I am Such a Cliche

I had no idea what Cutting for Stone was a few weeks ago. But when I asked for recommendations on new fiction it was the first, and only, suggestion from my trusted circle of fellow book nerds. You don’t have to tell this girl twice when something comes that highly praised. (well, sometimes you do because I tend to mistrust when everyone loves something, but you get the point).  

I am about half way through, and so far, I am in love. I am in love with the writing. And the characters. And the way that reading about this remote hospital in a country I know nothing about makes me feel like I am there in the middle of Addis Ababa. I can feel the heat of the streets and the chaos of the operating room and the loneliness of a little boy trying to grow up in the middle of it all.

This is why I love reading. People who don’t read say they don’t understand how someone can sit still for hours staring at a book. But those of us who love books and reading know it is more than that. When you are lost in a good book, you are taken away from the couch and plopped down right in the middle of the story you are reading. I know I sound like a total cliché, but things get to be clichés for a reason - usually they are rooted in a kernel of truth.  

Here is a link to  Abraham Verghese’s website. He seems like a fascinating guy. Explore while I finish the book.  http://www.abrahamverghese.com/default.asp