Book 27, 2012 - A Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Banks

I picked this book up because my husband was deer hunting at the time.  Ironically, this book has nothing to do with hunting or fishing whatsoever.  I don't remember much of this book (again finished in November 2012), other than it had short chapters of lots of different characters that didn't really fit in with each other.  I liked it.  It was quirky and interesting and a fast read. 

Did I like it?  Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Definitely.  Rating?  4 out of 5 stars.

Book 26, 2012 - One True Thing by Anna Quindlen

I also completely love Anna Quindlen.  That said, this book was a tough one.  It is very sad and makes you reflect on the lives and relationships here in "the real world".  I never saw this movie, which I have heard is quite good... but I did love this book.  It is a bit of a mystery and tear-jerker all rolled up into one.  I finished this book also in November of 2012 and I remember thinking I was glad it was over before Thanksgiving rolled around.... all those relationships! 

I sincerely hope to get through everything Anna has written.  I love her style.  Except of course, her political crap.  That, I couldn't disagree with more.  :)

Did I like it? Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Yes!  Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Book 25, 2012 - The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

Kate Morton is a goddess for me.  I have absolutely LOVED everything she has written.  I reserved this book from the library for months before it was released.  I cannot even begin to imagine the kind of thought and planning that goes into writing any of her books.  I finished this book in November last year, and while it took a bit of time to get through, that is what makes her books so great.  She has a wicked intricacy about everything she writes.  It's not supposed to be simple.  This book was no exception.

Did I like?  No - I LOVED it.  Would I recommend?  Oh yes.  Rating?  4.5 out of 5.

Book 24, 2012 - Kiss River by Diane Chambelain

Wow - how sad of me.  I never went back into my old blog to finish the books I read in 2012.  I think I felt defeated that I didn't come close to reading 52 books in 52 weeks.  Hmmm... I guess I should make my goal to read as many books as I can in a year... and maybe someday when life becomes less stressful and the kids don't need me to cart them everywhere, I'll probably read that many.  I can't wish time away, though, right?  SO... this was the 24th book I read last year.  I don't remember much about it, other than it was a sequel to an earlier Diane Chamberlain book I'd read.  I still dig her, even though this book wasn't my favorite.  Finished in Oct, 2012.

Did I like?  I think so?  Would I recommend?  Eh.  3 stars.

Book 23, 2012 - The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

Wow - I really needed a quick-moving, super book right about now... and thanks to my fabulous book club, I got it!  This book was chosen because it is going to be released as a movie before year's end.... and it stars Bradley Cooper.  That is always going to be enough reason for me!  In any event, the book's main character is what's the right word..... slightly 'off' somehow.... and you aren't entirely sure why he is the way he is.  You get the feeling that a traumatic event has caused him to be far different than he used to be.  You spend a lot of time wondering what happened to him in his past.  He spends a lot of time with a woman who is a bit in the same boat as he, and the two develop a complicated friendship.  It would really ruin the book to give too much away, so I won't.  Let me just say I found this book tragic, heartwarming, funny, and sad all in one.  Great read.

Did I like it?  So very much.  Would I recommend?  Without a doubt.  Rating?  5 stars. Just great.

Book 22, 2012 - The Playdate by Louise Millar

I've never bothered to put a loan request at the library for a review that was so-so from People magazine book reviews, but some thing about that article intrigued me enough to want to be the very first to read this book, apparently.  Good Lord.  With so many fabulous pieces of works out there, why did I bother? 

This book is set in London, and is primarily about a couple of woman friends who have children and suffer through the often daily monotony of child rearing together.  A next door neighbor that seems "off" and quirky becomes someone the women decide should not be around their children.  Surprise, surprise, not everyone is as they seem, blah blah blah.  If this book was supposed to be some sort of psychological thriller, I must be an absolute genius because my 8 year old could've figured out the ending early on.  I read a brief acknowledgement by the author at the end that stated this book took a couple of years to write, and I couldn't help but wonder...HOW?

Not good-  no need to spend more time on this one.  Can I please read a book next that will blow me away????   I need one!

Did I like it?  Not really.  Would I recommend it?  No sir.  Rating 1.5 out of 5.

Book 21, 2012 - One Day by David Nicholls

The plot of this book intrigued me -- checking in on a couple from the night they meet in college, to what they are doing every day that year for a couple of decades.  I assumed wrongly that they planned to be together on that day going forward just as an anniversary thing.  The premise seemed great -- which is why I am not entirely sure why this book didn't do much for me.  The man of this couple, Dex, is such a turd of an individual, I didn't really care what he was up to for the majority of the book.  The female, Emma, was fine... but having a hard time letting her personality come through. 

Bottom line is I know they've already made this into a movie, (one I thought I'd want to see), but can't imagine how it could possibly be very good.  I really like Anne Hathaway who is playing Emma, which may be the reason I went back to read the book!  I guess I've learned  - that's not a good enough reason to pick it up.   This book was overall, just a really flat read for me... a bit on the boring side.

Did I like it?  Eh... it was ok.  Would I recommend it?  Not really - too many great books out there to suffer through the so-so variety.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.