I’ve been slow to write a book review post in 2015, for two reasons. First, I don’t review every book I read, so I have to wait until I have enough good books to share with you. Second, I went through a dark period when I could do nothing else but watch The Walking Dead, and that cut into my reading time.
I’ve come out the other side, though, and I’m back in the game. I hope you can find a book or two that looks interesting! Don’t forget that you can always refer back to my comprehensive list of book reviews whenever you need a recommendation.
The Same Sky: A Novel by Amanda Eyre Ward
I received an advanced electronic copy of this book via Netgalley.
Ten year old Carla’s mother has left Honduras to work in Texas, in the hopes of bringing her three children with her. She can only pay for one son to make the trip, and Carla and Junior are left behind. When her grandmother dies, Carla flees her increasingly violet and lawless town in an attempt to cross the border. Alice owns a Texas barbecue with her husband, and life should be perfect. But they desperately want a child, and each adoption attempt is met with disappointment.
The novel alternates chapters between these two people from completely different worlds, until their journeys intersect. I was quickly drawn into these worlds, and even now that a day has passed since I finished the book, I am still thinking about it. I cannot write a review that adequately conveys my thoughts, and this to me is the mark of a great book.
This novel is a quick read, but I found myself rereading portions of Ward’s sparse prose in order to give the words the attention they deserved. It is difficult to read about what is certainly the reality for thousands of Central American children, and Ward does not sugarcoat it. While Carla and Alice are the focus, not one character is without a weight to bear. Yet the focus is not on that weight, but on what the individual does to shed that weight and find love, peace, and contentment in her own life.
Rooms by Lauren Oliver
I’ve read Oliver’s YA trilogy Delirium, but this is my first non-YA read from her. (What is non-Young Adult? Real adult? Old adult?) Rooms begins when Richard Walker dies, bringing his estranged ex-wife and children to his home to bury him. His teenage son Trenton begins to hear voices, and we know that these are the voices of Sandra and Alice – two ghosts who are bound to the house. Despite the fantastical aspect of the novel, Rooms is truly a story of flawed humans with secrets. It is those secrets that haunt them, whether they are living or dead. When a new ghost arrives in the home, Trenton’s interactions with her lead to the collision of both worlds, with life-altering ramifications.
I enjoyed peeling the layers of this book. Oliver’s writing is more mature and nuanced than it was in her previous novels, and she reveals her characters’ truths subtly and carefully. The short chapters made for a fast pace, with the plot picking up speed as the climax neared. Rooms is a suspenseful tale of guilt, family drama, and secrets that cannot stay hidden forever.
The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan
This is a book I would have never picked up had I seen it on a library shelf. I read a review on Great New Books by Jessica Vealitzek, and she made me want to read it. It’s a slip of a book – 156 pages.
Like Jessica, I’m not quite sure why I enjoyed it. Ryan’s novel is set in contemporary Ireland, in a town reeling from the country’s economic collapse. Each chapter is a few pages, and narrated by a person in the town. Bobby Mahon is the first narrator, and the most central character in the novel. The plot moves along as each chapter unfolds, and the reader gets a glimpse into the mind and heart of a new person. The plot is sparse, which usually turns me off. Yet it’s less important than the character study, and I easily tolerated the ambiguity that is usually one of my black marks against a book.
It’s easy to give a book a shot when the commitment is minimal. At 156 pages, The Spinning Heart took me a day to finish. I also learned quite a few Irish phrases!
At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen
I received an advanced electronic copy of this book via Netgalley. The expected publication date is March 31st.
I don’t usually enjoy period pieces about socialites; I find the characters’ sense of entitlement tedious and annoying. I feared that this novel would be more of the same, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Maddie Hyde is one such socialite who follows her husband and his best friend to Scotland, where they plan on documenting the existence of the Loch Ness monster. World War II is raging, and it has left no one in the tiny village in which they stay untouched. As Maddie comes to know the villagers, she discovers that her own reality is built on shaky ground.
Told in first person, Maddie’s personal awakening was engrossing. Every character is flawed and real, and I stayed up well past midnight to find out how the story ended. While nothing like Gruen’s Water for Elephants, I recommend this novel just as strongly.
The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
This was my first attempt at listening to a novel, and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to stay focused and follow the story. The book is as goofy as the name implies, and follows centenarian Allan as he leaves the nursing home on his 100th birthday. The mayhem that ensues is only exceeded by the flashbacks to Allan’s incredible life. Allan is a Forrest Gump type of character, and if you can get on board with the fact that he just happens to have all sorts of adventures with world leaders and historical figures, then the story will amuse you. If you need a serious and intense storyline, you won’t find it here. But if you could use a fun romp of a tale, this is a great pick.
On the Island by Tracey Garcia Graves
I almost didn’t read this novel. It sounds intriguing in a Blue Lagoon sort of way, but I was afraid it would be cheesy. Then I saw that a friend on Goodreads had given it four stars, and I respect her opinion. She said she read it in a day, and I needed a book like that. I had just spent two weeks slogging through a novel that I will most certainly NOT review, and my reading mojo was in need of a boost.
Enter the story of Anna and T.J. The pair is headed to his parents’ vacation rental in the Maldives when their plane crashes and leaves the two of them alone on a deserted island. He is sixteen years old and has recently beaten cancer; she is thirty and the tutor his parents hired to get T.J. caught up on the schooling he missed. The pair struggle to survive, and as the months and years pass…{no spoilers here!}
Sounds cheesy, right? It is, a little, but cheese is delicious. I devoured this novel in one morning; I stayed on the elliptical for an extra twenty minutes and then came home and read the rest before noon. On the Island will win no literary awards, but I got my reading mojo back, and it made me happy.
Finally, I’m so excited to share this with you:
This is the cover of the book I am currently reading. I am excited because the author is Beth Teliho, who I actually KNOW! She is an amazing writer, and I shamelessly harassed her for an advanced copy of her novel.
Since I only write reviews for books I like, I don’t accept copies in exchange for a review. If I feel obligated to gush about a book that I really didn’t like, then why would you trust my recommendations? But I love Beth’s writing, and her teaser intrigued me. So I asked her for the book, and I’m really enjoying it!
You can check out more about the book on Goodreads, but I love how Beth describes it: “There’s archaeological mystery, romance, and suspense. I tell people it’s like Da Vinci Code, Sixth Sense, and Girl with a Dragon Tattoo had a foursome with Percy Jackson that resulted in the birth of Order of Seven.
The book is set for publication on April 7th, but stay tuned for a fun author interview sometime next month!
What are you reading?
Great info, Dana! I, too, am a Water For Elephants fan, and I’ve seen the new Sara Gruen and wondered about it. Thanks! I’m also intrigued by the Lauren Oliver. It’s not scary, is it? I don’t do scary.
I’m FINALLY reading The Rosie Project, per a previous recommendation from you. Good fun. Thanks!
It’s not scary, I promise!
Lisa from Expandng had a recent book discussion about the hundred year old man. I started liking it but towards the middle I couldn’t finish it! Like I told her, it was too unrealistic for me. I just read Autobiography of a Face and thought it was well-written, not to mention a great glimpse of what a girl with cancer and face deformity goes through.
Sounds interesting…I know what you mean about the 100 year old man…it got a bit crazy after awhile!
I totally get why you only review certain books. I’m not sure why I feel compelled to write a few sentences about EVERY book, but I do, and . . . sometimes I can’t find something great to say.
But your reviews are short and sweet, and sometimes I am considering a book that I then won’t read because of your review. So I appreciate that, Nina.
Awesome thank you for this post! I always ask people before I even think about picking up a book because I have zero time:) xo
My pleasure, Lindsay! I post reviews every other month, so if you ever need a recommendation, stop by.
I think I want to read each of the books you’ve listed, especially since a couple of them are quick and light. I’m still on the second book in The Outlanders series and I’m struggling. Not sure why because I enjoyed the first one. I don’t know if I can continue on…I guess it will depend on how intriguing the ending is. I pre-ordered Beth’s book the day you posted it on FB, can’t wait until it comes out.
Oh, I think the ending is pretty intriguing. You’ll have to let me know if you agree!
Reading OoS right this very second and I am loving it!!! I can’t wait to finish but my poor little eyes are tired from reading! 😀
It was so good! Take a break and finish it tomorrow 🙂
Hmmm, I didn’t fall in love w/ Water for Elephants but maybe will give the author another chance. And way to go, Beth. I don’t know her very well but that’s very cool. I just started reading What Alice Forgot. I’ve never read Liane Moriarty before but have heard good things. I need something breezy right now. I think next on my list is Wolfhall since it’s going to be a miniseries on PBS. I hear that one’s a slog.
I didn’t love Water for Elephants either, but I did enjoy it – and I think she’s a decent writer. Enjoyed What Alice Forgot too. And I wanted to tell you that I watched Black Mirror after you recommended it – what a unique series! Loved some more than others, but I’m glad I watch. So thank you!
You’re welcome! I actually just watched the Xmas episode last night. It’s only available on YouTube and stars Jon Hamm. Another one to mess w/ your head! Don’t know if you caught that one. White Bear and National Anthem, I think, were the best. Really made me think.
Oh this is just so exciting to see the cover of Beth’s book. Wow! You are more than blessed to get an advance copy. AM thoroughly jealous.
The only one of your six – well seven really – that I’ve read is The Hundred Year Old Man … Loved it. It is so quirky and so refreshing and so unexpected. I’m loving the sound of On The Island – thank you Dana. I am in need of a good read!
You’re welcome, Kelly! I will tell you that I did think of you at one point during the Hundred Year Old Man…he got himself into situations that were just typikel 😉
I read an Amanda Eyre Ward once and really liked it. So that’s on my list!
I’m definitely going to read the 100-year-old man book because it looks awesome.
And awesome about Beth! I had no idea!
So cool, right? I haven’t read anything else by Ward, but I may have to check out her other stuff!
Your list makes me want to take something other than Hemingway with me on my next trip. Is that even possible? The story of the 100-year-old man sounds good, and I’ll read anything by Beth Teliho. I love her comments and posts, what am I going to do with a whole Beth book?
On a side note, Grace and I have started a series of stories about a 10-year-old girl’s adventures with her dad. I don’t know where she got that idea. Might be a bit below your reads range, but maybe shorter people in your house would like to read the tales!
Well, I am the shortest person in my house! Beth’s book is great – your oldest may enjoy it too.
Have some vacation time coming up so can do some reading – but already have a list from your last list!! I’ll have to move these on the list for next time! Thanks for keeping my list full!
You’re welcome, Leah! I have at least 60 books on my list at any given time.
OMG OMG OMG On The Island!!! I loved that book more than I should admit. I actually read it, and turned back to page one to read it again to try and figure out why I loved it so much. Was it the story? The writing (no)? The idea? (not sure) but dang I loved it. I haven’t read any of the others but MUST READ BETHS because well Beth is awesome.
Yes, read it despite the horrible job I did in describing it to you!
Of al the ones on the list, Beth’s sounds the most intriguing to me! Can’t wait to hear all about it! I still nowhere near keeping up with you, but I am on my third novel of the year and almost finished with it! 🙂
That’s great, Lisa! I’ll spill more about Beth’s book this month – it was sooo good!
More great ones I haven’t read! Thank you Dana. Excited 🙂
Yay!
I love reading your book reviews because we have a lot of similar tastes. I actually saw a review about “At the Water’s Edge” today and thought it looked like a book I would want to read. I’m also in the middle of “The 100 Year Old Man” and really enjoying it. Right now I’m reading “One Plus One” by JoJo Moyes, which I love. I pretty much love any of her books. I guess I have to go back and finish “100 Year Old Man” next. Thanks for the new recommendations!
You’re welcome! I just read that Moyes is writing a sequel to Me Before You – did you read that? I hope it’s good; sometimes sequels are disappointing.
I did see that. I hope it is good. I haven’t been disappointed yet. Hope she keeps up her fantastic writing streak!
I *just* finished reading The 100 year old man for my book club. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea but I gave it 5/5 stars. Humorous, well-written, original.
Lisa – I totally forgot until you commented…but I started reading that book because I saw it on yours and Shelly’s book club! Of course then I never came back to participate, but thank you for the recommendation. It was definitely a diversion that made me laugh out loud on occasion.
No problem-o! Just glad you liked the book :). I totally chuckled when Allan met Herbert Einstein at the labor camp and when Allan was saved from the Russian and North Korean leaders by the Chinese leader :).
The One Hundred Year Old Man intrigues me but ironically I would most definitely read On the Island! And yes, cheese rocks Dana! 🙂 I just starting reading Anthony Bourdain’s ‘Kitchen Confidential’. Have a great day and weekend! 🙂
You too, Mike!
I loved On The Island. So much so that I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and easy read. And of course, Order of Seven is in my top reads. Beth I/S brilliant, and I’m so glad you got your hands on it. Can’t wait to hear what you thought. I always add your books to my TBR. one that I read for book club that stuck with me was Bright side by kim Holden. Just in case you’re looking for a next book that you can devour really quickly.
I smiled huge when I saw your name in the book, Mandi. 🙂 I will check out The Bright Side – thanks!
OH wow, those first two are extremely intriguing! I’ve heard tons about On The Island (in fact, I think Mandi recommended it to me a few years ago). You do such thorough reviews, I really enjoy reading your recommendations.
AND YAY OMG SO EXCITED!!! Thank you for the goooorrrrrgeous teaser, and I’m elated you’re enjoying it. *kicks heals* *glee*
By now you know I’m finished, and I can’t wait to talk to you about it! I’m super proud and happy for you, Beth.
Definitely adding these to my reading list. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Christie!
This winter does feel like it will never end… but At the Water’s Edge sounds interesting!
It was good – you should check it out!
I haven’t read or even heard of any of those – love adding new books to my long list!!!
I do like to listen to books – when I drive alone and when I iron table cloths it is the best way to pass the time.
It really is a great way to pass the time if you are doing something that doesn’t require concentration. I listen when I walk the dog every morning.
I felt the same way about the Island. I was embarrassed to read it, but devoured it in the car (hubby driving) on the way to Hilton Head. It was sooo good! It was one of my favorite book picks for 2012 or 13 (I forget). Her follow though, Covet, was not (imo) good. However – they’ve picked screen writers for On the Island and chances of it becoming a movie are very good…especially with the success of 50 Shades (although I didn’t read or see the that one).
I think the movie could be good – time will tell. Thanks for the heads up on Covet!
I just saw At the Water’s Edge on Goodreads in my feed yesterday and was intrigued as I did read Water for Elephants and loved it and this new book sounded just as good. Now after reading your review am definitely adding it to my list now. So, thank you Dana for sharing 😉