I have to admit that I slogged through America’ First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. In fact, it was only until I realized that the book was due back to the library that I had a fire lit under me to get to it and finish it. While the story was interesting, the pace was too slow and I kept thinking I would abandon it over and over. I am glad I stuck with it, because it was an interesting story, but I don’t know that I would recommend it unless you’re a historical fiction fan.

Girl in the Woods by Aspen Matis has been on my to-read list for a long time. I am not even sure how it got there. It’s basically Wild with a different trigger. Aspen is raped her second day of college, ends up dropping out before the end of her freshman year, and to heal, hikes the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. At first, I wanted to give up on this – too much like Wild, but not as good. But, I am glad I stuck with it. Matis has a clear way of writing that pulls you in and engulfs you in her story. I found myself completely lost and wanting to find out her ending. I was surprised to learn that she had walked the trail and written the book before Strayed published Wild. In fact, her story was kind of scooped. Nevertheless, this is worth reading, even if you read Wild.

The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin is a fascinating story that pulls you in right from the start. No matter what your belief in reincarnation, The Forgetting Time certainly makes you believe it’s possible. Noah, four, is being raised by Jamie, a single mom. He won’t take baths, has terrible nightmares, and insists that Jamie returns him to his other mother. Psychiatrist after psychiatrist tell her there’s nothing wrong with Noah, but she knows something isn’t right. Enter Jerome Anderson, who studies children who have had past lives. He and Jamie work together to help Noah and, in doing so, solve a crime. It’s good reading that will keep you on the edge of your seat. My only complaint is that everything is solved long before the end of the book and it kind of fades out until the last page. On the whole, however, this was an enjoyable read.