What’s On Your Nightstand – January 2011

It’s been a good month for reading. I am starting to get into ebooks a bit more, although it’s still disconcerting at times not to have the feel a real book gives you.

I have posted a few more reviews at 5 Minutes for Books since last month’s post. My favorite was a short novel by teaching pastor Stephen Arterburn called The Encounter – very powerful story. I also really enjoyed Susan May Warren’s new novel The Shadow of Your Smile and got in some useful nonfiction reading with 7 Money Rules for Life by Mary Hunt.

My most recent read was Gun Games by Faye Kellerman. Loved it, although I know it won’t be to everyone’s taste! While I’m still writing up that review, here are my thoughts of some of the other books I’ve read over the last month:

The Litigators by John Grisham – Not as gripping or fast-paced as some other Grisham books, but had some enjoyable moments. I’m not sure what it was specifically, but I just didn’t find that the characters or their problems pulled me in as much as I usually find with his stories. Still highly recommended compared to much of what is out there, just not my favorite of his. 3 out of 5 stars.

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata (2005 Newbery Medal Winner) – The writing seemed flat to me, and the outcome of the book seemed a foregone conclusion. Perhaps it might have been a better short story – the only part I really liked what the description of the word “kira-kira” in the beginning of the book. 1 out of 5 stars.

The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy – Tough book to review, as my opinion on it kept changing. There’s something about Healy’s writing that kept me coming back even when I wasn’t sure I would pick the book up again. I found the characters of Audrey and Diane to be mesmerizing, while the rest seemed woefully underdeveloped by comparison. I thought there would be much more of a sense of urgency throughout the book as well, but I only really sensed it toward the end. 3 out of 5 stars.

Beauty and the Werewolf (Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Book 6) by Mercedes Lackey – I think this was my favorite of this whole series so far. I read it in less than a day and enjoyed it thoroughly! Although it is essentially the tale of Beauty and the Beast, it opens with hints of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood and alludes to a number of other traditional tales as well. Isabella was the most intelligent and likable heroine in the 500 Kingdoms. I would definitely recommend this book. Reading the first book in the series might be a good idea, although not mandatory, as it would give you some background on how things work with Godmothers, the Tradition and such. 5 out of 5 stars.

Long Drive Home by Will Allison – This short but powerful novel is gripping in its intensity. The main character is a work-at-home dad who learns firsthand how seemingly insignificant choices can change your life, and that of your family, forever. 4 out of 5 stars.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey – Personally, I started reading the book without realizing that it was part of a series, and I don’t feel like I missed a thing. I was instantly drawn into the action and found the characters to be well-drawn and intriguing. I always enjoy reading Tricia’s books (and not just because we share a first name!), but I think the co-writing effort with Mike Yorkey added another dimension to the story, and it was great. I am definitely planning to go back and read the first book now. 4 out of 5 stars.

To read more posts or join in yourself, visit What’s On Your Nightstand? at 5 Minutes for Books.

How about you – what was your favorite read this month?

Related Posts:

• What’s On My Nightstand – April 2012
• What’s On My Nightstand – March 2012
• What Was on My Nightstand – February 2011

Tagged as: book reviews, books, What's On Your Nightstand?