(Nevada)
This is a silly story about some old women from South Carolina who are 'assigned' to go to Vegas on some obscure church assignment. They swear they have been saved and are going to act as such (aka, no gambling or drinking) but their long born dislike of one another leads to a series of antics and mishaps that leads one giggling... at least a little. With a twist of romance and slice of mystery, the story kept me enthralled for its entirety.
54. That Mean Old Yesterday by Stacey Patton ****
(New Jersey; Memoir)
This is a true story about a woman who has risen above her abusive past to a great future. This book is not for the faint of heart as it tells some bitter truths about the American foster system. It also reminds me that you don't have to lay a hand on a child to be abusive to them and sometimes inaction is just as painful as an angry hit.
55. The Time of Our Lives: A Conversation about America by Tom Brokaw *****
(South Dakota)
This was a fabulous book that I absolutely enjoyed. After writing "The Greatest Generation", Tom Brokaw was encouraged to write a book for the generations of the future.. and thus The Time of Our Lives was born. He shares some of his own life growing up in South Dakota and how that experience impacts what we do and who we are today. I also really enjoy the way he opens each chapter by stating, "Fact." It reminds me of how my friend Katie Baker always says, "Truth." He then talks about the values of the past, the hard truth of the present, and the beauty of the promise if we turn it around.
56. Sex on the Moon: The Amazing Story of the Most Audacious Heist in History by Ben Mezrich *****
(Texas)
This story is fascinating in and of itself, but it's even more strange as I know this guy's family. I didn't realize I did until some facts of his early history were just too obvious to deny. There was no way this wasn't the family I thought I knew! Crazy! Anyway.... the story is purely fascinating and if you're looking for an interesting read, pick this one up. You'll learn a thing or two on the way.
57. The Trouble with Mary Amelia by Jennifer Holm *****
(Washington)
In a search for sisu - that's Finnish for guts - and earn her father's respect, May Amelia is trying to learn the ways of the world in the early 1900s. She thinks she may have done it as she translates documents for her father. When they turn out to be nothing more than a scam, her father blames her for all their undoing. She then has to fight her way back into the family and their good graces.
58. The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall ****
Katie Baker encouraged me to read this book... in July. I actually started it in July. But I'm such a slow reader - especially of nonfiction- that it took me forever. It's so funny, though! The British are so quirky and interesting, and I appreciated the take of an American living in London. So if you love all things Britain.... pick this one up!
