Resolution Reading 2015

In 2014, I resolved to read a book for pleasure every week.  52 books.  While I fell short of my goal, I truly enjoyed the reading.  I also liked giving a brief review of each book.  This year, I thought I'd do the same.  However, instead of a review, I will rate the books: 0 to 5 stars...no half stars because that's annoying.

Recently, I stumbled across the article, "21 Books to Read Before They Hit the Big Screen in 2015."  In addition to books that catch my attention, I will working my way through these novels as well and will create a book v. movie page once I watch the movies.  Watch for that!


February 22, 2015

My pace has slowed a bit, but here are the following books I've read over the last month:

I WORK AT A PUBLIC LIBRARY by Gina Sheridan

(This is a very humorous collection of stories submitted to the author from librarians and support staff.   If you work in, or serve (as I do) a public library, you will get a complete kick out of this!  Enjoy!  I did.)

INSURGENT by Veronica Roth

(Book #2 of the Divergent Trilogy.  I LOVED IT!  I very much enjoyed Divergent and book 2, Insurgent, was even better.  I'm planning to see the movie when it comes out.  I hope it's not as disappointing as the Divergent movie.)

STILL ALICE by Lisa Genova

(An incredibly moving account of one woman's struggle with Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease.  I'm not sure the last time I was so deeply impacted by a work of fiction.  I feel in love with Alice and became emotional as Alzheimer's slowly took her away from her family, her work, her self.  This is a great read.  I hope the movie does it justice.)

THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger

(How is it possible that the author was only 18 years old when she published this novel?  It's interesting.  It's not the most compelling work of fiction, but rarely is something in the YA genre a masterpiece. We read them because they are easy reads, great page turners, and we find something we can relate to inside them.  I definitely related to the DUFF.  What female hasn't felt like the Designated Ugly Fat Friend?  And that's the point of the book....to tell all young ladies we've all been there.)





 

January 27, 2015

It's only 27 days into January and I have read the following books:

ALWAYS MAINTAIN A JOYFUL MIND by Pema Chodron


Stars:  2

(Wasn't exactly what I wanted, although I'm sure this is a great companion book for an experienced meditator.)

FOOD:  A LOVE STORY by Jim Gaffigan


Stars:  3

(It was like reading his stand-up routine with every chapter bringing a new special.  How many times can one start with, "I travel the world as a comedian"?  I know you're a comedian.  It's why I'm reading your book!)

UPSIDE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE by Julie T. Lamana


Stars:  5

(Wow!  Intense.  The author has fully captured the voice of a 10 year old girl.  This is a realistic, yet fictional, account of one family's survival of Hurricane Katrina.)

A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS: THE WIDE WINDOW by Lemony Snicket


Stars:  4

(A great series to read to your children.  My daughter has started the series and I am trying to stay ahead of her.)

THE UNFINISHED LIFE OF ADDISON STONE by Adele Griffin


Stars:  5

(This is one of the coolest books I've ever read.  The author takes on the role of interviewer and has put together a collection of "witnesses" to Addison Stone's life and tragic ending.  It is purely fictional, but has the feel of what it must be like to be a celebrity biographer.)

DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth


Stars: 5

(This.  THIS!  I must admit, I had no interest in these books until I committed to read all the books that will be major motion pictures this year.  Insurgent, the movie based on Book 2 of the Divergent series, will be released later this year.  I picked up Divergent so that I would understand the second book.  I couldn't put it down! I think I will watch the movie this week.)