The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland

I recently read The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland. This historical fiction follows the life of Artemisia Gentileschi in post Renaissance Italy. Artemisia is the only daughter of a recognized painter in Florence. Artemisia is raped by her father's painting partner and suffers through a humiliating trial forced on her by her father in order to retrieve property he felt was due him rather than to restore his young daughter's battered reputation. Artemisia forges ahead through events not always of her own choosing to become a recognized painter in her own right during a time when women were not recognized by the art community. I have always enjoyed this genre and this book did not disappoint me. Artemisia's strenght and spirt to continue to pursue her dream, facing all obstacles with dignity and resolve, makes here a character that you can appreciate and connect with. She is not a perfect character, but she follows her path in a way that can inspire others to do the same. I also enjoy the setting with it's descriptions of Italy during this exciting time. I have read other books my Vreeland and have enjoyed them as well. Another writer that is similar to Vreeland is Tracy Chevalier (Girl With a Pearl Earring).

Duma Key by Stephen King

You should know right off the bat that I am a huge Stephen King fan but this book is amazing as most of his books are. It is about a man that has an accident and loses an arm. His wife leaves him so he goes to Florida and becomes a painter but of course his paintings are more than what he bargains for. What is great about King's books though is his writing. I love the way he phrases words and sentences. This book is really big, over 600 hundred pages but it didn't take me long to read it because I had a hard time putting it down. I know that not everyone is a King fan, but if you are, this one is a definite good one.