What I'm Reading (X2)

This first book I have been reading for a couple of weeks.

It was interesting to me, but not in a "I can't lay this book down" kind of way.

This book is kind of dark and has a lot of sadness and terrible things in it.  It is about a girl whose mother was a schizophreniac ever since she could remember. 

The idea related in the title is fascinating to me. She talks about how she blocked out a lot of memories of bad things that happened to her, but over the years, as she tried to call certain things, she pictured her mind as a palace with all of these different rooms and you could walk into a room and look around for memories.  I thought that was such a cool idea and way of looking at it. I could see how that imagery might help me to remember some things from my past and childhood, since I seem to have a less than reliable memory and am always wishing I could remember more events and stories of my life.

Of course, other things are stuck in my memory and I wish I could get rid of them.  You know?

Basically, the book is written after Mira's mother is already dead.  It starts out with Mira and her sister visiting their mother on her deathbed, after not having seen her for 17 years.  They eventually had felt the need to distance themselves from her and even change their names to keep her from completely disrupting and ruining their lives.

It then goes through a lot of her childhood memories, there are many exerpts from letters that Mira's mother wrote to her and from her mother's diaries, which she found when she cleaned out a storage locker that her mother had.

It is intrigueing to me to get a peek inside the mind of someone who suffers from schizophrenia.  It is a terrible disease and when I read about these things, it gives me more empathy for people and the things that they have to go through and struggle with.  Sometimes these things seem to be largely out of their control.

It made me think about the homeless people I have encountered in my lifetime and since Mira's mother was homeless for many years, I felt like it gave me some insight into why some people end up on the streets.  In my opinion, our "system" for taking care of folks with mental health issues completely failed this family and the two daughters.  But, on the flip side, there were people in their lives who really sacrificed and helped out through the years and showed love to this family and that is so awesome to read about.

It is also a story of hope and resiliance, as the daughters survived their growing up years and worked through their issues and were productive adults.  The way the human spirit can still be strong after going through so much is amazing to me!

Read this:  If you have an interest in mental disorders or learning more about people who live with them and how it effects those around them.  If you like memoirs. (I do.)  If you can read something disturbing and be ok with the fact that these things happen around us and there is often not a lot we can do. 

Bottom Line:  Very interesting and informative and written in a way that kept my attention.  There is also some philosophical type reasoning that I always enjoy in a book. 

Audrey's Rating:  *** 1/2

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I finished that book on Saturday morning at the coffee shop, as I waited for Derrick to be finished with football practice.  It was heavenly, sitting there sipping my coffee, lost in my book while the activity and noise continued around me.

Once I finished that one, my plan was to start on another book right away. I had gotten it free on my Kindle app on my I-phone and I had read the first few paragraphs and was drawn in, but didn't want to start it until I had finished the other book.

I started reading on my tiny I-phone screen, flipping through the "pages" at an amazing rate of speed! ;-)

(By the way, this is the first book I have read electronically, and while it is handy, I am still NOT a fan of electronic reading, whether it be a Kindle or a Nook or whatever.  I like to hold an actual book in my hands.  I felt sad when I was done with this book and I realized that I couldn't go put it on my shelf downstairs.  This may seem weird, but I feel closer to the characters if I can hold a book. I don't even know if that makes sense, but it does to me!)

I don't think that I even got through the first chapter before I was completely hooked and drawn into the story and the characters.

The main character is a girl named Josie Jo who lives in the small town of Levan, Utah and whose mother died when she was 9 years old. She has a father and three older brothers.  She had to grow up early and was always quite mature and wise for her age.

She didn't like to socialize much, but she loved music and reading (especially the classics). She become quite an accomplished piano player, with the help of an older lady named Sonja.

As the story progresses, Josie makes an unlikely friend in an 18 year old half-breed Navajo boy who rides the bus with her.  They share a seat on the bus for a whole year, after he unexpectedly sticks up for her when another boy is giving her a hard time.

He is not interested in friendship, but over time, he warms up a bit.  She shares with him her love of music and literature and imparts her wisdom that is well beyond her years.

A strong friendship forms, but she is only 13 and he is basically a grown man.  He ends up going away to boot camp to become a Marine when he is finished with high school. 

I feel like if I say too much more about the story, it will give things away.

All I can say is this: It is one of the best books I have read in a long, long time.  The story is so well written. It is a love story, but it is not much about the physical side of love, more about the emotional and heart connection.

I feel like it defines the way that every woman wants to be loved.  It is incredibly romantic, but in such a sweet and unassuming way. 

I finished it the same day I started it, if that tells you anything. And it is a 430 page book.  (real pages, not I-phone pages)

I got lost in it. Completely. I couldn't wait to see what happened and felt quite sad when it ended. Not because the ending was sad, but because I just didn't want the story to end. I wanted to know more. To learn more.  To understand the characters even better and hear more about them.

I felt kind of like this:

(I wouldn't say "every time" but I would say whenever I get lost in a book, this happens)

Read this:  If you love a great love story.  If you are interested in learning more about small town America and about the Navejo people.  If you want to read a book that you can't put down! I find myself still thinking about the characters and the story today.  Rehearsing in my mind scenes and conversations  that happened.

Bottom Line:  Loved, loved this book.  It was relateable and real to life and such a great story.  My friend Morgan texted me today and said "I need a good book to read. Do you have any to recommend?" and I was so excited to tell her about this one.  Now I'm just hoping she loves it as much as I did.

Audrey's Rating:  *****

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What I'm Reading...

I have been fortunate enough to get a little extra reading in these last few weeks.

Summer is flying by, but the days at home are fairly long and I am happy for the opportunity to have a little extra chill time.

I read two books within the last few weeks that I wanted to do a review on.

Plus, I am Re-re-re-re-reading (that means I am reading it for the 4th time, at least) Ann Voskamp's "1000 Gifts."  Yes, I think it is THAT good!!


I read this book a couple of weeks ago. I had picked it up at a garage sale.



I have visited various Hutterite colonies over the years and I mostly enjoyed my time there.

Although, the most embarrassing moment of my entire life did happen at a Hutterite colony.  It involved me laughing loudly at a somewhat inappropriate joke that my new Hutterite friend had told me, and then being called out by the visiting BISHOP in front of the entire roomful of Hutterite people and my Bible school friends.  It was brutal.

The book was interesting, but not real attention grabbing.  The writer was an ex-Hutterite whose family left the colony when she was about 10.  Over 1/2 of the book is about the way of life on the colony and the rest of the book is about their transition out of the colony and the huge challenge that was.

There was a lot of detail in the book and while some of it was interesting, sometimes I felt like I had lost the main story line among the details.

A few things that struck me:  The way the Hutterites are very brash and bold.  The way they communicate with each other does not include a lot of social graces. And they all seem fine with that. 

The absolute power that the colony leader has.  He even forbade the writer's Dad from taking their sick child to the hospital because he thought it wasn't serious enough.  And, as usual, along with absolute power comes corruption.  That part made me sad.  And was, ultimately, the reason that the writer's family left the colony.

The strength of community that they have.  Everyone just helps everyone else.  They are very organized and efficient and hard workers. Even the little children have to pitch in.  On the other hand, the individual parents don't even really raise their children. Its pretty much a community effort, just like everything else.


Read this:  If you have a strong interest in learning more about Hutterite colony life.  It is somewhat fascinating to me to read about.  Also, if you don't mind some extra details.

Bottom line:  Interesting, but not necessarily compelling.  I did really like the personal aspect of this story and the way she conveyed her emotions about things.  I found myself really feeling badly for her in certain parts of the story.

Audrey's rating:  **


The other book that I just finished a day or two ago was by Susan Wiggs.



This is just one of your typical novels.  I generally do not read a lot of novels...I concentrate more on non-fiction and memoirs, etc., but I had picked this one up (again, at a garage sale) and thought it looked kind of interesting.

This story follows the life of a navy pilot who works on a huge carrier ship and is gone for 6 months out of the year.

At the time most of the book takes place, he has been in the navy for over 20 years, he and his wife are middle aged and have three teenage children.

I have realized that, as a reader, I care more about the relationship portrayal in a book than I do about the actual story-line.  When I am reading, I want to feel something, learn something, and I really want to and like to read about the inner-workings of relationships.  I feel like this book does a good job of that.

As a navy wife, Grace had poured her heart and soul into her husband's career. She stayed home with their kids and held things down on the homefront when he was out at sea. And she did it well.

But somewhere along the way, she lost herself. She quit asking "What do I want?" and became discontent with her life.

Could their marriage survive these changes she was going through?  She bought a house, got a dog and started her own business...all things that they as a couple had agreed they were not going to do until her husband was retired from the navy.  He was not very open to discussion on these things, so she ended up just going ahead with it while he was gone.

Tragedy strikes on his ship and he is forced to consider what is really important in life. 

Read this:  I think that someone who is in the army or navy would especially relate to this book and the life of a military family. (I thought of Meg often when I was reading this book!)  Also, if you like books about marriage and about the rough patches that we all go through, you might relate.  All ends well, so read this if you like happy endings.

Bottom Line:  Interesting read.  Well written.  You find yourself really pulling for this middle aged couple and their family. 

Audrey's rating:  *** and a 1/2

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What I'm Reading

This book has taken me a long time to get through. I'll admit it.  So I cannot sell you on the fact that it is a complete page-turner.

I probably started reading it at least a month ago.  And I am just now about to finish it.

I have been known to simply give up on books.  I value my reading time too highly to feel like I am wasting it on a book that I am not enjoying enough.

But...something kept me hanging on and there was enough of interest that I wanted to finish this book.

I think that the main reason I was intrigued was because of the style of writing. 



This is the book.  ^^   I most likely picked it up at a garage sale. When and where? I have not a club.

By a certain "Martha Moody".

I guess you know what it would be like to live with her, right?

If she was extra grouchy and you called her out on it, all she'd have to say is "Well, just livin' up to my name!"


The book traces the lives and relationship of two girls (roommates) from their college days until they are in their early forties.  One girl is from California, the other is from Ohio.  They don't like each other immediately, but over time they develop a special and unique bond that lasts over many, many years.

The author does a good job of keeping the story about the story (what I mean is...their friendship stays the main focus of the book, even though many other details play into the story).

The characters are interesting in a strange sort of way.  There is some of the brilliance and poignancy about relationships that I love to find scattered throughout books.  Its like free advice when you thought you were just reading a novel.

But...the most unusual thing about her writing style is that she forewarns you of things coming up in the book. Major things. Where other authors would always try to keep the suspense up, she will often let you know what is happening long before you get to that actual part of the story in the book.

For instance, you'll just be reading along, and then she'll say something like "But that was all before Ben died."

And I'm all like "What??? Ben dies??"  But I sort of feel grateful to the writer for giving me a little time to adjust to the idea before I actually get to the story of how it happens.

She does that all through out the book and I found it very odd but strangely endearing.  As is her attention to interesting and unique details.

A lot of crazy stuff happens in the book, so if you read it, just be prepared.  I don't want to give away too much, but there are deaths, more than one affair, heroin abuse, a very questionable business, and the such like.

But, like I said, the focus of the book is always on the friendship between Sally and Clare.  They are very honest with each other, yet they also keep some big secrets from each other...at least for a time. 


Bottom Line:  This book makes you think.  It is intrigueing and interesting.  The characters are colorful. The writing style is different in a cool way.  The storyline is unpredictable. 


Read This:  If you don't mind tragedy and loss in a story.  If you've ever had close girlfriends.  If you are willing to broaden your mind a bit beyond the normal and predictable. If you don't mind a little shock factor.

**** stars on "Audrey's Rating Scale"

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What I'm Reading

This is the latest book I have completed:

(Sorry, you can't actually "click to look inside" -- you'd have to go to amazon.com to do that!) ;-)

Let me first say that I have been a Nicholas Sparks fan for many years.  Like, oh, maybe 10 years. I have read almost all of his books and one of my personal favorites was "Dear John".  Of his more than 10 books, I would say I have read all but about 2 or 3.

However, I feel like maybe Nick is getting in a bit of a rush these days.

I cannot even tell you how disappointed I was in his latest book, "The Best of Me".

The plot was largely predictable. The characters were not believable or even very interesting and the story line was boring.

I feel like maybe Mr. Sparks has gotten into a bit of a writing funk, but since he is known to crank out a new book every 6 months, or whatever it is, he felt the pressure and just kept writing anyway, even though he probably knew in his own heart that this book was definitely not among his best work.

I kept waiting for the book to get better. To hit it's stride.  Sad to say, it never did.

The plot sounded interesting.  A couple who were lovers back in high school...separated because the girl's parents didn't approve...living apart for 20 years...the girl got married, the guy never did...they reunite to attend the funeral of a mutual and trusted friend...sparks fly...happily ever after...maybe?

But it just all fell flat for me.  I wanted to like it. I really did.  I kept hoping for the book to "spark" my interest.  (Pun intended, ha, ha!)

If I hadn't been reading it for book club, I'm not even sure I would have made it the whole way through.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think maybe Nicholas Sparks had a ghost writer do this book for him.

I have almost nothing good to say about it, so I should probably stop complaining now.  I guess probably the only character that I really enjoyed was the main guy in the story (I already can't remember his name, but I think it started with a D.  Dustin?  Dawson?  Oh, yeah. It was Dawson.)  because his character was kind of mysterious and did some unexpected things.

I'm not saying I wouldn't read Nicolas Sparks next book, but reading this one certainly didn't have me holding my breath for what is to come next from him.


Bottom Line:  I think you probably already gathered this, but I would not recommend this book on any level.


Read This:  Only if you have completely exhausted the rest of your reading options and you are up for some dry and predictable fiction.


1/2 a star on "Audrey's Rating Scale"

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What I'm Reading...

I have decided to try my hand at starting a new blog.

I am tired of the name "Appalolly" and people wondering what the heck it stands for. Just to satisfy your curiousity, it has absolutely no meaning in my life.  It is the name of a riding stable in our area (think horses and lots of poo and dusty trails) and I only picked the name 6 1/2 years ago because I figured no one else would be using it.

I also have some ideas for my new blog.  Fun ideas. New ideas.  I would say "creative ideas" but like most of us out there, I steal a lot of my ideas from other people and just call them my own.  Its OK.  You're allowed to do that.  Well, unless you're not. And then you might end up in jail.

I thought that I might do some book reviews...as I love books and love to read.  I am usually reading at least one book, sometimes more.

The latest book I read was "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana De Rosnay.  Apparently, this book has also been made into a movie which, despite its French subtitles, my friend Roxanne said is really good and she and her husband both liked it.

First of all, the picture on the front of the book was very confusing to me and I never could figure out how it fit into the story.  Just for what that is worth. In case you find yourself, like me, trying to reconcile the cover picture with anything you read into the book!

The book is written from two different people's perspectives.  One is a little Jewish girl whose family is deported from Paris during the "round-ups" that happened in the time of Hitler.  The other perspective is that of a 40 something American journalist who is living in Paris at in the early 21st century. 

She is assigned to research the 60th anniversary of a particular round-up that occured.  As she delves into this story that she had previously knew nothing about, she becomes more and more intrigued and saddened by what she learns.

As is prone to happen in books, the life of the little girl and the life of the American journalist collide when she discovers that this little girl used to live in the apartment that she and her husband are in the process of renovating.

She sets out on a search to find out what happened to this girl and her family and to find this little girl (who would now be a 70 year old woman). 

In the process, she discovers what is important to her in life and she discovers a lot about herself. 

The book loses some of its "umph" about 1/2 way through, when it is written only from the American journalist's (Julia's) perspective and the chapters written by the little girl are no longer part of the story.

I didn't really identify with the obsession this woman had with this Jewish family.  She was willing to drop everything else in her life to pursue this, even going so far as to borrow money from her boss, divorce and move away from her husband (this one was probably coming anyway, since there were issues with them from the very beginning of the book, plus he asked her to abort the child she finally had become pregnant with after years of trying to have a 2nd child), and take a flying trip to Italy to meet the son of the little Jewish girl.

Bottom line:  I would say that the book is well written over all.  It does give you a lot of historical information about what happened in France during World War II and it wheted my appetite for learning more about that time period. It can be very hard to read in places.  There is a lot of sadness. The book does make you think. The characters are likeable and the book is a reasonably short read. 

Read this: Especially if you have an interest in the Holocaust and the World War II era. 

*** on Audrey's rating scale of 1-5 stars

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