Born Standing Up

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin.  Ok, another non-fiction so soon but this is Steve Martin!  I make concessions for him.  Always.  This is a short book about his career beginnings and it is funny, interesting, and insightful.  If you are a fan at all, pick it up.  Good stuff.  I especially enjoyed reading about his time spent working at Disneyland as I am also a Disney fan.

Wesley the Owl

Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien.  This is a non-fiction. I don't read many non-fiction books so that is saying something.  Don't you just hate it when you LOVE a book so you share it with someone, say your book club, and the reviews come back mixed.  Yes, that's what happened.  I loved this book.  So if you don't love it, don't tell me.  It's the true story of a girl who raises an owl for 19 years and all that they go through together.  It's a little gross at times, but that just means it's honest.   It's a must read for me.  It's short so I'm not asking much.  Read it.  You won't feel mixed. Really. 

The Painted Veil

The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham.  This book is wonderful.  It's not simple and fast but it's not long so I have faith that anyone can read it.  It's meant to be read slowly and with purpose.  It's a lovely story and when you're finished you can say you've read a classic.  Then you have my permission to see the movie that Edward Norton did by the same title.  He really did it justice.  It's nearly as good as the book and I don't say that lightly. 

Water For Elephants

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen.  I think everyone who reads has already read this, but here are my two cents.  Loved this book.  Maybe not every scene, not every moment, but as a whole, loved it.  People I know have heard about "midget sex" and stay away.  I totally forgot about that part.  I didn't forget about the stripper though.  That was interesting...  Anyway, after you read the opening of the book and then read the story, you go back to the opening of the book and realize who is who and what is happening exactly, it's brilliant!  If you are the one person on the planet who has not read this book, forget about midgets and strippers and read it.  Just do.  I don't care if you've already seen the movie.  Books are always better.

Life of Pi

Life of Pi by Yann Martel.  Oh, I love this book.  I have given to people who started it and they just can't seem to get on the boat.  If you start this book, just trust me and keep reading until you get on the boat!  Once you are on the the boat the book just flies.  I mean, you are on a boat with a tiger!  Or are you?  Ah, just read it.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  And if you are, please tell me why and I will change your mind.  Ha, how do you like that.  Great book, read it, find someone else who has read it and have a conversation. Or two. And then thank me.

Darkfever

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning.  Ok, first off, as soon as I saw the cover of this book I just about put it back on the shelf and walked away.  This is the type of book that I would pretty much hide the cover and be totally embarrassed if anyone saw me reading out of it.  As a matter in fact, I remember hiding the cover at my sons baseball game.  This is book one of a series and it is just plain fun with a capital F!  If you are not into fantasy then I would steer clear.  And if you don't like to read a bit of the steamy sex scenes, I'd probably stay away as well.  But, if you just want a fun, fast read, these books really are a good time.  Just hide the covers.    

Matched

Matched by Ally Condie.   I think this is considered a Young Adult book which I read quite a few of.  It was on a list of books that everyone was reading so I scooped it up.  I liked it.  It had been compared to The Hunger Games and I could see the comparison.  It was not nearly as dark but the theme was pretty close.  It's a quick read and I never got bored.  I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.  Go and ahead and read it.  It's worth the time. 

The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.  What can I say about this book to get anyone to read it.  It's a thick one.  And I remember feeling like the beginning of it was a little slow.  But, I can tell you, that by the end, I was reading super slow just so it wouldn't be over.  I loved this book.  It was epic.  You feel like you have just been on this incredible journey.  Ah, don't wait.  Please go out and buy, borrow, or steal this book.  Read it.  Get through the first part, you won't regret it.  The second book is now out so you can slip right into it when this one is finished.  You're welcome.

The Hunger Games, 1,2,3

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  I liked all three of these books.  Yes, the first one was my favorite, but I was into and really enjoyed the other two.  I think if you want to be entertained and want easy, fun books, these are great.

The Whistling Season

The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig.  This is the first and only book I have read by this author and I loved this book.  It's one of those books where you have a hard time really telling anyone about the plot, but you are thoroughly into what's happening.  It also has a few historical  moments thrown in there.  Really fun, highly recommended.

A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah E. Harkness.  I liked this book.  It could have been a little shorter, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series.  I am getting a little tired of the vampire, witch thing but this had a little different take on things and it stood apart for me.  I would recommend it.