Last week was rainy and dreary. You know the kind of weather... the kind that leaves you wanting to do nothing but curl up with a book and mug of something warm. Despite the desire to stay home with a book and tea, I ventured out to the office. The entire time I sat at my desk I wanted nothing more than to get back to my latest read - Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.

You're first introduced to Louisa - Lou to her family - Clark, a 26-year old working class girl, who knows the steps to her house, the safety to her small town brings, and that she loves her boyfriend. After losing her job, she's forced to find something new.

The new job brings her to Will Traynor, a wealthy, handsome, 35 year old who happens to be a quadriplegic. His mother is seeking a caregiver to assist him with day-to-day tasks such as eating, driving him to doctor's appointments, and general companionship.

As expected, the two don't hit it off right away. Their relationship is tense, but it grows. Their story becomes one of love and admiration leaving Lou not knowing as much as she originally thought she did.

Have the tissues close, as the tears will arrive. Ms. Moyes takes on a political issue without making you realize what she's done. Don't worry. It's not in your face and I can't tell you for 100 percent certainty, which side she stands.

If you read and enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars, then you'll love this one just as much. If you have yet to read it, don't worry you can add both to the list of books to read. Both are very different stories, so don't think you'll be reading the same story twice.

I'd love to discuss this one. Anyone else read it and want to share their thoughts?

The last couple of months I've felt as if I'd lost control over dinner.  Meal plans were made and then broken. Lists were written and items purchased, but most perished. Intentions were set...

Well you get the idea. After reading about Tracy's approach to prepping for the week and her recommendation for "An Everlasting Meal - Cooking with Economy and Grace" by Tamar Adler, I immediately placed an order.

"An Everlasting Meal" is a collection of essays about cooking and taking the time to truly relish each meal. Relishing each meal so much that you stretch that meal into the next. Tamar reminds you to pause in your busy day and simply enjoy your meal. She has a way with words that has me craving a simple pot of beans drizzled with olive oil and a hearty slice of bread.

"There are times when I can't bear to think about cooking. Food is what I love, and how I communicate love, and how I calm myself. But sometimes, without knowing why, it is drained of all that." 

After reading that paragraph, I couldn't help but feel more connected to the author. This book was exactly what I needed to rekindle my love with the process of cooking. I recommend it for anyone wanting to rethink their approach to cooking.

When I first moved to the District, I worked with a boss that believed in knowing the people working for him and how to ensure  team harmony. There were days I thought this was complete B.S. and some days where I could see the value. One of the exercises, he had the group participate in was Myers Briggs. The results came back and I was classified as a INTJ. After discussing the results, the group was convinced as was I to a certain extent that I was an "E" or an extrovert.

Well, looking forward to today and almost seven years later and I believe I fall more in line with the "I" label associated with being an introvert. Working in my current field has even highlighted it more for me, so I was excited to read "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain.

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts? They're the folks that prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create, but dislike self-promotion; who prefer working alone over working in teams.

As I read that paragraph on the back cover of the book, I found myself nodding along. Everything stated resonated with me and I found it rang even more true after working with my current employer for the last couple of years. I wanted to learn more about what me makes me tick and how to deal with the extroverts in my current work environment.

"Quiet" helped with that. This is a well researched book that provides just enough of the human touch so you can connect and fully understand the concepts discussed. Ms. Cain provides you with tips and ideas as to how you can stay true to your quiet self while living in a loud world.

My only gripe with the book was the final chapter - "How to Cultivate Quiet Kids in a World That Can't Hear Them." I think this distracted from the book as a whole. As a person without children, she distracted from what I thought could have been a strong finish. I was put off by the transition to parenthood and lack of a real conclusion. While the topic is important, it would have been better as a separate book. I'm sure there is plenty of research to support it and could have been a nice follow-up.

Despite my disappointment with the book's end, I highly recommend taking the time to read "Quiet." It's helped me better understand myself and how to better work with folks at the office.

If you're looking for a wonderful story that will make you laugh and cry, but is also a quick read you could knock out in a weekend, this is your book. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a story about coming of age, first loves, coping with loss, and how to do it all with grace.

Narrated by 16 year old cancer patient, Hazel, you learn she's a bright young woman that has thought of herself as nothing more than a terminal cancer patient. After giving in to her mother's prodding, she joins a support group where she meets August and her life takes on a new meaning.

Have a box of tissues nearby, but don't worry it won't be all sadness. If you're anything like me, you'll be wiping tears away and laughing only moments later. This is a book deserving of the accolades. But don't take my word for it, go read it for yourself. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Secrets are often held close and never make their way out to be shared with a spouse. Imagine your secret is so dark that is could damage your marriage, your family, and everything you hold dear should it be known.

That's the kind of secret that Cecilia Fitzpatrick stumbles upon when she finds an old yellowed envelope addressed 'To be opened only in the event of my death' from her husband. He is still very much alive and out of town on business. Does she open the letter?

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty is a captivating story weaving together the lives of a group of people that barely know each other but will are all impacted by the secret included in that letter. This book left me speechless and provided the right twists and turns at just the right moments to keep you reading.

You should definitely add this one to your list or just download it to your e-reader now. I want someone to chat with about this book and everyone I've recommended it to have finished it yet.

Any recommendations as to what I should start next?

Have you noticed that you experience an uptick in the number of books you read during certain times of the year? For me, I read a great deal during the summer. I only wish it was because I was laying poolside or on a beach. Unfortunately, I just couldn't find anything to watch on TV especially since we powered through Orange is the New Black. As an aside, wasn't that show just awesome?

"The Secret Keeper" explores dreams, desires and the lengths people go to make them a reality, and the life long consequences they can have. It's a story of love, friendships, dreams, and schemes.

The party comes to an abrupt end as Laurel watches her mother do something she never imagined, impacting her view of her mother for years to come. Kate Morton takes you on a journey, seamlessly switching between past and present to explain who Laurel's mother was and why she saw what she saw.

While the story was good, it took me almost 200 pages to really become invested. Regardless, it was a good story. I just would have cut out almost 40 percent of it.

There's a good chance I was the only one that found this book cumbersome at times. The story is good and left me surprised as to the ending, so I'd recommend it for that alone. I'd just advise patience.

A young woman wakes in the morning to find she is in bed next to a man she does not recognize. She doesn't recall how she made her way there or who the man is. She believes she has made a terrible mistake with a much older man. Quietly, she gets out of bed and finds her way to the restroom.

The opening few pages of Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson lead you to believe this is the start of your average run of the mill chick-lit. Don't give up on it that easily. As you continue to read, you're pulled in to learn Christine suffers from a rare form of amnesia that leaves her starting over each morning - her memory only lasts for that time she is awake. Each day she has to start fresh remembering who she is, who is the man next to her, how many years have passed, and the routine of life.

Despite a slow start, you find yourself in quite the page turner wanting to learn more. What accident caused this condition? Will the doctor treating her be able to make any breakthroughs? Who was Christine before?

Not only are you seeking answers to the questions about Christine, you start to wonder what your own life would be like if you woke each day starting at nothing. How would you cope with such loss. You also find yourself in awe of the human brain and how memories are retained.

I purchased this book on a whim for less than $5 for my Kindle. It didn't disappoint; I highly recommend it. Also, I learned they are turning this to a movie featuring Nicole Kidman in 2014. And you know you have to read the book before you see the movie.

I finished another book on the metro ride home this evening, so I'm looking for recommendations. Have you read anything I should check?

I admit my book funk has continued. I’ve started more than I care to admit, but few seem to lure me and serve as a daily companion on my commute. That is until I decided to pick up The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht.

After finishing the book, I now understand why she is the youngest of the New Yorker’s twenty best American fiction writers under forty. She has a way with words…she chooses them wisely and never uses more than necessary. Each one was selected with a precise purpose throughout the story of Natalia, a young doctor, seeking answers to the circumstances surrounding her grandfather’s death. 

Throughout her journey, Obreht did a magical job of weaving Natalia’s stories in with those of her grandfather’s. “These stories,” Natalia comes to understand, “run like secret rivers through all the other stories” of her grandfather’s life. And it is ultimately within these rich, luminous narratives that she will find the answer she is looking for.

I missed my metro stop a time or two on the way home because I was so engrossed in this book, so I cannot help but recommend picking this one up if you haven’t already. Yes, the start is a little slow. But trust me your patience will be rewarded.

I admit I have a bit of a guilty pleasure when it comes to James Patterson novels. I enjoy that I can pick up one of his books and be entertained. Are they the best literary works? No, but I never claimed they were. I've grown rather attached to Lindsey Boxer in his Women's Murder Club series. 

Did he kill her? He couldn’t have. He seems like such a nice guy. Maybe she’s still alive? Wait, maybe she really is dead. No, no. But wait…

That’s what I experienced reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Nick and Amy Dunne share the role of narrator as you learn about the fateful event of their fifth wedding anniversary and the days following it.  You learn of the friction and challenges in the marriage, but you also read of their sweet memories. It’s the twist and turns that keep you coming back for more.

Gone Girl is definitely one psychological suspense novel that will take you through a course of emotions and hold your interest once you get in about 100 pages. Don’t let the slow start discourage you. It’s completely worth the read.

I usually don’t go with the psychological suspense novels, but this one has me wanting to explore other possibilities. (Open to suggestions.)  I strongly recommend this novel especially since the weather is getting a little chilly – nothing better than snuggling up with a book, right?

Feeling much better and I'm convinced it was thanks to the bourbon. I'm sure it had nothing to do with all the sleep, soup, and Nyquil. Now that I'm back to feeling like myself, I want to tell you about the latest book I finished. Usually, I wait until the end of the review to make my recommendation. Well, this one is so good I'm recommending it right now. The reviews (NYTimes, NPR, etc.) all rave about it, in case you don't believe me.

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain is a great book that comments on contemporary American patriotism by telling the story of 19-year old Billy Lynn over the course of single day. The day is the final of a "victory tour" that's designed to reinvigorate support for the war. Lynn is a member of Bravo Squad, a group that survives intense firefight in Iraq, all of which is captured on film and later shown on Fox News. This, of course, turns them into overnight heroes.

BravoSquad is spending their final day, Thanksgiving, at the Dallas Cowboys football game. How much more American can you get? As you spend the day with Lynn, you learn his fears, dreams, and internal struggles about life and the war in general. I found myself emotionally invested in not just Billy's safety, but all members of Bravo squad.

I enjoyed this book so much I convinced Keith to read it too, and he's even recommended it to others. It's one of those book that once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down. Like The Angry Buddhist, I found myself thinking about the characters long after I had finished the book. I strongly recommend adding this to your list of must reads.

Via

Last night as I finished up my latest book around 1 am, I realized I hadn’t even filled you in on the previous book. So let’s remedy that because it was an excellent read that I must recommend. 

The book’s title is what initially convinced this was a book I needed to read. How can you not resist a book where the title is already a contradiction? You just have to know more, so I devoured the book, The Angry Buddhist, by Seth Greenland in a little less than 2 weeks. 

The Angry Buddhist has everything you could want in a story; there’s scandal, sex, irony, and a character or two you find yourself rooting for. In a nutshell this is the story of three brothers: an ex-cop, a harden criminal, and a devious Congressman. It’s a week before the election and the politician is in for the fight of his life. There are a cast of characters all with their own story that could benefit from more background, but then the book might have lost its way. 

You know it’s a good book when you find yourself disappointed after the final word has been read because you find yourself wanting to spend more time with it. Like I said it’s a good read with many twists and turn and bit of wry humor mixed in. 

Via

As part of my effort of staying healthy, I bring my lunch to work almost every day. And given there are few options for lunch, it’s really the best decision. Rather than surf the web or work and eat, I usually read over the lunch hour to give my eyes a break from the computer monitor, although I’m not sure reading is that much a of a recovery. Anyone know?

I recently finished How It All Began by Penelope Lively. Like The Year We Left Home, I found this to be quite an enjoyable novel. One that had me a bit reflective on life and the course we each take.

Ms. Lively tells the story of how one event lead to a chain reaction changing the lives of seven individuals, sending these characters’ stories off into new directions, perhaps even forever changing their dreams and desires. Everything is set into motion with the mugging of a retired literature teacher named Charlotte Rainsford on a spring day in London.  As Charlotte heals she ponders the indignities of aging and often reflects on the past. Being a literature teacher, Charlotte also finds comfort in her books, which is something I can definitely relate too.

The story is a pleasant respite from the work day or a comforting way to wind down before bed. I highly recommend How It All Began. I think I may even seek out other books by Ms. Lively. Have you read any of her other books? If so, do you have one you would recommend?

I never seemed to fret over growing old alone. I have a solid network of friends and family, so I was never really interested in finding a soul mate. Honestly, I thought it was a bunch of total BS. Then I met Keith and well, I guess you could say I got all soft. The thought of not having him by my side through all of life’s adventures just seems unfathomable.

So when I read a review of Epilogue: A Memoir by Anne Roiphe over on Joanna Goddard's blog, A Cup of Jo, I was intrigued to see how one woman coped with such a loss. Ms. Roiphe suddenly lost her husband of 39 years to a heart attack. Epilogue was one of her methods for coping with that loss – by writing about her daily life.

There are moments that are completely heart wrenching and others that bring a giggle or smile of understanding. Her memoir resulted in a true love story and how sometimes following such a magnificent loss the survivor simply tries to find a way to keep going on.

“I do not have my soul mate,” Ms. Roiphe realizes, “and most likely will never have another, but I will be fine…I will be sad often but not always."

I would best describe the writing as a stream of consciousness, which did take me a bit of adjusting too. However, this made it a great book for commuting back and forth – I was able to easily put it down and pick it up after short periods of time reading. This book is definitely worth the read; just make sure you have a tissue or two within arm’s reach.

Do you worry about losing a spouse or loved one? Do you have suggestions for a book to add to my list?

With all the heat in the nation's capital lately, I just haven't felt like venturing out and about. And the latest book I wrapped up was such a quick easy read, I struggled to put it down for too long. Now let's be honest, who doesn't want the sordid details about a presidential affair?

Always in search of a good book, I often read the book review sections of newspapers as well as many "must read" lists that I stumble upon. Once Upon a Secret: My Affair with President John F. Kennedy and Its Aftermath was discovered as a result of one of those lists. As I mentioned the book is a quick read, written in a rather plain and simple style. It occurs to me now that the style of writing really set the tone for the book even without realizing it immediately.

The author, Mimi Alford, had an affair with President Kennedy while serving as a White House Intern at age 19. She held onto this secret for nearly 50 years before writing her story. She struck me as a very naive and almost blissfully ignorant girl. And for that matter, I don't believe she has really grown beyond that today. She shares the details of how she ended up in bed with the president on her fourth day in the White House and how it continued for the next 18 months. What I found interesting was her sense of loyalty to JFK even after all the years following his death. However, what I didn't understand was why. She shares a little insight into this, but I finished the book feeling pity for her. Ultimately, I just didn't find the writing to be that strong or the story that good.

However, there's still plenty of time this summer for a book by the pool or on the beach and this book fits the bill. If you're looking for a little more about the story itself, I'd recommend checking out the New York Times review.

So, have you read anything good lately? I'm making progress on the stack next to the bed. So much so, that I'm ready to acquire a few new additions.

How was your weekend? Keith and I found our weekend of doing nothing close to home to be so relaxing that we plan to repeat it again this coming weekend. The farthest we ventured was three blocks to make it to the gym. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we made an effort to spend a little time on the back porch grilling and enjoying it. But the rest of our time was spent watching the U.S. Open and catching up on some reading.

All of this quiet time at home allowed me to finish up another book. This time I read a novel, The Year We Left Home, by Jean Thompson. The book tells the story of an Iowa farm family over the course of three decades. Your introduced to the family as the oldest is getting married and the second oldest is dealing with his feelings about living in a small town and the decision to head off to college. Thompson then takes you through all four children’s stories in such a way that you learn each child’s thoughts at the different stages of their lives over the next three decades. It’s well done in this regard as you don’t have just one narrator and the story never becomes confusing or taken off course.

Sometimes you just connect with a book in such a way that it touches a piece of you inside. This is one of those books for me. Perhaps, we can attribute that to growing up in small town Kansas. I understood the mixed emotions some of the children faced having grown up where they did and the challenges it provided later into adulthood.

The Year We Left Home was nominated for several literary awards, but I’d recommend it to you because it is a good story about a family and growing older.

Have you read anything lately that you’d recommend?

I have a confession to make and it may come as a shock to some of you. I read all three books commonly known as The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. In fact, I essentially devoured them in 72 hours.

For those that don’t know much about the books, the story takes place following the destruction of North America as we know it. The area now consists of 12 districts controlled by The Capitol and one outlying district that is essentially left alone. For the most part, each district is poor and ruled by an iron fist. As punishment for rebellions several generations earlier, one boy and one girl from each of the remaining districts is forced to participate in the “Hunger Games” aka a fight to the death where there can only be one victor. The Hunger Games are to serve as a deterrent to those thinking about rebelling and for the Capitol’s entertainment.

Honestly, I didn’t know that when I started reading, which is probably a good thing. Had I started with that much detail I probably never would have picked them up. If I ruined it for anyone else, I apologize.

Given the audience is young adults, the books are a quick and easy read. Occasionally, you’ll find the plot has been simplified a bit too much. However, you will be entertained. Several friends described the first book as the best and leaving you anxious for the second. The second book started slowly, but kept your interest. By the third book, I was over it. The story was starting to unravel and the writing was not as strong as the first book. Not to mention, I found the ending as an abrupt stop.

With all of that said, if you want a quick easy read for the beach or a rainy weekend, these books are a great option. You’ll be entertained and won’t have to think too hard.

Apollo’s Angels has been on my nightstand for far too long, so I hope to finish that one up soon and report back. What book or books are you reading?

At any given point, you’ll find at least 3 books on my nightstand – more if you count all the books I’ve downloaded to my Kindle, but have yet to read. And if you check out Keith’s side of the bed there is often that many books on his along with the New Yorker and whatever magazine he’s reading at the moment. And this isn’t counting the books he manages to stash around the apartment. He assures me there is a system to his madness, although I can’t always be sure.

The latest book I finished was The Boy in the Moon: A Father’s Journey to Understand his Extraordinary Son by Ian Brown. Ian shares his story about his son, Walker, who has an incredibly rare genetic condition called Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome. Only one in about 300 people worldwide is diagnosed. Walker is unable to speak or effectively communicate, constantly tries to harm himself, and will need constant care for the rest of his life.

I have mixed feelings in recommending this book. Ian is honest and doesn’t attempt to cast Walker as an angel shared with him to teach a larger lesson. He shares his doubts and insecurities with brutal honesty. All of this is done in a chronological progression, taking you through the family’s journey. However, by the middle of the book, Ian shifts to more of a rambling research report with awkward attempts to tie it back to Walker and the family. I often found myself skimming over chapters to get back to back to the personal story.

Regardless, it was a moving story and nothing like the books I typically pick up so it was worth the deviation off my usual path. Do you have a type of book you tend to gravitate towards or do you read a variety of genres?