The Sun Also Rises

Everyone in this book drinks to excess and has no qualms about it.  That pretty much sums up the book.  This is pretty much about a group of people who drink a lot in Paris and then decide to go drink a lot in Spain.  Jake Barnes is the main character and he is in love with Lady Ashley (a.k.a. Brett).  He, however, can't be with her because due to some war injuries he's impotent.  She, on the other hand, gets with just about every other man in the book, but occasionally tells Jake that she loves him too (of course she does....she loves every man).  So Brett spends the majority of the book sleeping around, Jake spends the majority of the book lamenting things, and they all spend the entire book drinking.  I think there are drinks on every page!  When I was reading another review of this book, the reviewer jokingly said that he got contact drunk......I think that's an appropriate statement! The writing is brief and nothing really happens in the book.  It's pretty much plotless and the characters are flat, but for some reason it's considered a classic.  Also, I should mention, the n-word is freely used in this book.  It was written in 1926 so I guess at the time that was acceptable.  It was still a bit of a shock when I came across it, though.

Protecting Your Parents' Money

This book has a lot of good information.  The author is very clear on the point that this book is a starter book on the subject matter.  There is a LOT of information out there when it comes to Eldercare/Medicaid/Medicare/Long Term Care insurance and more.  It could never be fully covered in any one book.  However, if you are lost about where to begin gathering some information about these topics, this book is very accessible and is a nice starting point.  I actually took notes!

The Novice: A Story of True Love

I have been interested in what I call "Zen" reading for a few months now.  Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the authors I always enjoy.  He is very clear, concise, and compassionate in his writing.  This parable follows in that same tradition of simplicity.  A woman disguises herself as a man and becomes a novice monk during a time when women were not allowed to enter into monastic training.  A local girl claims that she has been impregnated by the young monk (obviously not knowing "he" is a "she").  The story of compassion that develops is one that will cause you to take a look at yourself and ask "Can I one day possess the compassion of this novice?"  Perhaps, it is a goal we should all be striving to achieve.

The Book of Awesome

From the moment I started reading this book I found myself saying "YES! THAT *IS* AWESOME!!" and laughing out loud just from reading the topic of certain blurbs (I see you 3-paycheck month!).  I think everyone should read this book because humor and laughter should be a part of everybody's life.  Everyone can relate to the subjects in the book that make life AWESOME!  If you are feeling down or you need a break from the rat race.....pick this book up and start laughing. You will improve your day 1000%.  This one definitely goes on my "best of" list.

Unbroken

This book is phenomenal.  I am finding it hard to describe how I felt while reading it because at any given time I felt several feelings at once. Joy, despair, hope, fear, disgust, and other emotions all swelled up in me  fighting for dominance. In the end, what I felt most was an immense gratitude and humility.  In no way could I ever fathom going through what the men in this book went through. There were nights I couldn't put the book down.  Whenever I did put the book down I was worried for the men, distraught over what they endured, and frantic to see what happened.  It is a true account of one man's particular horror, but throughout the story you get glimpses of the darkest hour of several men's lives as POWs during WWII.  It is haunting, inspiring, and impressive. One of the best I've read this year.