On the Shelf, err, Car...

I am always a fan of a good book and I've read listened to a couple lately and wanted to share them with you guys in case you were in need of a new read!  It so happens that both of the ones below were books on cd (because I'm a huge dork).

Generally, I am reading at least one book and listening to one in my car at the same time.

It's the ultimate form of multitasking. 

Both of the books below came as recommendations from Anne.

She is my go to for great reviews and the next books I put on my reserve list at the library.

Need a lot of good book recommendations, Anne is your girl!

First up, 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?'.  

 I really, really enjoyed this book. I listened to it in my car and it went very quickly.  The story of Bernadette and her family is told through a series of letters, emails, faxes and more. Bernadette is a mother and former architect who moved to Seattle and hates it.  Hates the town, hates the people, hates the mothers at her daughters school. Bernadette is full of quirks, particulars and often huge calamities. Shortly before the family is due to depart to a trip to Antarctica, Bernadette disappears.  The last 3rd(ish) of the book focuses on putting the pieces together and answering the pointed question, 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?'  

To me, the book was very reminiscent of a modern day 'Amelia Bedelia'.  A little quirky, always getting into mischief while just trying to help and always in her own world.  AND! I just saw that they are making a movie, yay!   

The second book that I really enjoyed was 'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail'.

 'Wild' has been on my 'to read' list forever.  I finally remembered to reserve it from the library and am really glad I did.  Mister even got in on this one and we listened to it to and from Tennessee last weekend.

Wild is about Cheryl, who after some tumultuous moments in her life (mother dying, divorce and a run in with drugs), decides to hike for 100 days along the Pacific Crest Trail.  Without much experience or preparation, I might add. 

As you could imagine, Cheryl learned a lot about life, herself and hiking throughout her trip.  I found inspiration from her determination and perseverance to keep going when her venture was getting really tough.  You know, rattle snakes, bears, ill fitting boots, snow, just a few of her trials.  At one point, Chery peps herself up by quoting the line, 'fear begets fear and power begets power'.  This has become my new running mantra and thinking of her continuing on when times were very tough.  

I found it fascinating to hear how she overcame her struggles, worked with what she had just in her pack and how she navigated and negotiated her way across the trail. 

I definitely recommend both of these reads!

And be on the lookout for some more reviews soon...

I went a little crazy at the library...