My reading definitely picked up in the month of April and is still going strong. I finally got around to reading Parineeta by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. I have now read two of his short novels (including Devdas) and I would love to get my hands on more. Since he originally wrote in Bengali, and in the early 1900’s for that matter, not a lot has been translated. There is one collection printed in Britain, but it is scarce and pretty pricey. Parineeta was a happily-ever-after love story in contrast to the tragic love story in Devdas. My love for both books extends beyond the page because two of my all time favorite Bollywood film were based on them. I always recommend 2002 version of Devdas because it was the most visually stunning movie I had ever seen! The clothes, colors, dancing, settings, and music (not to mention Shah Rukh Khan *swoon*) were all so rich and intoxicating, I always have to catch my breath during the final scenes. It is just perfect! Back to Parineeta. The story is about two children who grow up as neighbors and best friends. They are from different castes and live completely different lives. During a very auspicious night something happens to change the nature of their relationship. Due to this change and misunderstandings, things to not get figured out for the couple for a few years. I definitely recommend this very short book to lovers on the film and people looking for something a little different from the usual. There is great insight into the lives of everyday people in Bengal during that time.
The next book I read was recommended to me by a friend before I moved to Turkey. I would have never picked it up on my own, but I was intrigued. Horror/fantasy writer (he created the Hellraiser stuff) Clive Barker wrote a young adult book? Now I am not a fan of his normally because I abhor disgusting and violent things. Scary and intense thrillers are great, but doing disturbing and gross things for shock value are entirely different. I had no idea what I expect but I loved, loved, LOVED The Thief of Always! Harvey Swick is a bored 10 year old who is invited to go stay at the Holiday House. This house is every child’s dream……until they try to leave. I do not want to say even one more thing except track this book down and read it. Awesome! I also read they are starting to adapt it to the big screen, so look for it in 2010. I am hoping against hope that they do not screw it up!
Then I read two back to back David Baldacci books, The Collectors and Stone Cold. These are the follow up books to The Camel Club. The were very good and you have to read them together. They are one big long story. They introduce a new character, Anabelle, who is the world’s best con-artist. After puling the biggest con ever in The Collectors, she has the casino boss hot on her trail. That does not get resolved until the end of Stone Cold. There are two other stories weaved into both books and lots of questions are answered. The Camel Club series is not as intense as the King and Maxwell series, but it definitely takes care of my espionage cravings 
And finally, I just finished reading One True Theory of Love by Laura Fitzgerald. This book was an unexpected favorite for me. The main character, Meg, is a kindergarten teacher. I loved the parts when she was in class and talking about her students. It was easy for me to relate to it. She is a single mother raising the most wonderful kid, Henry. He gets in trouble and makes mistakes, but I loved this kid. Then she meets a very handsome Iranian-American, Ahmed, and Ms. Fitzgerald captures the couple’s chemistry perfectly. Not many authors have done that with out resorting to over the top sex scenes, but she does it with looks and body language. So much more exciting than getting right down to the dirty business. Every character is so well developed and memorable including the parents, sister, the Loop Group, and kindergartners, that you really love every single one. You will have to read it to find out what happens to Meg, Ahmed and Henry, and I promise you will not be disappointed in this book.
So that catches you all up on my 52 Books Challenge. I am currently reading Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I will let you what my thoughts when I finish it, but so far so good…
