Books, books, books

Well, I have been able to read several books this summer. East of Eden was by far my favorite. In addition to that one, I read

• The Historian: This took me a long time to read, but it was good. It tells the story from two points of view: the father and the daughter. I found it was always more interesting when the father was relaying a story. Thankfully, within the first quarter of the book the author begins to use the father as the primary storyteller instead of trading off between the two. I found myself interested in the story and the history, but wondering how on earth she (the author) would be able to resolve the book without sounding trite. The ending was just what you would expect and it wasn't the best part of the book. Overall, I'd recommend it.
  
• My Friend Leonard: This is the second book from James Frey (A Million Little Pieces). This book has the same disjointed writing style, but it still keeps your attention. I did not think this "story" (it's autobiographical so I don't know how much you'd call it a story...) was as well-told as Million, but it was intense. I felt his pain at losing so many people so brutally. It's a quick read and I liked it. I'd recommend you read A Million Little Pieces. If you like that (and I haven't met anyone who didn't), then try My Friend Leonard. If nothing else maybe you'll see that you can be responsible for yourself, give to others, and still make something of yourself without making excuses for what could have been.
  
• The Innocent: Ah, Harlen Coben. This are the best mysteries you'll come across. After you read two of them, though, you'll know what you're in for and you just never quite get that feeling of the first one back. But you can't put the book down either, whether it's your first or your fifth. Every one of his books has thrown me a curve ball at the end. The best part is that these are great poolside books and you can read it quickly. Bottom line: read it.
  
• Playground: This book su-hucked. I knew it would. I specifically picked it out to read on our trip from Tulsa to Iowa for a family reunion. I was sure that I'd be able to pick it up and put it down without worrying about missing anything. That way, if the kids needed something I could attend to them without worrying what would happen next in my book. (Seriously, when I'm reading, don't bother me.) This book is the true story of some girl growing up at the Playboy Mansion; her dad IS the Dr. Feelgood you've heard about. She has a pathetic life and she blames it all on her dad and her mom. She takes absolutely no responsiblity for her decisions. Of course, I have to cut her some slack because she was just a kid, yadda, yadda, yadda. Whatever. Get over it and get on with it. She is the antithesis of James Frey. Forget this book.
  
• Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Just what you'd think if you've been reading HP. It's good. Read it. Can't really discuss more than that in case you haven't read it yet.

My current "to read" list looks like this:

• Miracle at Philadelphia: Discussion of how the Constitution was drafted.
  
• From Sea to Shining Sea: Historical fiction of Lewis and Clark's expedition
  
• Shadow in the Night: for book club. Sort of a mystery. I'll have to let you know more about it after I've read it.
  
• Angle of Repose: for book club
  
• Founding Brothers: Discussion of our founding fathers and the politics that went on behind the scenes.