I LOVE THIS BOOK! My book club picked an Anne Tyler book a few months back, and while I never got around to finishing that one, I liked her style enough to keep her on my "keep reading" list. I was at the library looking for an audio book (the stock is very limited and there are only a few I haven't read/heard) and luckily, this was on the shelf!
The story follows two families--one American, the other Iranian--from the night their infant daughters arrive from a Korean adoption agency and as their lives intertwine from there. The families are as different as they could possibly be, but through many events that test their bond, become close enough that they are nearly a single family.
Would I recommend this book? YES! YES! YES!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
When you read a Nicholas Sparks book, you know what you're getting...a love story with some twist. I haven't read one of his books for several years because I was starting to feel like they were all the same and decided I could find better material to spend time reading. BUT, my book club back home chose this for January I decided it was time to hive it another try.
The book focuses on the relationship of John and Savanna, from their first meeting to their final goodbye. Though much of it was predictable, as are most of Sparks' novels, I found myself really enjoying this one. The two meet while he is home on leave and continue their relationship long-distance for a few years until it becomes too much to manage after John re-enlists after 9/11.
I think what I liked most about this book wasn't the simple plot with it's predictable turns, but the smaller details that Sparks brought in--especially the awareness that he will inevitably raise for both Habitat For Humanity and Autism/Aspergers Syndrome. Having spent many summers volunteering for Habitat, I was pleased to see that Sparks obviously did his research and accurately portrayed the organization. Over the years, I've encountered multiple people who deal with autism/aspergers on a daily basis--including the children of some of my close friends--and know how difficult it can be. I appreciate the manner in which Sparks portrayed both Allan and John's father and demonstrated the full spectrum of behaviors associated with autism/aspergers. I sincerely hope the incorporation of these groups into this story will encourage people to donate either their time or money to further their causes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you like Nicholas Sparks, you won't be disappointed, if you haven't read one of his books before, this is a good place to start.
The book focuses on the relationship of John and Savanna, from their first meeting to their final goodbye. Though much of it was predictable, as are most of Sparks' novels, I found myself really enjoying this one. The two meet while he is home on leave and continue their relationship long-distance for a few years until it becomes too much to manage after John re-enlists after 9/11.
I think what I liked most about this book wasn't the simple plot with it's predictable turns, but the smaller details that Sparks brought in--especially the awareness that he will inevitably raise for both Habitat For Humanity and Autism/Aspergers Syndrome. Having spent many summers volunteering for Habitat, I was pleased to see that Sparks obviously did his research and accurately portrayed the organization. Over the years, I've encountered multiple people who deal with autism/aspergers on a daily basis--including the children of some of my close friends--and know how difficult it can be. I appreciate the manner in which Sparks portrayed both Allan and John's father and demonstrated the full spectrum of behaviors associated with autism/aspergers. I sincerely hope the incorporation of these groups into this story will encourage people to donate either their time or money to further their causes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you like Nicholas Sparks, you won't be disappointed, if you haven't read one of his books before, this is a good place to start.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl
Ruth Reichl is currently the Editor In Chief of Gourmet Magazine. A few years ago a friend from my book club lent me her copy of Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires--I loved it (Thanks, Laura!). I decided it was time to start from the beginning with Reichl's original memoir, and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
This book takes us back to Reichl's childhood and the events that led her to a career in the culinary arts. Her tale is truly as unique as her talent in the kitchen. I love the stories about the crazy things her mother served! I was laughing aloud while completely disgusted; it's a miracle any of them survived!!!
This book is followed by several other memoirs, including Garlic and Sapphires, which I fully intend to read as soon as possible.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!
This book takes us back to Reichl's childhood and the events that led her to a career in the culinary arts. Her tale is truly as unique as her talent in the kitchen. I love the stories about the crazy things her mother served! I was laughing aloud while completely disgusted; it's a miracle any of them survived!!!
This book is followed by several other memoirs, including Garlic and Sapphires, which I fully intend to read as soon as possible.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!
Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
This is the most recent of the Stephanie Plum Series. The series is light and humorous; I really like listening to them in the car. Stephanie Plum is a New Jersey BEA (bond enforcement agent) who relies much more on her intuition and luck than her (lack of) actual skills. None of the books is much differnt than the first, but Evanovich continues to surprise me by coming up with new angles on the plot. Plum's antics never cease to amuse me...even by the 18th book!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but it's best if you start form the beginning and know that you're reading purely for entertainment as these books are definitely lacking in substance.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but it's best if you start form the beginning and know that you're reading purely for entertainment as these books are definitely lacking in substance.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
I just realized I've been reading a LOT of historical books lately, wow. Not a norm for me, but a nice way to "broaden my horizons" when it comes to book selection. I read this book several years ago and liked it. This past Christmas, I gave a copy to a friend and decided to read it again so it's fresh in my mind if she wants to talk about it.
We all learned about our country's founding fathers in school, but the women behind them are generally skipped. This book tells the founders' story from the perspective of the women involved, which I found to be a very interesting angle. I was surprised at how involved the women actually were in the formation of the United States and all of the decisions that led up to it. The majority of the information in the book comes directly from the letters that the women passed between themselves and the men in their lives.
My favorite quote, a reminder from Abigail Adams to her husband John, was simple: "Don't forget the ladies." And though it took MANY years for women to be given equal rights, it's clear that from the beginning women were a force to be reckoned with in this country.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! It's a good nonfiction supplement to anyone's reading list.
We all learned about our country's founding fathers in school, but the women behind them are generally skipped. This book tells the founders' story from the perspective of the women involved, which I found to be a very interesting angle. I was surprised at how involved the women actually were in the formation of the United States and all of the decisions that led up to it. The majority of the information in the book comes directly from the letters that the women passed between themselves and the men in their lives.
My favorite quote, a reminder from Abigail Adams to her husband John, was simple: "Don't forget the ladies." And though it took MANY years for women to be given equal rights, it's clear that from the beginning women were a force to be reckoned with in this country.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! It's a good nonfiction supplement to anyone's reading list.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Washington Square by Henry James
This is one that my book club at the library picked, and I would NEVER have selected for myself. I TRIED to read this book multiple times and couldn't make it more than a few pages before giving up, so this time I got the audio version. Though listening made it easier to get through, I still didn't love this book.
The story is written in 3rd person, with the narrator's comments frequently made directly to the reader. Originally published in in 1880, the language is quite dated. The book tells the tale of brilliant, controlling doctor and his sole heir, a plain but sweet daughter. I did not like how the daughter (Catherine) was portrayed nor how she was treated throughout the book by everyone around her. James makes Catherine out to be a dim-witted, weak girl, but in my opinion, the only "weaknesses" she demonstrated was compassion.
Likely because this was set so long ago, it was hard to relate to the characters or their situations since we (women) now have unlimited choices and can do what we choose with our lives. Though I despised the love interest of Catherine, I don't think she handled her relationships well and let others have too much power over her decisions. In an attempt to keep those around her happy, Catherine sacrifices her own desires and ultimately ends up disappointing everyone, including herself.
Would I recommend this book? Only if you love the genre--think Jane Austen--which I, obviously, do not.
The story is written in 3rd person, with the narrator's comments frequently made directly to the reader. Originally published in in 1880, the language is quite dated. The book tells the tale of brilliant, controlling doctor and his sole heir, a plain but sweet daughter. I did not like how the daughter (Catherine) was portrayed nor how she was treated throughout the book by everyone around her. James makes Catherine out to be a dim-witted, weak girl, but in my opinion, the only "weaknesses" she demonstrated was compassion.
Likely because this was set so long ago, it was hard to relate to the characters or their situations since we (women) now have unlimited choices and can do what we choose with our lives. Though I despised the love interest of Catherine, I don't think she handled her relationships well and let others have too much power over her decisions. In an attempt to keep those around her happy, Catherine sacrifices her own desires and ultimately ends up disappointing everyone, including herself.
Would I recommend this book? Only if you love the genre--think Jane Austen--which I, obviously, do not.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner
I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner and have read every one of her books so naturally I got a hold of this on as soon as I could. Sadly, I was disappointed. This book wasn't terrible, but it certainly wasn't a page-turner like her previous works.
This is the story of two old friends who parted ways in high school but reconnect the night of their class reunion after one of them exacts revenge on the person she blames for tearing the two apart 15 years ago. There is a typical ugly duckling transformation and a several very predictable male characters, but nothing much to excite the reader as the two women struggle with their past hurts and current situations.
Most of JW's books have kept me so engaged that hours would pass without recognition, but I had no trouble putting this one down. While there are great parts along the way, I didn't find the book very interesting overall.
Would I recommend this book? I hate to say it, but probably not...especially if you don't already LOVE Jennifer Weiner like I do as this should not be your first impression of an otherwise wonderful author.
This is the story of two old friends who parted ways in high school but reconnect the night of their class reunion after one of them exacts revenge on the person she blames for tearing the two apart 15 years ago. There is a typical ugly duckling transformation and a several very predictable male characters, but nothing much to excite the reader as the two women struggle with their past hurts and current situations.
Most of JW's books have kept me so engaged that hours would pass without recognition, but I had no trouble putting this one down. While there are great parts along the way, I didn't find the book very interesting overall.
Would I recommend this book? I hate to say it, but probably not...especially if you don't already LOVE Jennifer Weiner like I do as this should not be your first impression of an otherwise wonderful author.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough
Because I've been so busy and spent my free time on books I wanted to read, I'm a little behind on some of my book club reading. This book was discussed in December, but I just now finished it. This is a book I would never have selected on my own, but I really enjoyed it...in fact, I am planning to buy a copy for my Dad's birthday gift (don't tell!).
The book follows the life of Theodore Roosevelt, starting early in his childhood and ending prior to his presidency. I've never been a big history buff or anything, but I found this account truly engaging. The story flows very well, showing various sides of all members of the Roosevelt family. It's striking how our language changes over time; I can't imagine anyone saying some of the things Teedy said/wrote to his siblings and mother! I really learned a lot about how he became the man we knew as President and about the Roosevelts as a whole, the entire book captivated me. As a bonus, parts of the book are set in North Dakota so I learned a great deal about the history of the state in which I now reside as well.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially if you like history.
The book follows the life of Theodore Roosevelt, starting early in his childhood and ending prior to his presidency. I've never been a big history buff or anything, but I found this account truly engaging. The story flows very well, showing various sides of all members of the Roosevelt family. It's striking how our language changes over time; I can't imagine anyone saying some of the things Teedy said/wrote to his siblings and mother! I really learned a lot about how he became the man we knew as President and about the Roosevelts as a whole, the entire book captivated me. As a bonus, parts of the book are set in North Dakota so I learned a great deal about the history of the state in which I now reside as well.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially if you like history.
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
I have been meaning to read this for a while, and I'm glad I finally got around to it~ I LOVE THIS BOOK! The author paints such a vivid picture that you can clearly see each scene as the story progresses. I'll try to sum this up without giving too much away.
The story follows a 16 year old boy, the son of an Indian zoo keeper. Pi is a precocious young man who is passionate about 2 things: religion and zoology. As the family (and several of the zoo animals) is sailing from India to Canada, their ship sinks. Pi finds himself in a lifeboat with a wounded zebra, spotted hyena, orangutan and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. They experience many adventures, triumphs and losses as Pi comes to terms with the situation and survives 227 days at sea.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely!
The story follows a 16 year old boy, the son of an Indian zoo keeper. Pi is a precocious young man who is passionate about 2 things: religion and zoology. As the family (and several of the zoo animals) is sailing from India to Canada, their ship sinks. Pi finds himself in a lifeboat with a wounded zebra, spotted hyena, orangutan and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. They experience many adventures, triumphs and losses as Pi comes to terms with the situation and survives 227 days at sea.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely!
50 in 2010
I've always been an avid reader, but since I moved and now have a very empty social calendar, I have been reading a LOT more. I decided that I will try for 50 books in 2010 and I think this will be a good way to help me keep track of what I'm reading and what I think about each book. I am trying to keep up with 3 book clubs, so some of what I'm reading isn't chosen by me personally, which I like because it pushes me to read a lot of books I might not have been exposed to otherwise. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
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