Saturday, March 16, 2013

The Nine Lessons

     August Witte never wanted to have children.  When, after seven years of marriage, his wife becomes pregnant, August reacts badly.  He tells his wife to give it up for adoption, and when she slaps him, he storms off to his father's house and accuses him of being a horrible father.  August's dad offers to trade his journal entries about his wife's death and August's childhood for a monthly golf lesson with August for the nine months of pregnancy.  August hates golf and resents its importance in his dad's life, but agrees to find out more about his mom.  Each month's golf lesson teaches August a new aspect of life and golf.
      I liked the beginning of the book and the idea of writing journal entries on the back of golf score cards.  I also liked the journal entries about little August facing his mom's death.  Some of the golf "lessons" were a bit forced, but the idea was interesting.  The only part I didn't like was the end.  The end became so unbelievably coincidental, it was almost hilarious.  It was meant to have a feel good ending, but took away from the rest of the book.

 

Sunday, March 10, 2013

The Journal of Best Practices

     David Finch's marriage is in trouble until he is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.   Since social cues are so hard for him to notice, he begins journaling notes to remind him how to become a better husband.  Each chapter is a specific area, like, "Laundry: Better to fold and put away than to take only what you want from the dryer."  The result is The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man's Quest to be a Better Husband.
     David tells his story with humor, honesty, and a bit of swearing.  I would have enjoyed it better if it hadn't hit so close to home.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Every Day a Friday

     I am not the same religion as Joel Osteen, but I love his smile and his positive attitude.  There are some things I disagree with him on religiously, but watching him on TV soothes me.  This is his first book I have read.
     I like this book a lot because of the positive affirmations.  One of my favorites is that God wasn't having a bad day when he created you.  This is a positive and uplifting book no matter what religion you follow.