What I read in November and December 2015

What I read in November and December 2015

A Christmas Carol 

by Charles Dickens

Classic

The classic story of Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come. 

I listened to this one on Audible read by Tim Curry. A great story made better by a fun reader. 

I am Malala

by Malala Yousafzai

Historical, Memoir

The Taliban overran her city but she spoke out, declaring everyone had a right to an education. Years later  she was shot in the head at point blank range. She survived and is now sharing her story. At 16 she received the Nobel Peace Prize. 

Very eye opening of the ways and customs of another culture. The story of a young, strong girl and how far she's willing to go to protect what she feels is important. Pick this one up!

Choose Your Own Autobigoraphy

by Neil Patrick Harris

Memoir, Humor

A twist on the common memoir this autobiography is a choose your own adventure. Each chapter describes the real life of NPH and at the end each one lets you choose a path: what really happened to NPH or what will probably lead to his ultimate destruction. 

I always love listening to memoirs as the folks who wrote it usually read it themselves. This one also has guest appearances from several of his friends. Funny and fabulous.  Only knowing him from his television appearances it was interesting to hear how much he really loves the stage and what he did through out his career.  I think the actual book has pictures but in the audio book he bursts out in song. 

Silver Bay 

By JoJo Moyes

Fiction, Adult

A large hotel development has its eyes on the small seaside town so when Dormer goes to research and help set it up he's surprised to find he's really growing an interest in the crazy family that runs the hotel. 

I love JoJo Moyes but so far this is my least favorite book. It took me a while to get into it and the story line didn't hold my interest very well. 

The Glass Castle

By Jeanette Walls

Memoir

Jeannette grew up with a father who'd spend his paycheck on alcohol and a mother who would rather follow her dreams than raise a family. The children learned to survive in run down houses and with little food at home. Later as adults they all moved to New York with successful careers while their parents chose to stay homeless. 

Read this one for book club and didn't enjoy it. I had a hard time separating myself from the story because it wasn't just a story but it actually happened and I couldn't get over that these kids really had to live like this. Even the last quarter of the book didn't redeem it for me. Some at the book club discussion had read the companion book and presented more light on the family and the mother. I still didn't like it. 

600 Hours of Edward

by Craig Lancaster

Autism, Fiction

Edward is 39. He lives alone. He has Asperger's and OCD. He feels he does best when he's right on (his minute by minute) schedule. Across the street a young boy and his mother move in and Edward begins to, difficultly, choose friendship over schedule. Little by little he's learning more about interacting with the world. 

I completely loved this one. I laughed out loud but also parts hurt my heart. A fascinating look at someone trying to live and thrive with a disability and how the world interacts and reacts.

Unbroken

by Laura Hillenbrand

Historical Fiction, War, Non Fiction, Memoir

From his defiant childhood to his all star running, Zamperini later signed on to be an airman in World War II. A downed plane, days at sea and even a prisoner of war Hillenbrand tells Louis's provoking story.

One extraordinary thing after another. I waited so long to read this because of the hype and it took me a while to get through but it was a fascinating story nonetheless.

After You

by JoJo Moyes

Adult, Fiction, Contemporary

*Read Me Before You first then pick this one up.*

Louisa has a lot to deal with now. She finds her own place and sets in. Maybe even too much. Then her life is flipped upside down.

I didn't know Moyes had written a sequel so when I found out it was already out I was thrilled.  Lou is just as fabulous and the crew in this book was completely enjoyable. 

Go Set A Watchman

by Harper Lee

Fiction, Historical

Scout, now 26, is back home from New York visiting her aging father, Atticus. She is faced with remembering the past in her young girls mind and facing the realities of the world as an adult.

Interesting to see how Scout has grown into her own person still with the influence of her father and town but is now forced to face how she grew up versus what is really happening in town (reality).