The Empty Shelf--MONTH FIVE

My empty "shelf" is really filling up! I'm glad I'm using a virtual shelf and borrowed books, because I've read almost 50 books since the start of the new year. Whew! Here's what I read in May:

Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan (nonfiction)
Comedian Jim Gaffigan offers up anecdote after anecdote in this autobiographical book about life as a Dad of 5 children. You get the before and the during; births and afterbirths; and just how do 7 people survive in a small apartment smack dab in the middle of Manhattan? It's an easy read that is LOL funny.  (5/5 stars)

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (really, J.K. Rowling....)
Private Investigator Cormoran Strike is down on his luck when a childhood acquaintance walks into his office and offers him the job of a lifetime. Strike sets out to investigate the death of a famous model, the adopted sister of one of his childhood playmates. Her death was ruled a suicide, but her brother suspects foul play. Strike, along with his assistant, delve into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, hoping to uncover the truth. (2.5/5 stars)

Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman
Teddi is a 30-something furniture restorer living in Charleston, South Carolina. After leaving home at 18 to chase her dreams, she's had a strained relationship with her mother. The strain only intensified after the disappearance of her younger brother 3 years later, who was presumed dead. Tragically, 15 years later, Teddi's mother dies of a stroke and Teddi returns home to settle the estate. In the midst of relics and memories from the past, Teddi will discover secrets about her parents, her brother and even herself that could finally give her the real peace she's been seeking.   (5/5 stars)

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
30-something Kathy tells the story of growing up in a boarding school in the English countryside. It wasn't just any boarding school, but one dedicated to bringing up the best and the brightest of the human race; one with a much darker intention. As old friendships are rekindled, Kathy soon realizes that much of her childhood was a facade and that her present and future are still a mystery. (3/5 stars)

The Blood Knight by Greg Keyes
The story of the Dare family's quest to preserve the throne of Crotheny continues with Princess Anne's desperate plight to reunite with her mother and take the throne back from the "usurper". She is accompanied by her faithful maidservant, a few knights, and even an army headed up by her cousin. Dangers still await in the forest, as another company of man pursue the Briar King, awakening many of the strange and deadly creatures. (4/5 stars)

The Born Queen by Greg Keyes
Queen Anne finally sits on the throne as the usurper is on the run. But, dangers are coming at her from every side, even from within her own mind. Many others want to take control and rule over Crotheny and will stop at nothing to get it. Will Anne remain Queen? And who else will perish in order for her family to preserve the throne? (4/5 stars)

Legend by Marie Lu
It's a post-dystopian Los Angeles. A plague is running rampart. 15-year-old Day is on the run from the Republic government. He's accused of many things, not the least of which is murder. 15-year-old June comes from a wealthy, renown family. When her brother is killed in the line of duty, she sets out to avenge his death. When the two teens' worlds collide, they discover sinister secrets the government has been keeping from the people. Can they expose it for what it is, or will they die trying? (3.5/5 stars)

Prodigy by Marie Lu
The second novel in the Legend series. Day and June are now on the run from the Republic. They find themselves in Las Vegas, trying to win over an alliance with the Patriots to rescue Day's brother from the Republic. When the Elector dies, the pair seek safe passage to the Colonies, and the Patriots will help them--if they assassinate the incoming Elector. (3/5 stars)

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
When 15-year-old Amelia falls to her death from the roof of her prestigious New York private school, her single mother sets out to find exactly how it happened. Through texts, emails, Facebook, and talking to those closest involved, Kate begins to unravel the events that took place leading up to the tragic death. Did Amelia jump? Was she pushed? Or was this a tragic accident of circumstance? (4/5 stars)

The Bling Ring by Nancy Jo Sales (nonfiction)
Vanity Fair writer Nancy Jo Sales took an article she's written exposing a burglary ring ran by teens in an affluent suburb of Los Angeles that targeted young stars' homes. The story chronicles the lives of each of the suspects before, during, and after the series of burglaries, which occurred over a 1-year period. Sales' investigation involved reading police reports, talking to the celebrities' representatives, talking to family members and peers of the accused, and talking to the defendants themselves. It's a fascinating look at privilege, envy, and chasing fame.  (3.5/5 stars)

The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times by Jennifer Worth (nonfiction)
The popular PBS show is based on this autobiography of a young, British nurse serving as a midwife in the poor communities of the outer London area during the late 50s/early 60s. This first volume tells of Jenny's first months at the convent--each chapter serves to tell of one birth story, amidst some of the other happenings at Nonnatus House.  (5/5 stars)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This story, set in the 1940s Nazi Germany, and narrated by Death, tells of a young foster child named Liesel and her adventures as a "book thief". At first, she's stealing to keep herself afloat, but soon realizes that her thievery could serve a higher purpose.  (4.5/5 stars)

Lots of excellent books this month! But, The Midwife was probably my favorite, with Looking For Me as a close second. I'm excited to read the second and third volumes next month!