June reads

I realized last night that I had not posted my June reads yet.  Sorry about that.  Better late than never, I guess...

Reading Between the Lines by Gene Edward Veith - A very good book on how to read literature.  He has some introductory words and then breaks the chapters up according to genre.  A helpful book indeed for anyone who wants to read more deeply.  8

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - the Dracula legend, in real life.  A young girl is thrust into a secret her father has carried with him down through the years.  This book was highly recommended by my Chapters Book Club ladies - and it did not disappoint.  I  really like the Gothic and tales of suspense - this had both. Disclaimer:  It is Dracula, and all the tidbits that come with the legend and history of Vlad the Impaler.  I must say while the story could have easily been fairly gory, it wasn't, however it is not for the faint of heart. 8

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - Another "You have to read this" recommendation from my Chapters ladies.  They are very well-read when it comes to the contemporary fiction department, but I digress...
A dinner party in an unnamed South American country - I think it's Peru, but I probably would- goes wrong when a group of terrorists break in and take the guests hostage.  The story is how they all come to live civilly together - believe it or not.  I was drawn into Patchett's writing -as the title suggests, music plays a large role and I felt as if her writing had a song-like poetic quality to it.  It was wonderful to read.  The story I can take or leave - the end was disappointing as was the obligatory romances that developed.  Really?  Hostages and terrorists falling in love?  I guess stranger things have happened.  6