"Whipping Boy" by Allen Kurzweil

Whipping Boy by Allen Kurzwell is the true story about Allen who was bullied by a 12-year-old boy named Cesar while attending a Swiss boarding school.  Forty years later, Allen decides to search for and confront Cesar.  The beginning of this book is when he is bullied and how he deals with it which I thought was the most interesting part.  The search to find Cesar was pretty good, but the ending was a bit of a let down.  Still, I enjoyed it.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We Both Liked "American Sniper" by Chris Kyle is a Must Read

American Sniper is Chris Kyle’s story of his life, the American SEAL sniper credited with the most kills in the Iraq war. The book starts with a little from his childhood and how he was a cowboy, then goes into depth about his Navy and SEAL training. It covers his experiences in Iraq during the war over his four deployments and touches on his personal life as a husband and father. He was a great warrior and was completely dedicated to serving his country by killing the bad guys. It shows the struggles between he and his wife due to their different priorities.

I liked the book because I learned some new things; however, can’t help but think both he and his wife would have been better off not getting married. Chris was definitely “married” to the Navy and being a sniper. Time after time, he put his career ahead of her and his children. I enjoyed reading about the training he went through and the combat situations he experienced, but when he went into detail about the different weapons, I got bored with that. I did learn though that choosing the right weapon is kind of like choosing a golf club—there are a lot of options. I also was shocked at how much hazing goes on when new guys are assigned to a SEAL team.

I guess what bothered me most was that he proclaimed to be a strong Christian, yet seemed to be very self-centered when it came to his marriage, his language was rough, he got into a lot of bar brawls and drank a lot—all things strong Christians would not do. If you want a glimpse of what really goes on in the Iraq war and the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, this is a must read.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

American Sniper is the true story of Chris, a sniper, and the best one in the service.  I have read a few books on the war and this one ranks right up there with the best, if not the best that I have read!  His account is absolutely riveting.  I was able to experience through his telling what is going on and what he went through.  WOW!  I LOVED this book!  Chris was an American hero for sure!  This is a must read and if you have a chance to see the movie, do it!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Old Fashioned" by Rene Gutteridge

I heard a lot about the movie so was excited to read Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge when I saw it at the library.  This is a love story about letting go of one's past and moving forward.  Clay and Amber very different but yet are attracted to each other.   This is a clean romance novel that shows how people can change but that no one is perfect.  Clay was really strange though, his first few dates with Amber were really unbelievable!  I enjoyed it because of the humor in it and especially liked the ending!  It's a quick read.  It has discussion questions in the back for book club use.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)  Here's the movie trailer:


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Hush Hush" by Laura Lippman Is Confusing

Hush Hush by Laura Lippman is about a woman, Melisandre Harris, who leaves her two-month old daughter locked in a car.  The baby dies.  She is found not guilty but found to be insane.  Then she wants to film a documentary as she plans to re-connect with her two other daughters.  Not everyone is in favor of this.

This book has a ton of story lines and it is easy to get confused, but the ending ties it all up.  The book is really good though and kept my interest.  
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesdays: Four Today

Gerard's:

When Lindy rode by, my thoughts scuttled after her.  I was mindless to all else in my crush.

From page 7 of My Sunshine Away by M. O. Walsh (click link to see my review)
  
CS:  But I knew Mrs. Dawes wasn't in her right mind.  I saw her and I left her alone, to walk out and get in her car and--do what she did!

From page 8 of Hush Hush by Laura Lippman.

Karen's: 

He only knew that he had had his choice of remaining in the water alone or being pulled by the Black.  If he was to die, he would rather die with the mighty stallion than alone.

From page 12 (Loc. 164-65 on Kindle) of The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. 

You can sleep on the pillow next to me," as my small hand softly patted the space I had made for him.  The thought that he would come filled my child's heart with an incredible joy and peace.

From page 23 (Loc. 283-85 on Kindle) of A Lady in France:  A Memoir by Jennie Goutet.


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just pick two sentences from the book you are reading.
Happy Reading!