The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Overall Rating: * * * * * (5/5)

I am usually disappointed by novels, but this was a spectacular book. I purchased it awhile ago, but hesitated to start reading it because I wasn't sure if I could get into the format. It is written as a series of letters between the characters, which at first was not appealing to me. About 25 pages in, I was hooked. The author does an amazing job of making the characters come to life while still maintaining the integrity of the correspondence. The reader can actually believe that each letter writer would use the language that is chosen and also choose to focus on the subject areas that are discussed.

It is a heartbreaking but beautiful story about the aftermath of the German Occupation of the Channel Island of Guernsey. It describes the strength and character of the Islanders as they rebuild their lives following the war, through their own eyes as well as through the eyes of Juliet, the main character in the book. She finds out about the Occupation, is intrigued, and decides to write a story about the Island and its inhabitants. She gets much more than she bargained for, and it is wonderful to follow her through her journey on the Island.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story that is both raw and painful, but uplifting and inspiring.

Running: Tuesday, February 9

It was a gorgeous day today in Boston. Cold, about 35 degrees, but in the sun it actually felt a little bit like spring! I want to take advantage of my consultant schedule while I can, so at 2:15 today I decided to head out for a run and enjoy the weather. It was my best run of 2010, and I enjoyed every minute!

Here were the details...pretty speedy if I do say so myself! I wish I had remembered to stop the timer when I was waiting for a long light at Centre Street/Comm Ave - it would have been even better! I am really excited because I think this means that I might be able to meet my goal of a sub 30:00 5K in March.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24348794