Inspired by two active book clubs and Holly Burns’ 2011 book list, I am planning to read at least two books a month this year and I’ll be posting monthly reviews and links to the books as a progress report. Also, look me up on Goodreads – I find the site particularly helpful on getting friend’s recommendations and keeping track of what I’ve read so far.

Following Atticus
This memoir was recommended to me by my aunt and as soon as I learned that the main character was a mini schnauzer I could wait to pick it up from the library. The narrator, Tom, does a lovely job of describing Atticus’ attitude and temperament and although I felt the book became repetitive on their many attempts to best the 48 high peaks in the winter months, I still enjoyed the journey and relationship between a man and his dog. Worth a read.

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
This novel is written as a collection of letters between the main characters and the author does a brilliant job of letting the story develop through correspondence. A woman author in the mid-1940s, after the German occupation and bombings in London, is feeling restless until she receives an unexpected letter from a man on Guernsey island who ended up with one of her used books. Part history and part story — I couldn’t put it down and found myself thinking about Juliet, Elizabeth and Dawsey even when I wasn’t reading the book. Highly recommended.

Honorable Mention – The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
I have been trying to read this book for about two months now and am officially giving up. Although I adored The Poisonwood Bible and really liked Animal Dreams, I simply cannot get into this book. Perhaps it’s the journal style of the writing or the subject matter. Regardless, this one is off my shelf.