Book Reviews

A friend of mine keeps track of how many books she reads in a year. Maybe next year, I'll try that. I love to read, but I have no idea how many books I read a year.

Oh, 2016... the resolutions are already starting...

Kitchens of the Great Midwest, by J. Ryan Stradal - I reviewed this for the National Post (through an online book club), but it was really different and hard to review. It was written in a rotating narrative. Each chapter was told from the point of view of someone near the main character, Eva, a culinary genius. Of course, at the end, and throughout, you see all kinds of connections and their ripple effects. Interesting and quirky. 

3 unicorns.

I Don't Know How She Does It, by Allison Pearson - This novel was made into a movie a few years ago, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, so if you're not a book person the movie might be more appealing. This was very light and easy to relate to, as a mother. I would think mothers who work outside of the home could relate even more so. It was a little stressful just reading about ho stressed the main character, Kate Reddy is. Very similar to the Shopaholic books.
3 unicorns.

The Paris Architect, by Charles Belfoure - I love books set during WWII and have read lots of them this year. This captures the thin line between bravery and barbarism and emphasizes the difficulty of maintaining righteousness in the face of such threat. Lucien, the protagonist is an architect trying to design hiding spots for Jews in occupied Paris. A captivating and heartbreaking story. 

4 unicorns. 

At the Water's Edge, by Sara Gruen - I really enjoyed Water for Elephants, another novel by this author, and this is very similar. Set during WWII (again), this is the story of privileged young adults who are so removed from the realities of war, they devote all of their energies to the search for the Loch Ness Monster. Wait... did I lose you? Haha! It's better than it sounds. A little bit of history, romance, and mysticism all wrapped up in a short novel to make you wonder... could Nessie be real? 

3 unicorns.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed - This was made into a movie, too, starring Reese Witherspoon. I'd like to see it because the book was great and I like Ms. Witherspoon. A true story of one woman's search for wholeness. Parts of this story were unbelievable, but her perseverance and grit, and maybe her desperation led to a journey of healing and inspiration. If the prologue doesn't pique your interest, I don't know what will.

4.5 unicorns (yes a half unicorn; 4 unicorns and a horse).