moonwalking with einstein

"On average, people squander forty days annually compensating for things they've forgotten. Joshua Foer used to be one of those people. But after a year of memory training, he found himself in the finals of the U.S. Memory Championship. Even more important, Foer found a vital truth we too often forget: In every way that matters, we are the sum of our memories."

Dan gave me this book for Christmas and I really enjoyed it.  Although it was somewhat repetitive at times, and even a little dry, overall it was quite interesting.  I love the quirky mnemonists and memory champions he meets along the way and the self-deprecating humor he employs.

the fault in our stars

Once again, I completely ignored this space for months.  I'm back.  John Green's new book was released without even being on my radar.  I absolutely LOVE John Green, so this must show how busy life has been.  My friend Kate passed it along and I read it in a day.

"Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten."

I enjoyed this book, not as much as Abundance of Katherines, but still a great read.  My only complaints were the somewhat predictable outcome and the bizarre, totally unbelievable author character.  Other than these shortcomings, I was moved by the story and its two main characters.