A-Z Challenge discussion

Okay, so I'm finally jumping into this:
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Now for the fun of reading of them! A couple I've already finished, a few I've just started, many still remain to be explored. I'll update on progress later.

Finished
and

The first is a fascinating account of an African Grey parrot and the scientist who tries to understand and explain his intelligence. Sometimes you wonder who is being tested! :) Great bird, kind scientist. Rare book.

The second is a multi-layered rendering of New York life and the people who make up the city. We get to go inside the minds and lives of people who have stopped to watch a tightrope walker performing the twin towers. As we follow the various people through their days, we come to understand them, and ourselves. I will probably never live on Park Avenue or be a streetwalker, or become a famous painter, or have a priest for a brother. But through this novel I begin to see through their eyes, perhaps feel what they feel, etc. It's a great ride!

Also, I have already finished
True, very funny, often apt (love those Chinese homilies) recounting of the authors' experiences growing up in China during the shift to more capitalist measures.

Finished
Weird collection of short stories featuring Native Americans. Offers a slightly bent perspective from the norm (at least I've never read anything quite like them). If you're tired of the mainstream, formulaic bestsellers, then this is the collection for you.

I'm currently reading a couple of books not listed for this challenge: and . The Necklace is so fun, and inspiring! Who knew a diamond necklace could achieve so much?