Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Here's what I have to say about this book: I absolutely loved it. Sometimes, in novels, although I enjoy them, I look forward to the ending. I look forward to them resolving things, and moving on.

In this one, I looked forward to them resolving things, but then wanted to continue to read it. I didn't want it to end at all. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it warmed my heart. This may sound silly, or over used, but I don't care.

My mom got it for me for Christmas, and picked very well because I had seen it before, but didn't buy it even though I wanted to. She did great!

Anyway, basically the story follows more than one interconnecting stories. I know it's been done before. Jodi Picoult does it in most of her novels. (I'm sure I'll reread My Sister's Keeper, and talk about that one as well). Either way, it's a method of writing I appreciate and enjoy reading.

This one followed two different families connected by a biological daughter to one of the families, and adopted to the other. They never actually met, but still had that very important connection.

Also, there was a character -the adoptive mother -that I didn't like at the start. I understood the way she acted, but still was frustrated with her. I think one of my favourite things about this book was watching her grow and learn as a person.

I don't want to say much more about it. Just know that I really enjoyed it. I love finding that rare great read. There are a LOT of wonderful books out there, but every once in a while I read one that I don't want to put down until it is finished. It's been a slow year for me because I haven't been putting as much effort into reading as I should, but this one and The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill are my favourites. They are the ones I did not want to put down. (Although I guess since it is January, then Secret Daughter wins so far.) Still a lot of time to find new favourites though.

Anyway, it's on my recommend list. I'm sure there will be lots, but I will be raving about this book for quite a while.

Drunkard -A Hard-Drinking Life by Neil Steinberg

I read a lot more fiction than I read non-fiction. It's not that I'm not interested in non-fiction, but it just seems like there are so many more fiction books around.

I like that fact that the first book I'm writing about is non-fiction. The true experience about a man's fight with alcoholism.

It's his story, and he did a great job at telling it. I'm not just speaking about the alcoholism aspect of it, but I'm impressed with his courage at portraying himself as a man who didn't believe he had a problem, and was constantly feeling that he was better than others. Possibly not better -but smarter. He may not have realised it until he heard other opinions of himself.

The actual fight to help his drinking problem started with the fight to finally admit that he has a drinking problem. I've been around a recovering alcoholic my whole life, but have never seen him take a drink. He has been sober for more than 25 years. Reading the book showed me a little of what he must have gone through.

All in all I enjoyed it, and would recommend it. At times, I found myself frustrated when he kept reverting back to his 'Drunkard' self, but it was probably a realistic portrayal -especially since it was his true story (or a portion of his story).

Erin

Introduction

I've always wanted to keep a book journal, and have in the past, but mostly off and on. In keeping with my New Year Resolutions, I'm going to do an entry for each book I read. I'm hoping this won't be 6 months between each book, and if it is, I haven't been reading as much as I should be.

I will be keeping up with my other blog as well, but this will be a nice break from reality.

E