2012 Reads
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”
-Jane Austen
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin = A
This book was a suggestion from one of my professors. And honestly, it was one of the best books I have ever read! The plot is unique in that it is a biography of Lincoln told through his political genius. D.K.W. does a phenomenal job portraying the era, the who's who, the nature and politics of Lincoln (both the good and the bad), all with a realistic perspective of the time. Read it.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh = B
This was an impulse buy when I was desperate for a good read for a long plane ride. Interesting little story about a girl growing up a ward of California state but finding her ability to relate to others through the long forgotten language of flowers. Quick read. Good read. Now I'm slightly obsessed with the different meanings of flowers.
The Mind Tree by Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay = A
Recommend to by one of my new sisters in law who happens to share an interest in the mental health field, Autism in particular. The author, Tito, is a young man who has a unique ability to write, in spite of his debilitating autism. He gives a fascinating perspective of what people suffering from mental health challenges might be experiencing in the world we perceive to be normal. Very thought provoking.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens = A+
I crown this the BEST READ OF THE YEAR. I'm not sure how I hadn't read it before now but I recommend it and rerecommend it. Dickens writing, of course, is some of the most beautifully descriptive, profoundly symbolic writing I have ever read. This book changed my life. I pondered on it for weeks after I finished it. If you haven't read it go to the library and get it. Today.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith = A+
Loved it! This was probably my second favorite read this year. A classic piece of literature that, again, I'm not sure how I hadn't read it yet. Beautiful piece of a girl growing up in 1920 Brooklyn. From my research, B.S. really hadn't intended on writing a novel that would be a timeless description of human experience. But she did. So while you are at the library, grab this one too. You won't regret it.
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson = C
The grade might be a little unfair, simply because the next few books I read just couldn't possibly live up to the standard of Dickens and Smith. So... if you can't sleep one night and need something to entertain yourself... this quick read is perfect. Spoken from experience. Cute story, weak writing. I still liked it. And that is probably because I am a Pride and Prejudice lover at heart. So naturally, I could never turn down a regency romance novel.
Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowel = C
Again, probably an unfair judgement simply because by this point I was still pondering the profound story of A Tale of Two Cities. It is an interesting new take from the regency era. Cute story. Quick read. Poor writing. Of course, I did like it enough to read the sequel.
Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowel = C
The sequel.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien = A+
Classic. The last time I read this was in elementary school so my Hunky Husband and I decided it was time to read it together in preparation for the movie. It reads totally different than Lord of the Rings. It is very much a children's story that is full of adventure and fantasy. I love it. I'll always love it. I'm already daydreaming of reading this aloud to my children one day.
Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett = A
This was a fortunate accidental read. If you love Christmas Carol then this is a delightful companion book. In my humble opinion, they should always be read together. Although C.B.'s writing can't compare with Dickens, his story certainly can. I won't give away the plot. Just read it next Christmas. You won't regret it.
Let it Go by Chris Williams = A-
Another book that will change your life. His story is incredibly inspiring. His thoughts on life and his experiences are very thought provoking. The - is because I honestly was a little distracted by his jostled writing. But know, reading his book will make you take inventory of your own life and how well you are living it. Guaranteed, you will be inspired to be a better person.
The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright = A
A unique perspective of literature about literature. The setting takes place in a Cambodian dump. I know, strange huh. But it really is quite a fantastic story of the human journey... of hope, of optimism, of reality, of second chances, of human relationships and the power of literature. I personally loved the writing style. The beginning was rather slow, but the end makes it worth it.
The Wind and the Waves by Dean Hughes = B+
Set in 1840s England, the story follows a young man who faces the hardships of a class system designed to destroy him and the hope that comes with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. has been a long time since I have read some good LDS fiction. I picked it up because I had fallen in love with Dean Hughes' The Children of the Promise series. I liked the story. I don't think it was as well written as his other stories but it was a good read. I liked it enough that I plan on reading the rest of the series as they are released.
