Bayou Folk and A Night in Acadie by Kate Chopin

Title: Bayou Folk and A Night in Acadie

Author: Kate Chopin

Publisher: 1895, 1897

Genre: Classic

Pages: 369

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - B; What's in a Name - Body of Water; Back to the Classics - 19th Century

Kate Chopin was one of the most individual and adventurous of nineteenth-century American writers, whose fiction explored new and often startling territory. From her first stories, Chopin was interested in independent characters who challenged convention. These two collections - 'Bayou Folk' was first published in 1895 and 'A Night in Acadie' in 1897 - established Chopin's reputation as a regional realist. With a gentle, knowing gaze, Chopin evokes the distant world of Louisiana plantations and 'Cadian balls, and anticipated the thoroughly modern multi-ethnic, gender-sensitive, and sexually charged world of more modern times.

The Awakening is one my all-time favorite books. I've been meaning to read Chopin's other writings. These two short story volumes were very enjoyable. Chopin's eye for character and culture in Louisiana is fantastic. I loved the variety of people and settings in the stories. The reader can definitely pick up the beginnings of the characters and plot for The Awakening sprinkled throughout the stories. My only issue was some of the dialogue written the way people actually talk. It made some passages fairly hard to read. My trick is to read them out loud to actually understand what is being said. A strange tactic when with others. Nevertheless, I did enjoy these two volumes.

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Title: This Side of Paradise

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Publisher: 1920

Genre: Classics

Pages: 287

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Back to the Classics - 20th Century

Fitzgerald's first novel, This Side of Paradise (1920) was an immediate, spectacular success and established his literary reputation. Perhaps the definitive novel of that "Lost Generation," it tells the story of Amory Blaine, a handsome, wealthy Princeton student who halfheartedly involves himself in literary cults, "liberal" student activities, and a series of empty flirtations with young women. When he finally does fall truly in love, however, the young woman rejects him for another. After serving in France during the war, Blaine returns to embark on a career in advertising. Still young, but already cynical and world-weary, he exemplifies the young men and women of the '20s, described by Fitzgerald as "a generation grown up to find all gods dead, all wars fought, all faiths in man shaken."

It's no The Great Gatsby. Okay, that was unfair as Gatsby is one of the quintessential American novels. I can see how Amory Blaine was a prototype for Jay Gatbsy. I can see how Fitzgerald's voice evolved between the two novels. I get the volume's place in literary history. What I didn't like was the storyline and main character. For the most part, I was bored throughout the book and kept wanting to punch Amory Blaine. Hence the 3 star rating.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Title: The Happiness Project

Author: Gretchen Rubin

Publisher: Harper 2009

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 315

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); TBR Reduction; 52 Books - W29; OLW Home; Dewey Decimal

Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. "The days are long, but the years are short," she realized. "Time is passing, and I'm not focusing enough on the things that really matter." In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.

In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

After my less than stellar review of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I'll admit to being a bit apprehensive about this volume. But I shouldn't have been worried. I loved this little book. Rubin has a great way of laying out her ideas and stories that is accessibly and not pretentious. I was a bit afraid that I would be preached at throughout the book. Instead, I felt myself wanting to be friends with Rubin and join her crazy project. By the end of the book, I was convinced that I need to do my own Happiness Project. I know I won't have the exact same monthly focuses or resolutions as Rubin, but I'm sure many will be similar. As I am in the middle of trying out Ali Edwards' One Little Word project, I'm going to sit on the Happiness Project until January. And it will give me time to reread the book, host a book club meeting on it, and formulate my own resolutions and focuses.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Title: The Girl on the Train

Author: Paula Hawkins

Publisher: Riverhead Books 2015

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 336

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Ebook; 52 Books - W28; New Author

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

A must read according to lots of bloggers and best seller lists. And amazingly the book lives up to all the hype. Not very often that I like those hyped books. I loved how the unreliable narrators kept the reader guessing as to what really happened and who did it. Rachel was a very interesting character. On the surface, no one should like Rachel, but for some reason you feel for her. I couldn't stand Megan, but that seems to be the point. And Anna was the intriguing character thrown in the mix. Overall, a very interesting read. I definitely recommend it.

Highlander Unbound by Julia London

Title: Highlander Unbound (Lockhart Family #1)

Author: Julia London

Publisher: Pocket Star Books 2004

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 390

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W27; New Author

On leave from his Highland regiment, Captain Liam Lockhart comes to London on an urgent mission: to repossess the stolen family heirloom that could save his ancestral estate. He never dreamed it would involve surrendering his heart. But the beautiful and scandalous socialite Ellen Farnsworth sets his Highland blood aflame with a will as strong and reckless as his own. Though bound to Liam by a soul-searing passion, duty impels Ellen to commit a terrible betrayal. Now, driven by passion, pride, and vengeance that know no bounds, this fearsome Highlander will reclaim not only his family's ancient treasure, but the one daring woman he was meant to love for all time.

Eh. I wasn't super excited by this book, but it wasn't bad. I just didn't enjoy any of the main characters or much of the storyline. Not my series.

Lockhart Family (DNFed series)

• #1 Highlander Unbound
• #2 Highlander in Disguise
• #3 Highlander in Love

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Publisher: Anchor Books 2011

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 516

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; Fairytales; New Author

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

Can I give this book more than 5 stars? This has just secured a spot in my Top 10 books of 2015 and may just be number one. I absolutely adored this book. Let's break it down: The writing is just gorgeous. It reminded me of The Shadow of the Wind or Tolkien. Lots of description, but it never felt too much. I craved the descriptions of the various parts of the circus. By the end of the book, I could see every nook and cranny of the world. Beautiful! The characters may not all be likable, but they are fascinating. My favorite character had to be Tsukiko. I found her more than just a contortionist right from the beginning. As the story unfolded and we got more glimpses of her, I loved her more and more. I also really enjoyed some of the other side characters: Chandresh, Herr Theissen, Lainie and Tara, and especially Poppet and Widget. The main characters were also great, just in a different way. Some of the side characters seemed more real to me, but that seems to be on purpose. Marco and Celia are not really of this world and it comes through. Finally, we get to the story. I fell into the story on the first page and didn't come up for air until after I closed the book. Morgenstern weaves a masterful story jumping back and forth through time without confusion. I was always wanting the story to come to a conclusion but loathe to leave the world of the circus. I heartily recommend this book to anyone and everyone I know. I'm glad this is our book club book for early August. I can't wait to discuss with others.

The Art of Steampunk by Art Donovan

Title: The Art of Steampunk

Author: Art Donovan

Publisher: Fox Chapel 2011

Genre: Nonfiction - Art

Pages: 127

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); OLW Home

Welcome to the world of Steampunk: a unique fantasy version of nineteenth century Victorian England imbued with today's technology, resulting in devices and contraptions that seem to have sprung from the mind of a mad twenty-first century scientist. The "steam" refers to steam power-as in fire-breathing machines of antique locomotion. The "punk" is an important reference to an outsider attitude. In The Art of Steampunk, Second Edition you'll discover the captivating and dynamic world of this emerging genre through the creative vision of today's leading Steampunk artists. No longer satisfied with the plastic design of today's mass-produced products, these artists are crafting a romantic new standard for modern goods by applying the characteristics of Steampunk. Their artwork consists of everything from jewelry and watches to light fixtures and clocks, every piece demonstrating hours of painstaking work and unlimited devotion.

I loved poring over the creations in this book. I definitely love the aesthetic of steampunk. I would love to incorporate the style into my house decorations. Not an overwhelming collection of steampunk, but little touches here and there. This book gave me some great ideas.

Witches edited by Paula Guran

Title: Witches: Wicked, Wild, and Wonderful

Edited by: Paula Guran

Publisher: Prime Books 2012

Genre: Short Stories; Paranormal

Pages: 375

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fairytale Challenge

Surrounded by the aura of magic, witches have captured our imagination for millennia and fascinate us now more than ever. No longer confined to the image of a hexing old crone, witches can be kindly healers and protectors, tough modern urban heroines, holders of forbidden knowledge, sweetly domestic spellcasters, darkly domineering, sexy enchantresses, ancient sorceresses, modern Wiccans, empowered or persecuted, possessors of supernatural abilities that can be used for good or evil — or perhaps only perceived as such. Welcome to the world of witchery in many guises: wicked, wild, and wonderful!

Overall, a very hit and miss collection of stories. I really enjoyed a few such as "Walpurgis Afternoon" and "Basement Magic." But my favorite was definitely Neil Gaiman's story featuring Bod and the graveyard. The retooling of Rapunzel was also very intriguing. Unfortunately, many of the stories were dull.

The Lost Soul by Gabriella Pierce

Title: The Lost Soul (666 Park Avenue #3)

Author: Gabriella Pierce

Publisher: Alloy 2013

Genre: Paranormal - Witches

Pages: 250

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; 52 Books - W26

Jane Boyle has long since known that her mother-in-law is evil, but she'd never imagined Lynne Doran was actually the embodiment of a powerful, ancient body-snatching demon. Now that Jane has uncovered 666 Park Avenue's dark truth, she must race against the clock to find a way to destroy Lynne before she finds her next unwilling host. As Jane attempts to tap into powers stronger than her enemy's, her estranged husband, Malcolm, arrives in time to join the fight . . . but can she possibly learn to trust him again—before it's too late?

So better than the second book, but not my most favorite of the year. It was a decently satisfying conclusion the story. Jane even grew on me a bit in this volume. And I was excited to see more the Montague clan. Maeve was amazing as always, but I especially loved Emer. I appreciated that people actually died in this year. The stakes were actually high. It added a bit to the series. Overall, not an amazing book, but a decent read.

666 Park Avenue

• #1 666 Park Avenue
• #2 The Dark Glamour
• #3 The Lost Soul

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Title: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Author: Marie Kondo

Publisher: Ten Speed Press 2014

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 213

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); OLW Home

Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?

Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).

With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this international bestseller featuring Tokyo’s newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home—and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.

Overall, I was very disappointed in this book. I know everyone has been raving about it, but I found the writing distracting and the entire philosophy extreme and unnecessary. While I definitely have a bit of clutter in my life, I don't think getting rid of everything that doesn't spark joy is the answer. I need to examine my buying and do seasonal clean-outs. Kondo's approach may appeal to some people, but I couldn't quite get behind it. And for goodness sakes, stop telling us how successful your business is. It really got annoying after awhile.

Bait and Switch by Barbara Ehrenreich

Title: Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream

Author: Barbara Ehrenreich

Publisher: Holt Paperbacks 2006

Genre: Nonfiction - Social Sciences, Economics

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Mount TBR; TBR Reduction

In Bait and Switch, Barbara Ehrenreich goes back undercover to explore another hidden realm of the economy: the shadowy world of the white-collar unemployed. Armed with the plausible résumé of a professional "in transition," she attempts to land a "middle-class" job. She submits to career coaching, personality testing, and EST-like boot camps, and attends job fairs, networking events, and evangelical job-search ministries. She is proselytized, scammed, lectured, and--again and again--rejected. Bait and Switch highlights the people who have done everything right--gotten college degrees, developed marketable skills, and built up impressive résumés--yet have become repeatedly vulnerable to financial disaster. There are few social supports for these newly disposable workers, Ehrenreich discovers, and little security even for those who have jobs. Worst of all, there is no honest reckoning with the inevitable consequences of the harsh new economy; rather, the jobless are persuaded that they have only themselves to blame.

What an incredibly depressing book! I knew the world of white collar workers was getting bad, but my goodness! I hope things have improved a bit in the last 10 years, but maybe not. Or maybe I'm just insulated in my current life. At any rate, it was a fascinating read. I learned more than I wanted to about "transition coaches" and networking.

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

Title: The Age of Innocence

Author: Edith Wharton

Published: 1920

Genre: Classics

Pages: 366

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 1001 Books; TBR Reduction; Ebook; Books to Movies; Back to the Classics -- Woman Author

At the heart of the story are three people whose entangled lives are deeply affected by the tyrannical and rigid requirements of high society. Newland Archer, a restrained young attorney, is engaged to the lovely May Welland but falls in love with May's beautiful and unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Despite his fear of a dull marriage to May, Archer goes through with the ceremony — persuaded by his own sense of honor, family, and societal pressures. He continues to see Ellen after the marriage, but his dreams of living a passionate life ultimately cease.

Okay. I get this novel. I get Wharton's criticism of high society. I get the conflict the characters feel. I understand and yet I'm not the biggest fan of this book. Mostly because I can't stand Newland Archer. I get May and the Countess. I understand their behavior, but Newland was just way too selfish for my tastes.

Movie:

I loved the movie adaptation. The actors were cast perfectly, especially Daniel Day-Lewis. Swoon! He even made Archer a more likable character. And Michelle Pfeiffer shined as Countess Olenska. Plus, the movie just looked amazing! I loved the sets and even more, the costumes! Those dresses were intricate and absolutely gorgeous. Perfect adaptation of a historical novel.  Definitely a keeper in terms of a book-to-movie.

What If? by Randall Munroe

Title: What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

Author: Randall Munroe

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2014

Genre: Nonfiction - Science

Pages: 303

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Read Your Freebies; Dewey Decimal - 500s

Fans of xkcd ask Munroe a lot of strange questions. What if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at 90 percent the speed of light? How fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live? If there was a robot apocalypse, how long would humanity last?

In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations, and consults with nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, complemented by signature xkcd comics. They often predict the complete annihilation of humankind, or at least a really big explosion.

As a loyal follower of xkcd, I've been dying to read this book since it was released. And I enjoyed every page of it. I love the seemingly ridiculous questions that Munroe answers seriously. My favorite question involved potentially eradicating the common cold. Fascinating answer! And sprinkled throughout the book are Munroe's famous stick figure cartoons. As times the book really dives into serious math, but Munroe explains everything in such a way and even I understand the crazy math. Awesome read that I sped through in just one day!

The Dark Glamour by Gabriella Pierce

Title: The Dark Glamour (666 Park Avenue #2)

Author: Gabriella Pierce

Publisher: Alloy Entertainment 2011

Genre: Paranormal — Witches

Pages: 294

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read Your Freebies; 52 Books - W25

Gossip Girl meets Charmed in Gabriella Pierce’s fabulous follow-up to her debut supernatural romp,666 Park Avenue. Continuing her phenomenal gothic chronicle of witches, covens, and curses, and the darkness lurking behind the glitter of New York high society, Pierce enchants us once again with The Dark Glamour. Fans of Meg Cabot’s Insatiable and LJ Smith’s Vampire Diaries will love this edgy paranormal tale, as the unfortunate bride whose Prince Charming turned out to be the son of an elite Upper East Side witch must now reenter the Park Avenue mansion of horrors she only barely escaped with her life. But this time she has a whole new look…and some powerful new magic tricks up her sleeve.

Still reading this series. Mostly I want to find out what happens to Jane in the end. Plus, it's light and fluffy compared to most of my reads. I guess it's taking the place of my historical romances at the moment. But it's not the best series in the world. I think the characters got a little more interesting in this volume, but not by much. Most of the time I want to smack Jane for her ridiculousness. I'll still be reading the last book in the series.

666 Park Avenue

• #1 666 Park Avenue
• #2 The Dark Glamour
• #3 The Lost Soul

Sally Heathcote: Suffragette by Mary M Talbot, Kate Charlesworth

Title: Sally Heathcote: Suffragette

Author: Mary M Talbot, Kate Charlesworth

Publisher: Dark Horse 2014

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 183

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read Your Freebies; New Authors

A tale of loyalty, love, and courage, Sally Heathcote, Suffragette follows the fortunes of a common housemaid swept up in the feminist militancy of early 20th century Edwardian Britain. As the growing hunger for change grows within a culture of rigid social mores and class barriers, Sally and thousands like her rise up to break the bonds of oppression at the risk of ostracization and violence.

One of my thematic focuses in college was the Progressive Era and Women's Suffrage Movement. That being said, I was really wanting to love this volume. Unfortunately it failed to live up to the excitement. My main issue is with the writing style. I love the use of a graphic novel format, but the dialogue didn't fit. The storyline jumps around so much that even I had trouble figuring out who or what they were talking about. And that fact made the volume almost unreadable. Just couldn't get behind this one at all...

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

Title: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

Author: Jonas Jonasson

Publisher: Piratforlaget 2009

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 384

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read Your Freebies; 52 Books -- W24; New Authors

After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he's still in good health, and in one day, he turns 100. A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn't interested (and he'd like a bit more control over his vodka consumption). So he decides to escape. He climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant (not to mention a death by elephant).

The first chapter was great fun. The second chapter was good fun. The next hundred pages or so were great. But then things started going off the rails for me. Allan's life story was just too fantastic. I couldn't get into his story. I kept thinking "this is just ridiculous."  The book could have been even better if the story were a little less fantastical. Overall, not the book for me.

Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest

Title: Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More by Doing Less

Author: Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest

Publisher: Bibliomotion 2013

Genre: Nonfiction - Parenting

Pages: 243

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Read Your Freebies; OLW 2015 Home

We’re in the midst of a parenting climate that feeds on “more”: more expert advice, more gear, more fear about competition and safety, and more choices to make about education, nutrition, even entertainment. The result? Overwhelmed, confused parents and overscheduled, over-parented kids. In Minimalist Parenting, Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest offer a fresh approach to navigating all of this conflicting background “noise.” They show how to tune into your family’s unique values and priorities and confidently identify the activities, stuff, information, and people that truly merit space in your life. The book begins by showing the value of a minimalist approach, backed by the authors’ personal experience practicing it. It then leads parents through practical strategies for managing time, de-cluttering the home space, simplifying mealtimes, and streamlining recreation. Filled with parents’ personal stories, readers will come away with a unique plan for a simpler life!

So it turns out that I'm already following most of the points from this book. But it was an interesting book laying out the minimalist parenting philosophy and giving specific tips. Mostly I liked reading about the tips. They gave me some good ideas of how to implement my own parenting philosophy. I also liked the guiding questions for each chapter. Answering the questions definitely helped to execute my more vague ideas and thoughts. I am not usually a fan of parenting books, but this one held my interest throughout.

666 Park Avenue by Gabriella Pierce

Title: 666 Park Avenue (666 Park Avenue #1)

Author: Gabriella Pierce

Publisher: William Morrow 2011

Genre: Paranormal -- Witches

Pages: 320

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; New Author; Book to Movie

Elite Upper East Side Witches Rule Park Avenue! 666 Park Avenue by Gabriella Pierce kicks off a wonderfully high concept and richly gothic contemporary series about the darkness lurking behind the gilded halls of New York City high society. For the original Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries fan who’s grown up and is ready for an edgier, more sophisticated read, 666 Park Avenue is the perfect paranormal diversion.

This book has been sitting on my shelf for a few years now. I've just never actually picked it up and started reading. After reading, I have mixed feelings. The writing was good. The characters were okay. But there was something that felt a bit too much like The Vampire Diaries, etc. Too soap opera in its tone. I finished the book and decided that I would probably finish the series, but only because I sorta want to see how it ends.

Television Show:

Wow! That was a waste of my hour. The television show has basically nothing to do with the book series. As far as I can tell from the pilot, the only similarities are that there is a building in New York City and the main female character's name is Jane. That's it! And don't get me started on the acting. It was torture just getting through the first episode. I am officially not going back to the rest of the series. Done and done!

666 Park Avenue

• #1 666 Park Avenue
• #2 The Dark Glamour
• #3 The Lost Soul

The Martian by Andy Weir

Title: The Martian

Author: Andy Weir

Publisher: Broadway Books 2014

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 387

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Mount TBR; 52 Books -- W23; New Authors

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.

Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there.

After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.

Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first.

But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

Holy moley! What a book! Everyone has been raving about this one and they were right. There is an amazing blend of science and suspense to keep my attention throughout the book. I actually read the first ~80 pages one night and then read the rest today in one sitting. It was too good to put down again! I was right there with Mark through every obstacle and constant boredom. I loved getting in deep with the science. Weir definitely did his homework. I know there are a few fictional concessions to traveling to and from Mars, but they weren't out of the realm of possibility. This book held me to the last page. Now I want to read more actual science about getting to Mars.

The American Plate by Libby O'Connell

Title: The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites

Author: Libby H. O'Connell

Publisher: Sourcebooks 2014

Genre: Nonfiction - History; Food

Pages: 330

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure; Read Your Freebies; Dewey Decimal - 600s

Dr. Libby H. O'Connell takes readers on a mouth-watering journey through America's culinary evolution into the vibrant array of foods we savor today. In 100 tantalizing bites, ranging from blueberries and bagels to peanut butter, hard cider, and Cracker Jack, O'Connell reveals the astonishing ways that cultures and individuals have shaped our national diet and continue to influence how we cook and eat.

Peppered throughout with recipes, photos, and tidbits on dozens of foods, from the surprising origins of Hershey Bars to the strange delicacies our ancestors enjoyed, such as roast turtle and grilled beaver tail. Inspiring and intensely satisfying, The American Plate shows how we can use the tastes of our shared past to transform our future.

An interesting, if a bit shallow, look at 100 different foods that came to be important to American life. I enjoyed the earlier chapters more than the later chapters. I felt like O'Connell spent more time on the food in the earlier chapters and then shifted the focus to social movements in the later chapters. Still I learned a bit about the history of some well-known foods. My favorite chapter was the one covering the Progressive Era. Great bites in that chapter!