Among the Janeites by Deborah Yaffe

Non-fiction - 4 stars

I got this nook book on a whim, mainly because of my ever-increasing love for all things Jane Austen. This non-fiction work by journalist Deborah Yaffe is made up of profiles of a cross-section of members of the Jane Austen Society of  North America (JASNA) and beyond. From Cisco Systems co-founder Sandy Lerner, who spent $20 million of her buyout money on the purchase and renovation of Austen's Chawton House in England, to a speech pathologist who thinks Mr. Darcy and other characters have mild autism, to a nurse practitioner who sees "borderline personality disorder" in some of the characters, to Arnie, who sees subtle clues, disclosing a "shadow story" of abuse beneath the surface,Yaffe writes about fans, fanatics, scholars, and the occasional oddball who all have a deep love, if not obsession with Jane Austen and her works. I really enjoyed the witty style of Yaffe's writing, and I enjoyed learning about the society's founding and annual activities. mostly though, I learned that I am not alone in my love for Austen, and I learned that I am not nearly as fanatical as those profiled in the book. I just like Austen's writing, and her books make darn good movies.

The People of the Abyss by Jack London

Non-fiction - 4.5 stars

I did not know what to expect from this book, as London is mostly known for his Yukon-set fiction, but I will have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this piece of mostly non-fiction work. In many ways an essay on the social issues in the turn of the 20th century East End of London, The People of the Abyss is a peek into the lives of millions at that time and outlines the challenges faced by them to eek out a meager living. It also addresses the homeless situation, perpetuated by the laws and the social programs of the time - a problem we face even with today's homeless society. I really enjoyed this peek into history, a glimpse of the true horrid nature of life in places such as the famed Whitechapel. London pulls no punches describing the wretched nature of the impoverished subculture of workers and homeless. I highly recommend it for those interested in British History or for those interested in social history. Filled with monetary breakdowns of income vs. expenses and with the vivid descriptions that are true to London's style, this book is a true piece of history itself.

Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson

Non-fiction - 4 stars

In the irreverent Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson retells stories from her childhood with her sister, dealing with the antics of her absurd father. As she gets older, her husband, her daughter, and lots of psychiatric specialists help her uncover the surprising discovery that the most terribly human moments—the ones we want to pretend never happened—are the very same moments that make us the people we are today.

I got this book in a two-for-one sale with Craig Ferguson's, and I am so glad I did. Between Ferguson and Lawson, I laughed for two weeks straight. This book is hilarious, mainly because I can relate to many of the stories she tells, including one about a rattlesnake. I absolutely loved it.

American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson

Non-Fiction - 4.5 stars

In order to realize the American Dream, Craig Ferguson journeyed from the mean streets of Glasgow,  Scotland, to Hollywood. In American on Purpose, he recounts his stumbles through several attempts to make his mark—as a punk rock musician, a construction worker, a bouncer, and, tragically, a modern dancer.

Ferguson repeatedly used and abused drugs and alcohol, addictions that eventually led to an aborted suicide attempt. His success as a standup comedian eventually let to success on The Drew Carey Show and later as host of the Late Late Show. According to Ferguson, though, his greatest triumph was his decision to become a U.S. citizen, a milestone he achieved in early 2008.

I laughed out loud nearly the entire time I read this book. Ferguson is very matter-of-fact about his addiction, his failure, and his love, but his true talent is storytelling. I loved it, and I knew I liked him for a reason.  

Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Christian Non-Fiction - 3.5 stars

George and I decided to read this book because the author has successfully counseled Christian couples into more of an understanding of the needs of husbands vs. the needs of wives. It was informative and in many ways provided true life examples from the author's own marriage. Much of the information about behavior was well-known to me, but Dr. Eggerichs gives biblical explanations of the thoughts behind the behavior, and I appreciated the "why" aspect. I am very glad I read this book! 

John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith

(Youth) History - 5 stars

5 stars for a history book? you say. History books are so boring - Wrong! This book is a hilarious look at 5 (yes, 5) of the most influential men in early American history (John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson), as it places the characteristics most remembered about them into their personalities as children. It is targeted for the 6-8 year old crowd, but it is definitely enjoyable for kids of all ages. I laughed out loud when reading about each of them, and when reading the true/false section that sets the record straight in the back of the book. This is the perfect teaching tool for this 4th of July week. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves teaching kid, humor and history.  

The Life and Death of a Druid Prince by Anne Ross and Don Robins

Non-fiction - 4 stars
In August, 1984, a body was discovered in a peat bog in Lindow Moss, near Manchester, England. After further study, it was determined that the 2000-year old remains, known as "Lindow Man", belonged to a 30-year-old druid priest,  sacrificed to the gods in 60 A.D. following a series of disasters. Ross, a Celtic specialist and archaeologist, and Robins, a chemist specializing in archaeology, reconstructed the events around the sacrifice, even going so far as to determine his last meal. This book is for anyone interested in Druid beliefs and practices, history, and archaeology.

Giada at Home by Giada de Laurentiis

Non-Fiction/Cooking - 5 stars

I love this cookbook!!! Every single recipe I've made from it has been delicious and addictive. Giada plays with different flavors, and always comes up with a delectable Italian-American treat. My favorite? The Pomegranate Mint Sorbet. To die for on a hot summer day. My only complaint is an obsession with flat-leaf parsley. Not my favorite flavor, but I either omit or substitute with cilantro.

Note: Because I am reading the third book in the Game of Thrones series (A Storm of Swords), and it is around 1,047 pages, I will be posting other types of books for a while. Maybe a long while at the rate I'm reading it. :)

Hubble: Window on the Universe by Giles Sparrow

Non-Fiction - 5 stars

OK, this book gets 5 stars for the pictures alone. This was an early birthday present for Megan from Grandma and Paw paw Gilbert, and she loved it. Over 400 surreal images of planets, galaxies, and other cosmic entities are arranged and described in this large hardback gem. It is amazing what that telescope sends back from the depths of space. As a science buff, Megan was thrilled to have this one to add to her shelf.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond

Non-Fiction/Cooking - 5 stars

This book has been a staple in my house in the last year and a half. Simple recipes, awesome photography, and Ree's humor all lend to this being a great book. While definitely not for the most health-conscious among us, the recipes are not nearly as fat-filled and decadent as, say, Paula Deen's. They're just plain good cookin'. The photography is a bonus!

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Non-fiction - 3 stars

This is a cute little book written by a pastor from Nebraska whose four-year-old son, after a hospital ordeal with a burst appendix, tells his dad that he met Jesus and other family members in Heaven. Definitely not for the cynic, or those who do not believe in God, this book's message is about the power of prayer and God's love for us. I enjoyed reading it (only took me about 3 hours), and its message definitely left me thinking about my life as a Christian parent. Nothing earth-shattering or mind-blowing, just a sweet story.   

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

Non-fiction, 4.5 stars

Can you say "I-Am-A-Nerd?" And yes, I am that big of a nerd that I read Thomas Paine in my spare time. As part of my classics/new novel switch-off, I picked up Paine for relatively little on my nook, and I am glad I did. Anyone who wants to read the sentiment that was in the minds of American colonists prior to the Revolution needs to read this. It not only tells why, in particular, colonists wanted independence, but it also gives sound arguments against monarchy - even extending back to biblical times. This particular version has an introduction by, none other than, Diana Gabaldon. Short, compelling, and a slice of American History, this book has it all!

The Maul and the Pear Tree by P.D. James and T.A. Critchley

Non-Fiction - 3.5 stars - Really interesting and dry at the same time, this book depicts London murder investigations in 1811, before the establishment of Scotland Yard and a unified police force. The research is thorough, but the detail can be tedious at times. Worth the read if you are interested in the subject and the time.

eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Non-Fiction - 3 stars - While reviews were mixed about eat, pray, love, I enjoyed it. It was entertaining and pretty informative. Major detractions from the book - 1. The author's dramatic divorce and breakup are a little excessive on the melodrama; 2. Because of the breakups, the author decides to take off for a year to learn Italian in Italy, visit an Ashram in India, and visit a spiritual healer in Indonesia - this makes her a little difficult to relate to as most people cannot travel for a year to find themselves. Otherwise, a good read.

Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough

Non-Fiction - 4 stars - This was a tough read, not because it was dull or bad by any means, but because I'm not sure that I really like Teddy or not. David McCullough paints an excellent picture of Theodore Roosevelt as a child and young man. Definitely worth it.

Elizabeth: the Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey

Non-Fiction - 5 stars - Pompous, high-brow, pretentious - all words to describe David Starkey's writing style. That being said, this is a great book! It is the story of Elizabeth's years from birth to coronation, a time most biographies gloss over. It describes her relationship with Mary and Edward, and all of the intrigue surrounding her at all times. Very easy read for historical biography, and I savored every page. Thanks, Michelle!