Kerry:  While I may not have thought that the story was completely believable (would these two really have fallen for each other?), the book made me think about end of life decisions and how you choose joy in your life.  I would recommend this book. 

Amanda:  Read a little like a modern day romance novel.  I was not especially fond of the characters--especially the protagonist.  It was hard for me to identify with her.  However the story itself was complex and rich.

Jerilyn:   Captivating read around 2 people with extremely different lifestyles and situations that was at times not 100% believable.  Good read, though.

Mary:  Really enjoyed this one--every character was so well played--even the minor ones like the boyfriend--hilarious.   I'm curious how this movie will be....

June 2014: Z

Jerilyn:  An interesting view into an unexpected extremely tumultuous relationship ranging from deep, unbridled love to fear and extreme anger.  It was hard for me to relate to that type of personality at times, but very good description of their lifestyle and circumstances.

Mary:  I loved loved loved this book.  Poor Zelda!  The character development was awesome and it was a fun era to read about.

Amanda:  I love history and found this book really fascinating.  The intertwining with Hemingway was especially interesting. Zelda was truly a selfish woman and F. Scott? I am so tired of the 'tortured artist' complaining about how hard it is to be...rich, famous and brilliant.  Yeah.  Must be a real drag :(

May 2014: Cried for No One

April 2014: Come to the Edge

Amanda:  Haag's intimate portrayal of her relationship with John John is a little trite.  It's just so one-sided that I am not sure what to believe and what was embellished for the reader.  Just okay.

Mary:  I found it irritating and interesting all at once.  The writing was terrible but I did like the glimpses into the Kennedy world.  The kayak trip was the best part.

March 2014: Someone

Amanda:  Meh

Rebecca:  It has been a while since I read it, but even if I finished it yesterday, I don't think it would have made much of an impression. A bit long winded and pointless in my opinion.

Aday:  Too bored to finish.

January 2014: Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Jill:  Engaging and funny - I really enjoyed this book.  The style was a nice break from the norm. 

Holly:  First non-sad book I've loved in a long time.

Aday:  Interesting, but a little far-fetched for me.   Comme ci comme ça.

Barb:  A somewhat entertaining read (I mostly enjoyed the brilliantly rendered "volunteer mom" stereotypes) but in the end I could not suspend my disbelief long enough to really enjoy the book.

Chari:  I loved it!  Thought very fun, interesting characters and I liked the unique writing style.

Rebecca:  Mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the writing style and witty banter, but the entire story became so implausible that I lost interest. So so for me.

Amanda:  This was a very different kind of present-day fiction.  I really disliked a lot of the characters, but was that the intent? I am having trouble deciding if I liked it or not. 

November 2013: Half Broke Horses

Rebecca:  I enjoyed this book even more than I expected. I loved reading about the family dynamics and relationships that led to 3 generations of fascinating women. Thumbs up!

Mary:  I loved this book--so cool to read about the places we know now 100 years ago.  Also just blew my mind how much life has changed.  Not to mention the story was just a good one.


Chari:  I really enjoyed the book and liked the colorful depiction of the heroine.  Thought the novel was as interesting as the glass castle!


Linsy:  Jeannette Walls draws you into the lives of the characters in this book with ease and interest, just as she did in The Glass Castle.  The characters and the story are not extraordinary, but she tells their story beautifully.  Great book!

October 2013: The Light Between Oceans

Kerry:  I really enjoyed this book, maybe because it was about such a different life than my own.  I enjoyed learning about lighthouse living, Australia living, and the choices that this family made.

Amanda:  Enjoyable read and clever story.  I ran the gambit with Isabel--I loved her, then I hated her.  Complex characters written well.

Sowders: Character development was lacking for me... or rather, I just didn't like any of the characters.

Chari:  Thought setting was interesting but could not empathize with the main characters. The adoptive mother's personality was completely annoying.

Shannon:  It was interesting in the beginning, but I became bored as it went on.

Aday:  It was an interesting story, but the kind of book where you can't wait for it to end.

September 2013: The Fault in Our Stars

Amanda:  Very poignant novel about cancer through the eyes of a teenager.

Rebecca:  It was a very touching book about a heart-breaking topic.  I enjoyed it, but felt that the dialogue between the teenagers was often unrealistic.  Overall, good book and would recommend it to others.

Stephanie:  Sweet, entertaining read.

Aday:  "I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."

August 2013: Roots