Read a Book a Month: February

So far, I'm still on track with my "book a month" goal for 2012! In fact during February I read TWO books. I know some people who read two books a week (hi, mom), but I just don't read that fast/frequently. I've gotten into the habit of reading for 30 minutes to an hour right before bed, and more on the weekends if I have time. It's been a really great change from watching tv every night. I don't know if it's JUST that or a combination of things, but I've been sleeping so much better lately. I have always heard it was bad to sleep with the tv on, but I just wore an eye mask and did it anyway. Apparently it really was hindering my sleep!

Ok, now on to the books...

The first one I read was As the Spark Flies Upward by the very talented Jenna-Clare Allen. Full disclosure: Jenna-Clare is a family friend, so I might be a little biased. I have been reading her blog since she started it, and I just love it! She really has a knack for pulling me into her stories and not letting me go. Her debut novel was no different. I'll admit that it did start out a bit slow, but once I really started getting to know the characters, I was hooked. I love it when I'm so pulled in by a story that I don't even notice what's going on around me. I haven't felt that way about a book in a long time actually! The novel centers around a poor family in rural Tennessee and the trials they face together. I am not great at plot summaries, so I'll just let you look into it, if you're interested (Jenna's website).

The second book I read was chosen by Devin, a friend of mine on Twitter. Several of us just decided to start a little online book club one day, and this was our first pick. Stiff is a non-fiction exploration of the ways human cadavers are used. It's extremely interesting! When I was in high school, I was fascinated by anatomy and forensic science (duh, I was a CSI addict), so I was really excited to read this book. I wanted to be a coroner, but I gave up on that when I realized I would probably not make it through med school. I'm smart, but not THAT smart. Mary Roach really did her research for this book, which I think is what makes it so good. There is so much amazing research that is done with cadavers. I can't imagine how much less advanced we'd be as a society without people donating their bodies to science. I encourage you guys to read this if the subject matter interests you! You definitely won't be disappointed. (Amazon listing)

Read a Book a Month
January