How to Be More Patient by Greg Souchester

How to Be More Patient: An Essential Guide to Replacing Impatience with Patience by Greg Souchester
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It was fine. Like a good long article about patience, but lacking in substance. length and or motivating exercises (ala Marie Kondo, Dave Ramsey, 5:2/ADF, etc.).

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Nobody Is Ever Missing by Catherine Lacey

Nobody Is Ever Missing by Catherine Lacey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You have to be open to a different type of narrative when you read this book. Forget about where the main character is going physically and focus on where she is mentally and emotionally. I found myself highlighting line after line of the main character's thoughts and revelations, the way I often do when I read novels by Marilyn Robinson.

Here's a favorite example, "...I knew that everyone who was alive had trouble concentrating on life....”

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Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, I know it's a brilliantly written book, but I struggle with giving 5 stars to books I didn't enjoy much. It's not that it's a depressing story (it is), just that for me it was actively stressful to read. Also, I didn't care for the ending because I feel like that type of resolution is a cop out. Even no resolution can be better than that.

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The Language of Goldfish by Zibby Oneal

The Language of Goldfish by Zibby Oneal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of the few books I remember from reading when I was 11. Even though I can't clearly recall details of the book, I remember the mental illness theme, and I remember being very engaged by the main character in the book and how she experiences the world. Possibly I have a clearer memory of it because I reread it as I got older as well.

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The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My impression as an adult is that it’s outlandish. Drew puts herself in mortal danger and her father doesn’t even mind. However, I appreciate what the book suggests about values with regard to money and inheritance.

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The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe

The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A classic jam. My favorite part is that the young man sets up his own bad answers.

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5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great by Terri L. Orbuch

5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great by Terri L. Orbuch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The part I thought was most valuable was Chapter 2 on Incentives and Rewards (p.56-86). Although the first chapter had good information as well, I don't think it was organized in the best way possible. The rest of the book didn't feel that helpful but as other reviewers have stated maybe this is just because our marriage is already on really solid footing.

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The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Decent book with a straight-forward concept. Worth reading and discussing with spouse, but I don't think it's life-changing or marriage-changing on its own as it claims.

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The Alternate-Day Diet by James B. Johnson

The Alternate-Day Diet Revised: The Original Up-Day, Down-Day Eating Plan to Turn on Your "Skinny Gene," Shed the Pounds, and Live a Longer and Healthier Life by James B. Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the 5:2 diet book first, and I thought the nutrition and food politics was presented better in that book. Although I do think it's necessary to follow to the more rigorous ADF diet instead of 5:2 to lose weight. (Or at least 4:3.)

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How Fiction Works by James Wood

How Fiction Works by James Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is great. I've been reading all wrong. Haha. Really great discussion of various elements to good literary writing. And now I want to read every book listed in the bibliography.

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