The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading books from an animal's perspective.  Reminded me of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.  I am one of those people that believes, truly believes, that dogs know our thoughts, and especially our hearts.  Because I read this for book club, and we've already discussed it, I am forgetting which thoughts are mine and which are the other girls', so I can't write a proper review.  I think everyone agreed that the ending of this book was perfect to remedy the angst throughout, and combat the sadness that was inevitable.  I loved it.  I have also been much nicer to my dog for the last two days.

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Bossypants

Bossypants by Tina Fey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don't be confused about a 5 start rating for this book and think it is the same as Gone with the Wind, but it is really great.  If you need a book that will make you laugh and teach you more about a the genius that is Tina Fey, this is your book.

Also, it cures the problem that arises when you cannot think about anything in depth because your mind has turned to mush filled with nightmares of baby blow-outs, baby-napping and missing feedings.  It cures this problem because you can continue to feel good about yourself because you are at least reading a book with words.


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Dracula

Dracula by Bram Stoker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took me a while to finally finish this book, but I ended up really liking it.  The trouble was I was expecting more detail, and more explanations to why we believe certain vampire lore today, and it ended up not giving me that. This book was scandalous when it came out, and it's a shame I can't transport myself to that time when it would seem scandalous to me, too.  Really, it was like a very watered down version of something you'd read today.  Like trying to make tea with a used teabag.  So much for avoiding desensitization.

The other thing, was the big deal about this woman, Lucy.  The three men avenging her Dracula-induced death were unequivocally in love with her.  There is no explanation why, or even a redeeming quality possessed by this meek little woman, to warrant such gallant behavior out of her three suitors.  I get it that we needed this situation for the story, but we've come a long way in developing female heroines and I'll take today's version of Hermione over Stoker's Mina and Lucy thank you very much.


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the perks of being a wallflower

I really did think the characters were adorable. But realistic? Maybe not. I think a real life wallflower would be super lucky to have friends like Charlie found, and go through high school with such a great mentor as Bill was. And the issues piling on top of one another were almost too much. I wanted more. that's all. but i liked it. Good book club book since I am struggling through Of Human Bondage. Yikes.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Parts of this I found I loved, and parts I did not. I really loved reading about Boston, and the landmarks- also the theme of displacement. We can all relate to that a little bit, right? I loved reading about his trip to New Hampshire with Maxine, which made me homesick for Sunapee and lake bathing.
We will always feel a generation apart from our parents-even embarrassed of them as we grow up- but this book put it in a perspective that was interesting to read about. It's true it wasn't really a story- more like anecdotes tied together about relationships and mundane things. The end was depressing for me, and anticlimactic. Soooo, I would probably take away even more stars from my rating had it not been set in New England.



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The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really loved this book and don't know why it took me so long to finally read it. Most of the message is consistent to what I already believe, or know, or have heard...but it's always difficult (and expensive, and time consuming) putting what you know about food into your every day eating habits. So here's to a healthy rest of the summer.



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Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


funnier and cuter than i expected! Great little read.
What i kept noticing, was that this book was written in 1999! Crazy! A few internet and cell phone references- as well as the news about Charles and Camilla getting together- made it kind of fun to remember... I could not stop imagining Colin Firth, and that made it even easier to read. love him.



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