Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

Basic Plot

This book was based on the true life story of the author's grandmother Lily Casey Smith. Lily was spunky, resourceful child who grew up to be a resilient and amazing woman. Despite having odds stacked against her, she managed to persevere and adapt to every imaginable situation. Breaking in wild horses, learning to drive an automobile and even a plane, also teaching kids in distant one-pony towns across the deserts. 

Rating 4.5/5

My full review here.

Thank you to Lydia for lending me this book.

Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones

 

Basic plot

Matilda is a 13 year old girl who lives in a remote island ravaged by war. Her only constants are an overbearing mother and an eccentric self-appointed teacher, Mr Watts, who introduces her to Pip. By reading aloud from Charles Dicken's classic novel Great Expectations, this strange white man, sparks a change in the community of which he is an outcast. As her life becomes more uncertain and perilous, Matilda takes comfort in a world so different from her own but draws strength and parallels from this great literary masterpiece. Souls are awakened, imaginations ignited but horror also looms in the future.

 

Rating: 4/5

My review here.

This book actually belongs to Lydia  who has been kind enough to lend me this book as part of her book swap project. Siti has also posted a book swap list on her blog. I am delighted that there are book lovers out there who, like me, want to share our passion for reading with others.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

 

Basic plot

In his quest to fulfill his Personal Legend, young Santiago left the seminary to become a shepherd who would subsequently leave his flock in search of treasure at the Pyramids. His journey takes him from Spain’s scenic rural countryside to the harsh deserts of Egypt. Along the way he meets a gypsy, a king, a crystal merchant, an Englishman and finally the Alchemist himself. A great man who possesses The Philosopher’s Stone and The Elixir of Life. At the end of his journey to fulfill his Personal Legend is a rare insight into the Soul of the World.

 

Rating: 3.5/5

My full review here.

This book actually belongs to Siti who has been kind enough to lend me this book as part of her book swap project. Lydia has also posted a book swap list on her blog. I am delighted that there are book lovers out there who, like me, want to share our passion for reading with others. (My book list is at the Book Club).