July Book Reviews: "The Time Traveler's Wife," "Anthem," "Why We Suck," & "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle"

My Rating System: OK*, Good**, Great***

The Time Traveler's Wife

by Audrey Niffenegger
Rating: **

This book is about Henry, a man who time travels (mostly to the past) but has no control over when or where he goes. I really liked the idea of this book and think it's a unique take on the time traveling theme, but I don't think it lived up to its potential. I didn't think the chemistry between Claire and Henry was that great. I mean it seemed like their relationship was based more on physical chemistry than actual love. And I also think it sucks that Claire never had a real relationship with anyone else. Her whole young adult life was basically wasted sitting at home pinning for someone she rarely got to see. I don't really see that as romantic. More tragic than anything to basically have someone tell you what your life is going to be like.

I know this sounds like a negative review, but I did like this book. I just think it could have been a lot better. That said, I did cry at the end. I think it is worth reading, but don't expect to be wowed.

Anthem

by Ayn Rand

Rating:***

I picked this book up off the shelf at home because it was a short book that would give me a little break from my other books. I had no idea what it was about and had only heard the name "Ayn Rand" from a recent episode of Jeopardy. I'm not sure why I didn't know her name before because she's the author of the famous "Atlas Shrugged."

"Anthem" was a very pleasant surprise. I really loved this book. Such a great message and written in a clever way. I don't really want to tell you what this book is about because it's so short that a synopsis would give away too much of the story. But, I thought it had a "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" sort of feel and had a bit of an Emersonian voice. I can't recommend this one enough. Definitely worth the couple of hours it'll take you to read it.

Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid

by Dr. Denis Leary

Rating: **

I picked this up in audio version at the library for entertainment during a road trip. I hadn't heard anything about it, but I like Denis Leary so I thought there was a lot of potential. With Leary himself reading this book, it turned out to be sort of a stand-up comedy routine. Which was a good thing. It was definitely entertaining enough for a long drive and even conjured up some rants between Seth and I (ok mostly me) about several things. The material wasn't necessarily unique, but like I said, it was entertaining. If you get offended easily and/or don't like swears, you best stay away from this one.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle

By Washington Irving
Rating: **

This is another book I chose because it was so short. Actually two books in one. A nice easy read and good to get the real story instead of the Disney/Hollywood versions. Plus, they're classics!