Book Club

I've had the chance to read a few books over the past several months. Several of them are books that I wouldn't typically read, but I found the books either during a time of boredom, or they were free...so I gave them a shot. I thought I'd give a run-down of the good and the bad in case anyone is looking for something to read.

• The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I found this book at my mom's house last September. Mason was having a difficult time adjusting to new sleeping conditions, so I read this book while I let him cry himself to sleep one night. This is not the typical book I would chose to read. I'm not usually into motivational, "feel good" type books. I don't know why. I'm just not. But this book was pretty good. Randy Pausch seemed to have a good grasp on life and I liked that he didn't make himself out to be a saint the whole book. Overall I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.
  

• The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck. My dad and Penni gave all of us kids a signed copy of this book for Christmas. Again, I don't often read stores like these, but I was very touched by the message in this book. I think Glenn Beck did a great job portraying how guilt and self-pity can lead a person into a downward spiral. I know there was some critizism about the book not being entirely a true story, but after looking into Glenn Beck's life a little I can understand why he approached it the way he did. Overall I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
  

• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. I found this book on the "community book shelf" at our apartment complex's clubhouse. It was a good find as I like Jon Krakauer. The book is a true story about this kid who leaves his entire life behind to live a life of solitude on the "open road". He ends up dead in the wilderness of Alaska. In the book, Krakauer retraces his steps trying to get into his head and find out exactly what happened. Great read. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
  

• The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks. I'm not a big Nicholas Sparks fan. Well, I've only read one other of his books. So I guess thats not fair of me to say. But I was kind of disappointed then and I was disappointed again reading this book (another "community book shelf" find). This time around Sparks deviated from his usual romance novel by adding a mystery/thriller type plot. I found it predictable, and only slightly entertaining. But even the love story, which is suppose to Sparks expertise, was lacking and kind of boring. One of the only redeming qualities was that there was a dog in the story who played kind of an "Old Yeller" type role. Overall I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
  





• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. So this book is currently on my nightstand. So far though its fabulous. Its an extremely interesting/unique look at how Satan tries to tempt those who believe in Christ. Its all from the view of a couple of satan's "devils". Very interesting and insightful. So far I give it a 5 out of 5.

I have a few other books I've read recently, but Mason is growing tired of playing alone. So I'll have to save them for another day. Happy Reading!