Book 25 (2011): Rescue

Rescue is a novel by Anita Shreve, and it's one I thoroughly enjoyed. I have no idea why, through the years, I thought I disliked Shreve's writing but I was certainly wrong. This is the second book of her's I've read this year and I'm even more impressed.

(On a personal note, I think it's ironic, for those of you who are familiar with my personal life will understand this, that the 2 books of her's I've read focus on father/ daughter relationships.)

This story tells, in flashback, how Webster met Shelia and their brief life together in small town Vermont. Then forward to now, and we have the story of Webster and his daughter Rowan, her senior year of high school.

This is a great book. I like the characters and the story. I like the setting as well. It feels "real"; Shreve captures the voice of the father and the daughter perfectly.

An excellent read. And for some reason, I find Shreve a quick read, too. Maybe it's just the novels I'm selecting or maybe it's her writing style or my own mood, but whatever the reason I just seem to fly through her books, usually about 4-5 hours and I'm done!

Great read! (288 pages)

A-

Book 24 (2011): Mothers & Other Liars

I liked this book. I have a feeling once I think about this story for a few days, it will become a book I could add to a favorite list. AND this is certainly one of the best books I've read this year.

Mothers & Other Liars (written by Amy Bourret) is the unpredictable story of Ruby and her daughter Lark. When Ruby was 19 and wandering aimlessly through Oklahoma when she finds an abandoned baby in a trash can. Now Lark is 9 years old and something happens and the story starts spilling out, legal charges, the media, lawyers... and in the middle are Lark and Ruby, loving each other worried about being ripped apart. There are also several twists and turns to the story but no spoilers here.

I love the characters. They are so strong and detailed. Their voices are smart and powerful. This story of motherhood and choices is compassionate. I love this story. (288 pages)

A+

Book 23 (2011): The Smoke Jumper

The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans is on of my favorite books of all time; I consider it to be one of my top 10 favorites. It was a joy to re-read it.

And since I've lived in the Wild West, this book means even more to me.

Click here to read my review! (576 pages)

A+

Book 22 (2011): Shiver

From the cover of the book, to the last page, I thoroughly enjoyed this young adult/ teen novel written by Maggie Stiefvater.

When Grace was a little girl she was attacked by a pack of wolves, but lived to tell the tale. Fast forward about 10 years and Grace still watches the pack of wolves, entranced, fascinated, with the wolves who live in the woods behind her house.

And one wolf in particular attracts her attention, always has, and always will, because he is the wolf, she thinks, who saved her as a child all those years ago.

Then the fall of her senior year of high school, something changes. Her wolf is human and he has a name- Sam. But as Grace and Sam's love grows, bad things start happening in town and the secret of the wolves- the werewolves- which was so carefully guarded, is in danger.

This is a great novel. I loved the voice of the characters. I love the author's voice and tone. I was actually shivering with cold in some of the winter scenes. The love story is beautiful and just a touch enough, without over kill (I am so not one for a romantic story...) that it was sweet and wonderful, exactly what a teenage girl would want it to be.

There's enough suspense as well, to keep the reader turning pages. And just when I thought there could be a slow spot in the book, there was a great twist.

Excellent read! (390 pages)

A