Book Love

I really didn’t think I read that much this month…but looking over my list…I did okay.

We Need to Talk about Kevin – by Lionel Shriver
I guess this book has been made into a movie which will be released later this month. I will not be going to see it. I wish someone had to me not to read the book either. It’s powerful. But completely and utterly soul crushing. I kept reading in the hopes that at some point I would find something redeeming. Something uplifting. Something that would make me feel as if my insides hadn’t been ripped out. It never happened. While the whole book was dark and heartbreaking – the end left me in complete anguish.

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
This book was recommended to me ages ago and I’d looked at it, but uninspired by the cover, it just sat unread on my shelf. Until the person who had recommended it to me, called me out on ignoring her recommendation. I picked it up and didn’t put it down until I had finished it. And it was amazing. I would definitely consider this one of my top five must read picks of all time.

Anthropology of an American Girl: A Novel – Hilary Thayer Hamann
I struggled with this book. It was dense. It was intriguing. I didn’t like it all that much, but can’t decide if it was because I didn’t like it or because it didn’t fit into the “mood” I was hoping for when I was reading it. I do think it would be a great book club book – I know I would enjoy bouncing ideas and thoughts off of individuals who read it.

The Gift of an Ordinary Day – Katrina Kenison
I think every mother should read this book. It was an honest reminder that all these moments – pleasant/grating/hopeful/frustrating – go so quickly. While the book focuses on her impending empty nest, and I think almost empty nesters or recent empty nesters would probably get the most out of it, all mothers could use the reminder that our lives are never stagnate.

Just Tell Me What to Say – Betsy Brown Braun
I happened upon this book at exactly the right moment. It focuses on how to discipline/talk to/handle the day-to-day of raising young children. It focuses on the raising of children from 2-6 and provides tips and scripts to deal with issues from manners at the table to sibling rivalry to handling topics such as death/sex/natural disaster. I’ve already handed it to Mr. G with my many dog-eared pages. I think you should try picking it up as well!

My all time favorite recommendation – Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I love it. Every time I read it I find something new and interesting about the characters, the story, the themes. I love the dichotomy between the “weak” Melanie Wilkes and the “tough” Scarlett O’Hara. I love the similarities between Rhett Butler and Ashley Wilkes and how they both are too frightened to tell her their honest feelings. It’s a must read…one I’ve read at least 100 times (it’s my go to whenever I’m sick, angry, or just don’t feel like taking a chance on something new). READ IT!!

The kids’ favorite this month?

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
I’ve been reading it over and over before bed time. V is interested in the story. A just likes the long names…

So tell me…what is your must read from August?!

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