Book 26 River of the Dead ** by Barbara Nadel

Interesting, well written.   Set in Turkey.   I've read a few histories and novels about Turkey and the plots, settings, and character types were all new to me.  

Will I read Nadel again --- maybe.

Book 30 Bastard of Istanbul ** 1/2 by Elif Shafak

Two stories of Turkish and Armenian families, who end up being closer than either know.  One story starts in California and the other in Istanbul.   The heroine is a rebelious single mother whose quite shocking behaviour for Turkey is more or less accepted by her all female relatives. 
There are lots of issues with the writing in this book, but it offers great insights into the conflicts in daily life in Turkey.  Lots of surprises, every chapter is completely unexpected. I do think its worthwhile just to round out one's view of Turkey.

Book 36 The Walking Bush Swings By * byJohn Laughland

 This is a delightful set of stories of a British ex-pats in a Turkish village. You can buy it at the souvenir stand at the abandoned Greek village that was the subject of the book, Birds Without Wings.

Book 25 Crescent and Star*** by Stephen Kinzer

An excellent book, a must if travelling to Turkey.

Books 18 Culture Smart Turkey**

I tried to finish Ataturk, pre-Turkey reading, but just couldn't focus so I instead read a few light, but very enjoyable books.  April 3 is the end of Week 13. So far, beating my goal of a book a week. And I am not counting recipe books, and such. Great insight into Turkish psyche, why military coups, why so resistant to foreign interference.

Book 14 Portrait of a Turkish Family*** by Irfan Orga

Published in 1950, this is a memoir of life in Turkey from about 1908 to 1940.  It chronicles the downfall of an upper class family into poverty and starvation during WWI, the incredible survival of the women and children after the men have disappeared into the army.  Orga portrays the characters of himself, his mother, other relatives with clarity and insight.  A short, powerful, easy read.   The city version of Louis de Bernieres 'Birds Without Wings.

Book 10 Birds Without Wings**** by Louis de Bernieres

One of those books that slows you right down, not only to savour the writing and language and to appreciate the poignant and humorous twists, but also to think about the meanings of the stories.  Breathtaking and heartbreaking, you can't stop reading.
The book is composed of numerous chapters representing strains of several men and women of various religions and stations in life, living in what is now Fethiye in southern Turkey.  The book spans Turkey's history from the rise of Ataturk, Gallipolli, and various exchanges of Greeks and Turks people between Greece and Turkey until the final wholesale expulsion of these peoples.  It describes the impact of ridding the population of Armenians and Greeks, leaving the remaining population without doctors, most trades and merchants, and anyone who can read or write.  
No dates are mentioned, which gives you the feel of the events from the point of view of the mostly illiterate characters.  Interspersed is a terse biography of Ataturk himself as forms his views on modernization of Turkey and positions himself to take control of the country.  A vague knowledge of history is helpful for orientation.
A must read from every point of view.