Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Book Reviews - Summer Edition

The good news is that my 2010 Reading Plan has encouraged me to read more books this year. The bad news is that I've definitely deviated from the plan somewhat. But regardless, I wanted to share the books that I read in July, August, and September with you.

I Will Carry You by Angie Smith


I actually won this book in Pretty Whitty's giveaway, and I was SO glad that I did.

Even though I've read Angie's blog and know the story of Audrey Caroline, the book was still amazing.

Angie is a fantastic writer and I absolutely love how she wove in the biblical story of Lazarus in with Audrey's story. This book touched my heart and grew my faith.

My rating: 5 stars out of 5


The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain


I read this book in August as part of the Book Beginnings and Bookends Book Club. I'm guessing that many of you did as well.

I did a crap job of responding to the weekly questions -- but I loved the book and really enjoyed reading the weekly comments by Erin, Rachel, and other bloggers.

This book was a total page turner! I basically could not put it down. It was thrilling, touching, suspenseful, and fascinating. Just a great read overall.

My rating: 5 stars out of 5


Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver


Believe it or not, I think I've had this book my bookshelf to read for almost nine years. That's one epic reading fail.

So I finally read it this Summer (which is fitting because it's about Summer in the Appalachians). It weaves together three distinct stories of people living life one Summer in the 1990s. I really liked how by the end all of the stories and characters were tied together. Of the three stories I loved one, liked another, and really didn't like one of them. I found myself almost skipping the chapters about Deanna, but the chapters about Lusa were enthralling. So overall, I liked but didn't love this book.

My rating: 3 stars out of 5

PS- I still feel that Barbara Kingsolver is an amazing reader, and I highly recommend The Poisonwood Bible, which was written a few years before Prodigal Summer. It's one of my favorite books EVER.


Baby Proof by Emily Giffin


I know this book is a favorite of many bloggers out there -- so I knew I would like it and it seemed to be an easy read for the last month of Summer. It was definitely an easy read and I zipped right through it. Overall, I liked the storyline, but I found the characters to be pretty one-dimensional and almost caricatures. Nevertheless Baby Proof is a fun, summer, beach/pool read.

My rating: 3 stars out of 5


What books have you been reading lately?

10 comments:

The Pascua Family said...

I've followed your blog for awhile, living through you as a newleywed.(fast forward 5 years with twins)..ha! Actually I grew up in LB/Seal Beach so its fun to follow a blog thats local. I've never commented until I pulled your blog up today and saw the book that I've poured over the last 2 weeks, its beyond amazing!! I love to read so thanks for posting some great recommendations!

Kristin said...

Have you read all the Emily Giffin books?

The Shabby Princess said...

Gosh, I haven't been a very good reader over the summer--or at all lately. Stupid work getting in the way of everything! But, I need to get back in the groove. Thanks for the book reviews!

Anonymous said...

I agree with your assessment of Baby Proof. I've read several of Emily Giffin's books and most of them make me sad. :(

Thanks for the other recommendations. Will have to check them out!

Jen | Our Life Accounts said...

I recently read one of Dave Rameseys financial books and it was quite good! Other than that my reading has been overlooked a bit this last month or so, I've barely been able to keep up with my magazines!

I totally agree on your assement of baby proof, it was one of my fluffy chic lit reads on vacation this summer!
Check out the $100 Shopbop giveaway on my blog!

Anonymous said...

It's so nice that you love reading, too. :) ^_^ I will have to look back through some of your reviews and check some out. :)

ALSO! Visit my page--I GAVE YOU TWO AWARDS!! ^_^

nyinkdrops.blogspot.com

Perfectly Imperfect said...

I haven't read one book since BG came along six months ago. Isn't that horrible?!?

Hope things are going well. Feel like I haven't heard from you in forever!!

Ashley said...

Did you read Emily Giffen's first two books before Baby Proof? I liked her first two more, although, still VERY easy reads, but sometimes I need easy reads :)
I enjoyed reading your other book reviews and I will add some to my list!! I have so many books started and not finished right now- so bad.

Jenni@Story of My Life said...

All of those sounds great!!! :)

Mimi said...

I'm so glad that you highlighted I Will Carry You on your blog! I know someone who knew that family and he had recommended Angie's blog to me, from before she wrote her book. If you want to check it out, it's: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

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