50 in 2012: Book Twelve

Letters from Home by Kristina McMorris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A chance meeting at a USO dance the night before Morgan McClain is to ship out to war, leaves Liz Stephens questioning the life path she has so ardently traversed. Having only shared a magical glance and a few hours of conversation, Liz feels a connection with Morgan she has never felt before. As she begins to wonder if this unplanned fork in her life’s path is worth traveling, misunderstandings and a series of circumstances answer for her. Together with her roommates Betty and Julia, Liz begins a life altering journey in search of answers, closure, and true love.

Three roommates. Three different journeys. One moving, poignant love that transcends tragedy, misunderstandings, and war. Written in alternating chapters, the struggles of war time separation is beautifully illustrated. Hanging on to each written word, the letters help Morgan accept the brutalities and tragedy of war. At home, the letters help Liz make life altering choices and decisions. Ultimately, it is the written words that make this book so memorable, stories told through letters, souls opened and secrets shared; especially poignant in a time where internet connections, text messages, and e-mails have all but phased out the magic of a handwritten letter. A true testament to the power of the written word, absolutely loved this book.

50 in 2012: Book Eleven

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

1968. A stunningly gorgeous developmentally disabled white woman is shipped off to the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded. There, she meets Homan, an African American deaf man. Lost among the forgotten, the embarrassing, and the hopeless causes, Lynnie and Homan find refuge in each other.

Shown as a multi-acre facility offering a multitude of activity and gorgeous grounds, the reality of “the school” is one of fear, mistreatment, and abuse. Raped by an attendant in a musty closet, Lynnie finds herself with child and Homan becomes her protector. Together, they manage to escape the school. While free, they seek shelter and a home for Lynnie’s newborn baby girl. After sensing something wrong with numerous other homes, Lynnie is drawn to something about Martha’s house and they take a chance, knocking on her door. She offers them food, warmth, and a place for the night. Shortly after settling in, the doors are stormed down by armed officers and Lynnie is taken into custody. Homan runs into the darkness. A secret remains in the house. Lynnie wills herself to speak the first words she’s uttered in years, “hide her.”

While there were chunks of this book that were interminably slow, the characters were so poignant, I found myself devouring the pages to discover what happened. Early in the story, Lynnie talks about the “you” that people see and think you are and the “you” that you know you are. Her parents, the attendants at the school, and strangers often openly discussed her inabilities and questioned her ability to understand in front of her, none of them knowing that she DID understand, she was able. From this moment, Lynnie captured my heart.

Written in alternating chapters: Martha, Lynnie, Homan, and Kate (the one caring person at the school) we are taken on a forty year journey of love, loss and courage. The beginning, end, and characters make this book one that will tug at your heartstrings. The characters will stay with you long beyond the last written word on the page and their stories illustrate the true depth of the human spirit. Beautiful.

Project Life 2012: Book Ten

Save Me by Lisa Scottoline

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This book started with an extremely thought provoking dilemma: a parent volunteer in the lunchroom finds herself thrown into the middle of a tragic explosion. Does she save the little girl who has been tormenting and bullying her daughter first? Or does she go after her daughter?

Rose McKenna believes she makes the perfect compromise: she guides the three young girls to the hallway and tells them to run outside. She then heads to the handicap bathroom to find her daughter, Melly, who has run off after being tormented by the class bully, Amanda Gigot. The first ten pages of this book broke my heart, brought tears to my eyes, and exposed my deepest fears about sending a child to school. Bullying is an absolutely needless and tragic epidemic, Lisa Scottoline describes the torment and hurt poignantly. However, the plot begins to fall apart and the poignancy is replaced with a kitchy murder mystery starring possibly corrupt politicians and cliche muscled body guards for hire.

One of the most disappointing books I’ve read in a long time.

50 in 2012: Book Nine

Ketchup Is a Vegetable by Robin O’Bryant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mommyhood is hard. You have ideas of what it means to be a Mom while pregnant but those are often quickly dashed by the time you give birth. As you maneuver your way through the first year, you learn the ropes, gain confidence, and start to feel as though you know what you’re doing. In our house, months 10 through 15 were favorites, ultimate kiddo cuteness abound.

And then, like many, you decide to change the ballgame, make things more interesting and have a second. Thus negating all said learned wisdom and wiping the slate clean. Two equals a whole different world. There were many days were I thought my ONE was impossible, yet something in me told me to have another. Yes, thank that crazy Mommyhood brain and logic.

Now, three years into my parenting career of two, I can honestly say I am glad we took the chance. The boys now have each other to lean on when they are older and bond over discussions about my parenting flaws. I realize that a sibling is a gift that isn’t always immediately realized and I can only hope they value each other just as much one day. Mostly, I realize I wouldn’t have been able to survive this journey with my sanity in tact had it not been for my amazing group of Mommy friends and family. And a sense of humor.

There are a handful of Moms who are not willing to break it down and keep it real. They are unable to peel off the layers and reveal the truth: Mommyhood is not all fun. In fact, there are days where it just plain sucks. Kids are born with the ability to push every single drive-you-crazy button in your body. Multiple times. Relentlessly. BUT, if you’re lucky, you have a group of peeps you can share this with, complain with, wine with…

Robin O’Bryant writes like I am sitting with her at a Mommy’s Night Out and we’re talking about our little cherubs, heh. Though she is a mom of three girls, she has learned the role temperament plays in one’s parenting game. It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl, spiciness doesn’t discriminate. I nearly cried laughing so hard while reading her chapter on traveling with kids. Her chapter about sending her oldest to kindergarten made me cry tears of sadness realizing how quickly time flies and realizing that I, too, will be breaking up the boys for a couple years.

I absolutely loved this book. The honesty and humor spoke to me. A free download for Kindle, my first electronic read, LOVED LOVED LOVED!!

50 in 2012: Book Eight

Moloka’i by Alan Brennert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been thinking of how to compose a synopsis for this novel that would do it fair justice all day.

Ultimately, it is the tale of one of the strongest, most courageous female protagonists I have read about in a long time. In spite of losing everything, multiple times, Rachel Kalama consistently rises above.

Sent to the island of Molokai, a quarantined leprosy settlement, just seven years old, completely separated from the only home and family she has ever known, she is forced to figure out the world before her entirely on her own. This book is full of sadness, death, and tragedy, yet, in spite of it all, there exists a thread of courage, happiness, and true understanding of what it means to live.

Leprosy robs Rachel of her most prized possessions more times than most experience in a lifetime by the time she is in her mid-twenties, her strength and courage surpasses the limits thought possible for one human being. A truly inspiring, poignant, memorable fictional read based on actual historical events. Wow.

50 in 2012: Book Seven

The Love of Her Life by Harriet Evans

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had high hopes for this book having really enjoyed Love Always by Harriet Evans. With the promise on the back, “You will cry guaranteed” and the glittery bling on the cover it seemed destined to be read and loved. Not so much.

In all honesty, it was hard to empathize with Kate Miller having just read about two profoundly strong and courageous female protagonists. Kate flees her life in London after a painful experience and heads to New York. Her reasons for leaving revealed, while tragic and indeed painful, weren’t enough to pull it all together for me. I found myself intrigued and more interested in the storyline of Zoe, her best friend, and her struggles to rebuild her life and those of her children after the tragedy that changes her life forever. Disappointing.

50 in 2012: Book Six

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alternating between modern day Scotland and it’s 18th century counterpart, the story follows author Carrie McClelland’s attempts to complete her latest novel about the lesser known 1708 Jacobite rebellion. Traveling to Slains Castle for research, Carrie starts to immerse herself in her writing; however, the line between her life and that of her book’s heroine becomes poignantly entangled. As the words comes to her, her fingers flow effortlessly, telling the story that her subconscious wants told. Leaving the fog that has allowed her to pen pages faster than ever before, she researches the details that came to her in the form of richly vivid characters, talking to her, telling their story. She discovers that she has included historical details she could not have simply just known.

Yet, it is not Carrie’s story that is the most touching, instead it is that of her heroine, Sophia. I must admit I was leery of this book. It has sat on my shelf for months, the thickness of it’s spine often leading me to chose another book instead, as well as my lack of knowledge regarding the premise of it’s historical basis: the 1708 Jacobite rebellion. It only took me a few chapters to fall in love with this book, and with Sophia. While the alternating chapters and dual timelines proved frustrating at times, I still found myself hopelessly devoted to learning the outcome of both women’s stories. There are a couple misgivings and questionable scenarios that weaken the overall affect of this book; however, the loves and lives and the women are woven together in a way that is not far fetched or implausible.

“It wasn’t by chance. There wasn’t any part of it that happened by chance.”

A memorable, deftly crafted read. SOMEONE read so we can discuss!! I cried FOUR times throughout this book, of the ugly variety. LOVED.

50 in 2012: Book Five

The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Happy marriage. Pregnant wife. Husband’s job calls for a relocation. Rocky move. New home is not what it was hoped to be. Tragic kidnapping. Family feared dead. Husband searches fruitlessly for years to find his lost family. Finally decides to move away. Finally decides to love again. Marries. Only to one day discover that his wife and family did not die…

The makings of a modern day soap opera. However, this story is told in the late 1800’s. Stigmas and one’s social standing can be life altering. Henry Oades has gained the reputation as a hard working, upstanding man in his new hometown of Berkeley, California having moved here to escape the tragedy that nearly broke him in Wellington, New Zealand. He and his wife, Margaret, had just settled into their new countryside home in Wellington. He was out on business when his wife and children were violently kidnapped by incensed Maori tribesmen. In the struggle, a neighbor woman was killed. Her remains un-identifiable in the ashes left after the fire that torched the Oades’ home.

After surviving years of Maori captivity and enslavement, Margaret and the children are freed and immediately set out to find Henry. They return to their Wellington home to discover that he has abandoned New Zealand for America. They also learn that Henry, along with the entire town, thought them long dead. Margaret finds his new address and makes the journey to America. Tired, elated to reconnect with her long lost husband, she soon sees that Henry not only has a new life but also a new wife.

Led by obligation, Henry takes in his wife and children; however, in doing so he sparks a community outrage. It is believed he is living in sin: bigamy, a hangable offense. Together, Henry, Margaret, and Henry’s new wife, Nancy are in a fight for their lives, as well as those of their children. Forced to prove their most unfortunate circumstances, and fight the labels bestowed upon them by unknowing neighbors, the women navigate uncharted ground and begin a friendship that gives them the strength to survive lives wrought with tragedy and seemingly insurmountable challenges.

A memorable tale of undeniable courage, love, and strength. Amazing book.

50 in 2012: Book Four

The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of an amazingly compelling, courageous woman and her efforts to protect her girls during the German occupation of Guernsey. Caring for her elderly mother in law while her husband is away fighting, Vivienne de la Mare fears that the Nazi brutality will permeate her island and rob her of her most prized possessions. Her fears grow stronger as three elder German soldiers take up residence next door to her home. With her home very clearly visible, her movements and daily activities become immediately under watch.

As the intensity of the occupation increases, so does the pressure on Vivienne. Caring for an aging mother in law of a husband she no longer loves. Falling, passionately and deeply, in love with Gunther, one of the neighboring German soldiers. Torn, conflicting emotions: love, deep and true, yet daily confrontations with the brutality of war at the hands of Gunther’s fellow soldiers. Secrets. Daughters watching it all unfold. Decisions: the one you married, the one you love, or the one who needs you the most? Helping one, siding with one, means potentially losing them all. Forever.

The juxtaposition of good and evil, love and war is heart wrenching, impressive, and powerful. Gunther seeks out Vivienne in spite of his allegiance to his country and demands of his position. I found their struggle to put love before the realities of war incredibly poignant as they both jeopardize everything to be together.

The author’s choice to highlight a house full of women during a time of chaos, war, and uncertainty was not lost on me. The supposed strength of the male soldiers is explained as merely doing a job, while the demure and vulnerable women left behind exude strength beyond measure. Magnificent.

50 in 2012: Book Three

Balancing Acts by Zoe Fishman

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had really high hopes for this book, a book I would have never picked up a year ago. Having recently discovered the true magic of yoga, I immediately fell in love with the synopsis on the back cover.

Charlie worked herself to the bone to succeed at her lucrative, high-paying Wall Street job. She studied instead of partied during her college years. Always. Which is why everyone is shocked to hear she left it all behind for yoga as they huddle at their ten year college reunion. She meets up with three friends she hasn’t talked to much since their dorm days: Sabine, a copy editor for cheesy romance novels who longs to write her own book in the very near future and who spends most of her day trying to fend off her texting, nagging mother. Naomi, a former model struggling to raise her son as a single mother. Bess, consumed by the decisions she must make regarding her long distance relationship at the risk of losing all she has worked for.

Four women, each at a crossroads in her life. Sabine, Bess, and Naomi envy Charlie’s courage to leave her job to pursue her true passion; however, her fearlessness ends when it comes to love. She took on her three old friends as yoga clients in hopes of teaching them to see something greater in themselves and maybe fall in love with yoga along the way. In doing so, Charlie learns from them as well and finds the strength she needs to move on. Finally.

The potential for poignancy and emotion in this novel is extraordinary; however, the author falls short. Much of the drama is merely touched upon. The greatest story lines fade into mere mention which is extremely disappointing.

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