This was my first Isabel Allende title and based on this one, I'll be reading more. I love multi-generational across time and place sagas that get you totally invested in the characters and this title was definitely one of those. The story begins in Chili and winds up in San Francisco during the gold rush with side stories taking place in England and China. I found the book to be very readable and a fascinating read that I would highly recommend.

The Magician's Lie : A Novel by Greer McAllister - 4 stars

I have decided that I like books about magicians, I just do. I like getting to peek behind the scenes and see how things that are not what they seem come to be.  This book was no exception. The plot-lines were twisted and unexpected and I really liked the characters, the story-line, the back-story, I liked it all.

This is the author's debut novel so I plan to keep her name on my radar as I anticipate more great things to come.


Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult - 4 stars

Sometimes I feel like I don't give Jodi Picoult enough credit. I remember reading My Sister's Keeper and being totally blown away by that story so I read more of hers. They were always relevant and they always had a wow, I didn't see that coming moment. But at some point, I lost interest. I'm not sure why I even picked up Leaving Time, but I am really glad I did. I totally enjoyed it.  (I talk a little about it here.)

As with many books, there are two main story-lines - the present day and then the past. This was no exception. Elephants, both in the wild and in elephant sanctuaries make up a third plot line on their own. Not knowing much about elephant behavior I found that to be really compelling reading as well. This is another book I would highly recommend reading.

This is another of those multi-generational books that I love so much. It's also set in the same house over three generations, but it starts current day and works backward which is a bit of a different approach. Tyler, a Pulitzer Prize winner is a fabulous writer. Easy to read, beautifully descriptive, I can't say enough good things about the writing as well as the story.  By all means - pick it up.

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by  Katie Coyle - 3 stars

This book has shown up on a lot of lists as a great book, must read, blah blah blah. I didn't realize it was YA until after I got it home from the library. I'm not opposed to YA, but don't usually seek it out. Anyway this is a new twist on The Rapture, and a rather interesting one at that. It's an easy read, I think I read it in one sitting. I liked it - you can decide for yourself.

This was our book club selection for March.  It was a fictional story written around a historical figure, Louise Brooks, who was a silent film star and  flapper in the 1920s.  A fun fact about Ms Brooks - she was the first woman to wear a bobbed haircut with bangs and at the time it was a bit scandalous! The story was good, easy to read and interesting. We had a pretty lively discussion which usually means the books was a good one!

The Shift: How I Finally Lost Weight and Discovered A Happier Life by Tory Johnson - 3.5 stars

This was an easy book to read. And a scary one. All the bad behaviors that the author writes about herself, she could have been writing about me.  But it comes down to a mental attitude adjustment and when you get it, you get it. For Tory Johnson she really felt her job was in jeopardy. In talking to my brother-in-law over the weekend, he was told he was pre-diabetic and if he didn't get in control he would have to self inject insulin. He's deathly afraid of needles so now, many months later he is down 30 pounds and going strong. I can't seem to find my trigger point to make that attitude adjustment kick in. Lord knows I wish I could. A good read if you struggle with your weight.

So there you have it. A prolific reading month with all pretty good titles. Here's hoping April brings more of the same. Actually I have finished the first of my April books and it was really good so I may be on my way!

Thanks for reading along.