After by Claire Tristram

This is a book I ordered from the library way back in the summer. It is written by a Salon contributor and it is her first novel. The plot concerns a woman whose husband was recently murdered by Muslim extremists. She decides to cleanse herself of his memory by taking a Muslim lover, so she meets a stranger at a trade show and they plan to meet at a motel. The narration alternates between the point of view of the man and the woman. It is very erotic and very disturbing. I read it in two nights.

Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl

I am rereading this book because David gave it to me for our second anniversary last week. It is a food memoir, told through the eyes of a little girl whose mother was a terrible cook (from the "taste this and tell me if it is spoiled" school) but whose life was blessed by the presence of wonderful servants who cooked. The book is full of recipes, too. Right now I am looking forward to a time to try making Baked Apples. Actually, the sequel to this book is called Comfort Me with Apples.

The First Desire by Nancy Reisen

This is an interesting novel told from the perspectives of various family members. Each is trying to piece together the reasons for their sister's disappearance. It is a novel about love and loss and separation.