State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great character development and story line. I loved Bel Canto and this book was also wonderful leading me to ask, why I haven't read more by Ann Patchett? Definitely recommend!

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The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a slow, magically beautiful book. Everything from the character development to the author's ability to capture the haunting dramatic breathtaking wilderness and lifestyle. It is hard to believe this is the author's first book....and hopefully not her last. I can not do justice to this book other than to simply say, you must read it.

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This epic novel follows the fates of five interrelated families-American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh-as they move through the world-shaking dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for women's suffrage. Follett seamlessly intertwines the characters lives with the facts of history and makes a riveting story. If only my history teacher made history half as interesting. I can't wait for the 2nd book of this trilogy to be released.

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Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweeping, emotionally riveting novel that follows the family from Africa to America. Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers growing up in a mission hospital in Addis Ababa. Orphaned by their mother’s death in childbirth and their father’s disappearance, they are raised by Gosh and Hema. This book masterfully weaves in medicine as well as the story of the Ethiopian revolution. Even more enjoyable for reading this a second time. Loved it!

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Crocheted Bell Sleeve Pullover

This top crocheted up so quickly and easily.  I absolutely loved this pattern.  Doris Chan is a genius in how she designs her patterns.  I did adapt the bell sleeves a bit so that they didn't flare out quite as much as the original pattern called for.  I absolutely LOVE that this was one piece so there was no sleeves to attach or seams to sew.  When I finished, I was done!

This pattern happens to be free but, for Christmas I got Doris Chan's Crochet Lace Innovations book.  After making the above pullover and seeing how she writes such great patterns that are not only easy to follow but, well thought out, I can't wait to try some of her patterns from the book!

The Story of a Marriage

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book tremendously. The author does a wonderful job of not only capturing marriage but also of how we live our lives with others, never seeing those people for who they truly are, all along being misunderstood ourselves. It also beautifully captures the atmosphere of draft-time and war. Don't read anything about this book as there are twists that are better enjoyed as the book unfolds.

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Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Frankl's descriptions of his experiences and thoughts during the Holocaust were memorizing. To hear him express his professional thoughts alongside his memories so detached made it all the more powerful.

 When a man talks about having a purpose and meaning for living while he is inside of a concentration camp, it can inspire the rest of us to live a meaningful life. The second part of the book is very heavy on psychiatry but was still interesting. Overall, this is a great book that I would recommend.

Sword Song - 4th in the Saxon Series by Bernard Cornwell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The adventures of Uhtred and Alfred continue with events that shape England’s future. This is the most incredible series that I am enjoying so much but, definitely not for the squeamish!

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Unsaid by Neil Abramson

Unsaid by Neil Abramson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I am an animal lover and have experienced death and horrific grief and yet this book didn’t do much for me. It had a good premise, but the characters felt very one-dimensional and the writing was trite and downright cheesy at times.

 The story of Helena narrating this from the dead didn’t help this book and neither did the flat narration on the audio book. It felt like a cross between a bad soap opera and a disease of the week movie, complete with all the ends tied up in a sickeningly sweet bow at the end. I struggled to finish it and am now wondering why I did. I wish this book have been left 'unwritten'.

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