Peggy's Favorites

One of my favorite books is the author's Man Booker prize winning The White Tiger. This is equally brilliant, if a little more polished. No one writes about the challenges of modern day India like Mr. Adiga. He sets up the plot so the real estate developer, who wants to tear down an old apartment building, must face off with the last remaining tenant. The tug of war will fascinate you. Amazing insight into an amazing country and culture. Loved it! - Peggy

What would you do if you were Betty Weismann? Here she is, devoted wife and mother, suddenly on her own- dumped by her husband (jerk) and kicked out of her NYC apartment by his mistress (b....). She does what any of us would do. Moves into a cottage in Connecticut with her daughters and tries to get on with her life. But nothing is smooth sailing what with some scandal, some revenge and redemption. Betty is a wonderful character and you'll root for her to the end. -Peggy

Before you read this you need to: 1. Find a comfy chair, sofa or bed. 2. Have enough drinks and food to sustain you for several hours. 3. Have enough time at your disposal to read this IN ONE SITTING. I guarantee that you will not be able to put this down. -Peggy

Even though this novel is set in post-war South Korea, in the 1960's and 70's, it really is just an old-fashioned love story. When young Soon-Ja observers her cultures strict customs and gets tricked into marriage, she soon abandons all hope of a life in Seoul, studying to be a diplomat. When on the eve of her wedding, a handsome, cultured doctor she has met tells her he wants to bee with her, Soon-Ja must reject him. The consequences of losing her one true love will reverberate for years to come. This is a beautiful, haunting, triumphant story.

This sprawling novel has all the elements I love: an immigrant family, great central character, success and failure, and a once in a lifetime love that cannot be. It is rich in detail and language and a great read. I really loved it. - Peggy

Would you like to take a trip to Africa? Well here you go! Maybe not in the literal sense, but certainly in the literary sense. This novel will take you there. Having been in Africa three months ago, I will attest to the accuracy of the writing, from the descriptions, to the politics. My advice is to work through the first few chapters and give this first time novelist the benefit of the doubt. Her “kick-butt” female character will have you cheering. Just a teaser: she can dislocate her thumb to slip out of handcuffs! -Peggy

I often say to myself, "self, how do writers come up with new and interesting ideas so books can continue to be written?" Well, this author had certainly helped me with that question. Mr. Phillips, a good writer, takes on Mr. Shakespeare, also a good writer, and the reader is left with a cunning and complicated story/play. The question is, "what does Mr. Phillips and his family (art- forger Dad and twin sister) have to do with Will and his last unpublished play, "The Tragedy of Arthur?" The twists and turns will get you to the answer. -Peggy

This turned out to be better written and had a more complex, darker underbelly than I expected. The author really captures Kate's journey from a care-free "twenty-something" to wife and mother and the unhappiness that eventually rears its ugly head. The question is, what role does Kate's past play in her adult life and relationships. PS. The book takes place in Connecticut. - Peggy

It is said when life hands you lemons you make lemonade. In this case life hands a waspy Boston guy a Korean wife as his soul mate. They in turn purchase a “deli” to repay her Korean mother for all her sacrifice. Things go downhill pretty quickly, but this book is so funny and touching you won’t want to give up on them. Mostly this book will open your eyes to many important cultural issues. We have to embrace our situations just like the author did. - Peggy

Rx for Steig Larsson fans: Take this book and read it to relieve symptoms related to Steig withdrawal. It contains Sweden, hard-to-pronounce-names, murder, intrigue, coffee drinking, a complicated plot and a terrific detective character (in place of Lisbeth). You will need to work up to your full tolerance as it can be a little slow going (just like Steig) but taking this as directed should cure you. Don't forget to call me in the morning. - Peggy

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Not willing to give up the Steig Larsson/ Scandinavian Mindset. I felt like I was in Helsinki with Pet Karri Vaara. Two fascinating plots race along side-by-side (along with Karis' increasingly complicated personal life) and you won't want wither to get resolved any time soon. Great Writing!! - Peggy

In The Privileges we have all the makings of the modern New York City family. The parents and two children (a boy and girl, of course) are blonde, exquisitely beautiful and rich, by virtue of hard work in the financial industry. They live in a gorgeous apartment and have the requisite summer home in the Hamptons. While the author provides us with a window into their world and makes us squirm with the description of wealth and the soul-less life it can bring, he turns the tables a bit and allows Adam and Cynthia to have an old-fashioned love story. I wanted to really dislike these characters but found I was kind of rooting for them by the end. This is a well-written story of the many forms that great desire can take. - Peggy

I'm a big mystery/thriller/crime reader. I love Coben, Connelly, Larsson but I'm always on the lookout for new authors. Believe me, Dennis Tafoya really delivers the goods. His on the ground account of life on the streets of modern-day Philadelphia will leave you stunned. No one is immune from the day-to-day struggles; not cops or drug runners or guys like Orlando, trying to get straight. What I found most compelling about this book is the author's incredible ear for dialogue and his ability to put it on the page. The characters come alive in such a way that you'll think you're standing there with them. Really great and worth your time. - Peggy

I didn't know whether to feel sorry for the author or take him by the shoulders and shake him. Either way, he gets into BIG trouble. It's a case of too much time, money, and available product and his inability to quit his destructive behavior. Until one day he does just that. Real and harrowing and extremely well-written.

Okay, I've been waiting patiently (for me anyway) for Carl's newest. I like/tolerate his kids books and his golf memoir, but I need to head to the Everglades with my "friends." Skink is my favorite! I have to say that in this edition of the ongoing story of Florida's fiasco, Carl brings the naughty. He goes off the rails a bit and takes current pop culture, in the form of Miss Cherry Pye, and adds it to his twisted take on life in his home state.
- Peggy

Mr. Bourdain is back and I must say, expletives aside, his bark is much worse than his bite. His explanation for his new-found mellowness is the presence of his daughter in his life. I also suspect his literary success has given him a confidence he did not have as a chef. This time around he writes about family, friends and foes but it's always the food that takes centerstage and proves his talent as a writer.
- Peggy

This sprawling novel has all the elements I love: an immigrant family, a great central character, success and failure and a once-in-a-lifetime love that cannot be. It is rich in detail and language and a great read. I really loved it.
- Peggy

While this is a true story about survival at see, it is more importantly about friendship and loyalty. I cannot imagine even signing up for this trip, let alone enduring nature's wrath like these sailors. It is truly against all odds that this book could be written. - Peggy

Are you a Steig Larsson fan? If so, this is a must read! This Swedish writing team make their US debut with a story of loss and revenge. The plot involves a young woman lured from Lithuania and sold as a sex slave when she is found almost beaten to death. Veteran detective Ewart Grens takes on the case with his unnerving focus. With his own compelling back story we come to know Grens and what makes him tick. *Don't miss detective Grens in the newest thriller by Roslund-Hellstrom entitled Three Seconds. - Peggy