Monthly Musings: Spring Book Review

Both of us love to read and are constantly giving each other updates of books we’re currently reading or want to read. Once Kelly even got an email from a finance program telling her she’d been spending too much money on books lately and should think about adjusting her book budget. One of the best parts of reading is then sharing your feelings about the book with someone else! We’re always swapping books with each other, either in person or through the mail. This time we wanted to share our thoughts with you! Here’s what we’ve been reading lately:

My Life In France, Julia Child (Stephanie)
I never grew up watching Julia Child, I just always figured as someone who loves to cook that I should read this book. And I’m so glad I did! I also never really cared if I visited France…but after her descriptions of the country it has moved way up on my bucket list. Here were some of my favorite quotes from the book.

“Upon reflection, I decided I had three main weaknesses: I was confused (evidenced by a lack of facts, an inability to coordinate my thoughts, and an inability to verbalize my ideas); I had a lack of confidence, which caused me to back down from forcefully stated positions; and I was overly emotional at the expense of careful, ‘scientific’ thought. I was thirty-seven years old and still discovering who I was.” 

She sounds just like me! It’s always good to know you’re not the only one feeling a certain way.

“I don’t believe in twisting yourself into knots of excuses and explanations over the food you make. When one’s hostess starts in with self-depracations such as ‘Oh, I don’t know how to cook…’ or ‘Poor little me…’ or “This may taste awful…’ it is so dreadful to have to reassure her that everything is delicious and fine, whether it is or not. Besides, such admissions only draw attention to one’s shortcomings (or perceived shortcomings) and make the other person think ‘Yes, you’re right, this really is an awful meal!’ Usually one’s cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile, as my ersatz eggs Florentine surely were, then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile – and learn from her mistakes.” 

I absolutely love this! I’m terrible at receiving compliments, and always just say things like “oh it wasn’t that hard, it’s nothing special” when we should really stop apologizing and own our cooking/writing/photography etc.

“The great lesson embedded in the book is that no one is born a great cook, one learns by doing. This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook – try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!”

This perfectly sums up the whole book. Highly recommended!

The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch (Stephanie)
For those of you who don’t know, the author Randy was asked to give a “Last Lecture” and this book is a continuation/summary of that lecture. Ironically, he was dying of pancreatic cancer so it really was his last lecture. The book is full of little stories and lessons applicable to any of us and is a really quick read. It’s one of those I felt like I could put a bookmark on almost every page with some sort of encouraging or motivational quote. My only complaint was that the book felt a bit rushed. But can you blame the guy? He only had months to live. I wouldn’t be spending my last remaining free time writing a book either.

Divergent, Veronica Roth (Stephanie)
I’m a sucker for dystopian fictions. And young adult fiction. And books that are going to be turned into movies (Maze Runner is next on my list!). And whenever possible I HAVE to read the book before I see the movie. Divergent was no exception. I think the Hunger Games were better (keep in mind I haven’t read Insurgent or Allegiant yet…no spoilers please!), but it was still a good, quick, easy read that sucks you in. Sometimes you need those.

White Jacket Required, Jenna Weber (Stephanie)
I struggled putting this on here. First, I worry when I give things bad reviews. That one of you will be like “omg but I love that! How did you not?!” Also because I adore Jenna’s blog Eat, Live, Run. It was the first food blog I started following, really. Maybe I just had too high of expectations for this book. It just didn’t quite do it for me. It was an easy read, I think I finished it over the course of 2 short flights. It just never really drew me in emotionally. One fun addition though was the recipes included in each chapter!

Me Before You: A Novel, Jojo Moyes (Kelly)
Definitely a new favorite book! It’s love story that is not the stereotypical cliche. As a reader, you really do fall in love with the characters and be prepared for a few tears! I guess a love story wouldn’t a be good love story without some tears! I seriously could not put this book down until I was finished and I refer this book to anyone asking for a good book to read. Take my word for it, read this book now- you won’t regret it!

Love Does, Bob Goff (Kelly)
Talk about a book that motivates you do more! This book reminds me a lot of Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequest, a favorite of mine and Stephanie’s. This book is told through mini stories throughout Bob’s life and how he is motivated by love to do more. In one story, his children wanted to write to world leaders and invite them to their house to talk about peace. Some of the leaders even responded! In another chapter, Bob talks about how he helped a random stranger plan a lavish proposal for his girlfriend. I hope my future fiance gets help from Bob with the proposal! This is a great, feel-good book that inspires to do what you truly love in life with a positive attitude! I’m not giving this book much justice in this description but it’s definitely one to pull down from the shelf periodically and read again!

As you can tell, we love to read! We both have stacks of books waiting to be read that are continuously being added to and we’d like to add even more! Send us some recommendations! What are some good books you’ve been reading lately? Have a wonderful Memorial Day and we hope you find a great book to read as summer vacation kicks off!

-Stephanie and Kelly