A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Fredrik Backman

My friend Amberly recommended this book. I bought it at the airport during the end of the hectic period of moving and moving Irene in with us. May 2016. I was in need of something light-hearted, and this wasn't it! I knew there was humor there, but it just wasn't reaching me! I may have to try it again, because Mary found it hilarious.

What I did appreciate was the way the story unfolded...it wasn't clear at first why Ove was so negative and anti-social, but that became clear as I read of his life and experiences. It was a heart-rending story...of his losing a wonderful wife whom he cherished. I enjoyed the way his neighbors reached out and gave him something to live for... but otherwise, it was not a joyful or fulfilling read for me.

Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer

This was an intriguing and heart-wrenching book. Beautifully written with deep and interesting characters. I also enjoyed the religious discussions that were challenging for me to understand. Great writing and great humor. I think I'll read it again so I can comment more fully. I must also remember to lend it to Kathy Kovarik. I think she would appreciate it.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

It's surprising to me that so many reviewers on Amazon had such high praise for such a vapid book! My dear sister Ann, whom I treasure as much as life itself, recommended it too. But I'm sorry to say, the characters were shallow, the setting dreadful, the conversations predictable, and the plot empty. Out it goes.

The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois

I read this as an escape during a challenging summer. I wanted a "get away from it all" book and hoped this was a good one. It was a sweet story with engaging black and white illustrations, but not a particularly memorable story.  I think it would light a child's imagination with the cool way of life the Krakatoa people live and all of the inventions. I might have to give this one a second read to see if with my improved mood, if my appreciation will grow. But I believe a great book would have been able to crack through anything! We'll see... du Bois' writing style is charming, however, and his author's note about the similarities between his story and one by F. Scott Fitzgerald is intriguing indeed!

Amazed by Grace by Sheri Dew

This little book, only 70+ pages long, was an invitation to consider the meaning of Grace and how to embrace it and extend it. Sheri Dew is an accessible writer even though she has considerable intellectual gifts. Her fresh interpretations of principles, along with her personal stories, always uplift and inform me. She encourages me to be more devoted to the principles I know to be true, and to live them more completely. Ramona gave me this book, and I've read it twice. There were fresh insights the second time through, although that might be more a function of my age and attention!

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This wonderful book felt vaguely familiar. I thought I was reading it for the first time, but maybe not!? I must have read it before, because I anticipated many of the events. Still, it was an enjoyable, idyllic read.

Reading this one, though short, was more effort than I remember in most of my Austen reading. Her long sentences and word choices gave me frequent pause. It's not a fast and easy read; it's a challenging read. Like all of Austen's work, though, it's well worth the effort!

The overlooked and undervalued sister who unselfishly serves without thought of reward is an admirable character. That the love of her youth would remain steady over eight years was a heartening example of devotion! I think I love Austen because she loves what I love: nobleness of character, loyalty, and integrity.

Quiet

This is a fabulous book! I can't wait to get it back after book club! I lent it to someone and now it's gone...