2010 Booking NY to NC Review

January 2010:

Dancer by Colum McCann:  At times I found this book to be difficult to read and tedious.  I feel like I owe it a re-read because I had a hard time getting through it and in theory, it sounds like the perfect book for me to read.

February 2010:

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah:   I loved this book about friendships, but I wish it came with a warning.  WARNING:  You will cry like a crazy person at the end of this book.  It would have saved me a bunch of embarrassment.  I am happy that I read this book because I am now a Kristin Hannah fan, and love her work!

March 2010:

House Rules by Jodi Picoult:  I loved the story, but didn't like the case studies that were placed throughout the book. I mostly skimmed them, until the final one. Am I the only one who did that? Overall, I think this was a good comeback for Jodi Picoult (I hated her last book) and I liked the topic of Asperger's syndrome. It was very enlightening.  I love that her books make me think about life in different ways.

April 2010:

Push by Sapphire:  This book was very difficult to read, at times I thought I was going to be sick because it was so graphic and upsetting. But what's even more upsetting is that this type of sexual abuse exists. Also, the writing style took a little bit to get used to because it was written in the way that Precious talks - that took some getting used to. I liked how after Precious started her education, the way she spoke made some subtle improvements - it was gradual and in then end, I was so proud of Precious.....and I cried like a baby! One person can make a difference in someone's life {like Miss Rain} and it may only take a simple act of kindness - I think that's really motivating.

May 2010:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett:  Immediately after I allowed myself to give it a chance, I was really hooked and was not at all let down by the hype!  I think this book will definitely be re-read by me at some point, because it was so well done.  They were very well developed characters and they each brought a different emotion to the story.  It's hard to imagine living in this time because it all seems so appalling.  I'm so grateful that most of us have changed our ways.

June 2010:  

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb:  A book does not have to be long to be good.  I think he used way too many words to tell his story, and I think he should have focused mainly on the Columbine aspect.  If he would have focused his attention on the nitty-gritty details of PTSD I think this book would have been a real winner.  Otherwise, he just used too many words to tell this story.

July 2010:

MONTH OFF

August 2010:  

Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther:  I had no idea that it was an "old classic" {my mom told me that}.  It was a really sad book, but really quick to read.  Johnny was such an inspiration during the end of his life and it was so well written.  Great book!

September 2010:  

The Homecoming Party by Carmine Abate:  I love Europa Editions, and I loved this book.  It was a short book, but it wasn't short on content and quality.  It was a story of family and what happens when circumstances force them to be apart.  The effect that Marco's dad's absence had on their family was huge and it was interesting to see a family who was forced apart instead of a family who was broken.  I really related to Elisa at some moments during this book and I was definitely intrigued by this man she was dating and the effect it had on their family.  Great book!

October 2010:  

The Art of Losing by Rebecca Connell:  What a gorgeous book!  It was intense and romantic (if that makes sense).  There was a thriller vibe and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would be revealed, and luckily I was shocked at the little twist (also grossed out).  After I read the book, I felt like I should have seen the twist coming from a mile away...but I didn't.  I liked how the chapters jumped between Lydia in 2007 and Nicholas in the 80s and current.  Another good choice by Europa.  

November 2010:

Room by Emma Donoghue:  This book was so good, that I sat on my bed reading straight through and stayed up until midnight.  I planned to only read the first 50 pages, but I couldn't put it down.  The language between Jack and Ma in the Room was so interesting to read, as was the way they coped after getting out.  I would love to read a sequel to this book in a couple of years, just so I could check in with them.  Great book!


December 2011:
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery:  Couldn't get through it.