book
Rated A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail 8/10
This is not the male version of Wild - no hard-earned self-discovery, not many stupid mishaps. Instead, this is a pleasant stroll up the Appalachian trail (or at least parts of it) with sprinklings of history and local color and the stresses of an unlikely hiking buddy relationship. Altogether enjoyable. A nice bedtime read.
Finished reading The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow
Rated How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky 10/10
Wonderful! Science, love, Toledo - who could ask for more?
Rated Tears of the Cheetah: The Genetic Secrets of Our Animal Ancestors 6/10
Although dated (published in 2003), Dr. O'Brien's compilation of stories of his work in genetic sleuthing is a great read for those who are beginning in the field. In particular, the early chapters on the importance of genetic diversity to a healthy species is a message relevant to both the endangered animal and human animal worlds.
Abandoned All the Light We Cannot See
Rated The Potty Mouth at the Table 2/10
Potty Mouth is a collection of ~5 page humorous essays written by a jaded, germ-phobic woman with the sensibilities of the late Joan Rivers. This isn't a book I would typically pick up, but it was chosen by my book club. The book was somewhat amusing at times, but this was overshadowed by the author's very narrow view of what is acceptable on Planet Earth.
Finished reading The Secret Lives of Church Ladies
Rated The Girl on the Train 8/10
Fast-reading, well-written, contemporary psychological murder mystery told from the perspectives of three young British women. Interesting, flawed characters - Hawkins did a particularly good job of integrating the experience of alcoholic blackouts. Would be great to read while on an extended train ride :-)
Finished reading My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
Rated The Goldfinch 10/10
Beautifully written story of friendship wrapped in a thriller. Do give yourself enough time to savor the language and relationship nuances as you read through the 700+ pages. <br><br>My one criticism is the amount of space dedicated to describing characters' drug and alcohol experiences. Much of the repetition could have been removed without losing anything.
Finished reading The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny