Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


One of the best books I've ever read. It's a classic with good reason.

Exquisitely written, with enchanting characters of incredible depth and complexity. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.



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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A year of food life by Barbara Kingsolver

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a family memoir- a portrait, part philosphy, part urgent exhoratation and part wonderous ode to nature. Written by the author, her husband and her daugther, their journey is a labor of many years, culminating in a 12 month commitment to local eating. While this is not a command to go forth and build our own gardens forthwith, it is an urge to focus appreciation on food procurement, food enjoyment, and food quality. This begins at home- both under our individual roofs, but within our communities and states.



This book coincides for me, with not only Kingsolver's other work (of fiction- Prodigal Summer), but also with Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma. All of these books depict the struggles of farmers to prevent a food monoculture and eventual food system meltdown. These are not vegetarian manifests preaching respect for the lives of our domesticated food animals. Rather, through examples of proper land utilization, humane and healthier animal cultivation, and finally, with the true enjoyment of these animals as just that- food.



The Kinsolver family's path started with their own love of food growing and food making. The descriptions of cheese making, poultry harvesting, and heritage or heirloom seed cultivation were absolutely intriguing. The industry of her young daughter with her own egg business was inspiring. Finally, it is the story of a family and their legacy of love for each other and their animals and land which make this book such a joy to read.





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One Day by David Nicholls

One Day by David Nicholls

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was the first "romantic" novel in a long while to grab my attention immediately and hold it through every page. I do not want to characterize this book unfairly. It is not a romance per se- it is a novel about friendship and life, coming of age, and learning to love yourself. It's also about choices we make and how seemingly insignificant moments continue to affect us years later.

The characters are immediately sympathetic and relatable. I especially enjoyed the range of emotions this book ellicits- from frustration, to envy, pity, humor, empathy and contentment, to extreme sadness and joy. I will not delve into the story line too much, except to say that the original idea of twenty years of "one day" in the lives of the main characters works so well with this story. You absolutely grow right along with Em and Dex, and remember and re-live your own life experiences at each of their pivotal life decision points. Quite a remarkable achievement.



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Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This has got to be one of the most powerful books. I still think about some of the passages-the descriptions of the landscape, the precarious situations for the main character and the sweeping emotion make it a real testament to writing. I am very impressed by the detail and the vivid narrative. Definitely one I will read over and over.



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The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud

The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


This is a book about New Yorkers. Self absorbed, selfish, and fairly unlikable New Yorkers. As someone who loves the city and people there, the book makes one ashamed of this characterization of the city's great minds.
The author's writing is substantial, and the storyline is well composed, but I felt disdain for the entire group of characters for most of the book.




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The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It becomes obvious by my list that historical novels are my favorite! And this was the one that started it all- the story of women in the bible was not something I thought I would be interested in, but after the first few pages, this book really captures you. Also one I will read over and over again. The strong women of this book are empowering, even in a time and place where that is unexpected.





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Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is truly exquisite.



I did not know the history behind the story, and I was able to be completely absorbed in its pace and rhythm. I was overcome with the ending, and absolutely stunned by how engrossed I was in this real life story.



I cannot recommend this book highly enough.



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