Book Reviews: Read the Rainbow (Blue)

This year, I decided to link up with Mia to Read the Rainbow. I only managed to read one blue cover this month despite by best intentions to get through a second one.

I really enjoyed Hillary's book, What Happened. It covered what happened that led to the bizarre outcome of our most recent election, but also went further than that to discuss some of Hillary's policies and ideas. It was really neat to listen to her read the book, too. Audiobooks read by their authors are my favorite these days. If you have interest in the media's role in our political process and how a campaign works from beginning to end, I highly suggesting checking out this book.

Andrea :)

Book Reviews: Read the Rainbow (Green)

This year, I decided to link up with Mia to Read the Rainbow. I only managed to get through one green book this month, but I did start a second one that I hope to finish soon.

I was intrigued by the previews for this movie when it was released a few years ago, but never got around to checking it out. I honestly can't decide if I'm more interested or less interested in the movie after reading the book. The story is fairly predictable (and somewhat unbelievable), but it was a quick read and kept my interest as there was significant build out of the characters. The book was just ok, but the story itself is interesting from a psychological perspective. Now I just need to figure out if I want to make time for the movie version of the tale.

Did you read anything interesting this month?

Andrea :)

Book Reviews: Read the Rainbow (Yellow)

This year, I decided to link up with Mia to Read the Rainbow. I managed to fit in a couple of yellow books this month. I am working to finish up another reading challenge as well and that took up a bit of my time this month.

I really enjoyed reading these stories. Many of them highlight a feeling that I can't really imagine. It was great to read the perspective of the various individuals that contributed. From an Indian girl experiencing puppy love before her parents arrange a marriage for her to the opposite of your stereotypical Asian boy pretending to be all the stereotypes to garner favor with the white kids at his school, I found each story to be insightful. These are the types of stories I wish more people would read so that we could begin to fix so much of the racist behavior that occurs in our schools and communities daily. I truly believe that exposure to those that aren't in our own race group is one of the keys to real change. I would definitely recommend this quick read to everyone.

This book has been on my to-read list for quite some time. I am glad that I finally had a chance to start it. The story follows the family line of two sisters that haven't ever met. They live completely different lives as they were born in completely different circumstances. The family lines are quite interesting to follow (even if it was a little tricky to get all the names sorted out at the beginning). I thought it was interesting to learn how each generation impacted the next. Definitely an intriguing story.

Have you read any good books this month?

Andrea :)

Book Reviews: Read the Rainbow (Orange)

This year, I decided to link up with Mia to Read the Rainbow. I did a little better with orange than red. I really enjoyed all four books I read for the challenge this month.

I had read this book years ago, but was happy to pick it back up again. The story always speaks to me. Life seems like such a search and find mission sometimes, but if we look close enough we can usually find everything we are looking for right under our noses. Definitely recommend this fairly quick read if you haven't ever given it a shot.

This book spans several years beginning with Sarah and Handful being pre-teens and ending with them in their 30's. I enjoyed how the story jumped back and forth between the point of view of each person. In the early parts, it was interesting to hear the two different takes on a similar experience. Toward the end, it was fascinating to compare the decisions and lifestyles. I'm glad I took the time to read this one, but there were a few points throughout where it felt really bogged down in the details. Overall, I enjoyed it though.

I loved hearing the story of the Fugees soccer team. What an incredible servant of a coach - wow! I loved how the book reflected on how members came to find the team as well as the struggles that existed in scheduling and resources (goals, transportation) for the team as a whole. The entire book is really well put together. I would highly recommend reading this one if you have interest in exploring the injustices that still exist for refugees and those of color in our diverse America.

I wish I had read this one before Outcasts United because it is the story of one of the lost boys from initial attack on his village to his life as a refugee that eventually returns to South Sudan. This is a pretty quick read. I would recommend it for anyone that thinks seeking refuge in the US is an easy process or quick decision. I can't even fathom the scenes described in this true story. This one is worth reading for sure.

Have you read any good books this month?

Andrea :)

Book Reviews: Read the Rainbow (Red)

This year, I decided to link up with Mia to Read the Rainbow. I am a little late in getting my January (Red) reads reviewed; nevertheless, here are reviews of the two red books I completed.

What a classic story! This one was a re-read for me because I want to read the full series this year. I wanted to be sure the story was fresh in my mind. It is truly a great book. The length is perfect. Each time I interact with this story, it really makes me think. I can't imagine living in the world Lois Lowery created, but I am equally fascinated by it. If you haven't read this one, I highly suggest checking it out.

I started this book last year, but never made time to finish it. The content is certainly engaging, but it digs deep. I have followed Kelly's blog for the past few years and always find his posts insightful. This book is no different. In fact, he incorporates some of his more popular blog posts throughout.

Have you read any good books lately?

Andrea :)