If you follow me on goodreads, this will be a boring post

I've memorized my library card number.  I am not sure why that makes me a little proud, but it does.  My old computer had it memorized for me, but this new one makes me type it in on my own, every time.  It didn't take long to memorize it (not to brag.)  I'm on the library's website about every other day putting books on hold, renewing books I can't find, I'm not ready to return.  I am not sure I could live without the library.  It would be a sad world for sure.

I've done a lot of reading lately, mostly because my husband has been working like crazy.  And also due to the fact that Downton Abbey is over (until next year!)  So I've got a lot of free time at night these days, hence the reading.

Here is some of what I've read in the last two weeks:

Mother Teresa by Anne Fitzpatrick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I have an interest in a non-fiction topic, I usually look for a broad overview, rather than a long detailed read. I often turn to juvenile non-fiction for this very reason. Then, if I have further interest, I know it's worth my time to delve into thick adult non-fiction book.

This book gave a brief synopsis of the life of Mother Teresa. I had it read in 15 minutes. I am planning on reading this to my kids. What an amazing woman with an unwavering dedication to Jesus Christ.

 A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I would have liked this book better if it hadn't been so full of "Juno"esque dialogue. (I've you've ever seen the movie Juno, you know what I am talking about. And I saw the tv version.) Basically it means a lot of indelicate words. Swearing and sex talk. Oh yeah, I said it.

The plot was completely impossible and could never happen in real life and there were parts of the story I thought were ridiculous. (The principal, the counselor, her parents, etc.  Um, basically all the adults in this book are idiots.  Which is a whole other rant.) But there were parts of the story I really liked. Lots of character growth and people changing for the good. Fun relationships and valuable lessons learned.

But, I can't really recommend it because of the garbage-y stuff.

 My Double Life by Janette Rallison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know what you are thinking, 4 stars for YA chick lit?

I really think Jeanette Rallison's books are SO fun. I love reading them. The plots are always along the lines of "What would every teenage girl dream of?" This is about a girl from West Virginia that happens to look exactly like the most famous pop star. And then becomes her double. Of course.

Rallison does a good job of writing campy stories you love to read. There is always humor (Alexia's abuela gives some great lines.) And they are always clean.

So four stars it is.

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

One of my goodreads friends said this about Midnight in Austenland: "Shannon Hale writes books about things that women fantasize about happening--like in a movie." If you keep that in mind, this book is quite fun.

Shannon Hale is clever and funny and I like her writing style immensely. The plot of this book is fairly ridiculous. Towards the end, I had to completely suspend disbelief (she didn't call the police, really?) but stayed up WAY to late to finish, so that says something about the readability.

Please keep writing Shannon Hale. You are a charmer.

 The Future of Us by Jay Asher
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Meh.

This book could have been good, but wasn't. What a fun idea for a story! Alas, the authors took this fun idea and made it as boring as possible.

The best way I can describe it is this: there was an underlying false-ness to this story. It reads like an after school special. The characters are flat. The plot goes in only one direction. And by the end I just didn't care.

P.S. There were also strange small bursts of inappropriate-ness that felt like they were put in to make this book seem more appealing to teens?

 The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just re-read this for the second time. I forgot how much I love this book! Such a pleasant read. So charming and lovely. I adore the characters and their transformations. I also adore the setting. I think a trip to Italy is in order. Mostly I agree with the novels musings about beauty and love and kindness and friendship.

P.S. I just chuckled and chuckled over the ridiculous Mr. Wilkins. Some great comic relief.

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