One Day

Book Title: One Day by David Nicholls

Lexile: No Lexile Available

Rating out of 5 stars: 3.5

Book Review by Mrs. Burnham: One Day is the story of a boy and girl who are acquaintences during college. On the day of graduation, they spend more time together, and so starts a friendship that rides a rollercoaster of emotions. Dex is a handsome, rich, trust-funder who lives a life of luxury and ease, while Emma is a struggling writer and flounders in the area of romantic relationships. This book is unique because it is written over a period twenty years, each chapter is another year of friendship. Read this book to find out how Emma and Dex discover if they can live with or without each other.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Book Title: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Lexile: 780

Rating out of 5 stars: 5!

Book Review by Mrs. Burnham: The book is the story of a man named Henry who has the ability to travel through time. He falls in love with Clare Abshire, an artist whose life follows a natural, sequential course. Their journey of love is anything but ordinary, and it's what makes this book amazing to read. WARNING: in my experience, people either love the book or hate the book. I particularly enjoy love stories, romantic or tragic, so this book is one of my top 10 books of all time.

Heaven is for Real

Book Title: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

Lexile: No Lexile Available

Rating out of 5 stars: 3 stars

Book Review by Mrs. Burnham: This book is the true story of 3-year-old Colton Burpo's near death experience, and his re-telling of his glimpses of the afterlife. Although not Pulitzer Prize caliber writing, the story is interesting, particularly if you are familiar with Christianity. The book is quick to read and a good discussion about the afterlife.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Book Title: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Lexile: 1100

Rating out of 5 stars: 5 stars!

Book Review by Mrs. Burnham: Pride and Prejudice is a funny book that pokes fun at the ridiculousness that is arranged marriages. The story takes place in England in the 18th century. The main character, Elizabeth Bennett, is one of five daughters who are of marrying age. Elizabeth's mother, Mrs. Bennett, is determined to marry each of her daughters to a proper (a.k.a. wealthy) suitor. The characters in the book are quirky, silly, and funny. Elizabeth is a wonderful main character because she is stubborn, intelligent, and strong-willed, even to a fault. Even the first line of the book is funny, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." A classic and a must read!

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Book Title: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Lexile: 1080

Rating out of 5 stars: 5 stars

Book Review by Tish: Australian Hanna Heath is a rare book expert. She asked to examine a newly discovered ancient Jewish holy book called the Sarajevo Haggadah. Hanna must travel to Bosnia, which is in the midst of a civil war, to unlock the book’s mysteries. This story is beautifully written and will appeal to readers that like Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. I adored this book.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Book Title: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Lexile: 750

Rating out of 5 stars: 5 stars!

Book Review by Tish: The story is set in the near future, and Offred is a Handmaid placed in the home of the Commander and his wife. Every aspect of her life is controlled. She is only allowed out once a day to the food market, she is forbidden to read, and she is hoping the Commander will make her pregnant to avoid being “sent to the wall’. A freaky and absorbing modern classic that does not disappoint! This is my favorite Margaret Atwood novel.

The Outlander by Gil Adamson

Book Title: The Outlander by Gil Adamson

Lexile: Not Available

Rating out of 5 stars: 4.5

Book Review by Tish: The year is 1903 and Mary Boulton is on the run. She has killed her new husband. Was it madness that drove Mary to take her husband’s life? Was she an abused wife? Mary is now being hunted by the sheriff and her husband’s kin. Mary is forced to flee alone across the West. This book is a turn of the century thriller, and Mary is desperately trying to stay one heart pounding step in front of the law. This book kept me on the end of my seat.