Book Report No. 2

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond

Verdict:  This book was fun.  If you haven't read her online collection (that was the pre-cursor to this book), definitely check it out.  Otherwise, it feels like a re-read.  Also, if you are even slightly discontent with the man in your life, you may want to skip this title.  Ree's tale of cowboy romance is hard for any man to compete with, and the fact that it's a real story makes it even worse.





The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Verdict:  I just finished this book last night, and the more I think about it, the more I love it.  Yes, it's written from the dog's point of view.  But although it may seem simple and simply amusing at first, this story is a deep and touching one, with some very emotional lessons.  Lessons all taught by the dog, Enzo.  It's not my normal kind of book choice, but I really recommend it.  And I'm definitely going to see if my library has other titles by Stein.





What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell

Anticipation:  I love just about anything by Malcolm Gladwell, and the fact that this book is a collection of essays makes me happy.  I currently don't have the focus (or time or energy) to get my way through an entire book with inter-related themes, so a collection sounds just about perfect right now.   

   



The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

Anticipation:  I gushed about this book before, I know.  But it finally arrived in the mail this week, so I hadn't yet been able to read it.  It's currently sitting under the edge of my bed (where all my next-in-line books live), pretty much screaming at me to crack open the cover.  I haven't even allowed myself to remove the paper slip cover yet, because I needed to finish my library books before the distraction of a shiny new novel by my favorite author.  But, wait no more!  I get to start this book tonight, and I'm so excited!  I may or may not spend my Friday evening under a down comforter with this book and a plate of congo bars.  Please don't judge.





Book Report: No. 1

Goooood mornin!  I realized last night, as I was starting up a new book, that I could be sharing that little bit of me with you here.  Ever since my amazing mom taught me to read in pre-school, I've always loved it.  But now that my life is resembling a mild form of mayhem, books have become somewhat of a rare treat for me.  It saddens me to the core that I crawl into bed too exhausted to read much more than three pages before falling asleep, but it is what it is.  I'm trying to make reading more a priority, because I love it so much, and over the past couple of months, I've actually chipped away at my very long to-read list!  Here are the titles I've read over the past couple months, and a few that I'm about to start. 

Do you have any books that I should add to my list?  I've just started making use of our public library system here, so I'll add your suggestions to my hold list there!


Thanks for the Memories: A Novel

Survey Says:  It was fine.  A great book to fly through when I was crawling into bed at night, trying to quiet my busy mind.  Ahern wrote "PS I Love You," and my favorite of hers is "Dear Rosie."  This one doesn't come close to either, but it was still nice and pleasant and would make a great pool-side read.

 

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

Survey Says:  I really liked this book.  It's kind of Malcolm Gladwell meets "Chi Running."  It had some really interesting history of running mixed with a charming story and a sprinkling of sociology.  It was a great change of pace (pun intended), and I ripped through this book in less than a week.


The Help

Survey Says:  I loved this book; all the hype is warranted and earned.  The storytelling sucks you in, and I finished this heavy book in 5 days (and with my insanity schedule).  It's a must read.

Water for Elephants: A Novel

Survey Says:  I really liked it.  Not enough to ever read it again, but I'm definitely excited to see the movie.

 

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist



Early Survey: I started this book last night, after having been impressed by his Oprah appearance while promoting the book's release. It's funny, sarcastic, and positive, all while centered on his battle with Muscular Dystrophy. Funny, sarcastic, and positive? Who doesn't need a book like that?

The Peach Keeper: A Novel

Early Survey:  I cannot wait for this book!!  Sarah Addison Allen has become one of my most loved authors; her dreamy way of describing things makes my heart buzz, and her books are my favorite form of escapism.  Gush, gush, gush, I can't wait for its release date!

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story

Early Survey:  If you don't know the force of nature that is Ree Drummond, you really need to go make yourself acquainted by visiting her kitchen and her front porch, via ThePioneerWoman.com.  She has a condensed, pre-book version of this tale posted on her site, and I flew through it.  It reads like a romance novel, but it's the real deal story of her husband and her.  The library emailed me just this morning to say that a copy is on hold in my name, so I'll be starting this book soon!