the fourth five

It's been a challenging week in my world, due mostly to things like trying to keep a toddler and my ever-pregnant self simultaneously as happy and comfortable as possible in thickly oppressive and non-air conditioned heat and humidity. And then there were the contractions I was having a few days ago that were so painful I was scared into getting my hospital bag packed. Consequently, I've been keeping my feet up as much as possible, which has allowed for me to also do a lot of reading. Here, then, is my report to you of my next five books.


16. Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith

This is the second book in the Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, and it was just as wonderful as the first. I think my favorite part was when Mma Makutsi, Mma Ramotswe's secretary (who scored an impressive 97% on her secretarial college examinations), was promoted to assistant detective. Oh, and also that part where the diamond was actually cubic zirconia. The popularity of this series is making it rather difficult for me to get my hands on the additional books in the series, but I am excited to continue reading them.

17. Espresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith
18. Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith
19. The World According to Bertie by Alexander McCall Smith

These are the additional books in the 44 Scotland Street series, and because the plotlines of them have all run together in my head, I'm clumping them together in my review. I was a little wary of this series when I read the first book, but I have since been completely converted. Seriously, you all need to read these. The characters are delightful and the subtle humor with which their stories are told allows for readers to believe the bizarre events that they encounter as they unfold. My favorite storylines are, hands down, Domenica's anthropological excursion to Malaysia to study pirates, as well as anything involving Bertie and his wacky and overbearing mother, Irene.

20. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

This book has been recommended to me over and over by so many people, and for good reason. It's absolutely fascinating. Throw in the fact that Gladwell just might be one of the best non-fiction writers currently publishing, and you've got a winner. The book focuses on the reasons why some social epidemics "tip," become suddenly trendy or successful, while others don't. I really appreciated Gladwell's patient approach as he taught his readers the psychology behind tipping points; it allowed for me to consider examples beyond what he shared that I have encountered personally. He has two other books out right now, Blink and Outliers, both of which I will be reading soon.


The contractions seem to have subsided and, thank heavens, so has the humidity (at least for the time being). I still, though, have a large pile of books from the library waiting for me to tackle, and while I'm not stupid enough to wish back the contractions or the heat, I am hoping for opportunities to plow through the stack on my nightstand. So, 'til next time, everyone!