Flyboys by James Bradley

Flyboys by James Bradley

I started on a World War II kick and this book is one of many I have read. Flyboys is a true story of the flyers that were part of our World War II air attacks over the Pacific. I had never really read much about the Japanese side of the war, so this was a real eye opener. It is a tragic story with real heroes. The respect you gain from reading this story for the men who put their lives on the line was incredible. This is a must read and when the movie comes out I am sure I will see it, but will probably be disappointed, as the movie hardly ever hits the same mark as a great book.

Asylum by Madeleine Roux

Asylum by Madeleine Roux

Book club decided to read this book. It was a little creepy, but worth the read. Set at a college in New Hampshire, the story revolves around a few high school students that are taking summer classes at a New Hampshire College Prep School. Crazy things start happening as the students explore areas that are off limits. The school used to be an asylum, so you can only imagine what I mean by crazy things happening.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galazy by Douglas Adams

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Book club decided to read Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I had never read it and several teachers and students said it was really good. Well, honestly it is pretty silly. But once I resigned myself to getting into the mindset of silly, I started to enjoy the book. I usually like more serious books and this one is definitely on the ridiculous side of things. Space travel is definitely an adventure. If you like absurd, then this is a book for you.

Calico Joe by John Grisham

After reading this book, I so wanted Joe to be a real person. This is a wonderful fictional story about baseball, entwined in a beautiful story. I usually love John Grisham books and this one did not disappoint. A pretty quick read that left me wanting to find out more about Joe. I had hoped he was a real baseball player. I definitely recommend this book!

American Sniper by Chris Kyle

American Sniper by Chris Kyle

This memoir is becoming a movie. Before you see the movie, read this book. It is the autobiography of a U.S.Navy Seal sniper during Iraqi wars. Once again, I am drawn to historical books. It helps me to understand the events of our past. Kyle tells of his experiences during his military service, but he also includes how it effected his family. I cannot tell you this was a beautiful story, as it is about war and killing, but it is tells of events that I believe we need to know about.

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

I have previously said that I would not read another Jodi Picoult book, as they are too depressing, but I read this one anyway. It is a strange story about a woman, whose life is torn apart by tragedy. Therefore, I should have put it down, but I could not. June Nealon's husband dies in a car accident and she is left raising her daughter alone. She ends up marrying one of the police officers who came and told her about the accident.

Shay Bourne is a man on death row. Shay is a strange human being, but he wants to save a child. Picoult tells of Shay's life in the prison, but also paints a vivid picture of what his life was like before he ended up in prison. Shay's life is not a happy one.

The story is about vengeance, redemption, justice, and love. Jodi Picoult has won me over. I guess I will have to start reading her books again.

The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett

Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett

This is the third book in The Century Trilogy. Following the characters through the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the sixties, nuclear armament and disarmament, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. I definitely enjoy historical fiction, as I feel like I am relearning our history through stories that could have happened. Of course, knowing that atrocities are going to happen, makes me want to yell at the pages and tell the characters to not do certain things. I get wrapped up in the stories. I love the way Follett delves into the past and brings it alive. I recommend any of these books, but you should really read them in order to fully appreciate them.

Winter of the World by Ken Follett

This is the second book in The Century Trilogy. It follows the same characters since the end of World War I through the end of World War II. It is a little amazing how these characters lives are so entwined, but their stories having you rooting for most of them throughout the book. I look forward to reading the third book in the series. I'll take a break for a short time, but probably won't be long before I pick that one up.

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

Once again, I am drawn to historical fiction. Follett seems to tell the story of our past in such a way that I love reading his stories. This one tells the account from varying perspectives. It begins before World War I in Great Britain, Germany, Russia, and the United States. There are many different accounts of the events that led up to the war, during the war, and the effects of the war. The personal stories are well told and give varying perspectives of social and economic levels. I will have to finish this trilogy.