey? Really?

Anyway, I'll add a few more here in the coming months as I gather my thoughts.


*I actually clicked the Amazon link to notify the publisher that I'd like a kindle version.