November 2011: I'd Know You Anywhere

Mary: I thought this one was pretty good--not life changing or anything but lots to think about and discuss (good for a bookclub). I had a hard time putting it down and these days that's pretty difficult to find!!!

Chari: Really enjoyed the book and thought an interesting read. Liked the protagonist even though disagreed with her at times. The author made me question my position on the death penalty.

Holly: Not the most compelling read, but very interesting.

Becca: A quick, easy read with an interesting story line and intriguing characters.

Kerry: I did not like this book. I found the characters to be unbelievable & felt like the book needed some heavy editing. I wished that the relationship with the sister had been developed more.

Jen S.: Fast read. Definitely felt like an episode of CSI.

Stephanie: Good, easy read - nothing life changing but a simple enjoyable book! I liked it!

Aday: This book didn't make me want to jump for joy or stab my eyes out, it was just OK.

October 2011: The Lonely Polygamist

Kerry: I enjoyed reading this book, I really felt sorry for the polygamist and angry at the wives. Then I felt mad at myself that I had sympathy for the polygamist!

Holly: Interesting, but not much plot.

Aday: Holly told me to stop reading, so I did.

September 2011: Sarah's Key

Mary: Once I came to terms with my own shock and sadness at the cupboard/Vel d'Hiv story I really enjoyed this book. I think I've decided that I like books with back-and-forth chapters. Would recommend.

Holly: Gut wrenching at first, but great historical story.

Chari: Loved Sarah's Key and learning about the round up in Paris. I was devastated by how the Jewish children were affected and by the lack of help from their fellow Parisians. The writing style was excellent and kept me wanting more. Highly recommend this book.

Aday: Sarah's story is powerful and heart-breaking, and I wish more of the book would have been told from her POV. The journalist's narrative paled in comparison.

Sowders: Such a tragic story, yet the book propels you forward with the mystery of Sarah's life and those she impacted.

Jerilyn: Excellent historical fiction in Sarah's Key focusing on an event that I knew little about. The book kept me reading and wanting to know more as opposed to me keeping me reading. Definitely recommend.

Becca: Very well written account of a terrible time in history. If you can handle an incredibly sad story, then it is worth reading.

August 2011: Freedom

Jerilyn: A book without a plot. Could not finish.

Mary: The book was long, true. But the characters were SO real and the writing SO wonderful. I loved this book.

Becca: I had a really hard time getting through this book. It wasn't for me.

Holly: Slow at first, but great in the end. Very interesting commentary on relationships and marriage.

Chari: I found I wanted my freedom while reading Freedom. And I broke myself away after 100 pages or so! I thought the writing was boring with the way he developed the characters and I had zero compassion for any of them. Blah!

Aday: After 150 pages, I couldn't find anything or anyone to care about in this book. What a let down after loving "The Corrections".

June 2011: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Becca: I enjoyed this book more than I expected. It's written on a premise that could be really cheesy, but wasn't at all. It was sad, poignant, funny, and definitely worth the read.

Mary: This book was so good--sweet, well-written, good plot, good characters.

Holly: Tearjerker.

Kerry: A great book, easy to read & definitely plays on your emotions.

Amanda: This book was really sweet. I loved seeing things through a doggie's eyes!

Aday: I read most of this book on my iphone during night feedings with my newborn. I can remember actually being excited to get up and read it...at 3am! I am not a dog owner, and definitely don't think you need to be one to be touched by this sweet, sweet story.

Sowders: A story of fighting for what's right, no matter how difficult.

May 2011: Await Your Reply

Becca: It was an interesting idea for a book, but it fell short for me. It's one of those rare times when it would make a better movie than a book.

Aday: This book definitely did not live up to its potential.

Amanda: I really liked the story and twist---but the characters were lame.

Jen S.: Did not read, but Linsy's recap got me up to speed. Thanks, Linsy!

April 2011: Catcher in the Rye

Becca: It was interesting to re-read this book. I can see why it was so "cutting edge" for it's time, although it didn't seem near as scandalous as I remember when I read it at 16 years old! I wouldn't say that I loved it, but I enjoyed reading this classic that is referenced so often in other books.

Jen S.: It's an interesting read, but I don't understand why this it's so highly regarded by serial killers. The main character is different, overly sensitive and hyper-aware of others and is also an outcast, but I don't see him as a violent person.

Aday: Pass.

March 2011: The Hunger Games Trilogy

Amanda: Started out with a bang and ended with a sigh...

Becca: The first two books were entertaining, quick reads. The third book in the series was a little tedious, but overall, would still recommend them as great pool-side reading.

Mary: Perfect teen (or in your thirties?) read. Quick, exciting, great characters, suspense....
Catching Fire: Great follow up. Still fun, interesting, couldn't wait for book #3....
Mockingjay: Total letdown. Boring. Long. Disjointed. And Katniss disappeared. I demand a re-write!!!!

Kasey: I absolutely loved books 1 and 2. It was like Survivor on steroids. The 2nd book especially showed how our fascination with reality tv is causing tv shows to keep pushing the envelope and go for more and more sensational shows each year. I felt the 3rd book was a little too Hollywood and not as gripping as books 1 and 2.

Aday: I couldn't put the first book down. I enjoyed the 2nd book, but not as much as the first. Terribly disappointed in Mockingjay. If it had been the first book in the series, I wouldn't have kept reading. What a waste.

Stephanie: Very entertaining read - different, creative and thought provoking!

Holly: AWESOME

Kerry: A great read, though is it weird that a 36 year old adult enjoyed reading a teen trilogy?

Jen S.: Great read! Highly recommend.