This one was a disappointment for me. It felt that the author made a point to mention certain things, and then never resolved them, leaving me with qu...moreThis one was a disappointment for me. It felt that the author made a point to mention certain things, and then never resolved them, leaving me with questions about why it was brought up in the first place. I just don't feel like everything came together in the end...lots of loose end left hanging. Skip the book--see the musical!(less)
Half a box of tissues later, and I love Paul Cardall even more than I did before I read this book. His story is nothing short of miraculous and his bo...moreHalf a box of tissues later, and I love Paul Cardall even more than I did before I read this book. His story is nothing short of miraculous and his book is full of inspiration that makes me want to live a more meaningful life. I've followed his blog since 2008, when he was first listed to receive a heart transplant, and it was fun to re-read many of those entries in this book, along with additional commentary on what he and his family were experiencing as they waited for a new heart and a second chance at life to come to him. Over the years, Paul's music has brought me comfort in times of grief, and his words bring healing as well. This book is an excellent read for someone struggling with the loss of a loved one as well as those who might need a reminder of the miracles, large and small, that surround us each day.(less)
The review is short and sweet on this one: Cute little love story and a very easy read. Perhaps a bit "too good to be true", but we all need one of th...moreThe review is short and sweet on this one: Cute little love story and a very easy read. Perhaps a bit "too good to be true", but we all need one of those stories once in a while, right? (less)
This one simply didn't grab me....I made it about 2/3's of the way through when I decided that the effort it was taking to make myself continue readin...moreThis one simply didn't grab me....I made it about 2/3's of the way through when I decided that the effort it was taking to make myself continue reading just wasn't worth it.(less)
Matched is another of those young adult novels that I've heard about at every turn and figured I needed to see what all the fuss was about. The hold l...moreMatched is another of those young adult novels that I've heard about at every turn and figured I needed to see what all the fuss was about. The hold list at the library has been long for quite some time, so I was surprised when I found a copy on the shelf last week. I didn't even read the summary on the dust jacket, so I really had no idea what it was about and just dived in. Turns out, the society in which the characters live is straight out of Lois Lowry's The Giver, and the love story is awfully reminiscent of Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series. Since I enjoyed both of those books, I won't necessarily say that's a bad thing, just not very original. There's really not much substance in Matched, but it's an easy read worthy of being deemed a somewhat enjoyable time-waster.(less)
I picked this book up somewhat randomly off the shelf at the library. I have been meaning to read another of the author's books and since it wasn't in...moreI picked this book up somewhat randomly off the shelf at the library. I have been meaning to read another of the author's books and since it wasn't in stock, I grabbed this one instead. The back cover described it as an "unsentimental love story" which intruiged me. A love story that's not sentimental? I was curious how the author would pull that off, and pull it off she did!
The book basically follows Carl and Annie through their first year of marriage....just their everyday lives. Nothing spectacular happens, and yet the book held my attention. Perhaps it was the reminiscing about my own first year of marriage, and the understanding I had of the daily ups and downs that come with being newlyweds, but I quite enjoyed this book. It didn't really "wow" me, but it was a pleasant read nonetheless.(less)
The first thing that I noticed about The Book Thief is how beautifully it's written. Markus Zusak combines words in such a way that they are like a ri...moreThe first thing that I noticed about The Book Thief is how beautifully it's written. Markus Zusak combines words in such a way that they are like a rich dessert. Reading The Book Thief was like biting into a perfect slice of cheesecake.
Set in Nazi Germany, The Book Thief follows Liesel as her mother gives her over to a foster home and she learns to adapt to her new environment. The characters are real and believable and quickly endearing.
One word of warning--this is a sad book. I had no idea the emotional depths to which it would take me and the last 50 pages or so have some real tear-jerker moments. If you're in the mood for something uplifting, this might not be the book to pick up. In spite of that, upon reading the last words, the whole story came together with a feeling of contentment.(less)
I picked this book up to read while travelling to visit my sister in Washington DC. Then, I decided maybe it wasn't the best choice, as I have a bit o...moreI picked this book up to read while travelling to visit my sister in Washington DC. Then, I decided maybe it wasn't the best choice, as I have a bit of anxiety over flying and this book involves a plane crash. Thankfully I was able to put that aside and continue reading because this book was wonderful. I've read Nie's blog for years, so I already knew much of the story, but she goes into the deeper emotions and pain that she experienced while recovering from her injuries and it's simply heartbreaking.....and then triumphant as you see her rise from the depression and make the choice to embrace the life she's been given. I loved this book!(less)
Loading...
