Author: Alexi Zentner

Summary from Goodreads:

This book follow the Kings family in their lobster fishing home, Loosewood Island. The story is one of love, loss, and about Cordelia’s own coming of age in a world dominated typically by males. Part of the story reflects on the history of the land, while meeting the present day challenges that go along with the field they work in.

Disclaimer: I was awarded this book in a Goodreads giveaway. While I did not pay for the book, the opinions expressed in this book are strictly my own.

Personal Review:

What a book! I found it to be very well written with vivid images describing happens in the lobster fishing field. In addition to the demands that the sea has for the family to be successful, a parallel track was written outlining the demanding lines that family can have on a person as they inherit the family legacy. This story was filled with a lot of sibling rivalry.

I found myself emotionally very invested in this book. Imagination is a strong suit for the author. I think because I was so caught up in it though, it felt very roller coaster like to me. There were ups and downs, good and bad. I think some of the 'bad' were a little hard for me to stomach as were some extreme acts. That said though, I can understand the inclusion of them in the book. I just personally tend to not perfer those extremes.

 

All in all, I have to say that I enjoyed the book.

Happy Reading! 

Book Review: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

Author: Matthew Quick

Summary from Goodreads:
This is the story of Leonard Peacock and the course of his day, which happens to be his birthday. He has made the incredibly hard decision that this will be the day he will not only kill himself, but also his former best friend. A gripping story that leaves you wondering how it will all turn out, the book takes you through a variety of emotions, page by page.  

Personal Review:
Let me start off by saying, what a book! This book was quite the roller coaster of a read. The author writes with an honesty that makes you want to reach out and give Leonard a hug, that somehow it will be okay, and to let him know that the world is better because he is in it.
 
I want to be honest, it was hard for me to read that someone would want to do this to another person and to himself. Even when you discover the reason behind it, it was very hard for me to relate to the situation and how much pain he must have been in. That said, I think that this is a very real topic and I am glad that the author was willing to step up to the plate to address it. He creates a world that makes sense for Leonard. In all thoughts, we soon discover a central theme that all of our actions have consequences. That reaching out to take care of one another is important. People do matter.
 
I was drawn into the part where the author discusses how Leonard follows people on the train and picks out the saddest person. I take the train on nearly a daily basis for work and I often think of those others that are on the train with me. The workplace can take its toll on a person and the way that was captured was done in a very real way.

All in all, not sure what I expected from this book. It was a read that made me think. I appreciate that.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Very Good Lives

 Author: J.K. Rowling

Summary from Goodreads:
J.K. Rowling was asked to deliver the commencement address at Harvard in 2008. This book is her speech in one short, concise place. The book discusses two major themes: it is okay to fail and that with imagination all things are possible.

A very quick read, recommend for anyone looking for a little motivation.

Personal Review:
J.K. Rowling is probably most noted for the Harry Potter series, so when you find she has written other things I find it always a treat. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Harry Potter too (#teamhufflepuff) but I like when I can see the other works she is doing.

This speech shed some new insight for me about the childhood of this author. I like that she showcases her desire to do something and not succeed right away. I love that she learned lessons and made the best of her situation, even when she was not doing exactly what she wanted in life (while working for Amnesty International). I love that she let her dreams become realities.  A perfect quick read to celebrate graduation season!

Happy Reading!