Author: Ali Benjamin

Summary from Goodreads: This is the story of Suzanne and her personal loss of a dear friend. In an effort to cope with the world around her, she takes to learning about that around her including jellyfish, ants, and so much more.

Personal Review:
This book first of all has a beautiful cover. It is also about jellyfish, which is something I have always found to be interesting. Given those two things alone, I knew that I would need to read this one. I am glad that I did.
 
The story centers on Suzy and her loss of her friend to a tragic accident. While she chooses that he will be okay in a silent world, she must continue to make sense of the grief that is going around her. If there is one thing that the author did with this book, it was make a very real way to sense how hard this was for Suzy. Her ‘acting out’ spoke volumes for what she was going through and the quest to hold on to what she could about her friend.
 
This book was well written.
 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Missoula

Author: John Krakauer

Summary from Goodreads:
This is the story of a Montana town, Missoula and the series of sexual assaults that happened in the town. Between January 2008-May 2012, it was said that the Department of Justice investigated 350 sexual assaults.
 
Personal Review:
This was not an easy book to read. At many times, it was graphic and took me several days of putting it down, to promise myself I would come back. That said, the book was incredibly moving and very interesting to read. I grew up in the Midwest, where college football is a very big deal. I can see the setting for something similar to this to happen. That said, I hope it never does.
 
The author does an in-depth narrative to explain what was happening in the town at the time. He mentions the media’s influence, the legal pieces, the emotional pieces of both sides of the situations, and so much more.  I would recommend this book for those who have an interest in higher education and for  those who are looking for a gripping read.  
 
Happy Reading!

Book Review: Dumplin

Author: Julie Murphy

Summary from Goodreads:  
This is the story of Willowdean and her journey in discovering her confidence in herself. The story centers around a little romance, a beauty pageant, and learning that as you grow up-sometimes your friends change too.  Willow is a big fan of Dolly Pardon as well.
 
Personal Review:
I enjoyed this book.  I first picked it up since I heard that they were adapting it for a movie. I enjoy the comparison between the two and will be interested to see how they adapt it for the big screen. The book has a lot of moments that ‘come to life’ in my head and I hope that the movie does not disappoint.

The book had an interesting plot with a few twist and turns. I liked that the main character wore her heart on her sleeve and as a reader we got to experience the different emotions that she was experiencing at the time. I loved that there included references to Dolly Pardon, as I am too a big country fan. 

Happy Reading!