Novel Ideas

I haven't had time for much fun lately, but I have been pushing forward on my resolution to read 52 books in 2014! Here are a few of my latest recommendations for you:

1. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

 

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 This is such a lovely novel. The main character is Don Tilliman, a genetics professor with Asperger’s, and how his very practical approach to life is altered once he meets a bartender/student named Rosie. A very quick read with an already promised sequel, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this story. By far my favorite read so far this year.

2. The Cuckoo's Calling by "Robert Galbraith" (aka J.K. Rowling)

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Fantastic! I love mysteries, and Ms. Rowling creates an exciting plot with rich character personalities as she tells the story of detective Cormoron Strike and his investigation of the death of legendary supermodel Lula Landry. This also has a sequel, The Silkworm, due out in June.

3. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman 

 

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 This was our most recent book club pick. I like books that bring up ethical questions and really force you to think what you would do in a similar situation. The story begins on Janus Rock, where an isolated lighthouse keeper Tom and his wife Isabel discover a washed up boat with a dead man and a living baby. It is a fast paced, enjoyable read about two good people and the effects of a tragic decision on their lives.

4. The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan

 

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I picked out this book of loosely connected vignettes in honor of Valentine's Day and really enjoyed the stories. This novel intertwines a handful of tales of marriage across the decades and conveys that love definitely does not come in one shape and size. This is a good book to read at your leisure; the novel switches back and forth between the stories and the chapters stand up well on their own.

Happy reading! Tell me, what books have you been enjoying lately?

Book Club

The girls and I started a new tradition back in the fall-each month we get together at someone's house for dinner, drinks and discussion over a book. The host of the following month brings the next book selection. It's been a fantastic way to make sure we see each other on a regular basis, not to mention discovering new books!

This month we got together to discuss "Life After Life" by Kate Atkinson. I have repeatedly seen this book on "best of 2013" lists, and was quite eager to read. Here's what Amazon has to say:

"What if you could live again and again, until you got it right? 

On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. She dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, lets out a lusty wail, and embarks upon a life that will be, to say the least, unusual. For as she grows, she also dies, repeatedly, in a variety of ways, while the young century marches on towards its second cataclysmic world war. 

Does Ursula's apparently infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? And if she can -- will she?

Darkly comic, startlingly poignant, and utterly original -- this is Kate Atkinson at her absolute best."

-Amazon book summary, seen here.

A disclaimer: this is not an "easy" read in my opinion. It is a long novel and the premise of the story can lead to some annoying moments as a reader, especially in the first 20% or so of the book.

The best way I can sum up my review is that while the idea of this premise is interesting, the execution of the plot by Kate Atkinson left me frustrated. The book is well written but could have told the same story in probably half the number of pages. This book was not what I was expecting and honestly this would not be on my list of recommendations.

Despite my feelings on the book, of course a good time was had!

Best Books Read in 2013

I gave up on vague resolutions a few years ago; I'm all for the fresh start a new year brings, but I think many resolutions are a setup for failure. 

Something I tried last year was to instead make a list of specific goals I wanted to accomplish. I kept the list as a note on my phone, and when I completed something I deleted it from my list. This year I took it to the next level and typed up my goal list; so official, right? I'm hoping to touch on these goals throughout the year here on the blog and check in with how my list is coming along. 

One of the highlights of my list last year was to read 52 books in 2013. The goal actually started out as 30 books, but I decided I could ramp it up. This was such a fun challenge and one I'm going to do again this year! I haven't determined if I will keep the number at 52 or raise it (I'm a bit competitive with myself), but regardless I look forward to another year of discovering some great reads! 

I wanted to share some of my favorite books I read in 2013. Starting with my favorite and then in no particular order after that: 

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (link to Amazon)

Wow. Just wow. If I had to recommend a book to someone this would be it hands down (hence saying it's my favorite from the year). This is a beautiful story about a reluctant caregiver to a quadriplegic and their journey together. It will make you cry, make you think, and make you crave for every novel you read to be this fantastic.

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2. The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth (link to Amazon)

Taking place in dystopian Chicago, this story about Beatrice "Tris" Prior is a thrilling page turner.

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3. War Brides by Helen Bryan (link to Amazon)

A strong set of characters against the backdrop of life in England during World War II. This will keep you enthralled until the very last page.

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4. The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani (link to Amazon)

As someone with Italian immigrant ancestors, this book struck a chord with me from the beginning. When you finish reading you will miss the characters.

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5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (link to Amazon)

Definitely a love it or hate it kind of book, 'The Night Circus' is one of the most creative stories I have ever read about the duel between two young magicians. I personally loved it and would re-read this in a heartbeat.

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6. The Ridiculous Race by Steve Hely & Vali Chandrasekaran (link to Amazon)

Full disclaimer; for me this wasn't a page turner. I actually read this book over the last two years, as it is an easy book to put down and come back to weeks or even months later. That being said, I rarely laugh out loud while reading the way I did as I made my way through this book. It's a very entertaining tale about two friends who raced across the world, no airplane rides allowed.

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7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (link to Amazon)

A reading necessity about teenagers and the tragedy of cancer.

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I highly recommend checking these books out! What are some books you have enjoyed reading lately?