February is done which means it’s time for my 7-Word Book Reviews. If you’re looking for a good March read, maybe you’ll be interested in adding these to your ever-growing stack of books on the nightstand.
What’s on my list?
To whet your appetite—a book of short stories from one of my favorite authors, a Vietnamese refugee story with an Arkansas tie, a male coming-of-age tale, a novel turned Oscar-nominated movie, and a nature story to remind us of our connection to the wider world.
Yes, these five reads added hours of enjoyment to the cold, short month of February.
The Overstory
by: Richard Powers
7-Word Review: Connection over trees provides powerful nature story.
Favorite line: What you make from a tree should be at least as miraculous as what you cut down.
This book is a love story as well as a lament to earth’s trees. Oh so cleverly written! (Thank you Carolyn N. for the recommendation.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Book of Moon
by: George Crowder
7-Word Review: Quirky, somewhat irreverent coming of age story.
Favorite line: Why do so many religious people feel an overwhelming compulsion to talk you into enlisting with them? It feels like one giant pyramid scheme.
This book drew me in from the first sentence. A realistic, quiet, snarky book about childhood angst. The Book of Moon has been called the Catcher in the Rye for the selfie generation. I agree. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a Good Time:
Stories from American Postcards
by: Robert Olen Butler
7-Word Review: Every vintage postcard tells an intriguing story.
Favorite line: Say, we’re just trying to get out of childhood in one piece, all of us.
This book provides charming tales of Americana inspired by scribblings written on old postcards. As a collector of vintage postcards myself, I wonder why I didn’t think of this??? Because I’m not Robert Olen Butler. That’s why. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Wife
by: Meg Wolitzer
7-Word Review: Thanks to wife, husband wins Helsinki Prize.
My favorite line: Writers need light. They always tell you this, as though they’re parched, as though they’re plants, as though the page they’re working on would look completely different with a southern exposure.
This book is an example of how two unlikeable characters can still make for a compelling story. (I saw the movie after reading the book. The Hollywood-ized versions of both Joe and Joan Castleman are more likable. The book provided relationship background that I believe made the movie richer for me.) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where the Wind Leads:
A Refugee Family’s Miraculous Story
of Loss, Rescue, and Redemption
by: Vinh Chung
7-Word Review: Refugee family flees Vietnam; resettles in Arkansas.
My favorite line: The one-way bus ticket was symbolic of what my parents had been saying to me all my life: all we can do is get you there; after that it’s up to you.
This book reminded me that I have no reason to complain. Ever. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
***
Alrighty. That’s it for my 7-word book reviews for February 2019. And since today is National Grammar Day, let’s all pay extra attention to our use of apostrophes. LOL.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
P.S. CLICK HERE to hear the KUAR Arts and Letters radio show episode about Robert Olen Butler and his book Had a Good Time. It’s fantastic!
I’m always interested in your book lists. I pin them and refer to them when I’m looking for something to read. There is never enough time to read everything I want to read but thank goodness for my list.
I agree – never enough time!