Book 12: This Charming Man by Marian Keyes

I got this book on CD because I didn't have anything else lined up and I wanted something light. At first, I hated it...seemed like the typical chick lit where the girl loves shopping, gets dumped by a boy, and her life is absolutely destroyed (by her inability to pull her head out of her ass and get back to life). But, with nothing else to listen to, I muddled through and actually ended up enjoying the book quite a lot. There is definitely more to it than the sad story of a shopaholic.

Book 11: Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly

I read this book as part of a church book study with three other women. We met once a week to discuss the history of the church, why we are catholics, how we can better people, Christians, and Catholics... It was a very good experience.

I think in today's world, Catholics are ashamed to say "I am Catholic" because of the abuse scandels or a fear of defending "worshipping" the saints and Mary or a fear of answering questions about birth control...or any number of other things. Kelly does a good job of reminding us of all the wonderful things Catholics do and have done for the world: Catholics began educating all people, regardless of wealth or status; Catholics serve millions of meals to the needy each day; and so much more.

We also talked about why Catholics believe what we believe. We don't "worship" the saints or Mary, but we ask them, as fellow humans, to petition God and Jesus on our behalf. Much like asking your neighbor to pray for you if you need extra help.

Kelly makes things very simple, but still brings up complicated issues like the future of the Catholic church. I would recommend this book (especially if you can read it with others) to any Catholic. I think there is something in there for everyone, regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey.

Book 10: The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

First off, I have to say that I was super excited to read this book, because Jeffrey's last book, Middlesex, is one of my favorite books ever. This book was a little disappointing... I've described it as the "woe is me" mentality of privileged college students. Oh no! My parents are so screwed up and they screwed me up too! Oh no! What am I going to do with my life once I receive my diploma? That part really dragged me down because I realize what a cliche it is and how dumb it makes those characters seem.

That being said, it was an entertaining read. The main female character takes a class on Semiotics and I was laughing out loud at the pretentiousness of those "hipsters" from the 80s. I've had classes with those kids!

But my favorite character was Mitchell, the religious studies major who takes a year off after college to travel the world and spends a few weeks volunteering for Mother Theresa. His religious, romantic, and moral struggles really spoke to me as authentic.

The rest of the book reminded me to Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections...NOT my favorite book because of the "woe is me" theme that pervaded it.

Book 9: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

This book is another YA. This story is sort of parallel stories of a modern day spoiled American and a girl living during the French Revolution. It was very interesting, and gave a sense of what life was like during the Revolution. I've recommended it to my students to give them a sense of the history of the French Revolution.

For me, I really enjoy reading historical fiction because the facts make so much more sense in my brain when there is a narrative to go along with it.

My only complaint about this book is that the end got a little wonky.