The Life She was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman

I'm such an idiot! I need to start reading my own blog! Three years ago, I read and wrote about another book by Ellen Wiseman, What She Left Behind. And in my review, I clearly did not care for the writing. So what do I do? I dive into another one of her books expecting that I'll love it. Unfortunately, the author's writing style has become worse, not better!!

The Life She Was Given came with excellent reviews. Some reviewers called it a "beautiful" book. Beauty is not the same for everyone, that's for sure. Yes, there's an interesting-sounding story line. A young girl is kept in an attic by her parents who eventually sell her to the circus. A separate story line starts where a young girl runs away from abusive parents only to return home when her parents die and she inherits their estate. All kinds of unrealistic things happen and, as you'd expect, the two stories merge. However, the writing.......

The author uses a questioning technique that becomes extremely annoying. Things like..... What if the ice storm continues? What if the heat doesn't come on? Will she need to feed the horses? And what if they don't eat? What if the sky falls? And on and on. So irritating. I thought it might just be me, but I did read several other reviews that noticed the same issue.

So I'm done with this author. I just need to remember it and not buy another one of her books. Way too many good books out there to read instead. - June

The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter

This novel starts with a bang. No, it actually starts with two bangs! And after both of these, I couldn't help but wonder if the whole book was going to be one shocking event after another. I don't know how to write anything here without giving it away, and I would encourage you to read it like I did without any knowledge about the plot at all. But be prepared to be blown away with the first 100 pages.

After things calm a bit, we learn about two sisters, Sam and Charlie, both lawyers, who have a strained relationship. There are secrets and lies and mysteries to figure out. If you're looking for a good thriller, a real "who dunnit", this could be it. It's not my normal read, but I enjoyed it for a change of pace. It gets wonderful reviews and I understand why. - June

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Several years ago, a friend of mine was telling me about her Mother-Daughter Book Club. I was jealous. I wanted a daughter I could share books with and then drag her to meetings with me. And then very recently, several friends and I were talking about how we all had daughters-in-law who have moved to our town within the past few years and who really haven't met many people yet. And a light bulb went off in my head! Let's have a book club with them!! And they agreed to give it a try! So in a few weeks, we're having our first meeting and there will be maybe 16 people there.

We wanted to start out with an easy book, one that can be read quickly and not either intimidate anyone or scare them away. One of the members suggested Wonder, and I think it's an excellent choice. Although it is technically a Young Adult book, it certainly has some adult themes too. And I think it will generate discussion. Plus - a big bonus here - if people just don't have time to read it, they can go see the movie that has just been released.

If you haven't heard of it, Wonder is the story of a young boy starting 5th grade. His face is severely disfigured, and of course he is subject to all the nastiness you can imagine in middle school. However, he is bright and funny, and he has the support and love of his parents and sister. It's a quick read and I think it will be a great way to start our club - and a great way for anyone to start off the year. - June