ABC Reads: May Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

All the books I read this month centered around dramatic family events and involved lying - some more innocently than others.  I really enjoyed two of the books I read this month, but could have passed on the other.  I completed the following letters: E, G, and W.  Here are my thoughts...

Everything I Never Told You by Cynthia Ng

The story takes place in 1970's Ohio. Nath, Lydia, and Hannah are all unique children. This isn't surprising after learning about the past of their parents - James and Marilyn Lee.  James was born to immigrant parents fortunate enough to find work at a school that James was permitted to attend despite his racial difference.  He meets Marilyn as he begins his career as a professor at Cambridge.  She was a student turned lover...and then a baby came along.  The story takes place about 15 years into the future as Lydia has just turned up missing (and quickly found at the bottom of a nearby lake).  It is certainly an interesting look at family dynamics, interracial relationships, and the power of one's past to shape their future.  There are several flashbacks that help build the story of James and Marilyn all while trying to solve the mystery of Lydia's possible murder/suicide.  I thought the book was well written and provided great insight into a number of intriguing family issues.

Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee

I had a really difficult time getting into this one, but once it got started I was bit more interested.  To Kill A Mockingbird was far and away better than this sequel of sorts.  Definitely suggest only reading it and stopping.  The Finch family becomes entirely too convoluted in the sequel.  And to add to the devastation, you immediately discover that Jem has passed away.  I really think this was a book that Harper Lee never intended to see the light of day.  I'm sad to say it probably would have been better that way.   

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I finished this mysterious family drama novel over the holiday weekend.  It was a quick read because it drew me in from the start.  I did manage to figure out the twist at the end a tad before it was revealed, but I still really enjoyed the mysterious nature of the book.  I loved the map of Beechwood Island (a private island where the family spends their summers) and the family genealogy chart at the beginning of the book.  Initially, I kept flipping back and forth to make sure I had each character in the Sinclair family straight.  Definitely an interesting bunch of folks!  I would recommend reading this one to pretty much anyone!    

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: April Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  

And we have a fun video for you to enjoy, too!

Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

It was a slow reading month for me.  We had SO much going on that I barely had time to catch my breath let alone finish a book.  The one I did manage to complete was fantastic though!  Hopefully, I'll make up some ground in May.  For this month, I completed the following letter: S.  Here are my thoughts...

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard 
by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

This book was incredible.  A wealth of knowledge...explained in an easy to understand and absorb manner.  There are basically three keys to change - directing the rider (our brains), motivating the elephant (our hearts), and shaping the path.  Everyone has an emotional elephant side and a rational rider side.  It is equally important to speak to both sides of individuals when attempting to affect change.  The book has numerous examples that illustrate various methods.

To direct the rider it is important to find the bright spots, script critical moves, and point to the destination.  When working on that rational side, it is best to investigate what is already working and duplicate it.  Often we focus on those doing it wrong and try to correct them instead.  I really thought the "find the bright spots" concept was novel.  Obviously, being specific can help our brains focus more clearly.  For example, instead of saying let's eat more healthy change the perspective to let's be sure to include at least one vegetable each night for dinner or let's only purchase whole grain bread.  Script small and specific moves to work toward the big picture goal.  Lastly, give yourself direction.  It's always easier to change if you know why it is worth changing! 

To motivate the elephant, find the feeling, shrink the change, and grow your people.  Finding the feeling often involves incorporating the senses - sight and touch specifically.  Showing someone the difference can be a powerful motivator.  A great example of shrinking the change explained in the book revolved around cleaning your home.  It can be a massive task that can spin you into emotional distress!  But, tackling one room or space at a time for a set amount of minutes can make it seem possible.  Plus, setting the timer for 10-minutes and going for it in the bathroom will more often than not leave you with a completely sparkling room...even if you go over the time limit you set.  The key is making it small enough to motivate your "elephant" to get started!  Growing your people has more to do with creating a sense of identity and honing in on things people with that identity do or don't do.  Group think is powerful! 

I was aware of the Rider/Elephant way of thinking before reading this book, but I found the final target of shaping the path to be critical.  Shaping the path revolves around tweaking the environment, building habits, and rallying the herd.  As a runner, I know that it is much easier for me to make it out the door if I lay out my clothes/shoes the night before.  Something so simple can change the environment enough to make the difference between me getting out there or me staying in bed a little longer.  Similarly, if I can make something a habit by doing it long enough that my brain just operates on autopilot, it makes it SO much easier to complete those tasks.  Building tasks like eating breakfast as soon as I wake up or reading my devotional in the morning as habits frees up my mind to not have to devote energy toward thinking about or motivating myself to do them.  The power of habit is important - especially when trying to make a life change!  Rallying the herd is simple - we all know that behavior is contagious!  When making a change, you should rely on the herd to help promote and encourage others - even if it means seeding a few people in the beginning stages.

I definitely recommend checking out this book.  It has several extremely thought-provoking insights and examples throughout.  I would suggest it for absolutely anyone!

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

 

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: March Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

Each ABC Reads book that I read this month was fantastic.  I devoured all three.  Each one was well-written and more than held my attention.  Each broached heavy topics - murder, cancer, thoughts of suicide.  It was all very real and heartbreaking.  Two were true life stories written in memoir style with the other being a fictional work.  I completed the following letters: Y, L, and R.  Here are my thoughts...

The Year We Disappeared: A Father-Daughter Memoir by Cylin Busby and John Busby

I really enjoyed reading this one.  What an incredible story!!  John, a third shift policeman, is nearly murdered on his way to work in the late summer of 1979.  The book alternates between his perspective and Cylin's (his daughter) 9-year old voice.  It is well presented and gives an intriguing look into the politics and corruption of the police force in small town American.  Check out my full review HERE.

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan

I found this little gem via the monthly Kindle First emails I receive.  Such a creative and intriguing story surrounding the heavy topic of cancer.  The story begins with Libby being told she has a rare form of cancer.  In her denial and shock, she tears out of the doctor's office to head home and tell her one and only love (seriously...childhood friend turned high school sweetheart turned husband), Tom.  However, when Tom sees her so terribly broken up he assumes she's found out his secret.  And then the real fun begins.  It was a light-hearted tale that broaches many a tough topic.  Definitely worth a read.  Perfect for reading at the beach this summer!  

The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town by Ryan D'Agostino

What a truly horrid and terrifying story.  Bill Petit finds himself beaten and tied up in his basement while two intruders do who knows what to his wife and two young daughters.  Miraculously, Bill escapes and rolls to a neighbors house to get help for his girls, but it is too late as the murderers have set the house afire.  It is absolutely heart wrenching, but a fascinating look into the power of human resilience.  For my full review, click HERE.  

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

 

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: February Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

I read my first ABC Reads book that I didn't particularly enjoy this month.  However, I really loved the other two I read so I guess that balanced things out.  I completed the following letters: A, M, and I.  Here are my thoughts...

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

As a big John Green fan, I was shocked by how little I enjoyed this one.  From the beginning, I just couldn't get into it.  It picked up a little toward the end, but the way it was written was a bit too abstract.  Lots of beginnings and ends of beginnings and middles of ends.  I didn't mind the actual story, but I think I would have preferred it in a bit more of a logical manner.  I kept confusing myself about which Katherine was being discussed before I finally realized it didn't really matter all that much in the end.  Definitely not a book I would recommend.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom

I have never read a Mitch Albom book that I wasn't in awe of how it was written.  Albom is the truest talent of the art.  I love how he brings everything to life in his writing.  It is both fascinating and inspiring.  The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto absolutely blew me away.  The story, the characters, the narration - SO completely wonderful.  My dad gifted me with the book (as he's done so many others) for Christmas.  I hesitated to start it because it didn't seem exactly like my type.  I totally misjudged this book by its cover.  Yes, the book is about music.  In fact, Music narrates.  But it is also about love, loss, and making your way through whatever life brings your way.  It is fantastic.  I highly suggest it to everyone!

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling 

I'm a little late to the Mindy Kaling party since she has already authored a second book, but better late than never.  Lots of laughs and nods of agreement throughout.  Such a funny lady.  Definitely a good book to pick up when you just want a mindless read.  Nothing gets too deep.  Nothing leaves you scratching your head in amazement.  Just lots of humor and stories about real life adventures.

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: January Review

Today is the day!  Our first ABC Reads Challenge Link-Up.  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

I read SO much this month!  I certainly expect to taper off as the year continues, but I was really on top of my reading game in January!  I completed the following letters: O, F, V, and P.  And truly enjoyed each book along the way!

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Mia actually selected this book for our Literary Trio book club...and all three of us absolutely loved the story.  The book jumps back and forth between current day Maine and Depression-era Minnesota to tell two stories - Vivian's and Molly's.  It was a real page-turner!  Ninety-two year old Vivian's journey proved lonesome and horrifying.  Several times throughout this historical fiction piece, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to discover the next twist ahead for Vivian.  The book even inspired me to book a tour at the NYC Tenement Museum and learn more about the life of immigrants during this time period.

Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer by Heather Lende

Brooke from the #collaboreads monthly link-up that I participate in suggested this book when our topic was non-fiction a few months ago.  I immediately flagged it on Goodreads.  The title itself was enough to pull me in.  Honestly, it sounds like my dream job - small-town obituary writer.  She told many stories about lessons she learned during times of sadness as well as during celebrations of life.  I loved this quick read because it was full of wisdom!  This book would be a great gift to a college graduate...particularly if they studied English or journalism. 

The Vow: The Kim and Krickett Carpenter Story by Kim Carpenter

Finding a "V" book proved a bit of a challenge.  I eventually found myself on google.  When The Vow popped up, I thought it sounded familiar...and then I saw that a movie had been made in 2012 based on this story.  Sounded like a winner to me.  I love a good book and movie combo!  As usual, the book was much better than the movie though I'm sure Kim and Krickett were flattered to be portrayed by Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams!  In all seriousness, this book is a true testament to the strength of faith - a strength that is inspiring and amazing.  Roughly three months into their marriage, a near fatal car accident leaves Krickett with no memory of Kim.  Not only does she have to re-learn many basic skills due to her brain damage, but she has to fall in love with a man (her husband) that she doesn't even recognize.  I simply can't fathom...and it was not portrayed to be an easy process, but in the end those vows they took before God were powerful enough to prevail.  As a newlywed myself, I really enjoyed this book.  It was a very straight-forward and honest account by Kim - a touching and powerful read.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

As I mentioned in my recent #collaboreads review (check it out here), this book had been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years.  Mom had given it to me as a Christmas gift.  I picked it up a few times over the years, but never devoted myself to giving it a shot.  After reading it, I am totally kicking myself because I loved it!  The psychology behind the habit loop is simply fascinating to me.  The book is divided into three sections focusing on habits of individuals, successful organizations, and society at large.  With New Year resolutions beginning to wane, I definitely suggest giving this book a read to learn more about why this happens and how you can help yourself maintain change over the long haul!

I absolutely can't wait to see the ABC Reads each of you selected this month!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Andrea :)

Introducing ABC Reads!

Do you love to read? 

Always looking for your next great book? 

Enjoy a little friendly competition?

After starting a book club with a few friends here in NYC and taking part in another online book club in 2015, I managed to reignite my passion for reading! If you enjoy a good book or two or three, then you'll be excited to learn about a fun challenge Mia and I are announcing today - ABC Reads!

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and we challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  We're easy to please around these parts.

On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

We'll begin on January 1, 2016.  Share with your friends, spread the word!  The more, the merrier. :)

Andrea :)