The Story of Forgetting (by Stephen Merrill Block)

This book is very intellectually stimulating. The Story of Forgetting is mainly centered around early onset familial Alzheimers. But the way the Author tells the story makes it what it is. He weaves the stories of two men, one is in his 70s and the other is in his teens. Both men (or boys) experience the ramifications of alzheimers in their families in different ways. In the midst of these two separate stories, a sense of unity forms. This book details what alzheimers is, how it effects the mind, and the genetic contributions. It also details the human side of the disease, and its effect on the people it infects and the family members who care for those people. It is a tough book in the sense of the topic and how hard it is on the families, but it the story is presented in such a good way that it lessens the tragic effect of the disease. I recommend this book. I was particularly interested in it because of my psychology/neurology back ground from college, but I think anyone will enjoy this tale of two human spirits and the adversity they overcome.

Rating: CPD.

Up Next: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (by Stieg Larsson)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN (a day early)

I know what you're thinking, Silly Sara, Halloween is tomorrow! Well friends, I won't have time to blog till Sunday because of my fantastically fun weekend. Tonight starts off with a dinner, and Mary Poppins! Tomorrow is our spooky halloween party! Hope everyone has a ghoulishly delicious weekend.

The Help (by Kathryn Stockett)

This was a great book, as is evidenced by the fact that it is a National Bestseller. This books concerns 1950s, Jackson, Mississippi. And is told from the perspective of three women - Miss Skeeter, Aibeleen, and Minny. The age range of characters in this book is primarily 23-30 year olds, and 50-60 year olds. This book centers around the interactions between women, whether black or white, whether friends or maids. It catalogues the relationship dynamics between all different types of women. It focuses also on the dynamics of the societal times during the 1950s and the different race relationships. It centers on a white woman, Miss Skeeter, who decides to write a book upon the urging of an editor in NYC. She decides to write the book about how "The Help" are treated in Jackson, Mississippi, and is helped by several maids/nannies in Jackson who contribute with their stories of working for women in Jackson. It was a well written book that gives a different perspective to the 1950s. I wasn't thrilled with the ending, but I understand why it was written the way it was. If you read the authors own personal story in the back of the book it makes a lot more sense why she chose to write about this topic.

Rating: Altogether good.

Up Next: The Story of Forgetting (by Stephen Block) (its for my book club).

Dead Until Dark (by Charlaine Harris)

Okay, who doesn't enjoy a little juicy/easy read every once in a while? I know I thoroughly enjoy it! After reading Same Kind of Different As Me, I needed a lighter book to enjoy. (oh, I forgot to mention, when you read Same Kind of Different As Me make sure you have a kleenex box next to you towards the end of the book, just saying...). I went home to visit the mom and wound up with the whole Dead Until Dark series loaded into my SUV to take back with me to Houston. Dead Until Dark is the book that is the basis for "True Blood" on HBO. A fave of mine. I was interested to see how closely the show stuck to the book and well it does a pretty good job (now granted I've only read the first book, there are about 8 more to go). This book is about Sookie Stackhouse, who lives in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Vampires have just entered the human world, and some are strikingly handsome. Like I said, if you have seen the first season of True Blood, then you know what this book is about. For those that don't watch it or don't have HBO, it is about Sookie meeting the vampire Bill who is trying to go "main stream" into society and live among humans. The book follows their love story, and other trial/tribulations/murders that take place along the way. Its enjoyable and an easy read. Now I just need to tackle the other 8 books (i'm bad at keeping up with series).

Rating: Good, but could put down.

Up Next: Sisters (by Danielle Steel) (yes you read that right, I even checked it out from the Public Library!)

Same Kind of Different As Me (by Ron Hall and Denver Moore)

This book was INCREDIBLE. It is an inspiring story that grips you from the moment you start reading it. At first I enjoyed it because it is based in the F-dub (that's Ft Worth for those Non-texans out there), and well I grew up right next door to F-dub, and knew all the places described in the book. The book is a true story written by two men (Ron Hall and Denver Moore) who meet in the most unusual of places (at a gospel mission in downtown f-dub). The story chronicles each men's lives throughout the period before, during, and after they meet. It is inspiring to read about the depth of their relationship, the impact of Ron's wife on the gospel mission, and the growth that occurs for both men throughout the book. It is a book about faith and belief. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a little inspiration/encouragement in life. It really makes you think about your life and the blessings in it and how you can impact the world.

Rating: CPD

Up Next: well...i already read the up next book for this post (i've been a bit slow in my blogging lately) - I read Dead Until Dark (by Charlaine Harris).

American Wife (by Curtis Sittenfeld)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read this on a recommendation from Elaine and it was well worth it. I had a hard time putting it down. This book is loosely based on the life of Laura Bush. The main character is Alice, and it chronicles her life growing up from small town Riley, Wisconsin, to big town Washington, D.C. The book includes stories of love, happiness, sadness, friendship, and trials and tribulations I found relatable (well except for marrying the president of the U.S.). I didn't know much about Laura Bush's life, and would have to ask friends for information about her or to verify a storyline from the book. Its about 50/50 I would say. And it doesn't matter whether you like her or not, its just a good, girly story.

Rating: CPD

Up Next: Same Kind of Different as Me (about half way through right now).

The Hour I First Believed (by Wally Lamb)

I finished this book this weekend. It took me three weeks to read this for many reasons. One, it was long with small type, two, I had a hard time getting through, three, too many characters. This was a well written, dynamic, and complex book. It starts off with the Columbine shootings, and ends on a farm in Connecticut. This book is about one man - Caelum Quirk, and the aftermath and emotional turmoil of the Columbine shootings, and its effect on his wife Maureen, who suffered PTSD from the shootings (she was in the library (this is ficitional character)). It also goes into Caelum's family and ancestors. I had a hard time with characters that were mentioned in the beginning and then not mentioned again until page 400 and had to refresh my memory. Its very historical and sometimes I felt a bit slow. It wasn't a can't put down book, but if you are in the market for a very developed, character driven book, this one is for you. But if you are looking for a light read, I'd pass.

Rating: Just okay.

Up next: American Wife.