contentSo this year, per usual, I started out motivated. However, I've come out of the gate running, or rather reading, like I haven't in years. Thanks to some easy going saturdays, I have the following offerings; all are recommended.
Books 1-5:
Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks. I usually love Sparks because he's a comfort read and usually has something that is less than predictable in the predictable plotlines. This one didn't strike me as a favorite but it didn't make me feel as if I wasted my time. A typical Sparks read.
Love In A Nutshell: Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly. I'll read anything if it's written by Janet Evanovich. In school, I'd have even read my text books if her name would have been on the covers. This isn't her typical Stephanie Plum line, more sappy love mystery which is her style though. I think what I liked best is that it felt familiar, as half of the book took place approximately a mile from my house.
Five People You Meet In Heaven: Mitch Albom. Years ago this was made into a TV movie that I watched so I was familiar with the plot and idea before I read the book. Alboms words were kind of a formality, as I could still see the characters and actions in my mind's eye. Decent read, quick read, and a novel idea (no pun intended) that is still done in a way that doesn't step on the toes of religious doctrine or ideals.
Open House: Elizabeth Berg. I stole a series of books from my mother in law and this and the next book I took purely because I do judge books by their covers and it didn't look dull. The idea is that Sam's husband left, and left her with her house and 11 year old son. While dealing with this new separation and being alone, Sam not only deals with the psychological issues that arise but a few other curveballs, including taking in roommates. It wasn't a heavy read, intresting because of the honest and genuine approach to writing.
Lastly,
The Recipe Club: Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel. Longtime friends Lilly and Val become penpals due to their infrequent ability to visit each other. Because they both enjoy baking, in addition to their letters, they exchange recipes that their parents try, friends offered, or from menu items they enjoyed. The book starts with the girls attempting to repair a long-held rift, then travels back to their early writing days up to the rift and how they finally mend. Through all the trails and troubles of their preteen through college years and different personalities, it was an interesting book to follow and the epistilary format makes the book quick to read. And I've collected a few recipes that sound good too!
