Not Forgotten!

I have been too preoccupied with the pregnancy and moving/settling in these couple of months. I promise to do some more reading in November!

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

From the back:
The Poisonwood Bible is a story told by the wife and four daughters of Nathan Price, a fierce, evangelical Baptist who takes his family and mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. They carry with them everything they believe they will need from home, but soon find that all of it-from garden seeds to Scripture-is calamitously transformed on African soil. What follows is a suspenseful epic of one family's tragic undoing and remarkable reconstruction over the course of three decades in postcolonial Africa. The novel is set against one of the most dramatic political chronicles of the twentieth century: the Congo's fight for independence from Belgium, the murder of its first elected prime minister, the CIA coup to install his replacement, and the insidious progress of a world economic order that robs the fledgling African nation of its autonomy. Taking its place alongside the classic works of postcolonial literature, this ambitious novel establishes Kingsolver as one of the most thoughtful and daring of modern writers.

I really enjoyed this book. I had taken it out of the library about 2 years ago, but returned it before I had the chance to read it. I was at a used clothing store, and saw it on a shelf so I picked it up for a couple of bucks, and was super glad that I did!

In second year university I took a course on Colonial Africa, and read a book called King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild. It was about the colonialization of the Congo and all the atrocities that were committed by the Belgians to the Congolese people. I have always had an interest in the Congo since taking that course, and so I was intrigued to read a novel based in the Congo.

This was a really good book, but a sad book too. To see how this family was destroyed based on their experience in the Congo and how their choices shaped their futures so differently. Took a little while to get into it, but once I was about a hundred pages in, I was hooked. Worth a read.

The Secret Life of Bees By Sue Monk Kidd

I know this book has been around for a while, so I was glad to finally have the opportunity to read it.

From the back:
Sue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina—a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love—a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

This was a great book. 
I loved Lily's character. She was so sweet and likable, and had such an innocence to her perspective. I loved the author's writing style, and how she made you feel the atmosphere and heat of South Carolina.
Definitely recommend reading this one, it's well worth it. :)

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

I was waiting for the signature Picoult twist, and this one made me so sad. I have to say, that it was a little bit predictable, so I wasn't surprised that it happened but I wasn't happy about it either!

From the jacket:
Things break all the time.
Day breaks, waves break, voices break.
Promises break.
Hearts break.
Every expectant parent will tell you that they don't want a perfect baby, just a healthy one. Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe would have asked for a healthy baby, too, if they'd been given the choice. Instead, their lives are made up of sleepless nights, mounting bills, the pitying stares of "luckier" parents, and maybe worst of all, the what-ifs. What if their child have been born healthy? But it's all worth it because Willow is, well, funny as it seems, perfect. She's smart as a whip, on her way to being pretty as her mother, kind, brave and for a five-year-old an unexpectedly deep source of wisdom. Willow is Willow, in sickness and in health.
Everything chances, though, after a series of events forces Charlotte and her husband to confront the most serious what-ifs of all. What if Charlotte should have known earlier of Willow's illness? What if things could have been different? What if their beloved Willow had never been born To do Willow justice, Charlotte must ask herself these questions and one more. What constitutes a valuable life?

I've got one last Picoult novel to read (I was lent three from a friend) and I am looking forward to it, so that I can say that I have actually read some Jodi Picoult books.

This was a good book... but I'm so mushy and I'm such a sucker for a happy ending that it breaks my heart when the ending doesn't go the way I'd like.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

I recently became aware that there was going to be another Narnia movie released in December, and that it was going to be The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. It was an excellent trailer by the way, and the movie is going to be released in 3D -- should be fun!

From the inside cover (this copy of the book published in 1977):
This is the fifth of the classic stories by Professor C.S. Lewis about the kingdom of Narnia.
Only two of the four Pevensie children (Edmund and Lucy) take the magical step into their Narnian kingdom in this story, but to their deep disgust they have with them a particularly odious cousin, called Eustace Scrubb 'and he almost deserved it', who is eventually reformed by being turned into a dragon.
This time their way lies through a picture of the good ship Dawn Treader. Once on board they discover King Caspian voyaging forth to find the seven friends of his father who vanished in the Eastern Seas beyond the Lone Islands, and with him is Reepicheep the warrior mouse who eventually fulfils his dream to go to The End of the World, and beyond to Aslan's country. 
Every Narnia tale has its own charms, this is perhaps a little more adventurous and less mysterious than some of the others, but Aslan appears more often and explains many of life's mysteries in his uniquely tender way. 
For boys and girls of every age over nine.

Gotta love the Chronicles of Narnia :) I recommend the entire series! Take a read. Books are always better than the movies, so you won't be disappointed.

Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult

This was my first time reading Jodi Picoult. I had heard of Jodi Picoult, and had been recommended her books, but for some reason, I never wanted to pick one up. My friend Courtney lent me this book, and I was happily surprised with a good read and a great plot. {And don't you always want to say Jodi Pic-COLT instead of Jodi Pic-COO? Or I am the only one here?}

From the back:
What does it mean to be a good mother?
How far would you go in the name of love--and justice?

In the course of her everyday work, career-driven assistant district attorney Nina Frost prosecutes child molesters and works determinedly to ensure that a legal system with too many loopholes keeps these criminals behind bars. But when her own five-year-old son, Nathaniel, is traumatized by a sexual assault, Nina and her husband, Caleb, a quiet and methodical stone mason, are shattered, ripped apart by an enraging sense of helplessness in the face of a futile justice system that Nina knows all too well. In a heartbeat, Nina's absolute truths and convictions are turned upside down, and she hurtles toward a plan to exact her own justice for her son--no matter the consequence, whatever the sacrifice.

When I read the first fifty or so pages of this book, I wasn't sure if I would be able to read it. As a Mother, I just didn't know if I had the stomach to read about about a five year old boy getting sexually assaulted. But then the book took a twist I was not expecting (apparently Picoult is famous for these) and found that I would be able to get through the book.

This book asks a lot of moral and ethical questions such as: Is it ever ok to take justice into your own hands?

I will definitely be reading more Jodi Picoult in the future. I liked her writing style as well as how thought provoking the book was.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (an eclipse novella) By Stephenie Meyer

Well here I was, thinking I am a pretty big Twilight fan. However, I was at the store yesterday and noticed this little novella on a shelf! I assumed it must have just come out because how would I not have heard about it? Nope, it was published June 5th and she actually had a free online version available to read until July 5th. Moral of this story? I am not as "with it" as I thought I was!

Now, on to the book!

From the jacket:
Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes, and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood...life before she became a vampire.
All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has a few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself, and above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.
Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they only know as her. As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?
In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens,  following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

I really liked reading this book. It makes you love Bree's character and wish that her fate hadn't already been decided in Eclipse. It details life as a newborn vampire, one that is thirsty for blood and really terrifying. It's not the vampires that you get used to and comfortable with in the Twilight series.

I found it really interesting to see the perspective of the newborn army and how Victoria and Riley tricked them into working for them {Victoria is the main villain of Eclipse - Riley is her lackey}.

If you have read the Twilight saga, this is a definite one to pick up!

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

From the jacket:
As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob --- knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which? 

This is the third book from the Twilight series. So, really you have to first grab and read Twilight and New Moon before you dive into this one. I've read the series a few times and so I could just pick up Eclipse and read it in anticipation of the MOVIE! {Yes the movie is coming out at the end of the month but the books are so much better than the movies so read the books!}

Before you pick up this book, remember it was written for Young Adult audiences, so you aren't going to find a vampire story like you'd find in an Anne Rice novel. But that's precisely why I, and my sensitive side, like these books so much. There's suspense without it being too much and there's lots of love and drama... worth a read :)

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

From the back:
  Orphaned and penniless at the height of the Depression, Jacob Jankowski escapes everything he knows by jumping on a passing train--and inadvertently runs away with the circus. Thrown into the chaos of a second-rate traveling show, Jacob is adrift in a world of freaks, swindlers and misfits.
  Jacob uses his veterinary skills in the circus menagerie and becomes a savior for the animals he so loves, including a baffling elephant named Rosie. He also comes to know Marlena, the enchanting star of the equestrian act--and wife of August, a charismatic but cruel animal trainer. Caught between his love for Marlena and his need for belonging, Jacob is freed only by a murderous secret that will bring the big top down.
  Water for Elephants is a dark and beautiful portrait of a crumbling circus. 

 Yes, another historical fiction novel. I can't get enough!! Haha. Even if you aren't a fan of historical fiction, this book will totally draw you in. It was hard to put down once I started it.

Totally recommend this book.

The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

From the back:
Harriet Vanger, scion of one of Sweden’s wealthiest families, disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption.


I haven't read a thriller or mystery for a long time and after reading this I'm kinda wondering, why not?!

Some parts were a little intense for me (I had to make sure that my husband was in the room while I was reading - for some reason it helps me handle the scary/tense moments in the book) but overall it had a few good twists and moved along easily.

This book is the first book in his Millennium Trilogy, and I'll definitely read the next two books at some point in the future.

Harry Potter and The Philospher's Stone

I love Harry Potter. There, I said it.
I don't know how you could read this book and NOT like it. I think people have an idea of what Harry Potter is about and they decide whether or not they like it without ever picking up a book. Or they base it on a movie preview. Not exactly giving Harry a fair chance.

Harry Potter is such a likable character and J.K. Rowling such an awesome author. The books will make you laugh out loud, have you sitting in suspense and even cry.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first of seven books. Hmmm... how many times have I read this one?? I want to say 5, but it could be much higher than that. I'm a huge re-reader of books anyway, and so if I find one that I love I am bound to read it over and over.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

From the back of the book:

California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.  Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go.  A life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

I loved this book.

This is my second time reading it and I was not disappointed. So good. I don't care if you are a man or a woman, read it!

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

Historical Fiction :) Gotta love it. I'm sure there are historians out there who find historical fiction maddening. But I enjoy it. I like the idea of taking an "IF" and exploring a possible path of could have been.

I really liked the focus of this book which was Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England.

The book explores the early life of Katherine (Catalina of Spain) and her brief marriage to Arthur, Henry's older brother. The author looks at the idea that Katherine and Arthur were in fact very passionate lovers and that Katherine made Arthur a death bed promise that she would become the Queen of England by denying that their marriage was ever consummated and thereby being able to marry his younger brother Henry.

It dragged a bit at the end, but I still enjoyed this novel. I have also read The Other Boleyn Girl by the same author which chronicles the story of two sisters Mary and Anne Boleyn (who becomes Henry VIII's second wife).

Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

I enjoyed reading this book about a group of 5 women and 1 man that make up a Jane Austen only book club. For each book of Austen's, she explores a different member of the book club. You see the varying opinions that people have of different members, but then forgive the "faults" of people when you see where they have come from and how they have been shaped by their lives. I have only read Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility so it has made me want to read the rest of Jane Austen's books. That is something I will have to get on.

Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10

As it turns out...

...you can't get much reading done while on vacation with your 10 month old son. Especially when he's sleeping in the same room with you and your husband. Stay tuned for more reviews soon now that I'm home and getting back into a routine.

Her Fearful Symmetry By Audrey Niffenegger

From the jacket: 

Niffenegger returns with an unnerving, unforgettable and enchanting ghost story, a novel about love and identity, secrets and sisterhood and the tenacity of life - even after death.





I loved Audrey Niffenegger's first book, The Time Traveller's Wife.

I can't say that I loved Her Fearful Symmetry. I didn't hate it either but I'm still processing it. It was bizarre. The first 2/3 of the book was, but I didn't like the end.

The last two books that I have read have been ghost stories and could not be more different. Heading away on vacation and hoping to get a couple of books read while lying on the beach!

Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

Type of book: Fiction - Chick Lit

Describe this book in one word: Fun

Comments:
I really like Sophie Kinsella. She is the writer of the well known Shopaholic books, which are good, but I find her standalone books better. Twenties Girl is her newest installment and it didn't disappoint. Lara attends the funeral of her 105 year old great-Aunt Sadie that she never knew. She finds that she is then haunted by the ghost of Sadie's youth, a 1920's flapper. The ensuing story and their interaction together is super funny but also heartwarming. It is a good reminder that everyone has a story, and it will make you look at an older person and want to have a cup of tea and chat about their life.

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Comments: A fable about following your dreams and listening to your heart.

Food for thought (a quote from The Alchemist):

"People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them."

Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10

Bitter is the New Black By Jen Lancaster

Full title:
Bitter is the New Black - Confessions of a condescending, egomaniacal, self-centered Smart-ass, or why you should never carry a Prada Bag to the unemployment office. 

Type of book: Chick Lit Memoir

Describe this book in one word: Sarcastic

Comments: Started off kind of unsure about this book but as it went on liked it more. Probably because I need to start my own job hunt, and the author chronicles her lay-off and then the horrible time she has trying to find a new job. That part I could relate to. This book had its moments that made me laugh, and I appreciate how she could totally poke fun at herself. I think if this book was purely fiction I wouldn't have liked it as much, but because it is basically her story it gave me a reason to keep reading.

Rating: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ 5/10

Wild Swans by Jung Chang

 

Type of book: Autobiographical family history

Describe this book in one word: Eye-opening 

Comments: This book weaves together the personal story of the author's family and the history of a nation when it was undergoing turbulent change. It depicts the devastating effects that Mao's communism had for millions of people in China. I found the book really engrossing because it is a personal account of how Mao's regime affected the Author's family and the insight it gives as to how the country was ravaged by his control.

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

**Note: The book is banned in China because it shows Mao as having criminally misruled the Chinese people.