It's Monday, What Are You Reading (156)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

This week is Banned Books Week and I put together a display at my library. I was really surprised at some of the books that were on the banned and challenged list and the reasons they were challenged. Books such as A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein (it promotes cannibalism, Satanism, and suicide, and teaches kids to break dishes so they don't have to wash them!) and Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh (teaches kids to lie, spy, and talk back!). I read both of those books as a kid. I did not become a spy and while I have broken dishes, it was only on accident, not because I didn't want to wash them...

Sadly people continue to challenge books and try to get them banned from school and public libraries. One of my favorite books of 2013, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell is currently being challenged in Minnesota. Hopefully this will just encourage more teens to read it!

Books reviewed:

Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi

The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

Books read:

Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands by Susan Carol McCarthy

I thought this novel was fantastic! I didn't really know anything about the race crimes that were happening in Florida in the late 40s/early 50s so I learned a lot from reading it. It was really neat to find out that the author's father helped the FBI bring the criminals to justice.

If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan

I liked this book but I did have some issues with it. The novel examines what life is like for people who are gay or transgender in Iran.

United We Spy by Ally Carter

I was sad to see this series come to an end but it was a great finish. I can't wait to read whatever she writes next.

Her Perfect Earl by Beth Pattillo

This was a quick and mostly enjoyable read. Nothing too out of the ordinary and reminded me a little of The Sound of Music at times (without the singing).

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

This is another good book group book. Something about it reminded me of A Prayer for Owen Meany. It is both a coming of age story and somewhat of a murder mystery.

When Summer Comes by Brenda Novak

I saw this book sometime ago in an Amazon Vine newsletter and I was interested in the story. When I saw that it was available as an e-book from the library, I had to check it out.  The heroine is dying of liver disease (she won't survive the summer without a liver transplant) but hasn't told anyone and the hero is running from his past. I really enjoyed this one and plan to check out the rest of the series.

Currently reading:

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

I am so excited about this book. I have read a lot of really positive reviews. I love fantasy and I hope this will be the start to a great YA fantasy series!

What I plan to read next:

Star Wars: Specter of the Past by Timothy Zahn

This book is set about 10 years after the events of the Thrawn trilogy (which I love so much). I can't believe I am just now getting around to reading it but better late than never.

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe by Mary Simses

I think this is going to be a cute book. I love the cover anyway but I've also read good reviews. I'm hoping for a good romance and family story.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

This book looks pretty quirky and fun and I think it is a bestseller overseas. I hope it will live up to my expectations.

Witchstruck by Victoria Lamb

I really really prefer the UK cover to this one. Their cover has more of a historical fiction feel and this one looks more like a fantasy. The novel is actually historical fantasy set during Tudor times. I love Tudor history and fantasy so I am looking forward to this one.

Teatime for the Firefly by Shona Patel

This book is set in India in the 1940s and takes place on a tea plantation. I read an excerpt of how Layla meets her love interest and I really enjoyed it. I have a feeling I will like the author's writing style.