Book #96 - The Help by Kathryn Stockett

During teacher inservice, the movie "The Help" opened on theaters, and all of my girlfriends at school were crazy about going to see it. I had seen the book at Target, Walmart, etc, but for whatever reason, I assumed (due to the title) that it was a spiritual self-help book. Since everyone was raving about it, I decided to pick up a copy and give it a go. Boy was I wrong. This was one of the most incredibly moving books I've read during this 19 month venture. This one touched me so much, and I've told our English teachers that I think it should become required reading for junior or senior English. The writer not only tells a heartbreaking and moving story, but she does it incredibly by allowing us to change perspective between the three leading ladies in the book. I can just see classroom discussion about what the time before the civil rights movement was like and then discussing how much has changed (or not changed) in that time. What a phenomenal story of unconditional love these "maids" tell when raising the white womens' children, and they do this knowing that one day, those children will grow up to be their bosses. This was a true jewel of a book, and I anxiously await another by Kathryn Stockett.

Book #95 - Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

So if you are a person that actually follows this blog, you are probably wondering why I've published 4 blogs today. No, I didn't read them all today. I had actually given up on this blog....grown weary for lack of a better word. This blog had become a chore rather than simply a way to express my love of books. But what I now realize is that the problem was not the blog, it was what I was reading. I had not read anything in a month or so that inspired me to write. Obviously, you now get it. This book has inspired me to share...even if it reaches just one curious person. My father gave me this book a few weeks ago with the disclaimer that I wouldn't want to put it down. Just looking at the cover and reading the jacket did not convince me that was the case, but the large type and fairly shortness of it inspired me to get started on it last week. I found that as I got into this book I became invested in it. I deeply cared for the main character...my heart broke with his and also soared with his. The author told the story of a child facing life...it's ups and downs...the struggles with family, friends, and school...and the difficulty of finding one's passions and talents. Mr. Schmidt utilizes a writing style which keeps the reader entertained and always wanting more. The first person perspective made the story all the more compelling. I personally cannot wait to see my father again and grab a couple of Mr. Schmidt's other books. This is the best book I've read in quite awhile. I have only one complaint...I wanted an epilogue. I was dying to know where the characters wind up. I've spent time in the last few days imagining how I wanted their story to end...perhaps that is why he did not include an epilogue...so we would have to finish the story.

Book #94 - Whiplash by Catherine Coulter

This is another author where I was deeply disappointed by his/her last book in the series. I almost didn't purchase and read this one. Had it not been for the cover imagery, I don't think I would have. This one had a very interesting story woven about a drug company trying to rig the market so they could make more money. Great thriller that again, I wanted to skip to the end to see who the bad guy was. This book was much better than her last, but I have to say I enjoyed the early books in Catherine Coulter's FBI series far more.

Book #93 - Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

If you recall from the blog about the 16th in this series which I wrote a year ago, I had really lost interest in this series of books. I thought that book was terrible and the storyline was forced. However, I think Janet found her way back with this one. I was thoroughly entertained the entire time, and I was tempted several times to flip to the end to see if I had correctly guessed the villain (which I had). There were several of her characteristic "laugh out loud" moments, and plenty of adult content to keep you reading. Though year after year, we experience Stephanie Plum trying to take down skips and every book having a car of hers explode, this book had a fresh feel to it. It must be very difficult to keep it new and exciting when you are on the seventeenth version of a very similar writing style. By the end of the 16th book, I was so tired of the love triangle (Stephanie, Ranger, and Morelli), but I rather enjoyed the way in which that played out in this book. Definitely an easy and fun summer read.

Book #92 - The Devil Colony by James Rollins

If you like thrillers and you like science, then James Rollins is the writer. He is exciting to read, and he's always flipping between story lines to keep you on your toes. This is another edition starring the Sigma Force, and after 9 or so of these books, I am in love with these characters. I have invested time and energy into each of them, and I'm always wondering when the day will come that one of them won't survive a mission. This one had tied into it the founding fathers of the United States, and it adds a whole new dimension to his adventures. I highly recommend any book by this offer.

Book #91 - The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry

I felt like this was one of the best of Steve Berry's recent books. Perhaps the reason I feel this way is because this one was full of American History and intrigue. I love the conspiracy and folklore that was infiltrating this book. The characters were compelling and this was a major page turner. If you've never read a book by Steve Berry, he writes in a style that hops between several subplots. I kept finding each time he changed subplots that I was left hanging and wanting more. Excellent ending that leaves me waiting for his next book! He is truly a fantastic writer and his plots are always different and interesting.

Book #90 - Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham

I actually finished this book almost two weeks ago, but I've debated whether I wanted to continue this blog or quit. As you can see, I decided to continue it. Today is my son Samuel's 6 week birthday. So, as you can imagine, my reading has declined drastically in the last few months since trying to compete for time between a three year old and a 6 week old takes up my entire life. However, this book came at just the right time. I've decided (with nothing to back my theories up) that John Grisham is bored with doing the "adult lawyer" books. I think that's why the plots in those books have been overdone and not as fresh as his first few. But, I think he's bored with it, and Theodore Boone is his outlet to be creative. I'm sure Grisham grew up on the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew (if he'd admit to reading her), and he's created a character to rival them in Theodore Boone. I loved this book. It's easy language and enticing plot were just what I needed. I look forward to the next installment!!!

Book #89 - Dark Tort by Diane Mott Davidson

I have to say I had no idea who the bad guy/gal was until the author told me. Perhaps it was because she didn't give me enough details to figure it out, but the villain wasn't even on my list of suspects. This book seemed like it had a 380 page build up followed by a 20 page wrap up. It was almost like the author had been told by her publisher to wind it up even though she'd spent a huge amount of time building the plot. I don't think this was one of her best, and it almost felt like she's gotten into a rut on the "caterer who solves murders". There are only so many ways that a caterer can discover a dead body and only so often she knows more than the local police. But, this book allowed me to read without having to think, so it solved its purposed.

Book #88 - Private Scandals by Nora Roberts

This was a fascinating and fast moving short novel. Again amazing that this story was nothing like any of the others I've read by her. How does she do it? How does she come up with these stories that are from all walks of life, all different genres, and all different types of characters. I often think when I start a new novel by Nora Roberts that at some point, the story line has to be a repeat or very similar to others I've read. I have to say that for the first time, I was on to who the bad guy was....but still wouldn't have bet money on it until I got to the end.

Book #87 - Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts

This book was one of the best of her's I've read for quite awhile. The plot drew me right in, and I was captivated and entranced until I got to find out how it would end. Of course, the hero and heroine wound up living happily ever after, but there were several heartbreaking twists in the plot. Very interesting to weave it around the life of magicians who doubled as jewelry theives. I wonder how she thinks of all of the different plot lines that she writes about. Again, she always makes you feel a connection to the characters and a deep yearning to make sure all will end well. As always, I wanted an epilogue to assure me that all ends well....but, that's just not her thing.

Book #86 - The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan

As you can tell by the time that has past between entries, this book just did not do it for me. It was not particularly long, but it has taken me almost 4 weeks to read. I picked this one up based on a recommendation from Amazon, and others who had read it gave it pretty good reviews. I was disappointed. All the makings were there for a very good, fast-paced adventure, but I felt the author dropped the ball. It seemed as though he was far more concerned with using this book as a tool for evangelism to the Christian Faith rather than tell a great story. I had a hard time with the sheer number of times that the main character asked God for guidance, and then would have visions of what to do next. Perhaps the author has had interactions like that with God himself, but I cannot say that God has ever "spoken" to me in such a human way. Anyway, I think the books would have greatly benefited from a map of ancient and modern day Jerusalem. I kept getting lost as to where the characters were at any given time. In addition, a glossary of terms would have been useful as well as seen in other books of this type. I can't give my recommendation for this one...won't even pass it on to my brother.

Book #85 - Tempting Fate by Nora Roberts

This is the sequel to the book I read several weeks ago called "Playing the Odds." I really think this was a better overall story than the other one. The main characters, Caine and Diane, are siblings to the lovers from the other book, and its is their story of falling in love and finding each other. It was an easy read and an enjoyable story. As usual, Nora didn't let me down. Can't think of one of her books that was terrible...amazing since she's written so many. The only other author I can think of that has written so many books is Patterson, and he's had several duds in the last few years.

Book #84 - Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

I actually finished this book two days ago, but it has taken me this amount of time to collect my thoughts. First, I should say that this was another outstanding historical novel from Michelle Moran. This is the story of the twin children of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony who are taken to Rome as "prisoners" of Octavian (Augustus Caesar). This book was an eye opener as to the day to day life in Rome. In history class, you only hear how great the Roman Empire was and that Rome was the city of that time. The description is of a dirty, unlawful, corrupt, and heartbreaking city where the wealthy rule and everyone else is left to beg for scraps of food. The incredible journey of the princess of Egypt and her fight to save herself, remain valuable to Caesar, avoid an arranged marriage, cope with the loss of both parents and all of her siblings, and somehow escape Rome. The ending of this book was so intense and my hopes for Selena (main character) were so high that all would end well...which it did. The great thing about it is that it is based on true events in time, so Selena and the man she married, Juba, returned and ruled Egypt for decades. This author is fantastic and really illuminates strong and resilient women of ancient times. I have to say she is the best author in this genre that I have read. Her books are packed with culture and adventure...incredible combination.

Book #83 - Anything Goes by Jill Churchill

When I was in middle school, I read a book called "The Westing Game". It was an interesting mystery where you were introduced to a whole bunch of characters and the main character had to figure out who committed the murder. This book reminded me of that one very much. It is a short, who-done-it set in 1931. The main character and her brother were formerly living large off their father's extravagant wealth are left penniless and skill-less after the stock marked crash. These two find out their long lost uncle has died and has left his home and vast fortune to them, if they can survive 10 years living in his house. As they arrive to this small town outside of NYC, they find out that the uncle may have been murdered, and they set out to find out who did it. I suspected who had done it, but didn't put it all together until the author finally clued us in. Good little short one that is quite entertaining but doesn't require much brain power...just what I need right now.

Book #82 - Smart Women by Judy Blume

I picked this book the week before last because it was very short, and I thought it would be a quick in-between, no-thought book. The book was published in 1983 and was an introspective look at the "modern-blended family" and the struggles they have. Parts of it were difficult for me to stomach because of the parenting decisions the lead character made. She has 2 high school aged children and has her boyfriend move in. Do you wonder why the son knocked up his girlfriend, and the daughter was having sex with the first offer that came around? Maybe that was just what Judy Blume was trying to demonstrate through this family. Perhaps it was all about giving a visual for the decisions and actions we take and those consequences which always follow. I don't know...perhaps she was just telling it how it is in many families nationwide.

Book #81 - Playing the Odds by Nora Roberts

Another typical, entertaining, easy read from Nora Roberts. Great love story tied with a little bit of a thriller. This book started on a cruise ship, and I couldn't help but think of the cruise my siblings and I took last summer. Cruises are sweet. I can't think of a better, more leasurely way to go and see several different countries in a short time. Plus, the food is fantastic and plentiful. I digress....this would have been a fantastic book to read on a cruise ship. As always, the book ended just as I wanted it to..the lovers live happily ever after.

Book #80 - Iceberg by Clive Cussler

Finally, I made it out of the 70's! Just a moment of joy to celebrate entering my last 20 books of the journey I started over a year ago. I have to say, I've thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent reflecting over these books.

On to the latest one. My sister-in-law has contented forever that my brother and I would love Clive Cussler's books, and seeing as how I thoroughly enjoyed the action in the movie Sahara, I thought it was about time. I couldn't help but envision Matthew McConaugh playing the role of Dirk Pitt in this book because we all know once you see one movie with a character portrayed by a certain actor, that is what is is forever. For instance, Batman will always be Michael Keaton to me. I don't care who else played Batman, Keaton was my first. I digress. This was high action and an easy read. He did a great job of weaving an interesting story, but I have to say I figured out his final twist before he divulged it to the reader. This is the perfect type of book for a long flight or a day at the beach. It kept me entertained throughout the entire book. I'll definitely try another of his.

Book #79 - House Rules by Jodi Picoult

This was a stunning book on so many levels that I do not even know where to begin. First, I must say that I have never read a book by Jodi Picoult, but I recognized her because there was a movie made about "My Sister's Keeper." As far as the author goes, she is a stunning author that told an incredible story. I know I'm using the word "stunning" a lot, but I cannot think of a better descriptor. This one heck of a mystery that she put together, and it was told in a style where every few pages it was narrate by a different character. Yet with all of the jumping narrators, it was still very easy to follow. It was ingenious to tell this story in this way because the boy accused of murder, Jacob, has Asperger's syndrome. Not only did we get a look into the brain and the thought process that autistic persons of his kind go through, but we also got to experience this syndrome from the eyes of those around him. We got to see into the head of a mother desperate to help him in any way and to bring him as close to socially acceptable as possible. You get to experience the depth and breadth of the sacrifice parents of disabled children make in order to help their children. You also get to see this family dynamic through the eyes of Jacob's younger brother Theo. You get to see the struggles he goes through in trying to separate himself from his brother and yet act as his brother's keeper. The ending shows the incredible lengths that an autistic child will go to tell the truth, stand up for what is right, and follow the rules. I highly recommend this book to anyone...but I think all people who work with and around children should read it because it will greatly impact their response to families who live with autism.

Book #78 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

One of my freshmen has been begging me to read this book for months. Last week, she finally just brought it to me and said keep it until you get it read. Turns out I had just finished up book #77 the night before, so I decided to honor her request and read it. I see why this book impacted her so greatly and why she has read it 3 times. While the book was sitting on my desk last week, I had a lot of students comment on how they had read it. After finishing it, I see why it is right up there with the Harry Potter series on these kids' favorites list. This book was a futuristic look into a civilization broken into 12 districts and ruled by the all-powerful Capitol. In order to "keep the peace" (more like stomp on the little guy), the Capitol requires each district to send one boy and one girl between ages 12-19 to the Capitol each year for the Hunger Games. The 24 children enter an arena where not only do they face the dangers of surviving in the wild, but they also must kill each other to be the last man standing. The winner takes all. The other 23 are sent home in body bags. And what is despicable about the entire thing is that it is all televised (mandatory to watch) and betted on. This is a fascinating book that haunted my dreams and left me desperate for the heroine and yet deeply saddened as these children had to murder each other. This book gives a different perspective to the implications of war, poverty, and human nature. I always want to send a special shout out to an author that gets kids READING!!!! Way to go Suzanne Collins.

Book #77 - Excavation by James Rollins

Wow! Wow! That expression of "wow" doesn't do this book justice. It started at a full sprint and never slowed down. This one felt like a Crichton, and I found I was holding my breath for huge parts of it. I quickly felt attached to the characters and was so concerned for their safety that at times I couldn't bear to read...but was compelled to at the same time. Rollins is a fantastic writer, and I always look forward to one of his new releases. I initially got stuck on his Sigma Force series, so I haven't read all of his early ones. Well, I was missing out by not reading this one sooner. Rollins has a fantastic mixture of science, history, and adventure. He weaves a story that is fascinating, cutting edge, and yet very believable.

Book #76 - God Machine by J.G. Sandom

This book ties the great minds of the Masons like Franklin and daVinci into a thrilling race to create a portal to Heaven. Although I had trouble getting started and hooked on this book, by the time I got about 50 pages in, I was into it. I like the way the author used short chapters to hop between past and present story lines. It was an easy plot to follow even though the stories were told in a fragmented way. There were two big ideas that struck me and stuck with me. First, a lot of the hub-bub surrounding this portal to Heaven was because it gave a way to reunite with our loved ones who had passed on. Ben Franklin (as told by the story) spent his entire life trying to build this machine to be with his deceased son Franky. But after a lifetime of failing, Franklin realized he had lived his entire life focused on the past and never truly living. He had poured all of his energy into his experiments and thus created no relationships with anyone. He realized, like so many do who suffer great loss, there is not value in living in the past. The second point was regarding this idea of a portal to Heaven and thus a direct path to God. In the end, the hero of the story realizes that what God has been trying to tell us since the beginning of time is that we don't need a portal to Him because he is always with us. All we have to do is pray/talk to Him, and we are with Him. I think sometimes it is easy to forget that just because He doesn't always answer our prayers the way we want that He isn't listening. Overall, this was a pretty good book. It wasn't Dan Brown, but overall not bad. Good enough that I'll probably pick up the sequel when it comes out.