I'll be rating the books out of 5 stars. Here we go!

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini: (**1/2) I only gave this book 2 and a half stars. I think I was expecting more since I heard so many great things about the author. I have yet to read The Kite Runner though and still will but A Thousand Splendid Suns was so depressing I think I might wait a while until I read his other best selling novel. His style of writing is great, maybe his stories are just not for me. 

The story is set in Afghanistan and covers a span of two generations. It takes you through the struggles, the violence, the hope and faith of families during the Soviet invasion and the reign of the Taliban. So sad...

The Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda: (***) I enjoyed this book. In a huge coincidence, my aunt gave me this book to read right before I left for India. The author's details about the country are dead on and definitely helped me get accustomed to certain things while on my trip. It was an easy read, and the story kept me intrigued.

The book is about two separate families. One living in India having to deal with giving up her daughter in order to save her life and the other in America struggling to have a baby and choosing adoption as their last resort. I'm sure you can figure out the rest!

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant: (**) This book was given to me as a gift from a friend. She had so many good things to say about it, and even though it wouldn't normally be a book that I would choose to read, I was excited to jump into it. Unfortunately, the story didn't resonate with me. This book has received so many amazing reviews but I just don't understand why. 

The story revolves around Dinah, a character who is briefly mentioned in the Book of Genesis. It chronicles the ancient reproductive traditions of women in biblical society. The Red Tent didn't interest me, but from what I hear - might interest you!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: (***1/2) This book was very inspirational and thought provoking. I always love a positive story to boost your spirits from time to time.

The Alchemist is about a boy who sets out on a mission to find treasure at the pyramids of Egypt. Along the way, he meets some important characters who help lead him in the right direction and who also remind him to continue following his heart. He also faces many challenging obstacles that force him to confront the meaning of life.