By David Sheff
Gary gave us all a copy of this book. I finished it soon after he gave it to me. It is a tragic story with some happy parts. I don't know how bad life ever really got for Gary, but I'm sure it was horrible. He never, luckily was homeless or disappeared like this young man, as far as I know. It really tore at me about divorce and the effect it has. I am so grateful Gary is in recovery. This young man goes in and out of sobriety sometimes after over a year so that was unsettling. He however could not grasp the concept of God so AA was difficult for him. I have read in the AA book about how people without this belief can still do well. I also felt at times that it was unfortunate that the parents had so much money for all the things they were able to provide. They would not just give money in the end. They learned that lesson as we all must. Lots of swearing. I don't know if the read would be the same for you as siblings as for a parent.
Once again I marvel at how people can be on drugs and function (?) if you can call it that.
I think this is a window into Gary and what his life was so for that I highly recommend it.
I think his inscription says it all,
"This book really gave me a look at what the other side of addiction does to all the people involved. I could not have made it here if I didn't have you in my life. I love you. Gary"
Having Gary back is on of the greatest gifts I have been given.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
More January books
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
by Jacqueline Kelly
First off, listen to part of the author's bio:
She is a practicing physician and lawyer.
What?! How can you be both? And now a successful author, too? Some people.
Okay, that aside, this book was so great. I loved it. It's told by the young Calpurnia Tate who writes, "My name is Calpurnia Virginia Tate, but back then everybody called me Callie Vee. That summer, I was eleven years old and the only girl out of seven children. Can you imagine a worse situation?"
Go read it. Mom, I bet this would be a great audio book.
Three Wishes
by Liane Moriarty
I picked this one up because I really liked another of Moriarty's books called "What Alice Forgot," and I would totally recommend that one. This one, on the other hand, was LAME. Too much swearing, too much sex, not funny, characters were lame, blah blah blah. To be honest, I skimmed a lot of it because it was not great but I still wanted to know what happened. I would NOT recommend this one.
What are you guys reading? If you want to read together, here's what I currently have on my night table:
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (for bookclub)
A Girl Name Zippy by Haven Kimmel (been wanting to read this for awhile)
The Dinner Diaries: Raising Whole Wheat Kids in a White Bread World by Betsy Block (I have no idea what to call this particular type of genre of nonfiction--Journalistic nonfiction? I imagine it will probably read sort of like the Happiness Project.
Happy reading!
by Jacqueline Kelly
First off, listen to part of the author's bio:
She is a practicing physician and lawyer.
What?! How can you be both? And now a successful author, too? Some people.
Okay, that aside, this book was so great. I loved it. It's told by the young Calpurnia Tate who writes, "My name is Calpurnia Virginia Tate, but back then everybody called me Callie Vee. That summer, I was eleven years old and the only girl out of seven children. Can you imagine a worse situation?"
Go read it. Mom, I bet this would be a great audio book.
Three Wishes
by Liane Moriarty
I picked this one up because I really liked another of Moriarty's books called "What Alice Forgot," and I would totally recommend that one. This one, on the other hand, was LAME. Too much swearing, too much sex, not funny, characters were lame, blah blah blah. To be honest, I skimmed a lot of it because it was not great but I still wanted to know what happened. I would NOT recommend this one.
What are you guys reading? If you want to read together, here's what I currently have on my night table:
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (for bookclub)
A Girl Name Zippy by Haven Kimmel (been wanting to read this for awhile)
The Dinner Diaries: Raising Whole Wheat Kids in a White Bread World by Betsy Block (I have no idea what to call this particular type of genre of nonfiction--Journalistic nonfiction? I imagine it will probably read sort of like the Happiness Project.
Happy reading!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
January's books (so far)
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns)
by Mindy Kaling
Kaling is a writer for The Office (she also plays Kelly) and now stars in and writes for her new show: The Mindy Project. This is just one of those funny little memoir type books that is written purely for the purpose of making the reader laugh. It's a quick read and a funny one, too.
Heaven is Here
by Stephanie Nielson
Nielson is the famous blogger of the NieNie Dialogues. She started that blog in 2005 and had quite a following. In 2008, she was in a tragic plane crash that left 80% of her body burned. This memoir recounts the accident and the year that followed it. Nielson is an active member of the church and lives in Provo. She also has 5 children. I found this book to be really interesting and also uplifting. I thought she was very honest in how hard and painful the experience was, but showed how love and hope can make something good and beautiful out of something as awful as this was for her. I'd recommend it.
Sidenote: Look at all these memoirs I'm reading. I think it feeds my voyeuristic tendencies. Ha ha.
My Antonia
by Willa Cather
We read this for book club this month. It was my second time reading it (last time was in 2011). I just think this book is so beautiful. I love it so much. If you haven't read it, you really need to and if you have read it then you should read it again. This book was Cather's masterpiece and I could go all English Major on you about the themes and symbolism and style and all that but I will refrain and simply tell you that it is a classic for a reason and should be read by all.
by Mindy Kaling
Kaling is a writer for The Office (she also plays Kelly) and now stars in and writes for her new show: The Mindy Project. This is just one of those funny little memoir type books that is written purely for the purpose of making the reader laugh. It's a quick read and a funny one, too.
Heaven is Here
by Stephanie Nielson
Nielson is the famous blogger of the NieNie Dialogues. She started that blog in 2005 and had quite a following. In 2008, she was in a tragic plane crash that left 80% of her body burned. This memoir recounts the accident and the year that followed it. Nielson is an active member of the church and lives in Provo. She also has 5 children. I found this book to be really interesting and also uplifting. I thought she was very honest in how hard and painful the experience was, but showed how love and hope can make something good and beautiful out of something as awful as this was for her. I'd recommend it.
Sidenote: Look at all these memoirs I'm reading. I think it feeds my voyeuristic tendencies. Ha ha.
My Antonia
by Willa Cather
We read this for book club this month. It was my second time reading it (last time was in 2011). I just think this book is so beautiful. I love it so much. If you haven't read it, you really need to and if you have read it then you should read it again. This book was Cather's masterpiece and I could go all English Major on you about the themes and symbolism and style and all that but I will refrain and simply tell you that it is a classic for a reason and should be read by all.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
I'd heard some positive buzz about this book and thought I'd give it a
try. I really enjoyed it. I liked Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert,
but took some issues with some of her big points and how she went about
finding happiness. I think Gilbert is by far a stronger writer, but I
agreed much more with Rubin's ideas and her journey to become a happier
person.Rubin is married with two small daughters and has a successful career as a writer but she recognizes that she can do and be better. She breaks her project up into different resolutions that she focuses on each month over the course of a year. I liked her honesty and her light tone. It was an enjoyable read for me.
I liked this, "I didn't want to reject my life. I wanted to change my life without changing my life, by finding more happiness in my own kitchen. I knew I wouldn't discover happiness in a faraway place or in unusual circumstances; it was right here, right now."
Another, "The days are long, but the years are short." This echoes my life right now in so many ways.
I think it is a great read anytime, but especially now with a new year coming up.
I liked this, "I didn't want to reject my life. I wanted to change my life without changing my life, by finding more happiness in my own kitchen. I knew I wouldn't discover happiness in a faraway place or in unusual circumstances; it was right here, right now."
Another, "The days are long, but the years are short." This echoes my life right now in so many ways.
I think it is a great read anytime, but especially now with a new year coming up.
Daughters in My Kingdom
I wish we could figure out a way to post pictures of the books to go along with our posts. Emma, do you know how to do that?
Daughters in My Kingdom was recently put out by the church and given to people at church (for free). It is a history of the Relief Society and also discusses the roles of women in the church, home, world, etc. I didn't really look at my copy until I was called to serve in Relief Society about 6 months ago and then I made it a part of my morning scripture study time--it's actually a pretty short book, but I only read small bits over the course of the 6 months--you could probably sit down and read it cover to cover in a few hours.
Anyway, I really liked it. I learned a lot of things I hadn't known before. I don't know if you guys heard about the pants thing down there in Utah but women and our role in the church has been/is/will be a big issue for a lot of people in and out of the church. As a practicing Mormon, I think it is important to learn about Relief Society and more importantly, my divine gifts/role as a woman and a daughter of a Heavenly Father. As I studied this book, I also read a really interesting article about women and the church. I would definitely recommend it and would love to know your thoughts on that as well.
Here's the link:
http://www.fairlds.org/fair-conferences/2012-fair-conference/2012-to-do-the-business-of-the-church-a-cooperative-paradigm
Daughters in My Kingdom was recently put out by the church and given to people at church (for free). It is a history of the Relief Society and also discusses the roles of women in the church, home, world, etc. I didn't really look at my copy until I was called to serve in Relief Society about 6 months ago and then I made it a part of my morning scripture study time--it's actually a pretty short book, but I only read small bits over the course of the 6 months--you could probably sit down and read it cover to cover in a few hours.
Anyway, I really liked it. I learned a lot of things I hadn't known before. I don't know if you guys heard about the pants thing down there in Utah but women and our role in the church has been/is/will be a big issue for a lot of people in and out of the church. As a practicing Mormon, I think it is important to learn about Relief Society and more importantly, my divine gifts/role as a woman and a daughter of a Heavenly Father. As I studied this book, I also read a really interesting article about women and the church. I would definitely recommend it and would love to know your thoughts on that as well.
Here's the link:
http://www.fairlds.org/fair-conferences/2012-fair-conference/2012-to-do-the-business-of-the-church-a-cooperative-paradigm
Sunday, December 23, 2012
The Man You'll Marry
Yeah, yeah I got this book. It is by Debbie Macomber and after listening to One Simple Act I was really interested to see what her writing was like.
It back reads,
The wedding dress was made many years ago, and it came with a promise: The first man you meet . . . is the man you'll marry. Shelly Hansen was horrified when her great-aunt's wedding dress arrived - because, according to family legend, she was destined to marry the next man she met. So when she tripped on an escalator and fell into Mark Brady's arms, she told him - and herself - that she wasn't interested in marriage. But then she started seeing him everywhere . . .. Coincidence?
After her own wedding, Shelly sends her best friend, Jill Morrison, the dress - which is delivered to Jill's hotel in Hawaii, But at least the man she sat beside on the plane - gorgeous grouch Jordan Wilcox - can't be the man in question, can he? She met him before she got the dress!
I picked this one because I had listened to a This American Life episode where the great grandma had made baby pants for a boy and a dress for a girl. The women in the family then started sending either the pants of the dress to each other when the were pregnant and the clothes were always the predictor of the sex of the baby. It was a fun story. This lasted for almost 20 births. So hey, maybe a wedding dress could do it too.
Of course it was formulaic but she did a nice job. It was clean too. I am sure this is a big draw. Needless to say the woman knows what she is doing. 100 million copies of her books in print.
7 hours long on CD so likely not to bad of a read, maybe 300 pages. Nice fluff to wrap presents by.
It back reads,
The wedding dress was made many years ago, and it came with a promise: The first man you meet . . . is the man you'll marry. Shelly Hansen was horrified when her great-aunt's wedding dress arrived - because, according to family legend, she was destined to marry the next man she met. So when she tripped on an escalator and fell into Mark Brady's arms, she told him - and herself - that she wasn't interested in marriage. But then she started seeing him everywhere . . .. Coincidence?
After her own wedding, Shelly sends her best friend, Jill Morrison, the dress - which is delivered to Jill's hotel in Hawaii, But at least the man she sat beside on the plane - gorgeous grouch Jordan Wilcox - can't be the man in question, can he? She met him before she got the dress!
I picked this one because I had listened to a This American Life episode where the great grandma had made baby pants for a boy and a dress for a girl. The women in the family then started sending either the pants of the dress to each other when the were pregnant and the clothes were always the predictor of the sex of the baby. It was a fun story. This lasted for almost 20 births. So hey, maybe a wedding dress could do it too.
Of course it was formulaic but she did a nice job. It was clean too. I am sure this is a big draw. Needless to say the woman knows what she is doing. 100 million copies of her books in print.
7 hours long on CD so likely not to bad of a read, maybe 300 pages. Nice fluff to wrap presents by.
One simple Act Discovering the Power of Generosity
This is by Debbie Macomber. I had never heard of her when I got this book. I really liked it. She has great stories and you feel like you could do something to help this world (people). She is a #1 New York Times best-selling author. The back reads,
Debbie Macomber penned this rousing work extolling the virtues of gving. Here she asks, "What if you, personally, could make the worked a better place . . . by tomorrow?"
Can one person truly make a difference? The answer, says Macomber, is yes. In this audiobook you will hear riveting true stories about individuals sharing time, materials, support, and more to brighten the lives of others. And by doing so, these people reap untold rewards for their simple acts of kindness.
Join Macomber as she illustrates how often single acts of intentional generosity have positive reverberations across space and time.
Really a good book. She is Christian and does talk about Christ but it is not like an LDS Christian book. I thought she must be a motivational speaker. It was a really powerful book. The next time I was at the library I say one of her books so I got it (reviewed elsewhere). One of her stories in One Simple Act, was that she wanted to be a writer. At an event she had the opportunity to have a New York Times editor read a fiction story she had written. She was so excited and then the editor ripped it to shreds in front of the gathering. Later she went on to sell the story and it became her first big break.
The CD was 5.5 hours so I don't think the book would be a long read. She really had one great story after another and not a lot of guilt to go with them, just some gentle nudging.
Debbie Macomber penned this rousing work extolling the virtues of gving. Here she asks, "What if you, personally, could make the worked a better place . . . by tomorrow?"
Can one person truly make a difference? The answer, says Macomber, is yes. In this audiobook you will hear riveting true stories about individuals sharing time, materials, support, and more to brighten the lives of others. And by doing so, these people reap untold rewards for their simple acts of kindness.
Join Macomber as she illustrates how often single acts of intentional generosity have positive reverberations across space and time.
Really a good book. She is Christian and does talk about Christ but it is not like an LDS Christian book. I thought she must be a motivational speaker. It was a really powerful book. The next time I was at the library I say one of her books so I got it (reviewed elsewhere). One of her stories in One Simple Act, was that she wanted to be a writer. At an event she had the opportunity to have a New York Times editor read a fiction story she had written. She was so excited and then the editor ripped it to shreds in front of the gathering. Later she went on to sell the story and it became her first big break.
The CD was 5.5 hours so I don't think the book would be a long read. She really had one great story after another and not a lot of guilt to go with them, just some gentle nudging.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Twenties Girl
Big fan of Sophie Kinsella as I think we all are. This was a fun book. "Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive. Normal professional twenty-something young women don't get visited by ghosts. Or do they?" The ghost is her great aunt Sadie. I really like the two of them and their back and forth talking. British book but she puts in some f words instead of the more easy to handle bugger like in Bridget Jones. So that was too bad as I was listening to it and I was surprised to hear it. (maybe the word was used 10 times) Really liked the aunt but wanted to slap Lara a few times. Cute romance without the R rating.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Jellicoe Road
Definitely a fast read that kept my attention, but not sure I really
loved it. Some books are like this for me, I want to know what happens
and so I keep reading, but I'm not thinking, "Wow. Best book ever." You
know?
I think this one had a little too much teenage angst for me. Emma might like it--the main character was a bit like the girl from Croak.
I think this one had a little too much teenage angst for me. Emma might like it--the main character was a bit like the girl from Croak.
La's Orchestra Saves the World
This was by the same author as The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency. It sounded like a great story: English countryside during WWII. A woman starts up a little orchestra filled with soldiers from the nearby base and local citizens to boost morale. A little romance thrown in with a Polish refugee . . . Yep, not so much. It went on and on and the orchestra was minor to the rest. Nothing happened with the refugee, lots of spouses ran off (like 3 times) and it just felt like a huge let down from what I had hoped and imagined it could be. I don't recommend this one.
The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency
We read this one for book club and I really enjoyed it. It's the first of a many book series and I'd like to read a few more, but it doesn't leave you hanging at the end or anything like that, and I'm thinking you could probably even read them out of order and it wouldn't be a huge problem. The book takes place in Botswana, Africa and is the story of a woman who opens up her own private detective agency. There are several different cases in the book that work almost like short stories. It was at times funny, scary, mysterious, and touching. I liked the gentle tone the author uses. I'd definitely recommend this book--I'm planning to read some more in the series.
Oh, and Mom says it is also a show on HBO or something? I'd like to look it up and watch it.
Oh, and Mom says it is also a show on HBO or something? I'd like to look it up and watch it.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Vampire Book
Emma and I listened to the vampire book. I've taken the CD back and I can't remember the name. It got pretty scandalous (say it with the Katie accent) as it went on. We did have fun wondering which book came first this or Bella and the Twilight series. Many similarities. Turns out this book is the basis for the HBO series True Blood (correct me if I got that wrong Emma). That explained the scandalous parts and why it is on HBO. Oh this came first. Emma says Twilight is the PG version of this series, I'd say the G version.
Keep those necks covered.
Keep those necks covered.
Unbroken
Just finished this. I listened to it. It is an amazing story but it is so brutal. I think it made me irritable and upset during the time I was listening to it. It was just so hard to hear of all the things that went on during WWII in the Japan prisoner of war camps. Great redemption at the end. I guess you needed all the brutality told so you could really see the depth of forgiveness.
I don't know that I can recommend it. I think it is better to go to you tube and watch Louis Zamerini talk or google him and read an article. He did lead an amazing life and Laura Hillenbrand lays it out very well but too much detail for me.
I don't know that I can recommend it. I think it is better to go to you tube and watch Louis Zamerini talk or google him and read an article. He did lead an amazing life and Laura Hillenbrand lays it out very well but too much detail for me.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Dust Land Series
I haven't been reading much lately. I'm finding that reading has become a feast or famine thing for me as of late. I did just finish listening to an audio book that was the second in a series (I know, I know, another series--I'm rolling my eyes, too). It's another 3 book YA distopian series--my weakness. I LOVED the first book. It's called Blood Red Road and I would recommend it for sure. The writing style is great and unique. I read that one back in February and then waited around for this next one to come out and I was disappointed. I guess I'd give it a 3/5 star rating but 5/5 for the first one. The author is Moira Young. I think I'd recommend this series more to Emma than Mom. Here are the dust jackets:
Blood Red Road (book one)
Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.
Rebel Heart (lame title that should have tipped me off)
It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.
What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.
Blood Red Road (book one)
Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.
Rebel Heart (lame title that should have tipped me off)
It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.
What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Everything we read?
Ladies,
Do we want to post a review of everything we read or just the books we recommend? Just seeking some clarification here. Muchas gracias.
Love,
Katie
Do we want to post a review of everything we read or just the books we recommend? Just seeking some clarification here. Muchas gracias.
Love,
Katie
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Review on Croak by its Second Reader
Croak - Gina Damico
Fun read in the Halloween spirit.
Quick read at over 250 pages but not crowded with words on those 250 pages.
I just finished reading this book, which was first reviewed by Emma. It is definitely a book aimed at the teen scene. Very clever idea about the grim reaper(s). Not at all like the one in The Book Thief. He would be too old and unhip for this crowd. This is the author's first book and she will likely get better at describing things some of which were just too regular such as, "She felt like she had been hit in the stomach" does anyone write that anymore. Do editors let writers write like that any more? A number or references to dinosaurs which I found to be odd. She is not as polished a writer as the Twilight or Hunger Games teen writers, but a good effort. The characters were lovable in a Bella and Edward type way. Meaning, there were times you just wanted to smack the heroine.
This is the first in a series and I'll admit I wonder what is going to happen next. I'll keep reading safe in the knowledge that one is already written and the last is on the way.
Now a soap box moment. Why does everything have to be a series. This book ends one mystery and in the last few pages introduces a whole new one. There is no sense of completion. "Wow that book was great. I hope the author will write another one. I really liked these characters." I can read a thick book so wait until your story is complete and then submit the manuscript. The answer is of course money likely on the part of the publisher as well as the writer. If the book hadn't sold I don't think we'd be looking forward to book two.
Fun read in the Halloween spirit.
Quick read at over 250 pages but not crowded with words on those 250 pages.
I just finished reading this book, which was first reviewed by Emma. It is definitely a book aimed at the teen scene. Very clever idea about the grim reaper(s). Not at all like the one in The Book Thief. He would be too old and unhip for this crowd. This is the author's first book and she will likely get better at describing things some of which were just too regular such as, "She felt like she had been hit in the stomach" does anyone write that anymore. Do editors let writers write like that any more? A number or references to dinosaurs which I found to be odd. She is not as polished a writer as the Twilight or Hunger Games teen writers, but a good effort. The characters were lovable in a Bella and Edward type way. Meaning, there were times you just wanted to smack the heroine.
This is the first in a series and I'll admit I wonder what is going to happen next. I'll keep reading safe in the knowledge that one is already written and the last is on the way.
Now a soap box moment. Why does everything have to be a series. This book ends one mystery and in the last few pages introduces a whole new one. There is no sense of completion. "Wow that book was great. I hope the author will write another one. I really liked these characters." I can read a thick book so wait until your story is complete and then submit the manuscript. The answer is of course money likely on the part of the publisher as well as the writer. If the book hadn't sold I don't think we'd be looking forward to book two.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Ally Condie's series
Full disclosure: This is going to be a 3 book series and only the first 2 are out right now. The third one comes out in November.
Matched
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
Crossed
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
I listened to the first book "Matched" on my recent trip down to see Emma's cute new baby. The book lasted me down and back so around 12 hours or so. I enjoyed the story. I probably wouldn't say the writing is amazing or stellar or anything like that, but it is a good story and very entertaining. It actually made the drive pleasant. The author, Ally Condie, is a Utah girl, so if you read the series, you get the added benefit of feeling like you are supporting local authors/artists :)
I think if you liked the Hunger Games series than you'd probably like this series, too. I especially think Emma might like this one.
Matched
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
Crossed
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
I listened to the first book "Matched" on my recent trip down to see Emma's cute new baby. The book lasted me down and back so around 12 hours or so. I enjoyed the story. I probably wouldn't say the writing is amazing or stellar or anything like that, but it is a good story and very entertaining. It actually made the drive pleasant. The author, Ally Condie, is a Utah girl, so if you read the series, you get the added benefit of feeling like you are supporting local authors/artists :)
I think if you liked the Hunger Games series than you'd probably like this series, too. I especially think Emma might like this one.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
I listened to this book at home. I had downloaded it but the first disc was everywhere. It is only 2 hours and 45 minutes long. I think the original book is a young adult book. It was a Newbery Medal Winner.
The cover says:
Lyrical yet unsentimental, the Midwife's Apprentice won the coveted 1996 Newbery Medal. Filled with striking characters, it paints unforgettable pictures of village life in the Middle Ages, the midwife's craft, and a very remarkable girl's growing independence and pride.
Brat has no name, no home, and no shelter against the 14th-century winter except the foul warmth of a dung heap. So when Jane the Midwife wakes her with a kick and takes the half-starved creature to her cottage, a curious relationship begins.
Jane teaches Brat to gather herbs and make the poultices used to ease the pain of childbirth for the village women. The skinny young girl quickly learns to obey the sharp-tounged midwife, and secretly watches Jane practice her art whenever she can. But Jane is also teaching Brat unspoken lessons that will take longer-maybe a lifetime-to master.
I really enjoyed this book. It has some wonderful lines, the characters are well written, and the story is fascinating. After having your babies you might be interested in how it was done all those years ago. I imagine this could be a very quick read. It would be well worth your time.
This author has written another book set in these times. The title is something like Catherine Called Birdie. It is about a young girl coming up to the age of marriage. I read it many years ago and like to too.
I listened to this book at home. I had downloaded it but the first disc was everywhere. It is only 2 hours and 45 minutes long. I think the original book is a young adult book. It was a Newbery Medal Winner.
The cover says:
Lyrical yet unsentimental, the Midwife's Apprentice won the coveted 1996 Newbery Medal. Filled with striking characters, it paints unforgettable pictures of village life in the Middle Ages, the midwife's craft, and a very remarkable girl's growing independence and pride.
Brat has no name, no home, and no shelter against the 14th-century winter except the foul warmth of a dung heap. So when Jane the Midwife wakes her with a kick and takes the half-starved creature to her cottage, a curious relationship begins.
Jane teaches Brat to gather herbs and make the poultices used to ease the pain of childbirth for the village women. The skinny young girl quickly learns to obey the sharp-tounged midwife, and secretly watches Jane practice her art whenever she can. But Jane is also teaching Brat unspoken lessons that will take longer-maybe a lifetime-to master.
I really enjoyed this book. It has some wonderful lines, the characters are well written, and the story is fascinating. After having your babies you might be interested in how it was done all those years ago. I imagine this could be a very quick read. It would be well worth your time.
This author has written another book set in these times. The title is something like Catherine Called Birdie. It is about a young girl coming up to the age of marriage. I read it many years ago and like to too.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Churchill by Paul Johnson
Critically acclaimed historian Paul Johnson explores the complex and fascinating character of Winston Churchill - the soldier, orator, and statesman who shined brightest during Britain's darkest hours. From his foray into the far-flung corners of the empire as cavalry officer and correspondent to his warnings of impending crisis as historian and Parliamentarian, Churchill faced the winds and tides of change with remarkable versatility and tenacity. One of his strategies strengthened moderate Muslims and successfully marginalized extremist Wahhabis of the House of Saud until Standard Oil's life-giving infusion revived jihadism. His Operation Archangel could have toppled the Russian Bolsheviks, preempted Mussolini and Hitler, and saved the lives of millions. And but for Churchill's vision and determination, there would have been no beefed-up British air power or the modern state of Israel. Illuminated with telling anecdotes and quotations, this compelling account of Churchill's tragedies and triumph the courage, resilience, and humor of this giant of the 20th century statesmanship.
Ok, first of all, those listed things were each about a paragraph in length. It also makes the book sound dry but it wasn't. I really enjoyed it. His life was amazing. He had a terrible childhood with rich parents who really had nothing to do with him as was the style of the day. His father never praised him. He loved (not romantically) the woman who raised him and his parents fired her when he went off to school. He found her and sent money when he could to help her. He was an amazing war correspondent. He was elected to government and would change parties when he needed to so he could get elected. He did well, he failed horribly, he was hit by a car in America and wanted to give up. He was faithful to his wife and she to him even though both of their mothers had numerous affairs. He had a family and loved them very much. He stayed in bed until noon making phone calls and dictating letters. He drank gin and "ate cigars and smoked matches" meaning he really didn't smoke all that much but liked the production that went into lighting a cigar. He stated he never owned a pair of pajamas in his life. He came back to power at the beginning of WWII although he had been on the outs for 10 years. Then when the war was over, Britons elected someone else. He wrote over two million words and painted over 500 oil paintings, and won a Nobel Prize for literature.
The part I enjoyed most was seeing the ups and downs of his life (lived over eighty years) and how he kept going even when life was bleak. He really "never gave up" to paraphrase. He was also very forgiving which was amazing to me in a politician. I also liked his philosophy of conserving energy. Never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down. Worked for him so I'm adopting it as my own.
The book seemed to be fairly even handed although there are people who hated him and his politics. He was amazing so it is hard to not have it be a positive biography of the man. Well work reading if you have any interest in his life or history.
Corduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall Smith
On my drive to Idaho, the first trip, I listened to Corduroy Mansions by Alexander McCall Smith. He is the author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I haven't read the books but watch a series of them on Netflix and loved them. This recording was 11.75 hours so it is a good size book. It was enjoyable to listen to but I think the reading might be a slow go. It really was like being a voyeur in these peoples lives.The CD cover says -
In a crumbling mansion described by architectural guides as "a building of no interest whatsoever," delightfully eccentric dwellers go about their lives. Marcia the caterer has eyes for wine merchant William, who keeps trying to evict his 24-year-old son. then there's loathsome Parliament member Oedipus Snark, the mother begrudgingly writing his biography, and the girlfriend who longs to be his wife. And that's to say nothing of Freddie de la Lay, a seatbelt wearing terrier who happens to be a devoted vegetarian.
This takes place over about five days. Very unsatisfying ending. Sure to be a sequel book. I loved Freddie de la Lay, written from Freddie's perspective. William's lack of backbone with his son got a bit old as did the resolution of their relationship at the end. Once again, boo to the ending.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)