“Recommended by…” is a monthly feature in which an awesome bookish person recommends a book that I just have to read. It’s posted in two parts. Part one is the intro to the recommender and the recommendation. Part two posts later in the month and recaps my thoughts on the book.
The Recommender: March’s book is recommended by one of my favorite book pushers! Ksenia always has great titles to recommend. If you’re looking for a good books she is someone you definitely want to know!
During the week, Ksenia is a publicist at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, nestled within the historic Flatiron Building in New York City. On the weekends, she is a graduate student currently furiously writing her English Master’s Thesis. Otherwise, you will find her either reading more books and comics/graphic novels, or watching (and even rewatching) shows like Xena, Doctor Who, Stargate, Avatar: The Last Airbender, or dragging her husband to more and more comic book conventions.
Where to find her online:
The Recommendation:
In this enchanting historical novel, a nomad in nineteenth-century Iran takes fate into her own hands when her father promises her in marriage to a man she dislikes. Anahita convinces her father to let her hold a contest in which potential suitors must correctly answer the riddle she has woven into her wedding carpet. A diplomat, a schoolteacher, a shepherd, and a prince compete in Anahita’s battle of wits for the heart of this extraordinary girl.
Weaving a bit of fairy tale into her rich exploration of Persian life, Meghan Nuttall Sayres has written a debut novel that delights and fascinates.
Why did Ksenia recommend this one?
Interestingly enough, this book was recommended to me by my lovely blogger friend Misty, and she was the one who gifted me with the book for my birthday a few years ago.
In a sea of books filled with stories about the apocalypse, teenage angst, and fantastical worlds that can make your head spin, it is refreshing to read a genuine “quiet” book. The beauty of this book wasn’t finding out who would win Anahita’s wedding riddle contest in the end. The beauty was just in the details of the characters, the places, and even the carpets. Oh, how I wish there were pictures of the carpets! I loved this unique coming-of-age story set in a world and time that is rarely visited. Anahita is a different type of strong female character for her strength comes from within, and from her cleverness.
I think everyone should read this book because it is not your typical love story and the backdrop is just so lush!
This book has been out for a few years, but I do hope that Heidi, and others, will rediscover it!
Thanks so much to Ksenia! I’ve never heard of this one and it sounds right up my alley! Can’t wait to dive in! Bonus? It’s only $4.99 for the kindle!!
Leave a Reply