After challenging myself to read for my own enjoyment last year, and meeting my challenge, I'm going for it again this year. However, I've increased the challenge from one book per month to 20 books for the year.
I'm also adding my thoughts on the books as I finish them, something I did not do last year.
(Update: 29 books, 12, 911 pages! See my Year in Books here)
Counting by 7s by Holly Golderg Sloan
This was a very quick read and one I really enjoyed. 12-year-old Willow Chance has just lost both her parents in one horrible accident. What follows is a young girl learning to navigate and piece back together a shattered life. Willow's intelligence is admirable and never annoying, her grief real and not melodramatic. Since the book is geared toward a middle school audience, one might assume the writing would be too simple for an older audience, but this is not the case with the novel. It's straightforward narrative, and impressive vocabulary for a YA novel, makes it a compelling read about grief that doesn't sugar coat or infantilize the subject for younger readers. 4/5
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
This one didn't grab me as much as previous Morton books have. I liked the ending and how it all came together, but I feel like she could have gotten there sooner. I was interested in the book, but not enough to not let other distractions interfere and I think that was because of the drawn out nature of the narrative. In the end, an enjoyable read. 3/5
Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town
As I read this book, I kept adding to my list of people who should read it. At first I was thinking parents of young women about to enter college, then I was thinking the young women themselves and now I realize everyone is a stake holder in rape culture, from the those who may be victimized to those who might be perpetrators, from law enforcement to educators, from coaches to athletes and every possible combination in between. I was not surprised by the treatment victims received, even when perpetrators confessed to the crime. While so much of the book enraged me, there were important facts about how victims of sexual assaults behave after the fact and about the probability of rapists to rape again that should one ever find him/herself in the presence of a rape victim--either as a friend or a jury member--they'll have a better understanding of the larger issue and hopefully more compassion than judgement. While the book focuses on one town, rape culture is an issue nationwide and an important topic for everyone to educate themselves about. 5/5
At Water's Edge by Sara Gruen
It took me awhile to care about the lives of the main characters. But, it was a book set during WWII and in Scotland, so naturally, I stuck with it. Ultimately, I enjoyed the book. I would have liked more about where Maddie ends up because the post-war events seem more compelling than some of the events that take place in the novel. I did end up appreciating Maddie's character and her growth. 3.5/4
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
I do not think I've read a more compelling nonfiction book. Rowing is not something that particularly appeals to me, though I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for the sport having read this book. Yet, the author was able to make me care about rowing because I cared about the men in the boat. Also interesting was the history behind the 1936 Olympics and the extensive propaganda carried out to keep the world from discovering Germany's true intentions. I loved it. 5/5
Charlotte Grey by Sabastian Faulks
I really enjoyed this book, however, since I've been rather immersed in WWII literature throughout the year, I feel a great deal of the story blended into others that I've read. That being said, I admired Charlotte Grey's character and all the people she befriends along her mission to help the Resistance and find closure for herself on many fronts. Worth the read, but not knocking All the Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale from the top of my WWII favorites. 4/5
Blur: How to Know What's True in the Age of Information Overload
I was really hoping for more from this book. There was some interesting information, especially about how the shape of journalism has changed with the explosion of technology. I liked that the authors were optimistic about the survivability of journalism, even with the new technology that has taken a great deal of the fact finding out of professional journalists' hands and put it into the hands of citizens. However, I thought there'd be a bit more about navigating the new media. Also, the book was quite repetitive. 2.5/5
It's What I Do: A Photographer's Life of Love and War by Lynsey Addario
When I first learned of this book, everyone was consumed with what color a dress was. I saw Addario's interview on The Daily Show and tweeted, "Journalism is more than the color of a dress." Addario's story, and her desire to document important, and dangerous, events is what I needed at a time when I'm getting more and more frustrated by what makes news. I was completely riveted by this book. It simultaneously discusses the importance of photographs in telling the complete story as well as the importance of truth in journalism. I admire Addario's passion for her work, and her desire to get the full story in order to educate us at home in matters so few of us think about, let alone put ourselves on the line for. She gives voice to those who can't stand up for themselves, or who are censored from sharing their truth. This is definitely a book I'll be adding to my journalism curriculum.
Written in my Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon
If this is the last of the Outlander series, I will be sad but satisfied. It definitely ends on a note of completion, while still leaving more that could be told should Gabaldon want to continue with these compelling characters. As with previous books in the series, there were many seemingly implausible coincidences, and a never-ending series of unfortunate events that the characters must navigate in this novel, but it was all the more interesting to read because of the adventures and the characters involved. I will most likely re-read this series again--especially with the Starz series doing a nice job of bringing these characters to life. 4.5/5
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
At first the book was a bit slow, but as it picked up, I got more into the story and the characters. It was interesting to learn about the custom of bacha posh--the practice of passing a young daughter off as a son--and to think that puberty is the cut-off line for when a girl is seen as useful to her family. I liked the parallel narrative of Rahima and Shekiba, but felt the ending for both was rushed. I have not issue with open-ended conclusions, but how the author got there was abrupt. The book lends itself to great discussions of gender identity and freedom in one's own skin. 4.5/5
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
I am struck by how much this book discusses without making a point to discuss each item. It is a really relevant read when we consider just how we define happiness and success. It is also an accurate, and honestly sad, depiction of our society. As to the characters, I found Craig likable, which made me care about his journey to feeling better. I love that the author wrote his family the way he did as well, but I do not want to say too much since some of you may be reading this review before reading/finishing the book. Overall, a good read. 4/5
An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
The American Revolution is under way, but the greatest dangers facing the Fraser clan aren't from bullets and bayonets. Much of what occurs in earlier books come back to haunt the family: Bonnie Prince Charlie's gold, what/who Roger and Brianna are, William's paternity, and Loaghaire MacKenzie are just a few. I realized how much I missed these characters, even though many of the conflicts are outlandish (see what I did there...), I can't help but be drawn in to every one. It seems that Gabaldon has indeed done what I hoped in my previous review, as this novel was not as long and drawn out as the others. In fact, it leaves many ends loose, which I'm sure will come to a tidy end in the last installment of the series. I am hesitant to begin as it means that I will be finished with the series. 4.5/5
Sea Glass by Anita Shreve
I really enjoyed this book. At first, the multiple narratives (each chapter is a different point of view, and there are a good number of them) was a bit distracting because I had to keep reminding myself who this character was. However, once they start to come together, the story really takes off and I found myself growing really attached to many of the characters. This was a quick and enjoyable read. It was fun having it set close by too, even if the place itself is fictional. 4/5
I Always Loved You by Robin Oliveira
I am a big fan of Oliveira's My Name is Mary Sutter, so there was a great deal for this book to live up to. There were many similarities between Mary Sutter and Mary Cassatt, mainly their strong wills and their steadfast devotion to their craft. It was interesting reading about the impressionists and getting a better sense of the Salon as I had read about it in Gladwell's David & Goliath. I really like Oliveira's musings on creating art, the struggles to get it right and the vulnerability of the artists, as it relates so well to writing also. I found myself torn, as Mary is, between admiration for Degas and revulsion for his actions--particularly with those he claims to have feelings for. A nice follow-up to Mary Sutter, though it does not surpass it. 4/5
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. I have read other books by Kristin Hannah, and while I liked them, one might categorize them as "chick lit"--which is well and good for a fun, quick read. But when you're reading a book about WWII, chick lit isn't going to have the gravitas one would expect. I'm glad I got over myself and read this despite my preconceived notion of what it would be like. Though the book was a little slow in the beginning, it wound up being a wonderful read. I loved Isabelle's fierce spirit, Vianne's reluctant courage and the way the sisters come to understand their father through "their" war. There are some predictable moments, but many poignant ones as well. Overall, the book offers flawed (as in personality, not writing) but admirable characters as well as numerous lessons on how little time we have to tell those we love how much we do and how important it is to do something that matters. 5/5
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
I have admired Malala since her shooting made headlines. After reading her memoir, my respect and admiration has grown tenfold. She is so humble and forgiving and her writing is compelling. The end of her story is a bit abrupt, although the epilogue does a nice job rounding out some of the details one might want to know about. At times there is a great deal of Pakastani history that can get dry, which takes away from Malala's rich voice. However, her love of education and hope for peace more than make up for some of the drier earlier passages. 4/5
Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison
I went into this book expecting to learn more about individuals with Asperger's. I certainly received an education about why Aspergians act in certain ways or what leads people to miss, or misdiagnose, those with Asperger's. What I wasn't expecting was a memoir that reads much like most memoirs. There were moments I was shocked by Robison's behavior (Asperger's or not), times I felt an immense amount of sympathy for him and the judgement passed on him for issues well out of his control, and times I found him absolutely hysterical and warm. While his diagnosis--many, many years later--is part of the story, it certainly isn't the whole story. The book should make readers question our judgement of others, whether deemed misfits by society, or by our own perceptions of what is not "normal" or what is odd. 4.5/5
Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman
I find myself repeatedly drawn to stories that have Scotland in them, even if it is brief. This novel takes the reader from Scotland, to Australia to England and incorporates the stories of grandmother and granddaughter. I really enjoyed reading Beattie's part of this story. There were elements that reminded me of The Tea Rose--a young woman with everything working against her pushes forward to have the future she envisions. I enjoyed the parallel story of Emma, mostly because of the dancing references. However, it was hard to embrace her as much as Beattie since Emma was not a very likable person in her dancing life. All in all, an entertaining read. 4/5
The Sterile Cuckoo by John Nichols
I had never heard of this book before a graduating senior gave it to me as a gift. Pookie Adams, the main character, is a favorite of hers. Since she is well-read, and an old soul, I believed she was on to something. It is fitting that she gave this to me as she was leaving high school and about to go to college, because it is a great book for someone entering that phase of his/her life. College is about challenging the perceptions you have about who you were in high school, and whether you are still that person. It is about new relationships, friendly or romantic, and finding people that will help you figure out who you are. Jerry Payne and Pookie Adams do that for each other. At times, Pookie's eccentricity is a bit much, but when I think back on some of the characters I met my freshmen year of college, I realize that her over-the-top personality is pretty spot on. One thing that left me a bit haunted is the ending, and Jerry's decision--but you'd have to read it to understand what I'm talking about. 4/5
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
This is the third of Morton's books I've read, the first being The Forgotten Garden and House at Riverton the second. I was nervous to read another of her novels because I loved Garden and House so much, and some of the reviews were not as positive. However, this one was great, too. I loved the different points of view, the mystery of the mud man's origins and the Blythe sisters' secrets. While the ultimate secret seemed obvious, there was a twist that made waiting until the very last page worth it. 4/5
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
This was a great and quick read. I really enjoyed Josie's character and her convictions. The secondary characters were great, the humor was well-written and woven throughout, the literary references were very satisfying for the book nerd as well. I can't wait to read her first book. 4.5/5
The Observations by Jane Harris
There was little compelling about this book. The main character had her funny moments, but the writing bothered me (I understand it improves as she continues narrating, but the style was off-putting). After about half way through the book, I found myself finding other things to do rather than read. I kept waiting for the big secret to be revealed, and was not surprised or interested when it was. Overall, not my cup of tea. 2/5
A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
I took a little break from the Outlander series, which I love, to delve into some other books for a bit. It was nice to take a break from the gargantuan texts that Gabaldon puts out; however, it was nice to be back among old friends and some seriously far-out scenarios. The sixth book in the series brings us up to the American Revolution--a dicy proposition for our Scottish hero who has taken an oath of loyalty to the crown, but, from his time-traveling wife, knows the crown will be on the losing side. As with the previous novels, the characters are compelling and endearing, especially Jamie Fraser. Yet, there are certainly times where Gabaldon could opt to save a tree and some ink and condense the narrative a bit. However, I'll be back to join the Fraser clan after another hiatus. 4/5
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
This one was definitely a page-turner. There was a good balance of crazy as well as shades of humanity to keep me wondering if the characters were straight up deranged, haunted, or a mix of both. It popped up on my Goodreads feed since I liked Gone Girl. For people who enjoyed Flynn's twist-filled mystery, this is a nice follow up. However, don't expect as many twists. 4/5
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
This was a sweet read. I enjoyed the narrator and the local color, but was hoping for a bit more depth. The narrator's granddaughter asks her how she came to be the woman she is. Since Addie lived during some of the most dynamic events in history, especially with regards to women's rights, I thought they're were opportunities to really develop her character unexplored. Even though there are things I would have liked added into the narrative, I still liked the book. It was a quick read and enjoyable. 3/5
All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
This was my favorite read of 2015 so far. Doerr brings each character in the book to life with very little effort. I was rooting for Marie-Laure and Werner throughout the entire novel. The relationships in the novel, father-daughter, sister-brother, uncle-niece, and everything in between were authentic and sincere. I loved how Doerr showed us who each of these characters was through his/her relationships with others. The structure of the novel was great too in that each chapter was extremely short, and left me wanting to know more about that character. However, to get to the next step, I had to read another, equally compelling, piece of another character's plot line. Lastly, I loved that there were so many perspectives of the war introduced--the occupied, the German soldier, the opportunistic jeweler, the innocent children of both Germany and France, the rebels, the weak and selfish, the brave. I loved it. My rating: 5/5
Close Your Eyes and Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian
I have only read one other of Bohjalian's books, Midwives. This one was given to me by my friend and teaching mentor. I liked it, but didn't love it. The narrative structure jumps around too much. While that may have been done to reflect the narrator's state of mind, it wasn't done well enough to make me appreciate what he was trying to do. I did love the infusion of Emily Dickinson's poetry throughout, though. Each poem selected for that particular moment in Emily's life was appropriate and added a nice layer to the reading. My rating: 3/5
Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fford
I loved Fford's previous book, The Eyre Affair, based on one of my favorite books, Jane Eyre. Thursday Next, the book's protagonist, accidentally changes the ending of Charlotte Bronte's masterpiece in The Eyre Affair. Lost in a Good Book picks up with Thursday after her adventures into Jane Eyre. She journeys into Dickens's Great Expectations and Poe's The Raven in the second installment. However, this time around, he took too long to get to the plot. A great deal of time was spent on rehashing background. It wasn't until about half way through the book that I was actually looking forward to picking it up again.
My rating 3.5/5
Unbreakable by Laura Hillenbrand
I really enjoy reading about actual people and their accomplishments. Overall, I was amazed and awed by Louis Zamperini and Hillenbrand's way of telling his story was compelling. My rating: 4/5
I also read S by Doug Dorst & JJ Abrams. However, it is really complex and has multiple reading layers. So, I've not 100% completed it.
A note on S: I am extremely excited and nervous to delve into this novel. It has been on my to-read list for over a year. As with any JJ Abrams work, I know it will be layered and will demand a great deal of focus and attention. With this in mind, I'm going to be blogging my journey through the novel in hopes of using my reading lessons with my classes next year. You can view my reader's blog here.
A second note: I've completed one read-through of the book. Now I'm revisiting all the annotations left by Eric and Jen and piecing together their mystery of the author.
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