2014 Reads

So many fun reads this year! I think I just read to keep my mind off being pregnant. Since having Sawyer I haven't had so much time to read, but I am an avid audio book listener. Here are my super short book reviews, maybe this year I'll be better about writing my review on Goodreads right after I finish a book. Then maybe I'll remember what the book is about. :-)

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book takes you into such an exciting world of fantasy. A magical competition, with everything at stake, and a romance on the line. Several stories intertwine creating such an intriguing story, I was sad when it ended.

 Bluefish by Pat Schmatz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun story and a quick read. I read this after reading "Mindset", and in story form, this book perfectly portrays the psychology of how a student who is put in a growth mindset can learn and achieve great things, and how a teacher with the growth mindset can inspire his students. I loved the characters with their complicated history. I liked the way it all came together in the end.


 Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The concept is great! Everyone has the ability to learn and do, be it educational, artistic, or athletic. The power comes from a "growth mindset", the belief that if you work at it, you can learn it/do it. Growth minded parents and teachers are great assets as well. Praise effort rather than ability.

However, these ideas are not new. And her writing seemed a bit repetitive. Didn't love the read, but I do love the concept behind it. I recommend the read if you are a "closed mindset" kind of person.

 The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun, imagination rich, fairy tale. The story follows Ani, the crown princess, who leaves her kingdom to marry a prince in the neighboring kingdom. But when her own guards and escorts start plotting against her, she runs for her life, barely escaping through the forest. Her own lady's maid takes the pretense of princess, while the true princess becomes employed tending the kings geese. In her new role, Ani discovers what true friendship is, what poverty is, even love, and her own strength.
Great read.

 Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Light-hearted, and fun. A wonderful Christmas romance.

 Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The characters in this book were so fun. Overall a good story, however, I didn't love the ending. Mrs. Ali, who I really had liked as a very strong, moral character, abandoned all to run off with Major Pettigrew.

 The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Great historical fiction. Story of a girl (Sarah) and her slave (Hetty) and their friendship spanning over time.

I'd read this one again.

 Fire of the Covenant: The Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies by Gerald N. Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! I have always been so daunted by the size, assuming it to be a dry pioneer story. It was not. The characters were so well developed, I loved following their stories. It was inspiring. As I followed these handcart pioneers I also learned more about what they went through, things I hadn't known before.

 The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It was okay. Gave my mind something to puzzle over and think about. Story of a man (crippled), his doctor wife, and how wonderful their marriage was('nt). After she passes away, she haunts his life until he finds the lesson he needs to learn.

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh


Good, sound advice. I listened to the audio of this one. I'd probably get more out of it by reading the book. It is short.


Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tips to make parenting a breeze. No kid can make me loose my cool. Now if I can just remember everything... I've already re-read this book. A little silly, love it.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Compelling novel. A page turner you can't put down. Quick and fun!

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An addictive romance. Another page turner that can't be put down.

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would have loved this book completely, if it wasn't for the foul, four letter word she used repeatedly. Such a fun story! And funny! I laughed outright several times. Wish there was an edited version I could recommend to friends.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super fun. I could never crack the mysteries. I guess that's why Sherlock is the best!

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fascinating! Reads like a Malcolm Gladwell book. Love the intriguing facts and studies behind the main ideas of the book. Lots of interesting stories. Lots to boggle my mind; great book to discuss as a group. I will read this one again!

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie J. Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet and inspirational. It's the story of Katie's ministry, her selfless service, caring for the people of Uganda, and adopting children in need. I enjoyed this book, though not the best written.

A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved and hated this book. Incredibly poignant. Moved me with a desire to want to help. Sickened by the cruelty of this boy's mother. Glad for the happy ending.

Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Brain science. Super interesting. I liked Brain Rules for Baby even better.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I don't remember this book super well. For some reason I didn't fall in love with it. I did like how the dad talked to God while he was walking. It was a nice read.

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liked it. Quick read. He gives very basic nutritional advice that all makes sense. We are omnivores, we should be eating from every food group, but if great grandma would not have recognized it as a food, probably better not eat it. Skip the processed foods, become acquainted with where your food comes from, eat whole foods, as close to its natural state as possible. Load up on veggies.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quite interesting. Basically about how our society praises extroverts but there is more need for the methodical thinking introverts. And the extroverts need to stop talking over the introverts and start listening to their ideas. I found out introverts really would prefer a night at home over a night with friends. And (it's not typical but) you can be an outgoing introvert (Devin) or a reserved extrovert (me). I think it will help me relate better to both introverts and extroverts.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had been advised against reading this book by several friends, but I was so glad I didn't listen! Death being the narrator was unique. I was captivated.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book too. The Glass Castle is a book I think and wonder about often. I could not believe how dysfunctional her family was, and it's a memoir! The attitude of her parents, and their utter lack of parenting was unbelievable to me. Somehow she is able to still respect and love her parents. She determined early on to make a better life for herself. Incredibly, she did!

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved this book. Super intriguing. Left lots of room for the imagination. A thought provoking read.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! Charming, witty, and romantic. Of course I knew the story, but I read it on the edge of my seat. Oh, Mr Darcy!

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