The Weight of a Mustard Seed, By Wendell Steavenson

Wendell Steavenson is a female journalist who is British. She was trying to find out why Iraq was ruled by Saddam Hussein for so many years. Why those in power didn’t rebel. Did they feel loss, remorse, fear, guilt, for their actions or lack of actions? She interviews the family of General Kamel Sachet. He was an honorable man caught in a corrupt system. He tried to protect his family to the best of his ability. The feeling is similar to Germany during World War II. What could I do? I was just following orders. Who could you trust? Power of any type is illusive, corruption lasts longer.

3 out of 4 Stars

Reviewed by: Anne Egger, Library Services

Peony in Love, By Lisa See

I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, which I just loved. So when I heard she had another book out I had to read it. This book is good, but not as good as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Peony falls in love with a stranger, her father had already arranged a marriage for her. She dies of lovesickness. She doesn’t find out until near her death, that the srtanger was to be her husband. As a ghost, she watches over him. It is a lovely book, but doesn’t have the weight of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

3 out of 4 Stars

Reviewed by: Anne Egger, Library Services