May started off poorly for me (that whole first week and half looked like this, so pleasure reading was low on the list of priorities). But once school ended, I dived nose first into more books than I could handle at once. I think at one point I was in the middle of seven different books, which is a lot for me. I usually prefer to take it one book at a time, but with the luxury of summer upon me I couldn't help over-indulging. Unfortunately, even though school is over, I still have this little thing called being-a-mom-of-two-small-children that tends to suck up A TON of time, so only three of those books actually got finished. But they were three mighty enjoyable reads.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
This is one of those books that you just can't describe to people. I know, I tried describing it to my husband, but as I did so I just couldn't find the words: "It's about this family, and they drive a trailer across North Dakota..." Yeah. Without giving away spoilers, that about sums up the plot, and even I think that sounds lame. But no! This book is SO GOOD!!! This book is beautiful, and deep, and touched those places in my mind and heart that only the best books can touch. This is what good literature looks like. This is possibly even one worth owning. I can't praise this one enough. Absolutely recommend this one.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Back in middle school, my dad introduced me to Isaac Asimov, and from then on I was super hooked on science fiction. It just really tickles that nerdy side of me that wanted to minor in physics in college (I minored in French instead, which lead to a study abroad in Paris, so I don't regret that decision at all). Anyway, I'm a little bit flabbergasted about how I managed to miss out on this one back then, because it is a CLASSIC of science fiction. I mean, people allude to this book so much I was already well aware of spice, and worms, and mind-bending travel before I cracked the spine. So what did I think? It was good. It was epic. I'm glad I read it. I'm not sure I feel compelled to read the rest of the series, but I'm glad to have this one under belt, if just so I can allude to it intelligently myself when I converse with other sci-fi enthusiasts. Do I recommend it? Eh, only if you're really into sci-fi. Otherwise, don't bother. But it was definitely a fun world to get lost in for a bit.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Oh, this one was beautiful. I LOVE this type of poetry novel (Out of the Dust was one of my favorites from my own adolescence), and I love even more the autobiographical nature of this one. Woodson's life story is poignant and powerful, and she is able to express such complex emotions in such a beautifully simple way. I loved hearing about her experience living through the Civil Rights movement, how the ideas and events of the time affected her young life. I used to fancy myself a poet, back in the angsty days of adolescence, and if I ever pick it up again, this is the type of poetry I'd hope to be able to write. Really readable, lyrical, succinct, but packing a punch. Good stuff.
I read "Peace Like a River" maybe 6 years ago. The only thing I remember about it was that I didn't finish it before it was due back at the library. I remember trying to cram in the last few pages walking towards the book return. And then I never checked it out again. Maybe I should re-read it!
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