Awake by Elizabeth Graver

Anna Simon has been living by the light of the moon ever since she gave birth to Max, her second child, a boy with a rare genetic trait (XP) for whom sunlight can be fatal. The Simons have formed their lives around Max's schedule. When Anna learns of a camp for families with children like Max, she hopes for a sanctuary for Max, a place where he can play and be free with friends who don’t stare or judge or have no idea of his struggle. What Anna does not predict is that the camp turns into a sanctuary for her, as well. Unfortunately, Anna risks everything for this new sense of self: Her husband, her kids and the life she thought she no longer wanted.

This book made me angrier than I can tell you. I didn’t want to NOT finish it because the writing was very good but I’ve never really hated a character more…and I think this was what the reader was supposed to feel. Anna was a woman suffering, I think, from the old cliché – a mid-life crisis, which turned her into the most despicable, careless and selfish person ever. I’m certainly no saint but I can’t stand hearing or reading about people who suddenly forget what it is to be good, thoughtful human being. Especially toward your own kids. UGH. I will say that I didn’t hate this book - the writing was very good – but I don’t like reading books about people who forget how to be human. As a result, it makes it hard to rate this book but I don’t feel I can give it more than 2 stars…though the writing would garner 3…so how about 2 ½?

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

So here's the latest listen on CD.  This is the same author that wrote About a Boy (later a movie with Hugh - I always want to say Downs - Grant), High Fidelity (again, a movie made with John Cusack) An Education (made into a movie as well with Carey Mulligan) and many more. 

Juliet, Naked focuses on three characters:  Tucker Crowe a former cult musician who has been out of the spotlight for 20 years (vanished suddenly from performing/writing etc. without a by your leave), Duncan - a self-appointed "Crowologist" obsessed with all that is Tucker Crowe and his girlfriend Annie.  As the book opens, a few chapters in, a newly released version of Crowe's classic album Juliet is released to the "public" and Annie writes and posts online, a scathing review that ultimately ends her and Duncan's 15-year relationship. Tucker Crowe ends up emailing Annie regarding her review and thus begins a "relationship" between Tucker and Annie.

I can't say that I really liked this book.  It was sort of compelling as I was listening to it but only because I was waiting for some ultimate, awesome event to occur which would change the lives of the characters in a way that would make the book likable.  Alas, that never happened.  THe ending was weird and as I sit here thinking back on it...I'm not even sure how it did end.  Can't imagine they'd make this one into a movie.  Don't waste your time.

She Flew the Coop by Michael Lee West

So my second most recent book takes place in the 50s in the small town of Limoges (the "s" is silent) Louisiana. The book starts with 16-year old Olive Nepper trying to kill herself by drinking poisoned Nehi because she's found herself in the family way via the local preacher. As Olive lingers in a two-month coma, the lives of those in Limoges continue with supposed private dramas and the resulting never ending gossip. Everyone seems to be living a soap opera. From Olive's dowdy mother, Vangie, whose only expertise seems to lie in gardening and sticking her head in the sand to her pharmacist husband Henry, who runs around town with his counter girl, Dee Dee Robichaux. She's married to a "cripple" recently back from Korea who likes to throw dishes and drink whiskey. Worst of all, however, is the identity-stealing Baptist minister, T.C. Kirby who, in every real sense of the word is a nymphomaniac/pedophile. If you thought your life was full of drama - get a load of these characters.

I had a hard time reading this book because, once again, there wasn't a likable character among the bunch. I'm sort of glad I stuck with it, however, because in the end, I enjoyed seeing certain people "get theirs". That being said, however, there were others who deserved the worst possible punishment but never got it. Do I recommend this to others? I guess. I know that doesn't seem promising but I think I may have just NOT been in the right frame of mind for this book. I can see how others may really enjoy it but I'm just so sick of reading books about shitty people who get dealt shitty hands or allow shitty things to happen to themselves without trying to make things better. You decide!