The Unhoneymooners

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The premise was fun and some of the scenes classically entertaining, but repetitiveness of Olive finding her new honey attractive, etc was just too much. I'm all for finding love in unexpected places and figuring out your path in life, but I think I would have liked a movie version better than a book version. True beach read, but as I've said before this is a "read it or don't" type of book. Nonessential for sure.

Happy reading and happy dreaming of Maui beaches--

The Dutch House

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A friend of mine described this book as "a wicked stepmother and a cool house - what's not to like?" Throw in Patchett's incredible reputation as a writer and Tom Hanks narrating the audiobook, and I was 100% in. This book is totally unique and the storytelling compelling, unhurried, and poignant. I can't say that I loved the story because the characters are so flawed, but like Gatsby, The Crucible, and so many other great books, I could not look away. This book will stay with me for a long time, and hopefully they make a movie so I can see a real version of Danny and Maeve's Dutch house.

Happy reading--

Finding Chika

Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family by Mitch Albom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read just about everything that Albom has written since Tuesday with Morrie was a such a life-changing book for me. This book is intensely personal to Albom with all proceeds going to the orphanage that he sponsors and helps run in Haiti. The writing isn't amazing, but the story is compelling. It's probably only a 3.5 stars, but it gets a bump for being about humanity and doing more to make the world a better place.

Happy reading and happy better living--

Things You Save in a Fire

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is my second book by Center, and I'm torn as to whether I'd read another one. Her premises are captivating and fun, but there's something just too simplistic or Hallmark-like about how the stories come together. I know that these are perfect stories for some of my friends, and as someone who loves that Jane Austen always gave her characters happy endings, I should be on board...there's just something missing for me even though I avidly read right through the end.

So this is a "read it or don't" type of recommendation. I think there are probably better choices, but if you are need of a more lighthearted story, this one could be for you.

Happy reading--

ps. I need to talk more about these books with someone, so if you've read any of her work, let me know. :)

You're Not Listening

You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters by Kate   Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Critical subject for today's world with really interesting talking points. Occasionally I wanted more depth or substance to her research, but fascinating conversation starter to be sure.

Happy reading and hopefully better listening--

A Better Man

A Better Man by Louise Penny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And just like that I am all caught up - all fifteen of Penny's books read over the last year. They are just so good, and this one is no exception. Really fascinating use of social media and our predisposition to judge others alongside natural disasters were set up as backdrops to this latest installment. The series is bound to change a bit after this book as major characters are shifting roles and locations, but I think it will all be for the better as Penny continues to develop each person. Now I just have to wait until September for the next one. That seems much too far away--

Happy reading--