enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

february book report

Screen Shot 2015-02-12 at 3.54.26 PM

Here we go! 

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson / I love going into books with no clue as to what I am going to get. This was one of those books. It's young adult (which I realize I read a lot of, but tends not to be my favorite) and a very quick read. I figured out one of the big plot points early, but it was still twisty and smart and surprising. Fun one.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson / I didn't love this book, but it was all I had and so I kept reading. Usually I have to convince myself to put books down to turn off the light and fall asleep but this one put me to sleep after just a few pages each night. That's awful, but sadly true. I didn't end up finishing. Only 20 pages to go and I finally realized I could give up. In the past I haven't mentioned the books I don't get through, but I resolved this year I'd share it all. Plus, the reviews on amazon are good so I'm sure many will enjoy this.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion / I adored this. The main character was offbeat, charming and I loved the way he thought things through. It was laugh outloud funny and though not realistic somehow still so real. I looked forward to reading this one each night and wish it had taken longer to get through.

The Kings Curse by Phillipa Gregory / these historical novels are my guilty pleasure. I think I've almost read them all? And my only regret is that I didn't wait until they were all out and then read them in time order. I love reading basically the same story (Tudor England) as told from so many (strong female) perspectives. 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes / so many folks had recommended this to me and I finally picked it up from the library. Oofta. All the feelings. It's a love story but it's also a "love life" story. And I (obviously) loved that. Highly recommend.

What are you reading?

+

Today on ELISE GETS CRAFTY I'm chatting with the couple behind Pinch of Yum about transparency in business. Maybe my favorite topic! Subscribe on iTunes or stream here.

Other posts you might enjoy: 

 

Posted in

46 responses to “february book report”

  1. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    I’ve had The Rosie Project on my list for ages – so many people say it’s excellent! I love books which leave you wanting more at the end – it’s so deliciously frustrating.
    I’ve just finished The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, which I really enjoyed- there’s a lout of themes around identity and motherhood, which I think you might find interesting. I’ve just picked up Wild by Cheryl Strayed as well – I’m hoping I enjoy it as much everyone says I will!

    Like

    Reply
  2. Naomi Avatar
    Naomi

    I’ve heard good things about Me Before You but never tried it. Might give it a go after your review!
    I’m just about to start The Bees which looks really great, and I recently finished The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry which I loved. I don’t know if you’ve read it but I’d be interested to hear if non-British readers enjoy it as much, the English countryside is a huge part of the story.

    Like

    Reply
  3. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    I’ve just started Outlander. I waited patiently for the show on Starz and was hooked right away. I’m 20+ years late to this bandwagon, but better late than never!!

    Like

    Reply
  4. Debra Carr Avatar
    Debra Carr

    Just read Eleanor & Park and Elizabeth is Missing. Both good, quick reads. Each took around two nights to read. The first one shocked me because I was almost sure I wouldn’t like it but loved it. The Kings Curse is on my list (waiting to get hold of my Mum’s copy) and I’ve just started reading Catch 22, one of those books I feel I should have read years ago but have only just got round to. Love your short, sharp, to the point book reviews by the way!

    Like

    Reply
  5. cat@jugglingact Avatar
    cat@jugglingact

    Also loved The Rosie Project and Me Before you. Am busy reading What Milo saw and enjoying it

    Like

    Reply
  6. JC Avatar
    JC

    I love everything by Phillipa Gregory and just finished the kings curse as well. I then had to have a netflix binge watching The Tudors because you know.
    I really like how that book showed the other side to the story, I think it touched so much more on the affect the kings reign had on the people not just the nobility.

    Like

    Reply
  7. Casie Avatar
    Casie

    5 books in one month! Amazing!
    I am reading “the fringe hours” after Ali Edwards blog post on it. Finding it interesting.

    Like

    Reply
  8. Marian Avatar
    Marian

    I have to agree with JC, I luuuurve everything by Phillipa Gregory! Such a fabulous perspective on history! And suitably trashy to feel illicit and girly, but still based enough on actual events to feel like you’re learning a few titbits on the way!! Win-win!! 😀

    Like

    Reply
  9. Jae Avatar
    Jae

    I just finished Insurgent (finally!) since I started in November. I’m about to start with Why We Broke Up tonight…

    Like

    Reply
  10. Marina Avatar
    Marina

    I’m telling you! You are my getting things done inspiration! =) last year I read 14 books the most I had read in a LONG time. This year I’m going for 24 but so far when I get in bed and start reading I’m out like a light. I am trying to read from books I already have on hand so I started with an old book club pick My Name is Red. While I like historical dramas this one was too much even for me and decided to put that one away =) So I’m starting small to get my mojo back and as of yesterday am reading For One More Day by Mitch Albom and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. =) Thanks!

    Like

    Reply
  11. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I’m reading State of Wonder by Ann Patchett and loving it. Beautiful writing and the setting (the Amazon) is a good antidote to the polar vortex we’re experiencing in DC!

    Like

    Reply
  12. Betsy Avatar
    Betsy

    I’m just about to finish Big Little Lies, and I have loved every minute of it!
    I also recently read and loved Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden. The House at Riverton has been one of my long-time favorites, but I think The Forgotten Garden might be even better.

    Like

    Reply
  13. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    Just finished Ursula, Under by Ingrid Hill and while it took a bit to get into, I absolutely loved it by the end. I like Robin Maxwell (start with The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn) even better than Philippa Gregory!

    Like

    Reply
  14. Jennifer C Avatar
    Jennifer C

    I am currently reading I’ll Give You the Sun and I am struggling with it. It is taking forever…I read a few lines and then it lights out. Which is not my normal reading pace. I loved Me Before You and The Rosie Project. I need to check out Phillipa Gregory!

    Like

    Reply
  15. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    If you have Netflix, try The Untouchables. It’s a French film, very similar in plot to Me Before You. Tear-jerker for sure!

    Like

    Reply
  16. Kathleen Avatar
    Kathleen

    I think I’m one of the ones that recommended Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand to you, and I still stand by it – I loved it! I guess I’m still learning your taste. 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  17. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I’m reading Major Pettigrew right now and have had a very similar experience. I wouldn’t say I don’t like it, exactly — but it’s just not grabbing me. I’ve been slogging through it a few pages at a time for a month since I got it as part of a book club (from Kathleen, the comment above me!) and I’m finally almost done.

    Like

    Reply
  18. Jess Avatar
    Jess

    The Rosie project is on my book club list for the year (I’m excited — it seems original and fun!) And we read Me Before You last year — I didn’t 100 percent love the writing but it was such a quick read, made me cry and made for great book club discussion. This month, we are reading Boys on the Boat, which is such an involved historical story, but can be somewhat boring at times.

    Like

    Reply
  19. abbeyviolet Avatar
    abbeyviolet

    This month I read Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour book store, and really enjoyed it. I am currently reading I’ll Give you the Sun (just started) after growing impatient with Panic Suitcase. Also ready many,many Percy Jackson books with our 8yo. I admit that I love them almost as much as he does and it is fun to have our own little book club and talk about them together.

    Like

    Reply
  20. Sarah M Avatar
    Sarah M

    The Rosie Project is one I’ve been waiting for at the library. I haven’t seen a bad review yet!
    Sarah M

    Like

    Reply
  21. Tiffany M. Avatar
    Tiffany M.

    Just about to pick up The Rose Effect from my library, the sequel to the Rosie Project. I hope it is as good as the first! I just finished What Alice Forgot and thought it was very good. A YA that I recently read that I enjoyed was Top 10 Clues You’re Clueless. It was a Breakfast Club type story; light and fun.

    Like

    Reply
  22. Jacee Avatar
    Jacee

    Jellicoe Road is a good YA book. It’s kinda twisty, turny as well.

    Like

    Reply
  23. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    I’m just finishing up The Good Girl by Mary Kubica. Took me a day or so to really get into it but now I don’t want to put it down. People on Goodreads were comparing it to “Gone Girl” but I don’t get the connection except for the fact that a woman goes missing.

    Like

    Reply
  24. Tina C. Avatar
    Tina C.

    I’ve had a couple of those on my reading list.
    I just finished First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen, and I liked it a lot but didn’t love it as much as I did the first book Garden Spells. I also read The potty mouth at the table by Laurie Notaro, which a friend recommended. It wasn’t my usual fare, but I did get a chuckle out of it. I’m also reading some urban fantasy stuff (think true blood, etc.) which is my guilty pleasure, and I’ve got a Game of Thrones book up next since my husband and I recently started watching the show.
    I love these posts because I always get great books from you or the comments that I would have never thought of reading before.

    Like

    Reply
  25. Angela Wahl Avatar
    Angela Wahl

    ohh, I love these posts. My next books are always based on suggestions from you/readers. Just finished The History of Love by Nicole Krauss and loved it. One of those books you cry because it ends!

    Like

    Reply
  26. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Here’s my list of my February Book Report. A few keepers; a few passes!
    http://elizabethclairewood.com/2015/02/23/book-report-chapter-2-february/

    Like

    Reply
  27. Sarah Milligan Avatar
    Sarah Milligan

    I’ve been reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up…well actually I binge-read it, and as I’m going through my house I keep re-reading it over and over. I think I have it memorized by now. So good! Especially her stance that books that are unfinished are ok – they were just meant to be partially read. So freeing.
    Next I am going to re-read the Narnia books. I’ve read them but my daughter is now reading them and I want a refresher.

    Like

    Reply
  28. Amanda S. Avatar
    Amanda S.

    I always love reading posts like this! Sounds like you read a few good ones this month! The Rosie Project is on my to-read list and it sounds like maybe I should move it to the top of the list! Are you planning on reading the follow-up book to it, The Rosie Effect? It’s also on my list! 🙂 Right now I’m reading The Help… it was on my to-read list for far too long… hoping to finish it this week! 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  29. Michal Lynn Avatar
    Michal Lynn

    I have been wanting to read both of Jandy Nelson’s books for a while, and I like to keep myself as clueless about plots as possible. I’m glad to hear you liked it!
    I adored both The Rosie Project and Me Before You. I heard a lot about TRP before I read it, but Me Before You was a complete surprise, and when I was crying as I finished, I was so pleased that I had picked it up (and while I do cry at books, which is a fairly new development in my life, it still doesn’t happen very often. Movies and TV shows on the other hand…) I did just finish The Rosie Effect and, though it was nice to see what Don Tillman is up to, it sort of bummed me out.
    Just today, I started reading The Girl on the Train, which many people have been talking about. I bought a copy because my county’s libraries have 40+ holds linked to each library’s copy. I’ve just started and already I feel nervous…but in a good way!
    Have you heard of All the Bright Places? It’s (another) YA love story that keeps getting linked to TFiOS and Eleanor and Park but that I didn’t feel compared. It was heavy…the book deals with depression and suicide, but it touched me and I haven’t really stopped thinking about it or the topic since.
    Love this feature AND that you decided to mention even the DNF books. It’s so liberating when you realize that you don’t have to continue to read something you don’t want to read. Freedom!!!

    Like

    Reply
  30. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    I’m curious if you’ve read the Outlander series? I’m an avid reader and I’m currently re-reading the series. I suppose it’s not technically re-reading since I haven’t read all the books from beginning to end since probably the 5th book (8 in the series now, with the 9th being written). I discovered the series 20 years ago while at my youngest son’s baseball practice…other moms were raving about it. That son is now 30 yrs old with a masters degree! I loved Me Before You. Not what I expected and oh so good.

    Like

    Reply
  31. KristinaF Avatar
    KristinaF

    There is a second book for the Rosie Project ~ The Rosie Effect. I’m currently reading The Hobbit. After that I plan on reading Lord of the Rings.

    Like

    Reply
  32. The Studio Owl Avatar
    The Studio Owl

    I’ve heard very little about the Rosie Project but now I’m excited to read it.
    I’m currently rereading Persuasion, my favorite love story.

    Like

    Reply
  33. Joy N Avatar
    Joy N

    Just read The Last a Time We Say Goodbye…. Wowser, so so good!!!!

    Like

    Reply
  34. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    I just finished reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which I LOVED, for book club, and I also picked up Glitter & Glue, which was a fantastic non-fiction. Thanks for sharing- I see a few books to go put on hold now.

    Like

    Reply
  35. Michelle G Avatar
    Michelle G

    I just read it and am starting number 2! I feel like I have so much ahead of me as a new one was just released and there are tons to read. Enjoy it!

    Like

    Reply
  36. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    I can’t believe so many people liked Me Before You! I was SO angry with the hypocritical male lead when I finished it that I threw the book across the room. Throughout the story there were a lot of details that bothered me because they seemed so wrong even in a fictional story. But it did keep me interested!

    Like

    Reply
  37. lisa Avatar
    lisa

    For Sure & Certain by Anya Monroe (http://www.amazon.com/Anya-Monroe/e/B00S00JMX8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0) – it’s her debut novel and i’m hooked on her stories.

    Like

    Reply
  38. cinback Avatar
    cinback

    I read The Rosie Project and absolutely loved it – couldn’t put it down. Then tried the second one, The Rosie Effect, and was disappointed and haven’t even finished it. It just doesn’t have the same humour or development of their characters or perhaps it’s because of the stage of life that they are in, not sure.

    Like

    Reply
  39. JenniferE Avatar
    JenniferE

    I finished reading What Alice Forgot a few weeks ago. I didn’t want that one to end. I started reading a running story called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall because I heard that it was going to be made into a movie (staring Matthew McConaughey), but i’m sort of bored with it. I wanted it to get me really pumped for running but so far the verdict is still out.
    I read the Rosie Project last year and remember liking that one a lot.
    Have you read The Art of Racing in the Rain? Its not a new book at all, but I LOVED that book!

    Like

    Reply
  40. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    I’m reading The Diviners by Libba Bray. It’s set in the 20s, has horror, mystery, suspense, romance. It’s so so good.

    Like

    Reply
  41. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven.

    Like

    Reply
  42. christen Avatar
    christen

    I love to know what you’ve been reading! I read 3 great books last month…The a Girl On the The Train, The Boys on the the Boat and All the Bright Places. Different books, but all wonderful.

    Like

    Reply
  43. Jessi Avatar
    Jessi

    The Rosie Project now has a sequel! It’s called The Rosie Effect. Still quirky and overall endearing but frustrating at times. I highly recommend it as an easy read. Also finally got my hands on Gone Girl which was twisty and turny and surprising. Not sure I’m ready for the movie. Landline by Rainbow Rowell was another easy enjoyable read but had me confused.

    Like

    Reply
  44. SarahJane Avatar
    SarahJane

    Just finished reading the COMPANION BOOK of Harold Fry…. The Love Songs of Miss Queenie Hennessy. (LOVED IT!) Although, there was a part in the 3rd/last letter that caught me by surprise.

    Like

    Reply
  45. SarahJane Avatar
    SarahJane

    LOVED Rosie Project; it was entertaining. ANXIOUS to read the sequel; got an an advanced reader copy of it, but had too many other books on my list to read first. As for THE HELP, I started it a few years ago, having bought it to take with me on vacation down south. However, I had to STOP READING IT because my brain refused to just read the ebonics and kept trying to fix the grammar and spelling. I am, however, listening to the audio version of The Help at night after my kids are in bed/while doing dishes and am enjoying listening to it much better than READING it.

    Like

    Reply
  46. SarahJane Avatar
    SarahJane

    The Good Girl was a very good read in my opinion. Actually, I alternated between print and audio, liking both.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment