2018 reads: Books 16-20

This book was so interesting to me because it took me deeper into a land a culture that I don't know much about. Ahmed wrote honestly about her adjustment struggles going from America to Saudi Arabia, but wrote without judgement.

I was able to learn a lot about Dr. Ahmed and the Saudi culture as a whole.

I loved Running The Books! It was a random pick up from a trip to the library and I fell in love with it for several reasons... I have a huge interest in the American prison system. I love libraries. And, I love human interest stories.

Steinburg didn't mean to become a librarian. He didn't even mean to work in a prison. But, when his life took him there he learned just how vital things like prison libraries are. The book felt a bit like people watching through the pages and I wanted to keep reading more.

Warning: Into The Water is not like Girl On The Train. Besides the fact that they are written by the same author, the comparisons end there. So, if you're looking for a similar read... I don't think I'd pick this one up.

However, it was still a decent read. There was a great mix of perspectives in the book and the reader is introduced to lots of characters (some may argue too many!) but it kept the book flowing nicely. There definitely weren't any slow moments in this read.

I could write a book about how much I love this book. Small GreatThings is honestly that good. I loved Picoult's writing, the depth of the characters, and the learning moments in the book.

Following the lives of a black nurse and a white supremacist, parts of the book were a bit hard to read and slightly uncomfortable. But, all in a good way. Picoult didn't shy away from the tough stuff with this novel.

This book should be assigned reading for... well, everyone. Picoult said she wrote the book "because I believed it was the right thing to do, and because the things that make us most uncomfortable are the things that teach us what we all need to know."

This beachy read follows two sisters that lead vastly different lives and have a pretty significant sibling rivalry going on.

I didn't love this book, I didn't hate this book... I just kind of got through it. Hilderbrand has a brand and sticks to it, it just may not be the brand for me. But - she is a good writer who weaves a good story about what it means to be family.