Book Reviews

Library Lovin’

~ SamanthaWho ~ 12 Comments

I’ll come right out and say it; I LOVE the library. The public library is a dear friend of mine; always sharing books with me without asking for anything in return. Besides a request for timely book returns, which I try my best to follow through on, the library is a giver.

During one holiday season, most of my on-hold books all became ready at once, leaving me to check out 30 books during one visit. To many staring eyes, I carried my 3 bags of books out with a beaming smile. Although I’ve been raised to be familiar with the library (thanks mom!) I still feel like I’m getting away with something when I walk out carrying the newest Liane Moriarty novel at no cost to me. In my head I’m thinking, “I can’t believe they’re letting me read this new hardcover book listed at $27.95 for free!”

Besides the free books aspect (definitely the biggest draw), the library brings all sorts of people together in the union of book love. The sticky fingered five-year-old standing behind the curly haired retiree standing next to the business suit clad gentleman carry the latest iPhone. The library is a community and a getaway all rolled into one.

I should point out that my city’s library system is very well stocked and makes it pretty easy to find the books that I want. Do any of you use the public library??

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

~ SamanthaWho ~ 4 Comments

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay AsherI haven’t been reading many young adult books these days, but I’m glad I started again with Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Hannah Baker, a high school junior, has just committed suicide and classmate Clay Jensen is sent reeling when a box of anonymous cassette tapes show up on his doorstep. Hannah has left behind 13 haunting tapes that explain her story and the events that led to her depression. The tapes are passed from one person to the next, each having a role in Hannah’s tapes and her life.

Through her tapes, Hannah explains how seemingly small events spiraled out of control to create a snowball effect on her life. It was quite sad to hear how alone she felt and the impact a rumor had on her life as it grew and changed how her peers viewed and treated her.

This book brings light to suicide and shows us how much our actions, no matter how small, can affect those around us. While a rumor can hurt, a seemingly small gesture of kindness can make a world of difference as well.

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler

~ SamanthaWho ~ 3 Comments

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne TylerA Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler is a well-written novel, but I couldn’t really see the point. What’s the punch line? What is Tyler trying to tell us? Why did she write down this story in particular? I’m still not quite sure.

In this story, Tyler brings us the Whitshank family, in a novel spanning four generations who have lived in the same well-loved Baltimore home. Through these characters we experience the emotional ups and downs that come with life.

I enjoyed the interactions between the family, the good, the bad and the ugly. On the other hand though, there were sections of the book during which I caught myself glazing over. It seemed like Tyler was building up to some major event but then the “huge” event didn’t happen.

In the end, the Whitshanks learn that no matter what happens, they can always go home.

National Book Lovers Day

~ SamanthaWho ~ 10 Comments

Happy National Book Lovers Day from Washington State, USA. In honor of this lovely (and cheesy) celebration, I want to share 10 of my all time favorite books. These are stories that have stuck with me over the years, revisiting during idle moments.

  • The Power of One – Bryce Courtenay
  • The Girl with the Dragon tattoo – Stieg Larsson
  • The Kitchen House – Kathleen Grissom
  • The Chaperone – Laura Moriarty
  • Me Before You – Jojo Moyes
  • A Hundred Summers – Beatriz Williams
  • Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty
  • Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
  • Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand
  • The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins

Book reviews on these stories to come! How are you all showing your love for books today?