September Reads

78. My Name is Mary Sutter (Oliveira) ~ 3.5/5

Queeny (Pearson) ~ 4/5

79. Columbine (Cullen) ~ 4.5/5

80. This World We Live In (Pfeffer) ~ 1.5/5

Safe Enough (Child) ~ 3.75/5

81. The End of Marking Time (West) ~ 4.5/5

82. Hope's Boy (Bridge) ~ 3.5/5

83. How I Live Now (Rosoff) ~ 2/5

The Home Front (Ardai) ~ 4/5

84. Will Grayson, Will Grayson (Green & Levithan) ~ 3.5/5

85. Room (Donoghue) ~ 4/5

86. Cutting For Stone (Verghese) ~ 3.25/5

87. Whiter Than Snow (Dallas) ~ 3/5

The Last Flight (DuBois) ~ 3.5/5  

Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

Clicking on a title will link you to "Thoughts of Joy...".

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Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Chick-Lit: 0 - 0

Classic: 0 - 0

Fiction: 4 - 22

Graphic Memoir: 0 - 1

Memoir: 1 - 3

Mystery/Police Procedural: 0 - 19

Non-Fiction: 0 - 2

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1
Science Fiction:  1 - 1

Short Story Collection: 0 - 3

Suspense/Thriller: 0 - 12

True Crime: 1 - 2


YA Classic: 0 - 0
YA Fiction: 2 - 8
YA Graphic Novel: 0 - 7

YA Mystery: 0 - 1

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 0

YA Science Fiction: 1 - 1

YA Short Collection: 0 - 1

YA Thriller: 0 - 1

Children's Fiction: 0 - 1

Children's Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Children's Thriller: 0 - 0

Children's Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 0 - 0

Short Stories: 4 - 24

Audiobooks: 8 - 41

Books: 1 - 43

eBooks: 1 - 3

Total: 10 - 87

Best Reads: 2 - 5

Series: 1 - 31

DNF: 0 - 1

THE LAST FLIGHT (4 of 19)

Author:  Brendan DuBois 

(Edited by Harlan Coben)

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Death Do Us Part, 2006

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 24

A man that fought in WWII hires a pilot to take him over the ocean to sprinkle his wife's ashes.

Sprinkling ashes over the ocean is one thing, but the overriding topic is one that does not sit well with me. I'm not saying I agree or disagree, but it definitely makes me very uncomfortable.

WHITER THAN SNOW

Author:  Sandra Dallas
Genre:  Historical Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2010  
Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)
Yearly Count:  87




Many families in a Colorado mining town (1920) band together when an avalanche engulfs their children.

This almost received lower than a 3 due to the choppiness of the story.  I would just start getting attached to the characters and then the story line would abruptly switch to another family.  That happened many times over.  However, I couldn't go any lower in my rating, because I really did enjoy some of the individual family stories and the historical setting Dallas created.  So - not a great read, but not a bad one either.

CUTTING FOR STONE

Author: Abraham Verghese

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (better than just okay)

Yearly Count:  86

Marion, Shiva's twin brother, narrates his life from before his birth in Ethiopia until he is middle aged in America.  The boys are inseparable as children, but one hurts the other very deeply causing them to become distant.  Family drama prevails as the boys grow into mature adults.

This epic novel took me on an atypical journey.  Since it was published, I wanted to read it and envisioned it captivating me.  However, I was leery of its length, so I opted for the audiobook version to ease the anxiety (just a little, but anxiety none-the-less).  It was definitely a wise move on my part; I would have never continued otherwise.

It started out on a decent note, then it became intriguing, and I was delighted.  Unfortunately, it wasn't too much later when it started going downhill, and I became bored - almost to tears.  I almost gave up at that point, but chose to stick it out thinking there had to be more - of something.  It took a very long time before I developed some real interest in the story.  From there on out, it followed a fairly consistent pattern of peaks and valleys, where the peaks were low and the valleys vast.

The characters never truly seized my head or heart (tweaked it at the end, though), but as each CD passed - I became more and more interested in the story as a whole.  However, it always felt distant (I assume that was because I felt no real connection).  The story line contained an abundance of medical terms and literal surgical procedures, which for the most part were interesting.  Even though the last couple discs were good, I can't say that the whole experience was good.  So ultimately, it turned out to be a decent journey.

And, a special THANKS to those that voted to help me decide which book to read from my list.

      

ROOM

Author: Emma Donoghue

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 85

Ma and Jack live in a room measuring 11 x 11 with only the necessities available to them. Room is the story of how the two continue to exist.

For the most part I was engaged in this novel. There were times in the beginning when I wanted it to pick up and move on, but other than that - it kept my attention.

Ma and Jack were both interesting characters, and I grew to care about them. However, I felt Jack's character went in and out of a 5-year-old's capacity. In the real world, most 5-year-olds do that as well. They have a tendency to shock us with their knowledge, then all of a sudden they're acting like 2-year-olds, so I tried to stay in the believing mode and for the most part, I accepted Jack's actions. BUT, there were occasions when I just couldn't swallow what was given to me.

I'm not in the "this book was fabulous" crowd, but it had me captivated at some points, which is what I always hope a book will do. So, I consider this one well done.

WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON

Author: John Green & David Levithan

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 84

Away from home, two sixteen-year-old boys discover that they have the same name. They both are trying to figure out and find their way in the world.

Most of the laugh-out-loud funny, interesting and deeper moments came in the first half for me. The second half focused more on a musical that a character was producing (supposed to be poignant), but I just didn't like it. Too bad the beginning didn't carry through to the end. I would have enjoyed it much more. This is about as good as it gets with me and Green. Good.

A SPECIAL BOOK IN MY MAILBOX!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

(Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows)

Published: 2008

So what's so special about this book - other than it is a fantastic read? And why was it in my mailbox (along with a card) when I already have 2 copies of it on my bookshelves? Well, because Annie Barrows sent me an autographed copy of it, of course. :)

Here's why:

A couple of weeks ago, I read a delightful interview about Annie on Kids' Maximum Shelf. (Yes, she writes KIDS' books, too!) One of the questions referred to what books she loved as a child. She shared that she remembered loving a yellow book about a cat named Ophelia, and she knew right where it was on the library shelves, but never knew its name. She offered to send a set of her Ivy and Bean books to anybody that could tell her the title. With a little bit of research - viola! I thought I found the title (wasn't positive because the cat had a different name) and sent her an e-mail. It turned out that I was right, and she offered to send me a signed copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society book. I gleefully accepted!

Dear Joy --

Thanks for finding my cat!

Annie Barrows

Thank you, Annie!

Do you want to know the title of the book in Annie's childhood memory?

The Ghost of Opalina or Nine Lives by Peggy Bacon

The following is NOT Annie's request. I just thought I'd mention it.

Annie would love a copy of The Ghost of Opalina or Nine Lives (Bacon), but has only been able to locate it for several hundred dollars! If you know where she could purchase this book at a reasonable price, I'm sure she would greatly appreciate that information.

THE HOME FRONT (3 of 19)

Author: Charles Ardai

(Edited by Harlan Coben)

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Death Do Us Part, 2006

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 23

A WWII federal agent is aggressively doing his job and accidentally causes the death of a detainee. His actions create an avalanche upon his life.

Oh gosh. The wording at the end caused me to pause and reread so that I could fully comprehend what happened. It wasn't that it was difficult to get the first time, I just wasn't positive. So other than that little glitch, it was a very good story, and it kept me engrossed. It won the Edgar award in 2007 for best short story.

I NEED YOUR HELP!

I am having a difficult time deciding on which chunkster I should listen to after my current audiobook. Can you help? I may not choose the winner, but at least your response will help me narrow down my choices.

PLEASE VOTE:

THANK YOU!

UPDATE: I went with the majority: Cutting For Stone (Verghese). Thanks for voting. I appreciate it! :)

HOW I LIVE NOW

Author: Meg Rosoff

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2006 (US)

Personal Rating: 2/5 (not enjoyable)

Yearly Count: 83

Daisy, a 15-year-old, arrives in England to stay the summer at her Aunt's house in the country. She explains what happened during her stay.

What?! I don't understand why this won an award in the UK (equivalent to the Newbery here in the US). There were many issues that were explored (some more than others) that I felt were inappropriate or not handled in a proper manner, and I wondered why they were part of the plot in the first place. There was a semi-interesting story going on around the issues that kept me listening. BTW - this is considered a YA novel. Oh dear.

HOPE'S BOY

Author: Andrew Bridge

Genre: Memoir, Standalone

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 82

With his father out of the picture and a mother with mental health issues, Andy is put into the foster care system. He shares his experience of his placements.

I have a different view of Andy's life than he does, but I didn't live it - he did. However, what he discloses gives me the impression that he is ungrateful for the years he spent with a foster family. I could never know or fully comprehend the devastation that being taken away from your mother and plopped down in a stranger's home could do to a child, but his life wasn't that awful. Granted it wasn't the best - there certainly could have been more love and affection and a little less odd behaviors, but they were also dealing with a wounded, standoffish boy. He doesn't claim that his childhood was bad, but he talks of it in such a distant, cold voice that I didn't feel like he appreciated anything. All he wanted was his mother, which I understand. That in itself is the crux of his whole childhood. He focused on what he couldn't have and felt the void at every moment. Thankfully, he has become a successful lawyer for children's rights, so his childhood has given him a purpose and role in this world. In that respect, I am very happy for him.

THE END OF MARKING TIME

Author: CJ West

Genre: Science Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Yearly Count: 81

After awakening from a 4-year-long coma, Michael discovers that the penal system has changed - dramatically, and as a criminal he is in the thick of it. Michael (and 2 million other convicts) was released from prison and placed into a reeducation program. As Michael tries to navigate his way around this new system, he discovers that everything is not what it appears to be.

Being that I read Sin & Vengeance a little over a month ago, I decided to do a comparison of the two books because I rated them both 4.5/5, but for different reasons.

Suspense

Both Books: They both vaulted from my "night-read" (iPad eReader) to "any-time-of-the-day" read. Woo!

Sin & Vengeance: Intense. There was an incredible amount of surprising, sometimes shocking action.

The End of Marking Time: I was more curious with where this one was going. I did not read any reviews so nothing was revealed to me about the plot. My curiosity kept the suspense high.

Readability

Both Books: They both contained every day, common language; easy to read.

Sin & Vengeance: This book had a high cringe factor, making it sometimes difficult to read a scene.

The End of Marking Time: A much softer approach was used in this one. There were 2 mild gun shooting scenes with no blood and guts. It had more of a psychological bent to it than violence.

Afterwards

Both Books: They were both extremely creative. I love the way CJ West thinks (and writes). I definitely want more.

Sin & Vengeance: I remember feeling a little anxious. The action was packed in, and it felt like I had just gotten off a wild ride. Fun, but still a little harried afterwards. Also, I wasn't so sure if I liked the ending. I accepted it, but truly wondered where it was going to go as a series. The main character was questionable. (CJ has assured me that the next book has a very different tone.)

The End of Marking Time: Believe it or not - surprise was what I was left with! I'm actually surprised that I was surprised. It wasn't big, but it was a surprise none-the-less. Also, the idea of this type of penal system was extremely interesting, and I'm still mulling over the possibilities and ramifications.

Ratings

Both Books: I rated them the same, but feel different about them. For some reason, I haven't felt compelled to rate books high this year (I'm assuming that's because they didn't move me in some way), but both of these moved me.

Sin & Vengeance: I rated it a 4.5/5 mainly because of the suspense created such a desire in me to pick it up.

The End of Marking Time: I struggled a little with the rating on this one because it didn't leave me with a WOW feeling, but a more thought-filled "OH!" I enjoyed being alongside the character as he explained in detail how he processed his new life, and it made me think and ponder whether a system resembling the one depicted in the book could really work.

CJ West put some spark back into my reading, and I'm grateful!

SAFE ENOUGH (2 of 19)

Author: Lee Child

(Edited by Harlan Coben)

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Death Do Us Part, 2006

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 22

A husband and wife have a tumultuous marriage until the husband disappears suddenly and another man moves in.

The story line kept me connected, but I never felt any real connection to the characters. As a whole, I enjoyed it and the way it was told.

THIS WORLD WE LIVE IN

Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer

Genre: YA Science Fiction, Trilogy #3

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 1.5/5 (ugh)

Yearly Count: 80

A year has gone by after a meteor struck the moon, and the Evans family is still trying to cope with the devastation all around them. There is a meager amount of food and very few people in their surrounding area, so they begin to venture out of the neighborhood to gather supplies for their survival. Eventually, more family members arrive on their doorstep along with a few others in tow.

I've been led to believe that The Last Survivors was a trilogy, so I think it's fair to say that this is the last one. If it's not, it is still the end of the line for me. The every day mode of survival was what I enjoyed the most, but there were major parts of the plot that were just plain silly, and I couldn't buy in. Then came the ending - not enjoyable. At all. It actually made me reconsider my rating from a 2 (not enjoyable) to a 1.5 (ugh). The more I think about it, the more I want to lower my rating again, so I need to stop thinking about it now before it goes into the negative numbers.

COLUMBINE

Author: Dave Cullen

Genre: True Crime, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Yearly Count: 79

Dave Cullen spent 10 years researching and writing this book. After sifting through every report, article, interview, etc., he pieced together and produced this rendition of what happened on April 20, 1999 when Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold walked into their current high school and shot 13 people dead (not including themselves) and injured 23 others.

It's my understanding that controversy still lingers around the facts in this book. The actual reason why the boys chose this outrageous act of violence, were the boys bullied to a snapping point, and what was the status of their mental health remain to be a few of the areas of contention. Whether Cullen is 100% accurate or not, I thought it was extremely well written and read by Dan Leslie with class (no pun intended).

QUEENY (1 of 19)

Author: Ridley Pearson

(Edited by Harlan Coben)

Genre: Short Story Collection

Published: Death Do Us Part, 2006

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

(ss) Yearly Count: 21

A wife has been approached by a male runner on her daily jaunts around Queeny Park, and the husband expresses concern.

Before this short story, I hadn't read anything by Ridley Pearson (a couple of his books reside on my TBR Shelves though), and now I think I need to rectify that. Ridley wrote the scenes as if they could be played out in anybody's kitchen, which made them realistic. Very good - I'm intrigued.

MY NAME IS MARY SUTTER

Author: Robin Oliveira

Genre: Historical Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 78

Mary Sutter, mid-wife in Albany, New York chooses to make her way to Washington, D.C. to assist the wounded soldiers in the Civil War.

I enjoyed it, but I didn't think it was near what the hype (overabundance of high praise) has proclaimed. The time frame and setting kept me intrigued, but the characters were lacking - especially Mary! For all her desire to love, learn and assist the wounded, she lacked compassion. She was driven, for sure, but all real, true emotions were void. I've had another peek into the Civil War and learned a few things, but a tinge of disappointment lingers. However, it was still a good book.