Post One

One of my goals last year was to write short reviews for all the books that I read. I got behind, and the task was too overwhelming. Now I doubt I can remember all the books that I read, much less what I thought of them. I decided to start a blog dedicated solely to book reviews, and I am going to do better this time around.

Here's how: I am going to use the SIAS method. That is, Summarize in a Sentence. You won't find a detailed description of a book here, but I will do my best to give a basic idea of what each book is about, in one sentence. I'll rate the book on scale of one to five (don't expect any fives, though, because I doubt you'll ever see one). Then, I'll add any comments about the book, like whether or not it gave me nightmares, if I recommend it, etc.

That's it. Feel free to read if you want. I won't be offended if you don't give a "rat's behind" (shout out to Matt Foley, motivational speaker, there), and don't ever visit here again.

So, here's book #1...

Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer. Non-fiction. Chris McCandless, a college graduate, decides to leave society behind, living off the land across the United States, in preparation for his greatest journey yet--into the wilds of Alaska.

rating: 2 1/2 out 5

comments: I didn't feel like there was enough story to write a whole book. It was interesting in parts, but I had many unanswered questions when I was finished reading. Probably would've been better in a collection of short stories.


The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Fiction. Famed author, and notorious fibber, Vida Winter is dying, and summons amateur biographer Margaret Lea to share the story of her past, which involves ghosts, twins, and tragedy.

rating: 4 out 5

comments: I had to pause occasionally to "come up for air" when reading this book. It was incredibly well-written, intriguing, and I found myself gasping near its conclusion. Highly recommended.


Midwives by Christ Bohjalian. Fiction. Sibyl Danforth, ex-hippie and lay midwife, is charged with involuntary manslaughter after performing a c-section on a mother she believed to be dead.

rating: 4 out of 5

comments: How did I miss this book when it came out a few years ago? I had to read it in several sittings because it was just so intense. It has stayed with me for days since I finished it, and I find myself breathing sighs of relief that the story isn't true. The author did a wonderful job of creating a linear story, despite the numerous details given along the way. The last two pages will leave you feeling chilled. One of the best books I've read in a long, long time. Don't read if giving birth is in your near future!