Lithuanian Wood is this moment resting on my coffee table. The edges show a little comfort of wear and tear. I couldn't resist turning these pages... As Lithuania is neighbor to my own Latvia (I hold dual citizenship for Latvia and USA), Mayo's tales charmed me with similarities to the culture in which I was raised and nurtured. I am astounded that a non-Lithuanian could capture the essence of another culture so well.

This book provides a touching and artistic view of post-communist Lithuania. You really get a feel for how the years of communist rule affected the way people think, act, and live. The short stories are creatively interwoven and make this book an enjoyable and quick read.

This is a beautiful book. Don't miss the story "Conquistador," a graceful and heartbreaking tale. These are stories to be read aloud. If you believe that the best fiction reads like poetry, Mayo's your man.