Book Review - I Was Told The Last Q&A Of Roses Has No Shame

I've been kind of lazy about writing book reviews lately and feel bad about it. There was a time when I reveled in being able to accurately discuss what I did and did not enjoy about a piece of literature. Now I just read, reflect and move on and that's definitely not as fun. So here's a quick overview of what I finished reading these past few months.

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley - A truthful and very funny book of essays about various experiences Crosley's had. From getting locked out of her NYC apartment to being a bridesmaid for a friend she hasn't spoken for in years (my favorite essay, personally), Crosley often finds herself in interesting and definitely noteworthy experiences. She's both self-deprecating and witty. I enjoyed quite a few of these essays (the one about her working in the butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Center was fantastic - those bugs ARE scary), but some just didn't click (the last one about her possible illness). My biggest problem, however, was that some essays started wonderfully and then ended on a pessimistic note. I like full endings and she didn't deliver those. Then again, I'm convinced I keep finding flaw in her writing because I wish to have a book of essays published like her. Ah, perchance to dream. Fun book, though, for those who enjoy satire.

Q&A by Vikas Swarup - Back in February, I was convinced that Shadow of the Wind was the best book I'll read all year. This novel definitely comes in at a very close second place. It was addictive, fun, heartbreaking/warming and incredibly well written. The book starts with Ram Mohammad Thomas, a poor server in Mumbai, India, winning a billion rupees on India's equivalent of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Convinced that he cheated (and unable to pay the winning prize amount), the producers try to jail the boy until an attorney interrupts. The rest of the book tells the story of Ram's life. Each chapter starts with him documenting a certain memory and ends with the question from the TV show. You learn how he answers each question and you cheer him on along the way. His life is full of crazy episodes (living with has-been celebrities, learning about India's red light district, giving tours of the Taj Mahal), but the crazier the better. The ending is far from disappointing, giving you an interesting twist. Every person is important, every scenario memorable. The book is beautiful, addictive and incredibly entertaining. Ram is a character who lives on with you, weeks after the last page is closed. (Check out Samir's review here.)

(The film adaptation, Slumdog Millionaire by director Danny Boyle is now out in selected theatres. It focuses more on the love aspect, but still it looks incredible.)

The Last Summer (Of You & Me) by Ann Brashares - (I briefly touched on this here.) Admittedly, I loved The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. The books, although youthful, were adorable and fun to read. This new book by Brashares, though? Depressing! The main characters, Alice, Riley (sisters) and Paul have been visiting the same summer house since their childhood. As close friends, they wish to continue reliving old memories together and ignore the outside world. But when crushes and illnesses are discovered, their playful existence is vividly transformed. The book was good, at times - he characters and plot were well written - but mostly it was boring and sad. Moments of excitement were never found. Instead, you tried to understand why these characters lived life the way they did. And even in the end, you never quite understood.

Have You No Shame?: And Other Regrettable Stories by Rachel Shukert - Rachel Shukert is Jewish and she lets you know on page one. The book of essays highlights various stages of her life, from a fear of Nazis at an early age to finding a job right out of college. Each essay has a hint of, well, Jewishness and that's what makes them funny (or, relatable for me). She's an amazing story teller who can wrap words around any situation. And she's hilarious. The essay documenting her time as an actress in a youth theatre especially rings true, full of heart and humor. She never hides the truth which is both admirable and brave. Demonstrated specifically in the essay documenting her stint with anorexia, at first you feel bad for her, sympathizing with her lifestyle. But when she mentions the drug use and alcoholism, you stop feeling sorry and start wondering what she was thinking. It's slightly irritating. I suppose that's what makes a great writer, though - abandoning the fear of telling the truth. Definitely an entertaining book.

Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald - Tamila was born in America, but after moving back to Iran with her family while still an infant, her family's passports were ripped up, never permitting them to travel again. At the age of 27, as a birthday gift, her parents present her with a limited three month visa. She's to return to America, live with her older sister, and find the freedom she deserves. From trying on her first Victoria's Secret bra to ordering coffee at Starbucks, you watch Tami grow up. The book's overall theme was hope - hope for a better future. Eye opening in many ways, you learn about the Persian lifestyle and, in a way, learn about yourself. For instance, as Tami realizes that she could, in fact, sit with men and drink coffee out in public, you realize that in some countries, it's outlawed. As she realizes that she can make decisions on her own, you realize that somewhere people can't. Tami is endearing and fun loving. The book lets you cheer on her quest for a better tomorrow. It was a fun, quick chick lit read.