keep track of all the books i read in 2011

‘On Chesil Beach’ by Ian McEwan

This book was a gift from the man that I love at an early but crucial stage in our relationship. He gave it to me the first night we spent together and is quite possibly the most thoughtful present I have ever been given and I devoured it with a hunger for the love in wich it was given.

McEwan’s tale taught me that to not speak of your thoughts and feelings, especially to those that you love, can be a barrier to experiencing true intimacy and rewarding relationships. Reading it made me face the terrifying prospect of sharing the truth, to the darkest depths and with the greatest reward I could ever hope for, complete love and acceptance.

Reading this book led me to raid my Dad’s and brother’s bookshelves wanting to consume more McEwan!!

....I’m sure I read more than 5 books last year but there is only one that stands out right now. I’ll add it to the list and then mark this goal done I think!

I guess if I remember any others I can always add them, though last year I didn’t read a huge amount due to the strains and stresses of life….this year is a different story :)

‘What Mothers Do’ by Naomi Stadlen

I struggle to keep momentum when reading non-fiction and this book was no exception. It took me over 2 months to read as I just didn’t feel compelled to pick it up.

I read this book as it was given to me as a Christmas gift and I wanted to try and read it. It discusses all the subtle and hidden things a mother does in getting to know her baby, learning how to comfort, how to relate and how to teach her child.

Some parts of it I related to but for the best part I felt irritated by the author as I found her writing a bit condescending. Perhaps if I was a first time mother of a young baby I would have enjoyed it more but as a mother of three children aged between 15 and 2 I found some of the authors statements to be quite ignorant. For example, not all mothers who return to work have ‘chosen’ to return to work. Lots ‘have’ to work for financial reasons and this pressure seems to be rarely considered in this book or other writings discussing working mothers.

I think I am going to pass this book on to someone who I think will get more from it than I did. The parts I found valuable I will remember but I don’t think I would want to re-read it.

‘Plum Spooky’ by Janet Evanovich

Another ‘in between the numbers’ edition of the Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series and still not failing to amuse!

I like a little bit of Diesel to keep the male interest varied but really I’m a Ranger girl ;-)

Light-hearted, fast-paced fun – exactly what I need to take my mind of the stresses and strains of my life.

‘Finger Lickin’ Fifteen’ by Janet Evanovich

More laugh out loud fun with Stephanie Plum (and yes, I do actually laugh out loud or even snort, according to my husband, when I am reading)!

I love this series, somehow even the similarities in the stories don’t annoy or bore me, it feels more like taking comfort in hearing a family member tell a story you’ve heard before and will hear again.

‘Fearless Fourteen’ by Janet Evanovich

I love the Stephanie Plum series. Easy reading that give me a giggle, complete escapism and I nice little Ranger/Morelli daydream :D

A much appreciated Christmas pressie from hubby who definitely knows me well! I officially finished it at 2am on New Years Day so I think it’s legitimate to include on this list!