The Book Report

So…let’s get started:

Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner

My last couple experiences with Jennifer Weiner left me wondering if it was worth picking up this book. But I’m so glad I did! As chick lit goes, it was perfect. The story was touching, interesting, and moved quickly. The characters were enjoyable. It’s not a story that is going to stick with you for ages, but it will entertain you.

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

I wish I would have listened to the Google reviews on this. Great blog idea. Awful book. I couldn’t make it through the first few “awesome” things before tossing it aside and moving on to something else. This is twice in just a few months were I’ve had books that I just couldn’t finish. And that’s rare. Pick it up, skim it, but whatever you do – don’t actually plan on reading through the whole thing. It’s a waste of time and the fact he finishes every single mention with AWESOME! is more than annoying.

Nurture Shock by Po Bronson & Ashley Merryman

Parenting genius! I love the research based ideas on everything from sibling rivalry, to lying, to the inverse power of praise. It’s less parenting guidebook and more of “this is what we are taught to do as parents – and here’s where it goes wrong” book. I especially loved the chapter on sibling rivalry because it made me realize that the seemingly endless fighting between A & V is not only NORMAL but might even be an indicator of the fact they like each other’s company!

One Day by David Nicholls

If you are gong to read just one of my book suggestions this month – make it this one. I laughed. I cried. I reread it. The writing and characters are absolutely, positively amazing. I loved the format (snapshots revealed on a specific day – July 15th – over the course of 20 years) and the story. Em and Dex are both lovable and frustrating (especially Dex). And it’s on my reread pile again. I think I’m going to skip the movie, however, Anne Hathaway is not how I imagine Em AT ALL.

And the book I hate to admit reading?
If Tomorrow Comes by Sidney Sheldon

I started reading Sidney Sheldon in high school. And in fact, this was the first book I ever read by him. I went on to read Rage of Angels (loved), Master of the Game (loved) and others (couldn’t have loved that much because I don’t remember the titles) but whenever I just want to read a book that isn’t “chic lit” and I don’t want to think or process but just read for the act of reading – he’s one of my go-to guys. It’s trite, mind numbing, and completely without merit but it’s fun. So if you are in the mood for something like that – I highly recommend him. If Tomorrow Comes (the story of a woman falsely imprisoned for the theft of a painting only to be pardoned and become a thief) is as good as any place to start.

My kids pick for the month:

The Peace Book by Todd Parr
This book was recommended to us by V’s preschool last year and Todd Parr has quickly become a favorite with his colorful artwork and simple but touching books. It’s also currently a “bargain” book at amazon so you can pick it up for less than $3.00. Click on the link above if you’d like to be taken to that site (and no, I’m not an Amazon Associate though I’ve thought about it).

So what have you been reading lately? Any suggestions for us?

Happy reading in October!

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