The Great Gatsby

A lot of people read The Great Gatsby in High School. I did not. I wanted to read it because many people have told me it is an interesting book, and I wanted to know what the "fuss" was about.
The story of Jay Gatsby is tragic to say the least. I found his desire to have people around sad, after you learn that he was just a man in love who could not have what he wanted. Daisy and her husband, Tom are some of the worst kind of people you could know. Unfortunate for Gatsby he loved Daisy. Gatsby's closest real friend Nick (whom the story is narrated by) tried to be open minded of all involved and believed that there was something worth while in everyone. Nick wanted to make money and live a good life. He wasn't looking to hurt anyone and was truly sad for Gatsby at the end of the book.
The story told in this book seems rather tame compared to the world we live in today and the way that stories are portrayed in the news and literature. I liked this book. I could see myself reading it again.
Read July 2010

Promises to Keep

This book was a pick for my Book Club, but I wanted to read it on my own also.
The book had me sobbing at one point and laughing at another. Green revolved the book around 2 sisters and their family. Callie is married and living in a nice house with her husband and 2 kids. Steffi is a girl on the move, who is unsure of where life is taking her. These sisters have a beautiful relationship despite their differences.
In the book one sister becomes very sick and we see how her family and friends pull together for each other. The book touches on what marriage is to different people and what would you do if illness came to your family.
I really enjoyed the book. I think that some parts were a bit predictable. However it is a fun read and really touching. I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to other people.
Read July 2010

Barefoot

This was a chick lit summer read and it was good. I would say that since this is the first book by Hilderbrand, that I will be reading another.
The story revolves around the island of Nantuket in the summer time. It starts off with 3 secrets that the main characters- all women, are hiding. Each character's 'voice' is heard in the book. Then into the mix is a young man who also gets insight into their world. I did have a few laughs and I did cry at one point. The characters felt authentic.
I found the book to be very detailed and interesting. I think that Hilderbrand really did a great job of telling their stories in their words. It felt almost like it could have been different authors. This is not a short book at over 400 pages, but it was a quick read. I would recommend this!
Read June 2010