What I've Been Reading - February 2017

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my (quick and personal) thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. For specifics (plot summary, etc.) about each book, click on the provided links.

Lonesome Dove: A Novelby Larry McMurtry (5 stars)

What an intense ride. At times I found myself laughing out loud. At other times I found myself crying uncontrollably . Most often I found my heart absolutely racing. Such an incredible book. Do I recommend it? Yes, but with caveats. It's rough in places. Really rough. With that said, I personally gained such respect for those that lived in the west in the 1800's. I also gained such respect for Larry McMurtry. Such an amazing writer. I never thought I'd enjoy a Western, but he made me do so. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Growth - a book that's more than 600 pages)

The Magnolia Storyby Chip and Joanna Gaines (4 stars)

I didn't think I could love Chip and Joanna Gaines any more, but I was proven wrong. If you love Fixer Upper, you'll love their biography. Definitely recommend. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Fun - a juicy memoir)

A Man Called Ove: A Novelby Fredrik Backman (4.5 stars)

I laughed. I cried. I loved it. Highly recommend. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Growth - a book in translation)

This Is How It Always Is: A Novelby Laurie Frankel (4 stars)

I am grateful for book club picks that push me out of my reading comfort zone. I would have never picked this book on my own, but I'm so glad my book club did. This book has great writing and great storytelling and gave me a new perspective and a new empathy for those facing different circumstances than my own. Isn't that what reading is often all about? I was encouraged to dive in without reading the jacket cover. I would encourage you to do the same. (MMD Book Club pick)

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisisby J.D. Vance (4 stars)

This was that book that was being talked about everywhere and I needed to know why. I'm glad I read it. It was eye opening. Highly recommend it, but with one caveat. J.D.'s grandmother had a mouth on her. Course language in general is really hard for me to digest. The course language specifically in this book was quite jarring, however, I feel that if the language had been removed we wouldn't have the proper sense of who his grandmother was. So, despite the language, I recommend everyone find out for themselves why everyone is talking about this book. (2017 MMD Reading Challenge - Reading for Growth - a book of any genre that addresses current events)

Girl Waits with Gun (A Kopp Sisters Novel)by Amy Stewart (3 stars)

Easy and fun read. Looking forward to the next in the series.