Reading Reviews- August 2013

     I beginning to feel like I read too much?   This month had one of the best books of the year and one of worst...

The Dinner by Herman Koch

     This book was described as the European version of Gone Girl. It wasn't even close. It had  twisted characters and a dark plot, but it wasn't clever.  The first half of the book drones on with useless details to keep you in suspense, but that didn't work either.
Verdict: Really bad read.

My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

     Her memoir was done in a fair and balanced narration, just like a judge :)  Honestly, I didn't like it.  I found this retrospective narration of her childhood forced. Obviously, her story does have a silver lining, but there is no way she knew this while going through the bad times.
Verdict: I like her as a person. I did not like her memoir.

The Power of the Pussy by Kara King

     Every month I get a free book from my Amazon Prime membership, so I try to pick something I wouldn't normally read. This is waaay outside the box.  Despite its explicit content and writing style, the author has a lot of valid points.  Woman stop being doormats and make men treat you right.  She is also very funny.
Verdict:  This is a naughtier version of "He's Just Not Into You."  It was fabulous!

Mind/Set by John Kim

     Written specifically for CrossFittters, the author discussed the mental game needed to improve performance and overcome mental blocks. He gives very specific advice, you can implement immediately.
Verdict: CrossFitters it is $2.99 for the Kindle version- buy it!

Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum

     One of the best books I've read all year!  The author tells a moving story of abuse, despair and hope through multiple character's perspectives. Some may find some of the content disturbing, as children are mistreated physically and emotionally, but in the end good prevails in a realistic and uplifting way.
Verdict: Loved it!  Could barely put it down once I started reading it.

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

     Book 4 of Game of Thrones and it was a let down. It was terrible actually. All of the characters the author familiarized with in books 1-3 were missing.  Apparently, book 4 and 5 were meant to be one, but it was too long. Were is this guy's editor?
Verdict: Pretty much all of book 4 could be edited out.  Save yourself hours of reading and wiki it.

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R.Martin

     Book 5 of Game of Thrones. It was better than book 4, but not as good as book 1-3.  This series was meant to be a trilogy and so far there are SEVEN books planned but the author says there may also be an eighth. I am really begin to fear this series might be lost?
Verdict: Not giving up hope yet. Book 6 release date is 2014. Fingers crossed!