Best Book Ever :)

This semester I read half of one book, and half of another. The first book I picked up back in the beginning of the semester was a Swedish novel by Fredrik Backman titled A Man Called Ove. I saw this book on Fletcher's shelf, and I was intrigued by the mysterious title and the adorable cat on the cover. I wanted to know: Who is Ove? Why did this author chose to write an entire book about him? What is his story? I began reading about this angry old man named Ove and his routine days living next to the chatty and boisterous neighbors who he refuses to socialize with. Ove is alone in his house with no other company put his cats, so when this family moves in next door, he is forced to interact with them. I can't tell you the nitty gritty because I put the book down. It was interesting, but it was not my speed. This book's plot was moving too slow for my liking, and I switched my interest to another book on Fletcher's shelf. 

My second book, I am currently still reading. I absolutely love it. So much that I am contemplating to buy it myself just so I can continue my reading, not just on SSR Mondays. My second book is titled Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar. The author Cheryl Strayed, is a former advice columnist. People from all over the world write her asking for advice about their love life, how to cope with their feelings, and how to handle family drama or escape messy relationships. With 353 pages, this self-help book holds over twenty letters-- all written by real individuals--containing deep, real life conflicts and inner struggles that people like you and me experience. Not going to lie, I’ve shed a few tears in the classroom, and it is because this book hits your emotions hard. This book is recommended for mature readers and touches on sensitive topics, but if you are someone who appreciates poetic writing, this is it. Cheryl Strayed has such a way with metaphors and she's especially talented at giving advice. She shares her personal traumas and relates to her readers within each story which has made me feel connected to her as a reader myself. The genre as well, being as you are only reading letters and responses, is interesting and fun to read. 

-- Alyssa Peurrung