The rest of 2013

We read "Kingdom of Strangers" in September. It was universally liked. Most of us did not realize there had been a second book in the series, "City of Veils," between this book and "Finding Nouf." We all felt that Zoe Ferraris's writing is getting better and better. Her insider's perspective on the life of a Saudi woman is fascinating.

In October we finally discussed "The Orphan Master's Son." Again, everyone thought this was a very good read. The details of life in North Korea under the rule of the beloved leader are mind boggling.

In November the others read "Behind the Beautiful Forevers." I can't tell you what anybody thought because I wasn't there and I didn't read it myself.

We met this weekend to discuss "Valdez is Coming" by Elmore Leonard. The consensus was that because of the spare style one had to read with attention or miss important details. Everyone who had read it would recommend it.

To start off 2014, our next book is "The Flamethrowers" by Rachel Kushner. It is on many "Best of 2013" lists.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading.