My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

My Sister’s Keeper is a very controversial story. It raises ethical and legal issues related to health, organ and tissue donation, and emancipation intertwined with the personal stories of the characters.

The story starts with a thirteen-year old girl who goes to a lawyer’s office to request emancipation for health-related matters. And the novel goes on. At almost every step of the way I asked myself what would I do in his or her place? The topics raised in this book are not black or white, right or wrong. Each character, similar to real life, made the decision considered the correct one at the time.

This book is available in paperback and Kindle.

Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende

Maya’s Notebook made me fall in love again with Chile. Escaping from her difficult life in the US, Maya’s grandmother sends her to an island off the coast of Chile. The description of the place and people in the unique style of Isabel Allende gave the feeling of being really there all the time.

Maya’s story was strange for me since my adolescence was not turbulent. However, Maya is such a strong character that she came under my skin and at times I wanted to slap her, or hug her, or both at the same time. I could not put the book down; I wanted to see what Maya would become.

This book is available in hardcover and Kindle.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Room caught me by surprise. The narrator is a 5-year old boy, Jack, who lives in a room with his ‘Ma’. Jack does not know the world outside and he thinks that all that happens outside of the room is the reality on TV.

This novel is an example of a very sad and difficult subject treated in a lighter way and from a completely different perspective. Jack made me laugh and melted my heart with the things he said and the way his reasoning worked.

I could not put the book down. I wanted to know the next thing in the story but at the same time I wanted to slowly enjoy the ingenious things Jack had to say all the time.

The book is available in paperback and Kindle.

Cafe at Books & Books - Coral Gables, FL

I have been several times to this café and what I like about it is both the fact that it is inside a book store and the good food. One of my favorite items is the turkey sandwich with brie and pears. When the weather is good is very nice to sit outside in the courtyard and just enjoy the good company of a real person or of imaginary ones.

The food is affordable and there is a good ratio between price and quality. The only thing that keeps the Café at Books & Books from having 5 stars is the service; the waiters and waitresses could have better training and disposition.

Next time you are there also try the granny apple quesadilla with aged cheddar. You’ll want to have seconds.

The Litigators by John Grisham

It had been a while since I read something from John Grisham. During my last trip I decided to give The Litigators a try. The story was better than expected. I personally enjoy the legal-law-lawyer related thrillers, the usual subject of this author.

The story is about a burnout corporate lawyer David and two “litigators” with their own firm ‘Finley and Figg’ specialized in car accidents and other types of minor litigations. These three lawyers come together by chance to face one a very and real lawsuit against a large corporation.

This book made me think about ethics, Corporate America, and how much good or damage money can make. The narrative is entertaining, well written, and it kept me interested all the time.

The book is available in paperback and Kindle.

Calado & Calado - Coimbra, Portugal

The other restaurant I tried was Calado & Calado located in the lower part of the old city in the alley behind the “praca”. I had the grilled octopus that was excellent. Price for 2 people with food, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks was 30 euros.

Restaurant Italia - Coimbra, Portugal

Restaurant Italia located in Manuel Braga park – as you may have guessed, they serve Italian food (pizza, pasta, risotto). Careful when you order sparkling water: for some reason the large bottle is more expensive than ordering the same amount in smaller bottles. Price for 2 people with food, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks was 30 euros. Service is faster than expected.