What’s On My Nightstand

Usually my nightstand holds a pile of books I am waiting to read, but this time it’s a pile I’ve already finished! 

I found all these at the library book sale last month.  I am pretty sure I have read the James Herriot books before, but it’s been a while and I absolutely loved visiting the jolly vet and experiencing his adventures again.  I had seen American Wife on quite a few lists around the internet and knew I wanted to read it.  I did not know it was actually based on Laura Bush’s life.  Had I not known this I may have enjoyed this book more, but…it is my greatest pet peeve when people “rewrite” history and fictionalize it.  I appreciate it when it’s done in a respectful and in a keep to the facts manner, but come on!  This writer simply changed Mrs. Bush’s name to Alice and had a field day with the rest.  Yes, it made for a very exciting and interesting read but who can walk away from this and not have the thought in the back of your head that you know just how Laura Bush feels about the car wreck she was in as a teenager, about her husband, her in-laws, etc.  No, this is fiction, no one knows what’s in her head but her and that’s where it should stay.  And if she did have an affair with the brother of the boy who died and subsequently have an abortion after that, that is her own stinking private business!  (And if she didn’t then there you are again, stuck with ideas in your head that you can’t help but associate with Bush when you see her.)  Yes, again, it made a good story, but when you come up with such a story based on a real live person you are taking liberties I just feel are wrong.  Okay, rant over!

I read The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson last year and found Gods In Alabama to be very similar in storyline and writing style.  If you live in the south like me you will appreciate the setting and character development.  Jackson has quite a way with story plot and twists as well, it makes for an interesting and unique read.  I haven’t gotten to Between, Georgia just yet because…I have started rereading Harry Potter YET AGAIN lol.  I just started last week and am already on book three.  Ds2 is joining in as well and we are having fun revisiting the wizarding world together.  So it may be a while before I get to any new fiction on my nightstand.  :)  Be sure and visit 5 Minutes for Books for great reviews and articles.