An Update on Books

It has been quite awhile since I last updated my blog with the books I have finished. I've been growing more attached to Goodreads since then, adding books "to-read" almost daily. But I've also been writing them long-hand in my book journal. I'm funny because I write them all using a special "good pen" and sometimes record a few books at one time. I like making the time to write about the books special, as if in the future my posterity might find the journal and decide to read what I was reading in 2010. But the "good pen" is weighty and, mixed with thin pages, makes my handwriting messy. That's okay, my posterity will be so determined they'll quickly figure the difference between a W and a U.

So, onto the update (in the order they are written in my journal, not by date finished). Oh, and it should be noted, each review (be it journal, goodreads or blog is a little different):

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

finished March 20-something

By now you've probably heard of Stockett's debut novel. It took me longer than it should to read it thanks to graduate school and then a long line of holds. But wow, is this a book that all women should read. A tale of southern life, race relations, female companionship, mothers & daughters and more, it's well-written and entertaining. I read it over the course of one weekend and was sad to see it end. It's one of those books that becomes a friend by the end and you don't want it to leave. Pick it up this summer, if you haven't already.

Cheslea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang

by Chelsea Handler

finished March 20-something

Yes, this is host of the E! late night show, Chelsea Lately, and no, this is not her first book. It's her third actually, and though the least funny of the trio, it's still perfect when you find yourself wanting something witty and irreverent. I've read all of Chelsea's books and recommend them to others. She's at her best when writing about her crazy family and if you like smart women who crack jokes, she may be a good fit. Just don't go recommending her to your more conservative, less boisterous friends. And I'd recommend starting from the begging of her books (My Horizontal Life followed by Are You There Vodka? It's me, Chelsea & then Bang, Bang)

A Walk in the Woods

by Bill Byrson

Finished April 3rd

This book is the 2010 pick for ACLA's "One Book, One Community" program. An idea that strives to get everyone in Allegheny County to read the same book, together. I must have tried to read this book before, because much of the beginning was familiar and I've read some of Bryson's others, but this was the first time I had finished it. It's about a man's journey along the Appalachian Trail, a way to reconnect with America after living abroad for a number of years. Sometimes the book can feel a bit wordy, as if Bryson is feeding you too much fact and too little story, but when he is telling the story the pay off is big. It'll have you absolutely thinking you could hike the trail yourself, and then desperately realizing how hard it is all int he same breath. Of course you should pick this one up, especially if you live in Allegheny County!

Lottery

by Patricia Wood

Finished on an unknown date in April

If you enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time chances are you'll connect with Wood's story of a young man with an IQ of 76. Told this young man, Perry's, perspective we get to see how the extreme differences in how his family and friends react. Filled with strong characters, it's a quick read and perfect for summer. You can't help but just love Perry.

Lost

by Jacqueline Davis

Finished April 17th

I couldn't help but be attracted to this book simply because half of its pages are written on dark, slate-colored paper. It ended up being a surprising read with many different turns along the way. A historical-fiction YA novel, the main character is a young girl working in textile factory who has seen her share of pain but has a huge heart. I can't write much more without giving away key plots, but I will say that I did shed a few tears along the way.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by Jacqueline Kelly

finished March 27, 2010

One of the best children's book I have read. Calpurnia is a rambunctious and intelligent girl at the turn of the century. Her love of adventure and curious nature does more good than harm and makes her a positive role model for today's young readers. The author blends science, discovery, a Darwin-inspired mystery, family and change all into a delightful read. I'd instantly try to read it in a Literature Circle if I was still teaching.

The Summer Before

by Ann M. Martin

Finished May 11ish

Of course I picked this book up because I was a huge Baby-Sitters Club fan when younger. One of my biggest childhood regrets is not reading all of the Super Specials. And I am happy to say that I think Ann M. Martin succeeds in this prequel to the stories we all know. It's a simple story of what happens to the founders of the Baby-Sitters Club the summer before Kristy's Big Idea. And Martin peppers characters readers meet along the Baby-Sitters Club road throughout the book. There is so much to love about the BBC, a girl for just about everyone, good fun and drama! Give this to any girl you want to share the BBC with and read it together.

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes

by Elizabeth Bard

Finished May 20th

It's never going to be a secret that I love memoirs and this is a pick for all of us who have lived in Europe/dreamed of living in Europe/hoping to meet true love/enjoy cooking up fancy feasts. Bard tells the tale of her and her French husband and trying to adjust to living life in his country. Although there is rarely any turmoil (which can leave Bard coming off as uppity) it's a sweet story that had me wishing all the way through that The Boy and I were living on a European street somewhere eating delightful things. A day dream I don't mind having considering the reality is a poor couple who cannot afford French cuisine let alone a fancy apartment.

Okay, folks...so you're all caught up on my reading adventures. So far that makes a total of 17 adult books this year ( I don't count the number of pictures books I read and one day I'll write about all the books I shelve for later or give up on completely). Hoping to crank out two more over Memorial Day weekend.

So let me know....have you read any of the above? What books do you recommend? Let me know!