Erin's Page

“Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the respo… Continue

Desert Flower served as an excellent introduction to the nomadic culture of the Somali desert. Somalia, as described by Dirie, is a beautiful and dangerous place. The people who inhabit the desert must use all their strength to create a life using only sand and the little water that can be found. It is this strength that enabled Dirie to survive female genital mutilation, living as a servant in England, and finally achieving success as a model.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, find… Continue

My Enemy’s Cradle by Sara Young - Finished 4/30/08

The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham - Finished 4/28/08

The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander - Finished 4/25/08

Fifth Born by Zelda Lockhart - Finished 4/… Continue

Fifth Born is the story of Odessa, a young girl living in a large, dysfunctional family. Her mother is incapable to caring for her children (but continues to get to get pregnant) and her father is an alcoholic. Lockhart follows Odessa’s life from the death of her grandmother at age three, through her teenage years. We are witness to the tragedy and abuse that Odessa must confront at every turn, as well as her salvation.

This novel was a quick and enjoyable read. The characters wer… Continue

The Challenge: Read eight books published in 2008. I am excited about this challenge, because I want to add more recent books to my TBR pile.

Mistaken Identity by Don & Susie Van Ryn - Finished 4/08
My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young - Finished 4/30
Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell

Can't wait to see what everyone else is reading.