Great Kindle Books: Mini-Reviews

I don’t have a Kindle yet—I may sometime in the future—but I know many of you do. Some people have resolved to never buy this latest trend in technology, swearing they simply cannot imagine reading a novel on an electronic interface. Baby Boomers who are already a bit overwhelmed that life has been an onslaught of technological changes since the 90’s, when they were forced out of their comfort zone and made to deal with computers, cell phones, faxes, and everything else they could never have imagined, can’t imagine reading a good book on a screen. Others of us may be happy to give it a go when the price comes down a bit, but cannot imagine living without books. Books have been around for centuries, and we love their look and feel, taking them to bed with us at night, and setting them on coffee tables. We like having them in stacks in our kid’s rooms and on shelves in our homes. We like giving and getting them as gifts. They can be beautiful and works of art in themselves.

However, I have friends who love their Kindles—they say the Kindle could never replace their book collections, but they love getting the news on their Kindles, searching topics on line while reading a book, and listening to music. Most people are aware that the Kindle certainly has its drawbacks. For instance, some people report it feels a bit flimsy and they are simply not comfortable throwing it in book bag—it could break if you drop it.

And, people complain that while on airplanes, flight attendants will ask them to turn off their Kindles—so much for a “must have” while flying! Also, the Kindle relies in internet connection, so when traveling to other countries, it may not work, and it does require a battery so beware, it can die on you.

For me there is nothing more satisfying than propping up with a good book. But, here are some books that I highly recommend whether they are for your Kindle or you just want a great old-fashioned book!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

A good friend recently recommended this to me as one of the best books she has read for quite a while.

This is Kathryn Stockett’s debut novel, set in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962. The story is told from the points of views of three different women living in a small Southern town on the cusp of the civil rights movement. From what I hear this is a compelling and well-written page turner by a writer who truly understands Southern life and what it was like for the black women who served white families.

UR by Stephen King

Apparently King is still at the top of his game. For years I’ve been a big Stephen King fan, and from what I hear, this story is full of the typical humor and creepiness of his former works, and incorporates a supernatural Kindle 2 into the plot. The main character is, surprise?, a writer with major writer’s block who upon purchasing a Kindle on Amazon, discovers that breaking the terms of the agreement can have serious consequences. There are times when what I’m looking for is a page turner by a master of his genre; I think I need to get back to Stephen King—he never disappoints.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson

The Swedish author of this international best seller died in 2004, and this is the first book in a trilogy whose sequels will soon be released in the U.S. Set in Sweden, the novel is both a literary and a page turning thriller with multiple plots. The characters are well-developed with a sympathetic female protagonist with a troubled past. The complex mystery is full of social commentary and explores the themes of misogyny, ethics, and sexual violence.

Beneath the Clouds and Coconut Leaves by Moncy Pothen

This is a book I definitely want to read. India is one of my favorite subjects, and author, Moncy Pothen, explores life in Kerala, the exotic landscape of the southern India state. The novel explores issues of social enlightenment and welfare in this backwater setting. The characters are Hindus, Muslims, and Christians who live side by side in peace and unity, in a small laid-back community where change is frowned upon. Based on themes from Indian scriptures, the characters are faced to battle between love and hate in a story about forgiveness and redemption. Readers can identify with the hero and the heroine as they face this classic dilemma.

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

I loved this book! It is so engaging. This is a timely memoir by a Somali-born Muslim woman whose courageous journey brings her to Holland where she becomes a member of the Dutch parliament. Hirsi Ali, a feminist, speaks out and writes about her experiences being forced into an unwanted marriage and being a victim of female genital mutilation. When Hirsi Ali spoke out about domestic violence against Muslim women with director Theo van Gogh in Holland, (who was later assassinated), she began to receive death threats from within her Muslim family.

So, whether you prefer reading great books on your Kindle or the old-fashioned way, if you love reading great stories, these should be on your list of “must reads.”