What We’re Reading

ALEX

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
“I’m currently going through modern fiction and reading all the books connected to The Iliad and The Odyssey.  The Song of Achilles is from Patroclus’s point of view. Patroclus is Achilles best friend and although integral to The Iliad, he wasn’t a completely developed character. Madeline Miller starts the story at Patroclus’s youth, we get to see the beginning of his friendship with Achilles. As well as what Achilles was like as a boy. Patroclus is really interesting, and the book is very well written. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”

CASSIE

Let’s Take the Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell
“This is an awesome book. Gail Caldwell recalls her friendship with fellow author Caroline Knapp (Drinking: a Love story) and all they shared,  interests, struggles, passions- and everything in between. There are so few books written about the bond between two women, it’s the love story of two best friends. Gail is an amazing writer. It’s beautiful, poignant, at times even heart wrenching. I’ve never been rowing, I never thought I cared about rowing but Gail Caldwell describes her passion for rowing so beautifully I wanted to up and take to the lake. It was the same case with her love of the seasons in New England. I really fell in love with this book, I became completely engrossed. I want everyone I know to read it so we can all talk about it. It’s really that good.”

JOE

Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson
“Yesterday, I was handed an advanced reader copy of the book Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson. It’s a work of phenomenal research that details the story of 4 men who were lowly officers in their respective armies and yet managed to shape the fate of the Middle East during WWI. As the title suggests, at the center of the book lies the inscrutable Lawrence of Arabia. I am only 30 pages into this book and I already loathe to put it down. If, like me, you’ve been entranced with the story of Lawrence of Arabia and the formation of the modern middle east ever since viewing the classic David Lean film, then this is a book that should definitely be on your radar.”

Lawrence in Arabia will be released in August 2013, click here to pre-order now.

GRACE

Only Love is Real by Dr. Brian Weiss
“This is the second book I’ve read of Dr. Weiss, the first and his most notable Many Lives, Many Masters is also awesome. Working with hypnosis Dr. Weiss helps people identify past life trauma that is creating blockages, or repeated patterns in patient’s current life. While under hypnosis Weiss sometimes receives messages from “The Masters,” progressed souls who possess more wisdom of the universe. While treating two separate patients, Pedro and Elizabeth, he begins to receive messages about this fundamental truth: only love is real. Both patients begin to recall past lifetimes with great loves lost, happiness and a closeness to another soul neither can identify as being reincarnated in either of their current lives. When their recollections begin to sound like the same lifetimes, Dr. Weiss comes to an exciting realization.”