February 2013 Book Reviews

February was a slower reading month for me but I certainly enjoyed what I did read!

1. The Hostile Hospital - Lemony Snicket: This is the 8th book in the series and it's actually probably one of my least favourite IF I had to pick favourites in the bunch. I've liked all the other settings the kids have found themselves in but the hospital setting seemed a bit drab. Still, I enjoyed it and would read this entire series again and again.

2. Unless - Carol Shields: I found this book a little hard to peg and then I felt it all came together at the end. The story is about a mother who is struggling to keep it together and find meaning in her daughter's actions. Her daughter has dropped out of college and become a homeless beggar by choice. The mother seems quite lost and at times her thoughts/stories are disjointed. Once you get towards the end of the book you really understand it's a good way to see how her daughter's actions had unsettled her whole world and nothing could really go back to normal. It was also an interesting ending which at least made you feel more resolved. Decent read for sure.

3.The Importance of Being Seven - Alexander McCall Smith: This is book 6 in the 44 Scotland Street series. I have always enjoyed Alexander's works and specifically this series mainly because of one of the characters, Bertie. He's a very intelligent (now 7 year old) who has an extremely overbearing mother who puts him in therapy, yoga, and a school for gifted kids which he detests. Each chapter progresses the story of at least 1 or more of the characters and there's at least a dozen characters to follow. Most of the characters and stories are interesting but there are certainly a few slower story lines. It's a fun series and you should pick it up if you like his other works.

4. Here Comes Trouble - Michael Moore: This isn't your typical autobiography! It's more of a collection of important moments in Michael's life. He's one of America's most controversial filmmakers and he's certainly led an interesting life! He's had some incredible encounters with many famous people that helped put him on the path of documentary film making. I found his life stories to be very entertaining and humours.

5. The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared - Jonas Jonasson. I got about 1/2 way through this book and thought 'Gosh, this is just like Forest Gump!' then a few days later I turned the book over to read the cover and saw one of the reviewers said the exact same thing! It's an entertaining story that starts exactly how the title describes. It flips from past to present as he goes on his adventure while reliving his past adventures. It's a really sweet story I think most anyone would enjoy.