1) The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd
2) The Scarlet Pimpernel, Orczy
3) Cinder, by Marissa Meyer
4) All Joy and No Fun, by Jennifer Senior
5) What Alice Forgot, by Liane Moriarty
(Not necessarily in that order). I really loved Heidi too.
So many good books, some bad ones. With the multitudes of good books, why do I ever force myself through a bad one? I shouldn't, but I do sometimes for book club. Here is my homework from this year... ;)
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James BrownMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Complete honesty... it took me a long time to get through this book. In his attention to detail, Brown was assiduous. He gives the complete story without leaving out the history of the time, backstory of each of the boys who rowed, their coaches, etc. Well over half way through the book he was still introducing new characters. However, this proves to give the reader the full scope of the day and what those boys went through to get to the Olympics. I felt connected to the boys, and I rooted for them each time they took to the water. As I came to their final race, I read, nervously, perched on the edge of my couch. It was a grand ending.
View all my reviews
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik BackmanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A grumpy old man, a ragged feline, and inconsiderate neighbors. They grow on you. Read it.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle ZevinMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Perpetuating my own nerdy/romantic/outdated bookstore owning dream... I was drawn in by the setting. I liked book reviews beginning every chapter, and the bookstore... I want to live above a bookstore. I could live on an island with only books. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry was quick, sophisticated, and enjoyable to read, but also forgettable. The writing style was tidy, everything mentioned had meaning behind it. I appreciated that. I'll take the island with my books, but as A.J. discovers in the end, people... our friends and intimates are most important, after all, we need someone to share our favorite stories with.
In the Unlikely Event by Judy BlumeMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was the first adult novel of Judy Blume's I have read, enough to know I prefer her juvenile literature. I was uncomfortable with the adolescent promiscuity. The theme of this book seemed to be that life is full of unexpected events and reality rarely lives up to one's fantasies.
What Alice Forgot by Liane MoriartyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adored the voice of the narrative. Quirky, funny, somehow still sophisticated, and real. Themes I picked up on were self-discovery, importance of family relationships and friendships, growing up, and living and savoring life’s memories.
It was a wonderfully delicious read! ... (but it did sport some language, mind you)
I was afraid to finish it, being enraptured in this read I was afraid I would be let down by the ending… My fears were gratuitous. Ms. Moriarty completed her story expertly.
(I got carried away with writing on this one... Read my loong review here.)
The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen BrowerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Elicits fantasies of what it would be like to be the first family. The book was quite fascinating in some respects. Minute details are of great importance in the White House, every little thing is meant to impress. The staff bow and serve with deference, and gratify every whimsical desire of the first family. Gratitude goes a long way, and I was reminded also how important it is to be kind to every person, when some presidents (and their families) forgot that. The content was interesting. However, the flow was sometimes usurped with choppiness, and sometimes I had the feeling that I heard this story before... I listened to the audio version, so maybe the written version flowed easier. Toward the end the story seemed to dawdle. Overall I enjoyed the book and the glimpse into the most prominent house in America.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala YousafzaiMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Malala's story is remarkable. Her courage, love, and belief in humanity is unsurpassed, especially by one so young.
Yet... The reading makes one realize that people are just people, regardless of location, religion, or culture. Her "normal" days, minus the Taliban, is similar to those of other teenage girls. She fights with her brothers, has boy trouble, worries about her hair, and spends time watching her favorite TV shows.
Still, she is different. Different from other girls not only because of circumstances but because of who she is. She is a natural humanitarian. Impassioned with the human right to education she boldly makes her stand as Malala. In all the frightening places she has found herself, never has she reversed her course, or thought only of herself.
As her story ended, I was left pondering which is better... To improve ones circumstances and opportunities? Or to be where one can help to better the lives of others? Because of Malala's horrendous injuries and the care she needed to survive, she was brought to where her living conditions improved measurably, yet had she her druthers, she would be back in Swat, helping the children who scavenge in piles of garbage.
My lower rating should be reflective of the book itself, not Malala's story. It failed to keep a grip on my attention. However, I only listened to the audio format, I might read the book later and could change opinions.
The Wright Brothers by David McCulloughMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
With his usual attention to detail, McCullough delivers a clear perspective of the lives of the Wright brothers and their family. McCullough painted an impressive portrait of the Wright brother's incredible story, even though the scientific details sometimes eluded me.
I learned much about the whole Wright family. The Wright brothers were home-grown boys. Love for learning was the culture in their home and they all loved to read. Their dad was a preacher, their sister a school teacher, and the brothers themselves entrepreneurs and budding inventors.
History shows them each to have an outstanding character. Honest and hardworking, they were ambitious problem solvers. In the face of overwhelming odds and public ridicule, their determination allowed them to dream big and then go to work making their dreams a reality. Their complimentary perspectives allowed them to work as a great team. They met discouraging situations with unremitting optimism, assiduous research, new strategies, and unfailing faith. Always true to themselves, they avoided all ostentatiousness. They were unconcerned with obtaining wealth, and unaffected when encountering others with great wealth. Their high values sculpted them into great American heroes, and their diligent efforts catapulted them into the history books.
I am impressed with their story. When observing the flight of birds the brothers learned that "No bird soars in a calm". They encountered much difficulty but accomplished the impossible, becoming the first Americans to fly!
The Elusive Pimpernel by Emmuska OrczyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great adventure!
(I listened to the audio)
Smartcuts: How Hackers, Innovators, and Icons Accelerate Success by Shane SnowMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I picked up this book for my husband. I took a peek into it, and then read the whole book. To be honest, I am not interested in business books. It was the anecdotes that hooked me, and drew me in to finish the book. I love a good story, and there were many to keep me entertained despite the business aspect of the book. Also, I felt a small connection to the author since we both happened to be in Rexburg, ID in the same year. I know, because he mentioned being there when the world record for the Mario Bro's Nintendo game was beat, and I remember being there and wondering how much time must have been wasted to get to that level of gaming expertise. It felt very current, reading about Jimmy Falon, Michelle Phan (self made, popular makeup artist, by use of YouTube tutorials), and the Yosemite Bear (double rainbow enthusiast). Yet it was grounded with fascinating tales from history. If I liked business books more I would have rated it higher. The book is based on "lateral thinking", the new term for "thinking outside the box", and the following points build on that principle. Well writ. Snow is obviously well read. A book interesting even for those of us uninterested in business principles.
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska OrczyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An intriguing and clever story.
A bewildering yet fascinating time-period in history.
An audacious, enigmatic Scarlet Pimpernel.
A passionate, ostentatious Lady Blakeney.
A daring flight.
An unanticipated ending.
A favorite for sure!
(I read this one twice, and listened to the audio once) ;)
Into the Woods by Stephen SondheimMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Be careful what you wish for!
"I was raised to be Charming, not sincere."- Cinderella's Prince
I love this play. It is humorous and the morals are great. Such a fun intertwining of all the Fairy Tale heroes. The music makes this play truly great. I enjoyed reading the script the most when I had the songs in my remembrance.
The moral to the story is: Be prepared on your journey. Expect that life will throw some wolves at you, or maybe a giant, and you will have to deal with it. You have to think before you act; repercussions will come which may not disappear just because you don't want to deal with them.
"You can't just act. You have to think."
"Though its dark,
There are always wolves,
There are always spells,
There are always beans,
Or a giant dwells there.
So
Into the woods you go again,
You have to every now and then.
Into the woods, no telling when
Be ready for the journey."
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk KiddMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
"You know, some things don't matter that much, Lily. Like the color of a house. How big is that in the overall scheme of life? But lifting a person's heart--now, that matters."-August
Delving deep into Southern culture and biases, with a story humorous and noteworthy, The Secret Life of Bees was a book I loved reading. My ocean view backdrop, while I read may have helped some, but Kidd has a way with making words on the page materialize into actual places and actual people. I enjoyed the historical setting, a tumultuous time when black rights were fought for. The characters seemed real, each with their own set of problems which somehow bound them together into a sisterhood. And the Sisters, August, May, and June lived such rich, colorful lives. They became my friends. So real were they to me, that on my way home, in the airport I saw some ladies that looked as I imagined the sisters, and I wanted to make real life friends with them and join in their conversation! (I didn't.) August was so wise. She was a Godsend for Lilly. A mother like everyone deserves. It's a heart and soul kind of book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken KeseyIn Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" we get a peek into a mental institution. Here we have Ratched, the calloused and domineering head nurse; McMurphy, the new guy, sane, boisterous, a shrewd gambler, always finding the funny side to things and always at odds with Ratched; and Chief, the American Indian who feigns deafness, but is always listening in, he is mental but maybe he is more sane than we think, he is also the narrator.
Comical, yet serious in nature, this book dares plant the idea that maybe the way things are run, how its always been done, might not be the best for its patients... might it even be harmful?
...
Hoo wee!
My dilemma is how to rate this book. Five stars for its offering of new ideas and a unique perspective. Being thrown into the hallucinations of the schizophrenic narrator was intriguing.
Lower, one to two stars due to the offensive and vulgar language exhibited, but then, considering the setting, it was somewhat expected.
One star for its crude portrayal of women, but again, remember the setting, the story is from the eyes the mentally unstable.
Four stars for the drama and emotion the story evoked.
Overall, I liked the book. I guess I'll leave the rating up to you.
Manhunt by James L. SwansonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am always fascinated with the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's life and death. And, I always like a book I can learn from. It was interesting to learn more of John Wilkes Booth's story. I listened to the audio version, I think I'd like to read it again to discover the characters better.
Heidi by Johanna SpyriMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Since I was little I have loved Disney's version of Heidi. The book is joyful! With only words to describe the scenes of the Swiss Alps, I delighted in the pages that took me to the mountains, almost like I could follow the goat trail myself, ascend past grandfather's house, pick wildflowers, and breathe in the refreshing mountain air. This is a good for the soul kind of book. Written for children, enjoyed by adults.
As a little girl, I loved Heidi because truly, I was in love with the boyishly handsome Peter. My enchantment now comes from its optimism, simple joys, and its genuine goodness.
After Heidi is sent away from her home in the mountains, and away from her grandfather, instead to the bustling city of Frankfurt, Heidi gains incredible appreciation for what she left behind. She knows nothing more meaningful than being near her grandfather and Grandmother, and nothing more wonderful than goats milk, beautiful views from her bedroom window, and freedom to roam outside under the breath of the mountain air. And she longs to return to her home in the Alps.
But she gains comfort in new friendships with Klara, her very wise Grandmama, and in the books she learns to read. Grandmama teaches Heidi about prayer and so she becomes acquainted with God and His goodness.
Abundant with small sermons, testimonies of prayer, and miracles, this book makes its mark. Loved the read.
"We ought to pray to the dear Lord every day, and about every single thing; for then He will know that we do not forget that we receive everything from Him... But, you know, if we do not receive what we would like, we must not think the dear Lord has not listened, and stop praying, but we must pray like this: 'Now I know, dear Lord, that you have something better in store, and I will be glad that you will be so good to me.'" -Heidi
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie BenjaminMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed getting to know the Lindberghs. Their story is unique and fascinating. Well writ. However, the true story is that their marriage was horrible. Anne, who was: a pilot and Charles' navigator, breaking records and receiving numerous awards, the first licensed female glider, mother of six children, and author, she never felt accomplished. Couldn't seem to find a will or voice of her own until much later in life. I was bothered with the little importance she, or at least the author, gave motherhood. Still, quite interesting.
It was a book that gave me a lot to think about, and new insight into Anne's book "Gift from the Sea".
View all my reviews
The Girl on the Train by Paula HawkinsMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I read this book fast, mostly because I wanted to be done with it. Too much vulgarity and obscene language for my liking. I didn't fall in love with any of her characters. I am drawn most to characters with a high moral fiber. The characters in this book are depressed, drunk, and desperate. Add in compulsive liars, abusive husbands, and infidelity. It is however, a page turner, and kept my mind working, trying to solve the crime ahead of the pages. Some grammatical errors annoyed me. Can't say I'd recommend the book, it doesn't meet my standard.
Still Alice by Lisa GenovaMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Tragic and unfair, embarrassing and confining, Alzheimer's disease steals many aspects of a persons identity. This book gave incredible insight to how it might be to live with Alzheimer's disease. I liked how the book was written from Alice's perspective. I have a greater appreciation for the stages of the disease and the fears someone with Alzheimer's might experience. Alzheimer's is my fear. But I don't fear those who are battling with it. Rather, I gained more understanding for what my sweet grandma and others must endure.
Cress by Marissa MeyerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was a little worn out from my reading binge when I got to this one. Or it may be impatience that I have for anyone else's story other than Kai and Cinder's... As my favorite characters, I am partial to their story. But let me just say, I like where this is headed.
Scarlet by Marissa MeyerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
And the story continues...
The story has some strange developments, but it still held my attention captive.
I Am More Than Enough: Helping Women Silence Their Inner Critic and Celebrate Their Inner Voice by Robert JonesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I probably would not have picked this book up on my own. I feel like I am a pretty emotionally stable person. But on my mom's recommendation (she gave me the book), I read it. I found, that I have plenty of room to grow. This book is packed full of insights and helps. I like that it is research backed, and not just written about one woman's experience (it is written by two men).
This book contains lessons all women need to learn and re-learn a time or two throughout our lives. Surely not everyone struggles with all these things to the same extent. But these temptations (our inner critic; women's weakness) get at each of us.
I've quoted and used examples from this book several times with my friends. Though I don't relate 100% to them all, it does fit into my life and I do appreciate what the authors convey. This book is meant to get in your head, to help to change and control your thoughts. It's made a difference in me.
Because it's not free from grammatical errors, I gave it only 4 stars. But the ideas are gold.
I'd recommend this book to women of every age.
All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer SeniorMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent book! So relatable. Starting with the story in the preface, I was like "This is my life!" I Found myself nodding along with much of the book. Senior compiles data from many studies to create such a well rounded view on modern parenting. Addressing both the ups and downs of parenthood, and ending with the idea that parenthood brings a satisfaction, a joy to the lives of mothers and fathers. I really enjoyed this book. Would recommend to any parent, especially mothers!
Cinder by Marissa MeyerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Engaging and fun. 5 stars!
Somewhat predictable as it is based off the traditional Cinderella fairytale. Meyers engages the imagination with a new era containing cyborgs, androids, and lunars, in a futuristic, slightly sci-fi setting.
I'm not typically a sci-fi fan, but this novel was compelling. One of those page turners, which allows the reader to escape their world of rambunctious children (okay, maybe just me), ignore task lists, and enjoy the adventure, mystery, and flirtations of Cinder and Prince Kai.
Even though I knew what had to happen, I did not want to put the novel down, so I kept turning pages to find out what Meyers had in store for Cinder. I finished the novel quickly and can't wait for the next one. It's always fun to escape. ;-)
Persuasion by Jane AustenMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
It has the typical charm and wit of J.A's other novels, but I did not love it the way I loved Pride and Prejudice. Too long in the build up of the story and a rushed ending. Still, a fun read.
The Goose Girl by Shannon HaleMy 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.
Such a great read.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert by John M. GottmanView all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment