I am done with the snow. Seriously, Mother Nature, I’ve had enough. It’s pretty while it’s falling, but the seven foot mountain in front of my house is dirty and ugly and HUGE.
One good thing about the snow is that it’s a perfect excuse to stay inside and curl up with a book. I’ve read ten books this year, and I would recommend eight of them. Here are five in my February book reviews.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
This book is geared towards middle school readers, but I recommend it for everyone ages eight and older. Read it if you don’t have children. If you have kids, read it to them or with them. It is the story of Auggie, a boy born with a facial deformity that has kept him out of school until he begins fifth grade at his local prep school. It is heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny, poignant, and honest. You will want to hug everyone within arms’ reach when you’re finished.I devoured the book in about three hours. I had heard so many positive reviews from friends, and I wanted to be able to talk about it with my son. Of course he hasn’t read it yet, but guess what he’ll be doing on the drive down to Disney in April?
The Husband’s Secret By Liane Moriarty
Super mom Cecilia finds a sealed letter from her husband labeled “Open in the event of my death.” This title story is one of three that unfold in an Australian town. Chapters alternate between three story lines that eventually connect, and Moriarty does an excellent job of building interest as the stories unfold. When Cecilia finally opens the letter at the end of a chapter, I actually skipped the next few chapters to find out what the letter said – I was THAT anxious to know. This was a fast paced enjoyable read that begs for discussion. I read it for my neighborhood book club, and it definitely made for a lively conversation.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
I suppose this novel would be considered Fantasy/Young Adult. Set in a dystopian future (again), Scion is a society created to protect “normal” people from clairvoyants. Nineteen-year old Paige is one of these voyants. Expect non-humans, mind powers, and blurred lines between good and evil. It’s the first of a seven book series, and I’m willing to give the second book a try. While not immediately engrossing, I did find myself becoming invested in Paige’s story, and the author sets up many other mysteries to uncover in subsequent books. My one complaint was the regular use of invented words – I had to keep checking the glossary, which is a pain on an e-reader. By halfway through, I knew the lingo, but I don’t think a new language was really necessary. If this isn’t your usual genre, I’d skip it. But if you like fantasy that’s not also sappy romance, give it a try.Disclosure: I received digital review copies of the following two books free from NetGalley (Above) and the publisher (Safe with Me), at my request, in exchange for a review. The opinions, as always, are purely my own.
Above by Isla Morley
Expected publication date: March 4, 2014
This book is marketed with “In the bestselling vein of Room and The Lovely Bones…” And while the plot does involve sixteen year old Blythe being abducted and hidden away by survivalist Dobbs, this novel is a much different read. Dobbs thinks he is protecting Blythe from a nuclear disaster, and she simply tries to survive in this tiny world he has created. About half the book takes place below ground in the bunker where Blythe is held until she finally goes Above. I can’t say much more without spoilers, but I can say that I was riveted.
Safe with Me by Amy Hatvany
Expected publication date: March 4, 2014
I was hesitant to read a novel that began with the death of a child. Yet it is Emily’s death that allows Maddie to live, and that sets the stage for Safe with Me. Hannah is still drowning in grief when she meets Olivia and her daughter Maddie, the girl her own daughter saved. Despite the heavy topics addressed, I did not find this book to be dark and depressing. Instead it was poignant and hopeful. It reminded me of others in this genre, and the plot was a bit predictable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book, and read it in a few days. If you’re a fan of Jodi Piccoult and similar writers, I’d recommend reading Safe with Me.*****
Literary Junkies – February Edition
1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it!
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (aka The Bloggess). It reads like one very long blog post, and I’m having some trouble getting through it. She’s a funny lady, but it’s a bit much in a memoir form.
2. What books are on your bedside table at the moment?
I have one on my Nook ready to go as soon as I finish the Lawson book – The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
3. Amazon recently released the 100 books to read in a lifetime. What did they miss that you would add?
3. Amazon recently released the 100 books to read in a lifetime. What did they miss that you would add?
I don’t really get into these lists – I feel like books are such a personal choice. And while I liked Gone Girl, to have it on a list of books to read in a lifetime? I beg to differ. I’ve read 44 of the 100 books, but I’m in no rush to read most of the others.
4. Are there any books being published in 2014 that you are anxiously awaiting? If so, what are they?
4. Are there any books being published in 2014 that you are anxiously awaiting? If so, what are they?
Diana Galbadon’s next book in The Outlander series – Written in my Own Heart’s Blood. I already purchased it on Amazon, so I will get it as soon as it comes out in June.
5. Name the next 3 books on your To-Read List.
5. Name the next 3 books on your To-Read List.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Serena by Ron Rash
This one has been on my to-read list for awhile, but now that it’s going to be a movie, everyone wants it. So I have to buy it for next month’s Literary Junkies book club – I’m number 36 on the library waiting list so I’ll never get it in time.
I get so many great recommendations from all of you – so what are you reading right now?
I’m wondering if My Husband’s Secret is something that Janine has read. I can remember reading about a book like that that she mentioned on her blog. It sounds so interesting! I’ve seen a movie that had the story line of the one with the boy with the facial deformity. It was sad, but amazing to see how everything unfolded. I would want to read that to my kids, I think 🙂 I love that you’re such a reader. Thanks for sharing all of these with us 🙂
Yes, Janine did a review too. And Wonder would be a great book to read with your kids when they are older. Sometimes I miss reading aloud to my kids, especially since my son doesn’t like to read much.
I just finished “The Husband’s Secret” and I can’t get it out of my head. I love the way the author wove all the story lines together. I’ve seen it recommended on a few different blogs, and I’m glad I checked it out!
Me too, Rabia. At first I was having trouble following all the story lines, but by the end I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen.
Eleanor and Park is on my to read list. The Husband’s Secret looks like a good one and I’m excited we will be reading What Alice Forgot by her for April Literary Junkies. Thanks for linking up!
Always a pleaure, Taylor!
i am reading ‘happiest baby on the block’ and ‘expecting better.’ haha!
Yes, I have a feeling your reading will be pretty focused for awhile, Catherine. Although I read a ton when I nursed my daughter; she would fall asleep afterwards and I just left her there and kept reading!
I’m with you on the lists of books you just have to read. Reminds me of school when I never got the Classics but was riveted by Jack London. I think the book you love is one that resonates and stays with you. I really don’t see Anthony Bourdain doing that. And while I have read Good Night Moon enough to know it by heart I think my life would be just fine never knowing the words!!
Ah, Good Night Moon. I think I still know it by heart over a decade later. Jeez, I’m old.
I’ve got Husband’s Secret and Serena both on hold at the library. I hope they come available soon!
I always have all my books come in at the same time – I hope they are spaced out a little for you!
Thanks for all of the recommendations! I’m in the process of reading all of Jane Austen’s novels. I am presently reading Sense and Sensibility which I am enjoying, but still like Pride and Prejudice better!
Wow – that’s impressive. Would you believe I’ve never read any of her books? Horrible, I know.
Thank you for the recommendations!
I’m just finishing “Her Husband’s Secret,” and I love the story, writing.
I shall read her other books now.
Loved GIRL GONE & SHARP OBJECTS
My pleasure – happy reading! I liked Gone Girl too, and I actually liked Sharp Objects even more.
I agree. I liked “Sharp Objects” more, as well.
I SO much appreciate and identify w/ female characters with flaws like the one in this book!! WOW.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane and Eleanor & Park are both so good! I’m also worried that I’ll have to buy Serena. I’m 8th on the ebook list, but that probably means 8 weeks if they only have one copy. I’ll probably end up buying the ebook!
The dangerous thing about my Nook is it’s so easy to just buy a book without thinking about it – I could get into major trouble that way!
I loved Wonder and Serena 🙂 I liked The Husband’s Secret but I preferred What Alice Forgot.
http://ilikebigbooksblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/18/literary-junkies-14/
That’s on my list too, Jen – looking forward to reading it!
Thanks for the suggestions, Dana. I loved Wonder and just finished another middle grade called See You at Harry’s – very well written. I’m in the middle of Let It Go- a practical guide with a Christian perspective for recovering control freaks. My book club is reading And the Mountains Echoed this month. My daughter’ name is Rosie, so I’ve been curious about The Rosie Project; what’s it about?
Loved And the Mountains Echoed! The Rosie Project is about a man who is a genetics professor embarking on the search for the perfect wife “The Wife Project.” He finds Rosie, who is looking for her biological father. It’s supposed to be funny and feel-good. We’ll see!
I am totally bookmarking this page for my next “what should I read?” crisis. Right now I am reading two seemingly clashing books- “All Joy and No Fun” which is a fantastic book about the paradox of parenthood, and a YA fiction book. I needed some escape fiction for my unplugged weekend, and I didn’t want to have to think at all. So I started Divergent. Two days later, I’m on to book #2 in the series. 🙂
I loved that series, Stephanie – such quick, easy reads. Lots of mixed reactions to the final book – I’ll be curious to see what you think when you finish.
Yes to the Rosie Project! Hope, hope, hope you get it soon. Such a great book in my books (sorry). I tweeted about it and the author tweeted me right back – both in the voice of the main character and himself. Hope I haven’t told you this before – if so just ignore.
I am currently reading the latest Bridget Jones/ Helen Fielding book. I like that she fast forwarded it and Bridget is 51. However, it’s not as good as the others – too much tweeting for me. As if Helen F. is trying too hard to be “with it.” Does that make sense?
That is so cool, Kelly – you hadn’t told me that before. And trying too hard to be with it – that makes perfect sense. If you have to try too hard, you’re definitely not “with it!”
Being that ADHD weird chick, my focus is all off right now but I’m VERY interested in Safe with me…. Excited to read! 🙂 XO ~A~
Just come back when you’re ready, Amber – the reviews will still be here!
The Rosie Project was SO good. I really enjoyed that one.
I also finished The Husband’s Secret and enjoyed it. I was curious on what was going on too!
Dana, I’m a bookaholic, so I’m into several at once. Those attracting the most attention right now are The In-Between by Jeff Goins, Prime Time by Jane Fonda, and The China Study by T. Colin Campbell.
I haven’t read any of those – I’ll have to check them out. Thanks Alison!
I’m a huge Jodi Picouolt fan – Safe with Me is going in the Amazon cart now! I just finished A Lady in France by Jennie Goutet, a fellow blogger, and it is excellent. I even wrote a review on Amazon I enjoyed it so much (I don’t know Jennie, but I am going to follow her blog because the book was that good). Thanks for the suggestions! I am wanting to start reading again more.
I will have to check Jennie’s book out – thanks Michelle. And I think you’ll like Safe with Me – let me know what you think!
Above… yikes. I read Room and I don’t think I could handle another book like that. I just zipped through The Rosie Project in about 3 days — it was so fun to read, so funny! Especially if you like romantic comedies, you will love it.
Oh, I’m glad to hear that. It will be a good read in between heavier ones. Above was good, Sarah – actually not as tough to read as Room.
The Husband’s Secret was a great read! 🙂 Thanks Dana!
My pleasure, Jodi. Of course every book is better with a Reese’s sundae – I made a mean one back in the day 🙂
I loved Jenny Lawson’s book, but I read it as an audio book. It was really fun to hear her read it!
I bet it was! I’m almost done (book club tonight!) and the more I read the more I like it.
I was just looking at the husbands secret on amazon today! May have to check it out now!
It was good, Sarah – and it made for a great discussion at my book club.
Were you reading my mind?! I’m publishing a post with a list of what I am reading and will be reading in the coming weeks/months. That’ll probably go live tomorrow (2/18).
Looks like you have some great ones on this list that I’ll definitely have to add to mine. Now if only I could figure out how to read faster without my eyes glazing over. LOL
I will check out your post, Kim! And yes, I am a mind reader. It’s one of my many talents.
I read Jenny Lawson’s book a while ago. I need to start pinning your book posts so when i am looking for a good read, I can easily look back on them. Gonna start with this one!
I don’t get many posts pinned – so thank you Ilene!
The only one of these I have read is The Husband’s Secret so I definitely am adding the others to my list now. Merci!
You’re welcome! Your post is open in another tab right now, so I’m going to check out your recommendations too.
I loved “Wonder” too and it provided me with great talking points for a discussion with my 11 year old. We had our own “book club” if you will.
Our book club read “The Husband’s Secret” and we all loved it. Unusual for our group!
I also enjoyed “Ocean at the End…” Good and creepy.
Just finished “Orphan Train” which I would definitely recommend. Looking forward to following your blog.
Good and creepy – sounds good! I’ve heard great things about Orphan Train too. And I’d love to discuss Wonder with my son, if I can get him to read it! Thanks for visiting, Kirsten – welcome!
Above makes me feel claustrophobic just reading about it!
I think you know I just finished “Goodbye For Now” and I’m shaking in a corner, muttering to myself, but I stopped just to write this comment.
I’m about to read “Beauty Queens” which I know nothing about, but I was told it wouldn’t damage my emotional well-being the way everything else has lately.
Here’s hoping!
I feel responsible for your muttering and shaking – I’m sorry! If you feel up to reading Wonder, I think you will like it. There are sad parts, but it’s a really uplifting book.
I am amazed by how many you have read!! I don’t know where you find the time!
I let my house fall down around me, Lisa 🙂 I read while I walk the dog, and while I’m waiting for my kids in the car – I do a lot of waiting around.
LOL! I feel the same way as Lisa! but I am actively trying to read more so I appreciate your suggestions!
Hmmm. “Above” sounds intriguing. I read Jenny Lawson’s book about 2 years ago or so. It’s my favorite humor book ever, closely rivaling Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. I literally cried tears laughing through both those books!
Gabaldon!! I die.
Yeah, book lists are so subjective. I totally agree. I can’t believe you get to so many books! You’re a freakin rock star! The only book I’ve read lately is Unteachable by Leah Raeder. It rocked my socks off.
You, Mandi and I need to have a Gabaldon love fest. Just looked at Unteachable…hmmm. Definitely looks like a rock your socks off kinda book. I may check it out – it’s good to mix it up a bit, right?
I loved ‘Wonder,’ especially the uplifting end. I’ve got another biz trip coming up, so I need to load up the Kindle! Thanks for the recommendations!
I hope you are going somewhere warm, Nicole. I do love long flights or drives when I can read guilt-free!
I love your list. And yes, books are getting me through winter right now. I’m actually doing a post tomorrow (I hope!) on recent reads. I’m almost finished with Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement…thank goodness for books in -9 degree New Hampshire weather!
Looking forward to your post, Amy. I get so many great suggestions from fellow bloggers, and many times they are books I wouldn’t necessarily consider. I’ve never read anything by Amy Tan – I guess I should!
I just finished The Husband’s Secret on Saturday morning – definitely a book I would recommend. I will have to check out the other ones on your list – I’m always looking for new books to add to the que on my Nook.
Do you know I have 49 books on my to-read shelf on Goodreads? I really should go through and take some off, but I like having lots of options.
I have a request in at the library for The Husband’s Secret and I’m looking forward to it. (I read What Alice Forgot by Moriarty and loved it). I just finished Ocean at the End of the Lane, it was different but I liked it. Have you read Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, similar to Wonder and I liked it just as much, even more. Right now I’m reading Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, pretty good so far.
Thanks for all your recommendations. I always get more for my to-read list based on your suggestions.
What Alice Forgot is our April book club pick, Laura. Haven’t read Out of My Mind, but I bought it for my son. It’s sitting on his bookshelf, of course, but I’ll have to pick it up!
I tried one other Neil Gaiman book that I just couldn’t get through, but I’m giving this new one a try. We’ll see – sometimes it’s nice to read something different. Glad you enjoy my reviews 🙂
Wonder just moved to the top of my list. I can’t wait to get started. Thanks.
You’re welcome, Jennifer. You’ll finish it in a day or two, and you may need a tissue.
Safe for me sounds like something I might challenge myself to read. Will bear it in mind!
I did enjoy it, Michelle – I hope you do too!
Dana, after you and Beth go to Nordstrom, and we all have a drink, can we please go to the book store together? I love reading and words and characters and stories, and everything that happens within the binding of a book. I’m a total book whore/nerd/addict/obsessed. AND I’m going through withdrawal. I have not found time to read really since starting my blog. I find myself spending my book time reading blogs, and I enjoy it, but I do miss the suspense and awe of fiction.
I loved Let’s Pretend it Never Happened. I read it a year ago before I was in this whole blogosphere, and I thought it was laugh out loud funny. Maybe it’s because I’m from West Texas, too, and also weird like her, but I could so relate to her stories.
I cannot wait for Diana’s next book. We will have to discuss this in detail. I really need to reread Echo because I engulfed it so quickly in utter desperation to get some Jamie and Claire that I’m certain I missed a lot. You know how I feel about Jamie. Ahem.
Thanks for the suggestions….if I ever read again, I’m adding a couple of your picks to the list. I swear…I love you more and more with every post.
Aww – thank you Mandi! The feeling is mutual. xoxo I do like Let’s Pretend it Never Happened, but I’m feeling pressured to get it done by tomorrow. I can’t read too much at once. And yes, I think I need to reread Echo too. I’d love to reread them all, but that will take months, even for a fast reader like me.
I can’t wait until Spring Break when I can sit and read a book while my mother-in-law plays with the kids. I’m going to have to check these out. I have a Barnes and Noble gift card from V-day and I’m going to get The Husband’s Secret. And I’m with you on the snow thing. Winter has overstayed its welcome.
I wish we could share more Nook books – I would loan the Husband’s Secret to you. We are driving to Disney over spring break so I will get at least two books read then – yay!
Cannot wait to check out the ones I have not read. I LOVE Amy Hatvany so much! 🙂 And I totally loved The Husband’s Secret, too. Am definitely the first one to read with my older daughter. :)-Ashley
I haven’t read any other books by Amy Hatvany, but I will have to check them out now. I love finding new-to-me authors!
I just finished “How to Be a Woman” by Caitlin Moran. It was funny and touching and empowering all at the same time.
That sounds good – just looked it up on Goodreads. Adding it to my list – thanks Katie!
I love your reading list and turned to your previous list(s) not so long ago when I wanted a book to read (but sadly, haven’t started yet!! (Storyteller)) My son read Wonder and liked it a lot.
I’m glad you like my lists, Leah – now you just have to find time to read!
This came at the perfect time, because I am trying to decide what to read next and have been on the fence for about three days now. I think I am going to go with Eleanor and Park, I read the sample and seemed like a good read, but still was not he fence for some reason. But will say, I have read so much lately that maybe I just needed a small break until I figured it out.
I agree, Janine – sometimes you need to take a few days off to figure out what you are in the mood to read. Not sure when I’ll get to Eleanor and Park, but I look forward to chatting about it with you!
So many good books, so little time!! “Above” sounds very intriguing to me and I’ve heard how good “The Husband’s Secret” is. Right now I’m reading “Glitter and Glue” and it’s fantastic.
I have the same piles of snow in my driveway but it’s going to make for good snowboarding and skiing this weekend so I’m not complaining…yet 🙂
I just looked up Glitter and Glue – I loved her other book, The Middle Place, so I added this one to my list. Thanks Allie!