The
Quilter’s Legacy: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel #5
By Jennifer Chiaverini
My sister-in-law picked up The
Quilter’s Legacy by Jennifer Chiaverini for me from her local library book
sale. She knows I love quilting and
assumed that I would enjoy the book, which I did. I loved all of the details about quilts that
were woven throughout the story. I also
enjoyed the period details from the early 1900s that were included. It was an easy, relaxing read and I was sorry
when it was over. Fortunately, I have
another book from the series ready to read.
The
Quilter’s Homecoming: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel #10
By Jennifer Chiaverini
The
Quilter’s Homecoming was not
my favorite Elm Creek Quilt novel. Most
of the story took place in California, a long way from Elm Creek. It also did not include many of the main
characters in the series. While it was
interesting, it didn’t quite have the same charm of the Elm Creek books. The story of Elizabeth’s marriage and move to
the west was engaging. The theme of
quilts was continued. It wasn’t a
disappointment, just not what I expected.
I
Remember Nothing
By Nora Ephron
I love Nora Ephron and
usually find her books refreshingly humorous.
Stories in I Remember Nothing were funny. Many of them I had read elsewhere. But the fact that this was the last book she
wrote, written while she was ill, was somewhat sobering. I found that there was wisdom about getting
older and dying written between the lines.
I did find myself laughing out loud, as I always do with Ephron’s
books. But this time, I found myself
thinking about aging and dying, too. I
Remember Nothing is a short, sweet book written by one of my favorite
authors.
Boys on
the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin
Olympics
By Daniel James Brown
Boys on
the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics is one of those books I would never have read
if it wasn’t for the local library book club.
Although I rarely attend meetings, I do try to read their book list each
the year. Boys on the Boat started
as an almost impossible read for me. I
had very little interest in rowing or the time period. After setting the book down, I decided to try
the audio version. The narration by
Edward Herrmann brought the story and the book to life. It turned a boring book (for me) into the
exciting adventure that it really was. I
learned a lot about the rowers, rowing and the historical significance of the
1936 Olympics. I was on the edge of my
seat during the race scenes, especially at the Olympics. The book was so engaging; I listened to it
almost non-stop. I found some of the
parallels to our period in time and politics frightening. I highly recommend the book, and the
audiobook for those who find the book itself challenging. Definitely a great listen!!!
Driving
Miss Norma
By Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie
Liddle
I discovered and followed
Miss Norma’s journey on Facebook in 2015.
As of now, November 2017, it’s still there. Miss Norma’s story is truly
inspirational. After a terminal cancer
diagnosis, she decided to hit the road with her son and his wife, rather than
seek treatment. The Facebook page
chronicled their journey. The book,
Driving Miss Norma, is a more detailed record of that journey, told through the
eyes of her son and his wife. The story
is truly inspirational, especially to those dealing with aging parents and/or
their own aging. It’s wonderful that
Miss Norma’s story has provided an opening for the discussion of positive
options, other than medical, for the end of life passage. I loved Miss Norma and the book, Driving Miss
Norma. Definitely a good read!
What
Happened
By Hillary Rodham Clinton
What
Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton is
a must read! I listened to the Audible
version, which was narrated by Ms. Clinton.
Although I am very familiar with the election, it was very interesting
hearing Ms. Clinton’s insights. The one
idea that stuck with me was her determination to fulfill her dreams and
destiny, despite all of the hatred and the obstacles in her path. She always did what she believed was
right. Her morals and values were
high. This was true throughout her life. She persevered, and did not let the opinions
of others affect her decisions. I’m
thankful that she wrote the book. I
believe that her story will be historically significant.
