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.