The Lucky One

This book was pretty good. Not Nicholas Spark's best, but I'm still glad I read it. The story does have a sappy ending, which is more than most of his sad ending stories. I didn't feel the depression and regret I feel when I have read some of his other books.

My Favorite Mistake

I'm a sucker for first loves coming back and finding each other, so of course I loved this book. (I did marry my high school sweetheart) The main character's sister sort of annoyed me with her antics, but it is still going on my keeper shelf!

Chains

This book is historical fiction at it's best. I will be shocked if this book doesn't win either a Newbery or Coretta Scott King award this year. Every moment is breathtaking. And it has so much history. It is amazing how the author wove in all of the actual events with the character. I was never bored, it fact most of the time I was on the edge of my seat. I read this book in one day, which doesn't happen much with me. I can't wait for the next one to come out.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963

I hate it when a book gets too hyped up for me. It wasn't that I didn't like this books, but I was disappointed because it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It is a very cute and funny story with a very realistic family. I found myself laughing out loud at many of the parts. With that being said, I thought there was going to be more time spent down in Birmingham. I love historical fiction and I wanted to learn more about how things actually were down there, not just a church bombing. I can see why most of the book doesn't take place there. You fall in love with this family so what happens to them is essentially more important, or meaningful, but I just thought it would be a bigger picture of the way things were in the south. I'm glad I read it though.

A Mango-Shaped Space

Another keeper- For some reason, maybe because I am now a middle-school teacher, I am really into coming-of-age books. I just think there is something fascinating and comforting about someone becoming comfortable in their own skin. This book is about a girl names Mia who has synesthesia, which I had never heard of before. She has certain colors for all numbers, letters, and sounds that appear when she sees or hears them. But that is defiantly not all this book is about. Trust me- you gotta read this!

The Last Summer (of You and Me)

Loved this book!!! It is going on my keeper shelf! It deals with all of life's hurtles- love, family, friendship, death, and growing up. Everything, even though sad at times, comes together perfectly. I especially connected with the discussions of still growing up even when you're in your 20s- and I believe even beyond that. It is comforting to think that although everything that has happened in the past and present shapes us, we are still and will never be who we are yet to become.