The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand

One of the most intelligent and TIMELESS novels I have ever read. Unlike Catcher in the Rye, which is most appreciated early in life, this one is best with much more life experience. So incredibly coherent. Unique and amazing stuff!

Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants is about circus life during the Great Depression.

Although the book doesn't focus on animals all that much, there was enough reference to keep me satisfied. The Author's love of animals and what they have to teach us, definitely came through.

The ending was great...actually a conclusion to the opening of the book. I especially enjoyed the Author’s Notes, which revealed that much of the inspiration for this novel came from actual historical events. One note was about an elephant who could only understand German!, and was therefore mistaken as stupid because it did not do as it was told...when spoken to in English.

I wasn't blown away, but I did enjoy this novel, or at least parts of it.

Hey Nostradamus! - Douglas Coupland

I wanted to read this book for a long time, mostly because I found the cover and title intriguing (so wrong, I know).

There are four main views which make up the story, which focuses on a high school shooting and those involved. Each character has a different perspective on God and loss, and the novel basically leaves it at that.

I found it hard to put this book down at times, actually rushing and talking out loud, wondering what will happen (especially regarding the psychic and how she knows what she knows - and, of course, the shooting scene). Other times I felt bored or disconnected.

I think the main points that came through for me is that we are all connected in teaching each other about God, spirituality, and life in general - sometimes through horrific events and actions.