The Goldfinch

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It really felt like it took me forever to read this book. Despite the length of time that it took me, I would say it was worth it, although I was disappointed by the ending.
As I read other reviews online, I supposedly missed the concept of Art and how it affects people in certain ways. I would be interested in seeing the Goldfinch painting someday. I was disturbed by Theo and Kitsy's relationship. I was continually rooting for Theo to do the right thing, but was sadly disappointed. I found Kitsy's character to be self-centered and laughable.
All in all I thought it was a good read, but long. I disagree with the reviewers that state that is literary genius, but read it for yourself and let me know what you think.

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Orphan Train

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the first page of this book to the last, I was hooked and couldn't put it down! I enjoyed this book so much and I read it one day.
I thoroughly enjoyed reliving Niamh's journey from Ireland, to becoming Dorothy and then her life as Vivian. The addition of Molly's character gives Vivian's story a voice that it might not have had if they had not met. Molly's own sad tale of being orphaned and bouncing from home to home giving her a unique perspective on the world. I found the story unique and am curious on doing some more reading about the orphan trains.
Well done.

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The Rosie Project

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book.
The quirky and often blunt Don Tillman is such a love able character despite is generalized social problems. His analytical view of the world gives the reader a glimpse into the life of the person with Aspberger's. His search for love is so odd to the outsider, but makes complete sense to him. A simple questionnaire would find him the love of his life and it was called the "Wife Project". Don's quest to find love and partnership, is complicated by the "Rosie Project".
The underlying story of Don's compassion of a sorts to help Rosie find her biological father lead him to make a few discoveries about himself, love and life. I championed Don to find someone and was gripped by his relationship with Rosie.

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When I Found you

When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have this terrible condition that leads me to not be able to put a book down once I start reading it. I started this book last night and finished it this morning. This book got me thinking about what would happen if I found a child like this? It seems like a divine intervention that just happened to have Nathan and Sadie (his dog), stumble upon a nearly lifeless newborn in the woods. This connection that Nathan felt for this baby was undeniable and as life brought changes to Nathan's life, he couldn't shake this feeling/connection.
I will never wash my hands of you, we a phrase that was echoed throughout the story. This story brought some very common problems that human emotion brings out into us everyday. One of the most powerful messages that has gotten me thinking is how when we don't like something about a person or situation, we look to place fault on the situation or the person and forget to look at ourselves and examine why we feel the way we do. I found Nathan to be very insightful to the human condition. I really wanted him to find utter happiness and felt like he was somehow incomplete.
I struggled with Nat's negatively and general disdain for acting "civil". He was a typical chip on his shoulder type of kid who goes through so much and finally realizes his mistakes in the end, despite Nathan's insights and teachings.
All in all it was good read.


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The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was recommended by a friend of mine, whom has the same Cancer background as I do. I found this a delightful read and a little close to home.

Hazel is a teenage struggling with finding herself amongst her peers and life, while battling Cancer. She meets Augustus who seems normal, despite his fake leg. He is full of life and antecdotes. Hazel is mesemerized and smitten. He is the one to bring her out of her "funk" and back into reality.

The background story of this book shows the difficulty in parenting a child with Cancer. I really appreciated the light that was shed from a parenting perspective on a child with Cancer and it made me appreciate my own parent's strength (in hindsight) even more.

I thought that the book was well written and the the teenagers were forced to grow up way too soon!

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2014 Plans

Ever since I got a kindle, which was years ago, I find the ease of purchasing books and storing them so easy. I do however miss the feel of a good book between my fingers and the old smell of a library book. That being said, I am going to try and read 50 books this year and start with some that are already on my kindle. I have already read 3 this year, so I need to pick up the pace. 1. Divergent by Veronica Roth 2. The Husband's Secret by Laine Moriarty 3. The Rosie Project 4. When I found you 5. The Book Theif 6. The orphan train 7. The house girl 8. The goldfinch 9. Mr. Penumbra's 24 hour bookstore 10. Invention of Wings 11. The Fault in Our Stars Its a good start, next up the Rosie project! Happy reading everyone.

Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a society where you are defined by a set of norm's being different is hard. Beatrice or "Tris", is trying to find her place. Similar to the Hunger Games, this book has a nerve wracking choice for teens to make, stay with your families or change your course and go out on your own, with the clause of not ever being able to come back. The choice is tough, I don't think my 16 year old self could have ever left my family.
The virtues of the factions of society were also interesting choices. Imagining a world in which you are defined by your virtue is difficult. I imagine that I too am a divergent, but it would be much harder to keep my secret. Everyone has a secret.

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