'People of the Book' by Geraldine Brooks

'People of the Book' was a surprisingly delightful read. Surprising in that I expected it to be a factual look into the lives of one tribe of peoples. Instead I found a centuries long description of how one particular book came into being. Brooks wove an interesting and seemingly believable account of how a religious book of great historical and spiritual significance was drawn, written, traveled, survived and affected the lives of those it came into contact with. If you have seen 'The Red Violin' you have a grasp of the style of this narrative.

The central figures that Brooks introduces are intriguing, fascinating and exceptional. Every single person we meet is masterful at what they do and, in spite of upbringing or societal restraints, they elevate a certain field with their abilities and actions.

The protagonist in this novel is Hanna Heath, a world class book expert of analysis and conservation. In truth, her story is secondary and, sadly, superfluous to the rest of the characters in this novel. She is offered the task of a lifetime when an extremely rare and thought to be destroyed copy of the Haggadah appears in Sarajevo amidst intense warfare. As she uncovers clues within the book we are transported back in time to learn the actual events that led to what she discovers. These tales are often brief but moving and impressive.

As the novel progresses Hanna meets a man, falls in love, has her confidence shattered, learns incredible things about her family and makes incredible changes in her life. As interesting as this all might sound, it's hard to find any of her story as compelling as the centuries old accounts of peoples in hard times, striving for excellence.

All said and done, 'People of the Book' was a compelling, and, for all the deep, fact inspired drama, a light read.

I won't seek out more Brooks but I would give it a second look if I came across another.

'100 Things Twins Fans Should Know & Do Before They DIe' by Alex Halsted

I love the Minnesota Twins. They are my hometown team and, although I live a few time zones away, I still follow them obsessively. This book was on my Christmas list as per the recommendation it received on Twinkietown.com. I am glad to own it. Many interesting, and theretofore, unknown facts and stories are contained within it's covers. I lament the fact that it was published before the 2011 season as many new, and perhaps more memorable, moments took place last season. Jim Thome hitting number 600 will definitely make the next edition.

As a Twins fan I was satisfied with the book.

As a reader I was disappointed. I believe the author to be relatively young and perhaps they will more firmly find their voice in time. My impression was that a few of the 100 segments were sloppily edited. Not enough to discourage me from recommending this book to others but enough to give the read a jerky and, at times, repetitive feel. As impossible as such a task would be I also yearned for a structure of some kind. Of course, a person would love to read the less 'important' notes at the front of the book and end with the unanimous top thing to know or do before you die factoid. This book was not set up in that manner and that's ok. I also would have preferred sections. Perhaps a chapter entitled: 'Sites of Note'. Another under the name: 'Persons of Interest'. A section would have to be titled: 'Momentous Moments'.

Again, I did enjoy this book, but I am sure that my Twins bias shielded me from many a literary shortcoming.