Books lately

With all my recent flying and road trips, I've been able to read several good books. I won't do a review post on each one, but here is a quick synopsis/thoughts on each one:

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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
I picked this up in the BYU Library hoping to get back into the classics. I've read some short stories by Tolstoy in the past and liked them. This however, was just sooo long. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed many long books. But in this one, there are so many characters and story lines, I found it hard to keep track of. I stopped when I wasn't even halfway. So maybe I'll just watch the movie ;)

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Heaven is Here by Stephanie Nielson and Amy Ferguson Hackworth
I LOVED this book. (Just like everyone else that has read it). If you've ever read her blog, you'll know that it's a good thing she hada real writer helping her. (Her grammar and spelling drive me nuts!) Reading this made me so much more excited to be a mother. And I hope it has made me be more grateful for my abundant blessings. It has also inspired me to help my future children be more kind to those who look different. Go read this book!!

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Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
This book is about an Indian woman who puts up her daughter for adoption at birth. It follows her story, eventually her daughter's story and the story of the American couple who adopt her. I love reading fiction about other cultures and this was no different. The issues in the book are real ones which makes it all the more tragic. I thought the writing was a little weak. It's almost like the writer got tired in the second half and just kind of gave up. The story line continues well, but the dialogue is a little dry. But really, I would recommend it to anyone. Beware, it will make you crave Indian food!

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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
One of the wittiest books I have read in a while. I really loved it! It's about a teenage cancer patient and her relationships. I feel that I should warn you that it is incredibly heartbreaking and you will cry. A lot. One evening when Nate was gone, I thought I would read this on our balcony. I forgot my key and thus locked myself out. I had the book, so I wasn't distressed and I knew Nate would be home soon-ish. Just as I came to a particularly distressing chapter, our neighbors began a picnic just below our apartment. So there I was, trapped on my balcony shoeless and bra-less, reading and crying my eyes out for the whole neighborhood to see. It's funny now. Emotions aside, this book gets a high recommendation from me. And I still have this one if you want to borrow it!

Have you read anything good lately? I'm always looking for something new!