Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

This is the third book I've read by this author and she has yet to disappoint me. All three books have been VERY different, which I appreciate because there is no sense that I'm reading "another one of those books" like I get with some authors. I'll admit, I am now officially in love with Kristin Hannah!

This story is a love triangle of sorts that illustrates the complex relationships between two sisters and their mother after their father/husband dies, forcing them all together. The girls have never felt close to their mother, to the point where they determined that she doesn't love them, in fact might resent/hate them, but when their father is doling out his final wishes, he compels each woman to get to know and take care of their mother, not an easy thing to do. The only time they feel even remotely connected to their mother is when she is telling them a fairy tale, the same one she told when they were young and this is the place they all come together.

The first half of the book takes some patience to get through, but it's definitely worth it. Hannah has a way of describing historical and cultural happenings that makes you feel like you were/are there. The way she uses Anya Whitson's fairy tale about Stalin's Russia to connect the woman to her daughters is nothing short of amazing.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you haven't ready anything by Kristin Hannah, I'd also recommend The Magic Hour and Firefly Lane. I will definitely be looking for more of her work on my next trip to the library!!!

Oprah: A Biography by Kitty Kelley

Because I refuse to not finish a book, I pushed my way through this, but it was pure torture. Apparently, I'm not a fan of the "unauthorized biography" because everything about this book annoyed me. After approximately 50 pages, I gave up and got the audio version...and yes, it was just as annoying. What a disappointment.

Kitty Kelley has a way of repeating herself that I have a hard time with, especially when a book is this long. If every story didn't circle back around so many times, the book probably could have been half the length and possibly slightly less annoying...but then again, maybe not. The author complains about Oprah's over exposure as well as her self-selected personal revelations...I'm sorry, but don't we ALL choose what we share with others? Especially in a public format?? And as far as being over exposed, DUH! She is on national television and has been for many years, she is also the most successful woman in the world, what do you expect?

Maybe it's just me, but I really don't care about all the guys Oprah dated or any of the lies she may have told, arguments she had with classmates, if she did drugs, none of that. I don't think those petty details make a person. In fact, I think it might say something about the author that she prefers to write "unauthorized" biographies about people without their input or consent...what makes you want to dig up every person someone has ever been at odds with and try to make a book about that? Just because you aren't giving them money doesn't mean they aren't getting something out of having you put their name and story in your book. Not my style...guess I'm just not into shady "non-fiction"...especially when it's read by the author who happens to have a really annoying voice.

Would I recommend this book? HELL NO!

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.

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.