Life Class: Pat Barker

Interesting title to this novel since it was the name of an art class he was taking and summed up how he had grown by the end of the book. The main character Paul admires a classmate, but then when he realizes she is unattainable he falls for her married friend. After that fiasco WWI breaks out and he volunteers for the Belgium red cross. Through letters between him and the unattainable woman we see how he changes and tries to share his life and experiences with her and she remains trapped in an unrealistic world. She admits she is selfish and I don't know if that makes her character more interesting or more unbearable, but in the end Paul still claims to love her even after seeing all her faults. A very deep and moving story that exposes both sides of war, those fighting and those still at home.

Sitting Practice: Caroline Adderson

A heartbreakingly honest book that makes you cry and then feel giddy with relief. The first part of the story covering the accident would have made a fantastic book in itself, but it went on to show how they healed and grew as individuals. This was an excellent story and I enjoyed it for how humbling it was, pointing out what you take for granted and the strength of human relationships.

The Rose and the Beast: Francesca Lia Block

I remember liking this author's stories when I was younger and decided to read some of her newer writings. This one was a collection of fairy tales retold in modern day setting. It was interesting, the last story I wasn't familiar with, but the rest were pretty easy to guess. This would be an original and fun read for the right age gropu, I still found the stories amusing.

When Will There Be Good News: Kate Atkinson

This book started off very shockingly and I started frantically reading to find out how it could happen. It was then slow for a little while developing characters until you realize who is who in modern day. Again the events are surprising, how so many lives intertwine, crazy events happening, but all very believable. the characters are also very likable, it was an enjoyable read and I will be looking for her other books. I felt content after reading it even though some horrible things happened. I especially enjoyed the mix up with the rental car.

The Year of the Flood: Margaret Atwood

I had some trouble keeping the characters straight at the beginning of this book, but I was impressed by the poetry. A post Apocalyptic world caused by man where man made creations roam because everything natural is extinct. The cults of people and the world itself are original, believable, and interesting. The time spans seemed off, but I did enjoy the book.

Fragile Beasts: Tawni O'Dell

I loved this book. It was a story about a wealthy spinster and two orphaned teenaged boys. The humor was great and I was impressed by how Kyle and Candace's humor was so different coming from the same author. Great character development.I was surprised by the ending, I really thought Klint was going to commit suicide using the bull. I also enjoyed the flashbacks and development of each character.

Lost: Alice Lichtenstein

An excellent book on the topic of dementia. A woman moves herself and husband to a new smaller town after he starts losing memory and is embarrassed to be around their old friends. She ends up taking a walk while he sleeps, she comes back to find the door open and him gone. the book progresses with his search and intertwines with other character's stories. In the end she ends up fostering a little boy with pyromania, whose story mixed with finding her husband. This book really made me think about what our future may hold.

The Man Who Forgot How to Read: Howard Engel

This was detective writer Howard Engel's story of suffering from Alexia after a stroke. He was able to write, but couldn't read what he'd written. This story touches on the experience as well as his miraculous recovery. I think writing this book was part of the healing process for him and it served well as advertisement for the most recent detective novel he wrote because now I want to read that too!