Lost Light / The Narrows / The Closers - Michael Connelly

Since I enjoyed City of Bones for the fast paced story and easy reading, I decided to make a Bosch marathon of it. After a quick trip to the used book store, I replaced City of Bones and purchased the other holes in my collection - Lost Light and The Narrows. Then, to finish the marathon, I re-read The Closers. A mere three days later, I finished them all.

Nothing spectacular, but good to see the character develop. And it was good to know most of what I was missing. I don't know if I'll re-read them again. But I know my sister wants to borrow them, so they will stay for a while.

Salt: A World History - Mark Kurlansky

This sounded so good - a book about how Salt was used around the world and how it impacted history. This is one of the few books I am giving up on 100 pages or so in. I found the information interesting, but the narrative was very choppy. I have enjoyed non-fiction more lately, so I was surprised by my negative reaction to the book. It felt more like a text book - in 1500 the Venetian government did XXX or in 600 BC the Chinese did XXX. I didn't see the story line - the thread that tied it all together.

I was supposed to read it for book group tonight, but I just don't think it is worth the effort. If the other folks loved it, maybe I'll give it another go. Otherwise, into the donate pile (I might even send it off to the desert).

City of Bones - Michael Connelly

Having finished Zorro before my flight home from NYC, I was not in the mood to start the only other book I brought (a Nick Hornsby). Browsing in the airport bookstore I found a few Connelly books I had missed. Hoping to fill in whatever happened before "The Closers" I picked up City of Bones. It was a tough call, I almost picked up a slew of magazines instead. But I am glad I did. The book filled in a large part of what I wondered about when I read "The Closers". It was a classic Harry Bosch - convoluted crime, personal drama, and of course a clean ending. I read it quickly - finishing it well before the flight was over. I guess I should have picked up "The Narrows" as well.

I would have put it on the shelf, but it got left in the seat back pocket. I really need to do a better job of taking my personal items with me.

Zorro - Isabel Allende

I finally started cracking my Christmas books. I started this one in the airport on the way to NYC for a girl's weekend. It was slow going at first, but the writing was beautiful (as it always is with Allende). I was sucked back into the missionary / settlement life in California. Then it took a turn - taking the story to Spain. This book was so much fun - watching the upbringing that results in the Zorro we all have heard of. I even finished it before heading home. Good thing I travel with girl's who read, they understood.

My only complaint was the lack of chapters. Yes, there were breaks but I really am a chapter kind of girl.

It's on the shelf and available for lending out. I highly recommend it.