The Sparrow

by Penny Lane
(Philadelphia, PA, USA)

When I was younger, my go-to beach books would always be what I call "fluff" reading... Something that isn't too taxing, giving your mind a vacation in addition to your body.

Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow is NOT such a book, but it is one that is well-worth diving into no matter where in the world you find yourself. I suppose it should be classified as science fiction, considering it discusses space travel to an alien planet. But it is SO much more than that. Philosophy, language, religion, faith, history, society and social classes... All of these concepts are woven throughout this book, to wonderful results. It is wonderful and sad, all at the same time.

I cannot recommend it highly enough. Check it out -- and happy reading!