I know I’m oh, about 4 years behind the masses, but OMG did you know you can get library books on your Kindle? I knew about it yet only set up my account about 4 months ago. I used to be a much better reader – reading 2-3 books each month. In fact, in Toledo I was part of the best bookclub ever. No really – we were awesome. When I moved we were just shy of our 8 year anniversary, with all but one original member (she moved away). I think many of that core group is still going strong, 14 years after the first meeting.

Anyway, what I’m saying is that with the kids being older I feel like I finally got my reading mojo back and being able to get books on my Kindle is feeding my obsession. During vacation I finished one book and completed 2 more. I’m burning through titles left and right and need your suggestions. Here’s are my most recent reads and my thoughts… if you like similar stuff, hit me with titles I should check out!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – I started out not liking the narrative style of this book but was quickly swept up in the story. I found myself craving it when I wasn’t reading. I burned through it in about 2.5 days on vacation. 

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell – count me among the millions of fans of this book. I adored it. I stayed up way too late to read it. I was sad when it was over. The characters were so real it was like I knew them. Two thumbs way up.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – Once I finished E&P I eagerly downloaded Fangirl. It was ok, I just didn’t relate to the characters. I enjoyed the writing but I didn’t devour it like E&P.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell – I had started this just before vacation and at first I was feeling more Fangirl than E&P about it. But it grew on me and I was cheering for Lincoln by the end. I read this trying to figure out who would play each part in the movie. 

Wild by Cheryl Strayed – I went into this book expecting to hate it. For some reason I thought it would be like Eat, Pray, Love (which I hated… like threw the book at the wall hated…but finished because I was reading for above-mentioned bookclub). Turned out that I really enjoyed Wild and now I want to hike more.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd – I picked this because I enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees when we read it in bookclub and went into reading it not knowing anything about the story. Oh I loved this book, I found myself wanting to visit Charleston again and seek out the street where the house was and then I was was shocked to find out when reading the author’s notes that Sarah Grimké is a historical figure. Now I want to read more about her.

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson – I just could not get into the style of this one. I gave up after about 120 pages. It reminded me of the “choose your own adventure” books of the 80’s but not in a good way. The rewinding and starting over was too much. I usually don’t stop reading mid-book but I found myself dreading reading so I returned it.

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty – nothing heavy, just an easy read which delighted me. I began reading on vacation and finished the day after we got home. 

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple – I really liked the first half of the book but then it kind of fell off a cliff and seemed rushed and odd. I liked it ok – I think the characters were well developed, but only until the midpoint when everything got weird. It was a fun distraction, but not sure I’d recommend it.

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson – I loved Devil in the White City and enjoyed Thunderstruck so I thought I’d give this one a try. I really wanted to like this book…the subject matter (Americans living in Germany during the rise of the Third Reich) was interesting but I found myself constantly bored. I felt like I was slogging through pages. Gave this one up when another book became available and don’t regret not finishing. 

Didn’t I tell you I was on a reading roll?

Currently on hold at the library:
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion – just downloaded – will start tonight!
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn- I had a love/hate relationship with Gone Girl, so we’ll see if I like this one.
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

What else should I add to my list? Any titles to avoid?