My mid-year resolutions

When June rolled around I realized we were six months into 2012 and not only had I not kept any New Years resolutions, I hadn't even made any. I thought I'd start small and do something I love. I want to read a book a month. So far, so good. But it's only been 2 months.. So.. keep your fingers crossed.

In June I read "Certain Girls" by Jennifer Wiener. (Her name always makes Nathan laugh).

This book is the sequel to "Good in Bed" which was seriously one of the funniest and most enjoyable books I've ever read. I loved it start to finish so I was very excited to read it's sequel. Well.. It sucked. Sucked freaking big time. I don't wanna spoil it for anyone who has the desire to read it, but it lacked everything the first book had. Humor, lovable characters, exciting storyline, happiness.. I found the whole book to be depressing and boring. I kept reading because I was waiting for it to turn around and waiting for a happy ending. Welp, don't even get me started on the ending. I cried, and not a good cry. I was pissed. I won't say what happened, but let's just say it was depressing and completely unnecessary. If you are going to write tragedy into your story, it needs to add to the story in some way. Ripping away a chapter for the sake of a twisted ending and offering no reason or closure is just cheap writing. Also Cannie, the main character, was a spit fire in the first book. She was witty and hilarious and strong and independent. I admired her. The Cannie in this book is a different woman. She is winey and needy and smothering and controlling and unhappy. She is no one to respect or even admire. Her daughter is a brat and her story is not interesting. I was disappointed to say the least. I recommend reading "Good in Bed." But stop right there. For the love of all things.. stop. right. there.


In July I read "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt.

Stark contrast to last month, I absolutely LOVED this book! It was warm and insightful and light-hearted and meaningful and funny and sad and beautifully written. It follows a 7th grade boy in the sixties as he battles the Vietnam war, a changing world, an over-baring father, a tenacious sister, death, loss, love, Shakespeare, growing up, and bullying all while trying to survive middle school with a teacher who sees so much more in him than he could ever see in himself. Sure it's technically  a kids book, but it's beautiful! I highly recommend it!

This month I'm taking on the sequel to "The Wednesday Wars" called "Okay for Now." Here's to hoping this sequel is much better than the last one I tried!