The Residence - Kate Andersen Brower

The Residence

Title: The Residence: Inside the Private World of The White House

Author: Kate Andersen Brower

Publication Date: 4/7/15

Pages: 352

Genre: Political / Historical / Nonfiction

How I Found It: TLC Book Tours

Date Completed: 4/10/15

Summary: After interviewing dozens of White House staff members from over the years, Brower has compiled an interesting collection of stories and insights regarding what goes on in the private part of America's most famous house.

What I Thought: I am a political nerd. I am the girl who is stoked for the 2016 election, rather than immediately blocking anyone who mentions it on Facebook (ok, I am doing some of that, too. Come on, people. Think and research before you post!). Even more than my political interests, however, I am fascinated with the process and persons of the presidency. Pretty much from the moment my mom I made a White House replica from styrofoam in the fourth grade, I have loved the house, its history, and the stories it's held.

Take Tuesday: Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay

Some books are just so good, you have to read them again. And some books deserve a second chance. And some books I think about and change my opinion or have more to say. Take Tuesday is a chance to do just that. 

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publication Date: 8/24/10

Pages: 400

Genre: The Hunger Games / Dystopian / Young Adult / Fiction

Previous Readings: 2010 / 3/29/12

Date Completed This Time: 3/11/15

Summary: After being rescued from the collapsing arena during her second Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen finds herself in the mysterious District 13. Despite suffering from some serious PTSD, Katniss is expected to serve as the face of the revolution against the Capitol.

What I Thought Before: I first reviewed this book for the blog back in 2012, then I gave some revised thoughts in 2014 when I reviewed the film adaptation. First time around, I complained the book was hurried and left important action unexplained. I called it "a rocky conclusion" to the series. Two years later, I was singing a slightly different tune - one I continue to stand by.

What I Think Now: I think I explained my stance pretty well in that 2014 post, so I'll let it speak for itself and then add some additional comments:

April 2015 Chapter

Welcome to the Read.Write.Repeat. monthly wrap-up.  Every month, I give a quick overview of what books I read, the progress made on the 100 Best Novels goal, a few book-related links, and general blog news.  

April News 

My adoration of North Carolina spring continues. I'm obsessed. My allergies are not nearly as bad here, the colors are amazing, and the weather is divine.

The last month has been a wonderful realization of life as I thought it would be when we first moved. No formal work hours, just online teaching and tutoring. I spent an entire week immersed in thesis writing and it is now officially done! As of this week, I have completed my Master of Liberal Arts and could not be prouder. On to the doctorate!

We are fully immersed in a house hunt and hope to buy sometime in the next few months. Meanwhile, it looks like I will be spending the summer putting in some hours at a local boutique which sells attire and home decor by local artists and fair trade organizations. The owner is in our small group at church; she also has two adorable little girls who I may quasi-nanny a bit as well. The first thing I told Kevin was that I'm bringing all my children's books back from my parents' house next time we visit so I can read to them all. summer. long. All in all, the summer is looking more and more appealing. Oh, and best of all, my sister and her husband are moving to NC, just a few hours from us! I feel like I want to use #blessed without being cliché...but I'm not sure that's possible. So, let me just say how thankful I am for the life I get to lead. It's not perfect and we certainly have our share of struggles, but overall I know I have far more than I deserve.

As far as the blog goes, I must admit I have been feeling some fatigue lately. I think it's just been the push of finishing grad school and feeling the pressure there. I am hoping to find some fresh inspiration and motivation this summer. I am reading more than ever and loving what I am reading, but writing has been a struggle some days.

This month, Movie Monday covered Holes and Gone Girl, two movies which could not be more different. I read 12 books, which seems crazy and about accurate. I am in the middle of a whole bunch right now - I have been loving the library lately - and excited about most of them! If you are looking for fun reads this summer, I promise to hook you up!

Madam President - Nicolle Wallace

Madam President

Title: Madam President

Author: Nicolle Wallace

Publication Date: 4/28/15 

Pages: 352

Genre: Political / Thriller / Fiction

How I Found It: NetGalley

Date Completed: 4/4/15

Summary: Three powerful women of Washington contribute their stories of one day in (fictional) White House history. While President Charlotte Kramer, Secretary of Defense Melanie, and Press Secretary Dale start out working through a normal day, things change quickly when the country comes under attack.

What I Thought: I really wanted to like this book. Actually, I wanted to love it. I adore the idea of a primarily female administration, such as depicted here. And, as well documented here on the blog, I am big into behind-the-scenes stuff on world leaders. The fact that I'm currently watching through The West Wing for about the 10th time speaks to that.

Yet, for all its attempt at reaching audiences like me, I just don't think Madam President has the votes. Ok, sorry, that was a sad political pun. But seriously...this book just didn't capture me the way I know it was intended to. 

Movie Monday: Gone Girl

Gone Girl

When opportunity arises, I feature Movie Monday. I recognize few people have the time or desire to read the amount I do, especially when it comes to the 100 Best Novels list. Luckily, Hollywood loves adapting a classic and I love a good story in any form.

Film Title: Gone Girl

Book Title: Gone Girl

Release Year: 2014

Summary: Nick Dunne's wife, Amy, disappears on their fifth anniversary. All signs point to his involvement and some sort of foul play. There is more going on, however, than what appears on the surface and Nick has to figure it out before the police do.

What I Thought: If you've been around the blog long, you know I've spoken highly of this book. It's absolutely not for everyone. I told my own mother to skip it. It's gritty and dark to an extreme. It's like watching Breaking Bad - you walk away feeling dirty (at least that's what Kevin says. I have yet to jump on that particular train). 

We were both psyched for the movie pretty much as soon as we closed the cover of the book. We both have read all three of Flynn's novels (Gone Girl is the cheeriest of the bunch, if you can believe that). We had tentatively planned on seeing it in theatres, an honor we Netflix loyalists bestow on few movies. After being told the film contained excessive sexual content, we opted to hold out for the Blu-ray. After all, you can always fast forward at home, a luxury not afforded in a cinema setting.

So, here we are, months after the film actually came out. I feel so delinquent in sharing my thoughts.

The Bookseller - Cythnia Swanson

The Bookseller

Title: The Bookseller

Author: Cynthia Swanson

Publication Date: 3/3/15

Pages: 352

Genre: Historical / Fiction

How I Found It: TLC Book Tours

Date Completed: 4/4/15

Summary: Kitty Miller, Denver resident in 1962, lives a happy life as a single woman and co-owner of a bookstore. Suddenly, she begins having dreams where she lives life as Katharyn Andersson in Denver 1963. The longer she stays in the dreams, the more she wants to stay and the less certain she is which one is reality. 

What I Thought: I flew through this book, reading the whole thing in a day or two. While its not perfect, it's an absolutely charming first novel. I think, particularly within a community that reads so many first novels, it's easy to become jaded and expect some combination of mediocrity, inexperience, and an author still trying to find her voice. I, personally, was very impressed with Swanson's introductory efforts with this book.

I think what made it interesting was knowing from the start that both realities could not be sustained. You knew one would have to be put aside by the end of the book. Yet, Swanson keep you tied to both, rooting for each one to be the "real" one at different points. I appreciated the gradual understanding you gained of Katharyn's world. What appears in the beginning to be perfection slowly reveals its cracks and hardships. 

To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee

To Kill A Mockingbird

Title: To Kill A Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Publication Date: 7/11/60

Pages: 336

Genre: Historical / Classic / Fiction

How I Found It: Had to reread for my Gender in Contemporary Literature course

Previous Readings: Many. The first of which was in sixth or seventh grade.

Date Completed: 3/7/15

Summary: A quiet Southern town is rocked when a poor, white girl accuses a black man of raping her. The novel itself centers around Scout and Jem Finch, children of lawyer Atticus Finch, who is defending the accused, Tom Robinson.

What I Thought: Where do I even begin?

This is my favorite book. Of them all. 

Kevin bought me the hardcover 50th anniversary edition for my birthday a few years back because my old paperback copy from middle school was literally falling apart. It was right about that time I knew I was going to marry him. The gift of TKAM must have subconsciously sealed it for me. To this day, it is probably my favorite gift he has ever given me. 

So why is it my favorite book? I've read so many - probably  thousands at this point in my life. To be honest, I am not completely sure I can articulate it for you. Reading it for the first time at the cusp of adolescence certainly had something to do with it. Nothing like reading a coming of age novel as you yourself are doing so.