CFB Book Club: Fall 2019

2019 has been a year full of ups and downs. But I’m proud to say that thanks to these CFB Book Club posts, I was able to achieve my reading goal once again. Huzzah!

23. The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail by Richard Peck

I didn’t expect to enjoy this young reader book. It was selected by my book club during a meeting I was unable to attend. BUT I was pleasantly surprised.

Besides being a quick read, it was delightfully charming. Plus, it took a look at one of my favorite places (London) from a very unique perspective.

This book follows a mouse on a journey of self-discovery that takes him all the way to Buckingham Palace. It tackles bullying and self-doubt in a way that both kids and adults can relate to.

It’s just sweet. That, and it’s fun to have read something that I can pass along to my son.

24. Still Alice by Lisa Genova

In 2015, Julianna Moore won an Oscar for her performance as Alice Howland in the film version of Still Alice. I’ve never been able to watch the movie, but I did read the book.

In a word, heart-wrenching.

As my parents age, obviously health concerns begin to become more of an issue. While physical deterioration is horrible, it’s also a natural part of life. Mental deterioration, on the other hand, is worse is so many ways.

This story is even harder to read as the titular character deals with this monster of a disease at a relatively young age.

While at times hard to read, I highly recommend this novel for just a glimpse at what early-onset Alzheimer’s feels like.

25. The Likeability Trap by Alicia Menendez

I love my son’s school. The application process was pretty rigorous, but it has been so worth it. Why do I bring this up now? Well, I’m part of a book club through the school’s PTO.

We chose this as our final book of 2019 because the author is an alumna of the school! Plus, she was able to attend our meeting. It was really special!

Alicia tackles something that all women in the workplace have dealt with at some point: walking the line between niceness and success. The book led to some great discussion (and our largest book club meeting yet!).

If you’re interested in changing some of the cultural patterns that have been holding women back, this book is a great place to start.

26. One Day in December by Josie Silver

I decided to end the year on a lighter note.

Have you ever taken a look at the “missed connections” section on Craigslist? It’s all about chance encounters that people think could be something more.

This book is that, except that missed connection reappears as your best friend’s new boyfriend. Eek!

To be honest, I didn’t love it, BUT if you like a good rom-com, this may be your next favorite book. Rumors are swirling about it being adapted into a movie, so get on that!

And just like that, another year begins! I’m excited to dive into another year and a new reading goal. Ladies like LaShawn make me feel like I should step up my game, but I think 100 books is a bit ambitious for me.

I’m already on book two for the year, but I’ll let you wait and see what my goal is on the next CFB Book Club update. What’s your reading goal for the year?

Happy reading!