Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

My rating: 5.0

I read this book back in 2012 and gave it 5 stars and it made my Best Of List for 2012.  When this was picked for my bookclub, I knew I wanted to read it again. Not only is it amazing writing but thanks to my poor memory, the 'twist' got me again this time as well.

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This is one of those books where, the less you know about it the better so, I won’t reveal too much here. This book is told by Tony, one of a group of three friend in high school. Their group is joined by a fourth, Adrian. The telling varies between their high school years and a middle aged Tony. This is not a light read but, if you listen to it on audio, it flows effortlessly. Both kindle and audio are available through my Overdrive library system (and hopefully are at yours as well). I am in awe of Julian Barnes' writing.  Amazing!  Thoroughly enjoyable and I can't wait for the bookclub discussion.

The Bees by Laline Paull

My rating: 3.0

This is what life might look like to be a hive member. This is not a kids book but a grown-up drama that includes both sweetness and considerable sting.  I admire the uniqueness of this book but at times it was a bit too quirky.

Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner

My rating: 3.0

The story of friendship between two couples.  Maybe I am not literary enough or else I read too many glowing reviews of Stegner over the years but this book was a struggle for me.  The writing was truly 'work' to read.  It is not a plot driven book and none of the characters appealed to me.

I am sure I am in the minority in not appreciating this classic but I won't be rushing out to read any more of Stegner's work.  It made me crave something light and easy to read.

About Grace by Anthony Doerr

My rating: 4.7

As a young boy growing up in Anchorage Alaska, he has a dream of a man carrying a hat box being hit by a bus.  Weeks later, when he and his mother are walking down the street, he walks right into that same scene and everything crystallizes and slows down as his dream becomes reality. Years later, David has another dream about his infant daughter.

David Winkler is a very unique individual.  Not only that he has premonitions but, the way he views life.  He is a hydrologist and has a fixation with water and snow.  He has no concept of money and, in general does not look at the world or do things the way other people do.  If you can not let this frustrate you and instead enjoy his quirks, you will love this book.

I am absolutely enamored by Doerr's writing.  It is not a book you can skim but rather one you must focus and read every word and truly absorb and enjoy.  Poetry.  I will be reading more by this gifted author.