What I'm reading Wednesday...

Note to self:  never say never; yes, I'm 'challenging' again this year. 

First challenge finish for the year.  This one has been on my Kindle since 2011!

I'm hoping I can continue to read down my Kindle library this year.  I decided to start with this one, since I think it may be the oldest unread book on my device.  I wasn't sure what prompt it would fit under, but when I got to the end, the author's bio did list her dog among her family members, so I knew right where it should go.

I only gave it 3.5 stars, not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I reserve 5 stars for a book so good I want to read it again someday, so for a full four stars I have to love it.  The story was good, and I learned a lot about old-time traveling circuses.  But it also had a dual timeline that is just not my favorite writing style.

Second challenge finish of the year.

Story about a little girl who, having suffered a short episode of blindness, is faced with the possibility that it could come back and be permanent.  Her grandfather undertakes a year of museum visits with her to fill her memory with things of beauty if the threat of blindness returns.

I understand that the hard copy of the book has images of each of the art pieces included.  I couldn't get a reserve for a hard copy from the library in time to get it read by book club, so I checked out the audio version.  To see which art piece was being described (one per chapter) I had to search online to be able to see the art as the characters in the book discussed it.  It was a bit of trouble, but worth it.  I really did learn a lot about art and artists.

That said, the art was what I liked best about the book.  I did not find the characters very likable.  It's possible that this was because of the book narration, which I did not enjoy.  But I did not find the title character (child) in the least bit endearing...her mother just seemed to be a whiny put-upon worrier...her father was a ne'er-do-well  alcoholic...her grandfather was loving, but even so, I did not find him that likeable either.

I'm glad I read it, but am ambivalent about recommending it:  a yes for the art lessons, but a no for the story.  

It also kind of bugs me that the the cover art is a portion of Girl With a Pearl Earring that focuses on the subject's very entreating eyes.  I feel like that image with the title of the book superimposed over it is confusing.  I'm thinking that the odds are great that a fair number of browsers come away thinking that the subject of the cover's painting is named Mona (if not Mona Lisa).

I'm interested to know what YOU are reading lately.  Do tell, please!