Jhumpa Lahiri writes amazing short stories. Many years ago, I loved her Interpreter of Maladies, so I knew I would also love Unaccustomed Earth. She's such a gifted writer, and her characters feel so real. Unaccustomed Earth is made up of stories that are a lot about family, but mostly about love - love that came to be through arranged marriage, love that was forbidden, love that could never be, love that wasn't meant to be... It's all in there, and since this is a book of short stories, you're always left wanting more. My only complaint is that I wanted lots of happier endings.
Tell the Wolves I'm Home is about a teenage girl in the mid-80's who has to grapple with her uncle's death from AIDS. It's the thing nobody wants to talk about, and she searches for connection with someone as she mourns the loss of her very best friend. This book really explores the intricacy of family relationships when controversy is involved, and it tackles the ultra-taboo issues surrounding a disease that was largely unspeakable in the 80's. Meanwhile, the author also does an amazing job of portraying high school angst and a family at odds.
"'You seemed so far away,' Miss Honey whispered, awestruck.
'Oh, I was. I was flying past the stars on silver wings,' Matilda said. 'It was wonderful.'"
-Roald Dahl, Matilda
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