Monday, August 15, 2011

Left Neglected

Left Neglected
Author: Lisa Genova
Source: Danielle (My friend from work)
Days to Complete: 5

I picked up this book at Chapters awhile ago and read the back but didn’t end up buying it. My friend Danielle from work told me she had started reading it and that she was enjoying it so I went back to re-read the synopsis and bought the book! I prefer to buy my books instead of borrowing them. I love building my collection; I have never gone into a book store and left empty handed. 

I loved this book. It made me laugh and, yes I admit, it made me tear up a bit! Lisa Genova, who also wrote Still Alice, has her PhD in neuroscience and wrote about what she knows. The book is about a successful wife and mother of 3, Sarah, who works as a VP for a big firm in Boston. Basically she has no time for herself and lives her life in hyper speed.  An unfortunate accident changes her life in many ways. The novel follows her journey both physically and mentally as she deals with a traumatic brain injury. I really liked this book because it was able to paint a pretty clear picture of a specific mental deficit. It took me awhile to wrap my head around what the character was feeling and going through but once I did it was great. The character makes light of the sometimes sticky situations she finds herself in which adds some good and needed humour to the otherwise heavy content of the book. I also loved the relationship between Sarah and her husband Bob, they are so in love and grow with each other which keeps a solid element of hope throughout the novel.

If you’re looking for an inspiring story about love and personal strength then read this book!
Pin It

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Midnight at the Dragon Cafe

Author:  Judy Fong Bates
Source: My mom
Days to Complete: 7

While I was up at my parent’s house over the long weekend my mom passed along Midnight at the Dragon CafĂ©. I read the insert and it sounded interesting enough.

 I was pleasantly surprised with this book by Canadian author Judy Fong Bates.  This spring it was selected for the 2011 Keep Toronto Reading One Book community reads program. The book is an easy read and keeps you interested from start to finish.  I enjoy reading about different cultures and this book has a good contrast between two generations.  The parents have their old Chinese traditions and beliefs and speak very little English. They are raising a daughter who attends an English speaking school and is one of the only Chinese students.  As she grows up she identifies with her small town and the lifestyles and culture of Canadians while at home she feels a disconnect with her parents as she is not able to express herself as colourfully in their first language. Within the family there is a big secret that is never spoken about and causes great tension.

If you’re looking for a great story about family that isn’t too heavy a read then give this one a try!

Pin It

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Welcome!

So this is my blog! I am starting it because I love to read. I mean I really love to read. I come from a family who has a small library in the basement where the books are catalogued using the dewey decimal system. I have a list of all the books I have read starting from when I was maybe 15 when I had the brilliant idea. When I am on the subway and see people reading a book I have read, my first instinct is to ask how they liked it and what they think.

My friends are always asking me to recommend them good books to read which lead me to the idea of starting this blog.

Enjoy!
Pin It