Finished on 6/22/09:

CASSANDRA & JANE by Jill Pitkeathley, 2008.

This novel tells the story of Jane Austen's life from the POV of her elder sister Cassandra. Lifelong companions, as well as sisters, Cass probably knew Jane better than any other sibling or contemporary. Author manages to convey a sense of Jane's times through her use of language, writing style, and period detail, but doesn't bog down the story. Shows the trials and tribulations of being an unmarried, well educated, middle class sort of female during the English Regency, as well as Jane's struggles to write and have her novels published, and how Jane handled the fame and adoration that came with the notoriety of being a published author. Pitkeathley also touches on the two sisters' love affairs (including the Tom Lefroy episode) and their sometimes prickly relationships with their parents and siblings. A good read based on solid facts.

Finished reading on 6/12/09:

SPELLBOUND BY BEAUTY by Donald Spoto, 2008.
Alfred Hitchcock, a great director, was not very nice to many of the actresses who worked for him, particularly Tippi Hedren and Diane Baker. A worthwhile look at a famous director who had some serious issues in his relationships, especially with women.

Finished on 6/7/09:

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen, 2006.
Excellent story about life in the circus during the Great Depression, narrated by Jacob appearing both as an old man and a young man in flashbacks. The story has thought provoking themes involving loyalty, friendship, love and loss, treatment of circus animals, ageing, etc. Jacob, a veterinary student running away from his personal tragedy, joins the circus train and falls in love with Marlena, who is married to August (who is mad as a hatter). All kinds of adventures ensue, involving circus animals, dwarves, fat ladies and other freaks, and assorted workers and performers. Gruen has done huge amounts of research, but overall it's the storytelling that moves this story along a fast clip. Her opening describing the circus stampede and murder quickly draws the reader in. And her depiction of Rosie the elephant and her antics is most memorable. Great book for discussion.