Book #29 - Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

I don't know where to begin on my review of this book. First off, I never saw the movie, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Tragic. That is probably the first word that comes to mind about this book. It started slow and very odd because there was so much background necessary to develop the characters. However, the author did a great job of keeping you interested in the mean time. The image was of an ordinary, suburban family in the 1950's. The appearance was that of the Cleavers. Mom worked at home, Dad loved his job, two kids, and everything is great. In actuality, Mom was crazy, Dad hated his job (and did the minimum every day), they hated and resented their children, and the home life was dismal. This book took you through all kinds of emotions and family trials. Such a different perspective. Same struggles and weaknesses as families today, but people are so much more open about problems in today's world. Tragic ending (which I won't give away), but overall pretty good. Critics of the book say it should be an American Classic, but honestly, I did not like it as much as "Stoner". Perhaps it was just the difference in the writing styles of the authors.

Book #28 - Angels Fall by Nora Roberts

This book was an addicting page turner. Curiosity got you started, intrigue in the middle, and fear at the end. Again, like all of her books, she gave you enough information to wrap you in, but couldn't really put your finger on who the bad guy was. I love that she always writes books with a backdrop of the beauty of the West. This one was in a small town near Jackson Hole, WY with the glorious Grand Tetons in their back yard. The love story was excellent, and as always, an ending that leaves you happy inside and with a feeling that all is right in the world. I'm amazed after having written 150 books, that Nora Roberts continually is able to write with fresh ideas. You finish her books wishing always for an epilogue because you are so wrapped into the lives of the characters that you want to know how it all ended.

Book #27 - Hero at Large by Janet Evanovich

I know it is hard to believe that someone as educated as I am could absolutely adore Janet Evanovich, but I do. There is no take-away message or deep realizations from reading her books, but I don't care. Just like there is a need in television for those funny, happy-go-lucky sitcoms, I think their is the same kind of need for the avid reader. I can't put these books down, and I look forward to each time she releases a new book. If you are interested in ligh-hearted, thoughtless reading, Janet Evanovich is the author for you. This book (her first ever published) was just as wonderful as all of the others I've read. She never disappoints and every one of her books makes you laugh out loud. Another spicy romance with a wonderful ending!!

Book #26 - The Bullpen Gospels by Dirk Hayhurst

Again, how did it come to my hot little hands, my Dad. He picked this one because it got rave reviews from Keith Olbermann. It was fantastic. This book was an insiders perspective to a season in minor league baseball. Totally intriguing how horribly poor these guys are, and how opposite the minor leagues are from the majors. No glamor, long bus rides, and tons of wasted down time. Dirk Hayhurst is a fantastic writer, and the stories and antics he relayed kept the pages turning. I was cheering for him every time he took the mound! The other part of this that was neat is that during his younger years, my husband was a minor league strength coach. This was way before I came into the picture, and so it is an entire episode in his life that I never experienced. As I read funny parts to him or discussed some of the stories from the locker room, he said that it is all true. This stuff really happens. He warns to anyone thinking of making a career at baseball that if you are uncomfortable with nakedness, this is not the job for you. Excellent job Dirk, and I can't wait for the next book that details your life in the big leagues!!

1/4 down 3/4 to go

I thought since I'd just completed my 25th book (in just over 1/4 a year) that I would take moment to reflect on this journey and what I've already discovered along the way. It is so much fun to be able to look back at the books I've read this year and do a mental assessment of what the take-away from each as been. I didn't realize until now how much variety I have in what I read. I attribute some of this to the fact I trade books with several different groups of people, but I also think that because of this blog, people have been recommending many books that I never would have read or konwn about. I've had an interesting mixture from brainless to adventure and fiction to non-fiction. One thing is for sure, I've truly enjoyed this process. I think I've had far more take-away value from these books because of the reflection that has gone into writing these blogs. Now, I find myself contemplating what I would share with my readers as I am reading the books. It has given me the opportunity to share my quirky thoughts with all of you. 25 down 75 to go.

Book #25 - The Sword of the Templars by Paul Christopher

My husband asked me today if this book was a dud because it has taken me nearly a week to get through it. It's funny how a change in the weather shifting to Spring has made a huge impact in the time I spend reading. This was a pretty good book. Lots of adventure and a typical search for the Templar treasure. This one was unique because it tied Nazi Germany into the hunt, and it took 3/4 of the book to figure out what they were actually searching for and who the bad guy was. I have to say that the neatest part of the book was what the Templar treasure actually was. It wasn't gold, the Holy Grail, or the cup that Jesus used at the last supper, it was tens of thousands of ancient scrolls from the library of Alexandria. I really like that the author thinks the greatest treasure we as humans have is that knowledge that is locked in the scrolls and books of our past and present. Good read, but I'm getting worn out on this genre.