2013 Reading List
Reshelved Books (ones I've completed):
- Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption by Katie Davis with Beth Clark
- What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
- A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson
- Still Alice by Lisa Genova
- 11/22/63 by Stephen King
- The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
- Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn by Melanie Shankle
- Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
- The Dinner by Herman Koch
- The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
- The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
- Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
- Baby Proof by Emily Giffen
- Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
- Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
- Where We Belong by Emily Giffin
- The Racketeer by John Grisham
Opened Books (ones I'm reading now):
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Reserved Books (ones on my list to read):
Favorite(s) of 2013:
2012 Reading List
Reshelved Books (ones I've completed):
- Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo ~ Jack's teacher first recommended this book and then I started to see it pop up everywhere, so I took that as I sign that I needed to read this book. An intriguing account of Heaven from a little boy who visited during a surgery and came back. I found comfort in the honesty Colton's father, a pastor, shares about his "raging against God" and our Heavenly Father's response. I read the chapter about Colton's two sisters with goosebumps and realized that I need to think of some baby names. And I can't wait to look into those beautiful eyes one day. A good read.
- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs ~ I saw this book recommendation on another blog, and the blogger said that she couldn't put it down. I didn't have that problem. I put it down and picked it back up so many times, that I had to start over at page one because I had lost momentum. I thought the book was an interesting concept and enjoyed about 2/3 of it, but the book lost steam for me at the end. I heard that the book is supposed to be turned into a movie, and I'll probably rent the DVD. Recommendation: wait for the movie.
- P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern ~ I thought the concept of the book was interesting, husband dies of cancer and helps his wife through the grieving process by having her complete 10 tasks that he had mailed to her after his death. For me, the book started off slow. It was hard to feel a connection to the main character and her grief at the beginning. I think if the author had developed their relationship/marriage more, I would have "felt" Holly's grief more. I really enjoyed the second half of the book, especially watching the growth of Holly, and was pleased with the ending...it felt authentic. It wasn't a bad book, but not as good as I was hoping for.
- Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay ~ I loved this book! It was heartbreaking, moving, poignant, and powerful. There were many moments that I had to stop to digest what I was reading, to let the story really sink in. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. The characters became so real for me, and I have been thinking about them ever since I finished. Highly Recommend.
- The Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James ~ These were fun! Brent gave me the trilogy for our anniversary. That weekend, we were staying at the St. Regis to celebrate and, I kid you not, there were 4 other ladies reading Fifty Shades of Grey poolside. And I'm sure the others with Kindles were, too! It's not literary award winning fiction, but that's not why we're reading it, right? Here's hoping that Mrs. James is working on the IV!
- Fifty Shades Darker by E L James
- Fifty Shades Freed by E L James
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern ~ My sister-in-law started a group on called Books We Like, which has been a wonderful source of book recommendations! The Night Circus piqued my interest because I find a circus setting very fascinating. The reviews on Amazon were mixed; I thought it was pretty good. As expected, I enjoyed the circus setting, but also the characters, the plot, and the descriptive writing. My only criticism is that I didn't think the relationship between the two main characters, Marco and Celia, was developed enough. I didn't feel that the relationship was given enough time to grow organically so that we could understand the depth of their love. But I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.
- Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner ~ Is there a better way to kick off summer reading than a chick lit book by Jennifer Weiner?!?! In fact, it might be a mandatory start to summer. It was predictable, but the more I read chick lit, the more I find this to be true across the board. But it was a light, fun, easy-to-read-by-the-pool-while-the-kids-swim kinda book.
- The Litigators by John Grisham ~ Another good beach read! Fun characters, but the plot was predictable. I read it at the pool and the lake, and it was a good book for reading and chatting. Typical Grisham.
- Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls ~ Walls is a gifted storyteller. I think she could read the dictionary and bring it to life. This story is about her maternal grandmother, a strong, independent, no-nonsense woman who is an unforgettable character. It seems Walls comes from a long line of colorful women, which makes me want to invite her over for dinner so that she can share more about her family. Recommend.
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ~ A great book! The book dealt with serious issues about life and death, how we'll be remembered, what will happen to those left behind, but with such quirky humor that the story never felt depressing or morose. Not to say that you won't have tears in your eyes as you are laughing out loud. Highly Recommend.
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn ~ I loved this book! A fantastic psychological thriller! I found the characters fascinating and the plot was full of many dark turns. Gillian Flynn is a new author to me and I'm so impressed with her that I've added her other 2 novels, Sharp Objects and Dark Places, to my Reserved Books list. Highly Recommend.
- The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden ~ This was a free Kindle book that I download several months ago. A historical fiction novel about slavery set in antebellum Alabama. I had such high hopes for this novel, but it just fell short. The concept for the story was interesting, but the story was not well developed. The characters were so one dimensional and the dialogue between the characters was so rudimentary and awkward that it was distracting and really detracted from the novel. There were some big revelations at the end of the story which felt contrived in order to wrap up loose ends with a nice, neat bow. Very disappointing. Don't recommend.
- Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee ~ A story about self-discovery, redemption, letting go, hope...and second chances. I so enjoyed this book! Highly Recommend.
- Now You See Her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge ~ A thriller about a woman who escapes a terrifying past, but it eventually catches up with her. The book was a page turner, which made for a quick read. There were some holes and leaps in the plot that were glossed over, but it ultimately didn't take away from the enjoyment of the novel. A good book to read by the pool.
- Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran ~ I never thought that I would enjoy historical fiction, and I don't know why because some of my favorite novels have been historical fiction: The Memoirs of a Geisha, The Red Tent, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, and Water for Elephants. Cleopatra's Daughter was a great book, and one, I'm sure, that will be added to my favorite historical fiction list! I found the life in ancient Rome to be fascinating, the characters were vivid and authentic, and the story line was dramatic, romantic, and tragic. Highly recommend.
- The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty ~ A coming of age story set in the 1980s, which was fun for me since the events, fashion, and music were also memories from my teenage years. I enjoyed all of the characters and enjoyed watching the main character Evelyn grow and find her own voice. I was also impressed with Evelyn's mother, Tina. She didn't always make the best decisions for her life, but she shows such determination and grit. Recommend.
- A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness ~ Loved this one! The first novel in the All Souls trilogy...witches, vampires, demons, history, magic, romance, science, suspense! Harry Potter for adults. I couldn't put this book down. Now my dilemma is whether to buy Shadow of Night or wait my turn for the library book (I'm 75 in the holds queue). Hmmmm? Highly recommend.
- Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn ~ Wow! Unlike Gone Girl, I wouldn't call this novel psychological thriller as much as psychological horror. There is so much hurt, brokenness, neglect, abuse, terror...that no one is left unaffected. I didn't enjoy it as much as Gone Girl, because of all of the children involved (even if they are fictional children). Apparently, I can deal with psychological torment of adults better! (kidding, of course.) There were several times while reading that I thought it must be scary to live in Flynn's brain! ha ha! But it was a good book for its genre.
- Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent ~ A powerful story about the forever friendship between two unlikely men: a poor, homeless former sharecropper and a rich, international art dealer. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Ron and Denver, each man sharing profound wisdom and insight. Not only is this a story about homelessness, prejudice, sickness, suffering, forgiveness and faith, but also one of life, love, happiness, pain, and the redemptive power of friendship.
- Gold by Chris Cleave ~ I just never really felt a connection with this book. The characters frustrated me. Two of the main characters were so self-centered, and I wanted the third character to stand up for herself. Unfortunately, not much character growth. Overall, this book just fell flat for me. Don't recommend.
- The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty ~ This was such a good book! This is the third book I've read by this author, and Laura Moriarty is a natural storyteller. Initially set in the 1920s, the main character is on a journey of self discovery. I thought the character development was great, and the plot was interesting from start to finish. Recommend.
- Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survivial, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
Favorite of 2012: Sarah's Key
2011 Reading List
Reshelved Books (ones I've completed):
- The Year She Fell by Alicia Rasley ~ this was my first book to read on my Kindle, and since it was a freebie, I felt like there was nothing to lose. The plot was full of unexpected twists, but not as fast paced as I would have expected. There were lots of spots that just seemed to drag. The same events were told from many characters viewpoints which I felt served to really flesh out the details of the story. I would give it a lukewarm recommendation.
- The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews ~ this was a fun, quick beach book. Set in the south, the heroine is regrouping after a political scandal derails her career...throw in some crazy relatives (all southern families have them!), a little romance, a little revenge and what's not to love?!? This was the second book I've read by the author (Savannah Blues) and both have been fun chick lit books. I look forward to reading more. Recommend with your toes in the sand and a margarita in your hand!
- Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner ~ I have enjoyed many of Weiner's novels, but this one was just okay for me. I didn't feel a great connection to the characters and didn't feel like the issues in questions were dealt with as thoroughly as they could have been. It wasn't a bad book, but not one of Weiner's best.
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls ~ A childhood memoir of Walls' nomadic life with her 3 siblings, alcoholic father, and (?) bipolar mother. I found this novel fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. To hear Walls's describe her childhood as a young child, it sounded like a grand adventure, and it was easy to get caught up in the excitement. But then to take a step back and view the "adventure" with adult eyes, and to recognize the neglect and danger the children were put in, was heartbreaking. I loved the resiliency and dogged determination the siblings displayed to pave a better future for themselves, and kept reading to see how they would all come out on the other side. I thought it was a very good book, would recommend it, and now I want to read Half Broke Horses, a story about the author's maternal grandmother.
- The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow ~ This was my beach book this year. It was a good read. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and was surprised to find that I really liked some that I didn't think I would. I was surprised by the ending but really liked how the story was wrapped up. A fun, easy read.
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows ~ One of my friends noticed me reading The Glass Castle at the pool, and recommended this book. I loved this book! It is not a plot driven book, but the character development is wonderful. The story is told through letters and telegrams between all of the different friends, which was fun to "hear" each character's voice. I finished the novel happy that everyone was going to be okay. Recommend.
- Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet ~ A love story with an interesting premise. I thought the book was okay...it was light and enjoyable but not one that will be remembered for long.
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins ~ I was completely clueless to all the hype surrounding The Hunger Games trilogy. I was looking around for my beach reads, and stumbled upon The Hunger Games. It was $ 4.97 (Kindle) and 5 stars, so I thought I would give it a shot. OH. MY. WORD. This book grabs you in the first chapter and won't let go. I love the concept, the characters and the fast moving plot. I started this book on Friday, finished on Sunday, and downloaded the second book the first thing Monday morning. This is the type of book that when you aren't reading it, you are thinking about it. The only good thing about finishing was that I knew it wasn't over and wanted to immediately start the second book. I highly recommend this one, in fact, I think it is probably going to be my favorite of 2011.
- Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins ~ Another good book in the Trilogy. I won't say too much because I don't want to give away any spoilers, but as soon as I finished this one, I downloaded the last book in the Trilogy. Highly Recommend.
- Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins ~ the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy. I enjoyed it. There was a slower pace to the plot than the previous 2 novels, but there was much more character development, of both main and secondary characters, than in the previous 2. I thought the ending was authentic. Highly Recommend.
- The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan ~ The middle place is that time in your life when your are still someone's child and also someone's parent. The author writes about a year in her life when she is battling breast cancer at the same time her beloved father is fighting his own battle with cancer. It is a funny, honest and poignant recounting of the author's fight with cancer, but also a wonderful insight into a very close father-daughter relationship that has been instrumental in the author's journey from childhood to adulthood. Recommend.
- Room by Emma Donoghue ~ The setting of the story is in Room, an 11x11 room where Ma and Jack are being held prisoner. The narrator is five year old Jack, who was born in Room and it is the only world that he knows exists. Ma, who longs for escape back to the world outside of Room, spends her days teaching, entertaining, and protecting Jack. It is a fascinating story idea, ripped from today's headlines. While I enjoyed having the story told from Jack's perspective, I think the book would have been better if the narration alternated between Ma and Jack. I so wanted to know more about Ma, and felt at the end of the book that I had missed out on a big part of the story. All in all, it was an interesting read.
Favorite(s) of 2011: The Hunger Games Trilogy
2010 Reading List
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett ~ I loved this book! I was so sad when I finished reading because I wasn't ready to leave the characters, I wanted to continue on with life with them. I loved that I could "hear" the characters speaking. Fabulous book!
- Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin ~ It was an enjoyable beach read. Easy to read and easy to forget.
- Dear John by Nicholas Sparks ~ blech. By the end of the first chapter, I had the plot figured out. Thought the characters were predictable and one dimensional. This was only my second Nicholas Sparks novel, and I was disappointed because I really enjoyed The Notebook. Wouldn't recommend.
- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen ~ I loved it! I enjoyed the characters (both human and animal) and the plot, and felt like I was immersed in the circus; I could smell the horses & hay in the train car, could hear the Big Top music played by the band, and could feel myself hopping train cars in the dead of night with Jacob. Highly recommend!
- The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares ~Fair. The characters frustrated me...I just wanted to jerk a knot in their heads.
- The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain ~I thought it was a good book, but I am a sucker for a book with a moral dilemma.
- The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield ~ A great book! An intriguing story that is beautifully written, with several surprises to keep the reader on her toes. I was left thinking about the characters long after I had finished reading, and I love stories that have that kind of effect on me!
- Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston ~ I just don't get Lolly Winston. I read Good Grief and Happiness Sold Separately and neither one really struck a chord with me. I just find her books boring. Maybe I am missing something?
- Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan ~ It was an enjoyable book, not what I expected, but it left me wanting to know more about each of the girls.
- House Rules by Jodi Picoult ~ I love Jodi Picoult...whenever I am in a reading slump, I'll start one of her books and it cures the reading dulldrums. I always find the controversial subject matter fascinating and enjoy that the story unfolds from each character's point of view. This was a good one.
- The Last Juror by John Grisham ~ About a quarter of the way into the book, it started to feel very familiar...I realized I had already read this book once before. Oh well, it never hurts to read it again. And I enjoyed it just as much the second time around!
- The Last Child by John Hart ~ I enjoyed the story, although the whole time I was sad for how much devastation was heaped on so many lives. The many twists and turns kept the resolution unpredictable. Recommend.
- Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin ~ I really liked this book! I liked having the perspective of both women as the story unfolds. Fun to see Dex and Rachel, from Something Borrowed, in the story too. Ultimately, it is a story about the redemptive power of grace. Recommend!
- Ape House by Sara Gruen ~ Great book! I have read 2 of Sara Gruen's novels and have enjoyed both. I want to read more from her. Enjoyed the story concept, the plot and the characters. Recommend!
- Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner ~ A fun, easy read that took an unexpected serious turn toward the end. A good beach read.
Favorite(s) of 2010: The Help and Water for Elephants
