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.

My Summer of 2014 Readings...

World Without End  by Ken Follett

Native Tongue by Carl Hiassen

The One and Only by Emily Giffin

The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Currently have read, but not posted:

Spring 2014 Readings...

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer Smith

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Under the Dome by Stephen King

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Reboot by Amy Tintera

Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen

Alex Cross Run by James Patterson

Sick Puppy by Carl Hiassen

Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci

The Ghost Writer by Robert Norris

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly 

 If you like stories of lawyers defending murderers, you will like this one. This Lincoln lawyer usually defends low lifes, but he is hired to defend a rich Beverly Hills client, who is accused of a brutal murder. You will ask yourself is this guy guilty or innocent? You will be enveloped into the story and worry for a variety of characters. I don't want to give much away, so you need to read this one!