Read Part 1 and Part 2 on my quest to read 50 books.
This is my summer reading report. My teachers would be so proud of me!
The links lead to the full book reviews I wrote.
The Wednesday Wars / Gary D. Schmidt » I cannot say enough good things about this book. Seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood, ridiculous name aside, makes the perfect narrator to navigate through a school year in the 1960s. Innocence, life lessons, Shakespeare. He’s like a less-cynical Kevin Arnold, “The Wonder Years” in novel form.
The Smart One / Jennifer Close » “If I could draw this book, it would be a flat line.” I was drawn in by the promise of a smart novel about a dysfunctional family. Instead, I was greeted with insanity after insanity with no promise of resolution. All the male characters were one-dimensional, and most of the female characters needed a good therapy session.
Everything is Perfect When You’re a Liar / Kelly Oxford » I’m not exactly sure what Kelly’s claim to fame is (besides writing tweets). Little matter. Her memoirs are funny, a little inconsistent, maybe, but funny. It helps that we’re roughly the same age, so I identified with her teenage misadventures and her foolhardy search for Leo DiCaprio. The good essays make up for the “eh” ones.
Delirium / Lauren Oliver » You know me and dystopian fiction. Like a moth to the flame. This flame is particularly ridiculous: In a world where “love” is illegal. Gag, right? Still, I read it, and it was enjoyable, mostly. Except for the ending. Which leads me to …
Pandemonium / Lauren Oliver » The second book in the trilogy, which was better than the first book! I love it when that happens. Oliver’s writing is very fluid, which makes even the obvious a pleasure to read. The plot wasn’t exactly a mystery, probably because I read these kinds of books far too often, but I am eagerly awaiting the third and final installment to become available from the library. I think I’m No. 67 on the list.
Tell the Wolves I’m Home / Carol Rifka Brunt » OK, you guys. 1980s coming-of-age tale that will bring you to your knees. It’s astounding. So astounding I still cannot write a decent review of it.
Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls / David Sedaris » I do fear Mr. Sedaris is out of stories. Occasionally good, often not.
Here I Go Again / Jen Lancaster » Mean girl goes back in time to rectify the wrongs she did in high school, and hilarity ensues. Most of the time. Jen is really good at writing herself, but sometimes it feels like she forgets that this is a novel and not her usual memoir. The protagonist is despicable, but I found myself hoping she would straighten things out in the end. It is lighthearted, a good beach read. Just don’t sit around picking apart the many plot holes, and it’s enjoyable.
I’ve Got Your Number / Sophie Kinsella » I will read anything Sophie Kinsella writes. She manages to make texting work within the novel (so many have tried and failed). Her protagonists are always so enjoyably flawed. The love interests are always just right. Some people say formulaic, I say awesome. Don’t fix what isn’t broken! Write 100 more like this. I’ll read ’em.
The Execution of Noa P. Singleton / Elizabeth L. Silver » I’m still letting this novel sink in after finishing it yesterday. A death-row inmate is approached by her victim’s mother weeks before the execution. The mother has had a change of heart and wants to appeal for clemency. Or does she? Twists, turns, history unveiled, and all to get to the crux of the matter: Did Noa do it? What does her middle initial stand for? Will her execution be suspended? I haven’t enjoyed suspense like this since Gillian Flynn. Good writing, and so much to think about afterward.
In this list of 10 books: two are chick lit, two are coming-of-age, two are memoirs, two are dystopian fiction. The three best: The Wednesday Wars, Tell the Wolves I’m Home and The Execution of Noa P. Singleton
There you have it. I’ve read 30 out of 50 books so far this year.
What have you been reading? I’m always on the lookout for a good read.
