It's Not You It's Me or Is It? - Curiosity by Joan Thomas

In my two experiences of Joan Thomas books (Reading by Lightening and now, Curiosity), I always start out strong and think "wow, this is going to be a great book". Yet, somehow by the end, I'm always looking forward to being done.  I don't know if it's that they're too long, but I'm perplexed by this reaction as I don't shy away from long books (and at 400 pages, this is hardly a "chunkster").  The story itself follows the path of an early female archaeologist (Mary Anning) and how her social class and to some extent gender prevent her from achieving the success she's earned and deserves.  A related story explores her relationship with another scientist of the day: Henry de la Beche.  All in all, an interesting read but not a riveting one.

A friend of mine mentioned that Tracy Chevalier has also tackled Mary Anning--perhaps I'll have to give that book a try.

Books with Some Weight on Them: Fall of Giants and the Leopard

In Fall of Giants, Ken Follett crafts an amazing portrait of the US, Wales/England, France, and Russia both before and during the first world war.  He explores class structures and how the war begins to break these down.  It takes 800+ pages to do, but it goes quickly and is a journey well worth taking.

The Leopard by Jo Nesbo also falls into the "chunkster" category and while I enjoyed the mystery and the flawed character of Harry Hole, I thought that the length could have been reduced.  In particular, the writing at the beginning might have been a bit tighter.  Just a slightly lower BMI and this book could have gone from good to great.

Two Great Satires - Best Laid Plans and The Sisters Brothers

Terry Fallis writes a wonderfully funny political satire, while Patrick Dewitt takes on the old west.  Both are funny, clever, and well worth picking up!