GEMINI by Carol Cassella
*** Had you asked me prior to reading this if I would enjoy novels with plots driven by medically related topics I would probably have said no. I would have been wrong. This book was amazing! Taking place in areas where I grew up and currently live was an added bonus. Carol does a great job of keeping the reader on their toes as she weaves them through the lives of complex characters who are discovering themselves at the same time the reader is. I would highly recommend this book.
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE by Anthony Doerr
*** How lucky am I to read two books in a row that are completely stellar yet so very different from one another. There is so much in this world we cannot see, either because of physical impairment or influential forces steering us. In All The Light We Cannot See, we are given glimpses into the lives of two young kids as they come of age in countries ravaged by war. Anthony Doerr does an exquisite job in developing characters that grab a hold of your emotions and become familial in every aspect. I found myself carrying this book with me everywhere so I wouldn't miss an opportunity to read a little more. A great WWII era novel you won't want to miss.
OXYGEN by Carol Cassella
** I couldn't help myself. Picking this up in June at Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island at a local author's event I was excited to get started on it. The book really was great. I loved how it analyzed the medical profession and the aspects of it that are driven by the corporate world rather than patient or employee care. That said, I was disappointed with how abrupt the end was. Carol Cassella spent the first 5/6 of the book developing amazing characters and a succulent plot line, then brought it all to a conclusion so quickly at the end I left with a slight disappointment. I wanted it to last longer.
RUBY by Cynthia Bond
* / *** Completely torn is how I am currently feeling as I attempt to decide how to rate this book. The literary abilities of the author shine through. From the characters to the setting, Cynthia Bond did an amazing job at pulling her reader into a world that they otherwise would never see. However, the novel is dark. I find myself having difficulties deciding what to say about a book that ultimately made me feel a little sick while I was reading it. The grisly rape and murder of a young child living in a home filled with young early elementary age girls that were sold out for sexual favors and fantasies to older men....just one of the many difficult character developments that filled the pages. I have to leave it to you, the reader, to decide if this is a book you will embark upon. If you do choose to pick this book up and read it, you are sure to be captivated by the literary skill of the writer. However, be aware there are many difficult passages and themes and please share your thoughts as a comment to this post. I would love to hear what you thought.
MAN AND BOY by Tony Parsons
** Sometimes in life tough situations cause us to re-evaluate where we are at and what we are doing. This story follows a man who makes choices in his life that prompt him to have to make some grown up decisions. The main character did not pull you in to root for him, but rather continued to make comments that almost push you away. Then, just when you have almost given up on him every redeeming himself, you start to see the pieces falling together. What I realized half way through reading this was that it was real life. This book allows us a glimpse into a man's life as he faces the repercussions of choices made because of his inner demons while also letting us witness his self revelation and redemption. A British book, there is some word usage that an American may not be familiar with but I did not find this hindering in any way. I did short this book a star because of the excessive use of the 'F' word.
A YEAR OF BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD by Rachel Held Evans
*** What fun! A great read. Humorous and also educational. The reader follows Rachel's struggles and triumphs as she maneuvers through a year of living out 'Biblical Womanhood.' I myself loved her references to scripture and how different scriptures have been pulled out of context to suit the desires of specific organizations or denominations while yet others seem to have been forgotten. While reading in the evenings, I found myself sharing the humorous stories throughout the book with my husband; he couldn't help but chuckle. I encourage all to read this eye opening narration of Rachel's year of biblical womanhood.
THE INVISIBLE GIRLS by Sarah Thebarge
*** A simple life experience shared by the woman who experienced it. At times saddening, but also uplifting and encouraging as you walk along with Sarah as she puts love first by stepping out of her comfort zone to show compassion to a woman and her children. This book reassures the reader that we also can take the step to help another even when it seems impossible. This book reminds me of a quote I read recently by Scott Harrison. Scott states, "For me, charity is practical. It's sometimes easy, more often inconvenient, but always necessary....Charity is singular and achievable." This book is a great reminder to all that read it of this fact. It is not a difficult read and flows pretty quickly once started.
I have picked up a classic novel to read that never made it to my reading lists in High School. Be watching for my next post on the books we are reading and I hope to include a review of CATCH 22 by Joseph Heller as well as some input from the girls. If you are looking for some great places to pick up a book, I recommend the following:
Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo, WA
Eagle Harbor Books in Bainbridge Island, WA
Kitsap Regional Libraries (locations all throughout Kitsap)
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