The Road to Little Dribbling

Bill Bryson is a favorite author of mine, who shares a sarcastic sense of humor and has travelled to many areas I would like to. Bryson walks, rides and drives throughout Great Britain noting significant (and insignificant) thoughts of what he experiences. He weaves humor into each chapter and highlights his favorite parts of Great Britain. Bryson lived in the United States before moving in college. Though there are many fun facts in this book, one important lesson, cows kill more people than bulls. I would recommended this book, though there are a lot of foul words being used and some sexual references. This was borrowed from the public library. 

Troublemaker

I heard about this autobiography while listening to a podcast, remarking about how Leah Remini had auditioned for the role of Monica on Friends, unsuccessfully landing the part. I was further curious to have a better understanding of Scientology which she left. I wasn't a faithful fan of The King of Queens, but knew who the actress was before I read the book. What an eye opener of Scientology, it is saddening to read this and learn of what people choose to do and how some raise their kids. I don't know anyone personally who practices this belief, but know how to better pray for people in this cult. Leah is very blunt about what has happened through her life so far, good, bad and ugly. For the honesty, I am impressed and thankful. It is not all as bright as it looks on the other side. I borrowed this from the public library. This contains a lot of foul language.

Red at the Bone

Every other Jacqueline Woodson book I have read was an outstanding book that I recommended and often bought. I am unwilling to do either for Red at the Bone. This book is vastly different than the kids books that I appreciate by Woodson, this adult novel is very graphic with sexual content and has a high rate of cursing. I realize that this is based on a culture and lifestyle, but it didn't add to my appreciation to the book. The story would be more likable without the above content. I borrowed this from the local library. It has been on the bestseller list for multiple weeks.

The Blind Side - Evolution of a game

I saw it at the library, I didn't pay attention when the movie said based on the book by Michael Lewis. There are plenty of lines in the book that are quoted word for word. Michael Lewis goes beyond the Tuohy family to find the history of the offensive linebacker, the position Michael Oher is seemingly built to play. Lewis introduces the rise of importance of the offensive linebacker, laying out the important physical build to lead up to Oher's experience of the game. 

As most people have at least heard of the movie, there is a basic understanding of Michael Oher's life in Memphis, transitioning from an all black neighborhood to moving in and becoming family with a white family. Going beyond what a movie is able to portray, Lewis highlights the struggles and life Michael had and how by looking at his childhood, there is no way he should be in the position he is today. 

Michael Lewis intertwines the various stories to give the reader views they have not previously been exposed to. Though some sections are harder to remain focused on, this book challenges readers to look beyond their race and upbringing to identify people they can help another human being out. 

Lewis is similar to Malcolm Gladwell, identifying the oddball that doesn't belong in a situation, and identifying the factors that propelled them to their success. Looking deeper than just the "stars lining up," to identify key factors throughout a persons life. Michael Lewis has written other books focused on sports, including Moneyball, highlighting the key stats that make winning baseball teams. 

Orphan Train

 A novel that opens your eyes to an event that you haven't heard of before is truly a gift. This novel highlights historical events that shaped the Midwest as we know it, providing children as laborers and house workers for many farms and families. Christina Baker Kline created a story that drew you in to both main characters, created a picture of growing up in the 1920s and provided a reader with realities of living in the foster care system. It is not always a favorable picture, the truth isn't always. Kline does provide a redemptive ending, demonstrating throughout hardships people can rise and find a family of their choosing. 

Kline highlights the actual orphan trains in the 1920s and has done quality research to inform readers of conditions these orphans endured. The story intertwines between the Midwest and a coastal Maine town, proving  relatable to many. The updated ending also includes a book study guide and questions answered by the author. This book challenges how we interact with foster children and to examine the grim reality of the past. 

Borrowed from administrator at school, and will pass along to another co-worker.

The Women in the Castle

Jessica Shattuck takes an approach to a historical novel that I hadn't really thought about or read about. Shattuck writes of German citizens that opposed Nazi rule during World War II, highlighting the people that lead the resistance and their goal to stop Hitler. 

It might be easy to clump all Germans together, aware of what was going on and supporting Nazi forces, that would be a mistake. Take a step back and remember media and information was not as widespread as today, and hindsight is more clear than the moment. Reading this novel reminded me that not every German supported Hitler and some people do the best they can with the information they have been given. This book is a reminder to dig deeper, to not be satisfied with the information presented to you and the importance of friendship and forgiveness. 

Jessica Shattuck is a writer of both fiction and non-fiction, with multiple listings on the New York Times bestsellers. This book was found at the local library.