Debt by David Graeber

Graeber combines an in depth history of debt in numerous cultures with his political ideology.

• Graeber clearly presents his bias in the first few chapters with his attacks on the IMF.
• Debt fails to recognize the complex differences between consumer and national debt.
• Overall, the informative value of Debt is devalued by an overzealous personal agenda.

The book of Aron by Jim Shepard

• I felt like I had already read it as I was reading it.
• It is well written with complex characters.
• Overall, Shepard brings nothing new to the subject matter or genre.

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

After hearing the author speak at ALA Midwinter, I decided to read this novel.

• It is written for middle grade readers.
• Gemeinhart deals with the complexities of childhood cancer in an approachable way that captures the complexities of emotions surrounding it.
• There is adventure, and a dog.

The Mockingbird Next Door by Marja Mills

The premise of the book appears to clash with Harper Lee's behavior of the last four decades.  The premise of a journalist moving in next door and becoming part of Lee's group of friends is unlikely.  This is the appeal of The Mockingbird Next Door.

• The narrative moves along quickly.
• Mills focuses on relationships between Lee, her sister, and community members.  The focus is not on a chronology of Lee's life.
• It is unclear how much Lee withheld from publication.  The author is upfront that Lee controlled what was "on the record."
• In a society where mundane daily activities of celebrities are broadcast to the world, Lee's life is unique.
• Fun facts: 
• Lee preferred communication through fax because she didn't like technology and was hard of hearing.
• Lee did not own a washing machine or dryer.  She used a nearby laundromat.

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

Haruf crafts a compelling tale about aging and loneliness.

• The novel a quick read with a compelling plot.
• The novel examines the demands of familial relationships on older family members.
• One short section of the book touched on topics of other Harfu novels set in the same small town.  That short bit became a bit too meta for my tastes.
• Overall, an enjoyable read.

I Take You by Eliza Kennedy

Kennedy has flashes of humor and fun. Overall, I Take You is drug down by predictable chick lit conventions (e.g. an engagement).

• At first the main character seems atypical.
• There is one amazing and seriously laugh out load scene. 
• The rest of the book rests on predictable conventions of chick lit.

Positive Discipline: The First Three Years: From Infant to Toddler... by Nelsen & Duffy

With an 18 month old I'm starting to seek information about discipline.  I fear I may be too lenient.  This book was extremely helpful.

• Nelsen and Duffy provide practical information for new parents.
• My biggest take-away was that "Practice makes better" in parenting.
• Summaries with bullet-points help reinforce the main points of each section.
• This book isn't about one right way to parent.  Instead it is about different options and weighing the readers individual values.