Go Set A Watchman

Go Set A Watchman

by Harper Lee

It's hard to follow up a classic like To Kill A Mockingbird, especially after 55 years.  Harper Lee's other manuscript has finally been published, and fans of To Kill A Mockingbird may not like what they read.  

The story didn't draw me in until about page 100.  After that, I enjoyed it and tried to take it with a grain of salt.  The story takes place 20 years after To Kill A Mockingbird and some of the changes that have taken place will not be to readers' liking.  

Atticus has lost his saintliness and become a more of a regular human being.  This shift, in fact, is the crux of the story.  When Jean Louise (a.k.a. Scout) discovers that the racism of 1950s Alabama is now part of her father's world-view, she has a breakdown.  She must come to terms with Atticus the man as opposed to Atticus-who-can-do-no-wrong the father.  Readers will also struggle with this new Atticus as many of us have revered him for years.

There are other changes that are quite unsettling which I won't give away here.  Suffice to say, some To Kill A Mockingbird fans may want to avoid this novel, but many, like me, won't be able to stay away.  Overall I liked the book and I can still separate it from my feelings about Lee's original novel. 

Kitchens of the Great Midwest

Kitchens of the Great Midwest

by J. Ryan Stradal

I had read many positive reviews about this title and I was really excited to read it. The reviews were right - this is an excellent book. However, it is definitely not what I expected.

When I first started to read the book I thought the book would be mainly about Eva Thorvald - a genius with food at a young age. However, the book is, and is not, about Eva. Each chapter is from a different character's point of view. Eva is sometimes central to this character's life, but more often than not, she makes an appearance in a small, but vital way.

When I finished the book I thought to myself - what is this book trying to tell me? And I think I could probably have some pretty interesting discussions about what this book's goal is, but for me it is a subtle reminder about slowing down and enjoying life. Taking each moment, whether good or bad, and understanding its importance. Food is a major theme in this book, and becomes a way to connect people in a variety of ways; for example, a way to meet up with friends and family, to appreciate the simple things in life, to get through tough events, and as a way to show people you care. This book can really be interpreted in several different ways which makes me thing this would be a fabulous book for a book club as there are so many subtle nuances to explore and discuss - all with some yummy food of course.

Who do you love

Who do you love

by Jennifer Weiner

Rachel Blum (pronounced Bloom) and Andy Landis meet each other for the first time in the Emergency Room waiting room when they are only eight years old. Rachel has a congenital heart defect and has just undergone heart surgery to save her life. Andy is there for a broken arm. Rachel is surprised to find out that Andy is at the hospital all alone. She decides to tell him a story to help him forget about the pain. However, Andy's mom soon arrives and he leaves to see the doctor - both believe they'll never see each other again. However, soon after Andy and Rachel's live become intertwined in one way or another. Linked by a night that changes both their lives.

This is a sweet and heart warming story about the importance of love, even if it may break your heart.