Early reading in May

I have started off May with two excellent books, although I haven't felt up to writing reviews lately.  However, they are definitely worth mentioning.  The first one is

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok.  I've seen this book described as chick lit, but I wouldn't agree with that tag.  The story is sad, about choices that can't be changed and regrets.  The main character is Kimberly, a Chinese immigrant residing in poverty in Brooklyn with her mother.  As Kimberly grows up she is faced with some decisions that set the path for her life.  I felt very connected to her.  I loved the book, and would easily give it a 5/5.

The other novel that I have read so far is Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.  It starts off with the description of Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974, however, the stories that surround the event are about various people on the ground.  The individual stories seem very disjointed at first, but come together beautifully.  I loved the writing style of this novel.  I loved how well he gave each person their own unique voice.  It's a great book, and also a 5/5 on my list.