- Books read: 7
- Pages: 2,209
What a month of reading – I must admit a few of these books were super short and easy to read – I finished The Next Person you meet in Heaven and the Perfect Puppy book in a day each. Otherwise, here are my reviews of my December books:
The Book of Essie – Meghan Maclean Weir
Rating: 3.8/5.0
Interesting book and topics – very relevant to topics in the news today and issues. Essie is the daughter of a family in a reality show. Her mother is all about the show – how they look, dress, appear – they need to be a wholesome Christian family -at any cost. But when Essie finds herself pregnant at 17, and in a tough spot, will Essie outsmart her family? I thought it was an interesting book, different, and well-written. Nothing super outstanding to me, but one of the best books in December that I read.
2. A Ladder to the Sky – John Boyne
My Rating: 4.0/5.0
I really enjoy John Boyne’s writing -The Heart’s Invisible Furies was one of my favorite books! He again wrote a pretty captivating book, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the aforementioned. His character Maurice is so evil – he manipulates everyone he knows and is so heartless, it’s hard to believe. I guess because I hated the character so much, meant that it was good writing, but I couldn’t find a lot to pull out of this book, or didn’t find it too memorable. It’s an interesting read, but be prepared to be pissed off!
3. The Next Person you Meet in Heaven – Mitch Albom
My Rating: 3.8/5.0
I have read all of Mitch Albom’s books as well – Tuesdays with Morrie is an all-time favorite! (I know I just said this above, but both true) This book I read in about 2 hours. SUPER quick read. Much like the prequel, this book is about who we met in our life, and how they may have impacted us (sometimes with out even knowing) It’s the connections and the stories we have, and what perhaps may happen when we die and experience our own heaven. Who will we see? What will we do? For those questions and making myself top and reflect, I give it a solid review. Good book – and reads SO fast!
4. The Dream Daughter – Diane Chamberlain
My Rating: 3.5/5.0
What a weird book! Maybe I don’t have enough imagination, but this is about someone that goes through time travel. The book takes place mostly in the 70’s, but through time portals (???) they are able to jump off bridges/roof’s and into another decade?? Sorry, I wasn’t buying it, or the weird storyline that follows. I was interested to see how she was going to finish – would the mother and daughter find each other/survive?? Let’s say, I was annoyed with how it ended. I usually like her books, but found this a little too far fetched. Dang.
5. Something in the Water – Catherine Steadman
My Rating: 3.2/5.0
Another weird book! I had this on my list for so long and was excited since it was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick. Pretty disappointed. I think the beginning of the book really gives away what is going to happen later, so that really took any suspense away. Two newlyweds go on their honeymoon and get wrapped up in a dangerous scenario. Not a very compelling plot and again didn’t find the ending anything brilliant or surprising. Just predictable and weird book. Sorry – didn’t find the love in this one.
6. One Beautiful Dream – Jennifer Fulwiler
My Rating: 3.7/5.0
I have read quite a few non-fiction/inspirational/motivational/self-help books this year. This wasn’t the best, but wasn’t the worst. I find it more enjoyable when I like the person first and find them interesting. I think her thoughts on finding time for you, for what is important – whether that’s staying home, working full-time or a combination was great. I have found myself doubting at times if I made the right choice by working full-time and I liked that she struggled with that too, but found what works for her family (which I think I am doing better at myself) She was VERY open to children, which to each their own, but I couldn’t quite understand how or when she ever slept or found the energy to write/work. Good for her! I think she had some interesting perspectives on family life and found it a pretty enjoyable read, but not life-changing.
7. How to Raise the Perfect Dog – Cesar Millan
My Rating: 3.0/5.0
SOOooooo we got a puppy for Christmas and I have no idea what I’m doing! My cousin recommended this book, so I frantically ordered it. I guess from a reassurance perspective, I affirmed a few things that I may have been unsure about. And it’s not the books fault that most of the information is now available online, and I didn’t need to read the book. Maybe huge dog lovers would love it more, but I found it just a tad boring. I did read it REALLY fast as well, because of need though!
What's Making Sarah Smile 