Getting up to date

This blog sure did fizzle! That's because the book I picked from Booksneeze, which I am required to review on a blog in order to pick my next free book, was not something I'd normally pick for myself. "It'll be great," I told myself, "to read something related to history, current events. You know, like a school assignment."

It backfired. I couldn't get through four pages before putting it down, and then the next time I went to read it, I'd have to start over because I didn't retain anything from the last time. So, there's my review of A Century Turns: New Hopes, New Fears by Bill Bennett. Probably a terrific book, but I'm too tired to use that part of my brain during pleasure reading.

(Meanwhile, my husband is about to finish with about 1,800 pages of Ronald Reagan history. I ask him to read it out loud to me when I want to fall asleep.)

Instead, here are the "me" books I've read on my new Kindle in the meantime:

Pride and Prejudice (again) - I was reminded why this is my favorite Jane Austen novel. Love the characters and the language. It made me want to sit down and write proper, flowery notes to people.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - I was drawn in by this one. Has some violence and possibly disturbing elements, but I loved the mystery.

The Girl Who Played with Fire - The second book in the trilogy. I liked the movement of the story in this one, but I started to get annoyed at the random/monotonous detail Larsson always included (why were they always making and eating sandwiches?).

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Probably my least favorite of the trilogy, because not as much seemed to happen. Again with the monotonous detail.

Sense and Sensibility (again) - Halfway through reading this, I remembered it's my least favorite Austen novel. Just couldn't get into it, and the characters aren't as real.

The Help - This was a funny, easy read. I loved the characters and could appreciate the story. Though I didn't grow up this way, my mom did.

Atonement: A Novel - I saw the movie when it came out, and surprisingly, it really affected my reading of this novel. (I kept picturing the actors' faces and the movie's scenery.) I don't think that has ever happened to me before--but I also don't remember many times I've seen a movie before reading the book. Nevertheless, I still loved the novel, the language, the plot, the time period (WWII).

Next on my list are Room: A Novel and maybe The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child: Your Complete Guide to Getting Off to the Right Start.