Tears, But Not Sobs; Nicholas Sparks' Novel, The Best of Me

Another I can't put it down until I'm done story.  I knew near the end where it was headed, but how would it be reconciled?  My husband knows how sometimes I sob and sob when reading this author.  So when I asked him at bed time if he wanted me to just stay on the couch and finish the book, then wake him when I came to bed, or should I just finish it there beside him, he was OK with me staying put and the light wouldn't bother him.  Keep in mind it was already past midnight and he is an early riser...silly man. But he was concerned about the uncontrolled sobbing shaking the bed, not the light on VERY late!  The story ended at 1:40 am, for me. 

During the whole story I just couldn't see how it could be a "get what you want" story for the heroine.  What a great love story.  Sniff, sniff.  Family dynamics, even from non-family.  Wonderful twists and "No!" twists.  Nicholas Sparks does not let me down when I want a good book.  Read it. A 9 on my 1-10 scale.

A Reading Challenge, House Rules, by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult chooses tough topics for her wonderful novels.  This time it is Asperger's Syndrome.  Again the book's "chapters" are written from each character's point of view, including the main character.  The content is certainly intended to educate the reader about the struggle of those with Asperger's Syndrome and their families.  It was slow going, giving each character a chance to "speak" about their angle on the unfolding plot.  I'm still struggling with the ending.  There were sub-plots I hoped would be dealt with before the story quit.  Not a typical climax to the story with the relaxing softening ending to tie up the loose ends.  I want a sequel.  Another good read.  8 on a scale of 1-10.  Which means I'll keep her name on my "get more of her books" list.

Recommended Reading, The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak

A highly recommended read.  It was a slow start.  Get this, the book is "narrated" by Death.  Yes, just what it says.  While Death's comments are understandable in the first few pages, it's a rambling start to a great story taking place in Germany up to and including World War II.  The characters' lives are so bleak, but they find ways to keep going, adjusting to each political, economic and social blow.  The Nazi party controls all aspects of their lives, starting when youngsters are elementary school age when they have to join government groups.  The main character is a little girl whose Mom has sent her to be taken care of by another couple.  They live in poverty, barely knowing about the nearby concentration camps.  But the problem comes knocking at the door.  A very important element of the plot.  A rare relationship develops between the girl and her new 'papa.'  What a strong character the 'mama' is and while you will love to hate her, her abrasiveness is her strength.  The little girl IS the book thief.  Books are given a main character status. There is a great friendship between her and a neighborhood boy.  This one will continue to play with your brain when you have to put it down and after you finish it.  I'd give it a high 11 on a scale of 1-10.  Of the 1846 books I've read and rated, this is a very rare high score.