#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.