Sunday, February 1, 2015

Reading - Books - Love

The January Edition

I'm a little surprised at how many books I was able to get through this month, especially considering the length of some of them.  My consumption was due in part to timing of when books were due back to the library and that three books came off hold at the same time.  As much as I dislike being cooped up, I cannot stand being cold and so cooped up it is for the winter.  I've been stealing time on the weekends to read.  Sometimes I hide upstairs in my room and see how long it takes for the girls to seek me out.


1.  Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty






This was the third book (What Alice Forgot and The Husband's Secret were the first two) I've read from this author and it was my least favorite.  I was a fan of What Alice Forgot and thought The Husband's Secret was pretty good but Big Little Lies didn't draw me in.  While there were some serious issues than ran as underlying themes in the book, I didn't like what can best be described as fluff.  Too much fluff.  Whether the author meant to use it to offset the seriousness, I cannot say, but I didn't care for it.  The reader knows, for the most part, where the book is headed (there is a clever twist at the end) which made the story seem drawn out to me.  Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad book.  I just don't think it's her best.


2.  The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt











I loved this book.  (Thank you to those who recommended it.)  I thought the writing was amazing and the character development was phenomenal.  It's a long book but I never ever felt that it dragged.  A must read!


3.  All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr











Such an amazing book.  It was well written with an interesting storyline and I loved the historical aspect to it.  The main characters were well developed and you couldn't help but silently cheer them on.  Another must read.


4.  Revival by Stephen King











As I've previously mentioned, I've been a Stephen King fan for a long time.  Unfortunately, this book wasn't one of my favorites.  It was a decent read but I didn't feel that the ending was what King wanted it to be.  A part of me feels like I know where the author wanted to go but I think it was an impossible feat.


5.  Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison by Piper Kerman





I don't watch many television series so I've never seen this one and I only recently discovered that it's based on a book.  The subject seemed interesting and overall, the book had good ratings, which is why I decided to read it.  (I'd rather read than watch.)  It was well written and a good read but I just could not get past the author's stupidity.  I know we all do stupid things but while she was involved in this illegal activity, she never seemed to be concerned that she could be arrested and tossed in jail. How does one, especially a well-to-do, educated person, not have that fear?  However, I do not think she should have served that time all those years later.  That, to me, was a complete waste of our money.  I give her credit for bringing flaws of our judicial system to light.  

6 comments:

Caroline said...

I love it when you do these reading posts! Glad you loved The Goldfinch. I loved it too! I gave up on All the Light We Cannot See, but I think I'm going to try to finish it now.

The Girl on The Train has been getting a lot of attention lately. I just read it and thought it was pretty good, entertaining if you like mysteries.

I've just about given up on Stephen King. I tried to get into his books, but they all seem so... I don't know, macho or something. That said, I did love The Shining and Misery. Which is your fave Stephen King book?

Sarah said...

Hi Caroline - I'll have to check out The Girl on the Train. I've it mentioned here and there.

The Shining is one of my top King books but I think my favorite of all was 11/22/63, which I read last spring.

Chantel said...

Orange is the New Black.... the series is NOTHING like the book. The first few episodes there is some stuff here and there, some similar characters but the show--no way. I am sure the author has a lot of rights but I cannot believe her name is tied to that show as something she went through. I think her stupidity was a youth thing. At that age you think you are invincible and things are an adventure. I think of some (granted, legal) stuff I did in my early 20s that could have ended badly I am grateful I made it through okay.

Sarah said...

Chantel - I was wondering how they could possibly make the book into a series. Interesting...

Sally said...

I tried watching Orange is the New Black but found it too vulgar for my tastes and couldn't get into it. However, the basic storyline interested me, so I picked up the book in an airport. I had the same issue you did with it... I couldn't get past the author's stupidity or self-absorption. I actually found the main character in the series (in the two episodes I watched) more sympathetic than the real-life Piper.

The most recent book that I have read and enjoyed is "The Promise of Stardust" by Priscille Sibley. It's definitely not for everyone, but I found it very thought provoking and touching.

Davida said...

I love reading about what others have read. I've read many books that I never would have otherwise.

I have read the first three books you mention and I have to agree with your thoughts on all of them. I have read all of Stephen King's books but not the latest one. I think he writes a good story but has a hard time knowing how to end it. I have watched both seasons of Orange is the New Black but I don't think I'll read the book.