My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry is a quirky story full of interesting characters. I enjoyed getting to meet Elsa, an almost eight year old, who has a special bond with her grandmother. Elsa's mother and grandmother are often at odds with each other and have a strained relationship. Elsa's grandmother tells her the most amazing fairy tales when they journey to the Land-of-Almost-Awake.  Unfortunately, Elsa's grandmother dies early in the book.  However, she leaves a letter for Elsa asking her to deliver apology letters to people her grandmother knew. The process helps Elsa to learn more about her grandmother and also the fairy tales she told her.

My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry is a heartwarming story about the human spirit.  It also is a story about the bond between family and those people that become like family to us.  The diverse cast of characters is brought to vivid life by the author and each one has a unique voice in the story.

My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry will make you laugh, cry, and dream as only an almost eight year old can do.  

My son had a very special bond with his grandmother and this story definitely reminded me of that unique relationship. This book provides many topics for discussion and would make a good book club selection.  I look forward to reading more books by Fredrik Backman.  


I received a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I discovered Michelle Moran quite some time ago when reading her book Nefertiti.  Her historical fiction novels are so well researched that often when I reach the end of one of her books, I have to remind myself I wasn't actually reading the character's journals, but instead was reading a work of fiction.  

The Rebel Queen introduces us to Sita, one of the guards in Queen Lakshmi's all female army.  Sita's journey, from growing up in a village where all of the women were in purdah to serving as one of the most trusted members of the Queen's army, is one of immense growth and change.  It was so interesting to learn about the differing roles of women at that time, both in India and the United Kingdom.  Set in 1850s India, the Rebel Queen explores a time and place that isn't often covered in traditional reading selections.  I was left with a completely different understanding of the colonization of India and many of the cultural struggles that were felt both by the British and the residents of Jhansi.  

The Rebel Queen is an excellent book club selection, with discussion questions and suggestions for enhancing your book club meeting included.  I would also suggest going to Michelle Moran's website, where you can see actual photos of the historical figures in the book.  Our book club group chose to bring Indian dishes for our meeting and we had great fun!  

Michelle Moran is a wonderful historical fiction writer and I appreciate her attention to unique characters, setting and times. 

Reading Wishful Thinking was more fun that I have had in a long time!  The story begins when Jennifer has lost her cell phone, only to have it returned with a new and intriguing app Wishful Thinking.  Before she has a chance to examine her phone more closely, she has to rush to get her two young boys to school and not be too late for her meeting at work.  Jennifer faces the struggles so many of us face, trying to raise children, maintain or establish a romantic relationship and also be a dedicated employee, all at the same time.  Enter the Wishful Thinking app and its creator Dr. Diane Sexton, who just happens to be Jennifer's neighbor.  Through some physics, modern technology and wormholes, Jennifer is able to be in two places at the same time.  Haven't we all wished for that ability!  The Wishful Thinking app is the perfect solution to all of Jennifer's problems.  She can now be Super Mom, Employee of the Year and maybe even meet the man of her dreams.  

Kamy Wicoff is a great voice in women's fiction and I look forward to reading more books written by her.  Wishful Thinking is refreshing, humorous, insightful and engaging read.  It also has an important message at its core.  There are book club discussion questions included and Wishful Thinking would make a great book club selection.  

The Grown Ups by Robin Antalek is an engaging story about a group of friends and the journeys their lives take from middle school into adulthood.  The story is told from the perspectives of Sam, Bella and Suzie.  In addition, we meet Sam's older brother Michael and all the parents of Sam, Bella and Suzie.  Their paths start together, branch apart and come back together throughout their lives.  I really enjoyed being able to watch each character grow and change throughout the course of the book.  While each character faced very different challenges, they were all relatable.  The story also delves into the role our parents play in our lives and the changes to that relationship over time.  

The Grown Ups is a story about love, forgiveness and growing up.  I believe The Grown Ups would be a good book club selection and there are discussion questions included.  

I received this book as part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2015.  

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