BOOKS IN OCTOBER/SEPTEMBER 2017

You can tell that the school year has started because I only read six books over the past two months  (ha!). In the summer months, I find that I read so much!  The stress that overtakes a teacher during the school  year is a real thing, friends. And sometimes, to be honest, the last thing I want to do is open a book and think. However, with that being said, weirdly, on other days, I find that's all I want to do. Unfortunately, those first few months of a Teacher's school year, it is the former, rather than the latter. 

Outliers: The Story of Success // Malcolm Gladwell 

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. 

My thoughts:  A great novel. I only gave it 4 (not 5) because it wasn't "life changing" for me. With that being said, it was a phenomenal novel with very interesting thoughts about the benefits of being an "outlier". A great, interesting, easy self-help read

Favorite Quote from the book: “Those three things - autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward - are, most people will agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying.” 

The Lies We Tell Ourselves // Robin Talley
Genre: Historical Fiction  
Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: In 1959 Virginia, the lives of two girls on opposite sides of the battle for civil rights will be changed forever. Sarah Dunbar is one of the first black students to attend the previously all-white Jefferson High School. An honors student at her old school, she is put into remedial classes, spit on and tormented daily. Linda Hairston is the daughter of one of the town's most vocal opponents of school integration. She has been taught all her life that the races should be kept separate but equal.
Forced to work together on a school project, Sarah and Linda must confront harsh truths about race, power and how they really feel about one another.

My thoughts:  ** spoiler alert ** Ugh, I don't know where to start with this book. 
The first half was so enticing and interesting. I couldn't seem to put it down. It tore at my heart strings of what these young people had to go through in the process of integration in 1959. With that being said, the second half was kind of frustrating to me because I felt like the author was too focused on a political agenda (that didn't to do with race, which is what I thought the book was about?) I don't mind a political agenda if I pick up the book knowing that, but I assumed this was more historical fiction with issues on race rather than her coming out as a lesbian. Anywho, it was a good read, but the story went a totally different direction than I thought. Wasn't an amazingly well written novel, either

Favorite Quote from the book: “We punish ourselves so much in our own imaginations. We convince ourselves everything we do, everything we think, is wrong.For eighteen years I've believed what other people told me about what was right and what was wrong. From now on, I'm deciding.”

The Magnolia Story // Chip & Joanna Gaines 

Genre: Nonfiction/Biography 

Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

My thoughts:  I mean, who doesn't love Chip and Joanna? Not only am I obsessed with this show and it's my dream to have land and Jo decorate my classic/vintage/farmhouse style home, I thought this novel was good! It definitely wasn't life changing or the most amazing writing I've read, but it made for a quick, interesting, intriguing, fun read. 

Favorite Quote from the book: “Don’t quit, and don’t give up. The reward is just around the corner. And in times of doubt or times of joy, listen for that still, small voice. Know that God has been there from the beginning—and he will be there until . . . The End.” 

Kill the Boy Band // Goldy Moldavksy 

Genre: Fiction (Humor) 

Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: We were not planning to kidnap one of them. Especially not the most useless one. But we had him—his room key, his cell phone, and his secrets. We were not planning on what happened next.We swear.

My thoughts:  Hilarious, funny, ridiculous, edgy, and keeps you interested. This novel is not the best written or must amazing book ever written, but it was entertaining and keeps you interested. A quick, easy read--a great audiobook. (Note: lots of F words, if that bothers you!).

Favorite Quote from the book: “Because the truth is, it isn't worth loving something if you aren't going to love it all the way.” 

The Gifts of Imperfection // Brene Brown 

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help 

Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough, and to go to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. 

My thoughts:  I just finished reading this for the third time (listened to it once and read it once) and every time this book teaches me more about the strength in my imperfections. Seriously such a fantastic self-help book; one that really "speaks" to me. This is, truly, one of my all time favorite books that I havee ever read. I am such a perfectionist and this helped me in so many different ways in my life. 

Favorite Quote from the book: (Oh man, how do I just choose one?!). “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” 

We Should All Be Feminists //  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Genre: Nonfiction

Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: With humor and levity, here Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century—one rooted in inclusion and awareness. She shines a light not only on blatant discrimination, but also the more insidious, institutional behaviors that marginalize women around the world, in order to help readers of all walks of life better understand the often masked realities of sexual politics. 

My thoughts:  Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I love that it talks about feminism in a positive light--that feminism does not mean man-hating or angry, lonely, of masculine women. True feminism is rooting for women to succeed and to see them in positions of power. Great points about raising soft men and the expectations we place on boys and girls, men and women.

Favorite Quote from the book: (Can't just choose one! Ah!). “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls, you can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful. Otherwise, you would threaten the man. Because I am female, I am expected to aspire to marriage. I am expected to make my life choices always keeping in mind that marriage is the most important. Now marriage can be a source of joy and love and mutual support but why do we teach girls to aspire to marriage and we don’t teach boys the same? We raise girls to see each other as competitors not for jobs or accomplishments, which I think can be a good thing, but for the attention of men. We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings in the way that boys are.” 

July/August Reads 
May/June 2017 Reads
March/April 2017 Reads
January/February 2017 Reads

What were some of your most recent reads that you want to share with me?
Have you read any of these novels? 

BOOKS IN JULY/AUGUST 2017

Well, school has officially started! Yikes! It has been a very stressful two weeks, but I am surviving! I am not going to lie, I am really missing my summer and all of the reading that I did. As you will see below, I read 10 books in two months!! It felt so good to just read, escape, and have such great reading experiences this summer. 

Have you read any of these books? What do you think? I am always willing to chat about books! 

The Westing Game// Ellen Raskin 
Genre: Young Adult/Middle Grade Fiction 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger - and a possible murderer - to inherit his vast fortune, one thing's for sure: Sam Westing may be dead... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!

My thoughts:  Great middle-grade/YA read. Great characters and interesting plot. This is something my students would love. Would be a great read-aloud book (may need to have students write down characters to keep track of them!).

Favorite Quote from the book: “Life, too, is senseless unless you know who you are, what you want, and which way the wind blows.” 

Between Shades of Gray// Ruta Sepetys 
Genre: Historical Fiction  
Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

My thoughts: Such a fantastic novel--No, nothing to do with the other Shades of Gray Series 😜. The research behind this novel was prevalent while reading this book. This book was quite an intense, heavy novel. At times, it is pretty depressing, sad and brutal. With that being said, I loved the characters in this novel. I loved Mama and Lina, two of the main characters. They are such strong women. I didn't love the ending, but it definitely was realistic. Great read and absolute page turner. I was a little embarrassed that I did not know much about the history of this story. I am glad that my eyes were opened to me through this beautiful book.

Favorite Quote from the book: “Sometimes there is such beauty in awkwardness. There's love and emotion trying to express itself, but at the time, it just ends up being awkward.” 

A Monster Calls// Patrick Ness 
Genre: Young Adult Realistic Fiction 
Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: The monster showed up after midnight. As they do.But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming…This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.

My thoughts:  Oh my goodness. Truly one of the best YA novels I have ever read. I thought it was written beautifully, the story was interesting, and themes explained were undeniable. I love the figurative language and themes that you learned as a reader (and that the main character learns). You definitely need to read it WITH the pictures. I feel like it makes the story even more beautiful. Read it in two hours. Loved it.

Favorite Quote from the book: “You do not write your life with words...You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.

You are a Badass// Jen Sincero
Genre: Nonfiction/Self-Help 
Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary:  Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, blast past your fears so you can take big exciting risks, figure out how to make some damn money already, learn to love yourself and others, set big goals and reach them - it will basically show you how to create a life you totally love, and how to create it NOW.

My thoughts: Meh. Definitely not my favorite self-help book. I definitely thought it was enjoyable, but I felt like she didn't explain anything that I hadn't read/heard/worked on before. I felt like, for me, most things were aspects of my life that I am already working on, if that makes sense. There was nothing life changing or altering about the info she gave to me. A good self-help book if you haven't read many others before, though.

Favorite Quote from the book: “You are perfect. To think anything less is as pointless as a river thinking that it’s got too many curves or that it moves too slowly or that its rapids are too rapid. Says who? You’re on a journey with no defined beginning, middle or end. There are no wrong twists and turns. There is just being. And your job is to be as you as you can be. This is why you’re here. To shy away from who you truly are would leave the world you-less. You are the only you there is and ever will be. I repeat, you are the only you there is and ever will be. Do not deny the world its one and only chance to bask in your brilliance.”

More Than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting// Serena Miller 
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: The more time Serena Miller spent in Holmes County, Ohio, doing research for her popular Amish novels, the more she began to notice something—Amish children were the happiest children she’d ever seen. Despite not having modern toys and conveniences, they are joyful, serene, calm, and respectful—not to mention whipping up full meals and driving buggies before most of us will allow our children to walk to school alone. And yet, when she started asking questions about what these parents were doing differently, she was startled to learn that happiness is not a goal Amish strive for at all.

My thoughts:  Oh my goodness! I LOVED this book. This was not something that I would have chosen on my own, so I am happy we read it for book Club. Others did not seem to love this book as much as I did while at book club discussion, but I thought this book was incredibly fascinating. I thought there were so many helpful and great ideas. I don't believe you have to be Amish to follow a lot of their parenting ways and basic lifestyles. I genuinely want to take so many of their ideologies into my future parenting. Great book. I love some of their views and there were many aspects that I want to use for my own future children. I am ALL about the community feel of raising children. 

Favorite Quote from the book: “Amish culture is built around preserving and protecting the family unit.” 

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind // Yuval Noah Harari 

Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: In Sapiens, Dr Yuval Noah Harari spans the whole of human history, from the very first humans to walk the earth to the radical – and sometimes devastating – breakthroughs of the Cognitive, Agricultural and Scientific Revolutions. Drawing on insights from biology, anthropology, paleontology and economics, he explores how the currents of history have shaped our human societies, the animals and plants around us, and even our personalities.

My thoughts:  I don't know if it's because I tried to listen to this, but I was so incredibly bored. The information itself was so fascinating, but I could not get through even half of it. Maybe I'll try again later. I'm a nerd and love this kind of stuff, so I'm surprised I didn't enjoy it as much as others have (especially because it has such a high rating). The information was fascinating at moments. Overall, though, was just bored.

Favorite Quote from the book: “Culture tends to argue that it forbids only that which is unnatural. But from a biological perspective, nothing is unnatural. Whatever is possible is by definition also natural. A truly unnatural behaviour, one that goes against the laws of nature, simply cannot exist, so it would need no prohibition.” 

Grit// Angela Duckworth 
Genre: Nonfiction/Self-Help 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Why do some people succeed and others fail? Sharing new insights from her landmark research on grit, Angela Duckworth explains why talent is hardly a guarantor of success. Rather, other factors can be even more crucial such as identifying our passions and following through on our commitments.

My thoughts: Great book! It is one that I would recommend to anyone: parents, teachers, businessmen and women, etc. I think this is an important quality that needs to be taught and talked about more. The only reason I gave it a 4 was because I felt like she could have explained things in half the amount of time. She repeated herself a lot. A great book, nonetheless.

Favorite Quote from the book: “Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.” 

Truly Madly Guilty // Liane Moriarty 

Genre: Realistic Fiction 
Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Clementine and Erika are each other’s oldest friends. A single look between them can convey an entire conversation. But theirs is a complicated relationship, so when Erika mentions a last minute invitation to a barbecue with her neighbors, Tiffany and Vid, Clementine and Sam don’t hesitate. Having Tiffany and Vid’s larger than life personalities there will be a welcome respite. Two months later, it won’t stop raining, and Clementine and Sam can’t stop asking themselves the question: What if we hadn’t gone?

My thoughts: This was an interesting read, but definitely not Liane's best novel. I felt like she dragged it out too long. It did not catch my attention from the get go like her other novels (and it took quite awhile for me to get "into").

Favorite Quote from the book: “There is no special protection when you cross that invisible line from your ordinary life to that parallel world where tragedies happen. It happens just like this. You don’t become someone else. You’re still exactly the same. Everything around you still smells and looks and feels exactly the same.” 

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck // Mark Manson 

Genre: Nonfiction/Self-Help 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

My thoughts: Obviously this novel has a lot of F words (duh), but other than that, I really enjoyed what Mark Manson had to say and his outlook on life. This is one of the most "real, authentic" self-help books that I have read in a long time (maybe it's because I am cynical. Ha, but it was refreshing. I found myself nodding along multiple times. Great novel if you aren't afraid of some swear words! This, for me, is worth reading again and highlighting. He had so many great points.

Favorite Quote from the book: “Who you are is defined by what you’re willing to struggle for.” 

Small Great Things // Jodi Picoult

Genre: Realistic Fiction 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years' experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she's been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?

My thoughts:  Seriously one of the best books I have read over the past few months. Small Great Things was heartbreaking, intense, and definitely thought provoking. It was a novel that honestly changed some of my own views and thoughts regarding race. A beautiful, complicated novel that everyone needs to read. 

Favorite Quote from the book: “Equality is treating everyone the same. But equity is taking differences into account, so everyone has a chance to succeed.” 

May/June 2017 Reads

March/April 2017 Reads
January/February 2017 Reads

BOOKS IN MAY/JUNE 2017

I'm fully aware that it's already halfway through July, guys. Believe me. I walked into Target the other day and I saw back to school stuff. Let's just say it gave me a little bit of anxiety. So, I am sorry that I am just posting about my May and June reads. I don't have any excuses besides the fact that I'm spending time actually reading, rather than posting about the reading. ;)
Summer time for me=books! Yay! I am excited to share with you some of the books that I've read over the past couple of months. Most of these were read in June because let's be honest, May is a teacher's hell with busy work to do. (Don't remind me).

What Alice Forgot// Liane Moriarty 
Genre: Realistic Fiction 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Alice Love is twenty-nine, crazy about her husband, and pregnant with her first child.
So imagine Alice’s surprise when she comes to on the floor of a gym and is whisked off to the hospital where she discovers the honeymoon is truly over — she’s getting divorced, she has three kids and she’s actually 39 years old. Alice must reconstruct the events of a lost decade, and find out whether it’s possible to reconstruct her life at the same time. She has to figure out why her sister hardly talks to her, and how is it that she’s become one of those super skinny moms with really expensive clothes. Ultimately, Alice must discover whether forgetting is a blessing or a curse, and whether it’s possible to start over.

My thoughts:  I am such a Liane Moriarty fan! She is the perfect summer read. I have wanted to read this book forever. I loved this one. Not as much as Big Little Lies simply due to being enthralled right in the beginning. With that being said, I found the story interesting. I rooted for the main characters wholeheartedly. I loved the realistic tone that it incorporated and the truth that it held. An important, great theme. I would recommend this book.

Favorite Quote from the book: “Each memory, good and bad, was another invisible thread that bound them together...It was as simple and complicated as that. Love after children, after you've hurt each other and forgiven each other, bored each other and surprised each other, after you've seen the worst and the best...-well, that sort of love is ineffable. It deserves its own word.” 

Mom & Me and Mom// Maya Angelou 
Genre: Nonfiction/Biography  
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: For the first time, Angelou reveals the triumphs and struggles of being the daughter of Vivian Baxter, an indomitable spirit whose petite size belied her larger-than-life presence—a presence absent during much of Angelou’s early life. When her marriage began to crumble, Vivian famously sent three-year-old Maya and her older brother away from their California home to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas. The subsequent feelings of abandonment stayed with Angelou for years, but their reunion, a decade later, began a story that has never before been told. In Mom & Me & Mom, Angelou dramatizes her years reconciling with the mother she preferred to simply call “Lady,” revealing the profound moments that shifted the balance of love and respect between them.

My thoughts:  I love Maya Angelou. Her life was just as fascinating and interesting as she was as a person. I wanted to read this as close to the passing of her death as possible so I could get a glimpse into her life. There were times that I got a little bored, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I love biographies about fascinating people, in general, and Maya's was no different. As usual, her writing in this was intriguing and easy to connect to.

Favorite Quote from the book: “Love heals. Heals and liberates. I use the word love, not meaning sentimentality, but a condition so strong that it may be that which holds the stars in their heavenly positions and that which causes the blood to flow orderly in our veins.” 

Americana// Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 
Genre: Fiction  
Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland. 

My thoughts:  I'm not sure where to begin on this book. I have so many thoughts! First of all, I hate the ending. The last 100 pages were very difficult for me to get through. Second, I found so much of this book incredibly interesting. Her thoughts on race and prejudice in America are fascinating and were very interesting to read. With that being said, I will be the first to admit that I have white privilege, but I felt like she was trying to shove the race information down my throat. I couldn't stand Obinze and I felt like I wanted to skip most of his narrative. Her and Obinze's relationship is so unhealthy that it actually ended up making me quite mad. There were way too many side-characters, most of whom we don't need to know at all (and she goes into unnecessary exquisite detail on them!). Overall, a very interesting book regarding race and culture, but the plot was very weak.

I love my friend, Dylan's thoughts on this novel as well:  What a ride. This book is long and has at least one hundred characters, 5 or 6 of which are important. It reads in parts: Ifemwlu in Nigeria, Ifemelu in America (newly, with boyfriend 1, with boyfriend 2), Obinze in England, and then Ifemelu back in Nigeria. Things went seriously downhill once Ifemelu left America. I struggled hard through the last bit of the book, and if that were the book I would have rated it 1.5 stars. Ifemelu and Obinze make horrible decisions and seem not to care about anyone else. So annoying. Someone said that overall she felt conned into reading this book thinking it was a complicated romance...trust me, it definitely is not. It's a race novel.

The author made Ifemelu a race blogger, and randomly inserts her blog posts into the book. It's almost like the author really just wishes she was a race blogger, but knew she'd get more readers if she wrote a novel. Just know that the author has an agenda, and pushes race issues the entire book. It made me uncomfortable, but mostly in a good way, and it was helping me look for things to change about myself to be better toward immigrants. 
Negative things said: The first part of the book was good, and the Ifemelu in America sections were OUTSTANDING. I learned so much. I wish everyone could read and learn from these sections, which were engaging and beautiful. I really can't complain about anything in those sections. Would recommend...but those sections only. I really can't recommend anything else.

Favorite Quote from the book:  “If you don't understand, ask questions. If you're uncomfortable about asking questions, say you are uncomfortable about asking questions and then ask anyway. It's easy to tell when a question is coming from a good place. Then listen some more. Sometimes people just want to feel heard. Here's to possibilities of friendship and connection and understanding.” 

Imagine Me Gone// Adam Haslett 
Genre: Realistic Fiction 
Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: When Margaret's fiancé, John, is hospitalized for depression in 1960s London, she faces a choice: carry on with their plans despite what she now knows of his condition, or back away from the suffering it may bring her. She decides to marry him. Imagine Me Gone is the unforgettable story of what unfolds from this act of love and faith. At the heart of it is their eldest son, Michael, a brilliant, anxious music fanatic who makes sense of the world through parody. Over the span of decades, his younger siblings--the savvy and responsible Celia and the ambitious and tightly controlled Alec--struggle along with their mother to care for Michael's increasingly troubled and precarious existence.

My thoughts: Wow, okay. First of all, it this book is incredibly heavy. Which, actually, I don't mind, so I was fine with it, but just be warned. Second, I have so many mixed emotions regarding this novel. I think it is one of those books that is helpful to others for understanding mental and emotional health issues. But I also think that it was trying too hard to make a statement regarding medications and other social "politically correct" arguments right now (also included quite explicit scenes that were a little much for me). The characters were very fascinating, with intriguing thoughts and stories. Overall, though, the plot was weak. It read more like nonfiction. An interesting read, but definitely rated R for those interested. Along with that, it was incredibly relatable to anyone with mental health issues or lost anyone to suicide. Definitely a relatable book, but not written how I was expecting. It was a little boring at times, as well. I will say that it was written quite beautifully at some points. 

Favorite Quote from the book: “What I have always found most comforting about these forms is the trace of hope I get as I'm filling them out. How they break your life down into such tidy realms, making each seem tractable, because discrete, in a way they never are beyond the white noise of the waiting room. You get that fleeting sense that you're on the verge of being understood, truly and fully, and for the first time, if you could just get it all down in black and white before the receptionist calls your name.” 

Talking As Fast As I Can// Lauren Graham 
Genre: Nonfiction/Biography 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: In Talking as Fast as I Can, Lauren Graham hits pause for a moment and looks back on her life, sharing laugh-out-loud stories about growing up, starting out as an actress, and, years later, sitting in her trailer on the Parenthood set and asking herself, “Did you, um, make it?” She opens up about the challenges of being single in Hollywood (“Strangers were worried about me; that’s how long I was single!”), the time she was asked to audition her butt for a role, and her experience being a judge on Project Runway (“It’s like I had a fashion-induced blackout”).

My thoughts:  I literally read this book in two days. I am a huge Lauren Graham fan because of Parenthood and Gilmore Girls. Because of that, I felt like I could relate to her novel in many ways. I loved reading about her experiences filming on those shows and all that encompassed it. She is witty, funny and entertaining. A good, quick read.

Favorite Quote from the book: “I guess what I’m saying is, let’s keep lifting each other up. It’s not lost on me that two of the biggest opportunities I’ve had to break into the next level were given to me by successful women in positions of power. If I’m ever in that position and you ask me, “Who?” I’ll do my best to say, “You” too. But in order to get there, you may have to break down the walls of whatever it is that’s holding you back first. Ignore the doubt—it’s not your friend—and just keep going, keep going, keep going.”

BOOKS IN MARCH/APRIL 2017

January/February 2017 Books  

It was a rough couple of months, guys. I only read five books ;). When I told T Money this, he looked at me, glared, and looked away. I think he is finally accepting that I am a book nerd. In all seriousness though, I have found that posting every two months my book reads might be a better fit for me. That's not saying that I won't post monthly, but often times it takes me some time to finish books (especially during the crazy months during the school year). There was an interesting range of books this month: from serial killers to young adult to some sex tips...gasp!! It was a pretty good two months of reading. 

Genre: Nonfiction 
Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Larson tells the stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. 

My thoughts:  This was our March Book Club novel. This is my first book that I've personally read from Larson, but I have heard great things about him so I was excited to dive into this book. However, with that being said, this wasn't exactly the type of novel that you "dive into." This book took me two and a half months to read (which is a LONG time for me. I have this problem that once I start a book, I need to finish it! Haha). It did not take me so long to read because I hated it, but rather, I felt like there was so much detail in it that I was being overcome with it. After reading two chapters, I felt like I had read for an hour. Part I and II were slooooow. Luckily, Part III got pretty intense and held my attention significantly more. I will admit that the architectural descriptions were difficult for me to read and get through. I loved the part about Holmes. I find reading about serial killers is super fascinating (Maybe I'm weird?). I was enthralled the entire time in the parts about him. Overall, I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars (I wish I could give half stars. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could) because there were too many parts that I felt like I needed to skip over (and was a little bored). However, I will say, this was very well written. 


Favorite Quote from the book: “I was born with the devil in me,' [Holmes] wrote. 'I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing.” 

Big Little Lies // Liane Moriarty 

Genre: Fiction  
Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny and biting, passionate, she remembers everything and forgives no one. Her ex-husband and his yogi new wife have moved into her beloved beachside community, and their daughter is in the same kindergarten class as Madeline’s youngest (how is this possible?). And to top it all off, Madeline’s teenage daughter seems to be choosing Madeline’s ex-husband over her. (How. Is. This. Possible?).

Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare. While she may seem a bit flustered at times, who wouldn’t be, with those rambunctious twin boys? Now that the boys are starting school, Celeste and her husband look set to become the king and queen of the school parent body. But royalty often comes at a price, and Celeste is grappling with how much more she is willing to pay.

New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for the nanny. Jane is sad beyond her years and harbors secret doubts about her son. But why? While Madeline and Celeste soon take Jane under their wing, none of them realizes how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy will affect them all.

My thoughts:  Oh man....Where do I even start with this novel? Well, I watched the show on HBO right after I finished the novel for our April Book Club. I did not love the show as much as the book. I would recommend the show as a completely separate entity. But, the book. Whew! I absolutely loved it. Liane Moriarty's books are like crack. I couldn't stop reading. Almost 500 pages in 3 days! This has been one of the best books I've read this year. It really had me thinking about domestic abuse in our society and the stigma that surrounds it. I really liked how the author used humor  with some heavy, really issues.  The characters are hilarious, intense, scary and interesting. I loved the "hoity-toity" world that these women grew up in. It seemed a little too realistic. Yikes. I guessed some of the plot, but definitely not the end. With that being said, I' not sure if I loved who the author chose as the culprit. It seemed a little bit out of left field and random. 

Favorite Quote from the book: “It’s because a woman’s entire self-worth rests on her looks,” said Jane. “That’s why. It’s because we live in a beauty-obsessed society where the most important thing a woman can do is make herself attractive to men.” 

Rules // Cynthia Lord 

Genre: Realistic Fiction // Young Adult  
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules-from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public"-in order to stop his embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

My thoughts: If you read this blog at all, then you would know that I teach sixth grade. Because of this, I try to read a young adult novel often. I chose this one because I know many of my students read it for their Battle of the Books. I read this novel aloud with my cute 11 year old sister in law. I loved the storyline behind the story. I thought it was very well written for a young adult and one I would recommend to my students. The main character is relatable and so is the story line. I really enjoyed that the author truly understood what it's like to live withs someone with autism. Great YA novel. 

Favorite Quote from the book: “...choosing words is harder than I thought.” 

Scrappy Little Nobody // Anna Kendrick 

Genre: Nonfiction/Biography 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: With her razor-sharp wit, Anna recounts the absurdities she’s experienced on her way to and from the heart of pop culture as only she can—from her unusual path to the performing arts (Vanilla Ice and baggy neon pants may have played a role) to her double life as a middle-school student who also starred on Broadway to her initial “dating experiments” (including only liking boys who didn’t like her back) to reviewing a binder full of butt doubles to her struggle to live like an adult woman instead of a perpetual “man-child.”

My thoughts:  Anna Kendrick is hilarious and relatable. I loved her rant and trash talk the entire time--it was HILARIOUS. She is someone I feel like I would be friends with. She is comfortable in her own skin and her novel portrays it. I did feel like the novel was a little scattered, but I think most of these memoir-type biographies are (as I am noticing). I love the look into her life as a kid to how she became famous. It was fascinating to see the hard work and work ethic she portrayed to get where she is at today. I was unexpectedly pleasantly surprised from this book. 

Favorite Quote from the book: I gave up on being Nice. I started putting more value on other qualities instead: passion, bravery, intelligence, practicality, humor, patience, fairness, sensitivity." 

Come As You Are // Emily Nagoski 

Genre: Nonfiction 
Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: An essential exploration of why and how women’s sexuality works—based on groundbreaking research and brain science—that will radically transform your sex life into one filled with confidence and joy.

My thoughts:  Don't be scared by the cover, ladies and gents. This is our May book club read, but I dove into it a little bit early. I am so glad that I did because I loved it. I got a little annoyed that the author kept saying "Read about this in the next chapter..." I wanted the information NOW. I loved the realistic tone that this was written in. Sometimes I get a little bit weary about "sex" books, but I found this one quite insightful. I liked that it talked more about the psychology of sex, especially in women. I found it fascinating all of the statistics and science and psychology behind it all. I am a little bit of a feminist, so I fell in love with the idea of having pride as a woman an owning our sexuality, no matter what it is. This is actually a book I would recommend to every women. Seriously. I loved it. Very helpful and an easy read. 


Favorite Quote from the book: “Emotions are tunnels. You have to go all the way through the darkness to get to the light at the end.” 




I am currently on a Liane Moriarty kick and reading "Truly Madly Guilty" and "What Alice Forgot." Of course, I will keep you posted on them.