Torch by Cheryl Strayed

I just reread Torch, Cheryl Strayed's first novel. I had read this book at some point since it was published in 2005 and didn't realize it till I was about one-third of the way into it. I mean, parts sounded familiar but I'm glad I kept reading it. Like her memoir Wild, this novel is well written and draws you into the story of a step family, a mom and her two kids and their stepdad who have to face adversity.

This book is somewhat autobiographical because Cheryl Strayed lost her mother when Strayed was a young adult like the character of Claire in Torch. She says though that that's where the similarities end. She invented the characters and what happens to them.

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie of Wild:  From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail that comes out later this year. Have you read Wild or Torch?
     

Book Read:  Torch
Author:  Cheryl Strayed

The Sign Painter by Davis Bunn

I read The Sign Painter by Davis Bunn for the story, which was fairly intriguing. This book was a little "churchy" for me, but not over the top. I enjoyed this story of a homeless woman and her child who landed in a suburb of Orlando looking for work and possibly as a place to put down roots.

As the story progressed, it unfolded to be a suspenseful look at choices people make in life and those consequences.


Book Read:  The Sign Painter
Author:  Davis Bunn

One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern

If you've seen the movie P.S. I Love You starring Hillary Swank and Gerard Butler, you may have heard of Cecelia Ahern. I had seen the movie but didn't know that Cecelia Ahern wrote the book the movie was based on. 

One Hundred Names was a really good, sweet little story by this author. I'm not sure I'll read her other books, but I might.

Here's a short article I wrote about One Hundred Names.

Book Read:  One Hundred Names
Author:  Cecelia Ahern

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

I stayed up late last night to finish reading Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. This was one satisfying read! If you've read it, I'd love to hear what you thought about it. 

This novel was shorter (though not short at 436 pages) than many of the tomes he's written and it just seemed softer or more gentle. Not sure how to describe it, but in all, it was less gory but just as entertaining to me than many of his previous books.

I liked Bill Hodges right away, even when he was the fat retired detective sitting around watching bad TV all day. I grew to like him even more. And the freaky pair of Brady and his mom made this book a voyeur's delight!

Book Read:  Mr. Mercedes

Author:  Stephen King