Summer Reading

We've now checked out and read 6 books from the library with Cate since the summer reading program started on June 1st. And since you get a prize for every fifth book, we decided it was time to go to the library today (mommy still has to read two more books-- I didn't count The Patron Saint of Liars-- before she gets her prize- a $3 off coupon for the next library book sale :-) ).
I was very proud of her for handing her card over to the librarian. Cate didn't hesitate when presented with the bin of prizes.
Ever the monkey-lover and ever my little monkey, Cate went straight for a cute, plastic, monkey mini-mug. Cate has actually been "brushing" her teeth by herself quite well for the last week or so (I think it feels good on her sore, teething gums), and I think this little mug is the perfect bathroom, brushing teeth cup for her. She played with it in the stroller the whole way home from the library. Clearly she is happy with her choice.

So what did mommy just finish to color in her dot? Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout was this year's Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction. I really kind of expected better from such a book bestowed with such a high honor. It wasn't bad, but wasn't a favorite either. The novel is basically a series of short stories that take place in Crosby, Maine. The stories move chronologically and always involve Olive Kitteridge, the title character and retired 7th grade math teacher. Sometimes she plays a major role and other times she is only mentioned. There were times when the stories depressed me and times when I found moments of hope and happiness. But like I said, it's not one I'd probably bother to read again. The writing is beautiful, but the book just didn't do it for me.
I'm not sure what's on deck next. I just picked up a book that is a series of essays about mother-daughter relationships called Because I Love Her. I'm also a chapter into Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis. I normally don't read two books at once, but since the former is a series of essays, I may double dip for now.

And as always, don't hesitate to let me know about any good books you're reading.

~Melody :-)