Book #52 Read in 2013
The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman
When Brett's mother dies of cancer, Brett believes that she will inherit her mother's successful company. Instead, she is given a "life list" from her mother--things that she must do within the next year. Each time she accomplishes a task, she gets some of her inheritance and a note from her mother. To get her full inheritance she must accomplish all of the tasks. Some of the tasks on the list are: fall in love, buy a dog, buy a horse, help poor people, find a teaching job and have a baby. Brett has no idea how she will complete all of the items on the list.
This book was wonderful. Brett grows as a person as the book unfolds. She finds out who she is, what she is capable of and what she wants out of life. Her mother continues to teach and advise her, even after she is gone. This book has romance, humor and engaging characters. Readers will love it.
I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a review.
Book #51 Read in 2013
Together Tea by Marjan Kamali
Mina, her parents and her two brothers head to America from Iran during the Iran-Iraqi war. This book talks about Mina's assimilation to American life, how her mother is still trying to arrange a husband for her, and on the return visit that Mina and her mother take to Iran when Mina is in college.
This book does a nice job describing the difficulty of fitting in to a new country, and fitting in when visiting the old country. The characters are interesting and well-developed. There is humor and romance in this book and the writing style is nice--a flavor of chick lit, but more substance.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Book #50 Read in 2013
Amy Falls Down by Jincy Willett
Amy is a writer...well, she used to be but she hasn't written anything in years. She is more famous for a writing group where one of the members tried to kill people. Then she has an accident in her back yard, hitting her head on a birdbath, and when she comes to, a reporter is leaving her house and Amy has no recollection of what she had said. The article comes out and Amy is made out to be a wonderfully eccentric talent, when in reality she had taken leave of her senses temporarily. That article begins to bring media attention back on Amy and her former agent begins booking Amy for radio shows and speaking engagements. Amy has no filter and takes no prisoners.
This book had a lot of humor in it. I enjoyed the references to books and to the writing process. However, the writing was a bit disjointed and at times the book dragged for me. Overall though, I thought it was a good read.
I received this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a review.
Book #49 Read in 2013
The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma (Kindle)
This is a book about books, a must read for readers. Alice and her father begin the streak when she is 9 years old; the streak being that her father will read to her every day. This streak remains in effect until Alice goes to college 9 years later. Sometimes they do the reading via phone, sometime in the parking lot of the school, but they always read together and the two are bonded in such a wonderful way. Books discussed in the book brought back memories for me. Many I have read and loved. This book also reminded me of my mom and I reading together before bed when I was younger.
Besides the love of reading, this book also brought up the importance of being able to encourage that love of reading in the hearts of students. Alice's father was an elementary librarian and he instilled the love of reading in countless students. Then, in the name of progress, the library where he worked was dismantled to make way for computers and technology. Given the current state of education with standardized testing and the Common Core, I could totally relate to his frustration that his years of effective teaching were ignored or lessened.
I put this book on the book list for a non-fiction class I'm offering for professional development this summer and I am glad I did. I enjoyed it a lot.
Book #48 Read in 2013
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
This book tells the story of three women: Rachel, Cecilia and Tess, and how they are connected in ways that are unknown even to them. Rachel's daughter was murdered as a teenager. Cecilia is feeling unsatisfied with her normally perfect life as wife and mother. Tess's husband has fallen in love with her cousin, so she packs up her young son and goes back home to her mother's. All three women are dealing with tons of issues, to varying degrees of success. These women are interesting and complex. There is a decent mystery plot to this book to keep readers engaged. At times this book is a tad predictable but that did not take away enjoyment from reading it.
I liked Moriarty's book What Alice Forgot so I chose this one from Amazon Vine to review. I was not disappointed. I enjoy her writing style; it is easy and enjoyable to read without being fluff. Moriarty creates interesting characters that will keep readers hooked in her books. I recommend this book.
May Reads:
1. Every Day (YA) 5/5 Library book
2. Gone Girl (4.5/5) Kindle
3. The Program (YA) 4.5/5
4. The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane (4.5/5)
5. Planet Middle School (YA) 4/5 Library book
6. The Boleyn King (4/5)
7. Dying to Know You (YA) 4/5 Library book
8. Hidden (YA) 4/5 Library book
47 books read in 2013 so far
Book #47 Read in 2013
Hidden by Helen Frost (YA)
This is a young adult verse novel. When she was eight, Wren was hiding in the backseat when her mother's car was carjacked. The thief did not know that Wren was in the car when he took it. When he gets home, Wren hides in the garage until she can escape safely. The thief's young daughter knows Wren is in the garage and leaves out food and drink for her. Her name is Darra. Darra's father is arrested and sent to prison. Years later, the two girls meet again at summer camp. They keep their history secret from the other campers. But eventually, the girls confront their shared past and discuss it. Will they come out as friends?
This was a good, quick read. The verse format is well done enough to create complex characters and an interesting plot. This is a testament to Frost's writing talent. Wren and Darra are interesting characters; they are both strong girls who are survivors. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
