Books In Review

Over the last couple of months, I have been reading quite a bit. You would think by how many I am about to review that all I do is read. But that is not the case. I'm just a speedy reader and often read far past my bedtime. Some of these are books chosen for my book club, and some were my choice. I also read 3 parenting books mixed in, but seriously...who wants a review on THAT?!

Ok, let's get started...and keep in mind that I am a broad reader. I like almost any genre, and can look past a lot of things in written text that I don't agree with in my own life, just for the sake of broadening my horizons and expanding my mind a bit. Also, keep in mind that this is just my OPINION. That's all.  ;)

Room
This first book was AMAZING. I could not put it down. I literally read it in 2 days. It is a fiction novel about a sadly too often true situation. A woman held captive by her kidnapper, and the child she keeps behind the wardrobe doors. This was a stunning piece of literature that really made me stop and think about my life and how blessed I am. It was a perspective shift for me. I HIGHLY recommend it. A+

Gone Girl
This book was chosen for book club for the month of October. It was a perfect choice for Halloween because it is a murder mystery and our Book Club party had a Halloween theme in October. Whitney did it up RIGHT and it was a fun book and party! Overall, I have never hated any characters more, yet at the same time not want to put it down before this book. The plot is addicting, and the twist is totally unexpected. Some events are far-fetched, and I could have used less of the cursing....but overall it was a decent read. I give this one a B.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This book was a very short one. It is a fictional compilation of letters from a high school freshman to an unknown person. I will say that at first I thought the book was pretty lame, and it didn't draw me in at all. I had to make myself pick it up...but by the end my opinion had shifted a bit. I really like the main character as a person. He is a bit odd, and the whole book I thought to myself, "Who thinks this way? Who really acts like this?" But the ending explains so much about why he is the way he is. It made me like the main character (the narrator, letter-writer) even more. Besides, for my non-bookworm friends...the movie is coming out soon. Give it a try! I give this one a B-.

Three Cups of Tea
This book was awesome! It is non-fiction about the difference Greg Mortenson made for educating young women all over the Pakistan region both prior to 9/11 and after. It is a slow start, but by the end it really drew me in. It does show that with one man's passion and determination, a huge difference can be made. It was a bit inspirational for me. I give it an A.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
I am not finished with this book just yet. I am about halfway through with it. But I have never read a book written in this way before. The author used authentic vintage photographs to create a story around. It is a mystery, not nearly as scary as the cover makes it seem so far. The idea of this work actually reminds me of an activity I used in my writing class when I taught where I would shine an image on the screen. No words. And the kids would have 20 minutes of free-writing to come up with a story that the image could be an illustration for. It is a great tool to get their minds thinking creatively at a higher level. The last 10 minutes of writing then became "share time" for the kids who loved their short story enough to share. It was so cool to see the variety across the room from 1 simple image. Kudos to this author for stepping outside the typical fiction box for this piece. I'm really enjoying it so far. And if I'm not finished yet, then I can't rate it!


Let me know in the comments if any of you have read these and your opinions. Also feel free to give me more book ideas. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

~Peace