The Shadow of the Wind

Wow, I have to tell everyone that I've finished this novel and it was quite the adventure. This book The Shadow of the Wind, written by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, was absolutely captivating. I was recommended to read this book by my friend Christine (who is probably having a baby right now).It was about mystery, war, murder, love & family. I really, really enjoyed it. Now before you all run out and get this I want to forewarn all of you that this is a novel. It's not a quick read on an airplane and such, but the commitment is totally worth it.

The story (originally written in Spanish) is about a boy, Daniel, who gets a hold of a book called The Shadow of the Wind. This book opens up the Daniel's life. Not only did he love the book itself, but there was a long mystery involving the author, Julián Carax and his whereabouts, life and loves. The story takes place in Franco, Spain and spans approximately a decade of Daniel's life.

I have to admit, this book wasn't a light read, it used many Spanish street names as well as character names. This book contained mystery, horror, joy & adventure. A happy ending? Well, yes & no. But then again, isn't that what life is about? A good read.

The Angel's Game

First off, I really, really, REALLY loved this book. This is the second book by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It was a good sized book, a novel, if you will and I have to say if you're a reader, you'll enjoy this book. Now if you read Zafon's first book The Shadow of the Wind, you would know about this "secret library" where all the prohibited books are stored. Well, this story, although it has nothing to do with the first book, uses that same "secret library". But boy oh boy, what a different but really great story. It's a period piece, it's a mystery, it's horror, it's film noir. But enough gushing.

The story is about a writer named David Martin who takes you through is career as a writer. His struggle with publishing houses and pursuing a literary career. He finds out he has a brain tumor and has less than a year to live when he meets a man who changes everything. This is where the story takes off. What happens to his brain tumor? You'll have to read the book. This stranger offers him a large sum of money to write a new bible. Not re-write the bible but a whole new one. David Martin accepts this offer and the fast paces story ensues. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It reads like fine literature. Should you read it? Sure, but make sure you're a real reader. It's a novel, not a book. Kissy, kiss, kiss, kiss!