The Kinda, Sorta Weekly Reader - April Edition

Welcome to the sporadic list of books I've recently read. Let's get started!

The Orchid Affair/The Garden Intrigue - Books 7 and 8 of the Pink Carnation series, these books are light and fun reading. I think, maybe, the story line has reached as far as it will go. I found myself not quite as immersed in these books as I was in the first 6. If you need a good series for the summer, to read by the pool - this is a good one. 3 out of 5 stars

Saint Training - The story of a girl who decided, while in elementary school, that she'd become a saint - this was a funny, funny book. She begins a correspondence with a Sister and the tales of her life, and the things she does to try to make sure she gets into heaven, is honest and funny. 4 out of 5 stars.

Under the Same Sky - This was recommended in one of those "If you like this book (which happened to be Outlander), then you'll love this one!) Meh. I must have seen this book recommended 12 times, and I wasn't able to finish it. Maybe I'll try again this summer, but right now, it did nothing for me. It has absolutely AMAZING reviews and so, maybe I'm missing something. 1.5 stars. 

Catch Me If You Can - This is one of those movies that, whenever I flip past it, I stop and watch. I decided to take on the book - and I'm glad that I did. if you've seen the movie, you know the story - but the book, naturally, expands on the story and you learn so much more about Frank Abagnale Jr. The storyline is even more vivid and the details of one of the greatest scam artists in history will shock you. 5 out of 5 stars.

The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection - #13 of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series, which is one of my very favorite series ever. I love these books because there's no sex, no language, no death - just a solidly written story, with respect for country and fellow man throughout the pages. Nothing dark, nothing that makes you think too much - but you'll smile several times at the story goes on.Precious is a fully developed character, and I would highly recommend the entire series. (Psst - I also loved the HBO  series and was so disappointed it wasn't renewed.) 5 out of 5 stars

Food Fights - Review is over here, plus a giveaway! 3 out of 5 stars

Growing Up Italian in the 50's - this was a review book. It was warm and sweet and made me laugh several times, and my husband said that much of what was written about was stuff that he can remember. I'd recommend this book to anyone in their late 50's or 60's - there's nothing to learn, but this easy to read trip down memory lane makes for a fun afternoon. 3 out of 5 stars

Judy's World - My mom came over to stay with my kids one night so that I could go to ZUMBA, ZUMBA, ZUMBA! - and she picked up a book that I had on my desk. She read the entire thing in one day and, as I was overwhelmed with reviews - she offered to write one for me. So, here it is!

When I was raising my daughters labels like OCD , ADD and Autism were unheard of. Now I’m a grandparent with grandchildren “on the spectrum” I have had to learn a whole new vocabulary and look at so called “problem” children an entirely different way. Judy Blake writes of her experience raising two autistic children with humor and insight that she learned the hard way. If you are looking for a how-to book, this isn’t it but Ms Blake tells it like it is; the highs and the lows; the rewards and just how hard she had to work to get what her children need to get a quality education and to reach their highest
potential. As I read the book I recognized my own grandchildrens behavior in her sons. She is fortunate
to live in a town that apparently has an abundance of help for special kids but it takes a lot of effort to
find the available resources and determine just what is right for each particular child. I recommend the
book to anyone who has an autistic child in their life if for no other reason than to know they are not
alone.

And, um, I read Outlander/Dragonfly in Amber/Voyager AGAIN - and I'm halfway through Drums of Autumn. I know. I know. I think that this is reread 10. or 11.

And - I did read the Fifty shades Trilogy. Twice through.

What have you been reading?

Comments

[Kelly H]

I am reading "Incredibly Loud and Extremely Close". Great book. Written in first person by this young boy who lost his father in 9/11. The boy I think is on the spectrum of autism and really looks and processes the world very differently. Very well written.

Before that I devoured the "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy. If you don't want to read about very graphic sex, don't read this. All that said, I loved those books too. Interesting story and premise and yes, lots of sex. ;o)

[Kelly H]

*"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"

See what happens when you read with a Kindle? You can't remember the exact title of the book you're reading as it's not staring you in the face every time you even glance at it!

[Nelson's Mama]

I just finished "The Paris Wife" and enjoyed it.

Ron Rash is my favorite author and I loved "Burning Bright" which is a collection of his short stories, also just got notification that his next book, "The Cove" is winging my way (I pre-ordered).

If you haven't read "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" find a copy, it's worth the time!

[christina]

@Carmen, "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" is on book 13?!? I thought there were just two. LOL! I love Mma Ramotswe and the way the books were written . . . I'll have to look up the others in the series.

Some of the other books you mentioned sound great, too. Looks like I'll be making a library order tonight. I love finding out what people are reading!

@Kelly, that book is on my shelf and is in my reading queue :) I've been wanting to read it for quite some time.

[Karen]

I heart the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series too. Such good reads.

Right now I'm reading dog training books attempting to learn how to get him to sit. I've given up and our first obedience class is Saturday, so now I'm on the hunt for my next good book!

[christina]

Oh, and I forgot to say I just finished John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars," which was fantastic. I am almost through John Grisham's "The Confession," which is really not one of his best books but good enough for an airplane read, which is why I bought it. Also, the topic (the death penalty) is an area I'm particularly interested in, so that helps!

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

For fun, I am also listening to Drums of Autumn on my Ipod while I clean. Performed by Davina Porter, I love the way she brings the story to life with her different accents.

[lisa]

Aurora Teagarden mysteries by Charlaine Harris and books by Karin Slaughter.Harris' are light and interesting, if dated. Slaughter's hero Will Trent--I'm in love!

[Christal]

Don't feel bad about re-reading Outlander/ Dragonfly in Amber/ Voyager AGAIN! I read the whole set once or twice a year. (And if there's a new book in the series coming out, I anticipate it by starting to re-read the whole set just before it comes out.) I've read them so many times, I can estimate how long it will take me... though sometimes I do string them out so it will take longer just so I can savor them.)