Summer Readings - Book Reviews

With a longer commute to work, I have used my time listening to audio books. It has been so great and definitely helps me not focus on the terrible Oregon drivers. I sometimes even want more traffic so I can listen longer. It was actually Bryce who inspired me to read more because he is always reading and going to the library. Anyways, I read a quote about books and liked it - "All books are just different combinations of the same 26 letters." So amazing and true!

1776 (Audio book)
Bryce recommended this book to me and I was excited that the reader was actually the author, David McCullough. I have always wanted to read this book, but I think I actually enjoyed it even more having it read to me. It is also crazy that it only covers one year. It was so cool how the book brought history alive and I love the founding fathers. I also am grateful I did not live during this time because it was way too hot, dirty, and cold.


Austenland
This was a total guilty pleasure book. I found out about it through Instagram when my friend posted a picture of it. I read it on our Europe trip, which seemed appropriate since we went to England. It isn't the best writing and parts are ridiculous. The main character is a little annoying, but overall it ends up being good. It was a fun read and I am excited to see the movie.





Ender's Game (Audio book)
Awesome! I now understand why people love this book. And now I am all ready to watch the movie in November. The book was so interesting and I loved the characters - Ender of course being my favorite. He was so creative and smart. While listening to it, I kept thinking that the big surprise was going to be that the aliens weren't actually real or something. I was wrong, and it was much better than I could have imagined.




The Lost Symbol (Audio book)
This was a good thriller and similar to his other books. I felt it ran a little too long and went a little overboard. I do like how he makes all these connections and I definitely want to go to DC and find all the different places he talks about in the book. My main complaint with the book is it tried to make a grand revelation at the end, but it never gets there. It's like the author didn't want to offend anyone. The big secret of how to become like god is.......the end!




The Lone Survivor (Audio book)
Bryce and I listened to this book when we drove to Utah in August. It was crazy to hear about Navy Seal training. Much more intense than I could do, but grateful there are people who are hardcore. It was also interesting to hear about Afghanistan, both the people and terrain. My two favorite parts were how God's hand was recognized and how to be a patriot throughout. I also thought it was interesting how the soldiers talked about how the media portrays things and how it makes being a soldier hard.  A movie is coming out that is based on the book, but I am guessing they will leave out the god, media, and patriot parts.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
Another Instagram find! This book was a fun read and made me laugh a lot. An autobiography about Mindy Kaling, the book tells of her childhood and becoming famous. She is a funny writer and would be a fun friend. I really liked the pictures of when she is young. One of my favorite parts was the chapter about guys and how long it takes to put on their shoes - 8 minutes - because they have to sit down. It is so funny because Bryce totally does that and I have started to do it too because it sure is easier to sit down to put on shoes, but who has time for that!?



Anne of Green Gables (Audio book)
I have watched this movie a hundred times and love it. I was worried that the book would be all wrong and I would hate it, but it was great. It was actually very much like the movie so it just made everything better. My childhood isn't a lie! Anne is actually more enjoyable in the book. It also made me want to use my imagination more and write a bunch of fluffy words together. It worked out well because it was Heidi's birthday week and so I felt all inspired since we are bosom friends. I still love the part where Diana gets drunk, but my favorite is all the talk about puff sleeves. I am totally excited to read the next book to get more Gilbert Blithe - he is my favorite!

The Lucky One
I am not the biggest fan of Nichalos Sparks books, but my friend gave me a copy of the book and I was looking for something relaxing to do. I had seen part of the movie on a train in Spain (mostly on the plains) so I knew how things ended up. The book actually felt less ridiculous than the movie. The chapters are written from one of the three main characters perspective - Logan, Beth, and Keith. I liked it. All, but the last 50 pages were pretty good and interesting and then it ended in true Sparks fashion. Now to watch the movie!



Unbroken (Audio book)
Landon and Shelley recommended this book and it has been awesome. I am only half way through, but it is so crazy. I can't believe this stuff really happened! Another war book that happened during WWII. An Olympic runner who joins the air force and then his plane goes down at sea and has to survive on a raft in the Pacific Ocean. There are sharks trying to attack, no food or water, even a bomber plane shooting at them. He then becomes a POW. The guy has an iron will to live. It is crazy and I am only half way through.



If you have any recommendations, please let me know! It doesn't have to be about war either:)