'Animal Dreams' by Barbara Kingsolver

Animal Dreams, Barbara Kingsolver (4)

This is the first Barbara Kingsolver book I have read, and I enjoyed it very much.  The story is told mainly from the voice of a daughter, with a few chapters by her father, a single parent raising two young girls. The oldest daughter, Codi, returns to her small hometown in Arizona to take care of her father, a very independent town doctor who has the first signs of dementia.  At the same time, her sister, with whom she is extremely close, has left for Nicaragua to work with the oppressed farmers of the country. What made this story more special than depressing were the interweaving stories of her family’s true background, the town’s Indian history, her sister’s exploits in the dangerous jungles of Nicaragua, and her attempts to find herself in all the puzzles.  Thrown in with all the drama are some beautifully described, pristine outdoor environments.  I found the main character broken, but likable.  I was rooting for her to ‘figure it out’ and be happy.  It was a good journey trying to get there.

'Bossypants' by Tina Fey

Bossypants, Tina Fey (4)

One of the things I enjoyed about this book (besides the many laughing-out-loud moments) was how authentic Tina Fey comes across.  Many famous, talented people talk about their slice of life moments, but you can read the nanny-money-solves-all-problems between the lines.  With Tina, it is easy to see her awkwardness as a child, dealing with issues of a woman in a traditionally male role, and as a new mom struggling with breast-feeding.  In her usual clever, funny, self-deprecating way, she describes everyday issues many of us have faced.  I guess that will make reading this book slightly cathartic for most people.  While the book is pointed more towards women, her tales of SNL and responses to her critics (the Chapter ‘Dear Internet’ is exquisite!), can be enjoyed by all.  For a comic who had a witty pen, but was never a chameleon known for her impressions, who knew there would be the uncanny resemblance to a short-term political firework?  Get read to laugh and enjoy.