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
4 comments:
First of all, Hunger Games definitely deserves a 5...I mean what book give you romance, violence, a strong heroine that rescues the hero, and a final scene that leaves you with butterflies in your stomach? "
(I am talking about Katniss and Peeta taking the poisenous berries at the same time in order for no one to win...huge butterflies!)
Also, I too have started to stalk information about the movie and cannot wait for it to come out.
However, I do think you should add The Pillars of the Earth and The Historian to your reading list. If you don't think both of them are fives, then I don't think I can read your blog anymore. ;)
Ok, I have to weigh in too...
I'm glad I've got some new books to look for- I've taken a good chunk out of my list of books to read, so I need to add more. I'm so glad you read The Hunger Games series- loved it! The movies will have to be quite violent?? Some of the parts I thought, this is gross to read how could I watch this on a big screen?!
Here are a few suggestions if you're looking for any:
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (and the sequel Dreams of Joy). Really enjoyed these!
Sarah's Key (have you read it yet? I can't remember. I think you might have)
Same Kind of Different as Me
Also, a friend of mine highly recommended "Room" to me. Still looking into that one.
Marj- I want to read Pillars of the Earth, and hopefully you will not renounce me as a friend because I didn't care for The Historian that much. It was just okay. But you may also take me back as a friend as I am going to give Harry Potter a try.
I can understand how some people might view The Historian lower than a five...it does have a very "englishy" voice which makes the story extremely verbose.
Nevertheless, my heart leaps for joy that are attempting the Harry Potter series and my one piece of advice is to press on through the first three. My favorite is the last few books and the first three are a little juvenile.
The Pillars of the Earth is immense in size, but if you get past the first 100 pages, you will get sucked into the violence, lust, and intrigue of the whole story.
Also, I have heard wonderful things about ROOM, but hear that it is gut-wrenching as well. If you need some more books to read, I would read the Percy Jackson series (kids book) and WICKED. Both take you into another world and take you on an interesting ride.
Friend, HOW HAVE I NOT READ THIS BEFORE NOW??? I loved reading what you wrote and feeling like you were talking to me; I laughed out loud a few times!
I've read several of these books this year, too, and agreed on all! (Actually I read The Help twice!) On Water for Elephants, why is it that everyone else finds the past-tense story line the best part? Boo that! The man in his old age was by far the most moving.
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