I thought we’d take a step back from all of the delicious recipes to talk about my other hobby: reading. I tend to read a ton and then not pick up another book for a month or more. Right now I am on a reading tear and I’d like some ideas. Here is what i’ve read recently:
In My Hands by Irene Gut Opdyke
Highly Recommend
I really loved this memoir. I read the whole thing in one morning. I couldn’t stop reading it. I like books that take place during World War II. This is the story of Irene Gut and her family. Irene went from being a nursing student to protecting Jewish workers from certain death. I don’t want to spoil it so just read it.
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
Recommend
And the Mountains Echoed is from the same author as The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. It was a very good book but no where near as good as The Kite Runner. There are a number of storylines that are intertwined throughout the book. However, I found a few story lines added nothing to the story. Overall, I liked it but didn’t love it. I was disappointed because I loved The Kite Runner.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Skip
I had heard really great things about this book, but I actually kind of hated it. For me, it was just boring. Nothing happened. I need a little more action! Lots of people loved this book but I say, skip it! Kelly did like it though.
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
Highly Recommend
I loved this one too. It is the story of silent film star Louise Brooks and her chaperone, Cora Carlisle. They travel to New York for Louise to take part in a dance class. While there Cora learns about her early years while Louise tests her limits. Kelly and I loved this book but my Mom didn’t care for it.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Skip
I really hated this book. The storyline was fine and I read it quickly but I hated the main character so much that I could not enjoy the book. She had a very tough childhood which resulted in her making some bad choices. I just could not get past how much I hated her. Kelly and my Mom loved it!
Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving
Highly Recommend
I am a huge fan of John Irving. His books are a little twisted but I have enjoyed them all. My all time favorite book is A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. This book took me a little while to get into but once I did I couldn’t put it down. It also didn’t hurt that I was laying by the pool in Mexico when I read this last year. Definite read for me.
After Visiting Friends by by Michael Hainey
Recommend
I am recommending this book but in all honesty I barely remember it. Maybe because it was unmemorable or maybe because I was a brand new, sleep deprieved mom when I read it? I don’t know. It is about Michael Hainey and his quest to find out what happened to his dad.
A City of Broken Glass by Rebecca Cantrell
Highly Recommend
This is one of my all-time favorite books. A few years ago I was searching through the mystery section of the library. I never know what books to get so sometimes I just pick randomly. Anyway, I picked up the book Traces of Smoke. I read and liked it ok. And then I forgot about it. One of my friends was looking for a book recommendation and I thought of this one. She read it and informed me that there were more books in the series. I have now read them all and they have become a favorite. A City of Broken Glass is the latest and I am really hoping there are more. This one also takes place during World War II.
Riding the Bus With My Sister by Rachel Simon
Skip
I also read this one while I was on maternity leave. I read a lot of books last summer. Again, I just really hated the narrator. She seemed snotty and compassionless.
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer
Highly Recommend
This is another World War II era book. I told you I like reading about that time. It is the story of Andras Levi, a Hungarian-Jew. There are many books out there about the Holacaust but this one is told from another side. Nothing to do with Germany or Poland but instead Hungary. I highly recommend this one.
The Double Bind by Christopher Bohjalian
Highly Recommend
I actually read this one a long time ago but I decided to mention it anyway. I don’t think it is a very popular or well known book but I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like books with twists and turns you will love this one. Think: The Sixth Sense. Kelly, my Mom, and Myself all loved this one.
Do you have any recommendations for me?
