Book Club Friday - Short Story Week

I apparently was on a short story kick this past week and read 4 in a row.  All nice easy reads that took me maybe 30 minutes.  Each  book is below with a synopsis and some quick thoughts.

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The Glass Case

Synopsis
In her classic short story THE GLASS CASE, Kristin Hannah explores the heart and mind of a young mother.  April Bannerman is a young mother of three, married to her high school sweetheart & living in the same small town in which she grew up.  Although she loves her children and husband, April is plagued by the growing doubt that she has not lived up to her mother's expectations for her---until one day when something terrible and unexpected happens, and April must face the truth about her own life and discover what really matters.

Thoughts
I got this as a free download from B&N for my Nook and it was a nice easy read.  I've read other Kristin Hannah books and I enjoy them - so I knew I would like this one too (and I did).  It's a pretty basic story, but enjoyable.

Swim

Synopsis
Ruth has left her job writing for a hit television show for reasons she’d rather not discuss and is supplementing her increasingly dwindling savings with freelance writing projects—namely, helping anxious high school students craft a perfect college essay and lonely souls craft captivating online dating profiles. When she’s not working, she’s swimming—lap after lap at the local indoor pool, in a desperate attempt to wash away the sting of professional failure and heartbreak that she can’t seem to shake. It takes an unexpected client to show her that appearances can be deceiving, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply dive back in.

Thoughts
I have never read any Jennifer Weiner books before, but this one definitely made me want to pick up some of hers.  It is basically a pre-story/backstory for her upcoming novel.  Thought it was enjoyable and got me to add the novel to my 'to read' list.

So, You Want to Be Canadian: All About the Most Fascinating People in the World and the Magical Place They Call Home

Synopsis

So, you want to be Canadian? Who doesn't these days? Canucks are enjoying a major renaissance in attention, from their enlightened social policies to their wild and wooly pop culture. This playful, trivia-packed book is a long-overdue celebration of all things Canadian, from the mysteries of "eh?" to the difference between an Ogo Pogo and a Windingo to how to prepare moose stroganoff (mmm!). Featuring a dreamy list of Canadian hotties, a toe-tapping roundup of Canadian smash hit songs, a handy CanadianAmerican translator, and pointers on how to eat, dress, and apologize like a Canadian if you weren't lucky enough to be born a Canuck, So, You Want to Be Canadian demonstrates once and for all why Canada is so cool (formerly just cold).

Thoughts
I got this book for $0.99 one day.  I am not sure why but I am fascinated by Canada and thought this would be an interesting read.  It was actually really funny!  I did learn some things about Canadians and really enjoyed it.  

The Diary of Darcy J Rhone

Synopsis
In anticipation of her new novel, Where We Belong, bestselling author Emily Giffin is releasing, as an all-new bonus, The Diary of Darcy J. Rhone. Filled with high school adventures of the beloved Darcy and Rachel from Something Borrowed and Something Blue, it gives readers a window into their lives before college, law school, and Dex.

Thoughts
I have read both Something Borrowed and Something Blue and while I did enjoy them, Darcy was my list favorite character in them.  She is just so spoiled!  This book was a little too Darcy for me (duh, given the title), but did get my excited for her new book.

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In the end, I would have to say my favorite was So, you want to be Canadian.  It was just a nice light read and kept me entertained the entire time.  I recommend it if you are at all interested in Canada!