Book Review: Suite Francaise

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A World War II novel, with true lives, stories, sorrows and death. The author, Irene Nemirovsky was a Jew, who converted to Catholicism, and was living in Paris. As a well known author during these years, she was arrested by the Germans, taken to Auschwitz and she died there. Her husband searched desperately for her, even petitioning the Germans to take her place. Eventually he was also arrested and died at Auschwitz. Her two daughters were kept in hiding by their nanny and as they moved from place to place they carried along with them a suitcase filled with their mothers' writings. Years later, the suitcase was opened and this book was found.

The book does have an unfinished feel to it. And upon reading her notes in the pages following the novel, the author obviously had more plans upon which she was unable to act. She describes what Paris was like as the Germans were approaching. She follows 5 different characters as they leave Paris, some return while others find refuge in small villages. Not all of the stories are complete as she was arrested during the writing of this book. She and her family were among those who left Paris seeking safety in the countryside. For me though, just knowing all of the history of her personal life, made me want to read it. I think I will also look for other translations of her earlier novels.

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Book Review: The Five Love Languages

The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I have heard a lot of this material before, but I can always use a review on how to love my husband better. Mr Chapman is basically teaching about how we each give and receive love in different ways. Some people are verbal, others physical and there are 3 other ways of feeling and showing love. Most of us are happier when we feel loved and so the premise is that if we can identify the type of love language we need to receive and our loved ones can give that to us, we will be happier. The same goes for learning the love language of the people we want to love. If we can give it in a way that they recognize, they too will feel loved and be happier. My love language is definitely quality time.



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Book Review: Walk Two Moons

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


One of my most favorite books. I love reading it to my children and yes I always cry for the last five chapters. I completely relate to and understand each and every character, it is a well developed story with several layers of meaning. I find myself repeating the little words of wisdom that are sprinkled throughout the book in my own daily life. I think it is really a profound book located in children's literature.



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Book Review: So Brave, Young and Handsome

So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Loved it! Love the author, love his vocabulary. I was expecting a shoot 'em up ending, so to find the protaganist go against everything he had feared his entire life was a surprise.



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Book Review: The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I found this book tender, yet realistic and difficult. I think I have a little more compassion for my own dog now. I actually might forgive her for chewing up all of Emily's stuffed animals, perhaps it was the evil zebra. I enjoyed hearing the story told from a dog's perspective and the idea that dog's might understand and feel more than we think. I love the tenderness and love of the father for his daughter. I'm so glad he kept driving to the end.



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Book Review: The Undaunted

The Undaunted by Gerald N. Lund

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I just don't enjoy Mormon fiction. The book was way too long, the writing and the fictional story was only marginal. I skimmed through many pages.



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