preston and emily: What I'm Reading Now

Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls: 8 out of 10. I think everyone should read this. I really loved Walls' writing style and hearing her story. Very thought-provoking.

My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares: 5 out of 10. This often confusing tale that centers around reincarnation and memories from past lives was NOT what I was expecting from the author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. It was very strange (kind of reminded me of A Time Traveler's Wife - which I liked- only way more bizarre.) I liked the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. and also liked Brashares' The Last Summer (Of You and Me) But not a fan of this one unfortunately! I gave it 5 stars, because as strange as it was -- it was a love story, and I like love stories.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: 7 out of 10. Told from the perspective of a little boy (whose father works as a Nazi soldier) who befriends a boy living in a concentration camp. I hadn't read this or seen the movie, when someone donated it to the childrens' library where I'm working. A heartbreaking yet necessary reminder of the indescribably horrific events of the Holocaust.

Claude and Camille by Stephanie Cowell: 8 out of 10. I really enjoyed hearing Claude Monet and Madame Monet's love story, from a "historical fiction" perspective of course. Very well-written. Reading it inspired me to research Monet's work and correlate what was going on in his life to influence each painting he created. His story of struggle and success is very moving.

Body Surfing by Anita Shreve: 6 out of 10. I've read several books by Shreve and am just not a huge fan. So, for those who are Shreve fans you may have a completely different opinion of this book than I do! It was well-written. Found this on a bargain shelf at B&N so gave it a shot. This was a quick read but not spectacular.

Faking It by Jennifer Crusie: 6 out of 10. I read another of Crusie's books - (Bet Me, I think?) a couple of years ago and liked it. This one was on a clearance rack for $1.25! How could I pass that up? It was cute but predictable -- glad I didn't spend more than a buck on it, not a book I'd read again or lend to a friend.

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis: 10 out of 10. Ya need to read this one. Click here to read my review of The Great Divorce

Fly Away by Kristin Hannah: 9 out of 10. Definitely had to read Firefly Lane first to enjoy this one.

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks: 8 out of 10. If you like Sparks' books you'll enjoy this one.

Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand: 7 out of 10. I like Hilderbrand's writing style -- she always keeps you guessing. She does use harsh language, which I don't like. But you can always count on an interesting story from her! Good summer read.
Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee: So far so good! Really liking this one!

preston and emily