Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Was she really wicked? What is evil anyway? These were the questions this book attempted to answer by delving into the Witch's childhood and the politics of Oz itself. I thought it was just so-so. Many parts were interesting, and many went into excrutiating detail. I would have liked it more concise. There were lots of interesting characters, and you'll never be able to look at the Wizard of Oz the same again. It was a good book to follow The Memory Keeper's Daughter. I needed something "out of this world" so to speak.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

I read a lot of wonderful reviews about this book, but I just didn't see what they were seeing I guess. I found most of the main characters unlikable, which made it difficult for me to have the emotional connection that was needed to really enjoy this book. The main character David especially. I found him to be a self-righteous, patronizing, son of a bitch. Pardon the french! I guess if the intended purpose of the book was to make me outraged then it succeeded. On the otherhand, it was a well written book, and would make an excellent book for discussion.

These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner

5 stars!! Let me preface this by saying, I didn't expect to like this book. I don't generally like historical fiction, but this book came highly recommended and was chosen for an online book club I joined, so I thought I would give it a shot. The book is based on one of the author's ancestors who lived on the frontier in Arizona during the end of the 1800's. It is written as her diary. The narrator is one of the best heroine's I've ever read. I could not put this book down. It starts out pretty brutal, but that only serves to make you truly become involved in the characters. I really loved this book, and I plan to read the next one that continues the story, Sarah's Quilt. I balled like a big, fat baby at the end, even though it was somewhat predictable.

Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner

Nice, fun, and quick read. It's the story of four women all having children at the same time that meet at prenatal yoga and become friends. I would put this in the category of fluff book. Nothing that's incredibly thought provoking or deep, but you know it must be an entertaining read if I was able to finish the 550 page book in 5 days. One interesting point though, this was the first book I think I've ever read that is set in my time with characters that are my age and doing the same things I'm doing. It was kind of surreal. They read the same books to their kids as I read to Elise, the same music, shopped at the same stores, etc. The only part of the book that bugged me was how the character Becky, who is supposed to be this very self-confident, sassy sort of person, constantly allowed her mother in law to walk all over her. I just didn't buy it. I'd definitely read another Jennifer Weiner though.