'Radio Shangri-La: What I learned in Bhutan, The Happiest Kingdom on Earth' by Lisa Napoli

Opening lines of the book:
" The approach to the most sacred monastery in the Kingdom of Bhutan is steep and winding and, especially as you near the top, treacherous."







Why I read it:
I really enjoy reading about people's experiences living countries that I know next to nothing about. I remember watching The Today's Show feature about Bhutan, which sparked my curiosity about the country and their way of life. When the chance to read this one came along I thought it sounded like a great read.

What's it about:

Lisa Napoli was in the grip of a crisis, dissatisfied with her life and her work as a radio journalist. When a chance encounter with a handsome stranger presented her with an opportunity to move halfway around the world, Lisa left behind cosmopolitan Los Angeles for a new adventure in the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan—said to be one of the happiest places on earth.

What worked:

• I enjoyed reading about the people that Napoli met while living and working in Bhutan. She made the culture come to life and left me intrigued to explore more about this little country on my own.
• I really liked seeing "gadgets and conveniences" that I take for granted through the innocent eyes of the citizens of Bhutan. I have a new respect for the "stuff" that I take for granted and have questioned myself as to what really makes me happy......

Monks

What didn't work:

• I wanted to learn more about the author and I guess I was looking or hoping for a more in-depth reflections from her. I walked away from the book feeling that she only scratched the surface in regards to her feelings and emotions and that I really didn't make a connection with her.  Maybe I was expecting too much and that honestly is my fault. 

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it to my friends that are interested in learning more about Bhutan and the author's experience working in this country that was (it has now moved more into the western world...which I think is a bit sad) virtually cut-off from outside influences. She writes very well and does a great job of capturing the way of life of those who live there. She made me want to investigate more about Bhutan on my own time and what more could I ask of a book???

Temple

Rating: 7.5/10

Author: Lisa Napoli
Published: February, 2011
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Genre: Travel/Memoir
Source: Amazon Vine Program
ISBN: 9780307453020


Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

*review style courtesy of Avis @ She Reads and Reads

'Faith' by Jennifer haigh

 Most of you have heard, by now, what happened to my brother, or a version of it: the alarming events of that spring and summer, the single, vile accusation, still unproven, that made a ruin of his life. *{p.10}






Synopsis:
When Sheila McGann sets out to redeem her disgraced brother, a once-beloved Catholic priest in suburban Boston, her quest will force her to confront cataclysmic truths about her fractured Irish-American family, her beliefs, and, ultimately, herself.

My Thoughts:
This book literally drew me into the story and held me captive for over a day. It touched me and has made me stop and think about judgment.....and how we all are so quick to place blame on someone else. The way the author wrote kept me spellbound. I felt as if I was walking beside each one of these characters as their shadow and was afforded the luxury of knowing their true hearts. The story is ripped from the headlines and could be explosive in the wrong hands, but Haigh deftly weaves her tale without causing the reader to get up on any type of soapbox. Instead, she takes you slowly and surely through this family drama that is laced with sadness, regret, hurt, secrets, and redemption.

Recommend? In a heart beat....her writing flows and is exquisite. I've become a bit enraptured by her writing style and look forward to spending time with another of her creations!

Rating: 10/10



Author: Jennifer Haigh

Published: 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 318

Genre: Literary Fiction

ISBN: 9780060755805

* Uncorrected Proof

On Sale May 10, 2011
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Disclaimer:Thank you to Amazon Vine Program for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel

'Lost & Found' by Shaun Tan

About (from back of book): This book contains 3 stories : A girl finds a bright spot in a dark world. A boy leads a strange, lost creature home. And a group of peaceful creatures cedes their home to cruel invaders.

My Thoughts:

Shaun Tan has created a world that speaks differently to each person who opens up this book. I'm drawn by his quirky and strange images. I have a copy of "The Arrival" on my middle school library shelves and students often like to tell me what they thought the images were about. I love hearing their interpretations and comparing them to mine. I'm just a bit afraid that the first story, The Red Tree, may be one that younger readers may not connect with, but the The Lost Thing and The Rabbits are both stories that are universal. I will certainly be adding this title to my school collection because I can see people, young and old alike, getting lost in his artwork and letting the story take over their imagination.

Recommend? Yes, especially if you've never had the opportunity to see Tan's artwork. Each page is a new adventure and what I love the most is that no two person's experience will be the same!!

The Lost Thing, The Red Tree, and The Rabbits

Disclaimer:Thank you to Amazon Vine Program for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel

Published: March 1, 2011

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages:unnumbered

Genre: Graphic Novel/Picture Book

ISBN: 9780545229241

*Uncorrected Advance Copy

 

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.