Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

omg this was a delightful story about a bored, unhappy woman in midlife crisis who just happens to be the Queen. Great characters! I predict a movie contract for author William Kuhn.

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The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good read, but definitely not uplifting (a major factor affecting my enjoyment of any book) considering the rough sleazy characters and topics that give me upsetting dreams. That being said, I understand why it is considered a classic: Chandler writes a twisting, compelling narrative with both a spare style and absolutely wonderful metaphors.


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Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Interwoven destinies of two mothers from opposite sides of the world and the daughter that binds them. I especially enjoyed the tasteful commentary on the brutal life of women & children living in India, without the gory details. Also admired the author's clear descriptive writing style which gave a cultural slice of life in India--the caste system, the poverty, the wealth, family devotion, religious ritual, the beauty, colors, contrasts,crowds of people, noise and even the smells, all giving a feeling of sensory overload. A week or so after reading this I watched netflix movie, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (awesome movie!) and felt strong dejavu - it was just as Gowda described in this book.

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