2018 reads: Books 26-30

Wow, wow, and wow. This book was a random pick up from the library and I ended up learning so much from it. I did not know the story of Michael Donald -- or the fact that a lynching happened at the hand's of the Klan in 1981. I think it's easy to sometimes forgot how recently some of these terrible events took place.

The book is packed-full of facts and gave an in-depth view on an ugly side of history.

My sister recommended this book after she added it to her must-read list.

I picked it up and blazed through it in one day. Bauby suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed and unable to speak. This book is a first-hand account of his life trapped inside his own head. He can't communicate with his own children, his loved ones, or his nurses.

This book is a quick read that provides a moving account of a man's life that was altered forever.

Today Will Be Different takes place in the course of one day. Eleanor is dedicated to making today... well, different.

I loved the Eleanor was pretty self aware about being a mess. She didn't have it all together and her life definitely wasn't perfect. The book isn't full of any life-shattering discoveries or larger than life issues, it's a day in the life of a relatable and funny woman who could use a bit of help along the way.

Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore was a mystery that focused on Lydia - the bookstore clerk at Bright Ideas, and Joey - a patron who kills himself in the store.

As Lydia focuses on solving Joey's suicide, she uncovers a hidden truth from her own childhood. The book is a mystery that takes the reader from past to present in a brilliantly written form.

The characters are complex, the writing is well done, and the plot is like nothing I've read before.

This book was a very sweet read. Laura is a divorcee who finds work with writer Anthony Peardew, who is still struggling over the loss of his wife years ago. Since losing her on their wedding day, Anthony kept a collection of lost items he discovered throughout his life and is dedicated to returning to their owners.

After Laura's employer dies, she is left his estate, where she meets Sunshine - a neighboring girl with Down Syndrome and an infectious personality. Sunshine and Laura work to continue the work of Anthony, sharing all of the lost items he found and learning lots about their owners along the way.

An amazing book about love, loss, heartbreak, hope, and an unexpected friendship.