The Tenth Island
I think this is a book that is the definition of feel-good. A struggling journalist finds herself drawn to the Portuguese islands known as the Azores. There is a lot of personal growth as she experiences ups and downs in life, careers, and love. What better place to discover oneself than the beautiful small towns of the Azores?
I can’t even begin to define how warm my heart was after finishing this novel. It starts out a little slow, but is so perfect and quaint that I finished the final pages with a big smile on my face. This book is filled with life stories of the immigrants from the island of Terceira and their conflicting emotions between loving their lives in American/Canada pitted against their longing to be back on the island and submersed in their heritage and traditions. It is easy to get wrapped up in the small town life that seems more relaxed. The author weaves a tale of histories, rooted traditions, festivals, and adventure. I would love to have an experience like this some day.
There were many times throughout this book that I was reminded of Under the Tuscan Sun; if you like that movie I HIGHLY suggest you read this book.
Malia's Pizza Rating
A Portuguese pizza. With ham, olives, onions, and eggs.