#4: The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

I finished The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells yesterday.  I think the story behind this book is good, but I just thought some of the things brought up weren't compelling enough to make such family drama.  I also thought the dialogue of the book was really "cheesy".  There's only so many times I can hear the word "y'all" before wanting to gouge my eyeballs out.  I think this could have been a great story, but I think some secrets that should have been told weren't and others just felt rushed.  I also didn't really like the characters in the book.  I felt sorry for them, but not enough to really love the characters.  Maybe a little harsh since I didn't dislike the book.  I just thought it was okay.

Now reading:  Double Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

#3: The Yellow Birds

Today I finished The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers.  This was the story of war in Iraq.  It is the story of Bartle and Murphy.  Bartle makes a promise to Murphy's mom to keep his safe during the war.  The story covers their time in the war and Bartle's return home.  Like most war stories, it is very sad.  I have respect for soldiers, but I could NEVER fight in a war.  The images described by Powers seemed so realistic, most likely because he was actually in the war.  I just feel so bad for Bartle and can't imagine how he could ever get over what happened to him and Murphy and the others.  I don't always understand everything that happened and maybe that is for the best.....  A very sad, but well written read.

Up next:  Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

#2: The Bridges of Madison County

I just finished The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller.  I have never seen the movie and never really cared to read the book, but I would love to visit these bridges some day.  I saw the book at Levi's grandma's house.  She told me the book was terrible, even though she never read it.  I decided to bring it home and give it a try since it is short.  Here is my review on goodreads:

I liked this book more than I thought I would.  I wasn't expecting it to be good based off of what other people told me about the book and movie.  It was a very quick read and a "four day love story".  I didn't really care for the character of Francesca, just because I don't like people who have affairs.  I did like how the affair ended though.  I still feel sorry for Robert and wished things would have been different for him.  So not my favorite book, but better than I expected.

I'm glad I finally read the book.  I don't really have any desire to watch the movie, but I would love a trip to the covered bridges sometime this summer or fall. 

Up Next:  The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers

#1: Rav Hisda's Daughter

I just finished my first book from my new book challenge.  The book was Rav Hisda's Daughter:  Book 1 The Apprentice by Maggie Anton.  This is a book about love, religion, and spells.  I found the whole story really interesting.  The main character is Hisdadukh or "Dada".  She is the youngest child of Rav Hisda.  The story starts out with Rav Hisda asking Dada which boy she wants to marry, Rami or Abba?  She in response answers "Both of them" and Abba says "I want to be the last one".
 We then see a struggle of jealousy between Rami and Abba to compete for her love by impressing her father in their studies.  Dada is the main character, but we receive a lot of information about all her family members, several students, and the local women who cast spells for people.  I was really attached to Dada and felt happy when she was happy and sad when she was sad.  I can't really tell too much about the story without spoiling some important parts, but I will say that I look forward to reading the 2nd book in this series when it is written.

Up Next:  The Bridges of Madison County