Book 12, 2012 - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I chose this book because I thought the cover looked A-Mazing... and I was in the mood for something somewhat simple after reading such a tension-filled book previously, (Unbroken).  It started out as exactly what I was looking for.  Not too hard, interesting pictures throughout.... but then the book fell apart for me.   I really really wanted to like this book.  Unfortunately, the second half of the book lost its whimsy nature for me and became an action type-- not what I wanted.  Reviews are somewhat mixed on this book, and I can understand why.  It is a great book and a so-so book all rolled into one.  It also took me a little under a week to finish, which was longer than I needed to get my book challenge back on track! 

So...  Did I like it?  Sometimes, yes.  Would I recommend it?  I don't think so... except for the photos.  They're really cool.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 11, 2012 - Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Wow.  Talk about being in the minority!  This was our book club's most recent selection and the person who chose the book stated she read the book easily in 3 days.  I thought how perfect it would be for my 52 book challenge for the year!  I put it on my Kindle and settled in, thinking I would be on to Book 12 before I knew it!  Was I wrong.... this book took me forever to read.  I really struggled with boredom, even though I knew it was a non-fiction book.  I was bored with the facts of the story--- I know I know... they are true accounts.  This story REALLY happened.  I get that.  I still wasn't inspired.  I also know I am in the huge minority as this book has received incredible accolades from reviewers and plenty of commonfolk alike.  I guess I am not one of them.... and I really don't know why!?  Just wasn't my cup of tea... or maybe not what I felt like reading just then.  The last two books have seriously set back my reading challenge.  Yikes!

Did I Like it?  It was *OK* for me... at best.  Would I recommend it?  I may have to say yes, just because everyone else seems to like it so much!  Rating?  2.5 stars.  Sorry.