Posts About books & reading

favorite coming-of-age books

October 30, 2014

Coming-of-age is more of a theme than a genre, I suppose, but I tend to really like books that can be categorized this way. Maybe it’s the nostalgia (I am very prone to it) or the fact that all humans share the adolescent experience so it usually resonates with me. I think, also, that any good novel will have characters that change over time (usually when they encounter some sort of difficulty) and coming-of-age provides a perfect framework to make that happen. I don’t know, do you think the term “coming of age” has any real meaning when it comes to books? Is it too broad? Regardless, here are my favorite coming-of-age books at the moment: A Prayer For Owen…
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favorite coming-of-age books

October 30, 2014

Coming-of-age is more of a theme than a genre, I suppose, but I tend to really like books that can be categorized this way. Maybe it’s the nostalgia (I am very prone to it) or the fact that all humans share the adolescent experience so it usually resonates with me. I think, also, that any good novel will have characters that change over time (usually when they encounter some sort of difficulty) and coming-of-age provides a perfect framework to make that happen. I don’t know, do you think the term “coming of age” has any real meaning when it comes to books? Is it too broad? Regardless, here are my favorite coming-of-age books at the moment: A Prayer For Owen…
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want to join a postal book club?

October 13, 2014

Did you know that October is national book group month? Are you part of a book club? I’ve been in one with a couple of friends for years, but I’m excited to try something different; a little more relaxed and still lots of fun! Keep reading for the details on a postal book club, and be thinking about if you want to be involved! Here’s how it will work: 1. Each person in the group will pick out a book. The book should be about 300 pages (or less) but can be any genre. 2. You will obtain a hard copy of the book (it doesn’t have to be new, though) along with a small, blank notebook. 3. On the first page…
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autumn reading list

October 8, 2014

One thing I learned from my reader survey is that you guys like to read about and talk books! That was really exciting for me to discover because I could discuss them forever. For most of this year I’ve been in a reading slump as I’ve adjusted to two kids and reordered my life, but lately I’ve been reading a lot more and I’m excited about it. I’m going to continue sharing what I actually read each quarter, but I’ll be sharing more in-depth reviews when a book really affects me or an issue sticks out. I’ll probably also be bringing up other reading topics from time to time. Today I’m talking about the books I’d like to read this fall. I’m…
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what i read : july to september 2014

October 2, 2014

Still not a ton of books for the past few months, but my reading has been picking up again lately! I’m excited to write more about books here going forward. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – What can I even say about this book? It’s an epic western and totally deserving of its Pulitzer. The characters were amazing. Even when nothing was really “happening” I just enjoyed their company. Lots of it I found funny, but then suddenly something very dark and sad would happen. It left me with an ache that is hard to describe. (5 stars) Dark Hope by Monica McGurk – Kind of a Twilight knockoff only with angels & demons. A bit boring in parts, but…
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