Labyrinth by Kate Mosse-
I picked this book up in the fantasy section of the library...I guess you could say I was craving something Harry Potter-ish with a mix of the Da Vinci Code. I try to give every novel I read at least a 1/4 of the book to decide if I will keep reading. This one took quite more than a quarter...and, sadly never actually had me convinced. The book interwines the life of a present day women named Alice with a girl from a long time ago (couldn't tell you what century) named Alais. It is basically a "quest to preserve the holy grail" and, although it sounds like an interesting topic..the book is just...long and boring. That is my opinion at least. As far as I have read, the book has gotten good reviews. I would have to give this book a 2 out of 5 stars!
Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay-
Wow! This has got to be one of my favorite books in my "50 book a year quest" so far! Definately a tear jerker, this book follows the life of a young Jewish girl in France during World War II when her family is captured and taken to a concentration camp. This book is a really hard, eye opening look at the kinds of horrible Jewish people faced during that time. If you have a weak stomach or want a "feel good" book, this one is not for you. But I have to say that the story is really excellent and a definite page turner. I will give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!
Three Weeks with My Brother- by Nicholas Sparks
This book, also a BIG tear jerker, is an excellent memoir written by Sparks that talks about his entire life until present day. It also intertwines the story of a three week trip around the world the Nicholas takes with his brother and best friend, Micah. This book truly represents the ability to persevere through thick and think. Sparks, a Catholic, also has several conversations relating to God and where he is when things seem to be falling down around you. A great memoir. This book is a 4 out of 5 stars in my mind!
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks-
Have you seen the movie "Obsessed" yet? Well, if you have, that is basically the premise of this book (despite the role reversal). Julie, a late 20-something who lost her husband to cancer early in their marriage, has just started dating again, when one man she thought was attractive at first turns into a real nightmare. This book, in my opinion, was definitely a thriller, and a great page turner. However, I do feel like the "stalker" premise is a bit overused. Caution: don't read this one before you go to bed!! I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke by Suze Orman-
This book was a wedding gift to my friend Olivia. When I saw it on her counter, I thought, what the hey, let's see what this lady has got to say about personal finance (my favorite topic of conversation these days). Since I was quite used to hearing financial talk from my good old friend Dave Ramsey (conservative financial talk show radio host), this book brought quite a bit of variety in my thoughts of personal finance. I would say that compared to Ramsey, Orman's views are quite "liberal" including thoughts such as credit cards can and should be used for any "extra expenses" that you find yourself not being able to pay for at the end of the month! EEK. As a ramsey fan, the CC words make me cringe, and reading that kind of made me do the same. However, The book is really well written and informative regarding just the basic information on personal finance topics. I'm going to give it a 4 out 5 stars.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey-
Well, if any of you have spent any of time around me for the last 6 months you know that I am a huge fan of Dave's radio show. When I finally got around to reading his books, I pretty much knew the "baby steps" like the back of my hand. Therefore, by review on this book is kind of skewed...I found it to be kind of boring and repetitive in my own life, but wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who was struggling with debt. Although I do not agree 100% with Ramsey's views of personal finance (according to him who cares about your FICO score- you'll just pay cash for everything!), I still admire his blunt attitude with people who like to rack up credit card debt to LOOK rich- and have a savings account that would make most of us nervous beyond our years. I gotta give this book (and my main financial guru man) a 5 out of 5 stars just because I love him!
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