For the Love of Books

An Alphabetical Life: Living It Up in the World of Books by Wendy Werris

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book as I work in a bookstore and find the publishing industry full of good stories. After reading this book, it made me wish things were simpler now, the way they were when the sales reps would visit the stores in their territory with a few titles they were selling and the buyer or bookstore owner/manager would decide if and how many based on their customer base. I realize it might still be somewhat like this at the indies but unfortunately I work at a big box store and our stock is chosen by people in New York. I love hearing about the relationships Wendy built in the business. Not so fond of the "good ole boys" but hey they are still around unfortunately, especially in the South. I loved reading about someone who loves and obsesses over books as much as I. Sometimes I think I'm the only one but after reading this, I realize there are others, if only a small portion of the population, at least I'm not alone.


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April Decatur Women's Book Club Book

Loving Frank: A Novel by Nancy Horan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
wow, what a book...i'm so happy this was recommended for one of my book clubs as i wouldn't have picked it up. i found it so interesting to learn about not only Frank Lloyd Wright but a little about architecture and what was going on in the early 1900s in regards to politics, current events, society in general and I'm especially grateful to have learned a little about Mamah. She was an amazing woman in so many ways. I could totally relate to her longing for a more fulfilling relationship, more intimate and with an equal that could challenge her and make her think. I too am a lover of learning and seem to think intellectual stimulation is as strong if not stronger than any other kind, at least for me. I felt for her having to make choices that no matter what she did, someone would suffer, her, or her children, or Edwin her husband. It does seem that to follow one's heart often hurts others and that if we could just put our own longings, our own desires and passions aside and be there for others, life would be easier but it wouldn't be authentic either and as I've gotten older, authenticity has become more and more important to me. I highly recommend this book for many reasons, the historical aspect, the relationship dynamics are real and honest if painful, and the total surprise in the end. Makes me want to read more about Mamah and Frank outside of this book.


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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I remember when it came out in the store and everyone was picking it up. This usually turns me off a book as I don't usually like the bestseller titles, they often seem light, predictable and so many people have read them that I've usually heard too much about them. This was my book club's choice so I went with it and glad I did. I loved Jacob's character and his humanity regarding the care of the circus animals. He had a good heart and I loved hearing his thoughts when he was older in comparison to his younger self. He has a spunk that he didn't seem to possess in his younger years. I find this to be true in a lot of people, they spend a lot of their life following the rules, putting others first and putting their own opinions aside. However as we get older and realize life is short, we often come out of our shell and stand up for our beliefs which often rocks the boat. Marlena was interesting in many ways. She had a good heart and due to fear, felt stuck in a situation she couldn't get out of. I especially love learning about a train circus, something I would have never thought would interest me. Very hard work and extremely crooked people!


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I loved this book. I especially enjoyed the backdrop of Great Expectations and how Jones tied Pip's life to so much that was going on in the book. It was gripping at times and violent however after recently reading Little Bee, I was somewhat prepared for the tortures that take place outside of America. It was a short book and I found myself reading slow in order to make it last a little longer. The love of learning and the idea that someone amidst chaos and uncertaintly can hold onto the hope for a better society. This message rings loud and clear with all that the world is going through now. Inspirational yet not unrealistic with a happily ever after ending.