Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!
Here's a
refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it
previously:
What does the challenge entail? Well, I'm glad you asked. There are 26
letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of
2016, to read a book that starts with each letter. For example,
Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on. Makes
sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with
S, go for it. On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share
your ABC Reads. We will award one point for each letter you review AND a
bonus point for linking up with us! At the end of the year (or when
the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26
letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card. Congrats to challenge winner, Jessica from Frikken Duckie!
I managed to get through three books for the ABC Reads Challenge this month!! Super proud of myself since I hadn't been on the ball with reading for the past couple months. Also, I genuinely enjoyed each of my selections - YAY! This month, I completed the following letters: J, K and B.
Here are my thoughts...
For many years, I have heard great things about this book, but I just never seemed to find time to pluck it off the shelf. After finishing it, I am SO sad that I didn't read it sooner. It took me a couple of chapters to find my rhythm with the book, but after that I absolutely did not want it to end. I loved how Tan told stories from the perspective of both mothers and daughters yet managed to weave consistent themes throughout the overall book. I was intrigued by the culture and tradition that is brought to life in the storytelling. I would recommend it to any woman. Not to say men wouldn't enjoy it, but it is geared toward a female audience.
I shared my thoughts on this book earlier in the week when I talked a bit about our recent trip to Denver. We were able to catch Tim Howard in action since he now plays for the MLS Rapids in Colorado. As I mentioned in my review, I read this book in a matter of hours. I thoroughly enjoyed the way it was written as a mix of personal stories (Tim was diagnosed with OCD and Tourette's Syndrome as a young child) and soccer tales. The book would be an interesting read for anyone, but particularly if you have interest in sports and the effort and dedication it takes to play at the highest level.
I was able to finish this book just under the wire as I read the final few pages this morning. As a fan of Eat, Pray, Love and after hearing SO much hype about this book, I couldn't wait to dive into it. Gilbert touches on six categories of creative living (Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity) through a variety of stories and personal experiences. She truly hits the nail on the head with her wise words. Many times throughout the book, I felt as though she was speaking directly to me. My favorite piece from the book is the belief that creative ideas don't stick around forever. They are fleeting. If you aren't willing to put in the work when one comes to you, it will find another creative soul to venture toward. There were many points that stuck with me, but that one really resonated. I would recommend this book to anyone that feels even a slight creative pull. It could be a game changer!
Andrea :)
Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
For many years, I have heard great things about this book, but I just never seemed to find time to pluck it off the shelf. After finishing it, I am SO sad that I didn't read it sooner. It took me a couple of chapters to find my rhythm with the book, but after that I absolutely did not want it to end. I loved how Tan told stories from the perspective of both mothers and daughters yet managed to weave consistent themes throughout the overall book. I was intrigued by the culture and tradition that is brought to life in the storytelling. I would recommend it to any woman. Not to say men wouldn't enjoy it, but it is geared toward a female audience.
The Keeper by Tim Howard
I shared my thoughts on this book earlier in the week when I talked a bit about our recent trip to Denver. We were able to catch Tim Howard in action since he now plays for the MLS Rapids in Colorado. As I mentioned in my review, I read this book in a matter of hours. I thoroughly enjoyed the way it was written as a mix of personal stories (Tim was diagnosed with OCD and Tourette's Syndrome as a young child) and soccer tales. The book would be an interesting read for anyone, but particularly if you have interest in sports and the effort and dedication it takes to play at the highest level.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
I was able to finish this book just under the wire as I read the final few pages this morning. As a fan of Eat, Pray, Love and after hearing SO much hype about this book, I couldn't wait to dive into it. Gilbert touches on six categories of creative living (Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity) through a variety of stories and personal experiences. She truly hits the nail on the head with her wise words. Many times throughout the book, I felt as though she was speaking directly to me. My favorite piece from the book is the belief that creative ideas don't stick around forever. They are fleeting. If you aren't willing to put in the work when one comes to you, it will find another creative soul to venture toward. There were many points that stuck with me, but that one really resonated. I would recommend this book to anyone that feels even a slight creative pull. It could be a game changer!
What have you been reading this month?
Andrea :)
I'm glad I saw this post. I finished two books:
ReplyDelete1. The Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore. It is a comedic mashup of Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe works. Very witty. I actually listened to the audio book and would recommend it as the reader practically performs the story.
2. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. This is science fiction/fantasy meets English lit. I'm not sure how to describe it without being confusing. Good story though. It turns out that it is also the first book in a series.