To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

9 Stars

I'm not sure why I have never read this. I remember classmates reading it in high school but I never did.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

9-10 Stars 

Summary (Amazon.com): A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

Wow. A deeply moving story about love and hope set in a completely hopeless world. I'm not sure I would recommend this to just anyone because it is a real downer and has some seriously disturbing images. That said, the writing is absolutely beautiful, feeling very personal and yet coldly distant at the same time. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time and one that I will stew over for years to come. I know that I will read it again someday. Perhaps I should go buy myself a copy. 

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

7 Stars

Summary (taken from copyright page): When Ivan, a gorilla who has lived for years in a down-and-out circus-themed mall, meets Ruby, a baby elephant that has been added to the mall, he decides that he must find her a better life.

I rarely cry in books, but this one had me sniffling a few times. Even though the language is simple (a children's book after all) you really get a sense of the feelings for Ivan and his friends. I was first afraid that the story would turn out too preachy or one-sided in regards to animal rights but you also feel for the human characters and understand the reasoning behind their actions. A quick and enjoyable read, I highly recommend this one.