BOOKS: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collings

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars






View all my reviews

Compelling story (read all 3 books in a day) but completely harsh and brutal. I just don't think I could recommend this to anyone. It was just so terribly disturbing. The idea of young kids killing each other for entertainment was beyond repulsive.  However, it was well-written and had a strong/likeable female main character. I'm torn between rating it a "1" or a "5".
 

BOOKS: The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Very fun and easy read!  I loved how she built such an engaging story around an old fairytale theme. 



View all my reviews

BOOKS: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Excellent book! I'm glad I finally decided to give it a chance. 



View all my reviews

BOOK: The Origins of the British People by Stephen Oppeneimer

The Origins of the British: A Genetic Detective Story by Stephen Oppenheimer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A fascinating look at ancient British history. 



View all my reviews

BOOKS: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars





I was reluctant to read this since it was set as a series of letters.  I'm glad I finally did though.  It was a very sweet story. 



View all my reviews

BOOKS: The Boy Who Harnassed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope by William Kamkwamba

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




Favorite Quote:  "If you want to make it, all you have to do is try."



Thoughts:  This was an amazing story about a poor African boy who survived a famine, had to drop out of school for financial reasons and then educated himself through the village's library.  He built a windmill and wired lights in his house with scraps. He eventually accomplished his dream of developing a water pump for his family and his village. His hopeful spirit shines through this book.  



View all my reviews

BOOKS: The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama

The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Sweet and uplifting story.  Promoted values and maintaining strong family ties. Also emphasized the importance of compromise and respect for relationships to succeed.  Loved the main characters and the multicultural Indian setting. Am looking forward to future books!



View all my reviews

BOOKS: Finding Ben by Barbara Lasalle

Finding Ben : A Mother's Journey Through the Maze of Asperger's by Barbara LaSalle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book was an incredibly honest portrayal of the author's feelings. I can definitely relate to the frustration and disappointment involved with raising a child/adolescent with undiagnosed Asperger's.  It seems like your entire life revolves around the questions:  "What is wrong with my child?" and "What can I do to fix it?". It is even harder when others wonder, sometimes accusingly, why your child acts so different sometimes.

Anyway, the book was very well-written and very honest.  I admire the fact that the author was willing to publish the reality of her shame and disgust.   It's easy to be critical of that.  My daughter was higher functioning and we had an incredible amount of support from various family members and our synagogue.  This really was about her search and desperation to love and appreciate the beauty in her son.   And that was very touching and beautiful.  

I most enjoyed her writing about her visits with Jack and their conversation about the beauty and poetry of people on the out.  That section alone would make this book well worth reading.  



View all my reviews

BOOKS: Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty

Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Interesting Read. Recently discovered that one of my ancestors was kidnapped from Scotland as a young girl and sold into indentured service around 1690. I was astounded by the numbers of people who kidnapped from Ireland and Scotland and forced to become indentured servants.  Almost unbelievable!  Am also planning to read "The Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom. It's a similar story that takes place in Virginia and has some excellent reviews.



View all my reviews

BOOKS: A Monk Jumped Over a Wall by Jay Nussbaum

A Monk Jumped over a Wall by Jay Nussbaum

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






I liked the message about trying to find your own path in life by following your own voice instead of the voices of others. 

I also loved the section where J.J.'s realizes that he hasn't heard his own voice for a long time and identifies the voices that have been guiding his path:

         1.  His mother's:  "what are you waiting for, a round of applause?"
         2.  His father's:  "Why was I cursed with this family of losers?"

Then, J.J. finally remembers his old mentor's advice:  "You can spend the rest of your life trying to get even with a memory, or you can just tell him to [****:] off.   It's a little crude but the advice is right on the money.   



View all my reviews