Becoming Sister Wives: The Story of an Unconventional Marriage

by Kody, Meri, Janelle, Christine, & Robyn Brown
271 pages

I am a big fan of the TLC show Sister Wives.  I'm fascinated by polygamy, and the people who practice it.  I could never be a polygamist, but I am curious about those who are.  This book, written by the stars of the show, gives a more in depth look at the history of the family and the struggles they faced in order to create a successful polygamous family.  I was surprised by some of the interpersonal issues described in the book because I did not pick up on them in the TV show.  I had no idea that Meri and Janelle had such trouble getting along!  I understand the jealousy issues these women faced, but I guess I never really thought about the dynamics of starting a polygamous family.  Overall, this was an insightful read, especially for fans of the show.

Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins 374p.

Well I finally read it. I also liked it. I resisted at first because it sounded unpleasantly morbid. Yet I was drawn in by the characters and wanting to know what happened to them, Katniss, Prim, Gale, Peeta, Cinna. I'm glad I read it too. I found it entertaining and thoughtful. Funny thing, the day I finished it only about an hour later a friend suggested going to see it. That was definitely the fastest book to movie version conversion for me. The movie I thought was a good representation. I also definitely wanted to read further and read Catching Fire.

License to Pawn

License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold and Silver
Rick Harrison & Tim Keown
272 pages

This book is an autobiography of Rick Harrison, star of History Channel's Pawn Stars.  Harrison discusses his family history and early life as well as his present situation as a star of a reality TV show.  Along the way he tells how his father struggled to start a second-hand store in Las Vegas and how that store eventually transformed into the successful pawn shop it is today.  "The Old Man," Corey, and Chumlee also contribute to this book, adding their perspectives and discussing how they helped contribute to the pawn shop's present day success.

I occasionally watch Pawn Stars, so it was interesting to get insight into the real people behind the show.  I admit that Chumlee's chapter sounded more like Tim Keown must have written the whole thing.  However, I underestimated Chumlee's ability to be thoughtful and reflective and was pleasantly surprised.  I also thought Rick was a bit full of himself in places, but overall, it was an interesting read.