jenniferyoung
My Sister's Keeper: A Novel
You will NOT be disappointed! I loved this book from the moment I picked it up to the moment I finished it. I chuckled out loud, and even shed a fear tears along the way. The ending totally throws you in such a way that it sits with you for days. Hard to jump into another novel after reading this one.
Things I Want My Daughters to Know : A Novel
Yet another great read! I laughed, I cried, I was happy, and I was angry ... the book does it all to you. At first I was slightly confused by who is who, but the brief summary on the back totally helped with deciphering who was who among the siblings - I wish more books did this when mutiple characters are introduced at the same time. An interesting twist gets revealed that had me feeling as angry as the daughter it impacted ... but how it was handled in the end was very positive, and healthy. Makes you realize that what is the past, is the past and all you can do is move forward.
The Cellist of Sarajevo
Good book, but did drag on a bit ... always wondered what the plot was about. But then in reflection you realize that it's about how different people survive horrible things in different ways, and about the choices we make through all of that.
Belong to Me: A Novel
This book was absolutely fabulous! I loved every word of it. The characters were so well developed that you were happy, shocked, and sad right along with all of the characters. It was written as though you were right in the plot watching it all unfold. Post read reflection speaks six degress of separation to me ... but I won't give the details.
And to think I only picked it up at Wal-Mart based on its interesting cover, and simple summary on the back. So glad I did.
Little Stalker
There should be an option to click stopped reading ... because that is what I did. I thought it would be a light fun read for the summer ... but it was too over the top chick-lit for me. I just couldn't get into it. I didn't find it funny like I thought it would be. Should have really stuck to purchasing Jen Lancaster's second book ... the first was GREAT.
One Red Paperclip: Or How an Ordinary Man Achieved His Dream with the Help of a Simple Office Supply
I really liked this book. it was a quick read, and it was a very inspirational story. It's amazing what can happen when one puts your mind to trying to achieve a dream.
Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip--Confessions of a Cynical Waiter (P.S.)
There really needs to be a button that says - 'half read'. I picked this up at the airport on our way to our honeymoon as a quick and quirky beach read but I got about page 160 and gave up. Yes, even though the first 50 pages half intrigued me, I thought a plot would envail ... it didn't, so I gave up.
The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears
Good book overall - makes you really think about how everyone has a story, and that you really don't know people until you get to learn their story a bit more. Book gives a glimpse at understanding immigrant male friendships a bit more. And also shows how a little ambition and dedication - going for what you want in life - could give you all that you need ... if you just try.
Audition: A Memoir
I've been wanting to reaad this book since it came ou so started it on the honeymoon in hopes of getting through it. The honeymoon was in September. It is now November. Not bad for a 600 page book I guess.... In all, I thought this book was good - but not excellent. I went through waves of really enjoying Barbara to not enjoying her as much as I thought I would. But in saying that, I do recognize that she came a loooong way to be the person that she has become and she should be commended for that. But did it have to be 600 pages worth ... I'm not sure. I really enjoyed most of the stories - it gave us a bit of extra insight into the lives of those she interviewed, and of her own life. In all it was a very honest book - I think - but again, the length was a bit much.
Going Rogue: An American Life
This book was okay. Only reason I actually read it is because my husband bought it for me for Christmas. If I were to sum it up - I'd say the book does do well to show how Palin did well in her Alaskan political sphere and how the National side of politics was beyond her capacity. She doesn't full right admit this, but you get to understand it as you read through the book, even through a lof of the last chapters like I did ... the details of what she wore to who she was with became a bit much for me.
Still Alice
I absolutely loved, loved this book! It really made me have a greater appreciation for the power of the mind and the impact it has on one's life when it doesn't function to its full capacity. It also showed me different levels of family, and how relationships can change over time. A key thing to take away from the novel is the need to find balance in one's life; one that encompasses career ambitions as well as strong familial ties.
Book Lust To Go: Recommended Reading for Travelers, Vagabonds, and Dreamers
Loved this book! You think it's going to be a pretty boring chick-lit and then it surprises you with a plot you never expected. The prose is beautiful and whitty. The historical story it tells; unforgettable. I often caught myself chuckling out loud, and smiling at the way things were worded.
The story itself gives evidence to the fact that a community really can become your family. It also shows how life is a journey; filled with many surprises no matter what path you take.
Getting to Maybe: How the World Is Changed
I really liked this book. It gives you tips on how to not get overwhelmed when trying to make social change. It also helps you to understand that change does take time; often dependent on the others/circumstances around you that allow change to move beyond that tipping point. And once you are in that change, remain focussed so as to not get lost in what can become very complicated when multiple stakeholders are involved. My favourite quote: success is not a fixed address. In other words, you can get to it in various ways - you just have to learn to go with the flow.
For You Mom, Finally
This book was a little gem! It's about a women who conducts some research to learn and write about what made her Mom become the Mother and the preson that she was. It shows you that life's journey and the choices made within that journey are what make people become who they are. The book also has a feminist touch to it - showing the progression that women have made throughout the years, and the sacrafices that went along with it.
The End of the Alphabet
What a little gem of a love story! Very quick read written so elequoently. Really defines the breadth of a good marriage filled with much love and support right up to and beyond its last moments.
The Hour I First Believed
I had five days at the cabin in solitude, and I could not wait to bring this book along to read. And am I EVER glad I did! Wally Lamb is a fascinating author. What fascinated me most about his writing in this novel is the way he brilliantly linked the realties of non-fiction events with fictional characters. The intensity of the characters and the twists that entertwined in the pages keeps the reader hooked and engaged in every word. Like his other two novels, after reading the last page, you want to turn to the front and start all over again. In part, because you can't believe the story has ended, and also because you are still in awe that the story unravelled the way it did. It is no wonder it took him 9 years to write this one. I hope we don't have to wait another 9 for the next one. But if we do, I know it would be worth the wait.
