As an aside, I have also joined goodreads - an awesome website that lets you track what you've read, what you're reading and what you want to read. It also allows you to rate books and view comments and ratings from others. Sign up!
So this, like so many of my other posts, will be a catch up post where I essentially spew forth some witty tidbits on the many books I have consumed since my last post...Insurgent by Veronica Roth
This book is the second in the Divergent trilogy - you can see my review of the first book here - and although it was not as good as the first, it is a must for any lovers of the first book. While it frustrated me in parts, I still read it in two days flat, so it was definitely a light, easy read - great for the beach, no?
Arranged by Catherine McKenzie
I really enjoyed this book. We're not talking fancy literary genius here, but this was a light and fun book. This book follows a woman who allows herself to be set up (via an extreme dating service) for an arranged marriage - and cue classic rom-com plot. I thought the concept was interesting and unlike much of the so-called "chick lit" genre, this book was smart and didn't make me want to punch every single female character in the face. A ringing endorsement if there was one.
Sloppy Firsts and Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty
These are the first two books in another YA series (I have a problem, and I am fine with that people). Again, really liked the first book. I believe the jacked says something about a female Holden Caufield, so I was sold. The lead character is pretty snap and fantastic, but there were times when it was painfully obvious that the books were written for those much younger than I. That said, I still found it enjoyable and could certainly still relate to much of what Jessica Darling (leading lady) had to say. I have a hold on the third book in the series at the library - so I'll try to remember to get back here to review that when it comes in!
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
You need to read this book. NOW. It was so good. I loved it, my brother
loved it, my sister is loving it - GET ON IT. A word of caution, it is a sad one, so don't read it on the rush hour train unless you are cool with public crying.
The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta
This book had an interesting premise. Essentially it takes place after a significant fraction of the Earth's population mysteriously disappears. Some interpret it as the rapture, some try to explain it scientifically...this book essentially chronicles the lives of four different members of a family (all who are "leftover") taking separate paths in dealing with their new reality.While the premise was a good one, I had a hard time really getting into this book. I didn't feel particularly invested in any of the characters and struggled to care about what happened to them.
Your Voice in My Head by Emma Forrest
This is a memoir written by a young, successful writer who battles with mental illness. The book was really engaging (although incredibly raw, so be forewarned it is not for the faint of heart). This was a different sort of memoir in that it did not read like a history book with some humourous tidbits thrown in. It seemed a very real and artistic portrayal of this time in this woman's life....a recommended read.
The Birth House by Ami McKay
This one was awhile ago...I remember liking it? It was a good read and an interesting look at midwifrey and women's issues. Again, I am doing horribly trying to remember any specifics, but I do remember reading it quickly and enjoying the novel.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
When I was going through my "hardcore" feminist phase, this book somehow escaped my attention (which goes to show just how hardcore I was). I feel like had 19 year old Kelsi read this book, she would say something very different. As a 28 year old, who has mellowed out a fair bit and is done trying to prove just how independent and original she is, I found the book to be somewhat lacking. I didn't find it to be the feminist masterpiece that I thought it would be. Instead I just felt sad and tired after reading it...that said, I don't think Plath intended this book as a call to action, but rather to leave that lingering sadness and madness.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt
I wanted to like this book - I mean it was on all the awards lists. But I should have known as soon as I saw the words "WESTERN" that it was more geared at my father. The book was enjoyable, but again, I didn't feel super engaged and ended up skimming near the end...not a good sign.
The Sense of An Ending by Julian Barnes
This was a really good book. It is not long, but Barnes manages to make you feel a lot through a small number of pages. This book chronicles an old man looking back at his boyhood friendships and relationship with one woman who has come back into his life. The ending (the title is no accident) is a stunner.
Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld
This book is a "teenager discovers selft" kind of tale. Again, I didn't really like the narrator - I found her motivations to be off - and that really turned me off of the story. I did finish the book, but only barely. Not a recommended read from me - the book was just frustrating.
I AM CURRENTLY READING
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Exodus from Hunger by David Beckmann
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Exodus from Hunger by David Beckmann
TO READ NEXT
Dead Cold by Louise Penny
Best Laid Plans by Terry Falls
Dead Cold by Louise Penny
Best Laid Plans by Terry Falls
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