February Mini-Reviews

First, let me say a big 'Thank You!' for everyone who commented on my last post. You guys raise me up. I got over my slump, but more about that later...

Another month has gone by which means it's time for another round of mini-reviews. My goal is to read a book a week (52 books this year) So let's see how I did this month, eh?

The first book I read was Enders Game. I know I'm way behind the curve on this one, but better late than never, right? Seriously one of the best books I have EVER read. It made me want to be a better writer.

Faithful - I LOVE the cover to this book. I know, you can't judge a book by it's cover. But I did. This book has a great premise. A girl in the early 1900's who wealth is stolen and she's forced to go from high society to living inside Yellowstone. Does she find love?

I wish I could tell you, but I didn't finish it. It was very wordy, which made it somewhat long winded. The story was interesting, but there wasn't enough conflict. I was halfway through when it fell behind my couch and I could find it for a week. When I discovered it, I had no interest in finishing. It wasn't a terrible book, it just bored me. I'm only counting this as 1/2 read.

I read an article by this woman and then proceeded to buy her book. Bringing up Bebe is an insightful look into French Parenting. Some things I agreed with wholeheartedly like teaching our kids patients and making them eat real food.

But other things I vehemently reject, like why Day Care is a better choice, and how we are just fooling ourselves to think breast feeding is a better option for our kids.

I think it was worth the read, but I don't endorse everything in it. Although I would recommend parents read it and judge it for themselves.

I borrowed The Tale of Depereaux from a friend about a year and half ago and forgot I had it. (She has some of my books too, so it's okay) Anyway I thought it was about time to read and return. I am so glad I did. The movie (from what I remember) actually followed the book closely, so I wasn't surprised at anything coming, but the writing kept me hooked. Of the best written books I've ever read.

I really wasn't expecting to read another book in February. I had already read 3 1/2 books which was plenty to stay with my goals. I started Shatter Me on the 29th and ended the book on the 29th. (Thanks for the extra day, leap year!)

I was hooked from line one and it didn't let go until the end. One thing I really loved about this book was how different it was. I could just see a critique partner saying things like --

"You can't use strike through's all the time."

"You can't have repeat words over and over like that."

"You can't internalize so much. "

You can't 

You can't

You can't

Well Tahereh Mafi took the words 'you can't' and did this - you can't and it was amazing. The. Entire. Way. Through. It got me over my little editing slump and has me writing like a fiend again. 

Friends, don't be afraid to take risks. Don't lose your voice to rationalized editing. Be bold and your readers will lap it up.

What did you read this month?