The 33

The 33: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine, and the Miracle That Set Them Free by Héctor Tobar
2015
Weight: 12.6 oz
Method of Disposal: Gave to Mom

I cannot believe it has been 7 years since the San Jose Mine collapsed trapping 33 men underground for 69 days.  It seems like it was not that long ago.  I happened upon this book that day at The Dollar Tree.  I picked it up and must have picked the perfect time to read it because everywhere I go people tell me they just saw the movie.  I heard it so often that after finishing the book I decided to watch the movie.  I had heard a lot of good things but, after having read the book, I felt like it left out way too much.

The book was gut-wrenching at times and joyful at others.  It briefly examined the lives of the men after their fame started to wear off and you could sometimes really catch glimpses of the hell these men went through and how it will effect them for the rest of their lives.  It was a peek into lives that are so distant from my own that I could only imagine them with Tobar's help, and I am grateful for that insight.  I am awed that all 33 men made it out after over two months in a sweltering, wet, dark, hell.  

The House of Spirits

The House of Spirits  by Isabel Allende
1986
Weight: 8 oz
Method of Disposal: Leaving at Joe's Coffee Shop in EAV

                                                           The last post of the evening!

 I loved this book when I read it.  I mean, I was really impressed.  I learned a lot.  About Chilean history, about the power of magical realism, about literature, about family relationships, about politics.  I also had trouble putting it down, even for short periods of time.  I was into every page, and I do not remember losing any momentum.  This was my introduction to the very amazing, Isabel Allende, and I highly recommend it and her other work.   What is your favorite Allende book?