This is Where I Leave You

This was a waste of time book. Poor characters and boring plot. Basically, the patriarch of a family dies and his dying wish is for his family to sit Shiva for him. The catch is that his family is so messed up, they can't be in the same room with each other.

Yes, given that description, it sounds like the start of a great plot. However, the characters are so immature, it is annoying. I didn't like any of the characters and I didn't like his writing.

The Bees

The prologue and the epilogue are the only parts of this book that have humans in them. The rest is all about a bee colony. Please read this book. It is not only a fascinating way to learn about bees, but it is an endearing use of personification of the bees. You fall in love with the protagonist, even though she is a bee. Best read of 2015 thus far.

Salvage the Bones and The Good Lord Bird

This came highly recommended, but I couldn't get into it, so I put it down. More of a dude's book I think.

This also came highly recommended. And it was very well written, just not the material I am enjoying reading at the moment.

Although for a full disclaimer: these were both audio books. And I have a harder time getting into audio books than if I just pick up the book and read it myself.

Basically, while I won't be giving these another chance any time soon, I do think they are worth reading for some.

The Devil in the White City

This is one of my favorite books. It's about the creation and building of the World Fair complex in Chicago in 1893. It goes back and forth between the architect of the fair and a serial killer. It's nonfiction, which makes it even more interesting. I highly recommend this book to just about anyone.

Changling

I like Philippa Gregory, even though most of her books are so similar in style and material I can only handle about one every 2 years. When I saw that she had a YA novel out, I was intrigued and hoped it would be suitable for my 10 year old.

It was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. However, there was the following which I'm not ready for my 10 year old to read about:

1. Almost rape scene. But not graphic. 
2. Goose shit and damned. 
3. Graphic autopsy scene. 
4. Some inappropriate sexual innuendos. 

While I love a good book about a girl-guy relationship, I'd prefer her read more friendship based attraction and not so blatantly sexual.

So, if you like YA, this is a good book, but more for an adult or older kid.

The girl on the train

This is a good thriller with intricate relationships. The plot and twists while not fully expected, aren't NOT expected either. Which means it's not the best twists and turns. It's a great beach read, but just a middle of the road book. Nothing special and nothing to remember. But, a fun easy read.

Into Thin Air

Into Thin Air is a great book. It's a memoir about a tragedy on Everest in the late 1990s. I would highly recommend the book to any adult, male or female. It's compelling and interesting.