My goal is to read 100 books by the end of 2013. I just finished book 13.
Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
Summary: This books covers in great detail the time of April 1 - April 26, 1865, including the last few battles of the Civil War, Lee's surrender, the assassination of President Lincoln, and the manhunt for John Wilkes Booth.
I love history, and this book was absolutely fascinating. I was amazed at how thrilling it was - I knew the North would win and Lincoln would die, but the details were so complete that it felt like I was right there. I even stopped reading the book just as Booth was entering Lincoln's box at the theater, my heart pounding, as if the assassination wouldn't happen if I didn't read about it (I was able to keep the book closed for 5 minutes before finishing the entire thing in one sitting). The book was well-researched and well-written.
A must-read for anyone with the slightest interest in history. I can't wait to read "Killing Kennedy" by the same authors.
Quote of the Blog:
"If I am killed I can die but once, but to live in constant dread is to die over and over again." ~ Abraham Lincoln
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Belle Weather
My goal is to read 100 books by the end of 2013. I just finished book 12.
Belle Weather (mostly sunny with a chance of scattered hissy fits) by Celia Rivenbark
Summary: A book of humorous essays about life from a Southern writer.
Quick read of fluff. Although this book wasn't bad, it wasn't really good either. Easily forgettable.
Although I would recommend the author if you like light, Erma Bombeck type reads, I probably wouldn't recommend this book.
Quote of the Blog:
"Southern women can say more with a cut of their eyes than a whole debate club's worth of speeches." ~ Allison Glock
Belle Weather (mostly sunny with a chance of scattered hissy fits) by Celia Rivenbark
Summary: A book of humorous essays about life from a Southern writer.
Quick read of fluff. Although this book wasn't bad, it wasn't really good either. Easily forgettable.
Although I would recommend the author if you like light, Erma Bombeck type reads, I probably wouldn't recommend this book.
Quote of the Blog:
"Southern women can say more with a cut of their eyes than a whole debate club's worth of speeches." ~ Allison Glock
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Kinsey and Me
My goal is to read 100 books by the end of 2013. I just finished book 11.
Kinsey and Me by Sue Grafton
Summary: The first section of the book is short mysteries featuring Kinsey Millhone, the private investigator from Grafton's alphabet mystery series (all were published in various magazines between 1986 and 2003, but they were new to me). The second section of the book is autobiographical essays written by Grafton after losing her mother.
This book was a quick read, and I enjoyed it. I knew I would like the first section because I love the Kinsey Millhone series and I also like short stories. Sue Grafton revealed a lot of herself in the second section, and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth she showed. Overall, the book was very well-written.
Recommended. It is not necessary to have read the alphabet series, and this would be a good introduction to Kinsey if you're a mystery fan but haven't read Grafton before.
Quote of the Blog:
"What's stimulating about [Kinsey's] presence in my life is that...this allows me to lead two lives - hers and mine." ~ Sue Grafton
Kinsey and Me by Sue Grafton
Summary: The first section of the book is short mysteries featuring Kinsey Millhone, the private investigator from Grafton's alphabet mystery series (all were published in various magazines between 1986 and 2003, but they were new to me). The second section of the book is autobiographical essays written by Grafton after losing her mother.
This book was a quick read, and I enjoyed it. I knew I would like the first section because I love the Kinsey Millhone series and I also like short stories. Sue Grafton revealed a lot of herself in the second section, and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth she showed. Overall, the book was very well-written.
Recommended. It is not necessary to have read the alphabet series, and this would be a good introduction to Kinsey if you're a mystery fan but haven't read Grafton before.
Quote of the Blog:
"What's stimulating about [Kinsey's] presence in my life is that...this allows me to lead two lives - hers and mine." ~ Sue Grafton
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Bossypants
My goal is to read 100 books by the end of 2013. I just finished book 10.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Summary: An autobiography of Tina Fey, covering her personal and professional life from childhood through the present (published in 2011).
I like Tina Fey, and I liked this book. I've never listened to an audiobook, but I could hear Tina's voice very clearly as I read, and I might give them a try in these situations (autobiographies that are read by the author).
Recommended (if you like Tina Fey; that should go without saying, right?).
Quote of the Blog:
“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” ~ Tina Fey
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Summary: An autobiography of Tina Fey, covering her personal and professional life from childhood through the present (published in 2011).
I like Tina Fey, and I liked this book. I've never listened to an audiobook, but I could hear Tina's voice very clearly as I read, and I might give them a try in these situations (autobiographies that are read by the author).
Recommended (if you like Tina Fey; that should go without saying, right?).
Quote of the Blog:
“Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” ~ Tina Fey
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Notorious Nineteen
My goal is to read 100 books by the end of 2013. I just finished book 9.
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
Summary: The 19th book (23rd if you count novellas) featuring Stephanie Plum, accident-prone bounty hunter. This book centers on the case of disappearing patients from a hospital, and also includes plenty of the antics expected in a Stephanie Plum book.
I'm finding the series less and less enjoyable with each book. Car blew up? Check (more than one, actually). Lulu eating and referencing her former days as a ho? Check. Grandma Mazur saying inappropriate things? Check. Also, it's been 23 books - it's time to choose between Morelli and Ranger already.
It was a quick read that didn't affect me one way or the other, and I will continue to read more of the series as they come out. If you've read the series, this latest book is fine to read. If you haven't read the series, I'm not sure I would recommend starting (but if you do, please start at the beginning - the thought of not reading a series in order makes me cringe!).
Quote of the Blog:
"I did such a gigantic eye roll I almost fell over." ~ Janet Evanovich (Notorious Nineteen)
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
Summary: The 19th book (23rd if you count novellas) featuring Stephanie Plum, accident-prone bounty hunter. This book centers on the case of disappearing patients from a hospital, and also includes plenty of the antics expected in a Stephanie Plum book.
I'm finding the series less and less enjoyable with each book. Car blew up? Check (more than one, actually). Lulu eating and referencing her former days as a ho? Check. Grandma Mazur saying inappropriate things? Check. Also, it's been 23 books - it's time to choose between Morelli and Ranger already.
It was a quick read that didn't affect me one way or the other, and I will continue to read more of the series as they come out. If you've read the series, this latest book is fine to read. If you haven't read the series, I'm not sure I would recommend starting (but if you do, please start at the beginning - the thought of not reading a series in order makes me cringe!).
Quote of the Blog:
"I did such a gigantic eye roll I almost fell over." ~ Janet Evanovich (Notorious Nineteen)
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
My Name is Mary Sutter
My goal is to read 100 books by the end of 2013. I just finished book 8.
My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira
Summary: This historical fiction novel is about Mary Sutter, a midwife aspiring to become a surgeon during a time when women aren't allowed to apply to medical school. As the Civil War starts, she leaves the safety of her home to provide assistance to wounded soldiers. Mary must find her inner strength as she makes many sacrifices to pursue medical knowledge and help others. This book also includes details about the Civil War, Dorothea Dix, and Abraham Lincoln.
This book packs an emotional punch. Speaking generally to avoid spoilers, this book covers the highs and lows of Mary's professional and personal life, as well as the overall bleakness of the Civil War and the frustration of the doctors that try to save with minimal supplies and sanitation.
Strongly recommended if you like historical fiction and strong female characters.
Quote of the Blog:
"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." ~ Audre Lorde
My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira
Summary: This historical fiction novel is about Mary Sutter, a midwife aspiring to become a surgeon during a time when women aren't allowed to apply to medical school. As the Civil War starts, she leaves the safety of her home to provide assistance to wounded soldiers. Mary must find her inner strength as she makes many sacrifices to pursue medical knowledge and help others. This book also includes details about the Civil War, Dorothea Dix, and Abraham Lincoln.
This book packs an emotional punch. Speaking generally to avoid spoilers, this book covers the highs and lows of Mary's professional and personal life, as well as the overall bleakness of the Civil War and the frustration of the doctors that try to save with minimal supplies and sanitation.
Strongly recommended if you like historical fiction and strong female characters.
Quote of the Blog:
"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." ~ Audre Lorde
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Wife 22
My goal is to read 100 books by the end of 2013. I just finished book 7.
Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon
Summary: Alice and William Buckle have been married for 20 years and are parents to two teenage children. When Alice receives an e-mail inviting her to participate in an anonymous survey about marriage, she agrees and becomes "Wife 22", corresponding with "Researcher 101" about the details of her courtship and marriage. As the correspondence becomes more personal, Alice finds herself questioning her life and if she would be happier somewhere else.
I like the author's writing style and this book was easy to read, but I just didn't like it. I was right there with her for the first 75% of the book, but I was disappointed when the last few chapters revealed such implausible resolutions.
I would read something else by this author, but I wouldn't recommend this book.
Quote of the Blog:
“The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is greenest where it is watered.” ~ Robert Fulghum
Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon
Summary: Alice and William Buckle have been married for 20 years and are parents to two teenage children. When Alice receives an e-mail inviting her to participate in an anonymous survey about marriage, she agrees and becomes "Wife 22", corresponding with "Researcher 101" about the details of her courtship and marriage. As the correspondence becomes more personal, Alice finds herself questioning her life and if she would be happier somewhere else.
I like the author's writing style and this book was easy to read, but I just didn't like it. I was right there with her for the first 75% of the book, but I was disappointed when the last few chapters revealed such implausible resolutions.
I would read something else by this author, but I wouldn't recommend this book.
Quote of the Blog:
“The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is greenest where it is watered.” ~ Robert Fulghum
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