Down the Rabbit Hole - Peter Abrahams

Peter Abrahams is a master of three things: imagery, suspense, and the adolescent psyche. His distinctive style paints a story, rather than tells it, sucking the reader into the tale and giving them a vested interest in the outcome (and discovering the identity of the villain). Abrahams’ rich portrayal of Ingrid, along with her flaws, her complicated relationships, and unique outlook on her world, provides the YA lit world with an unrivaled heroine who is at once likeable and real. The suspense too, is very real, and I found myself afraid for Ingrid for both what she had and what she hadn’t yet figured out. 

Book Chick Rating: YYYYY

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

Sara Gruen’s tale is raw, detailed, and disappointingly lacking in chemistry and emotion. The storyline itself, though occasionally predictable, is compelling and the descriptions of a Depression-era circus so thorough, you feel like you could have been along for the ride. Gruen magnificently captures the displacement and lack of identity of an elderly Jacob, bringing life to both past and present perspective. It is unfortunate that the relationship between the two main characters is not more developed. This lapse hinders the illusion of belief necessary for real enjoyment and casts doubt upon the final outcome of the story. 

Book Chick Rating: YYY

The Five Love Languages - Gary Chapman

I am constantly skeptical about books claiming to revamp anything in my life, especially my relationships. I was pleasantly surprised to find Gary Chapman’s book not only approachable, but helpful and based entirely on common sense. Though occasionally pretentious for my taste, I enjoyed Chapman’s real-life examples and the inclusion of learning experiences gave the impression of an evolving theory that has developed along with his expertise. After I finished the book, I immediately went Chapman’s website and found a plethora of useful information, including a quiz to help me determine my own love language – something that perhaps could have been included as a workbook section to give immediate results to the reader. Overall, this was a pleasant experience that has led to conversations with both my husband and daughter, not to improve our relationships, per say, but to enhance and better understand each other. 

Book Chick Rating: YYYY