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Books Finished in April

19. Beggars and Choosers by Nancy Kress











Received from Bookmooch; the best I've read from Nancy Kress since Beggars in Spain. I still prefer the first book, but this is an intriguing sequel that ups the game on how genetic engineering can revolutionize society. The affected speech of the "livers," (people who are essentially paid not to work) though, is super annoying.


20. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon











Glad I gave Chabon another chance after Wonder Boys, although I probably liked this one so much since I'm more interested in the source material. Chabon creates a convincing version of a Jewish/Yiddish society formed in a post-World War II Alaska. Highly recommended, and proud of myself that I didn't need the glossary. Also, wishing there were more books out there where I could put my vestigial Yiddish to use.

21. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain











Totally convinced now that all chefs are secretly part of the mafia. Just kidding. A little. Seriously though, not what I was expecting, but definitely...interesting.

22. A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler











Meh. This book got such great reviews, but it's just a story about a family and I didn't find any of the characters especially compelling. Anne Tyler is a wonderful writer and her prose is pleasing, but I didn't like it as much as Digging to America or The Accidental Tourist, which I was concurrently listening to on audiobook.

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