2009 Book Reviews

I've decided that for 2009 I'm going to keep a log of the books I read and my reviews on my blog as well as Good reads. So these are the ones I've finished already, I will add posts under the label as I finish them with my comments and a rating out of 5 stars at the end.

1. The Wise Woman by Phillipa Gregory

This is the author of The Other Boleyn Girl and I have read a number of others by her as well. I can say that she needs an outline (ie. real person's life) to base her story around or else things fall off the rails and become smutty fast!! The main problem I had with this book though is it's complete lack of a coherent storyline.

2 Stars

2. Her Last Death: A Memoir by Susanna Sonnenberg

I had high expectations for this book and I'm not sure why. It's like when see a commercial for a movie and all the good parts are in the commercial. I feel the same way. Almost cheated.

The child of a famous person bragging about how horrible her childhood was and what a trainwreck her mother is. Yeah no thanks. It was still a somewhat entertaining read, likely because it was mercifully short and it didn't seem too whiney until about 2/3 in.

2 Stars

3. Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nehmat

Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was expecting a straightforward retelling of the harrowing events. This story is much more. It is heartbreaking, uplifting and really makes you feel for Marina. I don't feel like she sensationalised her experience as happens with many memoirs. This was one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is definitly one that makes you think about real life issues.

I feel like I have a much better understanding of some of the issues after having read this book. I have a renewed appreciation for the desperation that people feel to escape these situations and their home countries during politcal turmoil and religious persecution.

5 Stars

4. I Am Hutterite by Mary-Ann Kirkby

An amazing story! The book is educational in the descriptions and stories of life on the colony and then adjusting to "English" life after. It's a great story of how a family can overcome adversity amd really stick together when times get tough. I know way more about the Hutterite lifestyle than I ever did before and I have a much better appreciation for them now.

Growing up in Southern Alberta you see/hear alot about the Hutterite colonies but I can't say I ever actually knew anything about them other than you can recognize them by their clothes. I found this to be a very powerful story!

4 Stars