The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

My latest read is by the same author who wrote Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair (I've read both books but never reviewed those...huh).  I was on the fence between 4 and 4.5 stars but went with the 4.5 because of the amount of thinking this book made me do. And by the way - though the book is fiction, the characters were real people, living during this time period...famous people who fought for women's rights and abolitionists.

The synopsis: In 1803, Sarah Grimke,  turned 11 years old and the gift she receives from her mother is ownership of her own slave, Hetty "Handful".  She is disgusted by the gift because she is disgusted by slavery but due to the rigid Southern way of life, she has no ability (at 11) to change anything (in fact, South Carolina law prevented it).  The rest of the novel follows Sarah and Handful as they plod through their lives and the challenges they are forced to muddle through (slavery, being a woman in the 1800s with no rights).

This novel was so upsetting in so many ways (the torture/punishments meted out were horrible) but what really got to me were some of the things that went through my head while reading. For example, at one point Handful was doing something that went against the "rules" (taking a bath in the bathtub meant for Sarah).  I was reading and thinking, "Oh God, get out, get out...you're going to get caught! Why are you doing this!?" And then I thought, "My God! What am I thinking?! Why can't she take a bath?! Why should she fear getting whipped just because she takes a bath!?"  Sad, scary.

At times, reading this book, I got frustrated because it felt like Sarah was constantly reinventing herself (her beliefs, what was important to her, who and what she wanted to be) but after finishing the novel, it made sense.  This was a woman who was striving to find a purpose throughout her life but every time she found something that she wanted to do, a door would slam in her face. And I realized, it wasn't flightiness or indecision that kept her turning in a new direction.  It was society and the rules that were forced on women.  I can't imagine having to live during that time.  Strong women were shunned and ostracized and never given a chance to have the life they wanted.  And though there is NO comparison between what women went through at that time and the plight that the slaves were forced to endure, there is still a parallel...it's quite interesting and worth the read, for sure!

Love Anthony by Lisa Genova

I love this author.  If you've never read her, you must.  She takes subjects (autism, Alzheimer's, brain damage) and gives such a knowledgeable voice to them...it boggles the mind. 

In Love Anthony, one of our two main characters is Beth who is going through a devastating time in her life when her husband of 14 years cheats on her.  As a way of coping, she starts writing a novel about a boy with autism, told through the boys voice.  Our second main character is Olivia, a woman running from the memories of her autistic son who has recently passed after suffering a seizure.  The paths of these two women unexpectedly cross at a time when they both are at a turning point - one which will make or break them. 

I read this book in 2 days.  It was amazing.  It gives such an amazing voice to autism that you wonder if Lisa Genova has some sort of insight into the minds of these kids.  For anyone who works with kids who have autism, parents with kids who have autism or truly anyone who has ever come across someone with autism, you MUST read this.  It is amazing.  (And read the other books by this author as well...you won't be disappointed.)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

My latest read is a book that's been on my shelves for a few years.  I originally got it with the thought of reading it with the kids at school. Additionally it's on a subject that fascinates me:  The Holocaust.  This one, however, is a bit against the norm.

In The Book Thief, the narrator is Death.  Not the devil; not someone/something evil but the collectors of souls.  The story takes place in Germany during World War II.  Our main character is Liesel Meminger, who, at the age of nine, has already lost everything she holds dear.  She never knew her father; her mother, was a communist and so hunted by the Nazi's, and is forced to give Leisel away with the hope of giving her a life; Leisel's brother died en route to their new parents.  Leisel arrives in the blue-collar neighborhood of Molching.  Her new "mother" is a tough-talking, name-calling woman who loves in her own way, though it takes Leisel a long time to realize this.  Her new "father" is what, at first, gets Leisel through the toughest time in her short life.  With his assistance, Liesel learns how to read and learns how to cope with her nightmares. And as the war picks up speed and things (luxuries like books) are hard to come by, Leisel starts stealing to feed her new love of reading.  With each new book collected, Leisel's life changes.

This was such a different book told in such a unique way.  I took my time reading this because it was a tough subject with a lot of heartache but well worth the read.  Often when I read books about the Holocaust I wonder how a whole German society could let what happened during WWII happen.  This book showed me that most likely, people didn't just sit back and let things happen.  In their own ways they rebelled and did what they could to thumb their noses at Hitler.  Realistically, however, those living in such an upside down society were most focused on surviving.  After reading The Book Thief, I get that. 

I highly recommend this book.  I don't know that I could read it with my kids at school because it is very confusing and would boggle them but anyone else should read it.  (And there's a movie now too).

The Time of My Life by Cecelia Ahern

My latest listen was a completely enjoyable book that I didn't want to end.  The narrator did a great job and I can't wait to listen to another novel by Cecelia Ahern.

The Time of My Life is about Lucy Silchester whose actual life has gotten away from her.  She's living a completely underwhelming existence in a job she hates (that she got under false pretenses), with a family that makes no effort in hiding their disappointment in her and the friends she has no longer know her because she's been telling them lie after lie for nearly three years. Along comes "her life" in the form of a middle-aged businessman who is bent on helping Lucy regain a happier existence; one where she no longer needs to pretend.

I loved this book, like I said, and would imagine that the written word would be just as entertaining as the spoken.  Read this...an easy and utterly enjoyable book. 

Dust by Patricia Cornwell

My latest is another from the Kay Scarpetta series.  This one takes place just after the Sandyhook massacre and Kay has just returned to Boston after working in assisting with the autopsies of the children.  She is spent, exhausted and sick but alas, another seemingly impossible murder lands on her doorstep.  Compound all that with the fact that the murder is pointing towards another serial kill, and her work is cut out for her and her team.

I have to say - I do love Patricia Cornwell but I'm wondering if she isn't getting to rote, too quick in producing her novels.  She certainly is thorough in her knowledge but is it reasonable that the events that take place, do so in a matter of hours?  I'm not so sure that's realistic...even for a work of fiction.  That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and would continue to recommend the series to anyone who likes a who-done-it. 

We Are Water by Wally Lamb

My latest is the 4th novel I've read of Wally Lamb's.  (He's had non-fiction I've read as well). As usual - he doesn't fail to amaze in his writing.

We Are Water is a novel that centers around Annie Oh and the life-changing decisions she's made at a time when most people are settling in to middle age.  A time when most people are starting to take a breath after the hard work it sometimes takes to get to middle age.  Instead, Annie has decided, after 27 years of marriage, to leave her husband and marry Viveca, her wealthy, Manhattan art dealer.  A woman.  The lead up to their wedding follows Annie's uncertainty as her past seems to be catching up to her...as secrets start to chase her. There are many side stories in We Are Water and all of them keep you turning the pages.  It's a beautiful account of one woman's attempt to bury a painful past and the futility and harm that can result.

Once again, Wally Lamb doesn't fail to impress and his writing is beautiful.  There are a handful of writers out there (in my humble opinion) who make words sing and dance across a page and make me so enamored of their talent.  Wally Lamb is high on that list. (Pat Conroy, John Steinbeck are some others). Read this and if you 've not read him before - pick up all his books...you'll want to read them again and again.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

You know, I say I'm not a sci-fi fan but then I loved the Hunger Games trilogy and enjoy me some sci-fi films so, when I found a website that listed the "must reads before you see the movie" Ender's game (as well as Divergent and the City of Bones) were on the list.  I remember dating Bob in the 1990s and he raved about this book but of course, back then, being the "English Major" that I was, I was too good for sci-fi...God I was such a righteous ass back then.  Anyway: the premise:

Ender Wiggin is a brilliant 6-year old...the youngest (a "third) in a family of geniuses. Future Earth, has survived two attacks by an alien race called Buggers.  It is well-known, however, that a third invasion is coming and the results of this one will either be complete triumph or total defeat. The government is scrambling to make sure this never happens by training the next set of star fleet commanders from childhood.  Based on Ender's accomplishments and his keen mind, he is chosen for Battle School.  Here he learns military strategy and how to be a leader.  The cost, however, is the loss of his childhood, seclusion and loneliness.  The question:  Is Ender the one?  Can he be the savior for all humankind?  And what's real and what is the Game?

I LOVED this book...and again...sci-fi has apparently never been my thing.  I know I may be a 43-year old woman (God, am I really that old?  I still feel like I'm 25!  Except for the aches and pains in my hips sometimes and the fact that I can't sit Indian-style for very long anymore) but there's nothing quite like the complete escape from a world that doesn't seem possible.  Even if you think sci-fi isn't your thing, try this book out...I guarantee you will like it!

Round Robin by Jennifer Chiaverini

Round Robin is the 2nd in the Elm Creek Quilt Series.  This one focuses a lot more equally on all the ladies from the first novel but it's just as good as the first...maybe even better.

At the end of The Quilter's Apprentice, Sarah McClure and Sylvia Compson have come together to start a quilting camp at Sylvia's estate.  They enlist the help of their friends as well to help teach classes.  In this novel, the quilters decide to surprise Sylvia with a round robin, and in passing the work-in-progress to one another, their stories unfold. Sarah is struggling with her relationship with her mother and a mid-life crisis her husband Matt seems to be going through. Gwen must accept that her daughter wants to work at the quilt store rather than attend graduate school. Diane is trying to cope with her teen-aged sons, one of whom seems to be on the road to delinquency. Bonnie finds out her husband is about to embark on an affair and she struggles on how to deal with that. Judy is confronted with a family she never knew she had.  Finally, Sylvia, whose health is deteriorating discovers hope in new love.

The Elm Creek Quilt Novels have the potential of being too sweet to stand but the writing is really very good and the characters are - as I've said in my review of the first novel - so real and so flawed that you can't help but love them and root for them despite their trips, falls and mess-ups.  I completely recommend this series but start at the beginning so you don't miss a step.

The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini

Here's another book from an author I've never read.  This author has been recommended to me by my mom forever.  This one is the first in the "Elm Creek Quilts Novels".

From Library Journal: "Sarah McClure and her husband, Matt, have just moved to Waterford, PA. While Matt finds work with a landscape company, Sarah, an accountant, wants to try something new. With no leads and no offers, she is depressed and frustrated. When elderly Sylvia Compson asks Sarah to help prepare her family estate for sale, Sarah finds new friends, and Sylvia, a master craftswoman, agrees to teach Sarah how to quilt. Sarah's new relationship inspires an exchange of confidences; she learns about Sylvia's "family skeletons" while facing her own difficult relationship with her mother. Patiently piecing scraps of material, the quilters explore both women's lives, stitching details and solutions together slowly but with courage and strength."

I really enjoyed this book.  It was a quick, easy read with characters that were well-written and real.  I hate when main characters are perfect and flawless (a flaw in itself) - people with whom you can't identify.  Chiaverini didn't do that with her characters.  They all had issues that they were all trying to deal with and the realness of them made you root for them.  I look forward to reading the rest of this series and see where their lives have taken them.  (Next in the series is Round Robin.)

Master of the Delta by Thomas H. Cook

My latest read is from an author I've never read...although from the number of best selling novels he's written, I'm surprised I've never come across him until now. 

The premise of Master of the Delta: Jack Branch grew up in the Plantation section of a small Mississippi town. In 1954, he returns to his hometown at 24, to teach high school literature at his alma mater.  While conducting a class on evil throughout history, Jack discovers that one of his students is the son of the "Coed Killer" a notorious and local killer whose crime occurred a dozen years back. Jack feels drawn to this boy and feels compelled to mentor and encourage Eddie's discovery and truth of his fathers crime.  Jacks decision to do this ends up having deadly consequences and more than one persons truth is revealed.

This was quite a page-turner.  I have to say, I didn't know what to expect while reading and was forever on the edge of my seat.  Cook has a way of writing that gives amazing detail and life to his descriptions of nature, the south and his characters.  I really, really liked this book and look forward to reading another by Thomas H. Cook.  Read it - you won't be disappointed.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

My mom told me about this author long ago but I knew it was a series so I've never read her until now because I had to wait until the first was available at Half Price.  My lucky day came the last time I went shopping there. 

Big Stone Gap centers on the main character - Ave Maria Mulligan.  She is the self-proclaimed "town spinster" - although she is only 36. Her life has recently taken a turn because her beloved mother passed away after a long illness and so she is now reexamining her path.   And then on a fateful day in 1978 (yes it takes place then), she discovers that her mother kept a secret about her that would change things forever. Before she knows what's happening, the town is abuzz about her business, men are asking to marry her left and right and greedy relatives are claiming a stake in her inheritance. All of this is slightly too much for Ave and so she starts carving her way through the muck in a not so graceful way. 

Big Stone Gap is full of hilarious and lovable characters.  It's one of those novels you will read when you want to feel good.  It has it's moments of sappiness but who can't do with a little sappiness now and then.  A great and easy read...highly recommended...and the 2nd in the series that I will be hunting down is called Big Cherry Holler.

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Divergent by Veronica Roth

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy...how excited am I when I find an AMAZING series to read?!  Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Twilight!?  Well, thank you Jesus (or better yet, Veronica Roth) for A) this new series and B) bringing my attention to it.

So the premise - the world (which is the futuristic and much changed city of Chicago) has been re-shaped into five factions: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). At the age of 16, children choose (based on the results of testing) the faction in which they will spend the rest of their lives.  When Beatrice Prior is given unclear results on the best faction for her, she is torn between choosing family or where she believes her talent really lies. In the end, she surprises herself in her choice and from there moves on to a training that will challenge her physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Loved, loved, loved this book.  Loved "Tris"...loved the turmoil she went through, loved how she was true to herself more than anything or anyone else.  Can't wait to read Insurgent (the next in the trilogy) and can't WAIT to see the movie (which also stars Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd and Tony Goldwyn).  If you read nothing else of my recommendations - read this one.  You won't be sorry. 

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

My most recent read is teen fiction but don't let that stop you from reading. 

Here's the scenario: Clary Fray is a normal 16-year old New Yorker. She lives, in Brooklyn, with her single mother (father died before she was born) and spends most of her time with her best friend Simon. When they head out to the all-age club Pandemonium, she never expects to be witness to a murder.  And more than that - the murderers are three teens covered in tattoos and wielding strange weapons. When the body vanishes before her eyes, she knows there's something strange going on.  Then, Clary's mother is kidnapped and Clary is nearly killed by what appears to be a giant scorpion. From there she's drawn into a world she's never known - a world of Shadowhunters: Warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons.  Why is she just now being made aware of this world?  What is the connection it has with her mother? What is the connection to her? 

I read this book in record time...it was quite enjoyable.  Completely supernatural and strange but the great writing kept the thrills coming.  I gave it only 4 stars because there were some things that weren't explained completely.  In a world where things are new and different with strange names, the reader isn't always given a complete explanation for what they are supposed to be imagining.  Didn't take away from the enjoyment but I can imagine some people having a hard time.  By the way - this book has been made into a movie, coming out in August (Lily Collins - Phil Collins daughter - plays Clary)...I certainly look forward to that. Read it - you'll be swept away in a world you've never imagined.

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The Confession by John Grisham

My latest listen on CD is The Confession by John Grisham.  It's been a while since I've read a John Grisham (even though this was actually a "listen) and I'm not sure why I haven't read him.  He's always enjoyable. 

The synopsis (from Amazon): In 1998, in the small East Texas city of Sloan, Travis Boyette abducted, raped, and strangled a popular high school cheerleader. He buried her body so that it would never be found, then watched in amazement as police and prosecutors arrested and convicted Donté Drumm, a local football star, and marched him off to death row. Now nine years have passed. Travis has just been paroled in Kansas for a different crime; Donté is four days away from his execution. Travis suffers from an inoperable brain tumor. For the first time in his miserable life, he decides to do what’s right and confess. But how can a guilty man convince lawyers, judges, and politicians that they’re about to execute an innocent man?

This was a really enjoyable book. If you plan on listening to it, it was fairly short (9 CDs) and the narrator did a good job.  I gave it 4 stars because there were some contrived parts and sometimes John Grisham can get a bit redundant in his lawyer mumbo jumbo. Basically, this was a book delving into the debate of the death penalty.  And if you are for the death penalty, by the end of this book, I guarantee, you will either be against it or certainly on the fence.  A definite recommendation. Read it.

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The Sweet By and By by Todd Johnson

My latest (description from Amazon): Meet five North Carolina women who are about to change the way you think about friendship. For Rhonda, a gritty, fun-loving hairdresser in tight jeans, the sights and smells of Ridgecrest Nursing Center are depressing. But before she can change her mind about working there, two residents glue themselves to her: Margaret, droll and whip-smart, with a will of iron that never fails her even when her body does, and Bernice, an avid country music fan who is rarely lucid. Together with Lorraine, their church-going, God-questioning nurse, and her daughter, April, bright and ambitious, they lock arms in courage and humor for a journey that speaks to us all—of how we live and die, of how we love and forgive.

I really loved this book.  It was truly a book on how to be a better person. It showed such a unique and improbable friendship between four completely opposite people and yet their quartet made such sense.  The common denominator between them was unselfishness and a sincerity for simply being good and honest which in turn drew them together. Their different backgrounds and ages and races made no difference when real life stepped in.  All that mattered then was an arm to hold on to, a shoulder to cry on and someone to simply hold their hand when they were scared or tired. A simple feel good book.  Read it.

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

My latest is from an author I've never read before but he is now on my list...I plan on buying and reading all his books as soon as possible.

This Is Where I Leave You is the 5th novel for Jonathan Tropper. The main character - Judd Foxman - has just lost his father, he just found out his wife has been sleeping with his boss for the last year and she's just delivered the news that she's pregnant.  If that isn't enough, his atheist father made a last wish on his death bed that he would like his family to sit Shiva. This could prove bad for all involved considering his 1 sister and 2 brothers (along with his mother) haven't been in the same room without fists and insults flying in years.  What ensues is a week of shocking revelations and the beginning of a new life for some.

I mean, I haven't laughed so hard while reading a book in a long time.  I wish I were as clever with my writing as Jonathan Tropper. In fact, I wish I were as witty with my insults and sarcasm as well.  Of course if I let those fly to my own family they would disown me. But for the Foxman family - it comes from love and an fear/inability to effectively display their emotions.  So funny...you MUST read!

Some Things That Stay by Sarah Willis

So my latest (this synopsis is from Amazon): "Tamara Anderson was in third grade when she found out most people stay in the same house for more than a year. Until then she thought everyone picked up and moved on a regular basis, crossing the country, leaving behind people and bedrooms and belongings. Now she’s turning fifteen, and she wants to stay in Mayville, New York. At first glance, there isn’t much to stick around for. In the tarpaper house across the road there are the Murphys, the Baptist family who upset Tamara’s atheist parents by inviting her to church. In the pasture there’s Edith the cow. And up in the attic there’s the ghost of the boy who used to live here, or at least that’s what Tamara suspects. But this time Tamara is putting her foot down, and planting it…"

I really liked this book.  It was an easy read with likable characters. Prior to reading this, I couldn't imagine how it must feel to have to move because of your eccentric parents but after finishing, I have a better understanding of the turmoil that Tamara went through.  There's so much more to this book that a 15-year olds angst but I don't want to ruin anything.  Read - you will like.

The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson

This was the type of book that I tried to savor for as long as possible but couldn't because it was too good.  I didn't want to put it down.

The synopsis: Arthur and Jake Dunn are brothers growing up in Struan, Ontario (a fictional in the Canadian Shield) during the 30s/40s...a time of struggle, on the cusp of war. They are the sons of a farmer and as opposite as two people could be.  Arthur is strong, solid, dutiful and set to take over the farm.  He is the pride of his father.  Jake is the younger, attractive, can-do-anything son who has the ability to wrap every person around his manipulative finger. His mother's pride and joy.  And with all this, of course there is a rivalry that is sure to tear lives apart. 

In the same town, 25 years later, there is Ian Christopherson, the son of the town doctor.  He's a good kid, with a level head who is slightly afraid of the future but more than that, afraid of falling into a rut, doing the thing that is expected of him.

Somehow, these two world intermingle and become locked together by fate.  And as sometimes happens, fate deals a shitty hand every now and then.

The cover of this book (shown) sums it up best: Heartbreak, truth, lies, tears, grief and hope. This book had reminders of East of Eden (John Steinbeck) and of course with that, the story of Cain and Abel.  You hated who you were supposed to hate; loved the lovable characters and cheered for the good to slay the bad.  Sure signs of a gifted author.  Mary Lawson can keep on writing them because I will always want to read her books.  Such amazing story telling.  A definite must read!

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin

A new author for me...and I'll be adding his other books to my list.

The Synopsis: Silas "32" Jones and Larry Ott were once "friends" during the 70s. They were an odd mix, however: Larry, the son of white parents and lower-middle class and Silas the black son of a single parent, poor and sometimes homeless. They shouldn't have gotten along, should never have even met, but for a couple months, they shared a bond. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Larry took a girl on a date and then she disappeared, never to be seen again.  Larry was never charged with a crime but only because a body was never found and he never confessed.  The people of his town, however, sentenced him with the crime and proceeded to make him "pay" in tortuous ways. Silas, in the wake of the "crime" left town. Twenty-five years later, Larry is living his lonely life in the same town and Silas has returned to the town as constable.  Through similar circumstances, Larry is put into the spotlight again when another girl disappears.  Larry and Silas are once again thrust into each others paths. 

This was a superb book.  Great writing, great characters, a great mystery.  So good...I don't want to say any more because I don't want to ruin it...read it though...you'll love it!

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

From the author that wrote The Friday Night Knitting Club comes Comfort Food.  I think I should preface and say that anything with 3.5 and up stars is worth a read.  Don't let my review deter you. (More on this below).

So the preface: Augusta "Gus" Simpson is a successful cook with a history of successful cooking shows on a national cooking channel.  Just before she turns 50, the network decides it wants to boost ratings by pairing her up with a beautiful, young (will do whatever she has to do to get ahead) Brazilian.  Gus, feeling a bit competitive, decides that she will do what she has to do to keep her status and show in the limelight.  With all that going on, Gus is also dealing with her two daughters and what she believes to be their "lacking" lives.  She's also trying to re-start her love life (she's been a widow for about 15 years). All in all the circumstances Gus is dealing with could prove to be a possible rejuvenation of her career or its downfall.

So like I said, don't let the lack of stars to deter you from reading...I liked the book...it was enjoyable and an easy, breezy read.  I just get irritated sometimes about characters (like Gus) who get too wrapped up in the ridiculous.  Like her interference with her daughters...it's ridiculous and a bit unrealistic. And that doesn't mean Gus wasn't a likable character...she was but I felt like some of the events in the book were added unnecessarily...maybe to make it longer?  I don't know...still a good "summer" read.