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.
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!!!
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.
"What do these children do without storybooks?" Naftali asked.
Jerrie
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Cheryl
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."
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. 
What Cats Want for Christmas short excerpt:
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.
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...
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: 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 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.
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