Book Challenge 2013

Well I just finished my last book of 2012 (World War Z). My Goodreads goal was to read fifty books this year and I read fifty-nine. I initially started with a list of 30 specific books and I did read twelve of those, but the lesson I've learned this year is that I'm a free-spirit reader and I embrace that. NO specific list for 2013. I'm just going to read with abandon. However, I am going to try and do at least one non-fiction book per month.  I need to increase my knowledge base of just about everything so a little non-fiction infusion on a monthly basis will do the trick. I am also going to stick to my personal goal of fifty books per year.  It's a nice round number that I can appreciate and it's more of a tracking number than anything else.  As always, keep the recommendations coming throughout the year.  :-)

2013 List

1) Whatever I feel like

!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

***Reading Quotes***

“My alma mater was books, a good library.... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” ― Malcolm X

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” ― Groucho Marx

“I read the f*** out of every book I can get my hands on.” ― Nick Hornby

World War Z

I'm getting into the habit of seeing movie previews and then picking up the book if I think it will be interesting or if I've heard good things about it.  So was the case for World War Z. I saw the preview and picked up the book because I'd heard good things.  The book was a solid offering.  I felt it dragged in some parts when some of the technical military descriptions went on long.  The stories of personal escapes or triumphs were the ones I gravitated towards.  The Z in World War Z stands for zombies.  You have every right to roll your eyes here.  If it's not for you, it's not for you and that's understandable.  Basically, there is a patient zero who kicks of this worldwide plague and then it's on.  All the nations have their own ways of battling the zombies and reclaiming their nation and their stories reflect that.  The book is written in a documentary style.  The narrator is traversing the world and interviewing survivors of the war in order to preserve their tales of survival.  It is an interesting way to tell this particular war story and it does work.  Some of the descriptions were so vivid that I did actually have a bad dream or two.  If an author can affect your mind in that way, I think that is evidence of a well done job. 

Beautiful Creatures

I tore through this book in about two days because it's another teen fantasy book (i.e. quick read).  I ended up reading this because I saw Viola Davis will be in the movie and I like her. Since the book is always better than the movie, I downloaded it to my Nook for $3.99 and got to reading.  Anyway, it's your typical, new kid in school is kind of weird/magical; one of the regular students falls for new kid; they love each other but can't really be together (physically) because of the magical weirdness; and they have to fight some dark evil, story.  Yes, it's a plot we've seen ad nauseum, but I will haltingly admit that I enjoyed it for what it was. The key words in that sentence are "for what it was". You have to go into the story understanding that it's a teen fantasy.  If you know and accept that, you'll more readily accept some of the plot holes and leaps of logic that have to be made.  You also have to understand that you will know what's going on in the story about five chapters before the characters do. I must have thought "It's a trap you idiot! Don't do it!" at least twenty times.  Those are the things you expect when you're an adult reading a teen novel.  If it went deeper psychologically, it wouldn't be a teen book. However, the escapism is often enough of a trade-off that it's worth it. In this case the escapism was worth it.  Will I read the complete series?  Possibly in the summer since they are quick reads.  Seems like a series I could take on vacation.

The Diviners

Yes, this book can be found in the "Teen" section of your local library or bookstore, but it was a great read!  The setting is New York City in the 1930s and there is a supernatural killer on the loose.  A group of teenagers with supernatural powers (but they don't really know or understand why they have these powers) are coming into their own while also trying to stop the killer.  I'm assuming this is going to be a series even though the title doesn't specifically say "Book One" or anything like that.  It has an awesome cliffhanger at the end so I'm hoping for a second book...maybe a trilogy! Also in this tome, we are just starting to get to know the characters and their specific powers. There are two dream walkers, a healer, a young boy who can see the future, a boy who can become invisible, a robo-boy and a girl who I think controls heat or fire (it was unclear).  Some of the characters only crossed paths with one another while others became fast friends. Many of the characters don't even know what to do with their powers yet.  This book was a great introduction and set up.  You can just tell that they will eventually form a group and battle evil.  Or perhaps there will be some who will fight for good and some for evil.  It's the oldest battle in the world, good vs. evil.  It was a fun, fast read that I'd recommend over Twilight any day!  If you are going to let your child read it, just a heads up that there are murders with mutilation in this book (i.e. one person is killed and the hands are removed). Nothing is described in too much gore, but if you have a sensitive reader, be forewarned.

Till We Have Faces

I've been reading this book off and on for at least two or three years.  I guess that already tells you that it took me a little while to get into it.  I also would always put it aside in favor of books I'd borrowed from the library.  I figured since I owned this book, I could get to it whenever.  Finally I just picked it back up last month, determined to finish it.  I had to start over from the beginning because it had been so long since I last tried to read it.  In the end, I liked it, but I didn't love it.  It certainly made me think and I even highlighted some passages that I found to be very moving and introspective.  With that being said, I felt like it fell off at the end.  There were two sections to the book. The first section is about 90% of the book and there there are about 40 pages in the second section. I would have been totally satisfied if the book was completed at the end of the first section or if the second section was more concise and to the point.  The book is a retelling of the story of Cupid and Psyche from the perspective of Orual, Psyche's put-upon, less attractive sister. I found the new perspective refreshing and found myself both understanding, yet feeling sorry for, Orual. The author being C.S. Lewis, one can't help but to think about theology while reading this book. There are plenty of religious themes and ideas presented as food for thought. I have to say though, when I finally finished it, I was just glad it was over.
 

The Tea Rose

I have always been a sucker for a good epic saga.  The Tea Rose is the first in a series of three books.  I stayed up nights, bleary-eyed reading this book because I enjoyed it so much.  I skipped sleeping on two flights in order to read this book (and I'm usually that person that immediately puts on headphones and takes a nap on a plane). So it's safe to say I really got into it. While there is a fair amount of sappiness, that is to be expected when you set a book in late 19th century London and New York and have two young people torn apart by a string of events, yet still so in love with each other.  It's a given that there will be forlorn looks and sweet caresses so just give in and enjoy it.  I also found it refreshing to finally have a heroine with some gusto.  I often lament to my friends about the lack of a good strong heroine in current fiction.  Well the main protagonist in The Tea Rose (Fiona) may be grieving over her poor schmuck of an ex-boyfriend, however she channels those feelings of betrayal, sadness, and anger into a life full of success instead of laying around the rest of her life whining. I think that's what kept me going. Fiona is strong-willed and takes on the world. This is a good winter book, because at 545 pages you can settle down with a cup of tea, get cozy and enjoy losing yourself in late 19th century London and New York.

Quiet

You would probably assume that since I have introvert tendencies that I enjoyed this book.  I did! I felt like I was justified for every time I've told someone I didn't want to go out or when I let the phone go to voicemail because I hate small talk.  The author discusses famous (and not-so-famous) introverts, the extrovert-ideal that we tend to idolize, and the pseudo-extroverts who are really just introverts with well-honed social skills.  She delves a bit into the neuroscience and physiology of introversion as well.  What I found myself drawn to mostly were the individual stories of people.  I found myself saying "Yes, I do that too" and "I completely understand why they are annoyed" several times.  It was refreshing to read something that says it's okay to just sit back, observe, be thoughtful and process a situation.  In today's world everything is so rushed and pressured that it was nice to read something that doesn't  ostracize, but rather celebrates, the quiet.

Cross Currents

Yes, this book does have the feel of a saccharine Nicholas Sparks novel (albeit with some international flavor), but I will admit I really enjoyed it.   What made me enjoy it and overlook some of the obvious plot points and eye-rolling romantic dialogue was the setting.  The author depicts the island of Ko Phi Phi so vividly that you are truly absorbed into the story.  The tsunami that hit that area in 2004 provides the climax of the book and I will admit, I got a little misty-eyed. Even though the book jacket blatantly states that the tsunami will be the climax of the book, when it hits you have come to really care for the characters. There is a lot of beauty in the narrative. For that reason alone, I would recommend it.

 

What in God's Name

This is a quick, funny book.  I literally finished it in about 5 hours (give or take an hour or two).  Once again, if you are easily offended by an author taking a different perspective on religion, stay away.  If you are open-minded and enjoy the idea that maybe there is a little humor to be found in everything, then you may enjoy this.  Basically, God is done with us humans and decides that it's time to wipe us out.  Two angels intervene and strike a deal with God to stop the planned destruction if they can get two socially awkward people to hook up.  The plot somehow works and there are some pretty funny lines in the book as well.  It is definitely meant to be light. Of course the pseudo-intellectual in me did get a bit introspective. I started to think about all the times I thought something was a "coincidence".  I will never look at a gust of wind or a sneeze the same way.  So I guess there is an opening for deep discussion if you want to take it there. Enjoy!

 

A Year in the Merde

This is a supposed to be (according to the book jacket) a nearly true account about a British executive who moves to Paris to work for a company there and all the hilarity that ensues.  Well I was laughing out loud in the beginning of the book and then it turned into a never-ending quest by the author to get laid.  There was also a side story about how his boss was seemingly involved in some weird Parisian political scheme, but I never got interested in that portion of the story, nor did I really care at that point.  I thought I would be getting a funny perspective about living in Paris as a non-Parisian.  Instead it's pretty much about a man hoping he can get lucky with the ladies.  I love most things Parisian, but I think I will stick to reading books about the food of Paris and the relationship one has with the city, not with the female inhabitants of said city.  You can skip this one. Try The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry or Paris, My Sweet instead.

Unholy Night

I am the first to admit that I go to church on a regular basis.  I am also the first to admit that I am not a zealot so I can completely appreciate a story that depicts the three wise men as petty criminals.  This story was entertaining, enjoyable, adventurous and just plain FUN.  If you are easily offended by creative re-telling of religious stories then pass this book up because you will just get worked up and hypertensive.  If, however, you can appreciate someone using the imagination to create an action-packed adventure, go for it.  I enjoyed this book so much that I would put it in my top ten for 2012.  This is by the same author who wrote Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as well as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (which I also enjoyed but it was early days for my blog so I didn't go into much detail).  Knowing that this is what Seth Grahame-Smith does, takes history and spins it, the reader should not be surprised that he tackled a religious story.  He does a fantastic job of doing it and if you have a creative and open mind, I highly recommend it.

                                    

Seriously...I'm Kidding

When I used to work the night shift, I would wake up around 3pm and watch Ellen's show.  I loved the show and laughed a lot while getting ready for work.  It literally would make my day sometimes. She is such a positive person and you can tell she has a big heart.  I really like that about her. That being said, here is my synopsis of the book.

Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Good point, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Good point. 

You just read her book.  Writing is not quite Ellen's thing.  I think her strength is performing in front of a live audience.  The plus side of this book is that you can finish it quickly so you won't feel like you wasted too much of your time. My recommendation for a book that was well written, introspective, AND funny continues to be Bossypants.

Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power

This was a slow read for me because I really wanted to understand the topic. I would read one chapter, think about things for a day or two and then come back to the book for the next chapter.  I, previously, had no real interest in the American military even though several of my family members have served in the past.  This, interestingly enough, is the crux of what Maddow gets at in the book.  There is an ever-widening gap between the military and civilians. We seem to be very comfortable with being at war constantly, or at least we seem to be comfortable ignoring the fact that we are constantly at war. She outlines her version of how that came to be and where we are headed if that continues.  I enjoyed the book for two reasons.  First, it made me think long and hard about all the things that go on out of view of the American public.  Second, her presentation of the material is accessible in just the right way.  She doesn't dumb it down, but she doesn't go into the stratosphere with her explanations.  She found the right tone.

With that being said, I'll admit I'm already a bit biased because I really like Rachel Maddow's way of making topics understandable.  I watch her show just about every day.  My review may be a little less objective because of that, but I still think the book is worth a read. She kept me interested in a topic I would have previously thought to be dry.

Eating Animals

Years ago, I read a book called Slaughterhouse by Gail A. Eisnitz.  That book led me to the decision to stop eating pork and beef.  Her book left such an impression on me that I changed my whole diet based on it.  This book, Eating Animals, tries to make the reader see how horrible factory farming is and why people should make the ethical decision to skip meat. However, it misses the mark because the author then produces evidence of good farmers who use humane practices. By doing that, he offers an "out" for those who still wish to eat meat.  He also tries to weave in personal stories about meals he's had in the past, but I felt those stories interrupted the flow of the facts.  After a while, the arguments for and against eating meat just go around in circles.  Should we? Shouldn't we? Should we? Shouldn't we? I had high hopes for this book, but if you really want to know what is going on in our meat industry I highly recommend Slaughterhouse by Gail A. Eisnitz instead of this one.

The Postcard Killers

Finally!  Of course my old standby, James Patterson, would get me out of this summer slump of books that go on and on when brevity would suffice.  He is notorious for his short chapters that keep you reading because they always end with some quasi-cliffhanger. In high school, James Patterson and Jackie Collins were my guilty pleasure go-to authors.  Who am I kidding; they are still my go-to authors for thrills (Patterson) and trashy lifestyles (Collins).

So naturally when I was in the Denver airport and saw a James Patterson paperback with the Eiffel Tower on the cover, I gladly slapped my ten dollars on the counter.  We know I love all things travel and The Postcard Killers did not disappoint.  A couple is traveling all over Europe killing other couples.  An NYPD detective whose daughter was one of the victims is on the case along with a Swedish journalist.  I started reading it on the plane, but when I got back to Philly I set it aside to read Gone Girl and The Art of Fielding (both of which were borrowed so I had to finish and return them). Finally today was the day I could get back to my thriller!  I finished it in about 7 hours (broken up of course by food, bathroom, internet, and phone breaks).  This is the perfect definition of summer reading.  Action packed, fast paced, and to the point.  No superfluous writing.  If Patterson can use one word, he uses one word. If the sky is blue, it's blue. Blue....one word we all understand.  After my run of books that say too much, this book said just enough.

The Art of Fielding

Once again, I've run into the problem of a book running too long.  It's 512 pages, but could have easily been wrapped up in about 350.  I don't know what is so attractive about dragging a story out to the point of apathy.  I found out after finishing the book that it took the author ten years to write.  Yikes! The basic premise of the story is that a talented kid from South Dakota gets recruited to a college baseball team and is the new wonder kid of the team.  Some things happen that shave a little bit of wonder off the kid and so the story proceeds.  It is also very much about friendships and discovering who you are and who you are not.   There is a lot of collegiate angst in this book. The uncertainty of the future is thick and appropriate for the age group of the characters.

I actually really enjoyed reading the book.  I found myself reading without a care in the world. Oblivious to what was going on around me.  The story was quite good and well written, in my opinion.  I've seen some reviews that say the author writes like he just attended a writer's workshop, but it works so why chastise him for that?  There were sentences in this book that I read and thought, "That is a perfect sentence." My only complaint is the length because I did reach a point where I didn't really care what happened anymore. Other than that, I thought it was a solid coming-of-age story.

Gone Girl

This book was really good during the first part, then the twist is introduced in the second part and it's still pretty good for about half of the second part.  Around the latter half of the second part, though, I started to think "Okay wrap it up.....let's get the story over with."  Then I started to skim-read.  I don't know if I'm just going through an impatient streak where I automatically feel like a lot of books are about 100 pages too long or if the stories are genuinely too long.  Either way, this had the makings of a great psychological thriller with the requisite "keep you guessing" twist.  However, once the twist is revealed, everything that happens after that just left me scratching my head and seriously contemplating the sanity of both main characters.  If you've ever seen the movie Secretary, you may find yourself thinking along the lines of that movie as you near the end of this book.  Some people are in the relationship they want, regardless of what it appears to be from the outside looking in.  It's a fairly quick read (2 days), so pick it up if you have a weekend to yourself to relax.

Special shout out to my colleague at work for allowing me to borrow this book since the wait at the library was ridiculous. Thanks CG!

The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry

I am feeling that old tug of "ditch desire".  Ditch desire is when I deeply desire ditching my life and following my passion.  Of course that would probably mean I have to actually whittle down all my interests into my one true passion, but I digress.  Whenever I feel ditch desire settling in, I grab a book about a person who does actually ditch their life as they know it and go for the gold.  So I was drawn to this book about Kathleen Flinn who was fired from a corporate, rat-race job and decided she was going to attend Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris.  The book tackles several of my favorite themes:  travel, adventure, following your dreams, food, and love.  The book reads quickly and the story has the requisite ups and downs that come along with the uncertainty of a new life.  I enjoyed it as a nice, easy summer read.  I enjoyed Paris, My Sweet more, but this book has just the right amount of inspiration to make me believe that one day I will be able to leave it all behind and pursue whatever dreams may come my way.

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

This story reads very quickly but it's very powerful.  I completed it in less than 3 hours.  One of the great attributes of the book is that it is written in a very accessible way.  It's not a lengthy documentary with deep political histories and dry facts.  The story is told on a personal level that it is easily visualized and understood.  Sometimes I read a book and think, "If I were an educator, I would make this required reading".  This is one of those books that I would consider to be a stepping-stone towards creating global citizens. I don't need to go into too much detail about what happens. The title tells you just about everything.  At the end of the story, the question remains:  What can we do to help these young girls escape their plight?  There is so much work to be done in this arena that it feels overwhelming because this is only one story about one girl.  The knowledge that there are so many others will hopefully propel others into action. I recently have been doing some research on organizations that help girls obtain access to education so they can escape these injustices.  After reading this, I definitely want to make a commitment to supporting a reputable organization.

A Walk in the Woods

Admittedly, I haven't been on a hike since summer camp circa 1989.  So I don't really count myself as an avid hiker or nature enthusiast, although I do enjoy lazy days in a park or a short bike ride on a trail. A friend of mine is getting married in Wyoming in about two weeks and the upcoming trip has me thinking a lot about wilderness and wide-open spaces.  So I picked this book up because it came highly recommended as a great book about reconnecting with nature.  The author decides to hike the entire Appalachian Trail (some 2,000+ miles!).  The book isn't so much about hiking the trail as much as it is about awe-inspiring nature and our capability to both revere nature, yet foolishly destroy it. What I enjoyed most about the book was the plethora of historical facts woven into the story that gave you food for thought intertwined with lots of laugh out loud moments that gave the story momentum.  Only a great writer could master that skill.  I don't think I would have been able to read a completely dry fact-based documentary about the trail.  This book is a great introduction to nature writing because the story remains interesting until the very end. I highly recommend enjoying it while outside on a beautiful day.

Cloud Atlas

I have long held the belief that we are all interconnected.  I don't believe in coincidence or chance.  Cloud Atlas is a book that solidifies those beliefs for me, even though it's fiction.  It also is a book that makes me yearn to be a better writer.  How the author accomplished this is beyond me.  He takes all the risks that could lead the story astray, but he makes it work well.  Interconnected stories that span centuries can be disastrous or wonderful. This book falls into the category of the latter.  I can not fully do it justice here by attempting to explain it, but I will give it a shot.  

The book consists of six stories.  The first five stories/chapters are interrupted at some moment of climax and then the the next story/chapter begins.  Each subsequent story is back-linked to the preceding story.  For instance the first story/chapter is about an American traveling back to San Francisco via ship circa 1800s.  He is writing a journal about his experience.  The second story/chapter is about an English composer who happens upon the published journal of the American.  It even gets deeper than that because in some stories it's intimated that some characters may be re-incarnations of previous characters.  The sixth story is told in its entirety without interruption and then the remaining five chapters are the conclusions of the previous five stories, picking up right where they left off. Have I lost you yet?  It was fun to read this book and make the connections between stories.  I am still thinking about the characters and wondering if I really understood everything or if I only skimmed the surface of something deeper.  This may be a book I revisit soon.

Think: Straight Talk for Women to Stay Smart in a Dumbed-Down World

This book was a random choice at the library one day when I was browsing the shelves.  I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but when I saw the title I scooped it up.  I was not disappointed.  This book is probably preaching to the choir.  I'm sure most women who read this book will already consider themselves pretty savvy and well-read.  However, the points that the author makes are so salient and at times staggering that all women should read this.  Topics such as our celebrity driven media, our suffering educational system and our decline in literacy are all discussed.  This book has inspired me to become, not only a better woman, but also a better global citizen.  What I really appreciate about the book is that there are footnotes that lead you do more research on your own and THINK for yourself. I highly, highly recommend this book for all women.

American Wife

This book is divided into four sections and is loosely based on the life of Laura Bush.  I never initially thought I this book would hold my interest because I have less than zero interest in George Bush and frankly I never paid any attention to his wife at any time during his presidency.  However, the first two sections of the book are well written and just interesting enough to pull you in.  By section three, however, you see the vapidness begin to infuse into Alice Blackwell's life.

In the first two sections, Alice leads an intellectually interesting life tempered with a bit of sadness, but overall she is a good person with many kind qualities.  Those qualities are then dampened by the privilege and wealth her husband brings.  The latter two sections of the book are essentially filled with Alice living in two worlds.  She physically is present in the world of the wealthy, yet internally struggles with the fact that she's a compassionate person and the people in her new world of wealth are not. The more the book goes on, the more she vacillates between her inherent compassion and her loathing for just about everything her husband does.  Honestly, I sped read the last section because I was just bored with her going back and forth.  We get it, you're a really nice person who willingly married a guy who has no clue about the real world, and you lost your independence in the process.  It happens. We all make bad choices sometimes.  Her perseveration about her situation just had me rolling my eyes. It started off as a good read that, in the end, didn't deliver.

The Poisonwood Bible

Finally!  I have wanted to read this book for years.  I don't know why I didn't get it from the library or purchase it sooner.  Anyway, I broke down and bought it a few weeks ago and started reading it a few days ago.  I finished it last night and it was a book that kept me up afterwards.  I had about 50 pages to go and thought "Oh I'll finish it tomorrow".  I turned out the lights and tried to fall asleep, but couldn't.  So I turned the lights back on and plowed through the last pages.  After the last page was turned and the book was closed I lay there for about an hour just thinking about everything that happened.  The last time that happened was with a book I finished in July 2011, One Day.  July must be my month for books that make me think in bed.

So on to the review.  The basic premise of the book is that an evangelical white Baptist preacher sets off on a missionary trip to the Congo in 1960 and takes his wife and four daughters along with him.  What happens while they are in the Congo then serves as the crux for character and story development.  I absolutely loved the book up until the fifth section.  The fifth and sixth section went on too long (150 pages of pseudo-epilogue). Then there is a small six-page section that, in my opinion, serves as a true epilogue.  Everything that was conveyed in both the fifth and sixth sections could have been combined and condensed into just a fifth section spanning no more than fifty pages.  After that, the true epilogue of six pages could have followed. That is my only complaint about the book.  Otherwise I loved the story and the way it was written. The prose is quite lyrical and poetic at times.  There were two scenes that made me teary-eyed.  For me, that says a lot because I am not often moved to tears by writing unless it's exceptional. I definitely recommend it, but just know that it runs a little long at the end.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Back in March, I read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and enjoyed it.  I read it slowly and highlighted it and put post-it notes in it and everything.  Then, I put it right back on my bookshelf and wrote a little, but not much. Yesterday I started On Writing and I devoured it in one day.  I folded the pages that had important things I wanted to remember.  I didn't have time to get up and find post-its or a highlighter..  I just wanted to soak up everything he was saying without pausing. The books both cover the same topic, but for me they conveyed the message differently.  Bird by Bird was methodical and felt very much like a writing class.  On Writing gave me that feeling you get when you come home from college thinking you know everything and then your uncle says "If you like to write, just write.....why the hell did you need to go to school for that?". After that, you slap your forehead and say, "You're right Uncle Steve, ugh! I want my tuition refunded!"

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and actually started writing a story while I was in the midst of reading the book.  The main rule is read a lot and write a lot if you want to improve your craft.  I have been reading a lot, but have been a little too hesitant about my writing.  Although it sounds cliché, this book has inspired me to ditch fear and focus on the writing....focus on the story.

Fragile Things

Long ago I purchased a copy of American Gods.  It sat on my shelf unread for too long and then, without ever reading it, I donated it to a bookstore.  Fast forward a few years and I saw a wonderful commencement speech by Neil Gaiman on YouTube via a link sent by a friend.  A few days after I saw that speech, which stayed in my mind, I was in the library and saw this book.  It's a collection of some of his short stories and poems.  I was so inspired by what he said, I wanted to get to know his art. I wanted to ease into his work so I could come back to American Gods one day.  This book has a "wow" factor.  I mean that I would sometimes finish a story and literally say "wow" or "that was SO good".  There were, of course, a few stories that I didn't care for either way. However, the majority of his stories absorbed me.  At times I would be reading a story and become so enveloped in it that when it ended, I had to remind myself that I was reading a short story and not a novel.  I had settled into the story so deeply that I was somehow fully expecting it to go on, and the point is I wanted it to go on.  If you are a fan of Mr. Gaiman's work, I think you'll enjoy this.  If you are unsure whether or not you will enjoy his work but enjoy fantasy, this is a very nice introduction.

*On a side note, as I was reading his work, I found myself thinking that it is very much possible to write great stories without being lofty.  In fact, making a story more accessible lends a certain authenticity to it.  This was a good writing lesson for me!

The Magicians

I don't know if I should like this book or roll my eyes.  I finished it relatively quickly and I did find myself interested in one of the side characters, Alice, whose character is well developed and interesting.  I ultimately kept coming back to the book to find out what happens to her. The main character, however, is the ultimate jerk.  It's difficult to like him and, frankly, I never did.  This is Book One in a series, although only Book One and Book Two, The Magician King, have been published thus far. The basic premise of the book is that a miserable young man named Quentin Coldwater discovers that magic is real and he is transported to a magical university where he makes a few friends and essentially gets his Bachelor's degree in Magic (think Harry Potter goes to college).  The twist is that he fervently wants to escape the magical school and go to a different magical world that he's read about since he was a kid (think Narnia).  So one day he finds out that it may actually be possible to go to the other magical world and then the adventure begins.  My problem with that is the adventure begins about 75% of the way through the book.  So up until that time you have to deal with Quentin whining about how he hates school, he hates his family, he barely tolerates his friends, he only kind of likes his girlfriend.  You may want to eat some cheese while you read this book because there is a lot of whine flowing.  It's been praised as a darker Harry Potter, but really it's just about a guy who is probably clinically depressed, but happens to know magic and wants to go to Narnia.

SPOILER ALERT:  I have more to say, but don't want to give too much of the plot away. If you want to know one more thought of mine, highlight the text starting here ---> I don't often do this, but I kind of wished Quentin was the one who died and not Alice. Her character and her background of coming from a magical family, that we are only vaguely introduced to, would have made stunning material for Book Two. Instead, I've recently learned that Book Two brings back some little girl that Quentin had a crush on while he was still at a non-magical high school and in the end of that book she apparently gets raped.  No thank you Mr. Grossman. Why do you have a vendetta against your female characters? I'll be crossing Book Two off my list.<-----end spoiler

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me

I waited a long time for this book to come to the library.  In the meantime, during the wait, I was able to read half of it for free in Barnes & Noble one day on my Nook.  So when the book came today I was able to finish it in about 3 hours. It's okay.  Not as funny as Bossypants, but a quick enjoyable read. There were a few dry moments when she is describing certain ideas, people, and places related to comedic writing that bored me.  Other than that, you could easily breeze through this book in a day.  If you have to make a choice and can only read *one*, I'd go with Bossypants every time.

Enjoy Every Sandwich

Well, I probably would have enjoyed the book more if there were some sandwich recipes listed in the back or at the end of each chapter. At first I thought the book was going to be similar to The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch but it is not even worthy of being placed in the same category.  It is about a man who receives a terminal diagnosis and decides to live each day to the fullest.  However, that is where any similarities end. The Last Lecture is beautiful, moving and focused. You can tell it was written by a man on an honest mission.  Enjoy Every Sandwich, however, is all over the place and it's hard to pinpoint what message the author is trying to convey.  He talks about God, yoga, science, health, nutrition, love, family, medicine, and past lives.  Yes, he devotes many paragraphs to his description of visions he had depicting his multiple past lives.  I found myself, at that point, thinking I picked up the wrong book.  I have to say, if you want to read a book about life's lessons and living in the moment avoid this one at all costs and read The Last Lecture instead.

The 4-Hour Workweek

This book is just "eh".  I skimmed it over the course of two days because that's all you really need.  It is a skimmable book. Find what you need to apply to your life, and then take the book back to the library.  I say the library because you will be wasting your money if you actually pay for it.  I got a few good pointers, took my few notes, and put it right back in my work bag so I can drop it off at the library during my commute.  The author tries to seem hip, cool, and nonchalant about everything he's done.  He seems to say, "Look! If I did it this easily, you can too!!"  However, I am leery of anyone who tells you to charge more debt to your credit card in order to achieve your dreams.  I'm just of the school of thought that if you were trying to have freedom from the constraints of a job, why would you shackle yourself to a creditor and owe them money?  I don't need that kind of "freedom".  I was actually almost hesitant to even list this book on my blog because I had so much displeasure with it initially.  Since I did get a limited amount of good ideas from it, though, I am reluctantly posting it.  This should be read with a grain of salt.

Silver Sparrow

When I first started reading this book, I thought I would read a few pages, place a bookmark, read a little more the next day, and repeat for a few days.  So imagine my surprise when I started reading the book on a Saturday afternoon and realized by Saturday night that I was already 212 pages deep.  The only reason I didn't finish the book that night was because I was just plain tired and couldn't go on (although I was really trying!).  Even when I was falling asleep that first night, my last waking thoughts were about the characters.  Two young girls tell the story. Each is the daughter of James Witherspoon, however one is legitimate and one is not. He is married to both mothers of his girls, however the "official" family has no clue that the other exists.  The "unofficial" family knows everything and that is where you will find the emotional pull of the story.  How do you live in the shadow of people who don't know you even exist? I found myself wishing both families could somehow emerge intact, but as the girls guide you towards the climax of the story, you slowly realize that something has to give.  Tayari Jones develops each character well and takes her time with it. You feel sympathetic for one character and angry with another, then she gives you a little more insight on the character you dislike and all of a sudden you feel sorry for him or her. The dialogue feels genuine and the situations are realistic. This is another book I would recommend as a summer read...it's park, beach, and travel ready.

Paris, My Sweet

LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. I don't know if it's because I still think of Paris on a daily basis ever since my December trip or because I love desserts, but this book made me very happy.  Amy Thomas describes the vibe and the feel of Paris and New York perfectly.  She experiences both cities through desserts. It is amazing how food can unknowingly describe a city.  Paris is steeped in history and the dessert and food choices reflect that.  New York is forever changing and the sweet offerings throughout the city continually demonstrate that. If you have experienced both cities and have moments when you daydream about the days you toured, lived in, worked in, or played in either city, this book will capture you and make you smile. It may also make you start counting your pennies to plan your next sweet trip. If you enjoy travel and desserts this is an excellent summer read.

The Fire Starter Sessions

I am on a kick now where I'm really trying to instill positive vibes into every aspect of my life. This book helped me do that in an amazing way.  What made the book stand out to me is that the author is straight forward and tells you the truth. It's like when your best friend sits you down and says "What the hell is wrong with you?  Get your sh*t together". You can accept her saying that to you because you know in your heart of hearts that you needed a good kick in the rear.  Well I needed a good kick in the rear and a healthy dose of inspiration.....and I got it.  If you have the desire to take on a new endeavor, evolve into greatness, or do what you've always dreamed of doing, this book will slap you across the face and motivate you.  I read this book on my NOOK and so far it is the most heavily highlighted book on my device (and that is saying a lot because the highlight function on the NOOK is unbearable!).  I know I will be referencing this book in the days, weeks, and months to come.

Bring Me the Rhinoceros

Zen koans.....are difficult. I had a Zen Page-A-Day calendar in 2011 that had quite a few koans.  I would always think a little more when I got to a day that had a koan on it.  The koan would go something like this:

"Teacher, why is the bird brown?"

The teacher replied "Now you understand."

I completely made that up off the top of my head, but I'm not too far off from the abstract thought involved with these riddles. I was perplexed, yet intrigued. I don't quite remember how I found this book, but I'm pretty sure I just typed "Zen koans book" into Google's search box.  Either way, this book is going to take some brainpower to get through.  Each koan gives you pause.  The author presents the koan, the background story to the koan, and how you can work with the koan.  You really have to examine it and the various ways it can apply to life.  There are fourteen koans.  Not all of them are life changing and sometimes the description of the koan is dry and uninteresting.  However, that could also be because those are the ones that left me scratching my head.  There are several, though, that led me to moments of clarity and introspection.  If you want something to mentally chew on, this could definitely be considered a hearty meal of meat and potatoes.

Every Day a Friday

I started reading this book about two weeks ago and under normal conditions I probably would have finished it in a few days.  However, this was a "post-it note" book.  As in, I was putting post-it notes on pages and taking notes as I went along.  The main reason I enjoyed this book is because I enjoy Joel Osteen and his motivational message.  He never gets so submerged in the dogma of religion that it's unintelligible.  It's practical and enjoyable. Yes there are references to scriptures and to biblical parables, but the message is universal.  I think everyone can benefit from learning to be a little more positive in general.  If you're unfamiliar with Joel Osteen, this may be good way to ease into his work.  Here, he focuses mainly on happiness as a conscious choice.  This choice, combined with the understanding that God is continually blessing us, can help us be happy no matter the day of the week. It's a matter of changing perspective and being open to working on changing that perspective daily.  I would say that anyone could give this book a try.  You will know within the first few chapters if it speaks to your soul or not. 

The Story of Beautiful Girl

I read the description of this book and put it on my "to read" list.  Shortly after that, I purchased a Nook and took advantage of the feature that allows you to read any e-book for free for one hour while you're in the store. When I got to the end of the sample for this book, I couldn't wait to keep reading.  That's pretty much how it was for the rest of the book.  The story captured and held my attention mostly because the protagonists are very likable and you will find yourself feeling hopeful for them. That hope makes you keep reading. It's a love story, but it's also an expose on the poor conditions of institutions where physically and intellectually disabled people were housed for decades, hidden from public view.  The beginning may seem a little contrived because it does open on the proverbial dark and stormy night.  However, what happens on that dark and stormy night is the impetus for everything that happens afterwards.  

Two residents of the local institution have run away.  One is a young blond woman who doesn't speak and who recently delivered a baby while on the run.  The other is a deaf-mute African-American man.  They come to an elderly widow's home looking for refuge.  The police and institution personnel catch up with the couple at the widow's home within a few hours.  The young woman is taken back to the institution, the deaf man escapes into the woods, and the newborn is left hidden in the attic.  The remainder of the book traces what happens to each of these individuals over the next 43 years. The humanity woven throughout the story is very touching and makes you rethink your own perceptions about certain topics. The author does an excellent job of focusing on the humanity of the individuals.  She demonstrates that even in dire circumstances, we are all human and all capable of kindness, forgiveness, and love.  It's a very lovely, well-written work.   

The Hound of Rowan: The Tapestry (Book #1)

This is a book that a good friend of mine recommended to me when I was in my post-Harry Potter funk.  She said this might help me develop a new magical interest.  As soon as I began reading this book, I was immediately reminded of Harry Potter.  There's a young boy who is singled out for his "talent" and offered a spot at a magical school where he can develop those talents (Rowan Academy vs. Hogwarts).  There is a professor who is a traitor (Prof. Quirrell vs. No Spoilers here). There is a kind and understanding headmistress (Miss. Richter vs. Dumbledore).  There is a magical sport (Euclidean Soccer vs. Quidditch). There is a bully with his cronies (Draco Malfoy vs. Alex Munoz).  There is a weakened villain trying to regain power and strength (Astaroth vs. Voldemort). I could go on. There are many parallels drawn in this book. Did I enjoy the book?  Honestly, it’s approximately 415 pages and it took me about 190+ pages to finally want to sit down for long periods of time and read it. Once I got past the multitude of one-dimensional characters and could single out who was really important to the story, my interest built up a bit more.

In the past, I've tried to get into the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series and only read Book #1. I fear this series will suffer the same fate. At the end of the book, I didn't feel a burning desire to see how it all turns out. So Book #1 may be where it begins and ends for me. Harry Potter is still my all-time favorite thus far. If you have kids who would like to read the book, please note that it has bullying, violent fighting, attempted murder, kidnapping and death. There’s also one or two puppy love kisses. Just a friendly heads-up if you like to screen your child’s books ahead of time.

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth

I am certain that I bonded immensely with this book because I, too, was a part of the cafeteria fringe in high school (i.e. the kids who are not part of a popular clique).  What I enjoyed most about this book was the candid way in which the students were portrayed. There was no sugarcoating their feelings or their statements.  This is what some kids are going through on a daily basis in school.  The book describes something called "quirk theory". Quirk theory essentially proposes that qualities causing those on the fringe of school social groups to be excluded are the very same qualities that are appreciated later in adulthood.  Robbins goes even further and describes how, if they stay true to themselves, these kids tend to excel later in life. 

The book is well balanced with anecdotal stories and research that supports her theory.  It is an enjoyable, but sometimes sad, read.  Your heart aches for some of the teens in the book.  You want to just tell them through the pages that it will be better when they get out of high school.... keep pressing on! There is hope offered in the book via the tips, recommendations and challenges given to the students and one teacher.  I would go so far as to say I think this should be required reading in school.  It has very strong talking points that could potentially change the way children, parents and educators think.  Anything that can challenge a mind to expand and embrace gets high marks in my grade book.

Writer, M.D.

One would think I would be wary of medical books since I work in the medical field, but I usually love them.  This is a collection of non-fiction and fiction medical writing.  I found that I actually enjoyed the non-fiction writing more than the fiction.  I think it's just because I could relate to some of the non-fiction scenarios.  Reality can be more entertaining than fiction when it comes to medical stories. There were about three non-fiction stories that I felt "blah" about.  The rest were pretty good and held my attention.  The fiction stories were not as strong, although at least two of them were memorable and I found myself wishing the story was longer. Overall, if you have an interest in medical writing, this isn't necessarily an extraordinary "must-read", but it's a solid choice.

When You Are Engulfed In Flames

There is not much to say about this book.  The first book I ever read by David Sedaris, Me Talk Pretty One Day, was hilarious!  I can't say the same about this collection of essays/stories.  It was just kind of blah.  I didn't laugh out loud with any of these stories.  In fact, I only vaguely even remember some of the stories and I just finished the book.  If you read anything by Sedaris, I would definitely recommend Me Talk Pretty One Day.  However, you can skip this one and still have a full life.

Habibi

The book cover and the heft of this book (650+ pages) captivated me in the bookstore, but I did not want to spend the money at the time.  So I submitted my request for the book to my library and was placed somewhere around #40 on the list to receive it.  It was worth the wait. The story has way too many sub-plots to get into here on my little piece of the Internet. However, they all weave together to tell a solid story that is ultimately about love and redemption. Zam and Dodola are two orphans who have a lifetime of hardship both together and apart. The story spans the years from childhood to adulthood and intertwines their story with stories from the Bible and the Qur'an. What I loved about the story is that because the author intertwines all these stories you truly start to see the similarities between Christianity and Islam.  So why can't we all notice these similarities and connect our own stories in order to create a more peaceful existence?  Among other topics touched upon in this graphic novel are kidnapping, slavery, child abuse, ecological warfare, castration, suicide attempts, female submission and rape.  So with that being said, this is not a book for children.  Horrible and hateful things happen to both Zam and Dodola while they are children, but it is the foundation for the climax of the story, which speaks to the overwhelming power of love.  God's/Allah's love as well as love for one another.  There is a lot of mature content, but if comparative religion interests you, this is one to pick up.

Bird by Bird

I have been taking my time with Bird by Bird specifically because I want to write.  This book has great insight into the art of writing and the real reasons one should pursue it. I view it as an instructional guide for me. Now all that remains is for me to put words to the paper and cast fear aside.  I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to write.  I put post-it notes in the book and underlined key points.  Yes, it was that serious for me. The author does an excellent job of making the topic funny as well.  If you can't laugh at the ups and downs that go along with putting yourself out there to be eviscerated, then you will most certainly end up crying.

Playing God in the Nursery

This book was mentioned at one of our patient management meetings when we were discussing NICU care.  So of course I had to pick it up because, having worked in a NICU for a little over 4 years, I have a big interest in it.  The disclaimer is that this book was written in the 80s when hospitals still had smoking lounges and words like "defective", "crippled",  "retarded", and "handicapped" were acceptable.  So if words like that will offend you, this may not be the medical history book you want to read.  The book does a very good, detailed job of describing the evolution of NICU care and the consequences of that care.  It raises the very same ethical questions that we are still dealing with to this day.  I found it interesting, but only if you have worked in a NICU or have a keen interest in NICUs and ethics. Otherwise you may be too bored to care.

The Sense of an Ending

Hmmm, I don't quite know where to begin with this book.  I keep getting sidetracked from my 2012 book list and reading whatever catches my eye or whatever someone is excited about. This is a book that a friend of mine was so excited about that he emailed me and practically demanded I get it the next day. I enjoyed reading it, but it's one of those books that left me frustrated at the end.  I wanted an open and shut plot, but didn't get that.  It's a short book coming in shy of 165 pages.  Still, I'm trying to figure out what is real and what is a figment of the narrator's imagination.  The main premise of the book is that memory is unreliable and we create the history that best suits us at the time of recollection.  However, if we were to step back and really look at our past with a magnifying glass we would be confronted with the imperfections that show all the warts that make our lives ugly. This is a book that could be deconstructed in a literature class and still have many unanswered questions.  There is no clear answer, and perhaps that *is* the answer.

Eighteen Acres

My cousin recommended this book to me.  If you are into politics and the inner workings of the White House, this novel may interest you.  It was okay but I found the characters to be one sided and not fully developed.  One of the characters has a history of a failed marriage in the past and the author doesn't describe what happened in that marriage until around page 220 and the book is 280 pages.  How can a reader understand a character's motivation if her history is unclear?  By the time she described the earlier marriage I had forgotten that she was married. Anyway, the story follows the first female president and the scandals that pop up and try to derail her campaign for re-election.  The story is told from the perspective of three women (the President, a journalist, and the chief of staff). It reads very quickly and, since the author is Republican, has shades of Sarah Palin portrayed towards the end.  The story doesn't really have any surprises. If you've ever followed a political campaign in the media, you can pretty much guess what happens.  Also, I wasn't particularly drawn to any of the characters, but I'd put it in the "decent travel book" category.  It's fine if you're on a plane, train or car trip and want to pass the time.

The Book Thief

Well this is the first book of 2012 that got me misty-eyed.  If I were to over simplify it, this is a book about love.  First love, familial love, community love, agape love. The narrator of the novel is Death, but he/she tells a lovely story.  Set during the beginning of WWII, we follow a young foster child and the years she lived with one particular family on a moderately poor street in an unassuming German neighborhood.  At the beginning of the book she is illiterate, but has one book in her possession.  As she starts to learn how to read she is insatiable in her quest for more books. This desire leads to many poignant relationships in her young life.  I am hesitant to give too much of the story away because there are several sub-plots that are tied together quite well in the end.  If I discuss one sub-plot, I will feel compelled to discuss the entire plot and give some key information away.  Instead, I will leave it up to the reader to grab a copy of the book and let the story envelope you.  It's haunting, but very memorable.

The Art of Non-Conformity

This was a quick read that I finished in about 4 days (yes, another one that's not on my 2012 list...I keep taking these little unforeseen detours).  It has some pretty interesting ideas.  The single most interesting idea I read in the book was a one year self-directed, alternative graduate school experience outline. The book, if you couldn't guess, is about going against the grain and doing what you want to do instead of what society dictates you should be doing.  There are definitely some useful ideas in here to kickstart some creative thinking if you are trying to stop running around that never ending hamster wheel.  If you already know that a desk job and the rat race is not your ideal life, pick this book up for more ideas about how you can move forward and away from that lifestyle.