Look Me in the Eye – John Elder Robinson

This is quite a fascinating book about a man who has Aspergers. Being in his 50s, he was undiagnosed as a child and yet knew something was not quite right. As a adult he has learned many ways to function in society so that his differences are not as noticeable. He had some significant talents with mechanics and electronics but his social issues controlled most of his life choices. Its very easy to read and quite straightforward and honest.

1-2-3 Magic by Thomas Phelan

I re-read this book this week after a small parenting crisis. Both of my children have been quite rude and difficult to deal with in the last few weeks. The methods in this book do really work and it is a very easy read. The basic principle is that you decide on behaviour you don’t like and give your child 3 warnings about doing it. If they reach 3, there is a consequence like time out, loss of screen time etc. It reminded me that I have gone a bit too far on the explaining side of parenting and am not getting results.  I recommend this book for dealing with basic behavioural issues.

Anybody Out There ? by Marian Keyes

I have read this book before too. Its one of a set by Keyes that deal with the same family. In this case, one of the sisters is at home recovering from an accident while she desperately waits to get back home to her real life. There is a twist in the middle and some real life changing stuff. It is still chick lit though and some of the best.

Past Secrets by Cathy Kelly

I have actually read this book before. Its a standard chick lit story of women with broken relationships and secrets and unfulfilled expectations. Its a good read though …

Once in a Lifetime by Cathy Kelly

If  I haven’t already mentioned it, Cathy Kelly’s books are some of the best amongst the chick lit category. This one has some great storylines, delving into grief and double lives and mystical experiences. Somehow her books never feel trashy although they hardly fall into the literature category. I always enjoy them and this one was great !

Second Glance by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Piccoult’s books are usually pretty interesting – they touch on unusual subjects. In this case, the subject matter deals with ghosts and a man’s belief that he is immortal, as well grief. The story moves quickly, the characters are appealing and I felt empathy with the characters. The subject matter was tolerable but didn’t engage me the way some of the other books have. Nonetheless, Picoult’s books are always good.

Testimony by Anita Shreve

Anite Shreve’s books are reliably good and usually work on a premise based in deceit. In this case, there is a sex scandal at a high school which impacts all those involved. The story is told as if to a reporter, with each character having their own chapter/s. Otehr chapters follow a more descriptive style as is usual in a novel. It works well and makes for a gripping story with well developed characters and relationships.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

This is the first David Sedaris book I have read – his style is one of short essays in a sort of memoir style that all link together with a rough theme. I really like his style even though some of the essays seem a little irrelevant – they are amusing and I enjoyed reading the book.

The Lost Forest by Sue Miller

A man dies and the repercussions are felt throughout his family. The story is a solid one and the characters are well developed with several strong sideline characters as well. There is a hint of detachment so that I never felt fully captured by any one character but overall it was very readable and enjoyable.

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb

Wally Lamb’s books are notoriously epic in their manner and this is no exception. Thankfully they are also relatively easy to read and generally very engrossing. Again, this is not exception. Centred around the tragedy of the Columbine high school massacre and interspersed with real names, dates and facts, it is difficult to believe it is fiction at times. There is a sort of alter ego to the story, wherein the main character finds out about his past through a legacy of paperwork left behind by his aunt. At first, this aspect of the story was engaging, but towards the end of the story, I found myself skipping over sections of letters and diary entries. That can really be my only criticism. Like all of Lamb’s books, the story is somewhat unsettling and uncomfortable and has a suitably tragic ending, but is nonetheless satisfying.