Fall Book Review 2013

I've decided to include a seasonal book review in my blog, for those interested. It's my personal belief that everyone should read and read broadly. I know plenty of you love reading as well. Maybe my reviews will help you with what to read next or what to stay away from. (Not that my book opinion is gospel, mind you. You may completely disagree, in which case, feel free to comment.) With that in mind, my plan is review the books I've read over the course of a few months and post my thoughts about them. 

Non-Fiction 

1.  A History of the Wife by Marilyn Yalom

I have always enjoyed learning about women's history so all I had to do was read the  first line on the back of the book and I knew I wanted to read it. "How did marriage, considered a religious duty in medieval Europe, become a venue for personal fulfillment in contemporary America?" This book takes you from Biblical times all the way through the modern era, chronicling how each age viewed marriage and the duties of each wife in each era. It is full of anecdotal evidence, so its not your normal dry history book. I found it completely fascinating. 

2. Natasha's Dance by Orlando Figes

This is a cultural history of Russia, and let me tell you, never have I been so amazed by a people group than I have been by the Russians after reading this book. Their strength is portrayed beautifully and colorfully. 

3. The Road to Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam

       If there is a must-read book in this category, maybe in the whole post, this is it. This is the auto-biographical story of Somaly Mam, who was sold into prostitution and slavery in Cambodia at a young age. This was one of those books God truly used to awaken my heart to modern slavery and the realities associated with it. It is not a long book, but its impact is deep and far reaching. I will warn you, this book tends to be graphic, so depending on age, may not be appropriate for young people.

4. Theodore Rex by Edmound Morris

       Best Theodore Roosevelt biography ever. (Probably.) He kept it colorful and entertaining, but let's face it, Theodore Roosevelt himself was about as colorful and entertaining as a POTUS can get. If you are a true fan, Edmound Morris also wrote The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt about his life before his presidency and Colonel Roosevelt about his life after presidency. 

5. Bossypants by Tina Fey

       If you haven't read this one, you really are missing out. It totally wins the entertainment value award for the category. I have never been really sad when a biographical work is over until I read this book. Along with the jokes, she really made some good points and brought out some good life lessons. 

Fiction

1. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese 

      Sincerely one of the best books I have ever read. The characters were deep and captivating. Starting at a mission hospital in Ethiopia, and ending in New York City, it follows the story of twin boys through their medical aspirations and the search for their missing father (a surgeon named Stone, get the title now?). The writing is very detailed and for that reason, it honestly took me forever to get through it, but it was so worth it. SO, SO WORTH IT. This is the must read for the section.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

      This one has been out for a while, so I wouldn't be surprised if my reader friends have already read it. I really enjoyed this book because it was suspenseful and flowed very well. It was an easy, fast read that kind of left you thinking at the end. If I had an out of five star system, I'd give this one a three. Fun(ish) but not deep.

3. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

       Once again, we travel to Africa. This time it is in the 1950's with a missionary family. This a good deep one, and the fact that it is told mostly through the eyes of the children adds so much more depth and perspective. There are so many things explored in this book-the effects of hypocrisy, family cycles, chauvinism, diversity- I can't even being to  tell you what stuck out to me the most. I have never wanted to visit Africa more than after reading this book. I should point out that this is not a book in Christian perspective, if that's what you were expecting. It's more of an exposure of poor practices. 

4. Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir 

       As a history buff with a (kind of strange) appreciation for the Tudors, I loved this book and would recommend it. It is the story of Lady Jane Grey, the first queen of England, and shortest ruling monarch (nine days). Her faith, innocence and strength have always made her a heroine in my eyes, and this book truly does her justice. I've read biographies about her and this book sticks to her story and humanizes her without all the boring details. I will say that if you aren't an avid reader, it may be difficult because of the length and the fact that it does stick to the language of the time period, (sixteenth century England). If you aren't familiar with her story, you may want to at least get an overview first so you aren't blindsided by the ending. 

Young Adult

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

       This is the must read of the category. The language is so compelling and deep, you almost can't believe it's young adult fiction. This follows the story of a young foster girl growing up in Nazi Germany. When she learns to read, taught by her foster Dad, she begins stealing books wherever she can, starting with Nazi book burnings. It is a true perspective changer. There's also a Jew living in their basement to add another dimension.  This story to me is about so much more than events. That's why I was actually angry when I found out they were making a movie. Trust me when I tell you, there is no way Hollywood can accurately portray this book. Read it and you'll see. 

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

        This is the tale of two teenagers who both have cancer. It is a very sweet and deep love story, but I love the way it shows the realism behind cancer. We all hear the "she or he fought bravely till the end" stories (not that those are bad) but this book puts an actual face and emotion behind the cancer, and its not all pretty. They are already filming the movie in Pittsburgh. Oh, and ummm, you will cry in this book (but not the Nicholas Sparks senseless tragedy kind of cry). Parents, you may want read it before your child, as there is a bit of language and sexual content. 

3. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 

        I know there are plenty of die hard fans of this book who swear by its         being  a phenomenal classic, and maybe I just don't get it, but I did not enjoy it. It is worth reading for the cultural significance, and possibly for understanding the "coming of age" novel, but all that angsty drama was not my cup of tea. I will say there were a few deep quotes that I took from it. 

4. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon

       This was an interesting, fun book but as far as depth, there wasn't a lot. Perhaps I  expected a lot more because of the hype surrounding the book, but I found it a bit predictable. It is very good though for young people, if only for them to gain perspective from a different point of view. The story is told by a young boy who probably (although unconfirmed by the author) has autism. As he tried to unravel the mystery about  the death of his neighbor's dog, his own world crumbles too. 

Science Fiction/Dystopian 

1. The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

       Since The Hunger Games, this genre has really taken off and it seems like every new young adult book has a similar theme. The same general themes are present in Divergent- teenagers taking it upon themselves to overthrow a totalitarian government- but without the government enforced killing of children. If you liked the Hunger Games, you will most likely enjoy this series as well. The characters are good, there are some good twists, and overall it was a good read. I will say that certain holes in the story drove me crazy, and the two main characters have a very unhealthy relationship.

2. Matched by Ally Condie 

      I don't know if I had just read too many dystopian novels by the time I read this one, but I did not find it compelling at all. In fact, I had no desire to read to sequel. The characters weren't deep or identifiable, the government was too totalitarian, and the story was predictable. Not a fan.....

3. Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

     By far one of the most original stories I've read in a while. The illustrations add so much to making it feel believable. (This is an actual chapter book with words and stuff, not a children's book.) Was it the best I've ever read? No. Was it worth reading for a little fun and imagination? Yes.

Classics

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

       I actually read this book long ago, but it is one of the best, most impactful books a young (or old, for that matter) person can read. So if your high school education somehow skipped this, or its been a while and you don't remember it, read it again. Please. Atticus Finch is basically everything I want in a man. Wait....did I just admit that on the internet? Oops....

2. Song of Myself by Walt Whitman 

  

      I never really considered myself a poetry person until this past year when I learned to love it. Walt Whitman's Song of Myself  helped a lot with that. I think it is a good starting work if you aren't used to poetry but want to try it out. There is some pretty good depth and (as the title suggests) introspection.

3. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emma Orczy 

      I truly enjoyed reading this book, and that's not often a phrase people use when referring to classics. I was reading a classic but it didn't FEEL like I was reading a classic. The story is mysterious and intriguing, there is a lot of cultural French Revolution history. and it ends with a great twist. 

4. Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

       I will admit, I am a bit of sucker for Sherlock Holmes. These collected works were some of the first "big kid books" I checked out of the library and I'm pretty sure he was my first fictional crush. When I was younger, I would set my friends and sisters down and read aloud to them from these books. I'm not lying. You can ask them. Despite all the adaptations, nothing beats the original. Oh, and I knew Sherlock was going to fall last season in the BBC show, because I read the original spoiler: THE BOOK. 

Christian 

1. Desiring God by John Piper

        This is a good one for those of you who want a little deeper theology. It completely changes your perspective on your relationship with God, how He relates to the world and how we should relate to Him. It is long and deep, but worth it. 

2. Crazy Love by Francis Chan

       For those of you who need a quick, not quite as deep devotional or Bible study book, I highly recommend this one. I've read and reread it several times. The truths are life changing.

3.  A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

       In all honesty, I'm not a big fan of Christian fiction anymore. I feel like it lacks depth, and it is unrealistic. That isn't the case for every book, of course, and that's why I'm recommending this one and one other one. This book takes place right after Christ and the fall Jerusalem in 70 AD. Hadassah, a Christian Jewish girl, is sold into slavery in Rome where her faith is tested time and time again. This was a faith strengthening book and it helped me understand New Testament culture much more clearly. 

4.  All She Ever Wanted by Lynn Ausitn

       I'm recommending this one because I remember the effect it had on me. It is entertaining and funny at times but it leaves you really thinking about the 

importance of communication and how generational cycles occur. 

I would like to say that only the books under the Christian category are Christian, so if you have any questions about the content of any of the books, please feel free to  ask. 

Hopefully, this helps you decide what to read next! I better getting reading for the Winter selection.....