Learning to Lose by David Trueba
Other Press, $16.95, June 22, 2010
With the World Cup kicking off this weekend, it seems like the right time to read a novel from an international talent. David Trueba’s latest work, Learning to Lose, even features a young Brazilian soccer player, whose romance with a 16-going-on-30 girl in Madrid is just one of the many threads that make up this multidimensional tapestry of a novel. The two meet in an unconventional manner:
Sylvia, alone on the street, walks quickly to release her rage. Mai’s happiness is a betrayal, her tiredness a personal affront. She steps down into the street to avoid any unpleasant encounters on the sidewalk. . . . The ground is dry and the streetlights barely reverberate on the asphalt. the laces on one of her black-rubber-soled boots have come untied, but Sylvia doesn’t want to stop to retie it. She takes aggressive strides, as if kicking the air. She is oblivious to the fact that, crossing the street she now walks along, she will be hit by an oncoming car. And that while she is feeling the pain of just having turned sixteen, she will soon be feeling a different pain, in some ways a more accessible one: that of her right leg breaking in three places.
What are you reading this week?
I am reading a book written by my cousin, Lilly Gayle. This is her first book, OUT OF DARKNESS.
These reviews are included in her book.
Praise for Lilly Gayle
“If you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat paranormal, OUT OF DARKNESS is an enthralling story that combines the best of suspense with a sexy vampire romance. The unexpected plot turns will leave you breathless and aching with sympathy for Vincent’s tragic and utterly real desire to be human, made even more desperate by the unbidden love growing for Megan. OUT OF DARKNESS is a compelling and satisfying read in one of my favorite genres.”
~Amy Corwin, author of I Bid One American ans Outrageous Behavior
~”Lilly Gayle is an exciting new voice in the world of paranormal romance. ~Jenna Black
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlreviews
Megan Harper is a doctor who’s working on people who are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Her sister had that genetic problem and that drives her to find a cure.
Vincent Maxwell is a part of Lifeblood, a large blood donation bank. He wants Megan’s help and information. He is a vampire and at first Megan thinks that he has the same genetic problem her sister did.
As these two work together more twists and turns reveal themselves. Megan finds out Vincent’s secret. Will these two be able to have a happy relationship. Will they survive to be together?
Out of the Darkness is a Top Pick for me. I just loved the plot and the interaction between Vincent and Megan. The sensual scenes were hot and the ending was done just right. The villains were chilling and Vincent’s history compelling. This was an action packed and exciting read.
I am so proud of my cousin. Her website is http://www.lillygayle.com.
I’m reading an old Dean Koontz novel titled, COLD FIRE. I’m also reading some Scottish magazines and books as I’ll be traveling to Scotland in Sept. YAY!