false 14 39 31 true 5744804 read 1 true 2134343 currently-reading 7 true 2134342 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/14007882 Alice's review of The Blind Assassin
by Margaret Atwood

Ditto, Heather--people have recommended other Atwood books to me and I've just stayed away. I don't want to invest the (huge amount) of time. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/45325030 to: Daughter of Fortune: A Novel (P.S.) by Isabel Allende
I enjoyed the fascinating history of this book and was so impressed with the research she must have done. But the story itself meandered a bit for me, and I didn't care much for any of the characters, except maybe Tao. For me, this book was a great way to learn some history, rather than really get into the characters and plot. I thought I wouldn't be able to put it down, but actually found myself putting it down quite a bit. It was more of a birds-eye view of history than a peek into the characters real feelings, I thought. However, the birds-eye view was done so well, with the smallest details bringing it to life. Now I want to read a book about the California Gold Rush! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/71082928 Sarah's review of The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

Thank you, Sar! Finally, a little validation. :) ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/70869629 to: The Help (Hardcover) by Kathryn Stockett
Loved everything about this book. Warm, funny, bittersweet, eye-opening in all the right ways. Such a unique perspective on the civil rights movement and race relations in general. I miss the characters in it already. I am (loudly) recommending this book to everyone I know. Thanks for recommending it first, Lisa. Loved it! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/65823467 Bringing Up Geeks: How to Protect Your Kid's Childhood in a Grow-Up-Too-Fast World (Paperback) by Marybeth Hicks
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/65038487 What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love (Hardcover) by Carole Radziwill
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/42987806 to: The Stone Diaries (Paperback) by Carol Shields
I hovered between four and five stars on this one. The writing is absolutely flawless--from the first page, I couldn't put it down. I decided on four stars because, though I loved the book, I didn't feel as bound to the characters as I have in other books I've read. However, that was kind of the point, I think--this woman's life is so vacant of real love and passion, the reader can't get close to her. I highly recommend this book, though...if you want to soak up some seriously good writing, read it! It would make a great book club book; lots of interesting ideas to discuss. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/60553961 Jennifer's review of I Capture the Castle
by Dodie Smith

No way...you always sound brilliant. And I've noticed we like the same kinds of books (did I mention you were brilliant? You know what they say about great minds thinking alike...haha)

And don't feel bad--I just blame my inability to articulate my thoughts on my kids. I pretty much do this with every personal flaw I have. The way I see it, once you have children, you never have to take responsibility for any of your shortcomings ever again. (and yes, that sentence was poorly worded!:) ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/60553961 I Capture the Castle (Hardcover) by Dodie Smith
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/57058235 to: Marley & Me: Love and Life with the World's Worst Dog (Hardcover) by John Grogan
I should probably give this book four stars, because I really enjoyed it. It would get 5 stars from dog lovers! I was looking for an upbeat, friendly book and this definitely fit the bill. I'll give it 3.5 stars for writing, 4.5 stars for likeability. The movie was cute, too. ]]>