5 days into vacation and so far, I have read:

1. Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman: Highly recommended. Mrs. Chapman writes with an honest, refreshing voice. She finds a beautiful way to balance the pain and humor of life and I found myself laughing out loud and weeping uncontrollably (seriously....had to put the book down because I couldn't see the words) at different points of the book. She doesn't sugarcoat the difficulty/confusion/searing pain/despair of losing a child and yet somehow the book ends up feeling hopeful. Insightful writing.
2. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen: I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as I was expecting to enjoy it. I think the recommendation I got may have built it up a bit too much for me. I was expecting it to be one of the best books I read all year, and it ended up being *just* a novel that I enjoyed. I'm glad I read it. I don't imagine I'll ever read it again. I intend to see the movie (hopefully with my sister who has also read the book) and I really enjoy reading the book before seeing a book-based movie, so that was a plus. Good storytelling. One good plot twist.
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett: Really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it. Really looking forward to seeing the movie on Saturday. Well-written. Meaningful attempt at addressing race relations in the 60s. For some reason, I have a feeling I may enjoy the movie more than the book, but...that's not to say I didn't enjoy the book. Just means how I can see how the story could be portrayed powerfully on the screen.
4. A Stolen Life: A Memoir by Jaycee Dugard: Picked this one up off my aunt's coffee table and got interested in it. Somehow, I was oblivious to this girl's story (kidnapped when she was 11, held captive for 18 years and was found, along with her 2 children, in 2009). It's an easy read (in readability NOT in content) and provides an intriguing look at what goes through the mind of a victim in that situation. Graphic at times. I found myself vacillating between rage and despair over the depth of humanity's depravity. It is absolutely astounding to think about how disgustingly twisted a person can be and also astounding to think about what certain people are able to survive.

and watched:

1. How Do You Know: Not worth your time. RomCom is somewhere mid- to low- on my "preferred genre" list and this was REALLY far down on my "RomComs worth watching" list. (Both of which are hypothetical lists, just to be clear). I don't have much more to say than that. Simply wasn't that good.
2. The Adjustment Bureau : I enjoyed this movie. (Hmm...I'm getting tired. Suddenly don't have much to say. Will try to finish this....two more movies to go....). I like Matt Damon in this movie. Not necessarily one I would choose to watch again (I tend to judge books and movies on their re-readability or re-watchability) but I enjoyed watching it the first time through. So....moderate to high recommendation.
3. Unstoppable (again): I saw this movie at my parent's place in May. Didn't necessarily plan on watching it again, but it was on TV while I was sitting in the room reading, and it grabbed my attention enough to pull me away from my book. So...that's saying something. Man, it's an intense movie. Really well done. I like Denzel and I am actually a big fan of the other actor although I don't know his name (I'm a fan of him in this movie....not even sure what other films he has done or if they are any good). I recommend it, but not if you're looking for a relaxing night at home. :-)