Book reviews...

Summer is just about here, and along with sunshine and beach days comes something else I love about summer: books! My favorite time of year to read is summer. I can spend all day at the beach, curled up on a towel, and reading a book. Here are some reviews of recent books I've read that you may enjoy reading this summer.

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein
The novel, a first person narrative, is told through the eyes of the lovable Enzo--a dog. His journey through life with his human family is compelling and nothing short of inspiring. Stein truly captures the essence of loyalty, faith, and family through a series of flashbacks, day dreams, and dramatic events. Read one chapter and you will be hooked! Be warned--tears are pretty much unavoidable. But it is worth it.

Water for Elephants - Sarah Gruen
Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon did not do this story justice. Gruen's depiction of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth is surreal and entrancing. The combination of intricate characters and historical fiction really reveals Gruen's investment into this novel. Jacob and Marlena's relationship is fascinating to the point you feel like they truly existed at some point in time. Do yourself a favor and skip the movie--read the novel!

Zoo Story: Life in the Garden of Captives - Thomas French
I usually don't read nonfiction, but this story about the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL was eye opening. French's exploration of Lowry Park Zoo goes behind the scenes and introduces its reader to very real characters and situations; including a Chimpanzee with an affinity for blondes, an escaped Bengal Tiger, and Lex Salisbury, the head honcho of Lowry Park Zoo. French unveils a completely different take on zoo's in general and the captives that live there.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey
Just read it. Kesey's cooky world that is brought to life in this novel is stimulating. I read it for a class, Hippie Lit, and could not put it down. Needless to say, I didn't sell the book back for extra cash at the end of the semester. Randle McMurphy is a character that will go down in history. Even if you saw the movie already, read this. You'll be glad you did.

Now that I gave my reviews, what about some suggestions for me? I need to kick off my summer reading with a bang! Help me out :)