The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not sure how much I liked this when I read it as a kid because I don't remember it that well, but it stands the test of time! What a fun children's fantasy book! I want to bring all the toys to life!

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Our Man in Iraq by Robert Perišić

Our Man in Iraq by Robert Perišić
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The novel takes place in Zagreb, Croatia, and one thing that really stands out about this novel is how Croatia seems both completely foreign and very familiar at the same time. Parts of it could definitely take place in Brooklyn instead of Zagreb. The economic and career fear in particular is very familiar and relevant in America right now. The translation appears seamless and I mostly forgot it was in translation even in the scenes where the characters speak English. The beginning of the novel is a little crazed, but it settles in to an interesting and fairly straightforward narrative. Definitely worth reading.

Full disclosure: My husband signed a contract with Black Balloon Publishing.

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (#6) by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's hard to believe that Harry is so clever about so many things, and he is not at all clever about the title of this book. Sigh.

Why does Dumbledore not have his own Marauder’s Map? Why does Harry tell adults everything he sees but not mention the disappearances?

This one is also more upsetting to read after having experienced the illness of a loved one than it was the first time I read it. In general, it's not a super fun one to re-read.

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Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher

Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Fisher's writing is often interesting and funny, but overall the book seemed to be missing a plot or maybe just any structure? It was too loosey-goosey.

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Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Really quick read! Hilarious but not in-depth enough at all. I love her quote about reaching heaven by backing away from hell.

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In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a simple, straightforward, short explanation of what you should be putting into your body and why. Basically, real food, mostly fruits and vegetables, and not too much food. If only following this advice were as easy as learning it.

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Family Affair by Debbie Macomber

Family Affair by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cute little romance. It doesn’t pass the Bechdel test or any feminist test you might devise but what romance book does? The ending moves too quickly for me, but that’s the trade-off for the quick, one-sitting read.

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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I owned this book for many years before I picked it up to read it because I moved to Brooklyn, though I live in Cobble Hill the main character Francie lives in Williamsburg. I felt less of a connection to the location- Brooklyn is not what it once was- and more of a connection to the main character. She loves books and she loves learning, and she tries to push her brother to learn too. I also enjoyed how the relationship between Francie and her mother develops as they both "bloom."

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A Separate Peace by John Knowles

A Separate Peace by John Knowles
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

We had to read this in high school and I hated it then. I recently reread it to see if I still hate it and I do. First of all, the main character has no sense of the significance of World War II. The only good part of the entire book is how well the author captures that sense of anger that those we love the most can inspire-- but nothing is ultimately made of it. The main character regrets his feelings and actions and even tries in a limited way to take responsibility but the whole literary exercise feels pointless, boring, and despicable all at once.

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Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is full of interesting information. I think it might be helpful while trying to conceive, but personally I wouldn't use it's birth control method. Also, I think the book is too full of personal stories, that aren't especially interesting. I'd borrow a copy or check it out from the library, but definitely don't buy it unless you decide to employ it's system of birth control.

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