A few book reviews...

I had a friend recommend and pass along this book. It is historical fiction and follows the story of four sisters living in the Dominican Republic, fighting a difficult era of dictatorship. Three of the sisters end up getting killed in the end (I tell you this because it is mentioned from the beginning of the book...not trying to spoil it), and the story outlines their lives and their road to becoming national heros. I thought it was a pretty good read and recommend it.

We read this book for Book Club this month and I thought it was a fun, quick read. It is about Lara, a girl in her late twenties who's world changes when her great aunt passes away. Not because she knew and loved her aunt (actually the opposite), but because the spirit of her great aunt, Sadie has some unresolved business and relies on Lara, the only one who can see Sadie, to help her. I loved the 1920's aspects and the quirky twists and turns. The author wrote Confessions of a Shopaholic, which was made into a movie. I could see a movie being modeled after Twenties Girl as well!

Warning: the book does include quite a few explitives. Boo!

Beauty, A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast

We read this for book club this month and although it was good, I wouldn't put it at the top of my favorites list. I had a hard time getting through the first 100 pages and found myself forcing myself to pick it up and read it. It did pick up towards the end. Supposedly it is what Disney based their cartoon movie after.

The Help

I have a problem. When I find I good book, I cannot put it down. I take it with me in the car and make Brian drive so I can read, I stay up late until my eyes won't work anymore, I tote it around the house and sneak a page here and there when I can. This book was no exception, I read it in three days. Such a good read, which is no surprise since it's top of the NY Times best seller list right now.

It takes place in the 1960s, a controversial and segregated time in the South. The book tells the story of African American women working as maids in the homes of white women in Mississippi. It's hard to even begin to explain the plot, but I can say that Stockett keeps you guessing and intrigued. I highly recommend it!

Catching Fire

This book is part two of the Hunger Games trilogy and it did not disappoint. Very action packed and left me absolutely hanging at the end. I can't wait to read the third just to clear things up in my head! Also, I heard they're making it into a movie! YAY!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I got this book recommendation from here and found it very touching and humbling. It is about the life of a young girl, Francie Nolan, growing up in Brooklyn, New York at the turn of the century. Although her family is poor, she is resourceful and has the perseverance to get through hard times. It offers hope to U.S. Immigrants and the "American Dream." It is a good read, I definitely recommend it.

The Hunger Games

Although this is a type of book I don't normally read, I really enjoyed The Hunger Games. It is imaginative, but not over the top and has just enough action to keep you engaged and turning the pages.

It involves a future America (re-named Panem), in which 12 districts and a dominant Capital exist. Each year a lottery takes place to choose one girl and one boy from each district to participate in the Hunger Games. This is a gladiator-type competition (which exists to keep the districts in check and for the Capital to show that it is in charge and rebellion is not an option) and the participants must fight to literally eliminate their competitors.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss volunteer's to participate (after her sister's name is chosen) and she must use a combination of strength, smarts, and survival skills to get herself through the Games.

I read it in three days and I think I'll pick up the next book in the trilogy!