Full of Grace

I finished Full of Grace by Dorothea Benton Frank last night. I have to say that I was pleansantly surprised by the whole story. It's rare that a book surprises me but this one did. Maybe because what was written on the dust jacket made it sound like it was just about Grace and her family and didn't spill the beans of the true story. Often when reading the short description of a book they will elude to something happening that will change a life or the main character will return home or find love or something along those lines so you are prepared for the story to take a twist or turn here and there. But Full of Grace lets you find out right along with the characters of what's going on and I found that really refreshing. Without giving anything away, I would say that the book is about family, love, faith and of course grace.

Another element of the book that I enjoyed was the chapter titles. As I've previously mentioned, I find chapter titles missing from adult fiction.

I am finally getting around to reading On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah. I started it this morning on the way to work and have found it easy to read. I was worried it would be depressing and it wouldn't hold my attention. I hope to finish it in the next few days since it's due at the library on the 2nd. I did manage to get an extra day because of Labor Day! Don't you love when that happens?

Home to Holly Springs and other library books

Two weeks ago I needed a new book to read after finishing The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I went to the library in hopes to find the next book in the Elm Creek Quilt Series but it wasn't there. So I had to wander the library until I found at least one book that was on my mental to be read list. I ended up leaving with three, just because I could and even if I couldn't read all three in two weeks I could always renew them. I borrowed Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon, Full of Grace by Dorothea Benton Frank and On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah.

I choose Home to Holly Springs because I've read all but the last Mitford Series books by Jan Karon. I read them a few years ago so all the details of the storyline were a little fuzzy but since this new series is more about Father Tim's life growing up in Mississippi I found I didn't really need to remember everything from the other books to enjoy it. It was nice to spend some time with Father Tim and learn about him as a child and his family and friends. I started to really get into it about 3/4 of the way through when the story started to wrap up and it was more about things happening rather than just background. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

The two other books I borrowed from the library came about from two other books I got from the Early Reviewer program with LibraryThing.com. I reviewed Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah and Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank earlier this year. I was not familiar with either author before getting their newest books through the Early Reviewer program but since I enjoyed both books I thought I would read some of their other ones. I could be wrong but by judging from their books I've read, Hannah's On Mystic Lake will be very emotional and introspective and Frank's Full of Grace will still be reflective but a little lighter. I guess I'll find out soon enough, although I will have to renew them since they are due in two days.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

This was a book that I added to my list of books to read awhile ago. It sounded interesting and I had heard good things about it. The cover and title just by themselves are both different and memorable. My husband refers to this book as the "Upside Down Dog Book" which just shows you a good cover can stick with you. The title is a long one and one I had a hard time remember until I had the book in front of me and read what it said. The title leads you to believe there will be a mystery involved--you're curious right from the start about what happens. A great way to start a book.

What I love about this book is that it reminds us that we can be who we are, think the way we think and can still be loved. This is a truly unique book. If there are books out there that are similar to this, I am unaware of them. The main character, Christopher, is not your average boy. He shows incredible intelligence, but also deep fears that we can all understand. I'm a logical, routine-driven sort of person and I can understand his need to have a schedule and timetables. You may not think you can relate to Christopher at first glance but you might be surprised.

This isn't your typical fiction book. Mark Haddon did a great job exploring this unique story.

Finished!

I finished Olive Kitteridge last night. I have to be honest. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I did like it but I thought I would really enjoy it but I didn't. I did find the short story format interesting but I'm not sure I'm a short story kind of girl. I get too attached to the characters I'm reading and then the next chapter just moves away from them and I'm wondering what became of them. I did like the chapters with Olive in them. You got to see the world from her eyes and understand her better. I would say if the story and the format sound interesting to you, you should definitely read it. Elizabeth Strout does write nicely and weaves together a great story.

Next up, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. I haven't started it yet but did flip through the book quickly last night. I saw some math equations in there--it should be interesting! I'm looking forward to something a little different.