Holly's Picks

The first of four books, following the adventures of a young woman as she learns to wield a power with the potential to fight against the dark forces rising in her world. The author has created an extensive, vibrant world along the lines of Tolkien's Middle Earth. A great choice for lovers of fantasy, epics, and strong female leads.

An absolutely enthralling and unique story, The City & The City manages to be both excellent fantasy, and fascinating social commentary.

Dexter Filkins, a New York Times correspondent, immerses himself in the turbulent world of  Afghanistan, the siege of Falluja, the murky and unpredictable politics of post-Saddam Iraq, and the troubling implications that these conflicts have for our country, our world, and our common humanity.

In many ways, the style of this book was reminiscent of Rory Stewart. Filkins chooses to present his experiences in a series of vignettes, ranging from interviews with family members of dead Iraqis to stories of political intrigue to encounters with insurgent groups. This is not what I had expected in opening this book, but I found it to be incredibly compelling. It also makes it somewhat easier to read and fully process the stories Filkins has to tell, giving the reader time to reflect on each chapter before moving to the next.