books glorious books!

It's been a long time since I've done book reviews!

Here are the best books I've read this year, in no particular order.

I love Gary D. Schmidt and read lots of his books over the summer. He always writes in the voice of a young boy, and I don't know if I think this is hilarious because my life is surrounded with teen/tween/young boys, or what?

Other Gary D Schmidt's that I recommend are Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Trouble (FYI- PG-13), and First Boy. I started What Came From the Stars, but it's very science fiction-y and I didn't like it.

Except for What Came From the Stars, I give all the books 4 out of 4 stars.

Oh my, Leif Enger, how I love your books!

I normally read at lightening pace, but with these books, I make a conscious effort to slow down and relish the gorgeous words.

Highly recommended.

4 stars.

I didn't expect to like this book.  Her blog is really fluffy and cutesy and I imagined her book would be the same.  I decided to try it out, mainly out of curiosity. I'm happy to say it was good. I will tell you though that it's in three parts and the second part deals with her plane crash, etc. and I sobbed my eyes out. It was really painful. But sometimes I like a good cry, it's cathartic.

3 stars.

Truthfully, it's been a while since I've read this, and I'm a little fuzzy on the details.  I do remember liking it, but it's probably PG-13, since one of the themes is choir boys and how they are "made" to stay sopranos..... ahem.

3.5 stars

Just read this last week.  So very good and heartbreaking and redeeming all at once. I know a book is good when I think about it long after I put it down, and this is one of those.  Plus, I really love the artwork on the cover. I stopped several times while reading to admire it. Highly recommended, but PG-13, and Mom (hi, mom!) I don't think you'll like it.....

4 stars

Just finished this yesterday.  A good read, not the best thing I've ever read, but I would recommend it.  The story of a family who lives in Cambodia's largest municipal dump (!) and their fight for survival. (Based on a true story.)

3 stars

Read this with my book group, and I found it sad but good. I think often we don't realize, living in the USA that many, many people and even kids are living day to day, hour by hour and they don't know when or if the next meal will come.

3 stars.

Normally, I don't read books that make me think too hard. I'm much more of a read for pleasure type of gal. But I kept hearing about Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain, so I decided to give it a try and I really loved it. It's very interesting. There is no doubt in my mind that I'm an introvert and my husband is probably even more so.  If you are an introvert or you're related to one, I recommend this book!

3.5 stars

Finally, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. A must read for any kid going into Junior High and an interesting read for adults too. It will make you stop and think about your personal approach to dealing with people that look different.

3.5 stars

Well, that's it for today. But never fear, I picked up 5 new books from the library yesterday!

2 Comments

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Dang man. Why can't my brain function better during this pregnancy? I want to read all of these, but my brain currently subsides on fluff, and only fluff. Perhaps while I am nursing I will want to read all of these. They all sound great. Thanks for the reviews.

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yes thanks!!! I just finished reading "Al Capone does my shirts" for book club and this month we are going to read Letters from Majorie Jay? Hinckley but anyways thanks for the ideas. I have been attempting to read Women in the Atomic city but haven't gotten very far maybe I will renew it and give it another try...those other books you suggested sound good too

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