It's Mother's Day and we have big Book Sorting plans, so I have to log what's been piling up on the shelves. Horribly, my cleaning service dusted the books and reordered everything, so I have to go by memory. I'm sure I'll forget 2/3 of what I read. ARG. Beaufort by Ron Leshem I'm on an Israeli novel kick. This one, about the war in Lebanon, is great. The movie was pretty terrific, too.

The Tragedy of Arthur by Arthur Phillips I liked this novel so much, even though I know nothing about Shakespeare and so missed all the best stuff.

Between Silk & Cyanide by Leo Marks Could NOT have been more fun.

The Free Worlds by David Bezmozgis This is a fabulous novel. Bezmozgis is the best of the current crop of Fine Young Russians.

Half a Life by Darin Strauss I cried and cried.

Shop Talk by Phillip Roth I found these fascinating, but I can't help but feel that Roth is a total dick.

Homesick by Eshkol Nevo Another decent Israeli novel.

Almost Dead by Assaf Gavron Now this one I really liked.

The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer MAN, she's a good writer.

Dr. Neruda's Cure for Evil by Rafael Yglesias I love Rafael, and this novel!

The 188th Crybaby Brigade by Joel Chasnoff Very useful for my novel. I'll just steal huge parts of it, I think.

A Place of My Own by Michael Pollan I am building a studio, and this book is an inspiration and a guide.

Mr. Mani by A.B. Yehoshua This novel is simply glorious.

Life With a Star by Jiri Weil Ripped my heart out, stomped it to nothing.