Summer!
As an educator hopefully you can enjoy travels and reading during your summer break from school. In the past I have used summer to share some of my favourite books for adults rather than review books for younger readers in this regular column.
I shared The Library Tree by Deborah Cowley with you, as well The Seven Sisters Series by Lucinda Riley, still some of my favourite reads.
Recently I came across two books that I much enjoyed. Both are focused on travel and different cultures and I loved them.
Dubai, Inside the Kingdom of Bling by Raymond Barrett is a fascinating, all encompassing look at what makes Dubai (and the UAE) tick. Raymond talks frankly with residents of all classes – labourers from many different countries, British expats, and the rare original residents. He examines the history of the Emirates, the consequences of political decisions and the motivation of the rulers who determine the future.
With the world’s tallest building, the largest man-made island and the biggest shopping mall, what is life really like for those who live and work in Dubai, beyond the towering skyscrapers, luxury resorts and opulent mansions? As Barrett peels away layers, he shows us many different versions of the same city. It’s a brave piece of journalism and an eye opening look into a unique place on earth. ISBN 978-1857885279, Nicholas Brealey Publishing
The other book is picked up and absolutely fell in love with is My Father’s Island by Johanna Angermeyer.
What a gem! I was hooked as soon as I started reading, by the unique voice and the humour as much as by the topic.
Johanna writes from her earliest memories, making the book feel like a great children’s book at first. But as she grows up, in this family memoir, the voice changes to that of an adolescent and adult, retaining the keen sense of observation and humour.
She relates a history of ancestors moving from Russia to the US, a childhood of growing up in Nebraska and California. Then her quest for a father she never knew and uncles who all live in the Galapagos. Her time among iguana, swimming with seals and eating avocados reads like a romantic adventure story but it based on the true story of Johanna’s father and his four brothers fleeing Nazi Germany and sailing to the Galapagos Islands where they lived like Robinson Crusoes surrounded by exotic wildlife. When the war caught up to that remote corner of the world, Johanna found herself growing up two thousand miles away dreaming of the island her father had loved. Years later she returned to the Galapagos and began to untangle the knotted story of her parent’s incredible lives, their forced separation and her father’s tragic death.
A fascinating read told in a great voice. Highly recommended. ISBN 978-0670827329, Viking
Both books are available from Better World Books which donates to literacy and does not charge shipping costs. Margriet Ruurs is a Canadian author who has been to both Dubai and the Galapagos Islands. She is available for author presentations at schools around the world.