I combined the last two months for this post because I only read one book in August! Because of different book clubs and library holds I ended up reading several books at a time that month so I didn’t get through very many. And I still only made it through three in September, but anyway, here’s what I read the past two months!

The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje – This had been on my to-read list since it first came out in 2011 and I heard an interview with the author, so I was very happy when our book club chose it. The author is best known for writing The English Patient which was turned into an Academy Award winning film, and after reading this I’m definitely adding that to my list as well. For such a short and sweet story of a boy’s journey by boat from Sri Lanka to England, it contains whole worlds and lifetimes. I have a soft spot for coming-of-age books and this is one of my favorites now. (5 stars)

Momo by Michael Ende – I read this for my postal book club (which is still going strong, I’m so happy to report). It’s a children’s book translated from German by the author of The Neverending Story. I thought it was a sweet parable with a clear moral that is still so applicable today. I’d love to have my kids read this when they are old enough. (3 stars)

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – First of all, I adored the characters and the story itself. But mostly, I feel like I learned SO much about perceptions of race in America and I feel like a better person for having read this. It wasn’t a quick read, but it was worth it. (4 stars)

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – This was really eye-opening, especially as a medical professional. I think everyone in the medical community should read this, or at least be taught significantly more about the aging process and how to help people have a good life until the end. It’s also important for everyone, not just medical people, to learn about this because there will come a point where you will have to make decisions for your family or yourself. Having read this, I was able to formulate some plans and ideas for myself and my family, and I now know the questions to ask when it comes time to make difficult decisions on treatment options. (4 stars)