false 17 170 151 true 5708217 read 1 true 1781735 currently-reading 18 true 1781734 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/47302131 The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel (Paperback) by Diane Setterfield
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78005344 to: The Hour I First Believed (Paperback) by Wally Lamb
I've always enjoyed Wally Lamb's books, if only for their quirkiness, and this one does not disappoint. It's almost like Lamb didn't quite know what to do with this story since it goes so many directions and encompasses such a vast array of characters that at times you're left confused as to EXACTLY he's referring to. Overall, it's still a good read but not a stellar as a I would have expected. The story begins as the narrator is teaching at Columbine High School in Colorado. While on a trip back east, his wife ends up hiding in the library of the high school during the now-famous shooting. From there, Lamb traces the story of the narrator and wife over a period of several years and takes the story in some random but interesting directions. Not for the faint of heart (for a variety of reasons) but a decent read if you can appreciate Lamb's style for what it is. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78731351 to: American on Purpose (Hardcover) by Craig Ferguson
Maybe because I don't totally love non-fiction as a general rule, I thought this book was good but not great. Enjoyed Ferguson's fiction much more. It is, however, an interesting (though gritty) read, chronicling Ferguson's childhood in Scotland, subsequent stint as a drummer in a punk band, and eventual success in America. A good read if you are interested in Ferguson's background but not one that necessarily has universal appeal. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/69914178 to: Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel (Hardcover) by Jeannette Walls
This is another great read from Jeannette Walls. Walls does an excellent job of portraying her grandmother's history while making the storie interesting and inviting. The book is structure around short chapters which make it easy to pick up and jump right back into the story. I loved The Glass Castle and I think Half Broke Horses is just as good. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78005216 A Mighty Heart (Paperback) by Mariane Pearl
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77201408 to: Day After Night: A Novel (Hardcover) by Anita Diamant
I really enjoyed this book. Great story told through the perspective of four distinct characters about Jews who escaped Nazi Germany for Israel, only to be captured by the British and held in internment camps. Not for the faint of heart but definitely a page turner. Anita Diamont is a good, reliable author and this book definitely does not disappoint. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75023418 to: Love Walked In (Paperback) by Marisa de los Santos
Not realizing this book was part of a series, I read the sequel first and then backtracked to this one. That probably effected my perception since I already knew what happened with the characters. Still, a good light-hearted read. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73499636 to: Belong to Me: A Novel (Hardcover) by Marisa de los Santos
Great easy read! Loved the characters, good plot lines. I found out after the fact that this is actually the second book by this author with basically the same set of characters (not necessarily billed as a series, but same characters earlier in life) so I intend to go back and read that now. Anyway, it's not Tolstoy but a good enough read that I'll look for other books by this author. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/73499283 to: Barefoot: A Novel (Hardcover) by Elin Hilderbrand
A great beach book. Tells the story of two sisters and a friend who escape to Nantucket for the summer. Each has her own issue which she works to resolve over the summer. Perfect escapist reading if you're looking for something light and fun. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/72017403 to: An Unfinished Life (Paperback) by Mark Spragg
Excellent read written in a similar style to that of Kent Haruf (in fact it appears that Haruf acted as mentor to Spragg). Clever storyline with charming characters that will draw you in. However, does contain some strong language so not appropriate for everyone. ]]>