The Shadow of the Wind
(This review first appeared in January 2006) Rating: The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. Penguin Books (2005), 487 pages. This is a book for people who love books. Not just the language of books, but the very essence of bookness—the feel and sight...
In Defense of Food
Rating: In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan. Penguin Press (2008), 256 pages. Though I am a huge fan of The Omnivore’s Dilemma (a 2007 Gustine Award winner), I had some concerns about Pollan’s new book also being about the food we eat. Could...
Twenty Chickens for a Saddle
Rating: Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: The Story of an African Childhood, by Robyn Scott. Penguin (2008), 452 pages I definitely recommend this book for anyone who is fond of memoirs about growing up in an exotic locale with an eccentric family. The author...About Us
The Book Shark began as an independent book review website created by Cindy Pinto and Donna Long in 2002.
From the beginning our goal was not only to write great reviews, but also to recognize the most well-written books we read each year with an award...
Gustine Awards
The Gustine Awards were named in honor of the main character in one of our favorite books—The Dress Lodger, by Sheri Holman. Awards have been given out yearly since 2002 in three categories: fiction, nonfiction, and memoir...
Cover Art
A book’s cover is as important as the writing within it. We are aware that this may offend some authors who have toiled for years on their books and believe their words are the only thing that matters...
Reader Reviews
What’s the best or worst book you’ve ever read? What’s the most recent book that you’ve had a strong reaction to? Send us your thoughts, and we’ll post them in this spot.