Lots to Read

Thirteen Reasons Why

2009-09-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

I read this book, Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher the other day. I was very impressed with this young adult novel. I had seen it at Barnes and Noble several times, wrote down the title and finally, finally got around to reading it. I'm glad I did.

Here is a synopsis that I grabbed from the Thirteen Reasons Why site (love the interactive map/tapes on the site. if you have time go check it out):

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers (and I would add adult readers as well).

I so enjoyed this book. It was well written. The message was strong and clear. I could feel with Clay and for Hannah. It made me think about how my actions may affect another person. Strong and vibrant. A wonderful read.

Happy Reading.

One Thousand White Women

2009-09-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

This book has been in my to be read basket for a long time - at least a year. I had heard about this book for much longer - years and years...when I worked at the book store I sold it many times.

So, when our book club picked One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus as this month's choice I was thrilled. I would finally read the book that has been so badly neglected.

I am so glad I finally picked this up and read it. It has been reviewed many, many times so I won't go over the storyline here. I will say that is was well written, the characters were fantastic, and the descriptions were wonderful. It was easy for me to read (after a slow beginning), however it was not fluffy. I often say I am not a historical fiction girl, however I think I really am...

Happy Reading.

2009-04-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

This month has not been a good reading month for me. I have picked up and started more books than I care to talk about...none have engaged me, really kept my interest. I have decided that there are far too many books out there for me to power through something that is not engaging to me. My to-be-read pile is huge and seriously none of the books I picked out were right. Most went back into the pile to be tried again. Just to be clear I read between 20 and 150 pages of each of the ones I ultimately set down - I think that is a valiant effort.

So, what did I do? Earlier this week I said, "ENOUGH! Jerrie just take a little reading break!" My self-dialogue was very intense. It is hard for me to not be reading a book. What if someone asks me what I'm reading? What do I say? "UH nothing?" That just feels...wrong. However, I did it. I was on a reading break. It was going to be good. I could tell. My hope was that no one would ask me what I'm reading...

Enter Wednesday. I love Wednesdays. Wednesday evenings in particular. On Wednesdays I take Archer (and usually a few other boys...) to Bellingham for Youth Group (it's called Mayhem - YIKES). I drop them off and take the next 2 hours to do whatever I want. Sometimes it is dinner with my siblings or a friend, sometimes I hang at the scrapbook store. Most of the time though I hit Barnes and Noble. Two hours in a store filled with books is practically Heaven. LOVE it. Lately I've been grabbing a stack of magazines (I've been trying to cut down on this particular purchase) and finding a chair - and possibly a coffee - and spending the next few hours engrossed in the many subjects of magazines available. It is amazing how many magazines are out there. Such fun.

This week I grabbed a few magazines and walked toward my chair (it is usually open for me - it is where I read one chapter of a biography a week...I've got a system here). As I was walking I glanced down at one of the tables filled with books and picked up a few in case I finished the magazines (one never wants to abandon their chair). One of the books that looked interesting to me is this one:

I flipped through the book. Read the first few pages and was completely hooked. I needed this book. I had to read this book. And so, I bought this book. I've been trying not to buy books (another money saving technique), but they are my downfall. Books are good. Books make me read. So money for books? It is acceptable.

So far I am enjoying the heck out of The Know-It-All; One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World, by A.J. Jacobs. This book is just what I needed to get me out of my (non)reading rut. I will be back with a follow up. I am currently about 50 pages in and loving every page, laughing at every page. Love it.

***Question: What do you do if you are having a difficult patch with reading? When nothing peaks your interest? When you just can't become engaged? Please share....

Happy Reading!

The Book Thief

2009-03-08T19:50:00.001-07:00

I am very excited to share The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak with you. One word: Incredible.

About the book:

"It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul."

I so enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the writing style, the story, the characters. I tend to stay away from books about WWII - mostly because of my husbands total obsession with it, however I am incredibly glad that I took the time to read this one. I enjoyed the different perspective that the author presented - a typical German family living in Nazi Germany. I highly recommend picking this book up, you will be glad you did. Here is a link to my friend Angie's review of the book. She wrote very eloquently about it. Thanks for the suggestion Angie.

***On a related note: I am loving Young Adult literature right now. I am very impressed with the quality of books being written for the YA readers out there. If you know of any YA books that I must read please let me know. I have a few in my TBR pile right now, but would so love suggestions.

Happy Reading!

The Kite Runner

2009-03-03T17:19:00.001-08:00

Where to even begin. I have had The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini in my to be read basket for at least a year, possibly two or more! I cannot believe this! I cannot believe that this book has been sitting on my dresser for so long and I just got around to reading it.

The Kite Runner has been reviewed many, many times - 2,567 times on Amazon and countless other times on Good Reads, blogs, etc...So, I am not going to review it here.

What I will say is - this book is phenomenal. It is an emotional ride through Afghanistan's culture. I loved the story, the characters, the realism that the author portrayed of Afghanistan and one man's journey to America.

I highly recommend this book. Read it. You will not be sorry.

Still Alice

2009-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

Well...It's been awhile. Cheryl got back on the book blog wagon and I figure I should as well. This has been a crazy new year...let's hope it calms down and I get back in the habit of blogging my reads.

Over the weekend I finished a fantastic book, Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Very quickly, this book is about a 50 year-old Harvard professor who has early onset Alzheimer's disease. What a fascinating look into the world of Alzheimer's. It was emotional and informative and a wonderful story. I highly recommend it.

One of the reason's I was drawn to this book is that my grandfather and my great-grandmother both had Alzheimer's disease. I don't know if it was early onset or not, but the disease is close to my heart.

For more info on the book click the book cover (for the author's website or her name - above) or the title of the book above (for the amazon site).

If you are interested in reading more about Alzheimer's Disease and how you can donate to help find a cure click here to go to the Alzheimer's Association site.

Happy Reading!

Oops, My Bad!

2009-02-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

Apparently it's been 3 months since I blogged about any books I've read. I'm not sure why but I just wasn't feeling it. For that I apologize. If you look below though, you will see that I blogged about all 8 books I read in that time. Hopefully I won't "fall off the wagon" again ...

SO KEEP READING!!!

Live a Little

2009-02-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

"Live a Little" is one of the better books I've read in quite some time. Check out the cover though ... LOVE IT!!! Anyway, it's the story of a women who is diagnosed with breast cancer. She raises money going on her sister's talk show and finds out a month after the diagnosis that the results were switched & she is, in fact, cancer-free. How she handles what comes next is the meat of the story. I can't imagine being in her position but I'm thinking I probably would've handled things a bit differently (or at least I hope so). This is a definite must-read!!!

- February 2, 2009

She, Myself & I

2009-02-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

I very much enjoyed "She, Myself & I." It is told from 3 different perspectives, 3 sisters. Essentially there are 3 sections to the book, but all 3 sisters are a part of the other's section. Does that make sense? I'm sure it does but the way I wrote that was a little odd. Anyway, I liked this book and I plan to read other books by this author.

- January 25, 2009

Barefoot

2009-02-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

This was our book club selection for January. I had a VERY hard time getting into this book. I kept getting the ladies confused & had a hard time connecting with the book. I did finally get into it but still can't say I loved the book. It was ok but not great. I know some people at book club definitely found it more enjoyable, for whatever that's worth. :)

- January 19, 2009

Stone Creek

2009-02-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

"Stone Creek" was a really great book. It told the story of adults who are all a little lost, finding what they need in each other, if only for a while. I was very invested in this book and found it satisfying if not sad in the end. I know not all books can have a happy ending but I am a sucker for one. I definitely recommend this book ... it'll suck you in!

- January 4, 2009

The Undomestic Goddess

2009-02-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

This is one of the few books I own ... and that's saying something. I had read this book previously but it was chosen as our December book ... yay for book club. (Let's not even talk about the book club "discussion" being held at a bar ... with all the ladies drinking except yours truly ... so needless to say there wasn't much discussion) Anyway ... this book is truly FABULOUS! It's funny & serious all at once. I love the story ... it's chick-lit with some other stuff mixed in. I also relate (to some degree) because I am sorely lacking in the domestic department. READ THIS BOOK ... 2 thumbs up!!

- December 19, 2008

The Little Lady Agency and the Prince

2009-02-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

I didn't like this book as much as the other ones in the series. It started off slow but I definitely think it picked up as it went along (thank goodness). I still think the first book in this series is my favorite ... overall a good series.

- December 1, 2008

Flirting with Forty

2009-02-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

This was our book club selection for November - and I couldn't have been happier about that. I love, Love, LOVE this book!!! I had read it before but was more than happy to read it again. I love the story, the possibility ... all the "what if's" that are explored in this book. I think it had a great beginning, middle AND end! READ THIS BOOK ... IT ROCKS!!!

- November 16, 2008

Bitter is the New Black

2009-02-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

This is a book that Jerrie said I absolutely HAD to read. I'm glad I did. I don't remember much about this book but what I do remember was funny. There were times in the book where I just couldn't believe some of the things she did but they were oh so enjoyable to read about.

- November 9, 2008

2009-01-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

"What do these children do without storybooks?" Naftali asked.

And Reb Zebulun relpied: "They have to make do. Storybooks aren't bread. You can live without them."

"I couldn't live without them," Naftali said.

--Isaac Bashevis Singer, from the story Naftali the Storyteller and His Horse, Sus (taken from a chapter opening in Inkheart).

43 Things Personality Quiz

2009-01-12T19:55:00.001-08:00

Jerrie

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a
Creative Romantic Self-Knower

-------------------------------------------------------
Cheryl

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a
Romantic Extroverted Self-Knower

2009-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:00

I haven't done a Booking through Thursday post for...a long time. I am going to try to do more this year. I think they are interesting and constantly go read the questions and people's responses. And, yes, I do know it isn't Thursday...better late than never (or something like that).

It’s a week or two later than you’d expect, and it may be almost a trite question, but … what were your favorite books from 2008?

I have read so many good books this year. Most of them I have blogged about here. A few still need to be blogged! I took a little time and went back through this blog, my book journal, and Good Reads and came up with my top five. Those with * next to the title will take you to the link where I reviewed/gave my opinion on them.

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - I have to say that this was probably the best book I read in 2008. I read it in December and didn't get a chance to blog about it, however I highly recommend it. It was a beautiful and well written story.

2. Change of Heart, by Jodi Picoult - Another hit by Jodi Picoult. I loved this book. It really made me think and question. And I saw her for the third time for an author talk/book signing. She is an amazing speaker!

3. Twilight* (the series), by Stephenie Meyer - Seriously, I'm not even going to say anything except I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these books! (there are three discussed here. I read the fourth, enjoyed it and still love a vampire!)

4. Bright Lights Big Ass*, by Jen Lancaster (actually all three of her books, but I think this one, the middle one is my favorite - if I have to pick!) - Funny and real.

5. The Faith Club*, by Priscilla Warner, Ranya Idliby, and Suzanne Oliver - if you read no other reviews read this one. It really captured my attention. A snippet from my review: "It is a fascinating read about faith, friendship, and the power of open, honest discussion leading to soul-searching and personal growth."

New Acquisitions

2008-12-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Every year I like to add a new book to my Christmas/winter book collection. The books are stored for most of the year and during December they sit in a basket in the living room. A few of the books are adult novels, but most are picture/story books. I love picture books. I love curling up and reading these books every year. This year on a trip to Barnes and Noble with Cheryl we came across many, many books that I would LOVE for my collection (I have a list if you would like to buy me one -haha, but really I do).

The first book is What Cats Want for Christmas by Kandi Radzinski. This book is really cute. I love the illustrations and the text is funny. It may not be completely child friendly (as I read on a few reviews), however I like it, my 13-year old son will like it, my husband thought it was funny. This was my funny, goofy purchase for the year. W hat Cats Want for Christmas short excerpt:

Dear Santa,
I'd truly like
something sweet,
that went
tweet, tweet.
Love, Lucy

The illlustrations that go with each letter are really cute. You can just imagine that these are all things that cats may really want...a sweater made out of Red Irish setter? Funny stuff.

***************************

The next book I picked up was another The Night Before Christmas. I have a few already including the Mary Engelbreit, Little Golden Book (I have the 1987 edition, must be my brother's as that is the year he was born), Douglas Gorsline, and Merrigold Press editions.

So, why did I need another copy you may ask, or you may not and totally understand with out explanation, however I am going to explain why anyway.

This copy is fabulous. I bought it, not for the story, I obviously already have the story, but for the illustrations. The illustrator Niroot Puttapipat did an incredible job on this book. The book says, "A Magical Cut Paper Edition" and magical it is. The illustrations are simple silhouettes in black, white, and red with a hint of green and gold through out. Through the book are cut outs giving a glimpse to the next page and the last page is a beautiful pop-up. If you love The Night Before Christmas as I do, this book would be wonderful addition to your collection.

A sample page. Gorgeous.

For more ideas on well-loved Christmas/winter books visit Katrina's Lieberry List. It is filled with great reviews and recommendations of children's books.

Happy Reading.

Dewey

2008-12-03T08:33:00.001-08:00

While browsing at the book store I came across this book in the new book section - Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter. Since I had already decided I was going to pick up a book (or two) I went home with this one...really, how could I resist that cover? And after just losing Horton I thought a cat story maybe good therapy.

I enjoyed Dewey. I like a good animal story and cats are special to my heart. I thought it was fabulous that the city council would allow a cat to live in the public library. I want our library to get a cat...I love when you walk in a bookstore and there is a cat. In fact, I want Troy to get a museum cat, but Tami would have none of it, so no go!

Ok. The book. I liked the story. I liked Dewey's story. However, I felt like the writing was a bit rough. I thought the skipping from Dewey's story, to the narrator's life story, to the history of Iowa story was a bit...um...off. I don't know. It just didn't flow well for me.

All in all I would recommend the book, just know that in addition to Dewey's story you will get a little human biography and Iowa history/farm crisis in the mix.
As always, for a synopsis of this book click the link above.

For more information on Dewey you can visit his web page here.

Such a Pretty Fat

2008-11-26T10:24:00.001-08:00

Another fantastic memoir (number three) by the amazingly funny Jen Lancaster.

Such a Pretty Fat: One Narcissist Quest to Discover If Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big or Why Pie is Not the Answer is funny. Just laugh out loud funny. In the last book she decides to lose weight. In this book she either loses weight or goes back to work temping. So, this book is a chronicle of her weight loss. Super funny and serious at times. I felt like I watched her grow up in this book.

If you haven't read the others I recommend them. They are well written, like talking to your most sarcastic girlfriend and fun.

Other good news from Jen Lancaster - she has a new book coming out in the spring - May I think. And this is from her blog...

Today's the official opening of the
Holiday Drinking Season... gentlemen, start your bourbon!

If you haven't read her blog you should. It is funny - most of the time. :)

Happy Reading.

The Virgin of Small Plains

2008-11-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

My friend Tami recommended this book, The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard to me. I am glad she did. It was a quick read and a good mystery. Well written and a fun mystery - if you can call a murder mystery fun, and I can, so...

I liked the characters. There were some parts I wish were a bit more developed, but really it was a 300+ page book, so I think I wouldn't want it much longer than that.

I read the book in about two days. I did nothing last night but lay in bed finishing the book. It really held my attention (which has been difficult lately)!

So, if you want a good mystery that is a little different I would definitely recommend checking this one out.

Happy Reading!

Bright Lights, Big Ass

2008-11-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

Bright Lights, Big Ass: One Narcissist's Quest to Discover If Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big or Why Pie Is Not the Answer is the second memoir by Jen Lancaster. I am currently working on reading the third, Such a Pretty Fat.

First of all let me tell you that I think Jen Lancaster is hilarious in a kinda crazy sort of way. Some of the things she says and does make me say, "Really? REALLY?" And some of the things she says and does reminds me of me. So, I think I must be a tad less crazy. Right?

I think it is great that Jen puts herself out there in her books. She knows some people are going to think she is terrible, however she keeps writing and for that I am grateful. I suppose I can see how some people may be offended by her writing, I simply am not. I think that she is a real person who is keeping it real for the world to read.

There are times in this book where I was practically crying because I was laughing so hard. I would lay in bed reading and come to a particularly funny part, yell at Troy to come in the bedroom, when he wouldn't I would get out of bed stand next to the computer, book open and read a sentence or two. And laugh. He would roll his eyes and continue with what he was doing until I would yell again and the routine would begin again. I just felt the need to share and didn't think my friends would like me calling so late so I could laugh hysterically on the phone to them. So, Troy was doing everyone a service.

Anyway. I like, no love this book. Fletch in the orange polar fleece chasing a wild animal, the squirrel coming into it's own, building forts in the living room while Fletch is gone...it is funny, funny, funny. And her holy trinity of shopping: Target, Trader Joes, and Ikea? True, so true. Which reminds me I need an Ikea trip...

Happy Reading.

The Frog Prince

2008-11-03T15:56:00.001-08:00

The Frog Prince is Jane Porter's first book. First off, I did like this book. It was easy to read and a good story. I feel like I got to know the characters and could feel empathy for them, especially the main character, Holly.

I liked that this story wasn't about "getting the guy." It was a story about becoming comfortable with oneself, about finding out who you are and your place in the world. I think that Jane Porter did a great job getting the message out that you are the important person in your life.

So, if you want a quick, easy, feel-good read I recommend The Frog Prince. You are your own prince (read the book and you will understand!).

For more of our reviews of Jane's books go here.

Time of My Life

2008-11-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

"Time of My Life" by Allison Winn Scotch is one of the best books I have read in quite some time. I got so wrapped up in Jillian's life that I forgot I was reading a book. Does that make sense? It truly took me "away from it all." Jillian is married with a daughter. She's unhappy with her stale life and wonders "what if" she had made different choices and/or done things differently along the way. Then she gets the chance. I was totally taken with the struggles she faced and felt for her on many levels. I don't usually connect so much with a book and I'm not sure why I did with this one ... but I most definitely did. I would highly recommend this book!!!

Shoot the Moon

2008-10-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Our October book club read is "Shoot the Moon" by Billie Letts. I haven't read any books by Billie before so I can't compare but overall this was just an ok book. I liked the overall premise but the resolution didn't cut it for me. Yes, I do realize I'm not an author so I have no idea how hard it is to write a book, blah blah blah. Seriously though, nothing bugs me more (well, maybe a few things ... ) than a book taking hundreds of pages to suck you into the story & then it all coming to a pretty close in 10-20 pages. What's up with that? Why can't we have a conclusion that actually takes some time & thought to really come to terms with?!? Is that so much to ask? OK, I'll hush now. The book was very easy to read though, so there you go.

Just Breathe

2008-10-26T15:56:00.001-07:00

Don't let the cover of "Just Breathe" by Susan Wiggs fool you. The cover is fantastic (seriously, I love it) but if you go beyond the cover you'll find a really great book with a lot of heart. I won't give anything away but this book all the components to be more than just a "chick-lit" type book. It's deeper than that but still very enjoyable. I definitely recommend this book!!!

The Pact

2008-10-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Sturman wrote a pretty cute book with "The Pact," especially considering it's about the murder of a man, the night before/morning of his wedding. The author definitely had me guessing "who done it" thoughout the book & when I finally decided I knew it was ... it wasn't. It was a fun book & I'm pretty sure it's a series ... so I'll have to check that out.

Goldengrove

2008-10-26T15:43:00.001-07:00

"Goldengrove" by Francine Prose started off as a good book. I enjoyed the story line (well, maybe enjoy isn't exactly the right word, as a teen-aged girl dies) but I liked the way the story was going & how it was written. As the story went on though, I didn't like the way the story unfolded. The family reacted to the death but going into themselves & making some bizarre choices. I found the book creepy & disturbing in parts and in the end I can't say I enjoyed it much. It has some good reviews though so maybe it is just me that didn't like it. I don't know.

Five Things I Can't Live Without

2008-09-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

"Five Things I Can't Live Without" is definitely a chick-lit type book. It was ok but nothing earth-shattering. Maybe I had my hopes set a little higher and expected too much of the book but it DID get good reviews on Amazon so clearly others feel differently than me. It was a light, easy read. If you do decide to read it ... don't expect much. Maybe it works better that way.

The Year of Pleasures

2008-09-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

I feel bad but I can't say much about "The Year of Pleasures." It was our book club selection for September. We met last Thursday (when I finished the book about 20 minutes before we met) and I have already forgotten the book. Hmmm, that can't be good. I will say this about the book ... it did NOT lead to good discussion within our group. Whether that is all the book's fault or our group's fault, I'm not sure. I think the book did have some good parts though, I just can't remember them. Oh well.

Oxygen

2008-09-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

"Oxygen" by Carol Cassella is quite a book. The practice of anesthesiologists was not something I thought about or even really considered before. I never realized how important they were in surgeries. I know, that sounds naive but it's true. While reading this book it made me think & wonder about how much power they truly have. I had 2 c-sections so I had encounters with 2 anesthesiologists but I never gave them a 2nd thought.

This book tells the story of Dr. Marie Heaton who is a fantastic anesthesiologist. Until 1 day in the operating room, a young patient dies and Marie can't figure out why. The twist in the book definitely surprised me (which I SO enjoy)! I really did like this book ... it was deeper than I usually read but that's not necessarily a bad thing. :)

question

2008-09-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hi reading friends. I want to take this opportunity to ask a question of our readers (and friends of readers...send your friends a link).

Question: Do you keep a book journal? What type (in a traditional journal? online? both? on your computer?) of journal? And second part of the question...What do you document in your journal?

I will answer myself (and Cheryl will too...right Cheryl?) in a few days.

Thanks for taking the time to answer!

Bitter is the New Black

2008-09-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster. The complete title of this book is:

Bitter is the New Black : Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office

And the great thing is she does take a Prada bag to the Unemployment Office. Really. You shouldn't do that.

This is a funny memoir written by a funny girl. I have read some reviews that "HATE" Jen Lancaster for being bitchy, egotistical, blah, blah, blah. I love her because she is real. Maybe she really is bitchy - whatever - at least she is herself. I think she is hilarious and I really liked that she learned lessons...maybe not all the lessons she should have...but lessons none-the-less.

Ok. You know that I love the book. I would recommend it if you want a laugh or if maybe you just want to feel better about your own life...Or maybe if you too are a smartass - I mean, I 'm not, but maybe if you ARE you would like it.

Jen has a great blog Jennsylvania. You should visit. She is funny. Enjoy.

Happy Reading!

A Month of Summer

2008-09-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

The first thing that drew me to the book, A Month of Summer, by Lisa Wingate was the cover. I mean look at it...this is a fantastic cover! I was browsing at Barnes & Noble and was immediately drawn to this book.

I had a hard time getting into this book. I found it to be slow and, for lack of a better word, a bit boring. I was able to predict pretty much everything that was going to happen and quite honestly the characters didn't appeal to me at all. At first I empathized with Rebecca due to her father leaving her at age twelve. I understand the difficulty in dealing with abandonment as a child. What turned me off from her was her complete lack of substance as an adult. Her lack of being real.

While the reviews of this book used words such as "heartfelt," "emotional," and "moving." I can see how the story could be all those adjectives, however how the story was told didn't live up to those expectations.

So, for me, I was disappointed in this book. Would I read another by this author? Sure, I might give her another shot. Would I recommend this book? I don't think so. It was easy. It was quick. However, it wasn't terrific and there are a lot of terrific books out there to take up your time.

Eclipse.

2008-09-06T08:56:00.001-07:00

Okay. I finished Eclipse, book three in the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. It was fantastic.

If you haven't read Twilight yet...just do it. The books are well written. The story moves you along. The characters are likable when they are suppose to be, unlikable when they aren't. It has all the characteristics of a fantastic book(s). When reading remember that these books were written as young adult literature. The characters are young...teens...they live in a teen world not an adult world. They get you back into that teen mentality. What a fun trip.

Ok, the book. I loved it. LOVED it! Out of the three I've read this one was the most emotionally charged for me. I identified with it the most. I don't really know how or want to explain that, I just wanted to say that I really opened my heart up in this book. It made me really feel. It brought back memories and emotions (and no, I never dated a vampire or a werewolf...at least not that I know of). However, I did date. I did make hard decisions. I did have my heart broken. I did break a heart. I did question decisions. I did cry. I did love. All in all this I felt that this book really captured the human heart...in a way that (even) adults can relate to.

Sweet Love

2008-09-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

"Sweet Love" by Sarah Strohmeyer is a light-hearted book with a big heart! It tells the story of Julie & Michael and how they reconnect in a dessert class. It also tells the story of Julie & her mom. Both relationships are complicated & full of turmoil but oh so worth the journey. I can't say it was the best book I've ever read BUT I definitely enjoyed it and will see what else our library has to offer by this author as this is the first book by her I've read. I give 2 thumbs up to this book!!!

New Moon

2008-08-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

New Moon is the second book in the Twilight series. I have to say that I loved New Moon almost as much as Twilight (rarely do I love anything in a series as much as the first).

In Twilight you are introduced to Edward and the rest of the Cullen clan who are vampires. In New Moon you get to know Jacob, a werewolf. I will just tell you that I now love a vampire and a werewolf. Evidently my heart is easy!

I don't usually comment on or critique other people's reviews, however there is just one thing I want to say about some of the reviews of these books. Here goes: They are books. They are fiction. I don't expect the author to make me happy. I also think when reading them you must remember that they are written for teens and about teens. I have read many reviews about how horribly Bella has acted in the books (I am currently mid-book 3, so maybe I will change my mind at some point). Bella is a teen. I remember being a teenage girl with a broken heart, remember thinking things are life and death when they weren't. It is a teenage story about a teenager that we would love to shake and try to make react in different ways based on our experiences, but that isn't going to happen in fiction or real-life - no matter how much we want it. Anyway...that is all I'm going to say.

And...I loved this book too. I recommend the series. I am enjoying book three and am looking forward to the movie.

Summer Reading

2008-08-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

I picked up Summer Reading by Hilma Wolitzer at Target earlier this summer. I finally picked it up and had a chance to read it. It was a quick read. Definitely a "summer read" as the title suggests.

Quite honestly I had a hard time with this book. While I read it quickly it was mostly to get to the end so it would be over and with a hope that the story would improve. I just didn't feel it. I didn't connect with any of the characters, the story felt a bit disjointed, and the literary connection that I thought was going to take place just didn't.

Anyway, I wouldn't recommend this book which pains me as I really, really wanted to like it. I wanted the references to great literature to move me to want to read more classics. I wanted the characters to change or understand themselves better. I had expectations that just weren't met.

The Divorce Party

2008-08-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

"The Divorce Party" by Laura Dave was an ok book. I wasn't bowled over by it and in fact, felt a lot was missing from the book BUT I did finish it and enjoyed it a bit. The main part of the story all takes place in 1 day with some flashbacks to an earlier time too. It's about Maggie who is engaged to Nate. They are attending a "divorce party" for Nate's parents who Maggie has yet to meet. As the day begins Maggie learns a secret about Nate. As the day continues there are other secrets that come out and twists throughout the book. I never really FELT connected to any of the characters & felt a bit distracted by the way the author wrote. All in all though, it was a fairly easy read that talks about marriage ... as it begins & as it ends.

Twilight

2008-08-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

Okay. I like to say "I hopped on the Twilight train and I am enjoying the ride." Which means that I also need to say: "My name is Jerrie. I am 34 years old. I love Edward." There it is out there. Now the whole blog-o-sphere knows. Granted I have just completed the first book, but my plan is to like the rest. How about that? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just say, "I AM going to like this." and it was true?

So, I am not going to review this book. It has been reviewed and reviewed and reviewed. If you really want to read reviews it has been reviewed (as of this writing) 1,986 times on Amazon. I will just say, that I enjoyed it. I loved it. I am obsessed. It kept me up way past my bedtime a few nights in a row. My husband even noticed. He said, "Must be good to keep you up this late." I am not a stay-up-late person. So, now the husband knows more than he would care to know about Edward Cullen. When I talk about Twilight he just laughs. He knows I love Edward and he is okay with it.

So as you may guess I say "Read this." Enjoy!

The Last Lecture

2008-08-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch is a remarkable book. It's remarkable in that it's all about this guy, Randy, who is dying and yet he has such optimism and hope, it makes you smile and hope yourself. The book isn't long and most of the chapters are pretty short but they are sweet. Randy talks about his childhood, his school years & his adult life as a professor and a husband/father. I have to say, I definitely laughed in this book and I cried. Sometimes I didn't even realize I was crying until I noticed moisture which is different for me (I usually end up sobbing up a storm) but this was more of a sad cry ... does that make sense? Anyway, if you want to read an uplifting book by a dying man, this is the book for you. If you want to read a book about hopes & dreams, this is also that book.

~ R.I.P. Randy ~

~ 10/23/1960 - 7/25/2008 ~

Mrs. Perfect

2008-08-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

I read "Mrs. Perfect" and surprisingly I really REALLY liked the book a LOT!!! If you recall, Jerrie read the book & did NOT give it a great review which is fine ... we can't always like the same books. ☺ Based on Jerrie's review I really didn't expect to like the book at all but I'm glad I gave the book a try because it worked for me. I really LOVED reading about Taylor!!! She definitely starts out the book as a selfish, ridiculously snotty and just plain "rich bitch!" I hated that Taylor!!! When her husband lets her know that he lost his job (oh yeah, 6 months ago) and her life as she knows it starts to fall apart you see an entirely different Taylor emerge. She struggles and fails on many accounts but she overcomes & becomes SO much stronger and more independent & I really loved reading about her transformation. I really have no sympathy for the "richies" who let it all slip away but this definitely gave me another side to consider. All in all, this is still no "Flirting With Forty" which I'm sure you all know by now I truly LOVED (but have still yet to buy ... I really need to get on that) but it's a great book. Seriously! ☺

The Potluck Club

2008-08-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

"The Potluck Club" was the July pick for our book club. We decided to have a potluck ourselves with the initial idea being to make a recipe from the book but that didn't happen. Nancy did make a soup of some kind from the book but other than that we all made (or bought) what we wanted. That is the best thing about the book. The food we ate at Tracey's. I read the whole book but I never connected with the women in the book in any way. I struggled to remember who was who and who did what to who ... that's not good for me. If I can't remember who certain people are from chapter to chapter, well, there's no way for me to really soak up what's going on. I did "get" the book. I understood it and all that but for me, it just was NOT a good book.

Earthly Pleasures

2008-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jerrie also gave me "Earthly Pleasures" to read on my trip to Hawaii & while I didn't like it nearly as much as the other one it was still a good book. This one had me wondering what the heck was going on for much of it & once I figured it out I was sad. I was sad for the characters in the book & what they had to go through. This book is much more serious than a typical beach read but it IS still a good book ... it was just a bit too much for me at that time, on the beach.

The Ten Best Days of My Life

2008-07-27T13:42:00.001-07:00

Jerrie let me borrow "The Ten Best Days of My Life" for my trip to Hawaii & as she predicted, I did sit on the beach & read it ... it was a PERFECT beach read! Although she did tell me I wouldn't cry & surprise, I did. Regardless though, I totally enjoyed this book. I was intrigued by the author's description of Heaven & the different planes you could live on. I had deep thoughts (hush) about what the 10 best days in MY life would be & other than having each of my kids, I couldn't think of anything worthy. I found that sad for me personally but the book got me thinking which is never a bad thing! ☺

The Space Between Before and After

2008-07-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

"The Space Between Before and After" was a great book with a teriffic storyline! It tells the tale of Holli, Harrison, their son Connor, his girlfriend Kilian, grandma Raine, step-mother Georgia & dad, Ray. I loved how the author told the story from Hollyanne (as a child) and Holli (as an adult) ... because the horrible events in her childhood shaped the flawed woman she turned out to be. I loved Grandma Raine's character & hated step-monster Georgia's ... as I think the author intended, at least maybe until the end of the book. I was totally engrossed in the lives of this family & the turbulent ups & downs they were dealing with. I was genuinely shocked by the "twist" at the end but very pleasantly surprised for sure. I definitely recommend this book ... read it! I own it ... I'll let you borrow it! ☺

The Big Read

2008-07-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

Angie posted about The Big Read by the NEA on her blog. The NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) started The Big Read to restore reading to the American culture.

This is a list of 100 books and it is estimated that the average adult has only read 6 of these books. I put in bold the ones that I have read - some were in high school and I think I should reread them and some that I previously read are on my TBR pile to read again. I put in red ones currently in my TBR pile (ones I own and could read at any time. Watch out!) Cut and paste into your blog and let us know which you've read.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling - I read the first book of the series but wasn't really interested in the rest (just like Angie).
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible - I've read parts and I continue to do so!
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll - I bought this and is on my tbr pile
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens3
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - on my tbr pile
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel - in my tbr pile
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

So far I have read 29 and there are several on my list. A few I will never read...no desire. However, having read over a quarter of them I feel somewhat good about my reading history.

Would love to see your list. Leave a comment and a link and I will come visit!

me as an Austen character.

2008-07-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

update and challenges.

2008-07-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

Cheryl and I have been book-blogging together for about 15 months (wow!). I love to blog and read many, many blogs (reading ones as well as others - mostly daily living). I've noticed for quite a long time reading challenges that other bloggers are involved in or issuing and have been interested, not interested enough to join one though. Until now. Those who know me personally may know that I am not really a "joiner"- now don't get me wrong I like people, but I tend to stick with what I know, the people I know. So, the point is I decided to jump in to a few challenges. I am pretty excited. This is all part of my quest to do new things...might as well start here. This seems non-threatening.

Okay. So the challenges.

Challenge 1: this challenge was presented by Becky and is about reading Jane Austen. The guidelines on this one is to read/watch two Jane Austen novels (movies) in 2008. I decided to do this challenge awhile ago, however just now got around to posting about it. I have already read one of the books. I completed Pride and Prejudice on Wednesday! Yay me! Next on my list is Northanger Abbey. I will probably be extending this challenge for myself by watching the P&P mini-series again (I haven't seen it since it first came out in the mid-90s) and possibly catch a few of the other movies (I love Emma) and maybe read a third...We'll see.

Challenge 2: Classics Challenge. Here are the rules (as copied from the post):
OPTION 1: Read FIVE classics.
OPTION 2: Read FIVE classics from at least TWO different countries
OPTION 3: Read FIVE classics with any combination of at least TWO different countries and TWO different genres (see above for genres).
*Cross-posting with other challenges is allowed (and encouraged!); Audiobooks are fine; books must be finished after July 1st to count for the challenge although re-reads are acceptable.
*Lists don't have to be set in stone; you can change your selections at any time.
*Bonus: "For the sixth book, I would like the participants to offer suggestions for books that may not be considered classics but that you think should be or books that you think will be a classic one day. Leave your suggestions in the comments below. I'll compile a list of the suggestions and you choose a book from the list and make that your sixth read. I realize this means you may have to wait to make your list if you choose to participate in the bonus round, but I'm hoping this is a modern twist on the old classics challenge."

My list, so far, is:
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith
Something from my Mark Twain collection
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
....the rest are to be determined....

I will put challenge info/links on the left hand sidebar.

update and giveaway link

2008-07-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

Due to me be detained by the fireworks booth and Cheryl being in Hawaii this blog is being a bit neglected. Not to worry though I have been reading up a storm at the booth and I am sure Cheryl is just lounging on some beach somewhere devouring book after book! :) So, not to worry we will be back (soon) with some updates - I promise!

Meanwhile in other blogging news...Julie over a Booking Mama is having another giveaway. She recently reviewed and is giving away a copy of As Good as it Got. It sounds like a nice, summer read. Go check it out.

Odd Mom Out

2008-06-25T19:20:00.001-07:00

Once again Jane Porter has made me happy! I totally enjoyed "Odd Mom Out" and hated to see it end ... truly! If you scroll down to June 13th you can see Jerrie's review & I have to say, I totally agree with it. Jane does a fantastic job of writing people as they are ... wow, what a concept. If only other authors were so realistic. As someone who definitely feels left out more times than I care to count, I could totally relate to Marta. I 100% feel in ♥ with Luke (omg, he's a catch for sure) and had to laugh at Eva & all her little quirks. I very highly recommend this book!

Before the Storm

2008-06-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

"Before the Storm" by Diane Chamberlain is a very well written book. It sucked me in early on & didn't let me go. It was one of those books that you almost can't put down ... it's THAT good! My only complaint (if you want to call is that) is that I didn't understand how the person most responsible for the fire (which the whole book revolves around) didn't know until the end. That leaves me baffled to this day. Regardless though, read this book!!! Now even! ☺

Compulsion

2008-06-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Compulsion - An Alex Delaware Novel. What more can I say? What more do I need to say? Really? It is Jonathan Kellerman. It is Kellerman writing Alex. Fantastic really.

I have read some not so fantastic reviews of Kellerman's latest works (including this one) and have to respectfully disagree. Every spring I anxiously await the release of his newest book. Then, knowing it is there waiting for me to read it I wait. I wait as long as I can (usually sometime in June - a la now) and get my paws on it and devour it in two to three sittings.

Kellerman has moved Alex from more of his child psychology lately, and as with others I hope he goes back, however I still love the books. I expect something out of Kellerman's Alex Delaware books and I wasn't disappointed. This one had a little less danger (I like danger), but delved into a different world. I would have liked a little bit more about the characters. Usually we get a bit more of Alex's life, not as much in this novel. We did get a little more of a glimpse of Milo - some books we get a lot of Milo, some a little - this was an a lot book and I am glad!

And...most important - Alex Delaware is my "book crush." I have loved him since the beginning, nothing will take that away. Even when he has girlfriends (Robin - whatever) I know that Alex will always be Alex and I will always love him. (scary huh?)

Overall, I would recommend to my reading friends who enjoy suspense, mystery novels. If you haven't read any Kellerman novels and you think you would like to I recommend starting at the beginning (When the Bough Breaks or Blood Test - both from the 80s or at least go back a few books so you can get into the series).

p.s. I was on Jonathan Kellerman's site and noticed he signed a contract for some more Alex Delaware novels - so, yay! more to come!

Want a good book?

2008-06-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a good book Julie over at Booking Mama is holding a contest for a copy of Driving Sideways by Jess Riley.

Go here and read her interview with the author and enter to win.

Fun stuff!

Earthly Pleasures

2008-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

When I was contacted by Karen Neches she asked if I would like to read her new book, Earthly Pleasures. Not one to pass up a book of course I wrote back with a big huge yes. The next thing I did was look the book up on Amazon. Once I read the reviews I was very excited to get the book. When it finally came in the mail I was excited. I was in the middle of another book which I finished quickly and dove into Earthly Pleasures.

Earthly Pleasures was a delight - clever, out of this world. It was part love story, part story of self discovery. The author did a wonderful job of weaving all the story lines together without confusing them (or me) and keeping me reading from page one to the end.

I recently read another book about heaven. I love reading different author's interpretations of heaven. In this book I found it to be portrayed as business-like, yet wonderful - a place I would love to go. I like the idea of a hospitality greeter in heaven and a newcomers unit - I never really thought about how disconcerting going to heaven maybe when we really don't want to leave our lives, our loved ones on earth.

I recommend this book if you want a quick read - chic-lit that isn't to chic-lit-y. One that is funny and serious all in one.

"All you need is love, love. Love is all you need." (the Beatles)

Enjoy!

Odd Mom Out

2008-06-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

I finished Jane Porter's Odd Mom Out. As you may recall from an earlier post I wasn't thrilled with her latest book, Mrs. Perfect, however I loved her earlier two. So, I was thrilled when Jane herself contacted me and sent me this book to read.

First let me say I wasn't disappointed in this book! It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the characters (Marta is a hoot!) and the whole premise of the book. I can relate (slightly) to feeling a bit out of place (can't everyone?), however not quite as out of place as Marta.

Marta is a supporting character in Mrs. Perfect and I liked reading this and getting the background on her. There were a few points in the story I wanted to shake her and say "Hey! It's not all about you!" - you'll understand if you read it. I really felt for her daughter who so desperately wants to fit in, be a normal 4th grader. That is a hard time for a lot of kids and working in schools, as I do, I see the need for kids to be accepted. While I understand Marta and even agree with her keeping her individuality there is a part of me that wanted that little girl to just 'feel normal.'

I do recommend this book and I also recommend reading it prior to Mrs. Perfect. I am still not sold on Mrs. Perfect, however I do wish I read these two in the intended order. Odd Mom Out made me like Taylor and her daughter, Jemma (from Mrs. Perfect) even less - especially Jemma. In Mrs. Perfect I felt bad for Jemma and her sisters and this book made me not like her at all!

Thank you Jane Porter for another fun read. Jane's books keep me entertained and focused (usually only takes me a couple days to read) - to the dismay of my family at times (haha).

***If you haven't read Flirting with Forty yet please do it. I love that book and highly recommend it. It would be a wonderful beach read! btw: Flirting with Forty is being made into a Lifetime Original Movie starring Heather Locklear (set to premiere December 2008)! Fun!

Love the One You're With

2008-06-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

"Love the One You're With" by Emily Giffin turned out to be a really good book. I have had a hard time getting into any books lately & this is the first one I've been able to read & enjoy for a month. I have really enjoyed other books by Emily (in particular, "Something Blue") and this one didn't disappoint me at all. It's about Ellen, a newlywed who married into a "perfect" family. Her husband, Andy, is all she could have wanted and more. Until the day she runs into her ex, Leo, and she starts to question the choices she made, the life she leads & wonders if she's truly happy.

I don't know anyone who hasn't had a moment in their life when they wondered "what could have been" and Emily Giffin has done a fantastic job of being realistic & open with the possibilities in this book. "Should've, could've, would've" ... all those questions and more are pondered in a very good book that truly sucked me in. If you enjoy a GREAT chick-lit type book, this is for you!!!

The Ten Best Days of My Life

2008-06-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished The Ten Best Days of My Life, by Adena Halpern. The book was a fun, easy read. Definitely a summer, beach book. It made me think about what days I would consider the ten best days of my life.

In this book, the main character Alex dies at the young age of 29. She is very happy when she gets to heaven and gets to see her deceased grandparents and uncle. However, to stay in 7th heaven (the highest tier) she must prove that her life had meaning and that it was "going somewhere." So, she is given the assignment to write an essay documenting and describing the ten best days of her life. This book got 4 1/2 stars (okay only 2 reviews so far) on Amazon. For more on the book click on the link above for the Amazon page.

The ten best days that Alex chose were interesting. Maybe not the days you would think. That is what really made me think. I look at my life and think I would list the "big" stuff, but reading about how Alex came up with her days...maybe I would think of things differently.

While I this book wasn't the most mind-expanding, it was fun. Worth picking up for fun.

Enjoy!

Mrs. Perfect

2008-05-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Finally a new post. Yay!

I finished Mrs. Perfect, by Jane Porter a few weeks ago and was really not excited to blog about it. I picked this book up at Village Books - our fabulous, local independent book store - and was very excited to read it. I loved Flirting With Forty and The Frog Prince, so I was expecting to really like this one as well.

As you may be able to tell from the previous paragraph my expectations were not met. I rarely write a "bad" review mostly because I usually don't read books I don't like - I put them down if they aren't grabbing me, holding my attention. Yet, with this book, I kept reading. I think liking her other books so well I thought things would come around. They just didn't.

So, what didn't I like? Let's see:
I felt this book was very superficial. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters - I couldn't like them or dislike them...there wasn't enough to them to create a relationship. I didn't feel a connection in this book at all. The characters weren't formed enough for me. I felt this book did a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. A constant tell of what was happening, not enough substance to make me try or want to form my own feelings toward the book. I think Jane Porter did a better job of describing the furniture and clothes than the actual people.

I know that there was a book before this one, Odd Mom Out, where Taylor (the main character) is introduced and maybe that would give more sustenance to this book...however, I didn't read it and probably won't. I will wait for Jane's next book and definitely give it a try.

Anyway. I wouldn't recommend this one, but if anyone out there in the blog-o-sphere wants to try it let me know and I will send it your way!

Just a reminder...

2008-05-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

...as you finish Change of Heart, by Jodi Picoult, join our "book club" discussion. The link is on the left...We would love to hear from you.

And, in case you didn't know or forgot, when you leave a comment there is a box you can check that says email follow-up comments and that will, as it says, email you when others respond to that particular post. What a nice way to keep the book dialog open.

Happy Reading!

Firefly Lane

2008-04-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

As you may recall from an earlier post, Cheryl and I went to hear Kristin Hannah speak last month at Village Books about her book Firefly Lane.

I finished the book Saturday. I really enjoyed it. Kristin Hannah is a wonderful story teller. Her characters are real, her setting(s) well described. She is a Pacific Northwest (PNW) author who uses the PNW almost as a character in her books. I like that.

I do want to put out there that it took me a few chapters to really become engaged in the book. However, once I was I couldn't put it down. I was hooked! I read half of it on Saturday, finishing it while sitting on the back patio in the sun.

If you read the synopsis of the book you will find that it is a story of friendship - Two girls who become women through out the course of the book who navigate the waters of life with one another by their sides. Of course there are ups and downs in the friendship, but they stay best friends forever...Until a "shocking betrayal tears them apart." I will say that I was thankful that Kristin Hannah didn't use the "obvious" betrayal - you know the one that we expect, yet don't want to read. That made me happy, yet the betrayal was horrible...

Anyway. Read this book. I recommend it (and you will have groovy music playing through your head the whole time...Dancing Queen...Oh ya!)

Remember Me?

2008-04-21T20:47:00.001-07:00

Sophie Kinsella does such a good job of writing books that keep me interested. "Remember Me?" is just the kind of book I needed to read right now. It was pretty light & easy to read and definitely kept me intrigued. Lexi Smart leads an ordinary life. One night while out with her friends she falls & hits her head ... and wakes up 3 years later as a totally different person. She doesn't remember those 3 years at all. She is now married (to a very attractive man), she has a great job & looks way better than she did before. She has to figure out who SHE really is because this "new" person doesn't feel like her. This isn't as good as some of Sophie's other books but I still liked it a lot.

Cage of Stars

2008-04-21T20:40:00.001-07:00

"Cage of Stars" by Jacquelyn Mitchard is our April book club pick (our "in person" book club, not on this site). It was an emotional book and I liked it but I didn't love it. It's basically the story of Ronnie (aka Veronica) who is playing hide-n-seek with her 2 younger sisters when they are murdered in their back yard. Ronnie's family is Mormon and that factors into how she & her family deal with this tragedy. The decisions that Ronnie makes are both surprising and interesting. I like how the book ended and feel it went with the flow of the book. I don't know that I would highly recommend this book but it is good.

The Ex-Debutante

2008-04-08T18:45:00.001-07:00

I just finished the brand new book, The Ex-Debutante, by Linda Francis Lee. What can I say about The Ex-Debutante? It was funny, well written, and an enjoyable read.

As a Pacific Northwest girl (born and bred) it was enjoyable to read about the oh so far from my life world of debutante balls, junior league, social graces and high society. As with The Devil in the Junior League I was fascinated by this whole other lifestyle - it amazes me as I have such a laid back - don't care about dressing to go to the grocery store - type of existence. Pearls and beige? I don't think so. However, after reading a few of Linda Francis Lee's books I realize that there really is a world out there filled with frilly dresses and balancing books on ones head.

One of the things I liked about this book was the cross over of characters from The Devil in the Junior League. I like when an authors creates a new story using some of the same supporting characters. However, you wouldn't feel lost at all if you hadn't read the other book - the author is that good (and I am thankful!).

While this story is obviously about debutantes it is more a story about coming home. About a woman finding out who she really is after leaving home and creating a new life apart from her family. I feel like in the three months the author was home she grew leaps and bounds as a person (character).

I would recommend this book to: those who liked The Devil in the Junior League; those who want a quick, light read; those who like chic-lit but want something just a little bit different.

Once again on her website the author has some fun stuff such as: (My Mother’s Not So) Helpful Hints for Debutantes, The (Actual) Basic Requirements for the Willow Creek Debutante Ball, and How To Dance.

Enjoy!

Julia's Chocolates

2008-04-08T17:51:00.003-07:00

I finished reading "Julia's Chocolates" over a week ago but kept forgetting to update here. I really enjoyed this book A LOT!!! It's the story of a woman named Julia who runs away from her abusive fiance on her wedding day. She goes to stay with her quirky aunt who has been the most stable figure in Julia's life. She adjusts to life in a small town and gets to know some of the local women really well & they all turn out to be vital in each other's lives for all kinds of different reasons. Of course Julia meets a man but is terrified to enter into a relationship because of her past. The characters in this book cover all different aspects of life & it's GREAT to see that not all men are evil (although some definitely are) and women can stick together and find faith & love. Julia is also a marvelous baker & makes chocolate items "to die for." This is definitely a book I would recommend. It's probably labeled as chick-lit but I felt it went much deeper than that. ☺

Library Elf!

2008-03-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

I have a bunch of library books checked out right now & I was having a hard time keeping track of all that I had (especially between mine, my son & my daughter). So, I went in search of a site to help me keep better track of my books. I think I might've found it. It is called "Library Elf" and you should check it out. So far I signed up & also added my son & daughter to the account. Then I went to look at what my account showed & I loved how it showed ALL of our books on 1 page whereas if I go to the actual library website I have to log into each individual account to see this same information. Anyway, it looks good so far. If you try it, let me know what you think!!!

First Book Club Selection!

2008-03-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Lots to Read first book club selection.

You may not be surprised that the first book we chose is Change of Heart, by Jodi Picoult.

I got these book club questions from Jodi Picoult's website. I know there are A LOT of them, but don't feel you have to answer them all - read them over and enjoy!

Discuss the irony of Kurt Nealon telling June that “people are never who you think they are”. (3)
Michael says it is easier to say someone deserves to die for what they did than it is to take the responsibility to make that happen. How do you think you would feel in his position? Have you ever been in that position?
After Shay is brought to I-tier, several “miracles” occur: Smythe’s baby is cured; the water changes to wine; Shay revives the robin; Lucuis’s AIDS is cured; the bubble gum is enough for all of them. Discuss the implications of each “miracle”.
Religions come about because of what people need at the time that they need them. (94) Do you agree or disagree?
What would be the hardest luxury to leave behind? (118)
Michael’s grandfather said “I thought God was supposed to love you unconditionally. Those sure sound like a lot of conditions to me (the requirements of a true believer). (124)” Argue both sides of his statement.
Which character is the most real to us? Which one is easiest to relate to? Why?
Where do you stand on the issue of the death penalty? A vivid description if lethal injection is given on page 131. Has this book changed how you feel?
June’s initial reaction is to refuse to a restorative justice meeting with Shay. How would you feel? What changes her mind?
13. saying I’m right. I’m just saying if you’re right, it still doesn’t mean I’m wrong.” Do you agree?
Consider and address June’s questions on page 184. Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you loved? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy’s dying wish?
Why were all the inmates on I-tier energized by Shay’s attempt to die on his own terms? (186)
Dr. Wu says what makes a heart worthy for transplant has nothing to do with the donor’s personality. (200) Do you agree or disagree? By the end of the book, have you changed your mind?
The history of the Gnostic gospels is in Change of Heart. Given what you now know about them, does this change your opinion of the New Testament in any way? If so, why, and if not, why not?
We were introduced to Ian Fletcher in Keeping Faith. Has your opinion of Ian changed? How?
June says that it’s her decision whether or not Claire should accept the heart – not Claire’s. Do you agree?
“I don’t belong to a religion. Religion’s the reason the world’s falling apart—did you see that guy get carted out of here? That’s what religion does. It points a finger. It causes wars. It breaks apart countries. It’s a petri dish for stereotypes to grown in. Religion’s not about being holy,” Shay said. “Just holier-than-thou.”(341) The news offers many examples in today’s world of how religion can be distorted to further violence or narrow-mindedness. Do you think the benefits of organized religion outweigh its potential caveats?
When Shay’s chains fell to the floor, what was your reaction as a reader? Do you believe in miracles?
Discuss the irony of the various names in the novel: Dr. Christian Gallagher, Maggie Bloom, Shay’s foster home of Bethlehem, NH, Joe Lynch, Warden Coyne, Father Michael Wright – and the title, CHANGE OF HEART.
Lucius’s sarcoma comes back after it was “cured”. What is the significance of the timing? Did this change your opinion of Shay’s “power”?
Shay finally tells Michael what really happened to Elizabeth and Kurt Nealon on the night they died? Are you surprised? Do you believe Shay?
Grace tells June “How would you have felt if---when Elizabeth died---someone told you that you can’t have her back, but that part of her could still be somewhere in the world. You may not know that part; you may not ever have contact with it---but you’d know it was out there, alive and well. Would you have wanted that?” Would you?
How does the preparation for Shay’s execution take on a “showtime” quality? The “circus” atmosphere has been around earlier with the media. How are the two situations similar? How are they different?
Several of the characters’ lives have intertwined: Calloway convicted of burning down a synagogue and Maggie’s father taking over as rabbi at Temple Beth (held in the cafeteria because the synagogue had burned down); CO Smythe’s baby was baptized by Father Michael and becomes one of Shay’s miracles; Michael finding his stolen picture of his grandfather and Shay’s involvement; Michael serving on the jury of Shay’s murder trial and then becoming his spiritual advisor. Discuss.
What do you think is meant by the ending of the book?

Welcome to the Lots to Read Book Club

2008-03-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

As the title implies this is the beginning of the Lots to Read book club right here on the Lots to Read blog. WooHoo!

We (Cheryl & I) read and discuss here on this blog and want to encourage a bit of participation from our dear readers. One of us will pick a book, provide some questions and invite you to participate in the discussion. Of course you are always invited to comment on/ask questions of any book we review, these book club selection will just have questions provided.

As in any book club we will have a few guidelines:

You must have read the book or attempted to read the book before participating (helps greatly with discussion!).
There will be quite a few questions posed - you may:

answer them all in order (honors student!)
read through all the questions and answer only a select few (average student!)
answer any of the questions you want in an essay format or great run-on sentence.
ask your own question
respond to others answers
read the questions (or not), but write what ever you want including general feelings about the book...etc...
as you may be able to tell this is a fairly relaxed format - participate and Have Fun!

We may or may not answer the questions right away - please feel free to answer anyway!
We may both read and comment on the book or not...
We don't know how many book club books there will be, but never too many at a time - we don't want to overwhelm you or ourselves.

I think that is about it. Questions? Let us know!

One last comment - Remember that others may have different opinions than yours. The great thing about book clubs is that people read different things into books - they have different insights, different ideas and that is what makes discussions fun. If everyone loves a book or there is no disagreement conversation can get dull. As long as we are all respectful of each others views we will all enjoy ourselves!

Get reading and have fun!

Kristin Hannah

2008-03-13T07:42:00.001-07:00

Jerrie & I met Kristin Hannah last night & I think we might all be BFF now ... jealous yet? She is doing a tour to promote her latest book, "Firefly Lane." She did a short reading from that last night & then signed books. She was very funny & down-to-earth. There were great questions from the audience & she really took the time to answer them honestly, which was nice. If you haven't read any of her books you should really give them a try. She lives in & writes about the Pacific NW which is a nice change from the usual and great for those of us who live up here.

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Jerrie, Kristin & me

Kristing signing "Firefly Lane"
"Firefly Lane" ... read it! ☺

2008-03-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

"There is only one way to read, which is to browse in libraries and bookshops, picking up books that attract you, reading only those, dropping them when they bore you, skipping the parts that drag—and never, never reading anything because you feel you ought, or because it is part of a trend or a movement. Remember that the book which bores you when you are twenty or thirty will open doors for you when you are forty or fifty—and vice versa. Don’t read a book out of its right time for you."

Doris Lessing, author of The Golden Notebook, Winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature

Helpless

2008-03-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

"Helpless" is a strange book. It was creepy & weird & not for me. It's about a man who kidnaps a girl because he thinks she's in danger & his plan is to keep her safe. I felt it didn't give a realistic account from any side of the story (except for maybe the mother of the girl) and it didn't add up at all. The end was just plain ridiculous in my opinion & topped off an already "not so great" book. I don't recommend this book but maybe it would work for you. Who knows.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

2008-03-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

It is here! The new book, Change of Heart, by Jodi Picoult! I loved my mailman today! I wish I would have had cupcakes for him (or something equally as nice!). I am sure you can imagine my pleasure when opening the box and seeing these brand new books staring back at me. Lovely. If one of these is yours I will get it to you shortly!If you are going to see Jodi and/or you read this book please come back and leave a comment (or two). I know we have LOTS of Jodi fans out there and we would love to discuss this with you! Enjoy!

Right now my only concern is reading it to quickly and not having another Jodi book to read! I can't decide if I should start it today or show restraint...Oh the dilemma.

Also...check out Jodi Picoult's website for some info on upcoming movies and podcasts about this and other books.

The Double Bind

2008-03-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

Began (over the weekend) and finished (today) The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. I found this book to be an interesting story delving into the depths of mental illness. I would recommend this book to people who want a good, not formulaic story. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

I found this review by Jodi Picoult on Amazon:

I once heard a fellow novelist call writing "successful schizophrenia"--we invent people and worlds that don't exist; but instead of being medicated, we are paid for it. Although countless novels succeed in whisking the reader away on the heels of such fabrications, there are very few that pull the curtain away from the craft, allowing us inside the mind of a working novelist as he combines reality and fantasy. Chris Bohjalian's The Double Bind is not just one of these; it's the finest example I've ever read of a book that tips its hat to both the beauty of the literary creation, as well as the magical act of creating.

Fact and fiction become indistinguishable in The Double Bind: The story centers on Laurel Estabrook, a young social worker and survivor of a near-rape, who stumbles across photographs taken by a formerly homeless client and tries to understand how a man who'd taken snapshots of celebrities in the 50s and 60s might have wound up on the streets. However, an author's note tells us that Bohjalian conceived this book after being shown a batch of old photographs taken by a once-homeless man; and the actual photos of Bob "Soupy" Campbell are peppered throughout the text. In another neat twist, Bohjalian's resurrects details from The Great Gatsby, which become "real" in the context of his own novel--Laurel lives in West Egg; part of her hunt for her photographer's past involves meeting with the descendants of Daisy and Tom Buchanan.

As a writer who counts The Great Gatsby as one of the books that changed her life, this inclusion was both startling and remarkable for me. Who doesn't want one's favorite characters to come to life--even if it's only within the constraints of another fictional work? But Bohjalian chose his text wisely: no discussion of The Great Gatsby is complete without alluding to missed opportunities and unreliable sources--critical elements in Laurel's quest. And therein lies Bohjalian's true double bind: all stories--even the ones we tell ourselves--are subject to our own interpretation, and to the degree we can make others believe them.

The Double Bind may flirt with the classics, but it's not your father's stuffy old tome: it's the sort of book you want to read in one sitting, and it packs a twist at the end that will leave you speechless. It also, worthily, spotlights the cause of homelessness in a way that isn't preachy, but honest and explanatory. Ultimately, what Bohjalian's done is offer his lucky readers another reminder of why he's such an extraordinary author: by creating characters that become so real we lose the distinction between truth and embellishment; by reminding us that the story of any life--whether fictional, functional, or marginal--is one to be savored. --Jodi Picoult

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2008-03-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Today would be Theodor Seuss Geisel's 104th birthday (thanks to Katrina for the reminder)! So, take a little time today to read! Even if it isn't a Dr. Seuss book - I think he would understand.

I, and most of you as well, grew up on HOP on POP and Green Eggs & Ham. Dr. Seuss books were my entry into a lifetime of reading. In college I wrote a paper on Dr. Seuss - using mostly biographies written for children. My friend, Michelle, bought me The Seuss The Whole Seuss and Nothing but the Seuss for my 30th birthday because she knew of my undying love for The Seuss! If you haven't read it you should - it is a "visual biography" of Seuss - not only of his more well known children's books but of his adult cartoons and documentaries for the U.S. Army and advertising. Did you know that Seuss won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1947?

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

If I had to narrow it down my favorite Dr. Seuss books would have to be (this is NOT a comprehensive list, as I don't know of a Dr. Seuss book that I don't like):

Another fun fact the books written/illustrated by Theo. LeSieg are by Dr. Seuss himself. (LeSieg is his last name backward).

Here are a few fun Seussical sites to enjoy!

Se ussville - games and such (I let my student's visit on occasion!)
Dr. Seuss National Memorial - bio and pictures of the national memorial - very cool!
Dr. Seuss Shop on Amazon
Dr. Seuss' Art
Bio. on Wikipedia
and last, but not least the NEA Read Across America site.

So grab a book, whip up some Green Eggs and Ham (like Katrina - great!) and cuddle in for some reading time!

Oh My Stars

2008-02-24T14:08:00.000-08:00

"Oh My Stars" by Lorna Landvik is our book club's February pick. I finished it today & overall, it's a great book. It's set in the 1930's & 1940's, mainly, and is the story of Violet Mathers. She's not beautiful, and she's not wanted by her family. She does have a gift and that is sewing & designing clothes. Violet loses her arm in accident at the sewing factory where she works & decides that she has nothing left to live for and heads off to commit suicide. On her way, she meets many people, namely Kjel (pronounced "Shell") who forever change her life. The book talks a lot about racism & music ... and reminds those of us young ones what those before us had to deal with.

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I grew up in Southern California & have dated boys/men of every different color & shape. In fact, I've probably dated more guys who were NOT white than guys who were. I married a man who isn't white & frankly, I don't know if I ever even noticed he wasn't white until someone else said something. It's hard to imagine that, in the days of this book, it would be a problem.

Wondering

2008-02-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

I found this blog, Booking Through Thursday, that asks weekly questions about reading and books (mostly). I really liked the questions and thought I would continue on here. If you feel like participating leave a comment and let us know what you think. Answer the question either in the comments or on your own blog...we would love to hear from you!

Question: All other things (like price and storage space) being equal, given a choice in a perfect world, would you rather have paperbacks in your library? Or hardcovers? And why?

I would have to say both. I really enjoy hardbacks on my shelves - I like how they are (mostly) uniform and look so orderly. However, I like to read the trade paperback size and those also look nice on the shelf as they are a uniform size. I rarely buy a mass-market paperback and only will do so if I know I won't be keeping the book. So, there you go...not really an answer, but close enough.

The Faith Club

2008-02-19T08:46:00.001-08:00

Hi. It's been awhile since I have been here. I didn't want y'all to think I stopped reading because that is really not the case.

Since my last post I have put aside Before You Know Kindness. I haven't given it up altogether. I do own the book. I just could NOT get into it right now and unlike Cheryl I am a quitter (well a faster quitter - she has given up before, just not as often as me!). She must just have better self-discipline or something...

I am still working on This I Believe and An Open Heart. They are both the type of book you can pick up every once and awhile and not be lost. This I Believe is filled with very short essays (just a page or two) and they are all individual. A good book for a quick reading burst and a boost of ....(can't think of the right word right now...hmmm...I will think on that). I think I may even try writing my own essay one day - just for me! And An Open Heart is mostly a collection of speeches which can be read over time as well. I enjoy having one or two of those kinds of books around.

Okay. Now what I have been reading lately is another non-fiction book which has really captured my attention. It is called The Faith Club and is very interesting. It is written by three mothers, a Muslim, a Jew, ad a Christian, who live in New York City and got together after 9/11 to write a children's book that would "highlight the connections" between their religion. It is a fascinating read about faith, friendship, and the power of open, honest discussion leading to soul-searching and personal growth. I am not quite finished with this book yet (about 1/2 way through) but as you may have guessed it is quite thought-provoking and has taught me a bit about faith. Here is the link to The Faith Club website. They even have a blog which is interesting. I haven't spent a lot of time exploring, but it is on my list of things to do!

Happy Reading!

The Other Mother

2008-02-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

After a struggle I finished reading "The Other Mother" today. I know it has great reviews on www.amazon.com but I really didn't get into the book. I tried, I really tried hard but there was a lot of back & forth that I just didn't feel was necessary & one main character, Thea, just seemed ridiculous for most of the book. I don't know, maybe I missed something or maybe I'm just crazy but I am glad this book is over.

The Opposite of Love

2008-02-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

The review below is from www.amazon.com ... I really liked this book but I didn't feel like I could do it justice & this review really does a great job!

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With perfect pitch for the humor and heartbreak of everyday life, Julie Buxbaum has fashioned a heroine who will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has loved and lost and loved again.

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When successful twenty-nine-year-old Manhattan attorney Emily Haxby ends her happy relationship just as her boyfriend is on the verge of proposing, she can’t explain to even her closest friends why she did it. Somewhere beneath her sense of fun, her bravado, and her independent exterior, Emily knows that her breakup with Andrew has less to do with him and more to do with...her. “You’re your own worst enemy,” her best friend Jess tells her. “It’s like you get pleasure out of breaking your own heart.”

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As the holiday season looms and Emily contemplates whether she made a huge mistake, the rest of her world begins to unravel: she is assigned to a multimillion-dollar lawsuit where she must defend the very values she detests by a boss who can’t keep his hands to himself; her Grandpa Jack, a charming, feisty octogenarian and the person she cares most about in the world, is losing it, while her emotionally distant father has left her to cope with this alone; and underneath it all, fading memories of her deceased mother continue to remind her that love doesn’t last forever.

-----

How this brave, original young heroine finally decides to take control of her life and face the fears that have long haunted her is the great achievement of Julie Buxbaum’s marvelous first novel. Written with the authority, grace, and wisdom of an author far beyond her years, The Opposite of Love heralds the debut of a remarkable talent in contemporary fiction.

The Year of Fog

2008-02-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading "The Year of Fog" and the book was FANTASTIC! I was SO into it & had a hard time putting it down ... definitely gripping & intense. I won't spoil the ending but I have to say that I am angry. Not about the book really but the story. OK wait, that doesn't sound right either. I guess I'm angry about what the people in the story do ... to know what people are capable of. Yes, I do realize this is only a book but I also realize that kids ARE kidnapped and parents, friends and strangers are left to deal with the aftermath in whatever way they can. I can't imagine going through that kind of hell ... but this book does take you there to some degree. I think the author did a superb job of going beyond what you'd expect. A truly great book.

The Year of Fog

2008-02-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

I started "The Year of Fog" by Michelle Richmond this morning & I'm hooked already. I'm about 100 pages into it & it's the kind of story that haunts you (at least so far). Abby is engaged to Jake & takes his daughter, Emma, to the beach. She looks away and Emma disappears. It's heartbreaking and I can only hope (although I'm certainly not expecting it) for a happy ending.

A Version of the Truth

2008-02-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

I read this book over the last week & finished it last night. I'll be honest, it wasn't anything great but it was alright. It's about a woman, Cassie, who lies on her resume in hopes of getting a job. She gets the job and, of course, her life changes. Big surprise, right? I am glad I got through the book (a bit of a struggle) but I'm glad it's done too.

My Reading Trio.

2008-01-29T10:18:00.001-08:00

I have three books going right now. I am one of those people that can have more than one book going on at a time. Usually I try to only have one novel on a rare occasion I may have two. Right now I have a novel and two non-fiction books.
The first book is An Open Heart, by the Dalai Lama. I have always had a fascination with the Dalai Lama. He is such a compassionate person with an unselfish heart. I think that his teachings are universal and apply to every person, every religion. So far I am really enjoying the book. It is a compilation of his talks given in New York City in 1999. (Did you know that the Dalai Lama has a website? I put a link above...)

The second book is Before You Know Kindness, by Chris Bohjalian. I really enjoyed his book, Midwives and hope to enjoy this one as well. I have just started this, so far I am enjoying it. A little slow starting, but not in a cumbersome way. Just slow and steady and enjoyable.

The last book is This I Believe, edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman. This book is filled with essays by 80 different people about their personal beliefs. I checked it out at the library and liked it so much I knew I had to own in. You can go to their website, This I Believe, to read more essays and for information on writing/submitting your own.

Happy Reading!

Whistling in the Dark

2008-01-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

"Whistling in the Dark" is a great book! Truly ... I started reading it, not sure of what to expect and quickly got sucked in & couldn't put it down. Literally! That's pretty much how I spent my day today, reading the book. The story is centered around Salley O'Malley and her younger sister, Troo. It's set in the summer of 1959 and when their mother gets sick and goes to the hospital, their step-father essentially abandons them & they are left to pretty much take care of themselves. Oh yeah, there's also a murderer/molester on the loose & Sally is sure of who it is & that she is next on their list. The book did a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat as to who the bad guy was & really did a good job of getting into the head's of both Sally & Troo. I would definitely recommend this book ... and it's not even chick lit! ☺

Eat, Pray, Love

2008-01-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

I have held off on writing a review for this book for quite awhile. I needed to time to process and decide what I am going to say. I still haven't quite properly formed what I want to say...So, here are just some of my thoughts:

I loved the first third. The Italy and food part. Loved it.
I think that the book got progressively worse (I hate to use the word boring, but...).
There were some great phrases/sentences/passages that were thoughtful and insightful.
The tone was chatty and easy to read. Like talking to a friend.
A friend who's spiritual path is starting to annoy you.
I completely lost interest about 20 pages to the end - I skim/sped read those last pages.

Now that I reread what I just wrote I realize it isn't a glowing review. Which is probably because it wasn't a great book, but just an okay book with a few great moments.

Whistling in the Dark

2008-01-25T17:31:00.000-08:00

This book, "Whistling in the Dark" was on the shelves of new books at our library. I thought the cover was cute so I checked it out.

Perhaps I should've read the back because once Lisa did she wondered if it was a bit dark (especially for me) ... I guess we shall see.

Once Around the Track

2008-01-24T17:43:00.001-08:00

I just finished "Once Around the Track" & I really liked it. I tell you, if you really want to get an insider's view of a NASCAR team, this is a good book for it. You see how it's not just about the driver (as lots of people think). The entire team makes or breaks a race ... and in this book it just happens to be an all-female team (except for the driver, Badger). I really liked the dynamics throughout the book between the different team members & their reasons for joining the team. I could totally see "Ward" in the book & that made me smile SO much! The book is great but if you aren't intersted in NASCAR I definitely wouldn't recommend it. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, give it a try ... it's well worth the time!!! ☺

Once Around the Track

2008-01-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

So, Jerrie was kind enough to check out "Once Around the Track" for me. It's funny, I had checked it out before but never even got the chance to open it. So, I open it last night & check out the dedication page & I was totally shocked ... it's dedicated to WARD BURTON!!! Now, you are probably saying, "Who is Ward Burton?" He is only my FAVORITE NASCAR driver ... I love him!!! Then I flipped to the back & apparently she used him as a source for NASCAR information & such ... and even based the main character, Badger, loosely on Ward. I didn't get too far in the book (I was very tired last night) but I'm very excited to delve deeper & see how the book plays out. FUN!!!

Eat, Pray, Love

2008-01-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

While cruisin' the Costco book tables (how I love those book tables) I picked up a couple books. One is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I am one that will resist reading something when it is really popular...I don't like feeding into the hype. However, after almost two years of fabulous reviews I decided to pick this one up (finally).

I am on page 68 right now and am loving this book (no wonder it has been so popular). Reading this book is like reading a journal written by a friend. Gilbert is funny and serious and is a master storyteller. It is one of those books that I could finish in a few days, but I desperately want to prolong reading, so I am taking my time...savoring it...
When I am finished I will give you my full report. Right now I would say definite thumbs up and I would recommend it to anyone.

Father Knows Less, or "Can I Cook My Sister?"

2008-01-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

The title of this book might be one of the best I've seen! Just seeing it cracks me up. I haven't started the book yet but I hope to tonight or tomorrow night.

*** Edited ↔ The Next Thing on My List

2008-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

I got "The Next Thing on My List" today from the library & am hoping that'll give me enough time to read it. Jerrie says it's a quick read but she's been known to exaggerate on occasion. ☺ If you want to read what Jerrie said about the book, look here.

↔↔↔↔↔↔↔↔↔

I finished the book last night & I really liked it a lot! There are several LOL moments, the part that really had me going was the entire time in Vegas (I'm not giving anything away, it's on the list)!!! I definitely recommend this book. It was an easy read as Jerrie said & will keep you interested.

Astrid and Veronika

2008-01-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

I finished reading "Astrid and Veronika" this afternoon & I really liked the book. It was written in a style quite different from what I am used to, so that was a bit of a struggle for me, but it was worth it. The book was very quiet (sounds weird but Jerrie knew what I meant when I said that). There isn't any action & there are lots of silent parts of the book. I guess you could say it was a thoughtful book. I would probably give it 4 out of 5 stars ... different for me but a good read. ☺

Looks promising.

2008-01-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

As I was browsing books I came across this one. I haven't read it, but it looks promising, especially for those book club evening when we haven't read the book (not that that ever happens, huh Cheryl?). Needless to say, I put it on hold at the library...

Big Boned

2008-01-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

I just finished Big Boned, by Meg Cabot. This was the third book in her Heather Wells series. This is a cute crime series that is chick-lit all the way. In this series the main character, Heather, is a former pop-teen sensation turned college "residence" hall assistant and part-time college student. She lives with her ex-boyfriend's brother, Cooper, who she has a major crush on (and I kinda do as well after reading these).

Unfortunately for Heather, 'things' keep happening at the residence hall where she works, such as murders. And also unfortunately for her she can't seem to keep herself out of the mix. I really enjoyed this book as I have the others in the series and recommend the series if you are looking for something quick and fun (no deep thinkin' needed here). I am looking forward to the next book, as the ending keeps me wondering "What's next for Heather?"
Happy reading!

Astrid and Veronika

2008-01-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

There are a few books lately that I have picked up, read a few chapters, and then never picked up again. I'm hoping this book will be different. I started it last night & read for a while & only put it down because my eyes were burning & watering. That's a good sign, right? :)

The Next Thing on My List

2008-01-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

I started (and finished) The Next Thing on My List, which is this month's pick for book club. It was a fun, quick read. I read this pretty early (book club is at the end of the month), so I hope to remember the book enough by the end of the month to discuss it.

I like the idea of having a life list - things to do in my life. When I was in high school we made a life list in one of my classes - I'm not sure where the list is - maybe I will try to dig it out from its hiding spot. Or maybe I will make a new list.

The idea of making and doing my own list is intriguing, but I wonder how or if I would complete someone else's list. Could I do that? Really go beyond myself, my wants, desires and do things that I have no interest in? I guess it would depend on the person and the circumstances. I do recommend this book. It was fast and interesting. I liked the characters - very believable. Enjoy!

For more information on the author/book or a making your own life list click here to visit the author's website or here to view her blog.

Lean Mean Thirteen

2007-12-31T11:59:00.002-08:00

I finally read Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich. I purposely put off reading this (it came out in June) because I didn't want it to be so long until the next book. I LOVE these books. LOVE I tell you. I highly recommend this one (if you have read the others - if you haven't get number one and get started!). It was a quick read that I hated to end!

In this book Stephanie is a murder suspect! She is suspected of killing her ex-husband Dicky. Of course the regular cast of characters are there...Lula, Connie, Grandma Mazur as well as Morelli (yum) and Ranger (yum again)...

This book says "Read me. You will laugh and you will love Ranger and Morelli as much as Stephanie (and Jerrie and Cheryl) does!"

Book Club Babes

2007-12-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

Clarissa, Tracey, Nancy (w/Grayson), Jerrie & Cheryl

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Last night was our monthly book club meeting. We thought in honor of the holidays we would meet in pj's & slippers. It was a great idea ... and SO comfy! It was fun to see the pj's everyone wore (even if I did go the extra step in my ultra-cool tye-died shirt). This was also the first time Jerrie & I had met Nancy's 3-week-old baby boy, Grayson. He's SUCH a cutie!!! It was a nice night & we definitely thought it worthy of a picture.

The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing

2007-12-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

I finished the book club selection for this month ... YAY for me! That is 2 months in a row ... I am definitely on a roll now. :) I liked this book but I only got "into it" in the last 2 days so I don't remember a lot about the beginning, so I'm not sure what that means. I did like the 2nd'ish half of the book though ... so that's good ... right? If you look HERE you can see Jerrie's review of the book.