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.