Based on Kathleen’s recommendation, I just finished reading the new English translation of Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 

It’s one of the best mystery/thrillers I’ve read in years.  Getting into the swing of pronouncing all the Swedish names and places in my head (like Saltsjöbaden, Järnvägsgatan and Aftonbladet)  took a bit of an adjustment – but didn’t take long… and worth the effort. 

I don’t want to give anything away, because this a must read for anyone who loves a good Agatha Christie type murder mystery.  But I will say that Mr. Larsson wove two different stories together brilliantly.  A fascinating story that was hard to put down.  The characters are original and engaging, he offers lots of interesting twists – complexity without being confusing.  Has it’s dark moments, but doesn’t overdo it.  You can tell the author has passion about the issues in the book.

I’m looking forward to the publishing of the rest of the trilogy in English…  and also disappointed that the author died in 2004 – shortly after delivering the manuscripts for this and 2 subsequent novels.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Move over, Braeburn, there’s a new apple in town. 

For several years, my favorite type of apple has been the Braeburn.  Sweet and tart, nice and crisp they’re wonderful when in season.  And, living in the beautiful state of Washington, I get them fresh and crisp every year.   But they haven’t shown up in stores yet (harvest is a bit later than usual due to a colder than usual spring/early summer).

Last week I wanted/needed some apples, and I’ve learned to just ask the nearest grocery department employee “So, what apples are best right now.”  And on this occasion, I was directed to an apple I’d never heard of before. 

They were $3.98 a lb – twice as much as any of the other apples – but he swore they were worth it.  And I’ve learned to trust these guys, after buying apples on my own that turned out to be a bit mushy.  Blech.  So I bought several and took them home.

Behold my new apple love…. The Honey Crisp.

  
This sweet little guy has a crisp “to-die-for” texture.  Nothing worse than a mushy apple. (Ok, there are worse things, but that’s beside the point).  And from what I’ve experienced and read, no other apple matches its crispness.

I finished off my first round and just bought 6 more… still at $3.98 per lb.  Worth every penny. Yum. I haven’t tried with caramel, but I bet they’d be delicious.

Have you ever tried a Honey Crisp?  Whate did you think?  What are your favorite apples?

It’s not often that I regret taking time to read a book…  wishing that I’d never picked it up.  But such is the case with Augusten Burroughs’ memoir, Running with Scissors. 

I’m not even sure where I got this book (if you gave it to me, let me know and I’ll be happy to return it to you), but I noticed it sitting on my desk about the time I was looking for some holiday reading material.  I seemed to recall previews for the movie – a scene with Gwyneth Paltrow and some kid knocking a hole in the ceiling to let in more light, and the dad thinking nothing of it….  and I thought it sounded kind of quirky, and decided to read the book.

I was NOT prepared for what lay in the pages.  Well written, yes.  Funny, at times.  Engaging – well, I did finish the book….  and then when I put it down, wished I hadn’t.  In fact, wished I’d never picked it up.    It was extremely disurbing, disgusting, crass, depressing and downright bizarre.    These are characters you’d expect to see shouting obscenities at each other on the Jerry Springer show.  While I’m all for finding the humor in any situation, these stories of abuse and mental illness were a bit graphic and disturbing for me to be able to enjoy them.      That this is a memoir is truly sad….   though a testement to the human spirit’s ability to be able to survive the most horrifying of childhoods.  

I mentioned to Kathy that I reading it the other day, and she said “Oh – I started reading that and put it down half way through… and I rarely decide not to finish a book.  Just too disturbing.”   I wish I’d talked to her before I picked it up….

So that’s my review.  I give the book 1.5 stars out of 5. 

On the other hand – I highly recommend Eat, Pray, Love and believe I’ll read it again.

Have you read this book and have a differing view?  Did you feel the same as me?   What books have you read, then wish you hadn’t?