The Money Saving Mom's Budget

The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year by Crystal Paine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As my husband and I have gone down to one income after the birth of our son, budgeting has taken on a whole new level of importance. We had always been mindful of money and saving, but cutting our income in half has meant it's essential to count every dollar. I heard Crystal Paine speak on a podcast and decided to read this book. It isn't earth shattering, but it's solid, logical advice. It gave me a few more ideas of where we can save a little more and additional incentive to be patient in navigating this new phase of life.

Happy reading and happy frugal living--

(Book 39 - 2019)

The Path Made Clear

The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oprah really is an amazing woman who knows amazing people. This book is essentially a well curated compilation of her recent Super Soul Sunday interviews with those amazing as the interviews related to finding direction and purpose in your life. Referencing those interviews was interesting, but I was looking for more text from Oprah herself. I've really liked some of her past books, and this was a bit underwhelming. That said, it was short and uplifting, so I'm not sad to have read it. I agree so much with some of her and her guests sentiments on life that it's good to be reminded that we can do and be better.

Happy reading and happy living--

ps. It is a pretty book, and its release is well timed for Mother's Day and/or graduation...assuming, of course, that your grad or mom is into these types of books.

(Book 38 - 2019)

The Rosie Project

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have discovered recently that I struggle with awkward narrators - think Eleanor Oliphant of "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman and Britt-Marie of "Britt-Marie was Here" by Fredrik Backman. Stories told about these same people would be just fine, but when the person telling the story does something or says something cringe worthy, I have a hard time pushing through the story. That said, I think that if I had read "The Rosie Project" in larger chunks I would have liked it more. I'm also think that other people's rave reviews threw me off a bit. Where they instantly loved the story and Don's quirks, I was left too preoccupied by how sad Don's isolation was.

So "The Rosie Project" is a good read, but not my personal favorite though I did indeed love Rosie. I'd rather fall into another one of Marisa de los Santos or Taylor Jenkins Reid's love stories instead.

Happy reading--

(Book 37 - 2019)

ps. Another lesson learned is that I really shouldn't let people loan me books. It often feels quasi-forced, and almost every time, I wind up not liking the book as much as I would have if it didn't feel like an obligation...or I wouldn't have read it in the first place.....

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love when a book gives voice to a part of society that we don't often hear from. "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" is exactly that in young adult form- Julia is the child of Mexican immigrants and faces so many of the situations we've read about in recent years including citizenship, poverty, culture clashes, etc. Throw in that her sister has recently died (not a spoiler - it's on the book cover) and an unhealthy amount of teenage angst, and you have the makings of a powerful story and a killer feminist voice.

The drawbacks of this title are unnecessary rough language and the aforementioned teenage angst gets to be a bit repetitive. Otherwise, I was impressed by Sanchez's ability to create layered characters. I really liked the scenes when Julia visited her parents' hometown in Mexico. Definitely worth a read if you liked The Hate U Give or worth with teenagers who might appreciate this title.

Happy reading and happy imperfect living--

(Book 36 - 2019)

Marilla of Green Gables

Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love any excuse to spend my time in Avonlea at Green Gables. I already love the characters from "Anne of Green Gables" so much that I was predisposed to love them again in McCoy's "Marilla of Green Gables". I loved the backstory created for the Cuthbert family. I loved seeing John Blythe and Marilla fall in love. I loved seeing Marilla grow up into the woman who would eventually adopt Anne.

Why then is this not a four star read? While I am totally willing to grant artistic license to an author trying to recreate one of our beloved fictional worlds, there were parts of this story that just didn't connect for me. The abolition angle for example, though Marilla is totally willing to take in children in the Anne series, seemed out of place - a "too modern" twist, perhaps.

Still, if you love the Anne series and are craving a new tale out of Avonlea, give this one a try. It makes you love Marilla and Matthew even more, if that was possible.

Happy reading, and remember that tomorrow is fresh with no mistakes in it--

(Book 35 - 2019)

The New Testament

I don't often review religious texts, but I have been making a concerted effort in the past year to finish the scripture books I begin. I appreciate focused study, but the consistency of reading cover to cover has meant a lot lately. This is why I started "The New Testament" as we began the Come Follow Me study program.

It's harder for me to listen to The New Testament than The Book of Mormon, but I'm glad to have revisited the four Gospels again. Their nuanced descriptions of the Savior's life are profound. I also appreciate the examples of Peter and Paul, and my heart broke again hearing Stephen's story.

It's amazing what daily scripture study can do.

Happy reading--

(Book 33 - 2019)

Shout

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Shout", like Anderson's "Speak", is such a powerful book about Anderson finding her voice after a traumatic sexual assault. She doesn't just detail her traumatic experience though. She takes the reader through the process of losing her ability to speak for herself and then finding it again. That process is critical and shows how important it is that we share and we talk to our kids about the hard things in life. Basic human decency is at stake - it's that simple.

That initial description makes it seem like this book is just an issues book, but it's a human experience story. It's seeing people for who they really are and learning to be more humane. I can't say enough good things about Anderson's efforts to give voice to the unheard in her young adult fiction. I really appreciated the chance to hear Anderson's own voice. Also, it's a book written in verse. I love when authors do that effectively.

Happy reading and happy shouting--

(Book 34 - 2019)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...Again, Again

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought the pregnancy hormones would go away once I had a baby, but I'm afraid that I tear up all the time now - this book included. I saw so many pieces of this book differently as a new mom: Molly Weasley's fierce protection of and fears for her children, the triumph and tragedy related to Remus, Tonk's, and Teddy, the resurrection stone and the people who come to Harry, etc, etc. I don't think I could ever put into words why these books have meant so much to me over the years, but the countdown really is on until I start reading them with Hudson.

Happy reading--

(Book 32 - 2019)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince...Again, Again

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm wondering if Hudson is going to think that Jim Dale is a real person after he's heard him narrating for eighty plus hours as we finish out the sixth book. Anything to make the magic of Harry Potter feel real for just a moment, right?

This is a book that often feels like every detail was crafted specifically to springboard into the seventh book. I still cry every time I get to the final chapters of this book as though I don't see the ending coming. Somehow, knowing what's coming almost makes it harder. I love Ginny and Harry together and the idea that Rowling gives us about how our pasts shape our futures. I like that Draco Malfoy isn't purely bad - that we see him struggle and see that Dumbledore still values him and sees his potential....it's all just so good. Happy, happy reading--

(Book 31 - 2019)

One Day in December

One Day in December by Josie Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In college, I taped Bridget Jones Diary off TV and died laughing at Bridget's antics and fell in love with Mark Darcy as he emphatically told Bridget that nice boys really do kiss like that. I held on to the VHS tape longer than I owned a VCR. Fast forward to reading Josie Silver's "One Day in December", which gives so many loving shoutouts to Bridget and her firepole and her Mr. Darcy that the book was sure to be a smashing success even before the amazing audiobook narration and references to Love Actually. This book is a romantic comedy in the making and is reminiscent of David Nicholl's "One Day' without the tragic ending. I loved it.

True to British writing, the language can be a bit much. Still I came to love Laurie and Sarah and saw in them pieces of my own relationships with roommates over the years, minus the wine of course. If you're craving England, love triangles, or love at first sight, look no further.

Happy reading--

(Book 30 - 2019)

Transcription

Transcription by Kate Atkinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Kate Atkinson. She pushes the boundary on how stories are told over and over again. Her narrators are fresh and flawed, but so engaging you can't help but follow their every move. The reader for this book was excellent, but I kept wishing I was holding a physical copy of the book in hand because Atkinson makes her readers pay attention with subtle, nuanced details that are laced in every chapter. I loved that a story that chronicles spy work before, during, and after World War II was not a quick "who done it" kind of story. Intriguing and surprising to the last chapter, I almost felt like I needed to begin again to look for the hints Atkinson had given along the way.

Like I've said before, Atkinson's books are meant to be read in large chunks. Piecemealing her stories really doesn't do them justice.

Happy reading--

(Book 29 - 2019)

The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go

The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go by Amy E. Reichert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I chose this book based on its cover and its title. The fact that the main character owns a food truck piqued my interest too, seeing as I watch a number of cooking shows when I get the chance. I liked the look at three women of three generations from the same family. Multi-generational novels seem to have more depth as the characters' back stories have to be woven together. This book was a bit predictable or overwrought at times, but it was entertaining and thought provoking...and let's be honest, the descriptions of food were so good that I felt compelled to make my own grilled cheese and brownies after finishing the book. Also, the main character, Gina, is a list maker, and Reichert's random inclusions of those lists were perfect little details. Can't imagine someone dissecting my to do lists as a way to ascertain my character. Today's includes fridge filters, dress choice, dishes, baby laundry, call J & M, walk. Hmmmm - what does that say about me?

Happy reading and happy grilled cheese eating!

(Book 28 - 2019)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix...Again, Again

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always toy with the idea that this is my favorite book in the Harry Potter series, but the wonder of how the third and seventh books play out complicates my firmly declaring a winner. I love the addition of Luna as a more prominent character along with Neville and Ginny getting taken more seriously. I like that the characters who appear at the ministry in later events start taking shape even just in passing. Rowling's layering of her details is remarkable. So, so good.

Happy reading!

(Book 27 - 2019)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...Again, Again

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm now so deep into my rereading of all the Harry Potter books that I feel like I can hear Jim Dale narrating other aspects of my day. Love these stories so much.

Happy reading--

(Book 26 - 2019)

Tell Me More...Again

Tell Me More: Stories about the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't usually reread books so soon after reading them the first time, but like I mentioned back in January, I bought a copy of the book as soon as I finished the audio version. The book is now covered in little colored darts indicating all the passages I'm so in love with that I couldn't help but signal that something profound lives on those particular pages. Corrigan's gift for articulating thoughts about life and death and everything in between still awes me, and I can't wait for an excuse to reread her other titles soon.

Happy reading--

(Book 25 - 2019)