A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson May 24, 2012

Shortly after moving to New Hampshire with his family, Bill Bryson discovered a trail.  Upon further investigation, he realized it was the infamous Appalachian Trail which stretches from Georgia to Maine.  After some research and many visits to his local outdoor supplier, Bryson is prepared to hike the 2,100 mile trail.  His sometimes surly, out-of-shape friend Stephen Katz decides to join him.  The two set out on a hike that is much more than either of them were prepared for.  Along the way, they meet wild animals, fellow hikers (some more normal than others), and some frightening small towns.  The story of Bryson and Katz on the trail is interspersed with well-researched information about the National Park Service and the history of the AT.

After finishing Cheryl Strayed’s book about the Pacific Crest Trail, I wanted to know more about the Appalachian Trail.  Bryson’s book was just the thing.  It was interesting, funny, and honest.  Whether you are an avid hiker, a couch potato, or something in between, I would recommend this book.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know By the Time She’s 30 by Pamela Redmond Satran and the Editors of Glamour May 24, 2012

Fifteen years ago, Glamour magazine published a list of 30 things a woman should have and know by the time she’s 30.  The list was so popular, it went viral before going viral was even a thing.  This book expands upon the list by including stories, observations, and comments on each item on the list by celebrities, authors, and other well-known women.

Since I just turned 30 myself, I decided to see how I fared with the items on the list.  Some were meaningful, some were kind of silly.  None were really inspirational to me.  I especially had a hard time relating to the stories by celebrities such as Taylor Swift- she’s not even close to 30.  I can see why people enjoyed the list, but this book just wasn’t my thing.

2 out of 5 stars

Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich May 6, 2012

Vinnie Plum, owner of the bail bonds office where Stephanie works, is in trouble.  He gambled and scammed the wrong guy and now mobster Bobby Sunflower is mad.  When Vinnie disappears, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie realize that they rely on him for a job.  No matter how many dumb mistakes he made, they need him back.  Armed with an Uzi, stink bombs, and a wild plan, the women of the bail bonds office are to the rescue.  Of course, things never go exactly to plan…

Another entertaining chapter of the Stephanie Plum saga complete with fried chicken, doughnuts, and explosions.  This one wasn’t quite as good as previous books in the series, but it made me laugh out loud and was a light read during my lunch breaks.

4 out of 5 stars

Wild by Cheryl Strayed May 3, 2012

In her devastation after her young mother’s death, Cheryl’s life falls apart.  Her family scatters, her marriage ends, and everything she used to believe is lost.  While running an errand at the hardware store, she runs across a book that will change her life.  The Pacific Crest Trail, Volume I: California sticks in her mind until she makes a decision: she’s going to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.  Shortly afterward, she straps on her heavy backpack for an 1,100 mile journey through the Mojave Desert in California to the northern border of Oregon.  She has no experience as a long-distance hiker and encounters many wild animals, extreme weather conditions, and hardships on the way to healing her broken spirit.

This book was well done and really held my interest.  I don’t think I would attempt a trip like the one she describes, but it made for a great story.  It’s similar in subject to Eat, Pray, Love, but better.  I would recommend this for any adults who like to read memoirs, books about travel, or stories about life journeys.

5 out of 5 stars

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins April 30, 2012

The day starts out like a normal day- hunting and gathering with Gale, trading their goods on the black market, and taking the rest home for dinner.  But today is special- it’s the day of the Hunger Games.  The place formerly known at the United States is now Panem, divided into the capitol and 12 districts.  Each year one boy and one girl from each district must fight to the death in the Hunger Games.  At the ceremony, when the names from their district are called, Katniss is horrified to hear her sister’s name called.  Katniss does the only thing she can do- volunteer to take her sister’s place.  She is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family- even if it means the end of her own life.

Wow, what a suspenseful read!  I can see why so many people liked it.  Other than Katniss’ constant thoughts about her own selflessness that annoyed me after awhile, it was an interesting, fast-paced story with likable characters.  It makes the reader think about life, death, the hierarchy of society, and how far you would go to protect a loved one.  Highly recommended for teens or adults.

5 out of 5 stars

What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? by The Buried Life April 30, 2012

Reminiscent of Post Secret, this book contains handwritten and hand-drawn contributions from participants in the project.  Each page has a separate “wish” from someone.  The story of the four young men of The Buried Life and their project is interspersed throughout the book.

I was really excited about this book, thinking it would be similar to Post Secret.  The project itself seemed interesting, although I didn’t really understand where all of the “wishes” in the book came from.  The Buried Life guys seemed inspired by their project, and it seems like they were trying to help others.  The book itself just fell flat for me.

2.5 out of 5 stars

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston April 30, 2012

The book begins in 1920 when Frankie Pratt is graduating from high school.  After her dad died, Frankie didn’t think she’d be able to go to college.  She was able to get a scholarship to Vassar where she rubbed elbows with the rich girls who were in school only to find a husband.  Frankie didn’t want what the others wanted; she wanted to be a writer.  After finishing school, she moved to New York City where working for a magazine is not as glamorous as she had expected.  A failed romance and a brief stint overseas change Frankie’s mind about what she wants in life.

The format was fun; everything was scrapbook-style photos, drawings, and mementos interspersed with short bits of text.  I liked Frankie’s spirit and the story line was interesting.  I would recommend this to those who like historical fiction or a short, easy read.

4 out of 5 stars

Paper Towns by John Green April 10, 2012

Quentin remembers his first real adventure with his neighbor (and crush) Margo Roth Spiegelman.  They were nine, riding their bikes around the neighborhood park, when they found a dead man.  Quentin wanted to go home and tell his parents.  Margo went back, looking for clues and interrogating the neighbors.

Flash forward to the present.  Quentin and Margo, no longer real friends, are high school seniors with just a few weeks left of school.  Both are set to go to college.  One night, when Quentin is about to go to sleep, Margo shows up at his bedroom window dressed like a ninja.  After a wild night of revenge, Margo disappears.  And Quentin might be the only one who can find the clues she left behind and find her before it’s too late.

John Green is a great writer.  His characters are witty and intelligent with an adventurous streak.  And of course, Paper Towns includes a road trip.  I would recommend this book to upper high school students and adults.  It’s a great read.

5 out of 5 stars

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary March 31, 2012

Ramona Quimby is starting kindergarten.  She loves her teacher, Miss Binney, and she loves school.  She never tries to be a pest.  But things don’t always go the way she plans.  During rest time, Ramona tries to show that she is the best rester in the class by letting out a delicate snore.  Her snore gives the class the giggles and she is not chosen as the Wake Up Fairy.  When Ramona just wants to touch her classmate’s think, springy curls, she has to sit on the bench during recess.  One day Ramona goes too far and she has to decide whether she can be good or become a kindergarten drop-out.

I have fond memories of Ramona from my childhood, so I decided to revisit it.  She is just as smart, funny, and quirky as I remembered.  The Ramona series should be a must-read for all children.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green March 31, 2012

Hazel’s lungs suck at being lungs.  Even though a miracle drug has kept her alive for the past few years, she knows a long life is not going to happen for her.  Then a welcome distraction comes into the cancer support group her parents maker her attend.  Enter Augustus Waters, a good-looking guy with a prosthetic leg and a crooked smile.  Hazel and Augustus have an instant connection.  But the perks for Cancer Kids don’t last forever.

Be prepared- this is a tear jerker.  It’s an excellent book, as we’ve come to expect from author John Green.  Intelligent, witty characters with a sense of humor and, of course, a road trip.  Just don’t expect a happy ending.