Somehow, we're at the halfway mark of 2011. How can time possibly go this fast? It's maddening. Still, I haven't mentioned my aforementioned 2011 book resolution since January or February. But good news! I haven't quit! The resolution is going famously and I'm really enjoying reading lots of new books. Knowing that I have to read something every month has made me break out of my usual book routine and try new authors and genres. Some have been fair, some have been great, but I don't think any were truly bad. So, for those wondering, here is the rundown of titles. I'm providing an archaic rating system of 1 to 5 stars. Astounded by my own creativity.
January:
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Star Power: 3 stars
Previously described here.
February:
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake.
Star Power: 2 stars
I had a difficult time connecting with the characters in this book. I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing really did. I was disappointed because I'd been looking forward to this book for awhile, but in the end....eh.
March:
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.
Star Power: 3 1/2 stars
Very creative story that showed me a world and setting I'd never read about before. I felt that the best writing was in the present day (the story is told as a flashback by an elderly man). These chapters brought me to tears.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Star Power: 4 stars
Fascinating page turner, and in my opinion, the best one in the series. I'm stalking information about the upcoming movie. When I told friends and family, they looked at me like I was weird. Children forced to fight each other to the death? Hey, I didn't write it. I just read it.
April:
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Star Power: 3 1/2 stars
I threw the half star in because it's Jane and she's wonderful. That being said, this wasn't my favorite of hers. I liked the main character very much, but the story seemed to drag on and on. By the end, I was just ready for a happy ending and a cup of tea.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Star Power: 3 1/2
Still intriguing, but the novelty fell off for me a bit after the first book.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Star Power: 3
The last in the series and the last in my heart. Sometimes I have a hard time with series because I get tired of the same style and the same voice for several books in a row. Again, I was just ready for some closure. This book was very violent for a long time, so it lost me there. Still, the ending jerked me awake. I still recommend this series.
May
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Star Power: The 5!
I truly loved this book. I loved the writing style, the three different narrators, and the story. I didn't want it to end. The author brought so much life to every character in the story--the good and the bad.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Star Power: 4
My venture into non-fiction. I usually run from non-fiction books and never look back, but after multiple recommendations, I took a chance. This is one of the most amazing stories I've ever read or heard, and I'm not exaggerating. At times I thought, this can't be real. It's the story of a WWII bomber in the US Air Force who crashes and is taken as a prisoner of war. Inspiring story.
June
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Star Power: 4
After the emotional toll of reading Unbroken, I needed something light and fun. I found this book and read it in a weekend. It's delightful and charming, written as a series of letters in the 1940s. Contains war, love, humor, and lots of writing and bookspeak. My favorite quote from the book: "Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers? How delightful if that were true."
So, that's it for now.
With love,
Reborn Book Nerd
