Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain

Molly and her husband are in the process of adopting a child. Life seems safe and perfect but, Molly's hidden past causes some unseen issues for her.

The story alternates between the past and present giving the reader insight into who, Molly is and how our past and childhoods can define who we are and the path it leads us to as adults. Molly's childhood can best be described as unconventional and the worst summer of her life, at age 14 might be her undoing.

It just might destroy everything she's built up. This is an excellent read with characters that you can easily identify with however ...... the ending is fairly predictable and trite but worthy of your time,

Grade: A-

Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget by Sarah Hepola

Sarah Hepola is an alcoholic and this is her story.

Her drinking cause her to lose time, friends, family, love, jobs and self respect.

Sarah often woke up with no memory of what she had done, been or where she was.
Her life had spiraled out of control and she has has used this book as a platform to
chronicle what she can remember. Her memories are difficult to read and you can't help but cheer her on when turns her life right side up.

This is an excellent book to read if you or someone you know is an alcoholic. Many, members of my family have a "drinking" problem, they don't see it. I can't say that reading this book has helped quell the anger or frustration I feel when dealing with them or hearing about their issues but it gives me a slight belief in hope. Hope that one day they will take the path to recovery.

Grade: A

Room by Emma Donoghue

This is a great book. The story is intriguing and keeps you on edge. It's an A+ story but the manner it is told in brings it down to a B and that is being generous.

The story is told through the "words" of a 5 year old. It's almost a struggle to figure out what he is saying and it takes quite some time to get the "language" down but once you do -- it's worth it.

I don't want to give much away --- but I will say that this little boy and his ma live together in seclusion, in a tiny room.  Jack was born in that room and knows nothing else but his Ma and the space they share. It is his "world"' but his Ma dreams of different one, the one she use to know.
She makes life as bearable as possible and fun for young Jack.

I really trudged through the first part of the story, not because it wasn't interesting (it was) but because of how it was told and then .. I just flew through the last half and I suspect you will too.

Grade: B