Friday, May 31, 2013

Book 11, 2013 - The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

I liked this book.  Historical fiction remains one of my favorite types of books, and this book was no exception.  This book took place in the mid 1800's, and had lots of themes I do not know much about:  slavery, Underground Railroad, Quakers, the movement west in America.  Very interesting.  This was a book club selection otherwise I never would have chosen the story.  I'm glad I did!

I think I have only read one or two other books by Tracy Chevalier, and it has been a long time.  I am glad I got the chance to remember her again.  She writes great - concise, yet enough description for the reader to know exactly what is going on.  Normally her books seem to center around a piece of artwork, and fictionally, she writes about why that painting/ art got created, (i.e., Girl with the Pearl Earring).  This work was not like that.  It didn't matter - it was still a good book.

The book ran a bit off course for me toward the end...  the main character and I were having a difference of opinion, (hee hee) on a few things... but overall, I enjoyed the book and read it quickly.

I should say here that I realize there is absolutely no way I can accomplish my goal of all of this reading this year, but I'm enjoying keeping track of my books nonetheless.  Running a marathon, 3 kids, working, basement remodel are just getting in the way.  Oh well.

Did I like it?  I did.  Would I recommend it?  I would.  Rating?  4 out of 5 stars.

Book 10, 2013 - Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Hmmmm, what to say about this book.  I don't think Kristin Hannah is a phenomenal writer, but I was very drawn in by this book.  This book is truly a mother's worst nightmare, and as the mother of 3 sons, I guess I couldn't help but project myself out a few years and put myself in the position of some of the characters in the book.  Would I act the way they acted?  Hopefully, I will never find out, however, I felt a lot of the reactions that various characters of the book did not feel real to me. 

Something about the way Kristin Hannah writes is very distracting to me, and I can't put my finger on what it is.  Perhaps it is that she seems almost immature - like a high school writer?  The nicknames the kids call each other in this book were so impossible, (really, Zack Attack???), and generic-ness of the whole seaming together of the plot just felt very amateur.  I guess I would describe her as the Poor Man's Jodi Picoult.  I think they both like to explore the same themes, but Jodi's style of writing is far superior. 

I know I didn't say much about the book here, but didn't want to spoil anything either.  I wouldn't even say I wouldn't read more by Hannah - just have to know going in that I'm not going to be wowed by her either.

Did I like it?  Sure.... but sad.  Would I recommend it?  Sure... Rating?  3.5 stars out of 5.... I can't ignore that I couldn't put the book down.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Book 9, 2013 - Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult

This was the first book I ever "listened" to via a Playaway from the library.... And it certainly won't be the last!!  I haven't read a good ole Jodi in a long time.  There was a time there where I went to Jodi when I couldn't find anything else....then she wrote The Tenth Circle, which I just hated.  After that, I took a break from her.

I am training for a marathon and have lots of solo time on my hands and I thought I would try a Book on Tape to pass the time and not have music for a while.  I LOVED listening to a book....  But HATED this book.  I wanted to go back to Jodi and love her books again.  I was thoroughly disappointed.  I really did not like any of the characters...couldn't root for any of them.  As is typical Jodi, she tried to do a big surprise ending, a la My Sister's Keeper.  I just couldn't do anything but roll my eyes.  Very predictable and a bummer, to say the least.

Otherwise, can I ponder over what took me so darned long to find books on tape???  It is multi-tasking at its finest!!!

Did I like it?  Nope.  Would I recommend it?  No...  Older Jodi is definitely better.  Rating?  2 out of 5 stars.