The Salt God's Daughter by Ilie Ruby, August Book Club

Amazing!  The Salt God's Daughter by Ilie Ruby will be a great read any time of the year, but especially in the summer.  I knew going into this read that themes included relationships between mothers and daughters, which I usually enjoy.  Who among us doesn't have a mother or daughter that they would like to understand better?   The legend of the Silkies holds a personal attachment for me. 

What is truly unique is how Ruby was able to take growing up, relationships, legends and feminist issues then produce such an entertaining and readable book.  I can't wait to discuss this book with members of my book club tonight.  We are a group who can and will get to the meat of the story, relate this book to others we have read, and bring personal feeling and experiences into the mix.  Since we recently started giving our books a star rating I will wait to post until after we meet.

Is it me or have there been some great books out there to read this summer?  More, unfortunately, than I will get through before school picks up next week and my reading slows down a bit.  But really, do try to read The Salt God's Daughter as soon as you can.  Ruby's debut book, The Language of Trees: A Novel, has great reviews and ratings.  I can't believe I missed it, but it is in my Kindle today. 

Star Rating: averaged 4.0

The Habit

On the surface The Habit, a memoir by Susan Morse, is a story of mother-daughter relationships.  As you settle down into the story you are sure to discover other relationships as well; children, siblings, grandparents, friends, spouse, and God. 

The range of emotions is equally diverse.  I texted my sister during the first chapter to say "you've got to read this--it is so funny".  It is funny.  It is also sad, heartwarming and scary.  Morse reminds us that as people live longer many of us have become part of a sandwich generation splitting our time between our children and our parents.  Unfortunately often there is no time for oneself which can result in a melt down.

Morse does melt down on more than one occasion, especially when dealing with HMO's, health care, assisted living, and cancer.  She comes out the other side enjoying the quality time she has gained with her mother and learned a few things in the process.   

When the book begins Susan is trying to cope with the religious journey her "Ma" has begun.  While not everyone has a mother who has decided to become an Orthodox Christian nun we can identify with accepting changes in family members as they age.

The Habit will stay with me for a very long time.  I hope that the lessons Morse had learned will save me from stumbling on some of them for myself.  It is a new year, treat yourself to a book that will entertain and perhaps prepare you.

Currently Reading.....

I just finished Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay for book club this Friday.  Amazing, I will tell you all about it after our discussion.  (I harbor a hope that when they have time my book buddies are following this blog.)

Now I am reading The Habit by Susan Morse. This is a funny, sometimes too true memoir of a mother-daughter relationship.

My current non-fiction is Eat that Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time.  Author Brian Tracy writes, lectures and speaks on time management.  I should be done with this short read very soon. 

Now, what are you reading?  Feel free to comment on this post with the title and author of your current read.