Book #61 Read in 2013
Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult
As Picoult typically does with her books, this one has an edgy topic at its core--when does family have the right to "pull the plug" on a loved one? Luke has researched and lived with wolves. This was done at the expense of his family. He and his wife Georgie divorced, his son Edward has not spoken to him for years but his youngest child, daughter Cara, still lives with him and idolizes him. Then there is a horrific accident that involves Luke and Cara. Both are hurt but Luke is being kept alive by machines. Cara wants to give Luke time to heal, fully needing to believe that her father will recover. Edward wants to terminate life support and donate Luke's organs. A court battle ensues to try to decide what Luke would want if he could tell them.
This book is told in chapter alternating between different points of views of different characters. Picoult is masterful at this technique--allowing readers access to the minds of many characters, keeping single loyalty to one character at bay. All of the character are complex yet well-developed--none perfect but all with interesting flaws. I enjoyed this book.
Book #60 Read in 2013
Dear Girls Above Me by Charlie McDowell
This book details the conversations had by his upstairs neighbors by the author. The girls, Claire and Cathy, cover a variety of "important" topics like boob jobs, hot men, sex and other matters of interest. Charlie receives an earful on a regular basis. Some of the talk is educational for him, some too much information but all of it hilarious. It will also be hilarious for his readers. Charlie's writing makes me want to give him the title of the "male Jen Lancaster" which is high praise in my book of realistic, gritty and always hilarious writing. I laughed out loud several times throughout this book. I recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program.
Book #59 Read in 2013
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
A middle aged man returns to his childhood home for a funeral. He begins a journey down memory lane, where he remembers a scary monster who tried to possess him, a family of witch-like woman who helped save him and the tribulations of a growing boy. This book was in turn creepy and a coming of age story. It had horror, a paranormal aspect, mystery and great writing. The main character was interesting. The Hempstock women were an interesting crew of powerful females. This was a decent read.
Book #58 Read in 2013
Sergeant Rex by Mike Dowling
Rex is one of the first Marine Corps K9 dogs to be used in the war in Iraq. Dowling is his handler. This book details the strong connection between handler and dog, the horrors of war and the relationship formed by the men and women fighting it together. I learned some things about military dogs that I did not know. This book was a bit slow at times but overall I liked it.
Book #57 Read in 2013
The Shade of the Moon (YA) by Susan Beth Pfeffer
This is the fourth book in the series that began with the book Life as We Knew It. I loved the first two books in this series and the third one was good. I did not know until recently that a fourth book was coming out, so when I had a chance to grab it to review, I had to get a copy.
In this book, two years have passed since book 3. Jon is living with his stepmother Lisa and his half brother Gabe in a better town than White Birch--where his mother, sister Miranda and brother in law Alex are still living in poverty. Jon has food to eat, clean air to breathe and attends a decent school. He has begun to take this all for granted until he meets Sarah, the new girl, who questions why everyone should not have these things. Jon and Sarah fall for each other but he has to be careful that he doesn't break the rules by taking her side. During the book, Jon realizes what the true priorities are but that does not happen without great cost.
I enjoyed this installment in the series. This book bounced the series back in my estimation. It had action, romance, and a plot that kept me riveted from start to finish. The ending leaves enough of an opening that a book five could happen....and I hope it does.
I received this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a review.
Book #56 Read in 2013
Cleo: The Cat who Mended a Family by Helen Brown
This book begins with a tragic death. Helen's family is trying to deal with their grief when a little kitten comes there way and their lives are forever changed by Cleo. Cleo is an intelligent cat who brings a smile back to their faces when they never thought they would smile again. Cleo immediately becomes part of their family and is an important member of such. This is a must read for cat lovers...but it is not just a cat book. This book is also a well written memoir of a family struck by tragedy and how they overcame that. I loved it.
June Reads:
1. The Husband's Secret (4.5/5)
2. The Reading Promise (5/5) Kindle
3. Amy Falls Down (3.5/5)
4. Together Tea (4/5) Library book
5. The Life List (5/5)
6. I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I've Ever Had (5/5) Kindle
7. City of Women (4/5) Kindle
8. Hearse and Buggy (4/5) 1st in series
Year to date: 55 books read
