Well I am not feeling up to my blogging self today. Brandon is back after being away for another 4 days. So finally spending some time together combined with watching footage of the awful Colorado Movie Shooting, isn’t inspiring any amazing blog posts. So today I am going to just list a whole bunch of my other favorite reads! Its going to be the last post for book week, so I’ll just pump out a bunch of recommendations.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett– If you followed me in the past you know I read it back in 2010! And waited in line for 2 hours to see it at an early screening, while 8 months pregnant and huge! If you didn’t catch the craze int he last 2 years, this is a definite keeper!
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill-(I just realized that my copy is Canadian and that in America they have renamed this to “Someone knows my name.” As they believed the title to be offending to American history. Whereas he chose the title because it was the name of an actual historic document of the same name.) Regardless of which title you buy, this is a wonderfully written fictional piece that intertwines with actual history. You won’t be able to put it down. It is about a young girl in Africa who is kidnapped and brought to America as a slave. It follows the strong willed girl through her entire life and she refuses to give up on freedom.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant– Another story following the life of a strong willed girl from 400 years ago. It has over 1000 5 star reviews on amazon. Its that good. In fact, it’s been said that The Red Tent is what the Bible might have been had it been written by God’s daughters, instead of her sons-quoted from the books description on amazon.com
The Distant Hoursby Kate Morton– I have read this and her other works, The House at Riverton and The forgotten Garden. And I love them all. She always weaves between the past and present and a mystery tying them together. They are all page turners and I really connect with her characters.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett– This is a slow paced book, and while I usually dislike that style of writing this book remains a favorite of mine. Set in a party in South America with many high profile attendees, being held hostage. It is an unexpected story of the beauty of life and human compassion. Give it a chance and enjoy a lazy day read. Not all books have to be page turners to be beautifully told.
Philippa Gregory -I can read almost anything from her collections. It started with The Other Boleyn Girl. I read the entire book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. {If you saw the movie, you still need to read it. They left out massive important parts, and gave no character development.} It was followed by The Boleyn Inheritance, which was just as engaging. I’ve read the entire Wideacre series, and just finished The Lady of the Rivers. She writes fiction that follows history. I fell in love with London and the Tudors though these books. I love her style and I love her books.
Jodi Picoult – Another Author that I can’t pick just one book from. My favorites include. Nineteen Minutes, A story about a school shooting, from the point of view of the bullied from kindergarten young boy. You find yourself sympathizing deeply for him. Change of Heart, about a young girl in need of a heart transplant, and an inmate on death row. And how their story intertwines. The Tenth Circle, which was the first of her novels I read. About a young girl who has a strong family relationship, is raped and her father dealing with the aftermath. A journey through hell and back as he puts it. My Sister’s Keeper. You’ve probably all seen the movie, which didn’t come close to the book as usual. And they actually changed many major outcomes. Anna’s story is so much stronger in the book as she struggles with her own inner demons about wanting to help her sister, and living her own life. And lastly The Pact a love story that starts with a suicide pact gone wrong. The 17 yr olds that grew up side by side make a suicide pact and when one survives, it follows his story and the two families, once inseparable and now devastated, now unspeaking. She always writes controversial topics mixed with some legal cases on the events. I don’t like all of her work, in fact I flat out dislike some of them. That is why I shared the specific ones I enjoyed.
Wicked by Gregory Maguire– how can you go wrong here. I love Oz and every new way its retold. I am absolutely in love with the Broadway hit of the same title. I saw it in London with Brandon, courtesy of my then future father in law. And again last summer in Calgary. {sawyer is also a fan as he did incredible dances in my bump every time they sang.} And its got a sequel too! Son of a witch, the continued story of elphaba’s so called son.
Is that enough. I could definitely keep going. So if you are ever looking for another book recommendation, you know where to find me and my inner nerd self. You can follow my Books Worth Reading pinterest page for other favorites and awesome reading quotes. Until then, go read a book and enjoy the little things in life.
