Longbourn by Jo Baker

My rating:  4.0

This is the lives of the servants the Bennett estate of Pride & Prejudice.  There is Mrs.Hill who manages the staff that keeps Longbourn running smoothly: the young housemaids, Sarah and Polly; the butler, Mr. Hill; and the mysterious new footman, James Smith

I haven't read Pride & Prejudice but could appreciate this story.  That being said, sometimes it felt wonderfully light hearted with the typical struggles a Staff has of running an estate like Longbourn and other times it vascillated from a fluffy romance novel to the author adding in some very heavy topics that, for me, just didn't meld.

I think literary critics could find lots of flaws in this book but, all in all, this was an enjoyable read and I think most Jane Austen fan's would appreciate it.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

My rating:  4.8

In the early 1800's, a rich white girl is given her own slave.  The rich white girl doesn't want the slave and so the story begins with each chapter being told in turn by either the white girl, Sarah Grimke, or the Slave, Hetty (Handful).  This was a book that I couldn't wait to pick up again.

If you enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees or The Help, I think you will enjoy this book.  I also think it would make a wonderful book club discussion.

The Day I Killed James by Catherine Ryan Hyde

My rating:  4.6

This raw witty novel starts off about Theresa's neighbor James who has a huge crush on her.  Theresa is smitten with her jerk boyfriend Randy.  This is the story of actions, consequences and coming to terms with what happens.  It is a light easy read that had me laughing out loud at several points while deftly dealing with heavy topics of guilt, remorse and healing.  This won't be the last book that I read by this author.  For such a dark topic, this was a thoroughly enjoyable little read.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Rating: 4.8

I enjoyed this book a lot. Not only was it interesting to hear about the lifestyle in 1920’s Paris and to learn about Hemingway and the circle of artists in 1920’s Paris (Picaso, Joyce, Fitzgerald, etc.) but the attitudes were so different back then. I think the author did a wonderful job of making the characters, even the unsympathetic ones, come to life. Some of it wasn't easy to read as Hemingway did not treat his wives well but the author did a fabulous job in bringing this to life.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

My rating:  4.2

This book was in need of an editor.  It also was excellent writing so I didn't mind that it was gratuitously long.  The other fault was the characters did not mature.  I have heard this called a 'coming of age' story.  When at the beginning of the book the boy who is 13 years old has not changed or matured when he is in his 20s at the end of the book, it is hard to agree with it being a coming of age story.

While the above is true, I enjoyed this book.  I don't know that it is a recommend and I definitely do not think it should have won the Pulitzer but, it was still an enjoyable read.

The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini

My rating:  4.4

This work of historical fiction tells the story Lizzy Van Lew and her efforts to help the Union during the Civil War.  While there were times when the details of the war were a bit cumbersome, overall this book had a good pace and gave me a much greater understanding of the sacrifices both black and white made during those times to help the North succeed.

How to Start a Book Club

I highly encourage you to join a book club.  If you can't find one you like, start your own!

Before you start your club, decide on things like:

• a name
• the type of books you want to read (mysteries, fiction, non-fiction?)
• how you want to run your club
• how many members
• where do you want to have it

The hardest part is advertising.  I have had good luck with putting up flyers at Starbucks, advertising in the local paper.  Meet-up.com is ok but you have to realize that meetup is meant as a 'drop in' event so I haven't had as good of luck when I want permanent members.

The Bee-Loud Glade by Steve Himmer

Rating:  3.8

Finch is a lackadaisical cubicle worker until he gets laid off and meets the eccentric billionaire Mr. Crane.  Mr. Crane hires Finch to live the life of a hermit/monk in his garden.

This quirky book is very original and also quiet and understated.  Not much happens at all and some may call it boring but, for me, it was enjoyable.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

My rating;  4.5

This is a light cute story of Don Tillman, a professor of genetics, who is an extreme/cliche example of Asperger's.  Don decides to find a wife and has a very specific idea of what he is looking for.  He embarks on The Wife Project.  When he meets Rose, she is the opposite of everything he thought he wanted - a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.   This sweet story entertained me all the way through and was the perfect thing to capture my overworked exhausted brain.

It is free through your library or $1.99 for the Kindle version through Amazon.

Songs of Willow Frost by Jaime Ford

My Rating:  1.6

This book was very poor writing, the characters had no development (they were all good or all bad) and it felt cheezy.  It was one cliche after another.  Although I enjoyed the author's previous book, The Hotel On The Corner of Bitter and Sweet, I would not recommend this book.  Many reviewers said they found this book sad or depressing but I couldn't get involved enough to feel anything.

The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff

My rating:  3.2

Marta survives a prison camp in WWII and is rescued by a soldier, Paul, that she conveniently crosses paths with many times. While this book had potential, I don't feel it was as good as The Kommandant's Girl. I didn't feel for any of the characters and, there were a lot of unrealistic moments. There were a lot of cliches, Simon is all bad and unlikeable, Marta is strong yet mousy and weak, etc. It seemed promising but, the book never really took off for me and felt much lighter than the first book did.

When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman

My rating:  3.2

This book instantly pulled me in and I devoured the first few chapters. The eccentric girl and the relationship with her brother combine with Winman's writing were magical and frequently had me chuckling out loud.  Then, after the first few chapters, it lost me.  For the rest of of the book, it waxed and waned.  While Winman's writing remained lyrical throughout, it was also was in need of some editing as it was verbose. I feel that maybe she also bit off too much in the scope.  It was still a very entertaining read but, not a recommend.

Goat Mountain by David Vann

My rating:  3.8

An unnamed 11 year old boy is the narrator in this bleak but gripping novel.  In 1978, the 11 yo boy, his grandfather, father and neighbor set out to go hunting on their 640 acre property.  The first kill is human.  This is so dark/stark that I am not recommending this book but, have to say that the writing was beautiful and artistic.  If you want a dark read, this would be a good book.

The Medea Complex by Rachel Florence Roberts

My Rating:  4.8

If this wasn't an amazing enough book, then I find out that it is based on a true story.  Wow.  This historical fiction set in the 1900's and opens with Lady Anne believing she has been kidnapped, only to find out she is in a mental institution.  Don't read too much about this book but, if you are at all interested, watch the book trailer.   Amidst the many twists and turns it also delves into the approach to mental illness in that era.  A quick easy read that had me coming back for more.  I could see that this would make a great book club discussion.

This is from the website:

A deep and riveting psychological thriller set within an historical context, packed full of twists and turns, The Medea Complex explores the nature of the human psyche: what possesses us, drives us, and how love, passion, and hope for the future can drive us to insanity.

NPR's Best Books of 2013

It's out!  NPRs Best Books of 2013.  I can't wait to scour through this list, find out which I have read and which ones I want to add to my queue.  I need more hours in my day!!!!  http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2013