Dani
For me, the first 100 pages would be 4 stars. I like the book mystery but felt like someone told the author the book needed to be longer and so he threw in more mystery without much suspense and the final chapters spell out what you've already deduced yourself leaving me to believe the author/publisher believes readers are slow-witted. But all in all, a decent, fun summer read aloud.
The opening caught me immediately and I sped through the book. As I reflect I enjoyed reading the book but throughout felt like the character of Gin wasn't fully developed. I kept waiting to learn more about her, understand her thinking, where she was headed. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Yash and Abdullah and the insight they brought from their cultures into Gin's life. Overall, a quick, fun read.
A great little book about Mother Teresa by a man who made a documentary of her. It is at once inspiring and convicting.
“...Something of God's universal love has rubbed off on Mother Teresa, giving her ... a noticeable luminosity. She has lived so closely with her Lord that the same enchantment clings about her that sent the crowds chasing after him in Jerusalem and Galilee...”
I guess maybe I expected too much. The first half of the book has Worstmann describing what develops the disease and brings him to breakdown. But it felt a little surface-y. When he actually describes OCD and his particular symptoms, I felt like the book was helpful. But then he returns to not actually telling us all that was happening. Strange, given it is a memoir. Or maybe reading about a college kid just isn't that interesting?
Chapters 7-10 were helpful in understanding the illness and treatment. I would encourage anyone who is hoping to understand what a friend or family member may be dealing with to focus on those chapters.
Overall, I think Wortmann is not far enough removed from the breakdown and treatment to truly justify this book. He even states he's embarrassed to admit some things (and doesn't). But I guess he has to pay his bills!
Let me start by saying I have actively resisted reading this book due to its popularity. But I was getting ready for a roadtrip with the kids so I wanted an audiobook that would keep my attention. The Hunger Games did just that. It was a great listen; engaging story and characters. I look forward to the next roadtrip to listen to the next book.
Another “read aloud” book. I did this one over too long of a time...I think it would've been 4 stars otherwise.
Another fun story by Enger, lots of adventure and love. Curious about the potential of molding the narrator after himself...a writer wondering if he's a one-hit wonder and trying to make something out of himself without letting those around him know his fears. Quite good.
This is at times a heart wrenching story...beautifully written. It's the story of a couple who move to Zimbabwe for work (he's a journalist). They begin to volunteer at an orphanage filled with abandoned children (many likely have AIDS or HIV). They decide to adopt one girl, Chipo. This is their story and it is at times frustrating yet somehow hopeful.
