I have heard nothing but good reviews of The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs and was really excited to read it. It certainly didn’t disappoint. It was a fascinating and, indeed, tragic story. While I hate to say it, there were some flaws in the writing and it slogged a bit midway through and toward the end. But I was compelled to find out what had happened to Rob Peace. Why had his life, with so much potential, derailed so tragically? I am not sure that, even having read it, I can completely understand his story. And, I thought that perhaps the author (Peace’s college roommate at Yale) was too close to the story. However, there is no doubt that Hobbs cared very much for his roommate and did exhaustive research to understand Peace better. At the end of the day, though, I think the story could have been more effectively told in fewer words. I am glad I read the book, though, and so sad for this truth both for the environment in Newark and also for Rob’s family and friends.

It was hard to pick up a new book after reading The Girl on the Train (for a good review, read Gayle Weisswaser’s most recent post on her wonderful blog, Everyday I Write the Book). That’s what always happens when I love a book. However, Station Eleven was another one that drew you right in from the first scene. I am not entirely sure what to make of Station Eleven, however. It was a great read and I had trouble putting it down each night, but at the same time, it was disconcerting. I enjoyed the ins and outs of the characters and how they tied together. I liked the moving back in forth both in time and place. But, the open-ended quality and missing details frustrated me. It was almost too devoid of detail in many instances. Part of that lack of depth was effective and contributed to the disquiet you should have felt as you read it. But another part was like a niggling itch that you can’t quite get to. Overall, though, this was an interesting glimpse into a post-apocalyptic America and a book that I very much enjoyed reading.

Even though I had a few books on the nightstand, I decided that I had heard too many good things about The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins not to give it a go (thanks for the recommendation, Nina!). I treated myself to actually purchasing it for my Kindle and was drawn in immediately. You should run right out to buy this one. It’s a great read and totally engrossing. I thought about it all day and was so excited each night to read it. It is absolutely worth the price!

Delicious, by Ruth Reichl was aptly named in all ways. Not only did I devour this book today (unexpected snow day), but all the food descriptions made me want to cook up something scrumptious. It was certainly a fluff book, not too deep, but perfect for a long day of hunkering down under a blanket and just relishing a good story. Looking for something light, fun, and fast? With the added bonus of partial epistolary-ness, it was really a pleasure.

After a bunch of false starts and abandoned ships, I finally picked up something that sustained my attention, The Possibilities by Kaui Hart Hemmings. While the storyline was somewhat predictable, this was a short and interesting story about a mother whose son died in an avalanche. The story picks up after the death as she has gotten back to work and as she picks up the pieces of her life. The characters are pleasing and the story is full of possibility (sorry). I was glad to read it and get myself back on the reading track.

In the last few days I started and abandoned about 80-100 pages into both of these books. I didn’t like the characters and wasn’t drawn into either story. Looking for something good…

Us by David Nicolls

The Hundred Year House by Rebecca Makkai

Then I started and abandoned this:

The Gods of Heavenly Punishment by Jennifer Cody Epstein

I am sure these are good books, but I couldn’t get into them. Life is too short to not enjoy what you are reading!

Heft by Liz Moore is another book which I have had on my list for a while and have renewed from the library 3 times before picking it up. I don’t know how it got on my list (I should keep better track of this since I am always curious when I like a book to know its source). What a delightful book. It was sad, for sure, and all the characters could be pitied, but it had such hope and hopefulness that it was a joy to read. We learn about Arthur, a former professor, who has not left his house in many years and is severely obese, his former student and penpal over the years, and the penpal’s son. Their lives weave together, apart, and then together again. I enjoyed reading it so much that I was sorry when it was over.

I have had The Boys in the Boat on my list (and my nightstand) since I purchased it over the summer. It’s rare that I purchase books and so I usually read them right away. Too many other books from the library kept coming and I put this one aside, knowing I would get to it, but not feeling particularly pressed to, even though I heard over and over how wonderful it was. Once I started, though, even though I knew the outcome, I could not put the book down. The writing was so interesting, fluid, and compelling. Crew is not an interest of mine, but like Seabiscuit (horses not being an interest of mine either), there was a pull to the prose that drew me in and had me on the edge of my seat. I cannot say enough good things about this book and I urge you to run out and grab it immediately!

The Objects of Her Affection was another airplane read. It was a super quick one and I really enjoyed it. While I couldn’t understand Sophie’s stealing, I understood her love of her home and her motivation. It was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. There was nothing too deep in this one, but it kept me busy while I was trapped in the air!