Book 55 "Absolute Power"

Absolute Power

By

David Baldacci

A story of murder, corruption, greed, sex, and ambition as a house burglar witness a crime by the President of the United States.

That will get your attention any day? Right?

I was walking through a used book store in Mason City, Iowa and for some odd reason got into a conversation with an older lady in the basement while looking through some old paper back book collections. The subject turned to the question: "Have you ever read David Baldacci?" Which I promptly replied: "No. I've never read any of his books." This led to me buying Baldacci's first book Absolute Power which I can tell you was every bit as thrilling as the old lady had promised.

I wouldn't ear mark David Baldacci as the next classic literature giant. However, his read was very entertaining. I wasn't bored, it was intense (to say the least) and moved at light speed (compared to some other books I have read). I would term Absolute Power as one of those books you can't put down once you pick it up, or as USA Today said "Sizzling". So....to give it a one word USA TODAY-Like summary, I would say "Smokin"

Worth a read if you are looking for a quick read. Great book to bring along on your flight or on vacation.

Book 54 "The Great Gatsby"

The Great Gatsby

By

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The infamous "Great Gatsby". The story told in every single American Literature class across the land. The story about a young man named "Gatsby" whose mysterious and luxurious lifestyle gains the attention of everyone around him, including the eyes and heart of a young married woman, Daisy. The story progresses and tragedy strikes. It's the epic battle surrounding the values of Idealism.

When a novel like "The Great Gatsby" is ranked in almost every single literature corner as being one of the top ten, or most influential, or most noted one must make an attempt to read it. It's amazing how things read after WANTING to read a classic, rather than being FORCED to read a classic by some silly middle school or high school literature curriculum. One of American Literature's Finest...."The Great Gatsby". I can officially mark it off my bucket reading list and move on.

Book 53 "Riding the Bullet"

Riding The Bullet

By

Stephen King

A story of a young man who hitch hikes his way back to visit his mother after learning of her illness. Along the way he runs into a few creepy haunted rides and reminded of his past story revolving around a roller coaster called "the bullet".

Nothing short of Stephen King. His typical fashion of suspense and horror. Though, I would put this one as more mysterious over scary. Its a fairly quick read. If you are a Stephen King enthusiast I wouldn't put it towards the top of your "King List". However, it was worth an hour or two reading time. Maybe a good read while waiting for your kids at their soccer practice or something? Definitely not as thick as some of his other books.

Book 52 "The Tiger's Wife"

The Tiger's Wife

By

Tea Obreht

A mystery of a grandfather's disappearance and death sets the tone for the moving novel, The Tiger's Wife. As the reader sweeps through the pages it isn't too long before they come to an understanding that two story lines will carry the book.

"Everything necessary to understand my grandfather lies between two stories: the story of the tiger’s wife, and the story of the deathless man. These stories run like secret rivers through all the other stories of his life—of my grandfather’s days in the army; his great love for my grandmother; the years he spent as a surgeon and a tyrant of the University. One, which I learned after his death, is the story of how my grandfather became a man; the other, which he told to me, is of how he became a child again."

As the youngest member of The New Yorker's "20 under 40" group, Obreht caught my attention enough through all they hype in the literary circles that I had to pick up a copy and read it for myself. I had anticipated reading it for a while throughout the Summer, and the hype did not ruin the book. Tea Obreht deserves the literary praise.

Book 51 "The Hound of the Baskervilles"

The Hound of the Baskervilles

By

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A murder mystery as the Baskerville family is haunted by a stalking monster thought to be a hound. As the murders continue it catches the attention of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. The story unwinds in the English countryside as Holmes and Watson work to solve the mystery and stop the killing hound.

Classic mystery by one of the best of all time. I wanted to add to my reading list a book by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and though it starts towards the tale end of Sherlock Holmes detective work, it still was a marvelous book. Dark and twisted and seemingly scary in parts of the book, it comes through with a notable clever ending that one would expect in a classic mystery novel.

If you never had a chance to read any of Doyle's work, I would suggest the Hound of the Baskervilles.

Book 50 "State of Wonder"

STATE OF WONDER

By

Ann Patchett

This blog posting is a special one for me on a couple of accounts. First, it's book number fifty that I have read since the end of June. Mild accomplishment for many readers out there. However, before I set out on the journey of reading 365 books in a year (thanks to a challenge from the book "Tolstoy and the Purple Chair"), I read maybe around ten to twelve books in a year. Even though I am failing bitterly at reading 365 books within a year, I am being rewarded with falling in love with reading. Regardless if I even come CLOSE to the 365 mark (which I probably won't), I can honestly say that this has been a fulfilling journey. I have been treated to some amazing books thus far, met some amazing people in different book stores in a three-four state area and hope to continue.

Book fifty has been one of my favorite. State of Wonder is one of those books that you see on the book shelf, thumb through it, and say to yourself, "Hmmm..I wonder if I'll like this book?" That's how it was for about 6 months between Ann Patchett and myself. Hamlet said it best, "To be or not to be." I can rephrase that line into "To read or not to read?" Ultimately, I broke down and read the book. Let me blog this with a certain degree of sincerity. It moved me. The ending was perfect. I didn't break down and weep, but was a beautiful piece of literature. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

The book itself was about researcher Marina Singh, who was sent by her boss at Vogel (a drug manufacturer) to the jungles of Brazil following the death of a co-worker. It is there that the company is looking into a miracle drug based on a tree bark used by a native tribe. Upon her arrival, Marina must find out the circumstances of her colleague's death, as well as find out why work has slowed to a crawl on the drug.

The books consistently engages the reader and at times brilliantly moves between a drama and action packed adventure. Brilliant.

Book 49 "The Woman In The Dunes"

The Woman in the Dunes

By

Kobo Abe

In a remote seaside village, Niki Jumpei, a teacher and amateur entomologist, is held captive with a young woman at the bottom of a vast sand pit where, they are pressed into shoveling off ever-advancing sand dunes that threaten the village.

Kobo Abe was first introduced to me in a college world literature class. The book was introduced as one of the best Japanese novels of the twentieth century. However, like any other lazy college student I skimmed the book and didn't actually read the book as I should have! Shame! Therefore, as I was clearing out books I have stored away I came across The Woman in the Dunes and felt compelled to finish the book.

What I found was surprising. Though it wasn't presented in its original Japanese form, I still felt the frustration and pain of the hero's struggle to survive the sand pit. The realism was abounding and I craved water as I read it. Naturally, anyone that has hiked miles in a desert climate with no water can relate to craving water.

I was surprised by the ending when Niki (after years of trying to escape) found himself with an easy escape and changed his sense of urgency in leaving the village. In fact, it really left you with a feeling that he never did escape and went down in public record as a missing person...FOREVER.

Book 48 "Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk"

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

By

David Sedaris

A collection of short stories put together by David Sedaris. At a quick glance it looks like a clever little book on the cover, but after reading several of his short collection of stories, what one finds (in reality) is a collection of 'fables' AND not just any cute little fables either. What Sedaris puts together comes packaged in something that appears innocent through the use of animals, but twist into something dark and twisted. Simple truths are revealed in the short stories, but not your everyday read.

Cleverly put together in continous fables. Honestly, not what I expected. Was it bad? No. Was it great? No. Was it shocking? Yes. And that's really what I took away form reading Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. Like an author seeking shock effect...when he finished the final product he achieved was a serious shock effect in the shape of a fable.

Book 47 "Of Mice And Men"

Of Mice And Men

By

John Steinbeck

A little book of 103 pages that wallops a punch!

An intimate portrait of two men who cherish the slim bond between them and the dream they share in a world marred by petty tyranny, misunderstanding and jealousy. Clinging to each other in their loneliness. George and his simple-minded friend Lenny dream, as drifters will, of a place to call their own--a couple of acres and a few pigs, chickens, and rabbits. But after they come to work on a ranch in California, their hopes begin to fade and end tragically.

This simplistic work by Steinbeck was written in a form that could be easily taken as a scene play. Which is no doubt why it has shown on Broadway as well as three separate on screen plays.

I could hear the voices clearly as I read and could even detail the accents of each individual character. The image of each scene is clearly played out as you read. A masterpiece and classic by John Steinbeck. It's an easy, quick, and entertaining read.

The one part of the book that really stuck out was the part where the dog was shot. To see a dog get up and follow a human being, and trust that he would mean 'no harm' is equally evident between Lenny and George. The final few pages flashed back to the part of the dog and slowly revealed a possible ending (which eventually turned out to be the way it DID end). Tragic, yet simplistically moving.

Book 46 "A visit from the goon squad"

A visit from the goon squad

By

Jennifer Egan

Bennie is an aging former punk rocker and record executive. Sasha is the passionate, troubled young woman he employs. Here Jennifer Egan brilliantly reveals their pasts, along with the inner lives of a host of other characters whose paths intersect with theirs. With music pulsing on every page, A Visit from the Goon Squad is a starting, exhilarating novel of self-destruction and redemption.

My Take

I read this book because every award last year seemed to go the way of the 'Goon Squad' Here is just a short list, New York Times Book Review Best Book, National Book Critics Circle Award Winner, Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist, And landed on "Best Book of the Year" lists on Oprah, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, Minneapolis Star Tribune, NPR's On Point, Newsday, People, Publishers Weekly, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Salon, San Francisco Chronicle, Slate, Time, Washington Post, and the Pulitzer Prize.

So, I set my course on reading Jennifer Egan's eventual classic. The book bounced around a little (almost too much for my liking) However, Egan was genius in the story line and the ending was fantastic. Mix that with every award under the sun and you can't go wrong!!

Book 45 "The 360 Degree Leader"

The 360 Degree Leader

By

John C. Maxwell

Every manager or leader should strive to develop their influence within their organization. John Maxwell strives to achieve what seems impossible and makes it possible. Leader development is crucial to any success of an organization and The 360 Degree Leader accomplishes the task.

My Take

From a leadership and development point of view The 360 Degree Leader is a great book. Maxwell is the master worker with success management books and ideas and is revolutionary on his delivery. For any business minded person, manager, supervisor, or leader, I would have this book as a 'must read'.

Book 44 "The Tiger Rising"

The Tiger Rising

By

Kate DiCamillo

The Tiger Rising is the tale of 12-year-old Rob Horton who finds a caged tiger in the woods behind the Kentucky Star Motel where he lives with his dad. The tiger is so incongruous in this setting that Rob views the apparition as some sort of magic trick. Indeed, the tiger triggers all sorts of magic in Rob's life--for one thing, it takes his mind off his recently deceased mother and the itchy red blisters on his legs that the wise motel housekeeper, Willie May, says is a manifestation of the sadness that Rob keeps "down low." Something else for Rob to think about is Sistine (as in the chapel), a new city girl with fierce black eyes who challenges him to be honest with her and himself. Spurred by the tiger, events collide to break Rob out of his silent introspection, to form a new friendship with Sistine, to develop a new understanding of his father, and most important, to lighten his heart. (Summary from Scholastic)

My Take

This was an itty, bitty book that punched a powerful punch. What I mean by 'itty bitty' is that you could sit down and finish this book in an hour. However, within the pages is a powerful message with deep symbolism. This book was a National Book Award Finalist and it's easy to see why. I picked the book up at a used book fair and was familiar with DiCamillo from other books. I would suggest this book to anyone ages 15-100!! It's a fantastic quick read!

Book 43 "Child of God"

Child of God

By

Cormac McCarthy

Falsely accused of rape, Lester Ballard-a violent, dispossessed man who haunts the hill country of East Tennessee-is released from jail and allowed to roam at will, preying on the population with his strange lusts.

My Take

Cormac McCarthy takes us on another strange and twisted adventure. Violent until the last page. Short, Dark and Poetic.

Book 42 "The Lovely Bones"

The Lovely Bones

By

Alice Sebold

A sweeping story of a murder, a fathers hunt for justice over an unsolved case revolving around his daughter and a suspected serial killer.

My Take

Again, one of those movie books. However, I appreciate Alice's writing style and her view of the victim "looking down and narrating from Heaven". Very interesting book. The suspense grabbed me early, though it did drag in some spots.

Book 41 "The Road"

The Road

By

Cormac McCarthy

A story of a father and son trying to survive "the end of the world"

traveling to the coast for their only hope of survival amongst other survivors, killers, thieves, and the elements.

My Take

The most depressing book I have ever read. It won the 2007 Pulitzer prize, which makes it a noteworthy novel. However, after reading it there is absolutely NO NEED to rent the movie. Unless of course I choose to suffer a deep depression. Sad, Scary, Dark, all wrapped into one book. Good old McCarthy! I should have known. However, his writing style is out of this world!

Book 40 "Living the 7 Habits"

Living the 7 Habits

By

Stephen R. Covey

A spin off of his NY Times Best Seller (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). The book was filled with countless stories of people taking the lessons learned from Covey's first book and putting them into practice.

My Take

Every once in a while, I'll put a book in my life that goes beyond just fiction and that I feel can help my personal life. Whether its motivation or organization. Covey usually has good stuff in his books. I have to admit this version offered few "A-Ha" moments for me compared to his original 7 Habits book, but there were a few good nuggets.

Book 39 Tinkers

Tinkers

By

Paul Harding

An old man lies dying. As time collapses into memory, he travels deep into his own past where he is reunited with his father and relives the wonder and pain of his impoverished New England youth. At once heartbreaking and life affirming. Tinkers is an elegiac meditation on love, loss, and the fierce beauty of nature.

My Take

I wanted to read Tinkers for several reasons. First, it was written by Paul Harding (who has an MFA from Iowa Writer's Workshop and taught writing at The University of Iowa). It's nice to have an author with ties close to home. Second, this was his first novel and it earned him "Winner of the Pulitzer Prize".

It's a short novel (191 pages) but packs a powerful and poetic punch.

Book 38 SEAL TEAM SIX

SEAL TEAM SIX

(Memoirs Of An Elite Navy Seal SNIPER)

BY

Howard E. Wasdin & Stephen Templin

SEAL Team Six has triggered my curiosity ever since the killing of Osama Bin Laden. A elite force of SEAL's that is so secretive that only a few pieces of public material brings them to light.

Wasdin and Templin bring in personal accounts of missions in Iraq and Somalia and give a small glimpse of what it's like to be among one of the worlds elite operation units.

My Take:

I found it to be an interesting read, especially with understanding a soldier in warfare. However, the end of the book surprised me as it answered the question, "What happens to a special operations soldier after he is finished with active duty?" The answer bounced around for Howard Wasdin as he suffered major setbacks including personal injuries, misunderstanding, divorce, and a search for Spiritual understanding. Wasdin continues to write about his frustration with God of "Why did I survive the Battle of Mogadishu?" and answers it with a higher calling, and sense of purpose and Divine intervention. It wasn't what I expected and I appreciated reading this book.

Book 37 Blue Like Jazz

Blue Like Jazz

(Non-Religious thoughts on Christian) Spirituality

BY

Donald Miller

"I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. . . . I used to not like God because God didn't resolve. But that was before any of this happened."

A book that takes you on a journey surrounding Christianity. It makes you think, feel, and reflect upon your own Spirituality. Donald Miller strikes a chord with his readers. He is witty, charming, and a brilliant writer who gives an honest account of his understanding around the Christian faith. Miller takes something that, quite often, doesn't make sense and gives it a clear message.

This would be a good book for the reader who is "searching" or for the reader who is interested in world religions and philosophy, or for the reader who has been hurt by Christianity and looking for reconciliation and understanding.

Frankfurt Book Fair

The Frankfurt Book Fair (The worlds largest book trade show) is running full force in Frankfurt Germany. This years guest spotlight nation is Iceland. A few of the workshops centered around the future of digital and hard bound books. (The good news was BOTH have a prosperous outlook). More reasons to celebrate and go out and support your local used book store!!

Here are a few pictures from the Trade Show in Frankfurt.

Northfield Minnesota

Monkey See,

Monkey Read

If you want a fun little adventure, go check out Monkey See, Monkey Read in Northfield, Minnesota. They have both new and used books and bestsellers at 20% off!! Not Bad!

Northfield is a quaint little town, which boasts two colleges (St. Olaf and Carleton) and invents itself along the river front where the downtown life truly begins. It was fun to walk along its river walk, and window shop along Division Street where Monkey See, Monkey Read grabbed my attention.

I loved the fact that the bookseller had newer books laid out on tables with personal favorite labels attached to the covers. I also loved the fact that the used books were organized in different sections, and how the true flavor of the store was laid back, but in an intellectual way. The wood floors and the rustic look brought it all together. They even quoted Jerry Seinfeld.

"A bookstore is one of the only pieces of evidence we have that people are still thinking."

I have to agree, that was a nice touch. Where it happened to be the day of Steve Jobs death (Apple Computer Founder) it was a relief to know that Independent Book Stores like Monkey See, Monkey Read are still in existence. Striking conversation with both serious and hobby readers alike and helping them along with their search for the perfect book. Northfield has itself a little gem.

Go visit a used book store today. Go discover a bookseller in your area and give them some business. But, if you EVER find yourself in Northfield, Minnesota....go discover Monkey See, Monkey Read on Division Avenue. It's worth the trip!

Book 36 "The Help"

The Help

By

Kathryn Stockett

I can't believe I read this book. Honestly. I have been avoiding it for a long time. I didn't want to get sucked into all the hype of the movie. I didn't want to buy a book that completely dominated the book shelves. Everywhere I went, whether it was Target, Barnes and Noble, the little used book store in whatever town you wanna call it.

Not to mention the fact that this book just radiated chick flick. Just look at the cover of the book (or movie poster). You have four ladies front and center. Four main characters ALL women. HELP!!!! (Literally).

My wife read the book first. We ordered it on our Kindle and she FLEW through the book like she was eating a buttery croissant. A croissant. Not a steak, not big, thick, juicy black angus beef burger. So, she reads the book and loves it. In fact, so much that she wants to have a date night now to see the MOVIE. She recommends the book to me. I read the first chapter. Oh dear Lord....this is going to be a tough assignment.

So, I put my block headed thinking aside and read the book, and feel that Stockett has written a beautiful piece about Civil Rights. The fact that the meaning of the book is entangled between the story of working maids in Mississippi and Ladies League in the 60's, doesn't overshadow the point of treatment of BOTH women and minorities.

There were slow moments in the book. However, at the time where Miss Skeeter makes the decision to write a book revolving around the maids and their struggles, the book begins to pick up the pace.

Book 35 "One Good Dog"

One Good Dog

By

Susan Wilson

The very definition of a hard-nosed businessman, Adam March has no room in his life for anything but the cold drive to succeed. Not for his social-climbing wife or for his rebellious teenage daughter. Then, in an instant, he loses everything. Due to an untimely collision of arrogance, stress, circumstance, and a momentary loss of self-control, Adams finds himself alone, unemployed, and reduced to bussing tables in a homeless shelter, serving men he'd always gone out of his way to avoid.

Chance was born in an inner-city cellar, a mix of pit bull and God-knows-what. Bred to fight, and damn good at it, he lived in a dank, dark, and vicious world-a world that "dog eat dog" doesn't begin to describe. Not that he wished for something better; that world was all he knew. But when the moment presented itself, Chance made the most of it in a new life on the street, for a little while.

Two lives. Two seconds chances. A twist of fate that brings two lost souls together. That's One Good Dog.

My Take

The book is really cut in the same mold as some of the other "dog books". I wouldn't call it a "must read" but it was still a touching book. If you are a dog enthusiast it will be a touching and quick read.

Sven and Ole's Books in New Ulm, Minnesota

Sven and Ole's Books

I found this little book store in New Ulm, Minnesota. It was a cute little German themed town that had its own local brewery (Schell's Brewery founded in 1860 and one of America's oldest).

What German town doesn't revolve itself around beer? So, naturally I tried a special brew called Schell's Banana Beer. You read that correctly... "Banana Beer". It wasn't that bad and had a hint of fruity sweetness to the brew. I continued to check out the rest of New Ulm and found that it had a few hidden gems on its main street, one being a book store on the corner "Sven and Ole's".

You can't get away naming a book store in New Ulm "Churchhill's Books" or "Richie's Bookland". The whole fashion of New Ulm is nothing short of German fantasyland. In fact, New Ulm boast the most German city in Minnesota with a working Glockenspiel clock in its city park (figures and all at least 3 times a day!). So, Sven and Ole's works around the German theme and has a complete set of gnomes in its windowsill to put the finishing touch on it.

My adventure continued INSIDE the store. It was filled with both used and new books, full refinished wood floors with original brick walls along the store. In addition, the look of the store was appealing, but the service was exceptional. I purchased a few books in Sven and Ole's, but I appreciated the fact that they were willing to have me be a part of their little book club even though I lived another state away and their front desk clerks were friendly and helpful. If you are traveling around central or southern Minnesota, go visit New Ulm. If books are your passion, go visit my friends at Sven and Ole's Books.

http://www.svenandolesbooks.com/

Book 34 "Robopocalypse"

Robopocalypse

BY

Daniel H. Wilson

I wanted to see what all the hype was about with this Sci-Fi Thriller,

Robopocalypse. I would explain it like a fast moving thrill ride.

The title explains it all. Robots and machines take over the world and threaten to bring humankind to extinction. Violent until the end!

If you are a Sci-Fi nut, this is the book for you. Its a combination of Terminator-Transformer-Maximum Overdrive. Not to mention that Daniel Wilson's experience with robotics in college makes it an exceptional and realistic possibility for the future. Scary.

Oh, did I mention that this book will be a Fox, Dream Works, Spielberg film in 2013? Fasten your seat belts.

Book 33 "Bossypants"

Bossypants

BY

Tina Fey

I felt the need for a lighter read after reading Fall of Giants.

Tina Fey (forever cemented in comical history for her portrayal of Sarah Palin) comes down to earth and delivers a straight forward, in your face, honest comedy.

My Take

I found myself laughing out loud. I could identify with Tina about parenting and other issues. I love it when stars can come down from the sky and display themselves as common, normal, everyday people. It's a light read, but if you need a change of pace from mystery, thriller, or high intensity drama? I would recommend for a good laugh.

Book 32 "Fall of Giants"

FALL OF GIANTS

BY

KEN FOLLETT

A novel following the lives of five families across the globe as their lives cross paths surrounding historical events (World War I, Bolshevik Revolution, The Feminist Movement).

My Take

It was like a never-ending historical soap opera. Over 1,000 pages!! Taking the 365 Day Challenge (where I am already FAR behind pace of one novel a day!!) I wasn't sure I wanted to tackle one of Follet's novels. They are a modern day Tolstoy. In addition, when I began the book I wasn't sure if I could follow five different story lines and was worried about confusion with characters and names and events.

However, I was pleasantly surprised and found myself fully immersed within the story and enjoying the novel. The first World War is often overshadowed by the second, so it's a fresh breath of air to have a piece of literature woven around this time period.

The story line that I followed the most was the Russian story of Gregory. Follett did a wonderful job painting a picture of Russian life during the turn of the century. The hardships, violence, and overthrow of the aristocrats. My only question (which I'm sure will be answered within the next two books in the trilogy) is if Gregory gets caught in the downfall of the Bolsheviks and suffers a similar fate as Trotsky?

I should count the novel as 3 read novels.....but I won't!! It was worth the patient read.

Book 31 "The Catcher and the Rye"

The Catcher in the Rye

BY

J.D. Salinger

Why in the world would I include The Catcher in the Rye to my reading list?

#1 Because it was a book I probably should have read in High School but didn't bother reading.

#2 It ranks in the top 10 all-time of "banned books".

Banned books?? Come on! Who could resist? I will raise my hand and proclaim from the top of my lungs "Not me!" So, I went out (even at the risk of being monitored by the FBI and CIA) and purchased a copy at the local book store. However...for the record..I used cash so they couldn't trace it back to me. (And just in case the FBI or CIA are reading this....maybe it was me, or maybe it was someone else).

The book was an interesting read. I shouldn't joke about the FBI and CIA interest in the book. It was the hot topic ssurrounding the death of Beatles legend John Lennon. Since the killer used the book as his reason for killing Lennon and was completely obsessed with The Catcher in the Rye. Conspiracy theorist have used the book as a source of hypnosis and brainwashing suggestion used by the FBI or CIA for years.

MY TAKE

It amazes me after reading such a simple little book that it could literally cause such a big stir in our society. The book was literally banned in several school districts and some teachers were fired from using it in their literature curriculum. In addition, some thought it was racist, and exposed children to unnecessary violence. Welcome to 2011, where gangster rap is king. Violence in the book? Seems ordinary to me. Language? Fairly minor compared to Stephen King. Victim to the innocence of the 50's?? Probably.

The book itself showed a change in direction from developing characters more than developing the plot. It's easy to get lost in the main characters ramblings. In the end, the book didn't amaze me as a brilliant piece of work, but more a piece of history.

Book 30 "The Sacred Acre"

The Sacred Acre
(The Ed Thomas Story)
By
Mark Tabb with Ed Thomas Family


Gut wrenching true story of Ed Thomas, 2005 NFL High School Coach of the year of Applington-Parkersburg Iowa.

A story of an EF5 Tornado that destroys the town, and a murder of a local and national hero. However, faith and forgiveness rule the day as the story unfolds.

My Take

I knew Ed Thomas. I didn't know him very well, but I helped prepare NU High School football team back in the late nineties to go against Ed and the A-P Falcons. I was coaching middle school at the time and helped breakdown film, help the high school staff and prepare the team. He was an amazing coach who produced 4 NFL players from his program. (That's almost unheard in the world of high school athletics). His teams were always tough and ready to play.

I appreciated the unknown story of Ed. His story behind the scenes. He was an amazing man and the book lays out every detail. I cried my way through this book, but it doesn't end as one would expect. This isn't just a story of Ed Thomas. The story is much bigger and it's exactly as Ed Thomas would want it. A story proclaiming the message of hope and grace of Jesus Christ.

Moving and worth a read. If you are personally struggling... YOU should read this book.

Book 29 "The Art Of Racing In The Rain"

The Art Of Racing In The Rain
By
Garth Stein

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

My Take

I didn't like this book.....

I LOVED this book.

It was hard to put down, until the end. I also appreciated Garth Stein's ability to add resolution and a good ending.

As a Dog lover, I appreciated the fact that Enzo (the dog) was the narrator. It made for an enjoyable read and hit on every emotional level. Stein took liberty in portraying how a dog thinks, and feels. He must have been a dog once upon a time? If he wasn't totally accurate on his portrayal he had to be close!

Sara Gruen, author of Water For Elephants, added these words-

"The Art of Racing in the Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and-most especially-the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human. I loved this book."

I loved this book too and highly recommend it!

Book 28 "No Country For Old Men"

No Country For Old Men By Cormac McCarthy

A man goes antelope hunting in Western Texas and discovers the remains of a drug deal. As he approaches shot up vehicles and dead bodies, he makes a startling discovery. A black leather case containing a few million dollars.

The rest of the story revolves around the hunter becoming the hunted as he runs from both the law and criminals who want their money back.

My View

I expected more from McCarthy on this one. Maybe my anticipation was highlighted by the fact that No Country For Old Men was made into a major motion picture.

My first expectation was for the story to follow the main character of "Moss". (The man who discovered the drug money). Instead, he more or less followed the story of the Sheriff. Interesting enough he followed the story of Moss for a little bit and completely abandoned him. In fact, McCarthy gave us detail accounts on each violent encounter that Moss encountered. However, he couldn't give us one single sentence on his fate.

My second expectation was for a resolution. An ending that brought the book to a close. Instead, McCarthy chose to leave the reader stranded and waiting for an ending that made sense. In conclusion of the book, the reader sits in silence wondering why they wasted their time in trying to follow the story line of a single character in his book. There was no ending. I can say with 100% certainty that he left me stranded. I hated the ending with all my inner-being. It was like reading Snow White, where the reader waits for the climatic ending of the prince finding Snow White and waking her slumber with a kiss. However, if McCarthy would have wrote the ending the prince would have developed amnesia and forgot to kiss Snow White.

I'll never understand authors who develop such a good story, bring his/her readers for a wonderful ride within the pages of a good book, only to ruin the entire adventure with a bad ending.

Book 27 "Water for Elephants"

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen


A charming story of a young man in search of himself and who finds himself running away with the circus. The story unfolds itself to reveal a circus struggling for survival during the "Great Depression" and every man for himself. The plot thickens further with a love affair and a murder.

I'll be honest. I tried to avoid this book. It was on every bookstore shelf throughout the country and to add to my suspicion it came out in a major motion picture. So, I wasn't sure if I was simply getting caught up in the "hoop-la" or finding mmyself with a brilliant book overtaken by the masses? What I found was a marvelous story woven between adventure, tragedy, comedy, and romance. My recommendation would be to read the book. (Although I've heard the movie follows the book closely).

Between reading Water for Elephants and the Help I have found myself to be wrong on both accounts. I was surprised with this book and highly recommend it.

What really struck me

The brilliance in which Sara Gruen wrote the language between characters. The narrative was genius and the words coming from "old man Jacob" sounded realistic and was perfect. It shed a light on the world of a nursing home and the world of a circus all in one book.