It is in the spirit of Spring, Sant Jordi, and all that we love about Catalunya that we would like to share a few book recommendations with you.
Markus Bokisch recommends:
Victus by Albert Sanchez Piñol
Excellent historical fiction, written in a very contemporary voice, about the siege of Barcelona and the loss of Catalan independence in 1714. Great character development and fascinating explanation on the strategy of war. Couldn’t put it down…
Looking for the Gulf Motel by Richard Blanco
I picked this book up after hearing Richard Blanco’s poem at President Barack Obama’s second Innaguaral Address. I was pleasantly surprised when these poems took me back to Sant Carles de La Rapita, where I summered as a child. With his vivid, colorful descriptions of special places and events, surrounded by the warmth of his Cuban family roots, I am transported straight back to my memories of cousins, uncles and aunts in a slower, quieter world. Hot, humid, flat Florida becomes sunny mediterranean summers in the Delta del Ebro. Themes of immigration to the United States, and trying to bridge two disparate worlds as a child, spoke directly to me. “Taking My Cousin’s Photo at the Statue of Liberty” is a wonderful poem that exemplifies this unique collection of Blanco’s poems.
Liz Bokisch recommends:
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
I love historical fiction and this book really brought to life the effects of WWI on several different families. I also read Winter of the World which is the second in Ken Follett’s “Century Trilogy”. This book was also fascinating because it was the same families along with their next generation. I came away with a great appreciation of the struggles these families went through during this time period. I am look forward to the third book, Edge of Eternity in 2014.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My cousin recommended this book to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a glimpse into the gaming world and into the future. It also was a great way for me to connect with my kids and understand why they love gaming so much! The virtual worlds they live in are so full of fun and adventure, now I can imagine why they are laughing so much as they play their games.
