Little Bee by Chris Cleave

I really enjoyed this book. You will definitely want to put this one on your hold list at the library.
To sum up this wonderful book in one sentence, I will borrow the words of one reviewer (Jessica Gribble) who wrote, ". . . you might say this, All sorts of horrible, depressing, unjust things happen in Little Bee, but it's the most hopeful book I've ever read."
I loved this book, and could not put it down. Beautiful language, intriguing characters, thought provoking plot. Excellent!

Soda Springs by Terry Marshall

Our bookclub recently read Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. An interesting account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Worth your time. But, the real reason I'm here is to tell you about the book Soda Springs, by Terry Marshall. This author is the father of one of my dear friends, and has also written a fantastic story about civil rights. But not the usual story. This story, while taking place in the 60's, is not your run of the mill account of African-Americans protesting unfair treatment. Taking place in Soda Springs Colorado, this story focuses on the struggle of Mexican-Americans who want to be treated fairly. The main character, Rick, is a college student determined to follow MLK, but he ends up back at home in Co running the family farm, falling in love and smack in the middle of racial tensions. Love, love, love the story, the vivid descriptions and how Rick grows up a bit:) Buy it! Read it! Love it!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I can't believe I haven't recommended a book in practically a year! I certainly haven't quit reading good ones. My bookclub just read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and it was absolutely delightful.
It tells the story of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII. I usually do not enjoy books that are written in letter form, but this one was wonderful. The Guernsey community comes alive and welcomes you right into the book and the main character Juliet is like the friend you want and the friend you want to be.
I just absolutely loved this book. Do not let the odd name deter you! It is a rare and wonderfully written literary treat.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

This last month, my neighborhood's bookclub read The Five People You Meet In Heaven. We loved it! It was a touching story about the power of your personal life and how no one's life stands alone. We all have a role to play and we never can tell who we are touching with our actions or we affect. We listened to Mitch Albom (on his website) talk about some of the questions people who discuss his book are interested in hearing. I served the chocolate ginger cookies, and some other treats and we had a fun time.

The Glass Castle

This book is a memoir, written by Jeannette Walls. It is the incredibly interesting story of her family and how she grew up. They are a strange mix of dysfunctional and amazing. She tells it without any self pity or preaching, just very matter of fact. I absolutely loved it. It gave me a lot to think about.

I Heard the Owl Call My Name

This book was done by my neighborhood bookclub for August. It's about a priest and his work in a remote Indian village in British Columbia. Margaret Craven is very descriptive, bringing the scenery to life. The priest in the story is a wise humanitarian and a wonderful example of Christ-like attributes. It was a very touching a human story, about love and unselfishness. I highly recommend it as a worthwhile use of your reading time. I know how I hate to waste my scant time on poorly written crap, but this was wonderful!

Reunion at Mossy Creek

This book is so funny! Okay, so I was skeptical when I first saw this book. The Professor brought it home from the library for me and when I took a look at it, it's actually written by several authors- sort of a collaboration. So I was afraid it would be really weird but turns out I liked it a lot. The characters and stories are very entertaining and well written.

Rise to Rebellion

Okay, so I am still reading all the time, but not always remembering to share what I'm reading. Right now I am working on a great book called Rise to Rebellion. It's a historical novel about the circumstances leading up to the American Revolution. It follows the characters of Ben Franklin, John Adams, and a few others. From what I understand it's the first of two books about the revolution, the second being more about the actual war. Anyway, so far so good and I recommend it. :)

Running With Angels

Our bookclub here is reading the book, Running With Angels, by Pamela H. Hansen. It's the story of a woman who overcame personal tragedy and lost over 100 pounds. I love an inspirational story and this one sure was! Recently, I have been doing some running myself...though I don't have 100 pounds to lose...and I have had some personal struggles that have contributed to my weight. This book was sweet and poignant. I recommend it!

March

Has anyone out there read March? It's about the father in Little Women. I am in the middle of it, and so far it follows him through the Civil War. It is interesting to get an insight into what his character might have been like. I'll update you on how like it.

No.1 Ladies Detective Agency

I just read this book for my new book club. It wasn't exactly what I expected- I'd say it was a lot more than I expected. It was fun but I thought it would be kind of a frivolous read and it has way too much character to be frivolous. I have only read the first- I think there are 9 books in the series, and they follow each other but can stand alone (or so I've heard). Anyway, this one gets a big thumbs up from me. I'd recommend it to everyone. :)

Short and Funny

My neighborhood bookclub just read A Long Way From Chicago, by Richard Peck. He wrote another interesting, but less funny book called The River Between Us. Both are worth a read but I really liked Chicago better. TGH and I read it together and we just can't suppress a chuckle when we recall something the grandma said or did. You will laugh, and it's good for kids also.

A Prayer for Owen Meany was a really good book and I would recommend it to others. Just beware that it is not an easy, quick one. It can almost be plodding, but you'll be very glad you did.

I just read a great book called The Bean Trees. I loved the main character- she is so mouthy!
Next I'm on to read A Prayer for Owen Meany- recommended by a very good friend of mine. I'm in the first 10 pages or so and so far so good.

Outlander, a must read

This book will not necessarily improve your life, but it is a fabulous read and comes with an entire series! Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is amazing. You will so love Jaime and Claire! Diana Gabaldon writes this story like she was there, it's a gripping story, with a wealth of facts mixed with a beautiful story.

Read This!

I'm reading You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. This book is amazing! I really feel my life changing. I highly recommend this. Her ideas about positive thinking and self-talk are absolutely wonderful. I can't tell you how much I have been inspired by this book. A "must-read"!

Okay, I admit I haven't started reading for The Big Read yet. I heard rumors that the book is hard to get into and a pretty hard read. So I have been putting it off and reading the random things the Professor brings home from the library. Right now he's really into "noir"- you know the style where there's a private investigator sitting in his office and the swanky lady with a long cigarette comes in. I think they also call it "hardboiled" detective fiction.
Yeah, anyway, so I'm reading books with titles like "Say it With Bullets." Candy for the brain.

The Big Read

Hey, any of you ever heard of The Big Read? It is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts. It's supposed to encourage literacy and generally make everyone excited about reading. Anyway, in my area, we're reading a book called "Housekeeping" by Marilynne Robinson. I'm going to be reading it in the next month, so anyone who wants to, get a copy and feel free to read along with me. :)

Finished a book

My hub and I finished reading The Gold Coast, by Nelson DeMille. Hmmm. I didn't like the way it ended. Although, I'll admit, it was a huge surprise. Now we want to read The Great Gatsby again, because he referenced it so much in this book. I'll let you know. If you've read either one, I'd appreciate comments!

Our new site

We really wanted a separate site to share books we are reading! We'd love to start a bookclub, too! So you can share your faves and review books, and read some of our favorites, too. My bookclub in the neighborhood just read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. What a wonderful story! I first read it when I was 9 years old and my mom gave me my own book when I was 11. I still have the book and my girls have all read it and just about loved the cover off of it. Definately worth your time to either read it for the first time or reread and love it all over again.