Profiles In Courage

Being of the political mind, or at least thinking that I am that way, I really enjoy books on politics. Not necessarily the self-proclaiming books by current politicians, which are interesting, but books that actually talk about politics. This book is exactly that. This book came recommend by my dad, Paul, who is also into politics. Also, this book won the Pulitzer Prize.

Title: Profiles In Courage

Author: John F. Kennedy

Length: 244

Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Politics

How long will it take to read: A couple of weeks, this isn't exactly a page turner but one that you want to finish. It just takes time to read. I found it hard to pick up where I left off because of the history. I would have to look back a few pages to see exactly where we were in time.

Type of read: Slow and one you really need to pay attention to.

JFK wrote this book while serving as a senator. It examines eight senators throughout the history of the United States and how they acted courageously. It is interesting to note that JFK does not necessarily say that they men stood up for the right things, but that they stood up for the things which to them were the right things and worthy of personal sacrifice.

I think this is what really struck my interest, senators with courage. Maybe it is because I, or we, have become cynical about our politicians, but the idea that a politician would willingly sacrifice his seat over an issue amazes me. Probably because I don't think this would ever happen today. My favorite quote comes from John Quincy Adams. He said to a colleague while in the Senate, "This measure will cost you and me our seats but private interest must not be put in opposition to public good" (43).

Favorite Character: This is hard because the senators in the book are not "characters" but real people who stood for something. Having to choose one, I would probably say Edmond Ross because he clearly understood the Constitution and was not willing to sacrifice it for personal gain.

Rating: 2 1/2 stars. If you are not interested in politics, skip this one. If you are, I sincerely encourage you to read it.

Published by Harper Perennial New Edition 2003

The Art of Racing in the Rain

This book was again a suggestion by my sweet Grandma Neil. She has incredible taste in books and she just knew I would love this one. She was right. This has made it on to my list of favorite books.

Title: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Author: Garth Stein

Length: 336

Genre: Fiction

How long will it take to read: 2-5 days depending on how fast you read.

Type of read: Not a brain-candy read, but it is very easy to become engrossed in this story.

Enzo is a family dog that narrates the story. Stein wonderfully intertwines the life of the human family, the Swifts, with the life and perspective of a dog, Enzo. Enzo is smart and, if you have a dog, you will find yourself asking your dog, "Do you think like this?" And while the title of the book would make you think this book is about race car driving, it is...and it isn't. Trust me. I have no knowledge of the racing world and there were no points in the book that I was wondering what the heck was going on. The story is more about relationships, family, and growth.

It is funny. You will laugh. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Enzo is explaining that humans are in fact evolved from dogs. His evidence...werewolves.

It is sad. You will need a tissue box by your side.

It is hopeful.

Most of all, it will make you think. It really will make you look at your animals in a different way, especially if you have a dog.

Loved, loved, LOVED this book!

Favorite Character: Has to be Enzo. How can you not love a dog that narrates a story.

Rating: 5 stars. This should be on your "must read" list.

Published by Harper Paperbacks 2009.

The Creation of Eve

I hate to admit it, but I do judge books by their covers. This is what lead me to this fascinating story of Sofonisba Anguissola, a female artist living during the Renaissance. And she also happens to be a real person which makes this story all the more interesting.

Title: The Creation of Eve

Author: Lynn Cullen

Length: 400

Genre: Historical Fiction

How long will it take to read: 1 to 2 weeks

Type of read: Not a hard read, but also not easy. Unless you speak Spanish and Italian. But it is a very enjoyable read.

Sofonisba Anguissola is one of the first woman who became known as artists. She had the fortunate opportunity to study with the famous Michelangelo. The title of the book comes for the Sistine Chapel where the stories of the Bible are depicted. Including the creation of Eve. During her time with Michelangelo, she falls in love with Tiberio and becomes a fallen woman. This, however, never comes to light.

After leaving Rome and returning to her home in Cremona, Sofi is summoned by the King of Spain, Felipe, to serve as an art teacher to his new teenage bride, Elisabeth of France. This is where the story becomes intriguing. Royal courts are full of drama and much of the drama that unfolds during the Sofi's time with the Queen. Sofi longs for Tiberio which is a continual understory. Ms. Cullen also brings in the history of Michelangelo and his homosexual leanings, which become an integral part of the story.

Definitely read the information at the end of the story. It not only shows how much of the story may be real, but it tells what happens to the people after the "story" ends.

The book is written with much description and feeling. You will truly be able to see and feel the environment, cities, and palaces that you will visit in your read.

Favorite Character: This is a tie between Don Juan and Sofi. Don Juan is not necessarily a major character, but his actions making him compelling.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars. Definitely pick this one up at the library.

Published by Putnam Adult 2010

The Last Song

I choose this book solely on the principle that I needed an easy read, and Nicholas Sparks delivered.

Title: The Last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Length: 390

Genre: Novel/Fiction

How long will it take to read: 4 days tops

Type of read: Easy read. It is quick and easy to follow.

Like all Nicholas Sparks books, this one takes place in North Carolina. And who doesn't love North Carolina. Especially the beaches. This story is in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. While I wasn't immediately transported into the story, it was easy to get into. Ronnie is a rebellious teen and the story seemingly focuses on her. This truly is where I struggled. Not with Ronnie, but I couldn't get the fact that Miley Cyrus plays this character in the movie. Because even though Ronnie is rebellious, she is also sweet, compassionate, and smart. None of these characteristics describe Ms Cyrus in my mind. There are also the following characters: Will-a rich, good-looking guy and Ronnie's love interest, Steve-Ronnie's father, and Jonah-Ronnie's little brother. There is also a cast of side characters who play significant roles in the plot.

Ronnie and Jonah are sent to NC to stay the summer with their father. Ronnie and Steve's relationship is strained from three years of separation. She spends as little time with her father as possible. As a result, she ends up with a pretty rough group of "friends." After getting into some trouble, she becomes closer with her patient father and starts a budding romance with Will.

So the questions are: will a summer romance last and will Ronnie's relationship with her father continue to thrive once she returns to her home town of NYC.

If you have read any of Nicholas Sparks' books, you know that they all are tear-jerkers. This is no different.

Favorite Character: Steve is my favorite. I must have a complex about men who seem to fill their purpose.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars. A good read but not the best.

Published by Grand Central Publishing 2009

Cutting For Stone

My latest read was recommended to me by my Grandma Neil, who has never failed to recommend a great book.

Title: Cutting For Stone

Author: Abraham Verghese.

Length: 658 pages

Genre: Novel

How long will it take to read: I would plan on 2 to 3 weeks for this one.

Type of read: This is a moving read but one that takes time to process. Definitely not brain candy.

Since I have finished this book, I have found myself thinking about the events that unfold in this powerful book. Which also happened as I was reading the book. I would think about the characters: Marion, Shiva, Genet, Hema, Ghosh, Thomas Stone; and how the things they see and experience effect them. I must point out that as I read, I become engrossed and imagine that the characters are indeed real people. Their lives extend beyond the pages, so I will talk about them as if they are real people.

The book largely takes place in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, however, it does take you to places in India and the United States as well. Having never been to Ethiopia, the descriptions of Addis Ababa were definitely not the Ethiopia I had imagined. Lots of vegetation and Italian influences as it was occupied by Italy for a time. Missing Hospital is the center of the story that is told by Marion Stone, a twin born of a nun with a father as a surgeon. Marion tells the life of his mother who died in child birth, the relationship he has with his twin, the love of adoptive parents, and finding himself.

The most beautiful thing about this story is not the stories of the medical miracles that are performed or the crazy circumstances of the characters' lives, but about how Marion comes to understand who he is and how his choices define him.

This story will make you cry, make you angry, make you believe in love, and make you see the beauty that comes from forgiveness and sacrifice.

Favorite Character: Aside from Marion who you can't help love, Ghosh is my favorite character. He encompasses all the characteristics of a true father, husband, friend, and man.

Rating: 5 stars...a must read.

Published by Vintage Books, New York 2009

A Blog About Books

There have been many times in the recent past that I have contemplated starting a blog about something of which I am passionate about. These ideas have ranged from cooking to rearing children, but ultimately I decided I would try my hand at reviewing and suggesting books. Why? Because I am an avid reader. I am not a biased reader either. I will read anything under the sun, or on the shelves of my local library. As a result, I have become a source of recommendations to friends and family, which I hope to share with readers.

Books are as varied as people. You can expect to see books ranging for brain candy similar to the Twlight Series or biographies and autobiographies. I will post the good, the bad, and the down right horrible. Because, let's face it, some books should disappear.

As this is a blog about books, do not expect daily posts. I will be reading books and reviewing them as I finish. There will be times that I will review, or comment on books that I have previously read, but for the most part the reviews will be on books that I have recently completed. And the books will probably not be books that are "fresh of the press" unless a publisher decides that I should get to read a new release before the general public. So, there will be books that many of you have read but hopefully I will turn you onto a book you have never heard of.

And, as always, I am open to your suggestions. Let me know of a book you have loved, like, found inspiring. I want to know what you are reading, too!