Wife Tales

The last two books I read had the word "wife" in the title. I could try to continue my streak but that would mean abandoning the advance of the new Wally Lamb book which is titled, The Hour I First Believed. So far the Wally Lamb is disturbing and really good....I cannot wait to find out where it will go.

So, to the wives.


The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff is part historical fiction, part present day mystery. The story of Jordan Scott, a "lost boy" expelled from his fundamentalist community and the story of Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Brigham Young are intertwined in this well-researched, fascinating novel. The history of polygamy and the Morman religion are explored as the stories proceed. The characters are complex and their stories are compelling. A great read to take you into Autumn.


American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld is the story of a Republican president's wife. This character closely resembles the current president's wife and this book has gotten quite a bit of publicity because of that. I liked this book because it made me think about the perceptions we hold of public figures. Sittenfeld writes clearly and with great detail about this woman who lives in a skin that is not always a comfortable fit. Although, I did not always admire the main character, I felt some compassion for her life.


Enjoy Labor Day weekend, take some time to read a good book!