Southern Reading Challenge

I decided since I live in the South and all, I really ought to join this reading challenge! Three books set in the South by Southern authors by August 15th--I can do this one!

Here are my choices:

• Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
  
• The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks
• Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man by Fannie Flagg

To join in the fun click here.

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian : A Novel by Marina Lewycka

My review
rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked the first 100 pages and the last 100 pages. Buuuut, the middle 100 pages notsomuch.

The novel is set in northern England and follows an 80-something naturalized Ukrainian widower who wants to marry a 30-something buxom Ukrainian in need of a visa. The story is narrated by the younger of the two daughters of the widower as she tries to uncover the secret past her family has never shared with her as they escaped the Russians during World War II while at the same time saving her father from this 30-something woman.

It was a fast-paced novel and I read it quickly. It was somewhat amusing, and having lived in England I loved the references to Oxfam and Tesco. I even enjoyed the tractor history and war history that was integrated into the story. However, I'm not very tolerant of verbal and physical abuse of anyone, let alone the elderly. Hence, my problem with the middle 100 pages.

They also reviewed it: Corinne and Bethany and Trixie

The Good Earth

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

rating: 5 of 5 stars

This modern classic was my book club's choice for June, and I have to say I am a huge fan. Granted, my expectations were a little tempered by the book's description, but I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed every word.

Seriously, even starting to describe the plot is probably guaranteed to turn you off, but just trust me on this one--it's really good. The Good Earth is the story of Wang Lung, a farmer in pre-revolutionary China, and his wife O-Lan. The book is the story of their lives, with the successes, sorrows, and challenges that accompany them. It's a great book for immersing yourself in a totally different time and culture and wondering if you were in that situation, what would you do, what would you think, and how would you fare.

A timeless tale. Highly recommended.

They also reviewed it: 5-Squared

So Brave, Young, and Handsome

So Brave, Young and Handsome: A Novel by Leif Enger

My review

rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book. I just really didn't. It has nothing to do with Leif Enger as a writer. His elegant prose is just stunning. I just really didn't like the story.

The novel follows the travels of two men from Minnesota via Texas and then onto to California in the early 1900s. Monte is trying to escape his troubles since he has a wife and kid, and he's been lying to them for five years about writing a novel that isn't happening. Dobie is going to apologize for leaving his love since he had to run away from her because the fuzz found him and he used to be a train robber. Along the way, they run into a Javert-like character and pick up a nightmare kid.

Now which one of those characters are you going to root for?

Also, there is something about the way Enger has used women in Peace Like a River and this book that really bugs me. They are either MIA, act like men, are ugly, or act pathetic. (We must not also forget there has to be a good cinnamon roll baking woman in there too.) There is actually one female character in this book I liked. However, it took me 240 of the 272 pages to finally meet her.

I'm not sure why I kept at it. It helped that each chapter is only 4 pages long. Still, I wish Enger would write something more...well, different.

Did I Expect Angels?

This book was sent to me by the author, Kathryn Maughan, who is also a member of Book Blogs. Thank you Kathy!

I was so excited to read it, and I got it done in just over 24 hours. The story alternates between Jennifer and Henry. Jennifer, a 30-something mom, is at a crisis point in her life when Henry, a store greeter, steps in to help her. Henry has also been through tough times. An immigrant from Costa Rica, Henry has had to start his life from nothing.

I'm being intentionally vague about the plot, only because I love how the story unfolds between the two voices. It is an inspirational story because it reminds us that life is about valuing those we love. I love a book that makes me want to be a better person for having read it.

Did I Expect Angels? is a novel that will stick with me for awhile.

They also reviewed it: Booklogged and Trish and Trish and Bethany

What Love Is

What Love Is by Carol Lynn Pearson

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Throughout the ages, songs have been sung and books and poetry have been written about what love is. What makes this book unique is the poignancy in the words of the fable and the gorgeous illustrations. Very short (32 pages) and inspirational. Pick it up if you have a chance.

Thank you, mother-in-law, for giving this to me!

Comfort Food

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

My review

rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Gus Simpson is turning 50, has two 20-something daughters, and her own cooking show which is experiencing a ratings slump. The story revolves around her need to heal from tragedy, develop better relationships with her children, and define who she is and what she wants out of the rest of her life....with a little romance thrown in the side.

One problem I had with The Friday Night Knitting Club is that there were too many darn characters in the book. It's even worse in this book because the book isn't as long. It just seemed like the characters didn't get developed as well as I would have liked. And the ending? Don't even get me started. I love a happy ending, but this one was so ridiculous it was like nails on a chalkboard.

I read this because I needed a little mind candy. And, it is good for that. I thought the premise was good (better than knitting, for me personally) and there were even a few moments where the author really explored some raw feelings. But, other times the story was just over the top and not very believable.

The Orchid Thief

I read this for my online book group this month. It's one of those books I wouldn't have picked up myself, but I'm kind of glad I read it. It certainly isn't one of my favorite books by any means, but I learned some things, so that makes it worthwhile.

Susan Orlean uses the story of John Laroche, a Floridian orchid grower who has been charged with stealing orchids out of a state park, as a framework for her book. The book, to me, is more about the uniqueness of Florida--the land, the people, the flora and fauna. But, maybe that's what I glommed onto because I love Florida and that's the part I liked.

I actually don't like orchids. I've always thought they are kind of weird and creepy. But, it was interesting digging into the whole "orchid world" and looking at the history of orchids. I'm still trying to figure out why people have been so obsessed by them over time. People do some crazy things for plants!

The Host

This book was touted as being science fiction for those who don't do science fiction. And, that includes me. In short, I liked it. It wasn't love for me, but I honestly liked it.

It took me about 30-60 pages to figure out what the heck was going on. But, my husband, the scifi/fantasy guy told me to keep at it, and I'm glad I did. The story is set in Arizona as aliens have invaded the planet and taken over the bodies of humans. Melanie Stryder refuses to leave her host, Wanda, and the two become inseparable as they embark on a journey to find family and loved ones hiding in dark desert caves. It is a story about love and what it truly means to be human.

Three things that bugged me:
1. The cover. Granted, authors don't usually have much say about that.
2. What did Ian look like? I totally missed the description of him in the beginning because I didn't realize I was really going to CARE what the guy looked like. I never had a mental image I was happy with. So, if you are starting from the beginning, pay attention.
3. The name Wanda. It just didn't work for me.

Having said that, I was pretty engaged in the story, although the last half went much quicker for me than the first half. I don't think I'll run out and start reading science fiction by the armload. But, if Stephenie Meyer writes anymore, I probably give it another go.

The Last Lecture

I cried.

A lot.

(Highly recommended.)