“She doesn’t hold a Rigaud Candle to you!”

Happy Sunday!  It’s going to be a great day as my favorite show, Big Love, returns tonight.  So happy!

I recently finished two books- vastly different as you will see.  One is very serious set in World War II Iraq.  The other is light and fluffy.  Enjoy!

1. Sweet Dates in Basra by Jessica Jiji

Set in 1941 Iraq, Sweet Dates in Basra is the story of two boys, Sharif and Omar, one Jewish and one Muslim, and a beautiful young Muslim maid.  As Hitler’s ideas move into Iraq, the boys’ world begins to change though their friendship does not.  The young maid, Kathmiya, has a detailed story of her own as her parents sent her to work in the big city while dutifully marrying off her sister.  Kathmiya is puzzled as to why her parents have not approached the marriage broker about her and continue not to do so.

An unlikely friendship and then romance develops between Kathmiya and Sharif.  The book does an excellent job of describing the intricate class system in 1940’s Iraq.  Sharif realizes that the political winds make it difficult for him to remain in Iraq.  One of his brothers embraces Zionism and one embraces Communism.  Sharif, not drawn in either of those directions, applies to college in the United States.

This was a quick read and a very well written story.  The character development was excellent.  I LOVE reading books set in other cultures that really give a glimpse of what goes on there.  Sweet Dates in Basra does just that.  I will be checking out Jiji’s other book.

2. The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark

This book is the My Fair Lady/ Pygmalion story, set in New York.  I have to say that I almost put it down three chapters in as it was clearly predictable.  But, I’m glad I did not.  While you know where the story is going, you cannot help but love Lucy Jo, the protagonist and Wyatt Hayes IV, her debonair makeover king.  By the end of the book, I was so glad I kept reading and that Lucy Jo triumphed over the rich socialite competitors.  This is a fun chick lit book.

Some cute quotes in the book:

“Uh-oh, Cornelia downing carbs is never a good sign.”

“Well, she doesn’t hold a Rigaud candle to you.” (I love this one!)

“Cornelia didn’t read ever since a Parisian dermatologist had warned that sitting in front of a computer could prematurely age you.”

“Only her mother would view exotic dancing as a promising career choice.”

3.  In case you just joined us, WELCOME!  So glad you dropped by.  Did you read last week’s Snowy Read http://www.greatthoughts.com/2011/01/snowy-sunday-read/.html/?

and did you check out our 2010 favs?

http://www.greatthoughts.com/2010/12/top-books-of-2010/.html/

What are you reading?