50BC10 #8: Brida

Brida: A Novel by Paulo Coelho

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed the writing, as I always do with Coelho, but I couldn't decide if this was a story about Brida or a tutorial in Wicca. I had a hard time pinning down the main protagonist (Brida), although I think that was partially the point. Her soul searching came across as almost irritating, partially because of her own sense of martyrdom and suffering. All of that said, there are some lovely descriptive passages and the back story between the Magus and Wicca made the story more interesting.

50BC10 #7: Persepolis

The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have an aversion to hype borne out of my own ego, I suppose (if I'm really honest), but also experience. Here is one instance where the book lived up to the hype and the pages of my copy are tear-stained to prove it. The graphic novel format does not keep Satrapi's experience at arm's length, but rather magnifies the inexplicability of life through the eyes of a child. An absolutely amazing book and one everyone should read, especially if you are clueless about the events in Iran in the 20th century.

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50BC10 #6: Spartan Gold

Spartan Gold by Clive Cussler


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I borrowed this book from my grandfather because I needed something to read and was pleasantly surprised. The story is one riddle too long, in my opinion, but the Fargos are great characters and the mystery managed a pretty good dose of the Indiana Jones factor but was still believable. I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to read all his books, but will certainly prioritize Cussler's works for my next airplane read.

50BC10 #5: Requiem, Mass.

Requiem, Mass.: A Novel by John Dufresne


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dufresne creates a family that is all at once Agee, Burroughs and Sedaris. Johnny's family redefines "function" in dysfunctionality, and the book will make you laugh, shudder with recognition, and wallow in the mire of human experience.