May 2012: A Reliable Wife

Jen S.:  Slow start... and an annoyingly horny dude.

Amanda:  Thought it was pretty good--juicy and full of intrigue. 

Aday:   This was a fast read, but ultimately made up of characters with little substance, and an unrealistic plot.

Stephanie:  Not the best book I have ever read but entertaining enough.  I did appreciate the way the author switched back and forth between narrative voices from the different characters smoothly and without it being distracting - that is hard to do!

Chari:  I really enjoyed this book and the big twist. I liked the writing style/pace and even found redeeming qualities in each main character. Thought the time period was interesting, too.

Kerry:  I did enjoy this book, I thought that it could have been better edited because it seemed to go on at some places, but overall it was an interesting read.  I am glad that I do not live where it is that cold! It made me think about life and when it is worth fighting for as well as being an interesting love story.

April 2012: Starvation Heights

Aday:  Good story, poor writing.

Stephanie:  Interesting premise but would have made a better long magazine article than a book.  Too much detail made the book tiresome!

Chari:  I didn't finish the book, made it about 120 pages.  Felt like had reached the climax already and lost interest.  120 pages was hard enough!

Amanda:  This book was the only book in a long, long, long time that I could not finish.  I really wanted to get in to it, but I found myself frustrated by that stupid quack doctor and her lousy excuse for a husband.  It just went on and on and on....

Holly:  That's $10 I'll never get back.

March 2012: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Kerry: I loved this book & had no idea it was a classic. I learned so much & have continued to think about this family.

Aday: An interesting coming of age story, but not one that I would single out for the highest praise.

Stephanie: I loved this book! I did not think I would but I loved the characters - I found them rich and complex and Francie was so relatable to me even from a completely different era. Great classic that I am glad to have taken the time to read!

January 2012: These is My Words

Becca: Loved this book! I enjoyed the the author's perspective on a time period I knew little about. Definitely worth the read.

Chari: I loved the book! Really enjoyed the writing style and Sara's character. I never would have selected to read about a pioneer woman on my own but so glad we did. This book is on my top ten favorite list of all time.

Stephanie: These is My Words was a great read! Very enjoyable and good historical fiction about a time in history I don't read much about. Loved the characters!

Kerry: I loved this book, the writer has a wonderful way of making her characters come alive. I was inspired by the heroine and loved the story.

Holly: Very good historical fiction.

Aday: I am so sad to have finished this book. "These is My Words" is everything a great book should be: beautifully written, funny, heartbreaking, and great from the first page to the last, from one sentence to the next. Definitely made my 10 all-time favorite list, and is one of those rare books that I might read again.

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!