Throwback Thursday--Best Books From the Past Decade

Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published: December 2010

 

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I wanted more and more. Imagine packing your bags and leaving home to start a new life. On your way out of town you run into some very thick fog which makes visibility very difficult. And then the unthinkable happens...you have an accident where you hit someone and they are killed. And the stranger part of it is that you both are from the same town even though this accident occurs nearly three hours from that town. That is what happens to Isabelle Stein. The events that unfold after that are incredibly emotional. I don't know of another book I have read recently that made my heart ache for each character as this one did. I wanted to give them all big hugs and say,"Everything will be all right. " I want to read another book by Ms. Leavitt.

Here is another book that I read and reviewed before I got into blogging.  This book really touched my heart and I recommended it to a lot of people.  I hope you will give it a try. 

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Audio Book Review: The Island by Elin Hilderbrand

The Island by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Published: July 2010

The Cousins family thought they knew how their summer was going to be. Spend a week at the family home in Tuckernuck and then prepare for Chess's wedding in September. But those plans would not pan out as it was supposed to. When Chess calls off her engagement and then her finance ends up dead, everyone's world is thrown into a tailspin. Birdie, decides that instead of just her and Chess spending a week at the family home, it should be both of her girls for the entire month of July. Then her sister, India decides to join them as well. These four women will grow closer as family and help Chess heal from her heartache.

I have always wanted to plan a trip with my mother and my sister. Just us girls hanging out at the beach without a care in the world. Tuckernuck sounds like the perfect place, where there is no cell service, not electric and no hot water. Having to have groceries brought in by boat every morning and the trash taken away using the same method at night.

When Chess suddenly and inexplicably calls off her wedding, Birdie is shook. At first she thinks to call off the week in Tuckernuck, but when she sees how Chess is suffering she decides to extend the trip and call in reinforcements. With the help of her younger daughter Tate and her sister India, they are determined to get Chess out of the depression she has gotten herself into and try to make her life a little more cherry.

Lots of interesting things happen on the island of Tuckernuck, most importantly, these ladies learn how to love. To love themselves and one another and a few might even find love from the opposite sex.

Elin Hilderbrand's books always make me want to take a vacation. One day I hope to visit the Northeastern beaches.

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Audio Book Review: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Published: September 2010


Jeannette Walls led a very interesting life. Living most of it way below the poverty line and "doing the skedaddle" all over the country. Her parents didn't care much for rules or parenting. The book starts off with Jeannette burning herself at the age of 3 making herself food to eat. What three year old is using a stove? The book continues through her life with some outrageous and mind blowing events. This was a very interesting story that made me hug my kids a little tighter and be thankful for the family I have.

I have heard a lot about this book and the movie, and I wanted to read it before I saw it. What really grabbed my attention during this book was the blatant disregard Rex & Rose Mary for their children was incredible.

I love that Ms. Walls had the courage to tell her story. She was able to make something of her life, despite the circumstances that she was raised in. Some people may see the situation and decide this is the life they have and they can't do anything better. Forced to grow up before she had to and become a parent when hers didn't seem to care that their children had no food to eat. Even though both of her parents were educated, they were more of free thinkers letting the world take them through life.

I enjoyed this book.

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Audio Book Review: Promises to Keep by Jane Green

Promises to Keep by Jane Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: 2010  

 


Callie and Steffi are sisters and they could not be more different. Callie is a mother of two, a wife and a photographer, living in the New York suburbs. Callie is a city girl through and through and is enjoying her life with her rock star boyfriend and cooking at a vegan restaurant. At some point in life, things change, and things for this family are about to change in a very big way. Will Steffi see the light at the end of the tunnel and finally decide to settle down her life, or will she continue to live by the seat of her pants? Will Callie continue to live her life with her husband always gone and bearing most of the responsibility of the children?

I love Jane Green's books, they always make me shed a tear or two and this one was no different.

This is a story about love and family. Not the just family that is related to you by blood, but the friends that become your family.  Another awesome thing about this book, are the amazing recipes that are in it.  Need to go and purchase Good Taste: Simple Delicious Recipes for Family and Friends.

A few years back Callie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought hard and she beat it. But now, she's having some weird pains and her biggest fear is that the cancer may come back. Dealing with this in my family right now, it's always hard to hear when someone you love is sick, especially when there is nothing you can do to help.

Steffi is a drifter, drifting from job to job and man to man never quite landing on the right spot. When an opportunity comes along for her to make a major change in her life, she has to decide whether or not to take the leap. I think we've all been in that situation, where you feel like you're on the hamster wheel of life and it's impossible to get off. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new is not easy for most of us. But the satisfaction you get when it all works out is the best feeling in the world.

These sisters along with their family and friends embark on a part of their life that is completely unexpected and changes them both. Full of love and warmth, this is a great book for all to enjoy. Make sure you have your box of tissues handy while reading.


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