#57 the witch doctor's wife by Tamar Myers. Another book about Africa but set in the Congo. This was a fast read dealing with human relationships, a diamond, and a murder. The story has romance, racial prejudice, colonialism, religious intolerance, cultural intolerance, and all of the African plight, but it is done with a lighter hand, with humor and warmth. I found myself hurrying to the end to find out "who done it".

The story is based on the author's own experience and misunderstandings. What I thought was going to be a do gooder missionary story turned into a much more fun mystery especially when the witch doctor had more than one wife.

#56 Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder. Tracy Kidder, winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has written "an inspiring account of one man's remarkable journey and of the ordinary people who helped him- a brilliant testament to the power of will and of second chances."

Deo arrives in the US from Burundi with 2oo dollars in his pocket, no English, no one to meet him, and no place to go. He has survived civil war and genocide. He gets a job delivering groceries, ends up living in Central Park, and learns English from dictionaries in bookstores. Then, he begins meeting people who will help him. Kidder travels back to Africa with Deo in search of meaning and forgiveness.

The jacket says," an extraordinary writer, Tracy Kidder one again shows us what it means to be fully human by telling a story about the heroism inherent in ordinary people, a story about a life based on hope." The book was inspiring and, of course, very troubling.

#55 The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood. The ultimate survival book. Atwood creates the world after the plague has hit wiping out most of the population. And, it's pretty believable-maybe not the animal spliced creatures like the Mo'Hairs and the pigs with human brain tissue, but anyway, lots of survival methods, lots of gruesome violence, lots of interesting Saint's Days and traditions that evolve. Two women, Ren and Toby survive, and draw upon the teachings of God's Gardeners- a group devoted to the melding of science and religion. The bad are really bad and the good have to be cautious with no time to ponder the purpose of their existence or the why.

Atwood has done it up big with themes of the Earth after killing off the animals, corporate greed, science out of control, and the breakdown of society. Unfortunately, there are references to characters in her book, Oryx and Crake, which I haven't read. I think I'll wait awhile before I take it on. This was a definite page turner.

#54 The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim. This story is mixed with strong women, Korean tradition, war, and the trials of life moving from one generation to another. Kim has created interesting women characters in a traditional family setting. Sheridan Hay, on the back cover, says,"....Kim beautifully chronicles both the lost world of a traditional Korea and the lost childhood of her remarkable heroine."

This book made me consider a family's subtle ways of showing love, fear, encouragement, disgust, anger, and hope. Culture, place, and time would all play an important part. The difficulties of family life and tradition became strengths that helped this family survive war, separation, and all kinds of loss. I'm glad it had a happy ending.

#53 Notes from the Underwire- Adventures from my awkward and lovely life by Quinn Cummings. This book is described as "charming, hilarious, and just snarky enough to be ultimately satisfying" Jon Lancaster, author. I found it very funny. It's the Hollywood life of a former child star who finally is the grown-up. I laughed at her parenting skills, her homemaking skills, and her pet training skills. I chuckled at her do good attitude and its pitfalls. I shook my head at her descriptions of being fashionable and her obsession with scarves. Anyway, it was fast, funny, and a downright good time. Amanda, you will like this one.

#52 Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan. OMG, if you read this book, get ready for heavy-duty stuff. This is a collection of five stories set in Africa. The events are viewed through the eyes of children. The stories are sad with violent, racial and religious intolerance, and total breakdown of community and family. Akpan has captured the hell of war. This book is an Oprah Book Club pick and I can see why. With that, read it!

#51 The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson. With a setting of England in 1766, Tom, the main character, witnesses the arrival of two elephants at the Bristol ship docks. The elephants are in bad condition and are purchased by a wealthy sugar merchant who puts Tom in charge of caring for them. Tom's whole life revolves around the two elephants. Tom is persuaded to write a history of the elephant which he does through his own experiences. The story moves from lush countryside to London, where the elephant and Tom are part of a Menagerie with less than perfect conditions for any animal including humans. This is the story of love an loyalty between Tom and the elephants. Somehow it reminded me of Black Beauty. It was great to read something different.