Shakespeare's Landlord
By Charlaine Harris
Fiction/Mystery
$7.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
Released November 1,2005
This book is one of five in the Lily Bard Mysteries. The book is a quick, easy read. The plot is fast moving and Harris writes with a no-nonsense style, just like the characters she writes about. The chapters are short and sweet. Harris is a master at this genre. She creates gritty, funny characters; almost always southern and not complete without with a dark streak. Her women are fearless and her men are rough and tumble. The characters should come with the warning, "All Sharp Edges-Handle With Care".
"Shakespeare's Landlord" is a classic who-dunnit but instead of Sherlock Holmes we get Lily Bard.
Bard, a mysterious, intensely private woman has recreated a new identity for herself in the small town of Shakespeare. Trying to recover from a traumatic event in her past and heal from mental and physical scars, Lily has thrown herself into martial arts and body building. Lily Bard is a bad ass (and a blonde!). In her past life she was a white collar professional; now she's a cleaning lady. An under the radar job that involves very little interaction with others.
At her apartment complex Lily stumbles upon the body of her landlord and finds herself thrown into the middle of the unsolved murder case.
The novel hosts an odd cast of characters-true to form for a Harris novel. We are introduced to some key characters that we get to read about again in the next few books in the series. Marshall,martial arts instructor, gym owner, and potential lover. Deedra, a neighbor in Lily's apartment complex. She also happens to be the town hussie. And Bobo, an employee at the gym, who has the hots for Lily. Quirky southern charmers for sure.
I have yet to find a Charlaine Harris book I didn't enjoy or wouldn't recommend. Great read for the modern day sleuth!
Recommend it: Yes!
But: Graphic violence.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Places You'll Go
In honor of both of my daughter's first day of school tomorrow I will just offer up the recommendation of "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. One of my favorite pieces of fiction and so very inspirational. My mother gave it to me as a high school graduation gift and I have in turn given it as grad gifts many times over. I will do the same for my girls upon their graduation. Until then, cheers to 5th and 9th grade tomorrow for my kids!
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
Friday, August 26, 2011
Quotes from "A Million Little Pieces"
Quotes from "A Million Little Pieces" By James Frey
"What time do you start drinking?"
"When I wake up."
"How much per day?"
"As much as I can."
"Be content with what you have and take joy in the way things are. When you realize that you have all you need the world belongs to you." Book of Tao
"What time do you start drinking?"
"When I wake up."
"How much per day?"
"As much as I can."
"Be content with what you have and take joy in the way things are. When you realize that you have all you need the world belongs to you." Book of Tao
Last quotes from "My Sister's Keeper"
"It doesn't take a whole long life to realize that what we deserve to have, we rarely get."
"It's hard to be the one always waiting...there's something to be said for the hero who charges off to battle...but there's a whole story in who's left behind."
"Change isn't always for the worst; the shell that forms around a piece of sand looks to some people like an irritation, and to others, like a pearl."
"When you don't know where you're headed, you find places no one else would ever think to explore."
"I thought lightning wasn't supposed to strike twice in the same place?"
"Sure it does. But only if you're too dumb to move."
"We never have children. We receive them."
"One fire burns out another's burning. One pain is lessen'd by another's anguish" Shakespeare.
"..as much as you want to hold on to the bitter sore memory that someone has left this world, you are still in it. And the very act of living is a tide: at first it seems to make no difference at all, and then one day you look down and see how much pain has eroded."
"It's hard to be the one always waiting...there's something to be said for the hero who charges off to battle...but there's a whole story in who's left behind."
"Change isn't always for the worst; the shell that forms around a piece of sand looks to some people like an irritation, and to others, like a pearl."
"When you don't know where you're headed, you find places no one else would ever think to explore."
"I thought lightning wasn't supposed to strike twice in the same place?"
"Sure it does. But only if you're too dumb to move."
"We never have children. We receive them."
"One fire burns out another's burning. One pain is lessen'd by another's anguish" Shakespeare.
"..as much as you want to hold on to the bitter sore memory that someone has left this world, you are still in it. And the very act of living is a tide: at first it seems to make no difference at all, and then one day you look down and see how much pain has eroded."
My Sister's Keeper
My Sister's Keeper
By Jodi Picoult
Fiction/Drama
$16.00 or $12.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
Released April 6, 2004
The librarian warned me that this was going to be a tearjerker. I took it anyway. I have never seen the movie based on the book so I had that going for me. This was my third Picoult book; the previous ones were also sad. This book was rather bleak from beginning to end. Don't get me wrong-it's a good book and very well written. But with this kind of plot- I can't expect a happy ending no matter how it ends.
"My Sister's Keeper" is about a family struggling with a child who is dying from leukemia and kidney failure. Her parents are Brian, a firefighter, and Sara, a stay at home mom. There's Jesse, the oldest son and pretty much the invisible child, and Kate, the daughter who became ill with leukemia when she was very young. Her parents made the decision to have a "designer baby" in the hopes that this unborn child would be a medical match for Kate. The baby, a girl named Anna, would be capable of donating bone marrow, a kidney, even core blood from birth. The birth of Anna was a media sensation and when Anna turns thirteen she decides to seek medical emancipation. Her sister Kate needs a kidney transplant to survive and their mother has once again asked Anna to undergo a medical procedure to save her sister. Anna's sudden desire to be emancipated also becomes a media circus. Anna seeks out a lawyer, Campbell and is assigned an advocate, Julia. There is a past relationship between Campbell and Julia.
The juice of the novel is the way the family must deal with Anna's decision. There are subplots- Jesse's struggle to get noticed, the marriage of Brian and Sara, the relationship of Campbell and Julia, and most importantly, the relationship between sisters.
Halfway through this book- I hated the mom Sara. But I found myself asking, "If I were in this situation, what would I do?" That's what made reading this such a struggle. "What if's and what would I do's?"
I think the medical jargon bogged this story down. I think the story of Jesse was a distraction that got lost in the details and was never fully developed. There really was no good conclusion to Jesse's story. The Campbell-Julia plot was also a distraction but a least there was a resolution. What's the main event? Does Anna become emancipated or is she forced to donate a kidney to her dying sister? The story moves along like a slow train gaining speed and then ...BAM. The last forty pages the turn of events and sudden plot twists and unexpected turns literally left me stunned. Boy, I didn't see any of that coming. All of those sub plots were really just great, big distractions for the big "Bam" moments.
As a sister , I thought I would become very immersed in this novel. But then I realized two things. I can't relate at all to the sister part of this novel because I can't ever imagine a world without my sisters. I won't even try. Secondly, I related more to the parents. Picoult is writing about every parent's worst nightmare. The made this novel difficult to read and hard to inhale while reading. Faced with the choices that must be made by each daughter and themselves, how can there be a happy ending? One daughter must sacrifice for the other to live. No, I did not just issue a spoiler. Trust me, you have no idea how this is going to play out.
Read it: No-too bleak.
But: No butts. Go to your happy place and read a Janet Evanovich book!
Bonus: There is a movie based on the book starring Cameron Diaz.
P. S. I finished this book at midnight and was so wound up by the ending that I couldn't wait until tomorrow to review it!
By Jodi Picoult
Fiction/Drama
$16.00 or $12.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
Released April 6, 2004
The librarian warned me that this was going to be a tearjerker. I took it anyway. I have never seen the movie based on the book so I had that going for me. This was my third Picoult book; the previous ones were also sad. This book was rather bleak from beginning to end. Don't get me wrong-it's a good book and very well written. But with this kind of plot- I can't expect a happy ending no matter how it ends.
"My Sister's Keeper" is about a family struggling with a child who is dying from leukemia and kidney failure. Her parents are Brian, a firefighter, and Sara, a stay at home mom. There's Jesse, the oldest son and pretty much the invisible child, and Kate, the daughter who became ill with leukemia when she was very young. Her parents made the decision to have a "designer baby" in the hopes that this unborn child would be a medical match for Kate. The baby, a girl named Anna, would be capable of donating bone marrow, a kidney, even core blood from birth. The birth of Anna was a media sensation and when Anna turns thirteen she decides to seek medical emancipation. Her sister Kate needs a kidney transplant to survive and their mother has once again asked Anna to undergo a medical procedure to save her sister. Anna's sudden desire to be emancipated also becomes a media circus. Anna seeks out a lawyer, Campbell and is assigned an advocate, Julia. There is a past relationship between Campbell and Julia.
The juice of the novel is the way the family must deal with Anna's decision. There are subplots- Jesse's struggle to get noticed, the marriage of Brian and Sara, the relationship of Campbell and Julia, and most importantly, the relationship between sisters.
Halfway through this book- I hated the mom Sara. But I found myself asking, "If I were in this situation, what would I do?" That's what made reading this such a struggle. "What if's and what would I do's?"
I think the medical jargon bogged this story down. I think the story of Jesse was a distraction that got lost in the details and was never fully developed. There really was no good conclusion to Jesse's story. The Campbell-Julia plot was also a distraction but a least there was a resolution. What's the main event? Does Anna become emancipated or is she forced to donate a kidney to her dying sister? The story moves along like a slow train gaining speed and then ...BAM. The last forty pages the turn of events and sudden plot twists and unexpected turns literally left me stunned. Boy, I didn't see any of that coming. All of those sub plots were really just great, big distractions for the big "Bam" moments.
As a sister , I thought I would become very immersed in this novel. But then I realized two things. I can't relate at all to the sister part of this novel because I can't ever imagine a world without my sisters. I won't even try. Secondly, I related more to the parents. Picoult is writing about every parent's worst nightmare. The made this novel difficult to read and hard to inhale while reading. Faced with the choices that must be made by each daughter and themselves, how can there be a happy ending? One daughter must sacrifice for the other to live. No, I did not just issue a spoiler. Trust me, you have no idea how this is going to play out.
Read it: No-too bleak.
But: No butts. Go to your happy place and read a Janet Evanovich book!
Bonus: There is a movie based on the book starring Cameron Diaz.
P. S. I finished this book at midnight and was so wound up by the ending that I couldn't wait until tomorrow to review it!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
A Million Little Pieces
A Million Little Pieces
By James Frey
Fiction
Released April 15, 2003
$15.95 or $9.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
This novel is based on James Frey's battle with alcohol and crack-cocaine. Drinking since the age of 13, a crack addict at 20 years old, Frey was headed to rehab at 23. He finds himself en route to a rehab facility with a broken mind, broken body, broken spirit, and no front teeth. This is the story of his six-week stay in a rehab facility.
Once there, Frey befriends quite a motley crew of characters. Hank, the bus driver, Lilly, his rehab romance and Leonard. Leonard is a mafia type guy who looks scary as hell but throws Frey a lifeline of friendship that literally gives James the strength to fight for sobriety. You can learn more about Leonard in Frey's second book.
Through Frey's eyes I learned that rehab is painful; mentally and physically. There's lots of blood, piss and vomit but even in the puddles I found myself rooting for James.
Of course, I can't talk about "A Million Little Pieces" without addressing the "Oprah" debacle but before I get to that I will say I really liked this book. James Frey is the ultimate underdog surrounded by others at the very rock bottom. I just wanted to step into the pages and help lift all of them up. I began to root for every single character.
When James Frey finds the "Book of Tao" it becomes his safety blanket. I was so moved by the featured quotes from "Tao" that I got the book (very inspirational).
I discovered "A Million Little Pieces" because it was on the "Oprah's Book Club of the Month". When Oprah chose the book, it blew up and everyone was talking about it. James Frey became an overnight sensation and "A Million Little Pieces" a bestseller.
Then a few months later Oprah outs him for fraud and publicly humiliates him during an interview on her show. The book was published and marketed as a memoir (non-fiction). In truth, the basics were correct but Frey had taken liberties with the details and expanded on some of the events in the book. He admitted to Oprah that some things had been embellished. I watched that interview and it did not change my opinion of the book. I actually banned the "Oprah Show" from my house for awhile. I feel like she played God with Frey's career. She basically made this man a literary sensation and then in an matter of minutes on national TV she destroyed it.
The bottom line though isn't Oprah or even James Frey's legitimacy as a writer. This is the story of addiction and the path from there to sobriety. The main idea that pulses through the novel is "Will he recover or will he relapse?" Read it to find out.
Read it: Yes.
But: It's got really disgusting parts. Rehab ain't pretty.
By James Frey
Fiction
Released April 15, 2003
$15.95 or $9.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
This novel is based on James Frey's battle with alcohol and crack-cocaine. Drinking since the age of 13, a crack addict at 20 years old, Frey was headed to rehab at 23. He finds himself en route to a rehab facility with a broken mind, broken body, broken spirit, and no front teeth. This is the story of his six-week stay in a rehab facility.
Once there, Frey befriends quite a motley crew of characters. Hank, the bus driver, Lilly, his rehab romance and Leonard. Leonard is a mafia type guy who looks scary as hell but throws Frey a lifeline of friendship that literally gives James the strength to fight for sobriety. You can learn more about Leonard in Frey's second book.
Through Frey's eyes I learned that rehab is painful; mentally and physically. There's lots of blood, piss and vomit but even in the puddles I found myself rooting for James.
Of course, I can't talk about "A Million Little Pieces" without addressing the "Oprah" debacle but before I get to that I will say I really liked this book. James Frey is the ultimate underdog surrounded by others at the very rock bottom. I just wanted to step into the pages and help lift all of them up. I began to root for every single character.
When James Frey finds the "Book of Tao" it becomes his safety blanket. I was so moved by the featured quotes from "Tao" that I got the book (very inspirational).
I discovered "A Million Little Pieces" because it was on the "Oprah's Book Club of the Month". When Oprah chose the book, it blew up and everyone was talking about it. James Frey became an overnight sensation and "A Million Little Pieces" a bestseller.
Then a few months later Oprah outs him for fraud and publicly humiliates him during an interview on her show. The book was published and marketed as a memoir (non-fiction). In truth, the basics were correct but Frey had taken liberties with the details and expanded on some of the events in the book. He admitted to Oprah that some things had been embellished. I watched that interview and it did not change my opinion of the book. I actually banned the "Oprah Show" from my house for awhile. I feel like she played God with Frey's career. She basically made this man a literary sensation and then in an matter of minutes on national TV she destroyed it.
The bottom line though isn't Oprah or even James Frey's legitimacy as a writer. This is the story of addiction and the path from there to sobriety. The main idea that pulses through the novel is "Will he recover or will he relapse?" Read it to find out.
Read it: Yes.
But: It's got really disgusting parts. Rehab ain't pretty.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Host
The Host
By Stephenie Meyer
Fiction/Sc-Fi
Released May 2008
$16.99 or $8.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
I will confess. I am a "Twi-hard". I am not ashamed to admit I love the "Twilight"series. I ocassionally enjoy reverting back to the days of being a love sick 12 year old girl. Being such a huge fan of these books it only seemed right to read "The Host". I just wish I hadn't shelled out the bucks for the hardcover copy! I really disliked this book. I know. I know. I shouldn't have continued to read it, right? I will plead a moment of insanity. That's all I got.
The premise of the novel goes as follows; Earth has been invaded by a species that has taken over human minds. The alien is injected into the human host, taking over the mind but leaving the body intact. Melanie Stryder, the lead character, is one of the last humans left. After an unfortunate incident, she becomes an unwilling host. Against all odds, she fights the alien invader for control of her mind and body. Running from aliens who want to terminate an "unsucessful host" , she finds humans who are hiding in a gigantic cavern in the ground. She is taken prisoner by the humans but eventually a little romance weaves itself into the story. From this comes the weirdest love triangle ever.
I hated this story so much I can't believe I was even able to write this much without falling into painful boredom. The story is slow and long. Meyer's writing in this felt so different than the writing in her previous books. Stephen King wrote a great story touching on the alien theme (Tommyknockers) but he also is a wizard of words. Meyer isn't quite there yet and it is very evident in this book. I think the novel could have easily been written by one of the aliens.
Bottom line-it's a story that you can find in any aliens vs. humans movie.
Read it: No.
But: If you are a Sci-Fi fan you might enjoy the story but still find it hard to get past the writing.
Bonus: The Kindle version has an added new chapter and a playlist linking to text. Meyer's is known for creating playlists that influence each chapter or major event that she writes.
By Stephenie Meyer
Fiction/Sc-Fi
Released May 2008
$16.99 or $8.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
I will confess. I am a "Twi-hard". I am not ashamed to admit I love the "Twilight"series. I ocassionally enjoy reverting back to the days of being a love sick 12 year old girl. Being such a huge fan of these books it only seemed right to read "The Host". I just wish I hadn't shelled out the bucks for the hardcover copy! I really disliked this book. I know. I know. I shouldn't have continued to read it, right? I will plead a moment of insanity. That's all I got.
The premise of the novel goes as follows; Earth has been invaded by a species that has taken over human minds. The alien is injected into the human host, taking over the mind but leaving the body intact. Melanie Stryder, the lead character, is one of the last humans left. After an unfortunate incident, she becomes an unwilling host. Against all odds, she fights the alien invader for control of her mind and body. Running from aliens who want to terminate an "unsucessful host" , she finds humans who are hiding in a gigantic cavern in the ground. She is taken prisoner by the humans but eventually a little romance weaves itself into the story. From this comes the weirdest love triangle ever.
I hated this story so much I can't believe I was even able to write this much without falling into painful boredom. The story is slow and long. Meyer's writing in this felt so different than the writing in her previous books. Stephen King wrote a great story touching on the alien theme (Tommyknockers) but he also is a wizard of words. Meyer isn't quite there yet and it is very evident in this book. I think the novel could have easily been written by one of the aliens.
Bottom line-it's a story that you can find in any aliens vs. humans movie.
Read it: No.
But: If you are a Sci-Fi fan you might enjoy the story but still find it hard to get past the writing.
Bonus: The Kindle version has an added new chapter and a playlist linking to text. Meyer's is known for creating playlists that influence each chapter or major event that she writes.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Last Song
The Last Song
By Nicholas Sparks
Fiction
$7.99 Paperback or $7.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
Released August 20, 2009
I will start this review and end this review with the same words...sniff.sniffle..sob...sniff ..Could someone get me a tissue please...
Now on to the book. We already know by now that Nicholas Sparks tends to write books about love and heartbreak. To be fair; happiness too (sometimes). This book is certainly no different. It was released at the same time that my own father was battling colon cancer. I don't want to issue a spoiler alert but there is a powerful father-child storyline here and it may be just the timing that made me really connect with this novel.
This is the story of 17 year-old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller. She and her ten year old brother Jonah are sent to spend the summer with their father, Steve, at his beach cottage (not his vacation home but his real home). No surprise her parents are divorced and she's pissed about it and blames her dad for running out on the family. He was a world-renowned composer and pianist. Ronnie is a very talented pianist herself but has a self-imposed ban on playing or writing just to spite her dad.
You get the picture that Ronnie is a moody, rebellious teen that isn't happy about her forced vacation to the beach. She's way more big-city wears black kinda girl and doesn't fit in with the bikini beach crowd. From the beginning of this book you also get little hints about the health of her dad, Steve.
Her first month at the beach she pretty much spends ignoring her father (hard to do in his one room cottage) and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Enter in trouble making duo Marcus and his girlfriend Blaze. Mean-ass teens who make Ronnie miserable.
Eventually Ronnie catches the attention of local rich boy Will Blakelee. They bond over the rescue of a sea turtle nest and spend the rest summer falling in love. Ronnie also slowly begins to repair her relationship with her dad.
There are many little stories woven in to the main plot. An unsolved church fire, recreating a stained glass window, teen drama, and family secrets. At the very heart of this book, though, is love. The love we have with family and friends and the power of love in our lives. Sniff.....sniffle..sob...sniff ..Could someone get me a tissue please...
Read it: Yes!
But: Don't blame me if it makes you want to call your dad and say "I love you" or wish that you still could.
Bonus: There is a movie based on this book starring Miley Cyrus. Please don't judge the book by the movie.
By Nicholas Sparks
Fiction
$7.99 Paperback or $7.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
Released August 20, 2009
I will start this review and end this review with the same words...sniff.sniffle..sob...sniff ..Could someone get me a tissue please...
Now on to the book. We already know by now that Nicholas Sparks tends to write books about love and heartbreak. To be fair; happiness too (sometimes). This book is certainly no different. It was released at the same time that my own father was battling colon cancer. I don't want to issue a spoiler alert but there is a powerful father-child storyline here and it may be just the timing that made me really connect with this novel.
This is the story of 17 year-old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller. She and her ten year old brother Jonah are sent to spend the summer with their father, Steve, at his beach cottage (not his vacation home but his real home). No surprise her parents are divorced and she's pissed about it and blames her dad for running out on the family. He was a world-renowned composer and pianist. Ronnie is a very talented pianist herself but has a self-imposed ban on playing or writing just to spite her dad.
You get the picture that Ronnie is a moody, rebellious teen that isn't happy about her forced vacation to the beach. She's way more big-city wears black kinda girl and doesn't fit in with the bikini beach crowd. From the beginning of this book you also get little hints about the health of her dad, Steve.
Her first month at the beach she pretty much spends ignoring her father (hard to do in his one room cottage) and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Enter in trouble making duo Marcus and his girlfriend Blaze. Mean-ass teens who make Ronnie miserable.
Eventually Ronnie catches the attention of local rich boy Will Blakelee. They bond over the rescue of a sea turtle nest and spend the rest summer falling in love. Ronnie also slowly begins to repair her relationship with her dad.
There are many little stories woven in to the main plot. An unsolved church fire, recreating a stained glass window, teen drama, and family secrets. At the very heart of this book, though, is love. The love we have with family and friends and the power of love in our lives. Sniff.....sniffle..sob...sniff ..Could someone get me a tissue please...
Read it: Yes!
But: Don't blame me if it makes you want to call your dad and say "I love you" or wish that you still could.
Bonus: There is a movie based on this book starring Miley Cyrus. Please don't judge the book by the movie.
Monday, August 22, 2011
More quotes from Picoult and the original Inferno
Quotes from "My Sister's Keeper"
"Why are terms of endearment always foods? Honey, cookie, sugar, pumpkin. It's not like caring about someone is enough to actually sustain you."
"Darkness, you know, is relative."
"Goldfish get big enough only for the bowl you put them in. Bonsai trees twist in miniature. I would have given anything to keep her little. They outgrow us so much faster than we outgrow them."
"Fire and hope are connected, just so you know."
"You can stay up all night and still not count all the ways to lose the people you love."
"You head to the place where all those different positions cross, and you hope for the best."
"The moon grew hungry, thinner and thinner, until she was just a slice of herself, and her tips were as sharp as a knife. By accident, she poked a hole in the night and out spilled a million stars, like a fountain of tears."
"... and told me in the darkest crease of the night, that she would love me until the moon lost it's footing in the sky."
"So maybe there is a place in your life you wear out like a rut, or even better, like a soft spot on the couch. And no matter what else happens to you, you come back to that."
"Kids think with their brains cracked wide open; becoming an adult, I've decided, is only a slow sewing shut."
"The people you love can surprise you every day. That maybe who we are isn't so much about what we do, but rather what we're capable of when we least expect it. "
From "Dante's Inferno"
"E lascia pur grattar dov e la rogna!"
"And let them go ahead and scratch where it itches!"
"Why are terms of endearment always foods? Honey, cookie, sugar, pumpkin. It's not like caring about someone is enough to actually sustain you."
"Darkness, you know, is relative."
"Goldfish get big enough only for the bowl you put them in. Bonsai trees twist in miniature. I would have given anything to keep her little. They outgrow us so much faster than we outgrow them."
"Fire and hope are connected, just so you know."
"You can stay up all night and still not count all the ways to lose the people you love."
"You head to the place where all those different positions cross, and you hope for the best."
"The moon grew hungry, thinner and thinner, until she was just a slice of herself, and her tips were as sharp as a knife. By accident, she poked a hole in the night and out spilled a million stars, like a fountain of tears."
"... and told me in the darkest crease of the night, that she would love me until the moon lost it's footing in the sky."
"So maybe there is a place in your life you wear out like a rut, or even better, like a soft spot on the couch. And no matter what else happens to you, you come back to that."
"Kids think with their brains cracked wide open; becoming an adult, I've decided, is only a slow sewing shut."
"The people you love can surprise you every day. That maybe who we are isn't so much about what we do, but rather what we're capable of when we least expect it. "
From "Dante's Inferno"
"E lascia pur grattar dov e la rogna!"
"And let them go ahead and scratch where it itches!"
Updates on Current Reads
This weekend I started reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I have very high expectations for this book. I am only a couple chapters in but I am intrigued by some of the characters and distracted a little by the dialect- even though I know it's obviously important to the book.
I also am about three quarters through "My Sister's Keeper". Oh my. It has started to get tear jerky and I have started to really hate certain characters; even though I keep saying to myself, "I were in that position, what would I do." I'm beginning to think that might be the intended message of the book......
Hope to have full reviews soon!
I also am about three quarters through "My Sister's Keeper". Oh my. It has started to get tear jerky and I have started to really hate certain characters; even though I keep saying to myself, "I were in that position, what would I do." I'm beginning to think that might be the intended message of the book......
Hope to have full reviews soon!
Odd Thomas
Odd Thomas
By Dean Koontz
Fiction/Suspense
Released June 29, 2007
$7.99 Paperback or $7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I have read many Dean Koontz books in the past. I think he's action packed suspense with a little scary Stephen King thrown in. I enjoy Dean Koontz;) I hadn't heard of the "Odd Thomas" series however, until my friend lent it to me. Here's the thing; I do have fave authors and genres but I really enjoy reading anything I can get my hands on. The books I now call my favorites are ones that have been handed to me by friends. "Odd Thomas" is definitely one of my all time loves.
This book is DELICIOUS! Quirky, funny, scary, suspenseful, and bittersweet all in one great package! The main character "Odd" Thomas gets his name because, well, all his life he's been a little odd. plus he has a unique talent. He "communicates" with dead people (I see dead people....sorry, I digress). I say communicate because, as Odd puts it, " The dead don't talk. But they do try to communicate".They leave hints and messages because, as we discover in this book, the dead who follow Odd around really just want to be set free. They are trapped souls on earth who need closure or justice. In the case of one ghost, ahem, Elvis, he needs to realize he has passed on and it's time to leave this realm. The ghost of Elvis is hilarious and I would say read this book just for him. The story itself is good too, even if the wonderful characters of Odd and his goth love & hopfully soon to be girlfriend Stormy are the show stealers. Cross reference here: To read another great story that features a dead Elivs; check out "Dead Until Dark" by Charlaine Harris.
Okay-back to the story. It goes as follows. Odd is a fry cook. Stormy is a waitress. All Odd wants is to be is a fry cook and the boyfriend of Stormy but the ghosts in his life have other plans. An ominous clue, a vicious murderer and a day of catastrophe propel this story forward. It all takes place in the town of Pico Mundo. A dusty town that makes you feel gritty just reading about it. Odd has a calendar date and 24 hours to save Pico Mundo from uncertain terror and doom. In the middle of all this, there are laugh out loud moments, which made me double check the cover of the book. This is Dean Koontz, right? Throw in the relationship between Odd and Stormy and you might need a box of tissues for this one.
The character of Odd Thomas has stuck with me. I really think he's such a unique voice and Dean Koontz really did well here. Your closet of literary characters would be mighty empty if you haven't added Odd.
Do I recommend it: Heck yeah! So weird it's wonderful!
But: It can be gory and violent.
Bonus: They are making a movie and if you love this one, there's more "Odd Thomas" books! Go to http://www.deankoontz.com/ for all the details!
By Dean Koontz
Fiction/Suspense
Released June 29, 2007
$7.99 Paperback or $7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I have read many Dean Koontz books in the past. I think he's action packed suspense with a little scary Stephen King thrown in. I enjoy Dean Koontz;) I hadn't heard of the "Odd Thomas" series however, until my friend lent it to me. Here's the thing; I do have fave authors and genres but I really enjoy reading anything I can get my hands on. The books I now call my favorites are ones that have been handed to me by friends. "Odd Thomas" is definitely one of my all time loves.
This book is DELICIOUS! Quirky, funny, scary, suspenseful, and bittersweet all in one great package! The main character "Odd" Thomas gets his name because, well, all his life he's been a little odd. plus he has a unique talent. He "communicates" with dead people (I see dead people....sorry, I digress). I say communicate because, as Odd puts it, " The dead don't talk. But they do try to communicate".They leave hints and messages because, as we discover in this book, the dead who follow Odd around really just want to be set free. They are trapped souls on earth who need closure or justice. In the case of one ghost, ahem, Elvis, he needs to realize he has passed on and it's time to leave this realm. The ghost of Elvis is hilarious and I would say read this book just for him. The story itself is good too, even if the wonderful characters of Odd and his goth love & hopfully soon to be girlfriend Stormy are the show stealers. Cross reference here: To read another great story that features a dead Elivs; check out "Dead Until Dark" by Charlaine Harris.
Okay-back to the story. It goes as follows. Odd is a fry cook. Stormy is a waitress. All Odd wants is to be is a fry cook and the boyfriend of Stormy but the ghosts in his life have other plans. An ominous clue, a vicious murderer and a day of catastrophe propel this story forward. It all takes place in the town of Pico Mundo. A dusty town that makes you feel gritty just reading about it. Odd has a calendar date and 24 hours to save Pico Mundo from uncertain terror and doom. In the middle of all this, there are laugh out loud moments, which made me double check the cover of the book. This is Dean Koontz, right? Throw in the relationship between Odd and Stormy and you might need a box of tissues for this one.
The character of Odd Thomas has stuck with me. I really think he's such a unique voice and Dean Koontz really did well here. Your closet of literary characters would be mighty empty if you haven't added Odd.
Do I recommend it: Heck yeah! So weird it's wonderful!
But: It can be gory and violent.
Bonus: They are making a movie and if you love this one, there's more "Odd Thomas" books! Go to http://www.deankoontz.com/ for all the details!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Books Delivered and what about J.R. Ward?
So last night I finished the second book in the "Shadow Children" series, "Among the Imposters". Earlier in the day I had finished "Sea Swept" by Nora Roberts. Today I got four new books in the mail and the library called to tell me two books I had on hold are in as well! Yay!!! It should be a great weekend:)
I am continuing on in the "Chesapeake" series by Roberts, the "Shadow Children" series by Haddix and the "Carrie Bradshaw" books by Bushnell. On Monday I will post a fresh book review and some more quotes from "My Sister's Keeper" by Picoult. That is another book I hope to complete in a day or two.
I am also considering reading something by J.R. Ward. Any suggestions?
I am continuing on in the "Chesapeake" series by Roberts, the "Shadow Children" series by Haddix and the "Carrie Bradshaw" books by Bushnell. On Monday I will post a fresh book review and some more quotes from "My Sister's Keeper" by Picoult. That is another book I hope to complete in a day or two.
I am also considering reading something by J.R. Ward. Any suggestions?
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Library e-books for kindle!
http://www.overdrive.com/resources/drc/Default.aspx?type=ebook
Click on the above link to find out if your e-reader is compatible with the books offered online through the Erie County Public Library. You can also find out about other portable devices (laptops and cellphones).
I am, duh, a Kindle user so I have to wait until later this year for a compatible format but I am so excited I thought it was worth sharing!
If you haven't already, be sure to check out our library's website. There is tons of info there! Plus resources and links for other things in our community.
http://www.erielibrary.org/
Click on the above link to find out if your e-reader is compatible with the books offered online through the Erie County Public Library. You can also find out about other portable devices (laptops and cellphones).
I am, duh, a Kindle user so I have to wait until later this year for a compatible format but I am so excited I thought it was worth sharing!
If you haven't already, be sure to check out our library's website. There is tons of info there! Plus resources and links for other things in our community.
http://www.erielibrary.org/
Sea Swept (Chesapeake Bay Saga)
Sea Swept (Chesapeake Bay Saga #1)
By Nora Roberts
Released January 1, 1998
Fiction/Romance
$7.99 Paperback or $7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
Nora Roberts is new to me. For a long time I had a self imposed ban on reading gushy romance novels. Roberts, to me, was the "queen" of that genre. Last year though, I started reading her titles written under J.D. Robb (the Detective Eve Dallas series). I really enjoy those books. They are very gritty and sexy. Very different than this book.
I checked out "Sea Swept" from the library after I was given the third books in this saga. I read the flap of the book and thought, "Hmm...sounds okay." I can't stand reading a series out of order though, so that particular books still sits on my shelf.
I will say that Nora Roberts deserves to be the queen of this type of fiction, and this time I say it with the utmost respect. I may have started with "Sea Swept" but I have since burned through four of her novels. I heart Nora Roberts.
In this book, we meet the Quinn Brothers. Family by adoption. They love each other as much as blood brothers though. All three boys were raised by Mr. and Mrs. Quinn in Chesapeake after each came there from different circumstances. The boys have since grown up and moved on to chosen careers in Chesapeake and around the world. The sudden death of their father (their mother passed away a few years before) brings them all back to the Quinn family house. Once there, the brothers discover a new addition to the family. A young boy named Seth, who Mr. Quinn was in the process of adopting before he died of suspicious circumstances.
The story centers around the oldest (and wildest), Cam, and his relationship with all of his brothers, especially young Seth who he now finds in his care. The family works on dealing with their father's death and the cause of it as well as trying to adopt Seth. Enter social worker Anna. Her job is to make sure they are fit foster family for Seth. Cam's story flows into his love affair with this woman.
Romance novels are great summertime fun. Light and fluffy; this book doesn't disappoint. It's a sweet tale that made me sigh ......and wanna love all over my own man.
I have already put the next book in this series on hold at my local library.Can't wait!
Do I recommend it: Yes- perfect for the beach!
But: No butts!
Bonus: Go to http://www.noraroberts.com/ for free stuff!!!
By Nora Roberts
Released January 1, 1998
Fiction/Romance
$7.99 Paperback or $7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
Nora Roberts is new to me. For a long time I had a self imposed ban on reading gushy romance novels. Roberts, to me, was the "queen" of that genre. Last year though, I started reading her titles written under J.D. Robb (the Detective Eve Dallas series). I really enjoy those books. They are very gritty and sexy. Very different than this book.
I checked out "Sea Swept" from the library after I was given the third books in this saga. I read the flap of the book and thought, "Hmm...sounds okay." I can't stand reading a series out of order though, so that particular books still sits on my shelf.
I will say that Nora Roberts deserves to be the queen of this type of fiction, and this time I say it with the utmost respect. I may have started with "Sea Swept" but I have since burned through four of her novels. I heart Nora Roberts.
In this book, we meet the Quinn Brothers. Family by adoption. They love each other as much as blood brothers though. All three boys were raised by Mr. and Mrs. Quinn in Chesapeake after each came there from different circumstances. The boys have since grown up and moved on to chosen careers in Chesapeake and around the world. The sudden death of their father (their mother passed away a few years before) brings them all back to the Quinn family house. Once there, the brothers discover a new addition to the family. A young boy named Seth, who Mr. Quinn was in the process of adopting before he died of suspicious circumstances.
The story centers around the oldest (and wildest), Cam, and his relationship with all of his brothers, especially young Seth who he now finds in his care. The family works on dealing with their father's death and the cause of it as well as trying to adopt Seth. Enter social worker Anna. Her job is to make sure they are fit foster family for Seth. Cam's story flows into his love affair with this woman.
Romance novels are great summertime fun. Light and fluffy; this book doesn't disappoint. It's a sweet tale that made me sigh ......and wanna love all over my own man.
I have already put the next book in this series on hold at my local library.Can't wait!
Do I recommend it: Yes- perfect for the beach!
But: No butts!
Bonus: Go to http://www.noraroberts.com/ for free stuff!!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Among the Hidden (Shadow Children)
Among the Hidden (Shadow Children)
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Released November 2008
Fiction/Young Adult
$6.99 or $5.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
This was a book recommended to me by a wonderful teacher and good friend after I had read
"The Hunger Games". "Among the Hidden" and the rest of the books in the series "Shadow Children" are quick reads. About 170 pages in each book. I believe there are 7 in the series. Haddix writes a very simple, fast paced novel. They are perfect for the young adult audience (think Harry Potter fans as the target market).
It is also seems simplified because it is narrated by a young boy, Luke Garner.The story is set in the future. Luke comes from a farming family; a stay-at-home mom,farming dad and two older brothers. The government has created laws governing employment, income, land ownership and population control. Each family is allowed only two children. Any more, and those other children must be sent away. Luke is an illegal third child; as they are called. His family could not bear to send him away so they have chosen to keep him hidden, as other families with illegal third children do. The government has Population Police, who will visit homes and monitor phone calls and internet usage of all citizens. When Luke was younger , his father owned a large farm out in the country. Luke was able to sneak outside and play. Then the government seized some of Mr. Garner's land so they could build housing for the Barons- the wealthier citizens of society. During the construction it was only safe for Luke to go out at night. Then when families started to move into the homes Luke was forbidden to go out at all. The smaller farm decreased the family income and their government rations so Mrs. Garner was forced to get a factory job. During the day, when the family was gone Luke was forbidden to leave his attic bedroom. His family felt it wasn't safe for him to even walk by the downstairs windows for fear the Population Police would be called. One day while his family is away, Luke notices movement in a neighbors window. It looks like a child. Lukehas been watching all of the neighbors through the attic vents. He knows their daily routines and how many members are in each family. Based on that knowledge he realizes that the child across the yard is an illegal third child. Eventually Luke gathers up the courage to sneak over to the neighbor's house and break in(!). He discovers Jen Talbot. A girl his age who is indeed another shadow child. They form a friendship and a shared desire for freedom; for themselves and all shadow children.
This is a nice story. Perfect for the target audience. No sex, no violence. The story is made for classroom discussion. It didn't have the excitement of "Hunger Games" though both stories are rooted in similiar concepts.
I found myself disliking Luke Garner. He was cowardly, wimpy, and totally afraid....of everything. It's understandable considering the way he has been forced to live his life but it doesn't change the fact that I just don't like this character. I need a little more piss and vinegar in my heroes; even the 12 year old ones. I am currently reading the second book in the series so I will keep you posted!
Do I recommend it: To your kids-yes!
But: If you want to read along with your child you will certainly have some great material to discuss.
Bouns: It's part of a series so if you like the first one there's more where that came from!
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Released November 2008
Fiction/Young Adult
$6.99 or $5.99 Kindle www.amazon.com
This was a book recommended to me by a wonderful teacher and good friend after I had read
"The Hunger Games". "Among the Hidden" and the rest of the books in the series "Shadow Children" are quick reads. About 170 pages in each book. I believe there are 7 in the series. Haddix writes a very simple, fast paced novel. They are perfect for the young adult audience (think Harry Potter fans as the target market).
It is also seems simplified because it is narrated by a young boy, Luke Garner.The story is set in the future. Luke comes from a farming family; a stay-at-home mom,farming dad and two older brothers. The government has created laws governing employment, income, land ownership and population control. Each family is allowed only two children. Any more, and those other children must be sent away. Luke is an illegal third child; as they are called. His family could not bear to send him away so they have chosen to keep him hidden, as other families with illegal third children do. The government has Population Police, who will visit homes and monitor phone calls and internet usage of all citizens. When Luke was younger , his father owned a large farm out in the country. Luke was able to sneak outside and play. Then the government seized some of Mr. Garner's land so they could build housing for the Barons- the wealthier citizens of society. During the construction it was only safe for Luke to go out at night. Then when families started to move into the homes Luke was forbidden to go out at all. The smaller farm decreased the family income and their government rations so Mrs. Garner was forced to get a factory job. During the day, when the family was gone Luke was forbidden to leave his attic bedroom. His family felt it wasn't safe for him to even walk by the downstairs windows for fear the Population Police would be called. One day while his family is away, Luke notices movement in a neighbors window. It looks like a child. Lukehas been watching all of the neighbors through the attic vents. He knows their daily routines and how many members are in each family. Based on that knowledge he realizes that the child across the yard is an illegal third child. Eventually Luke gathers up the courage to sneak over to the neighbor's house and break in(!). He discovers Jen Talbot. A girl his age who is indeed another shadow child. They form a friendship and a shared desire for freedom; for themselves and all shadow children.
This is a nice story. Perfect for the target audience. No sex, no violence. The story is made for classroom discussion. It didn't have the excitement of "Hunger Games" though both stories are rooted in similiar concepts.
I found myself disliking Luke Garner. He was cowardly, wimpy, and totally afraid....of everything. It's understandable considering the way he has been forced to live his life but it doesn't change the fact that I just don't like this character. I need a little more piss and vinegar in my heroes; even the 12 year old ones. I am currently reading the second book in the series so I will keep you posted!
Do I recommend it: To your kids-yes!
But: If you want to read along with your child you will certainly have some great material to discuss.
Bouns: It's part of a series so if you like the first one there's more where that came from!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Quotes from Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper"
One of the things I love about Jodi Picoult's books are the quotes that she uses. So from the book I am currently reading..."My Sister's Keeper" ...here are some interesting quotes I have read so far:
"When you only have a hammer,everything looks like a nail."
"If you have a sister and she dies, do you stop saying you have one? Or are you always a sister, even when the other half of the equation is gone?"
"The safety of the rescuer is of a higher priority than the safety of the victim. Always."
"Once in second grade, Kate drew a picture of a firefighter with a halo above his helmet. She told her class that I would only be allowed to go to Heaven, because if I went to Hell, I'd put out all the fires."
"Parenting is really just a matter of tracking, hoping your kids do not get so far ahead you can no longer see their next moves."
"I became a firefighter because I wanted to save people. But I should have been more specific. I should have named names."
"A jewel's just a rock put under enormous heat and pressure. Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look."
"When you only have a hammer,everything looks like a nail."
"If you have a sister and she dies, do you stop saying you have one? Or are you always a sister, even when the other half of the equation is gone?"
"The safety of the rescuer is of a higher priority than the safety of the victim. Always."
"Once in second grade, Kate drew a picture of a firefighter with a halo above his helmet. She told her class that I would only be allowed to go to Heaven, because if I went to Hell, I'd put out all the fires."
"Parenting is really just a matter of tracking, hoping your kids do not get so far ahead you can no longer see their next moves."
"I became a firefighter because I wanted to save people. But I should have been more specific. I should have named names."
"A jewel's just a rock put under enormous heat and pressure. Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look."
Call Me Irresistible
Call Me Irresistible
By Susan Elizabeth Phillips
$10.18 Paperback (Aug. 30) $9.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
Released January 18, 2011
Fiction/Romance
This is the story of Meg Koranda. She travels to the small town of Wynette, Texas to be a maid of honor in her best friend Lucy's wedding to Ted Beaudine. On the eve of the wedding, Lucy gets cold feet and asks Meg's advice. The next day, Lucy (daughter to a former president of the USA) , gets cold feet and ditches Ted "Teddy" Beaudine (son of a famous pro golfer) at the altar. The world is there to see it, as this is one of the most anticipated social events of the year and not to be missed by paparazzi, politicians and sports world elite. Meg , who also happens to be the daughter of a famous Hollywood couple, finds herself being blamed for this catastrophe and at the same time, unrelated to this event, being financially cut-off from her family. Meg, a spoiled brat who has no idea what she wants in life, has to this point, traveled the world and lived carefree and rent free. She does have a talent for making jewelry but a lack of commitment to anything or anyone in her life. Her talent seems to be just a hobby. She has also become the focus of revenge for one Teddy Beaudine. He was the towns most eligible bachelor and also happens to be a near genius, and has the I.Q. to prove it. Teddy, the golden boy of Wynette, feels humiliated and pissed and wants Meg to pay for that. Meg, broke and stranded, can't run from her problems like she has done in the past. She has no choice but to get a job (gasp) and deal with Teddy until she can save enough money to get the heck out of dodge (or in this case, Texas). Whew. Get all that?
Susan Elizabeth Phillips is my favorite romance author. She usually takes a year or two to write each novel- which makes me crazy! It does, however, make for very detailed , well thought out books. I never feel like her stories are stale. She also likes to pull in characters from other books as well as locations you have visited in her other novels. Phillips, like Nicholas Sparks, has a go-to plot formula that she sticks to for her stories. Her lead character is always female but you do get the male perspective too. The romance leads are usually "opposites attract". The stars in her books are just that, usually some kind of celebrity, be it actors or athletes or politicians.
One thing I find different about her books compared to other romance novels is that she usually makes you fall in love with some pretty crappy people. Some of her characters can be mean, and selfish but yet vulnerable and sweet deep down inside. She makes you sympathize with them by humiliating them and putting them in unimaginably low, almost impossible situations. She also creates quirky characters that you can't forget. One of her books starts with a British Socialite walking down a highway in a full-size furry beaver costume! You can't make this stuff up....or you can if you are a very creative writer! In her books, the sex is rocking, the characters are rowdy. She makes me laugh and cry and I always get excited for her next novel! One more reason I love her books....they all usually have an antagonist character who is blonde, mean and beautiful;) Not to be biased or anything..hee hee.
Do I Recommend it: Yep.
But: You should read her books in order, by publish date, from the very first title to this, the most recent. It's more fun and that way you can appreciate all the crossover characters. The books are not really part of a series but definetly connected.
By Susan Elizabeth Phillips
$10.18 Paperback (Aug. 30) $9.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
Released January 18, 2011
Fiction/Romance
This is the story of Meg Koranda. She travels to the small town of Wynette, Texas to be a maid of honor in her best friend Lucy's wedding to Ted Beaudine. On the eve of the wedding, Lucy gets cold feet and asks Meg's advice. The next day, Lucy (daughter to a former president of the USA) , gets cold feet and ditches Ted "Teddy" Beaudine (son of a famous pro golfer) at the altar. The world is there to see it, as this is one of the most anticipated social events of the year and not to be missed by paparazzi, politicians and sports world elite. Meg , who also happens to be the daughter of a famous Hollywood couple, finds herself being blamed for this catastrophe and at the same time, unrelated to this event, being financially cut-off from her family. Meg, a spoiled brat who has no idea what she wants in life, has to this point, traveled the world and lived carefree and rent free. She does have a talent for making jewelry but a lack of commitment to anything or anyone in her life. Her talent seems to be just a hobby. She has also become the focus of revenge for one Teddy Beaudine. He was the towns most eligible bachelor and also happens to be a near genius, and has the I.Q. to prove it. Teddy, the golden boy of Wynette, feels humiliated and pissed and wants Meg to pay for that. Meg, broke and stranded, can't run from her problems like she has done in the past. She has no choice but to get a job (gasp) and deal with Teddy until she can save enough money to get the heck out of dodge (or in this case, Texas). Whew. Get all that?
Susan Elizabeth Phillips is my favorite romance author. She usually takes a year or two to write each novel- which makes me crazy! It does, however, make for very detailed , well thought out books. I never feel like her stories are stale. She also likes to pull in characters from other books as well as locations you have visited in her other novels. Phillips, like Nicholas Sparks, has a go-to plot formula that she sticks to for her stories. Her lead character is always female but you do get the male perspective too. The romance leads are usually "opposites attract". The stars in her books are just that, usually some kind of celebrity, be it actors or athletes or politicians.
One thing I find different about her books compared to other romance novels is that she usually makes you fall in love with some pretty crappy people. Some of her characters can be mean, and selfish but yet vulnerable and sweet deep down inside. She makes you sympathize with them by humiliating them and putting them in unimaginably low, almost impossible situations. She also creates quirky characters that you can't forget. One of her books starts with a British Socialite walking down a highway in a full-size furry beaver costume! You can't make this stuff up....or you can if you are a very creative writer! In her books, the sex is rocking, the characters are rowdy. She makes me laugh and cry and I always get excited for her next novel! One more reason I love her books....they all usually have an antagonist character who is blonde, mean and beautiful;) Not to be biased or anything..hee hee.
Do I Recommend it: Yep.
But: You should read her books in order, by publish date, from the very first title to this, the most recent. It's more fun and that way you can appreciate all the crossover characters. The books are not really part of a series but definetly connected.
Monday, August 15, 2011
New Books!
Just ordered "Sex and the City" by Candace Bushnell. The library never has this in!!! Also ordered "The Help" by Kathyrn Stockett, "The Last Scene" by Charlaine Harris (another one never in stock at the library). "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman, "The Right Choice" by Carly Philips, and preorderd "The Best of Me" by Nicholas Sparks!! Woo hoo!!!!
Lovely Bones
Lovely Bones
By Alice Sebold
Fiction/Drama
Released August 7, 2002
Price $9.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
There are some books you should only ever read once. They are so wonderful that you carry them in your mind forever. Maybe because they are so intense, dark, and painful that reading them once is enough. This book falls into that "read only once" category. You can decide from the above why that is. There is one more reason you should only read a book once and that does not apply to "Lovely Bones". The obvious reason, right? That a book is simply bad. It has a horrible ending or it is not well written. I have read bad books from start to finsish. Usually because they didn't start out as horrible books. I was lured in by a compelling storyline so I kept reading; hoping for the best. If your interest isn't mildly piqued by the description on the book flap and the first three chapters don't keep you excited-STOP READING THE BOOK! Life is too short to waste time on a crappy book.
On to the main event.."Lovely Bones." This book makes me glad for Janet Evanovich and "Stephanie Plum". More laughter please. Let me repeat a statement from above before we proceed on to the review. Only read this book once. Trust me on this. The story will stick with you like my Grandma's sausage, biscuits and gravy stick to a girl's thighs. And if the story starts to fade, let it. It's too dark to keep in a light heart.
Alice Sebold-beautiful writer. The topics in this book are intense and she handles them well. Her writing is like when you are in a boat and looking down at the dark, glassy water. It looks scary and your mind is telling you that when you jump in it might get scarier. Or it might just turn out to be really cold water. With "Lovely Bones" your mind gets dipped in the scary ass water.
"Lovely Bones" is the story of Susie Salmon, 14 years old. She was violently murdered,her body cut up and scattered. The suspect remains at large. The narration of the story is from Susie herself. She is a ghost remaining on earth; following her killer and also her family and friends. Susie watches as her family struggles with her death and the slow discovery of her body (elbow recovered). The main focus of the story is how Susie tries to guide from beyond by getting people to "feel" her presence. Especially her father, Jack, who is is determined to find out who murdered his daughter. The back story is "what could have been". Susie follows her school crush, Ray Singh. She tries to reach out to him as well. Susie, like any living 14 year old girl, pines for that first kiss.
The kidnapping and murder of Susie Salmon happens at the very beginning of the book. It's graphic and painful to read. Note: I read this before I was a mother to a 14 year old girl. Still extremely difficult to read that chapter.The idea of this story though; a girl trying to solve her own murder from the after life, is unique. I thought at the time it was a fresh concept. The ending did surprise me, even with all the clues and events leading up to it. I wouldn't have predicted the outcome the way Sebold put it down.
This book also reminded me of another rather depressing book that I had read around the same time. It also falls under the category of "only read once"...if you must read it at all. "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch. I won't even review this book let alone recommend it. It was a dreary book with the same effect on me as "Lovely Bones" but dragged out way too long, without hope, and not written as well .
I admit I'm on the fence about "Lovely Bones". I hate for people to miss out on this story but why would we willingly want to absorb this tragedy? Hmmm...you can only enjoy light if you've experienced darkness?
I cannot promise that after you read this you will have a renewed sense of faith in humanity or get a happy ending or a silver lining at the end of your reading. I do think this story has a hopeful message and maybe that is enough of a reason to read it.
Read it: Hmmmm....at your own risk.
But: Don't be mad at me if you feel depressed after reading it!
Bonus: There is a movie based on the book,
By Alice Sebold
Fiction/Drama
Released August 7, 2002
Price $9.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
There are some books you should only ever read once. They are so wonderful that you carry them in your mind forever. Maybe because they are so intense, dark, and painful that reading them once is enough. This book falls into that "read only once" category. You can decide from the above why that is. There is one more reason you should only read a book once and that does not apply to "Lovely Bones". The obvious reason, right? That a book is simply bad. It has a horrible ending or it is not well written. I have read bad books from start to finsish. Usually because they didn't start out as horrible books. I was lured in by a compelling storyline so I kept reading; hoping for the best. If your interest isn't mildly piqued by the description on the book flap and the first three chapters don't keep you excited-STOP READING THE BOOK! Life is too short to waste time on a crappy book.
On to the main event.."Lovely Bones." This book makes me glad for Janet Evanovich and "Stephanie Plum". More laughter please. Let me repeat a statement from above before we proceed on to the review. Only read this book once. Trust me on this. The story will stick with you like my Grandma's sausage, biscuits and gravy stick to a girl's thighs. And if the story starts to fade, let it. It's too dark to keep in a light heart.
Alice Sebold-beautiful writer. The topics in this book are intense and she handles them well. Her writing is like when you are in a boat and looking down at the dark, glassy water. It looks scary and your mind is telling you that when you jump in it might get scarier. Or it might just turn out to be really cold water. With "Lovely Bones" your mind gets dipped in the scary ass water.
"Lovely Bones" is the story of Susie Salmon, 14 years old. She was violently murdered,her body cut up and scattered. The suspect remains at large. The narration of the story is from Susie herself. She is a ghost remaining on earth; following her killer and also her family and friends. Susie watches as her family struggles with her death and the slow discovery of her body (elbow recovered). The main focus of the story is how Susie tries to guide from beyond by getting people to "feel" her presence. Especially her father, Jack, who is is determined to find out who murdered his daughter. The back story is "what could have been". Susie follows her school crush, Ray Singh. She tries to reach out to him as well. Susie, like any living 14 year old girl, pines for that first kiss.
The kidnapping and murder of Susie Salmon happens at the very beginning of the book. It's graphic and painful to read. Note: I read this before I was a mother to a 14 year old girl. Still extremely difficult to read that chapter.The idea of this story though; a girl trying to solve her own murder from the after life, is unique. I thought at the time it was a fresh concept. The ending did surprise me, even with all the clues and events leading up to it. I wouldn't have predicted the outcome the way Sebold put it down.
This book also reminded me of another rather depressing book that I had read around the same time. It also falls under the category of "only read once"...if you must read it at all. "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch. I won't even review this book let alone recommend it. It was a dreary book with the same effect on me as "Lovely Bones" but dragged out way too long, without hope, and not written as well .
I admit I'm on the fence about "Lovely Bones". I hate for people to miss out on this story but why would we willingly want to absorb this tragedy? Hmmm...you can only enjoy light if you've experienced darkness?
I cannot promise that after you read this you will have a renewed sense of faith in humanity or get a happy ending or a silver lining at the end of your reading. I do think this story has a hopeful message and maybe that is enough of a reason to read it.
Read it: Hmmmm....at your own risk.
But: Don't be mad at me if you feel depressed after reading it!
Bonus: There is a movie based on the book,
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Giver
The Giver
By Lois Lowry
Fiction/Young Adult
Released April 26, 1993
*Newbery Medal Book
Print $6.99 $6.29 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I think this book may have been the inspiration for the "Hunger Games" and the "Among the Hidden" series.
All of the above are novels set in the the future and deal with scary solutions for overpopulation, crime, hunger, unemployment and the environment.Maybe the idea for these books actually goes back to 1516 and Sir Thomas More's book "Utopia"? I personally find the idea of a Utopian Society scary as hell! What if in the the future we controlled the population by limiting a certain amount of children per family? Or controlling the economy and employment by requiring and bestowing a certain role or career on children at a predetermined age?
Meet Jonas, the main character in "The Giver". He lives in a white-washed, utopian world. Devoid of crime, poverty, unemployment, and even divorce. A society with no troubles or ills.....but also a society devoid of choice and freedom. He soon learns that people don't miss what they don't know.
Twelve-year old Jonas is participating in the Annual Ceremony. At this event each 12 year old in the community is presented with their "life assignment". Many of his friends get the fun careers. Caretaker, recreation, etc...Jonas gets the "Receiver" and an old man known as the "Giver".
The Giver is the keeper...of memories, history, and secrets. It's his job to pass this history along. The Giver knows the world used to be full of choices.
The heart of this book blossoms during the training sessions between Giver and Receiver. It provokes....if you had the knowledge that life could be full of choices that could bring joy and beauty but the history to know that those same choices could bring pain and ugliness...would you choose to stay with the future you've been given or risk everything for the chance to create your own destiny? Would you learn from the mistakes or continue to allow history to repeat itself?
Amazing book. Lowry writes with powerful, thought-inducing text. More importantly, she writes with the element of surprise. You turn the page, feeling safe in your expectations and go,"Whoa, I didn't see that coming!"
Some of you with young children may have heard of this book. Many teachers make it required reading. My daughters read it in school and loved it. The ending of this book brought us many hours of debate. As a mom, that kind of dialogue is priceless. And that alone is reason enough to read this book.
Read It: Yes. It makes you question. It makes you nod your head and put on your thinking face.
But: No butts.
Bonus: This is one in a trilogy. Read "Gathering Blue" for the sequel.
By Lois Lowry
Fiction/Young Adult
Released April 26, 1993
*Newbery Medal Book
Print $6.99 $6.29 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I think this book may have been the inspiration for the "Hunger Games" and the "Among the Hidden" series.
All of the above are novels set in the the future and deal with scary solutions for overpopulation, crime, hunger, unemployment and the environment.Maybe the idea for these books actually goes back to 1516 and Sir Thomas More's book "Utopia"? I personally find the idea of a Utopian Society scary as hell! What if in the the future we controlled the population by limiting a certain amount of children per family? Or controlling the economy and employment by requiring and bestowing a certain role or career on children at a predetermined age?
Meet Jonas, the main character in "The Giver". He lives in a white-washed, utopian world. Devoid of crime, poverty, unemployment, and even divorce. A society with no troubles or ills.....but also a society devoid of choice and freedom. He soon learns that people don't miss what they don't know.
Twelve-year old Jonas is participating in the Annual Ceremony. At this event each 12 year old in the community is presented with their "life assignment". Many of his friends get the fun careers. Caretaker, recreation, etc...Jonas gets the "Receiver" and an old man known as the "Giver".
The Giver is the keeper...of memories, history, and secrets. It's his job to pass this history along. The Giver knows the world used to be full of choices.
The heart of this book blossoms during the training sessions between Giver and Receiver. It provokes....if you had the knowledge that life could be full of choices that could bring joy and beauty but the history to know that those same choices could bring pain and ugliness...would you choose to stay with the future you've been given or risk everything for the chance to create your own destiny? Would you learn from the mistakes or continue to allow history to repeat itself?
Amazing book. Lowry writes with powerful, thought-inducing text. More importantly, she writes with the element of surprise. You turn the page, feeling safe in your expectations and go,"Whoa, I didn't see that coming!"
Some of you with young children may have heard of this book. Many teachers make it required reading. My daughters read it in school and loved it. The ending of this book brought us many hours of debate. As a mom, that kind of dialogue is priceless. And that alone is reason enough to read this book.
Read It: Yes. It makes you question. It makes you nod your head and put on your thinking face.
But: No butts.
Bonus: This is one in a trilogy. Read "Gathering Blue" for the sequel.
Upcoming New Releases
Charlaine Harris ,"The Sookie Stackhouse Companion: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel " August 30, 2011
Nicholas Sparks, "The Best of Me" October 11, 2011
Janet Evanovich, "Explosive Eighteen" November 22,2011
Nicholas Sparks, "The Best of Me" October 11, 2011
Janet Evanovich, "Explosive Eighteen" November 22,2011
The Notebook
The Notebook
By Nicholas Sparks
Fiction/Romance
Released January 5, 2000
$12.99 Print $7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I hate to admit this, but I saw the movie first...and liked it better. Most of that is probably because of Ryan Gosling! Oh my;) Sorry, I digress. I am a purist when it comes to books versus movies. I think the book should always be read first and should always be better than the movie. Except for "Jurassic Park" because honestly, I could not have imagined all those dinosaurs on my own. And "Harry Potter" doesn't count. So in a league of it's own!
When the movie "The Notebook" came out I was on a Dan Brown/Michael Crichton kick. I had no idea who Nicholas Sparks was. I didn't care much for that type of literature.
When I saw the movie though and found out it was based on a book, I had to read it. Now, I count Nicholas Sparks as one of my favorite authors. Yes, I have read all of his books.
Nicholas Sparks tends to write with a proven recipe. Insert plot point here, climax here, conclusion here. He even tends to stick to the same geographical area. Who came blame him? Why mess with something that works so well. He also often writes , like Nora Roberts, from the male characters point of view. Refreshing change from the swooning heroines in many romance novels.
When reading Nicholas Sparks you will also find that if you lined up all of his books, you could pull out every other one and discover that he kills off his characters quite often. He tends to pick at the soft bruised spots of your heart. And when you read his books, you feel that emotion, as real as the words that describe them.
In "The Notebook" you meet Allie. A woman suffering from the early stage of Alzhemier's. Her disease is progressing quite rapidly. She is a resident in a nursing home where her husband also stays. The narrator travels between the present day Allie and the 1936 heyday of Allie. Interesting note-you don't quite know who the narrator is right away or even if the old people in the home are the young people from the past.You think it's Allie's husband but once you begin reading her story; is it Noah Calhoun the poor southern boy who was her summer romance? Or Lon, the wealthy southern lawyer that she met as a nurse after World War II? The whole story is "read" to you from a notebook that was created to remind Allie of her past in the hopes that it would help her remember for as long as possible. Another note here...you aren't quite sure who the author of the notebook is (until later in the story).
Definetly get a box of tissues for this book. And SPOILER ALERT...the book begins where the movie practically ends (1946). So when you get to the "good stuff" you aren't as invested in the characters.
I think the main points of this book are first; the devasting toll of Alzheimer's on a family and the person who struggles with it.Poignantly detailed by Sparks. Secondly, the lifelong love of two characters. Right out of a fairy tale.
Read It: Yes. It's become iconic in the world of literary romance.
But: No butts.
Bonus: The movie. Duh. http://www.newline.com/properties/notebookthe.html
By Nicholas Sparks
Fiction/Romance
Released January 5, 2000
$12.99 Print $7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I hate to admit this, but I saw the movie first...and liked it better. Most of that is probably because of Ryan Gosling! Oh my;) Sorry, I digress. I am a purist when it comes to books versus movies. I think the book should always be read first and should always be better than the movie. Except for "Jurassic Park" because honestly, I could not have imagined all those dinosaurs on my own. And "Harry Potter" doesn't count. So in a league of it's own!
When the movie "The Notebook" came out I was on a Dan Brown/Michael Crichton kick. I had no idea who Nicholas Sparks was. I didn't care much for that type of literature.
When I saw the movie though and found out it was based on a book, I had to read it. Now, I count Nicholas Sparks as one of my favorite authors. Yes, I have read all of his books.
Nicholas Sparks tends to write with a proven recipe. Insert plot point here, climax here, conclusion here. He even tends to stick to the same geographical area. Who came blame him? Why mess with something that works so well. He also often writes , like Nora Roberts, from the male characters point of view. Refreshing change from the swooning heroines in many romance novels.
When reading Nicholas Sparks you will also find that if you lined up all of his books, you could pull out every other one and discover that he kills off his characters quite often. He tends to pick at the soft bruised spots of your heart. And when you read his books, you feel that emotion, as real as the words that describe them.
In "The Notebook" you meet Allie. A woman suffering from the early stage of Alzhemier's. Her disease is progressing quite rapidly. She is a resident in a nursing home where her husband also stays. The narrator travels between the present day Allie and the 1936 heyday of Allie. Interesting note-you don't quite know who the narrator is right away or even if the old people in the home are the young people from the past.You think it's Allie's husband but once you begin reading her story; is it Noah Calhoun the poor southern boy who was her summer romance? Or Lon, the wealthy southern lawyer that she met as a nurse after World War II? The whole story is "read" to you from a notebook that was created to remind Allie of her past in the hopes that it would help her remember for as long as possible. Another note here...you aren't quite sure who the author of the notebook is (until later in the story).
Definetly get a box of tissues for this book. And SPOILER ALERT...the book begins where the movie practically ends (1946). So when you get to the "good stuff" you aren't as invested in the characters.
I think the main points of this book are first; the devasting toll of Alzheimer's on a family and the person who struggles with it.Poignantly detailed by Sparks. Secondly, the lifelong love of two characters. Right out of a fairy tale.
Read It: Yes. It's become iconic in the world of literary romance.
But: No butts.
Bonus: The movie. Duh. http://www.newline.com/properties/notebookthe.html
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Dead Until Dark
Dead Until Dark: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel
By Charlaine Harris
Fiction
Released May 1, 2001
$7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
This book was lent to me two summers ago by my BFF. She actually handed me a box set of 8 and said, "You gotta read these-you'll love them!"
The Sookie Stackhouse novels-not to be confused with Snookie from Jersey Shore- are the inspiration for the "Tru Blood" series on HBO. I don't have a HBO (or a DVR...just saying) so I was unaware of this show or the books.
I do love a book featuring supernatural characters...yes.... okay....vampires and werewolves...Team Jacob!
"Dead Until Dark" is like "Twilight" for adults. More violence, more sex. Politics, more sex...wait-what was I talking about? Oh yea. Sookie. In the first book (of 13 and counting) you meet the main character, Sookie Stackhouse. She is a small town waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie was raised by her Grandmother Adele and the two women live together in Adele's home outside of town. It turns out that Sookie was born with a little supernatural ability herself. She can read minds. Of course her friends, family, and Bon Temps residents just think she has a disablity....she's "slow". Sookie soon discovers that the mind of other supernaturals-vampires-to be exact-are unreadable to her. A nice change of pace for Miss Stackhouse. A bit of silence in a noisy world. Now, to give a little history. The story is set in a time in the near future where vampires are legal citizens. Thanks to the creation of a synthetic blood; Tru Blood, vampires can be public and not have to feed off of humans. A good thing, as that has been outlawed and a vampire can go to jail for that. Tru Blood is found in supermarkets,bars, and restaurants across the nation. Including the little juke joint that Sookie works in. Enter in Sam Merlotte, owner of said juke joint and her boss. He's got the hots for Sookie. First chapter in, Bill Compton, a handsome prince of darkness,walks in to Merlotte's. Sookie is instantly attracted to Bill, mostly because she has discovered she can't read his mind. Silence is golden. A love triangle has officially been created. Sam, Bill and Sookie (in case you weren't keeping up).
The book takes you through the adventures and perils of dating a vampire in a small southern town.
"Dead Until Dark" is campy fun! Laugh out loud and chocked full of sexual tension. Tons of mysterious characters and life and death missions around every corner.
I love these books! I have read every single one in the series. I enjoyed myself so much I read every single book by Charlaine Harris.
She writes very simply, with easy charaters who have very complex, dark histories. Her leads are always female and always bad-ass. Her crescendos are worth the chapters you have to read to get there. I always say to myself when reading a Harris book, "Holy Crap, I can't believe that just happened!"
The authors sense of humor is wickedly good. Case in point; in "Dead Until Dark" you meet the most memorable vampire ever, Bubba. He strongly resembles a famous rock and roll legend who was fond of fried peanut butter sandwiches. Shhhh...never mention that resemblance to Bubba though. Apparently during his transition between life and death he was affected by all of the drugs in his system and it has made him a rather peculiar vampire with a penchant for cats. Bubba isn't usually aware of who he was in a past life but if you get him in just the right mood....he sings an amazing version of Love Me Tender.
Read This: Yes. If you get a kick out of Jerry Springer and PeeWee's Playhouse, and/or all thing trashy, you will love this book! Cute, campy and funny!
But: No butts about it.
Bonus: Check out the HBO series, "Tru Blood". LOOSELY based on the books! http://www.hbo.com/
P.S. If you want to meet another memorable supernatural Elvis character, read "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz!
By Charlaine Harris
Fiction
Released May 1, 2001
$7.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
This book was lent to me two summers ago by my BFF. She actually handed me a box set of 8 and said, "You gotta read these-you'll love them!"
The Sookie Stackhouse novels-not to be confused with Snookie from Jersey Shore- are the inspiration for the "Tru Blood" series on HBO. I don't have a HBO (or a DVR...just saying) so I was unaware of this show or the books.
I do love a book featuring supernatural characters...yes.... okay....vampires and werewolves...Team Jacob!
"Dead Until Dark" is like "Twilight" for adults. More violence, more sex. Politics, more sex...wait-what was I talking about? Oh yea. Sookie. In the first book (of 13 and counting) you meet the main character, Sookie Stackhouse. She is a small town waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie was raised by her Grandmother Adele and the two women live together in Adele's home outside of town. It turns out that Sookie was born with a little supernatural ability herself. She can read minds. Of course her friends, family, and Bon Temps residents just think she has a disablity....she's "slow". Sookie soon discovers that the mind of other supernaturals-vampires-to be exact-are unreadable to her. A nice change of pace for Miss Stackhouse. A bit of silence in a noisy world. Now, to give a little history. The story is set in a time in the near future where vampires are legal citizens. Thanks to the creation of a synthetic blood; Tru Blood, vampires can be public and not have to feed off of humans. A good thing, as that has been outlawed and a vampire can go to jail for that. Tru Blood is found in supermarkets,bars, and restaurants across the nation. Including the little juke joint that Sookie works in. Enter in Sam Merlotte, owner of said juke joint and her boss. He's got the hots for Sookie. First chapter in, Bill Compton, a handsome prince of darkness,walks in to Merlotte's. Sookie is instantly attracted to Bill, mostly because she has discovered she can't read his mind. Silence is golden. A love triangle has officially been created. Sam, Bill and Sookie (in case you weren't keeping up).
The book takes you through the adventures and perils of dating a vampire in a small southern town.
"Dead Until Dark" is campy fun! Laugh out loud and chocked full of sexual tension. Tons of mysterious characters and life and death missions around every corner.
I love these books! I have read every single one in the series. I enjoyed myself so much I read every single book by Charlaine Harris.
She writes very simply, with easy charaters who have very complex, dark histories. Her leads are always female and always bad-ass. Her crescendos are worth the chapters you have to read to get there. I always say to myself when reading a Harris book, "Holy Crap, I can't believe that just happened!"
The authors sense of humor is wickedly good. Case in point; in "Dead Until Dark" you meet the most memorable vampire ever, Bubba. He strongly resembles a famous rock and roll legend who was fond of fried peanut butter sandwiches. Shhhh...never mention that resemblance to Bubba though. Apparently during his transition between life and death he was affected by all of the drugs in his system and it has made him a rather peculiar vampire with a penchant for cats. Bubba isn't usually aware of who he was in a past life but if you get him in just the right mood....he sings an amazing version of Love Me Tender.
Read This: Yes. If you get a kick out of Jerry Springer and PeeWee's Playhouse, and/or all thing trashy, you will love this book! Cute, campy and funny!
But: No butts about it.
Bonus: Check out the HBO series, "Tru Blood". LOOSELY based on the books! http://www.hbo.com/
P.S. If you want to meet another memorable supernatural Elvis character, read "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz!
Monday, August 8, 2011
A little study
From Shape magainze, August 2011
http://www.shape.com/
Next time you are feeling a little lonely or down. Try reading a novel for 30 minutes. It makes you feel connected to the characters, which can help reduce feelings of isolation, according to a new study in the journal of Psychological Science, In fact, the mood boost is similiar to what you experience after hanging out with your friends.
I would obviously take real facetime with my friends any day but at least I have a good back up!
http://www.shape.com/
Next time you are feeling a little lonely or down. Try reading a novel for 30 minutes. It makes you feel connected to the characters, which can help reduce feelings of isolation, according to a new study in the journal of Psychological Science, In fact, the mood boost is similiar to what you experience after hanging out with your friends.
I would obviously take real facetime with my friends any day but at least I have a good back up!
ebookfling.com- A book lending site
Just thought I'd share this for my fellow Kindle or Nook users. I haven't tried it yet myself but I stumbled across this while reading a magazine this weekend. If you have a Kindle or Nook (or use a laptop, tablet, or phone that runs their software) check out http://www.ebookfling.com/ List the titles you have available to lend. Every time one of yours is borrowed, you get a free credit to read someone else's book for 14 days (there are currently 11,000 available). If you want to borrow but not lend, there is a $3 fee. I will check this out and keep you posted but if you try it before me let me know what you think! I have a hard time finding lending sites for the Kindle. Even my local libraries e-books do not support the Kindle format.
Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants
By Sara Gruen
Fiction/Romance
Released April 9, 2009
$8.86 or $7.10 Kindle
Bestseller list-Paperback #3
I ordered this book on my Kindle after having my interest piqued by the movie previews. I succumbed to all the hype! I was not disappointed that I spent the money from my cherished amazon.com gift card that I received for my birthday.
The story "Water for Elephants" introduces you to 90ish year old Jacob. Jacob is a resident of a nursing home and when the circus comes to town and sets up their tents next to the home, Jacob begins to remember his own past with the traveling circus.
You travel back in time to The Benzini Brother's Biggest Show on Earth! Sorry-exclamation point- I think when you speak about the circus it should always be with excitement! I may be channeling my own inner Ring Master. "Introducing......" says Ronda in a booming voice....
Ahem...sorry about that. On with the show...I mean story.
Jacob's story begins tragically and that tragedy leads him to the railroad and a life with the traveling circus. All he has are the clothes on his back and an almost-complete degree as a Veterinarian. This knowledge of animals secures him a spot with the show as the head caretaker of the circus menagerie. Enter in Rosie the elephant and Marlena, a non-elephant. Marlena is the star of the Big Top and the apple of Jacob's eye. Every good love story though, must have a villain. "Water for Elephants" has August. His uncle is the owner of this show and the Ringmaster. His wife-gasp!- is Marlena.
Just like the Biggest Show on Earth this story has something for everyone. A little romance, a little action, and a little humor. A little popcorn...nope.
I don't think Sara Gruen is the strongest writer. Compared to say, Stephen King, for example. She does have a nice, simple flowing feel to her words, though. Her detail to history and accuracy are really what makes this book stand out. The book is set in the early depression and you really get a feel for that despair. The grittiness of Prohibition and the seediness of the back lots of a circus. Excellent!
The star of the book isn't any of the characters but the story of the circus during this time in American history. It made me want to go to the library and find some books all about the history of the circus. Notice I haven't mentioned much about circus freaks? The freaks get all the attention when you think of a circus. In this story, yes, there are circus freaks. But they don't steal the show. Get it? I couldn't resist.
Reading this book is like enjoying the simple pleasure of watching the cogs and gears turn in a big old grandfather clock. Complex and fascinating but ordinary enough to make you just smile.
Read this: Yes, especially if you loved "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks. I felt they were very similiar in style and story.
But: Don't get too excited about bearded ladies and tattoo freaks. They get a small part in this big top.
Bonus: The movie, not yet out on DVD, that features Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. Go to http://saragruen.com/ for more info.
By Sara Gruen
Fiction/Romance
Released April 9, 2009
$8.86 or $7.10 Kindle
Bestseller list-Paperback #3
I ordered this book on my Kindle after having my interest piqued by the movie previews. I succumbed to all the hype! I was not disappointed that I spent the money from my cherished amazon.com gift card that I received for my birthday.
The story "Water for Elephants" introduces you to 90ish year old Jacob. Jacob is a resident of a nursing home and when the circus comes to town and sets up their tents next to the home, Jacob begins to remember his own past with the traveling circus.
You travel back in time to The Benzini Brother's Biggest Show on Earth! Sorry-exclamation point- I think when you speak about the circus it should always be with excitement! I may be channeling my own inner Ring Master. "Introducing......" says Ronda in a booming voice....
Ahem...sorry about that. On with the show...I mean story.
Jacob's story begins tragically and that tragedy leads him to the railroad and a life with the traveling circus. All he has are the clothes on his back and an almost-complete degree as a Veterinarian. This knowledge of animals secures him a spot with the show as the head caretaker of the circus menagerie. Enter in Rosie the elephant and Marlena, a non-elephant. Marlena is the star of the Big Top and the apple of Jacob's eye. Every good love story though, must have a villain. "Water for Elephants" has August. His uncle is the owner of this show and the Ringmaster. His wife-gasp!- is Marlena.
Just like the Biggest Show on Earth this story has something for everyone. A little romance, a little action, and a little humor. A little popcorn...nope.
I don't think Sara Gruen is the strongest writer. Compared to say, Stephen King, for example. She does have a nice, simple flowing feel to her words, though. Her detail to history and accuracy are really what makes this book stand out. The book is set in the early depression and you really get a feel for that despair. The grittiness of Prohibition and the seediness of the back lots of a circus. Excellent!
The star of the book isn't any of the characters but the story of the circus during this time in American history. It made me want to go to the library and find some books all about the history of the circus. Notice I haven't mentioned much about circus freaks? The freaks get all the attention when you think of a circus. In this story, yes, there are circus freaks. But they don't steal the show. Get it? I couldn't resist.
Reading this book is like enjoying the simple pleasure of watching the cogs and gears turn in a big old grandfather clock. Complex and fascinating but ordinary enough to make you just smile.
Read this: Yes, especially if you loved "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks. I felt they were very similiar in style and story.
But: Don't get too excited about bearded ladies and tattoo freaks. They get a small part in this big top.
Bonus: The movie, not yet out on DVD, that features Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson. Go to http://saragruen.com/ for more info.
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Tenth Circle
The Tenth Circle
By Jodi Piccoult
Fiction
Released March 7, 2006
$16 or $12.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I have just recently discovered Jodi Picoult. I found myself at the beginning of this summer fresh out of books from my fave authors and I stumbled upon her books lining a whole shelf at the library. I asked my librarian what she thought of Picoult? "Good," she said, "But she always makes you cry." I figured I've survived all of Nicholas Spark's books so how bad can it be? I am now on my third book by Picoult, this being the second book that I read of hers. I just randomly pulled it off the shelf containing Picoult titles. It is now one of my all- time favorite books. Before I even touch on this story in particular let me say that I love the way Picoult covers each character. One scene is repeated from each character's perspective. Their thoughts, their memories and their own vision of what is happening. I like that; even though it can get tedious. She also comes up with wonderful quotes. If you are a person who loves those "quote a day" kind of things; you will need a highlighter marker to get through her books. She says some really inspiring stuff.
In the "Tenth Circle" you meet a typical family with a twist. A working mom, Laura, a stay at home dad, Daniel, and a teenage daughter, Trixie. The mom is a Professor at a local college who is also going through a mid-life crisis. You find out she is having an affair. Her husband; a stay at home dad, is really a comic book creator. He's quite established but his success didn't come easily. He has a dark past. Then there is the teenage daughter. Her story unfolds and sets the foundation for the whole book. A traumatic event takes place and this normal middle class family starts to disengrate before your eyes.
There are dramatic plot twists that may make this story hard to follow. Despite that, I really connected with this story. First of all, each chapter is divided by a section of the current comic that Daniel is working on. It also happens to parallel everything that is happening in his life. I would read this book just to see the artwork. Secondly, as a parent of a teenage daughter, this book came into my life at just the right time. Period. Thirdly, there is a hidden message throughout so when you are done reading go back through the artwork and put it together. I am a sucker for a good gimick.
Yes the story did make me cry. Not as much as the first book of hers that I read. Probably not as much as the one of hers I am reading right now.But it made me cry just enough to remember it by. And that's enough for me.
Do I recommend it: Yes!
But: Don't blame me when you discover it's a really sad story and you cry!
Bonus: Go to http://www.jodipicoult.com/ to get the answer to the hidden letters throughout the book.
By Jodi Piccoult
Fiction
Released March 7, 2006
$16 or $12.99 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
I have just recently discovered Jodi Picoult. I found myself at the beginning of this summer fresh out of books from my fave authors and I stumbled upon her books lining a whole shelf at the library. I asked my librarian what she thought of Picoult? "Good," she said, "But she always makes you cry." I figured I've survived all of Nicholas Spark's books so how bad can it be? I am now on my third book by Picoult, this being the second book that I read of hers. I just randomly pulled it off the shelf containing Picoult titles. It is now one of my all- time favorite books. Before I even touch on this story in particular let me say that I love the way Picoult covers each character. One scene is repeated from each character's perspective. Their thoughts, their memories and their own vision of what is happening. I like that; even though it can get tedious. She also comes up with wonderful quotes. If you are a person who loves those "quote a day" kind of things; you will need a highlighter marker to get through her books. She says some really inspiring stuff.
In the "Tenth Circle" you meet a typical family with a twist. A working mom, Laura, a stay at home dad, Daniel, and a teenage daughter, Trixie. The mom is a Professor at a local college who is also going through a mid-life crisis. You find out she is having an affair. Her husband; a stay at home dad, is really a comic book creator. He's quite established but his success didn't come easily. He has a dark past. Then there is the teenage daughter. Her story unfolds and sets the foundation for the whole book. A traumatic event takes place and this normal middle class family starts to disengrate before your eyes.
There are dramatic plot twists that may make this story hard to follow. Despite that, I really connected with this story. First of all, each chapter is divided by a section of the current comic that Daniel is working on. It also happens to parallel everything that is happening in his life. I would read this book just to see the artwork. Secondly, as a parent of a teenage daughter, this book came into my life at just the right time. Period. Thirdly, there is a hidden message throughout so when you are done reading go back through the artwork and put it together. I am a sucker for a good gimick.
Yes the story did make me cry. Not as much as the first book of hers that I read. Probably not as much as the one of hers I am reading right now.But it made me cry just enough to remember it by. And that's enough for me.
Do I recommend it: Yes!
But: Don't blame me when you discover it's a really sad story and you cry!
Bonus: Go to http://www.jodipicoult.com/ to get the answer to the hidden letters throughout the book.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins
Fiction/Young Adult
Released September 1, 2009
$8.99 or $4.69 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
The "Hunger Games" was recommended (and lent) to me by a good friend and teacher. She mentioned that when she read this story to her class they were begging her to keep going until the very last minute of class time! When she passed it on to me she said "You may not like it. It's young adult and kinda sci-fi. Certainly not the romance you usually read." I'm beginning to realize some of my favorite books lately have been books that aren't really my "type". Hands down "Hunger Games" is my favorite book of the year (and favorite book that I don't own a copy of-gasp!).
The story of 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen is completely captivating. You also come to meet and love her long-time friend Gale and her fellow District representative Peeta. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It's set in the country of Panem. A nation divided into 12 districts-each a separate entity from the other. The people of each district do not co-mingle or travel. It's the law. They are recognized by their number and industry. Example: District 12- Farming. There is a coal district etc...and the Capitol. That is where the elite live. They produce nothing but live off of all of the other districts. The celebrities, media. very wealthy, decision makers, and politicians live there. The most powerful? President Snow. You may also call him Mr. Dictator. Every year Panem holds a live televised event called "The Hunger Games". Here is where the story begins. Each district participates in this annual event meant to remind the citizens of a time in the past when they went hungry (but also led a life of freedom and democracy). All 12 to 18 year olds in each district are entered into a lottery. Two names are drawn per district; a boy and girl. Those two are sent off to the heroic adventure in the Capitol that is the Hunger Games. It is also their most certain demise-as only one person can win the game and leave alive.
When reading this book, you don't realize that you are also getting a little sneak history lesson (think dictatorships, revolutions and Hitler). Throw in this dark, hard world and all of the devices created by Suzanne Collins and you have a place that feels like "Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome" meets the "Terminator" meets "Little House on the Prairie". This book created an instant cult following; much like J.K. Rowling did for Harry Potter. Readers young and old alike attended midnight book signings for the sequels, "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay". Fans walked around wearing Team Peeta or Team Gale t-shirts.
I talked about this book to anyone who would listen. I begged my daughters to read it.
In the end- this book is like nothing I have ever read before. It even had a little romance in it;) Katniss Everdeen reminds us that one person really can change the world.
Do I recommend it: Yes!
But: Be warned there is quite a bit of violence.
Bonus material: There is a movie coming out soon!Go to www.suzannecollinsbooks.com to find out more about the other books in the series and the movie featuring Woody Harrelson.
By Suzanne Collins
Fiction/Young Adult
Released September 1, 2009
$8.99 or $4.69 Kindle http://www.amazon.com/
The "Hunger Games" was recommended (and lent) to me by a good friend and teacher. She mentioned that when she read this story to her class they were begging her to keep going until the very last minute of class time! When she passed it on to me she said "You may not like it. It's young adult and kinda sci-fi. Certainly not the romance you usually read." I'm beginning to realize some of my favorite books lately have been books that aren't really my "type". Hands down "Hunger Games" is my favorite book of the year (and favorite book that I don't own a copy of-gasp!).
The story of 16 year-old Katniss Everdeen is completely captivating. You also come to meet and love her long-time friend Gale and her fellow District representative Peeta. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It's set in the country of Panem. A nation divided into 12 districts-each a separate entity from the other. The people of each district do not co-mingle or travel. It's the law. They are recognized by their number and industry. Example: District 12- Farming. There is a coal district etc...and the Capitol. That is where the elite live. They produce nothing but live off of all of the other districts. The celebrities, media. very wealthy, decision makers, and politicians live there. The most powerful? President Snow. You may also call him Mr. Dictator. Every year Panem holds a live televised event called "The Hunger Games". Here is where the story begins. Each district participates in this annual event meant to remind the citizens of a time in the past when they went hungry (but also led a life of freedom and democracy). All 12 to 18 year olds in each district are entered into a lottery. Two names are drawn per district; a boy and girl. Those two are sent off to the heroic adventure in the Capitol that is the Hunger Games. It is also their most certain demise-as only one person can win the game and leave alive.
When reading this book, you don't realize that you are also getting a little sneak history lesson (think dictatorships, revolutions and Hitler). Throw in this dark, hard world and all of the devices created by Suzanne Collins and you have a place that feels like "Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome" meets the "Terminator" meets "Little House on the Prairie". This book created an instant cult following; much like J.K. Rowling did for Harry Potter. Readers young and old alike attended midnight book signings for the sequels, "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay". Fans walked around wearing Team Peeta or Team Gale t-shirts.
I talked about this book to anyone who would listen. I begged my daughters to read it.
In the end- this book is like nothing I have ever read before. It even had a little romance in it;) Katniss Everdeen reminds us that one person really can change the world.
Do I recommend it: Yes!
But: Be warned there is quite a bit of violence.
Bonus material: There is a movie coming out soon!Go to www.suzannecollinsbooks.com to find out more about the other books in the series and the movie featuring Woody Harrelson.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Released 1991 and October 26, 2004 (Outlander with bonus content)
$7.99 Paperback and $8.99 Kindle (with bonus content)
Fiction/Historical Romance
This book just celebrated it's 20th anniversary. I think it's a testament to Diana Gabaldon's writing and the characters she created that this story is still as relevant today as it was 20 years ago. I only just discovered this book and the series last summer when my cousin recommended it to me. My cousin owns every book in the series and also on her Nook, knew that I tend to gravitate towards books in a series and literature that has alot of sex in it.
I was skeptical at first. The book met the above mentioned requirements but it was listed as a "historical romance". I do not do historical books. I do not want to read about old fashioned sex. No petticoats or Lords or Barons in the bedchamber for me! I have come to find out though, that so many women I know have read this book and fallen in love with it. At this point, I am discovering that by reading the "Outlander" you automatically become part of a secret cult of women called the "Fraser Clan" groupies. Nah...just kidding. Seriously though, the fans of Gabaldon are pretty devoted.
I can see why the world is crazy about this story. It is devastatingly good. Diana Gabaldon writes with extreme attention to detail. At times that was wonderful; I could imagine what the sunshine felt like in 1746. Other times, I felt like the details were just page fillers. I don't need to know about the moss on the castle wall (it's in the book!).
The painstaking detail is one of the reasons this book took me about 2 1/2 to 3 months to read. That and it's thousands of pages long. It was completely worth the time though! The love story of Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall should be in the literary hall of fame. If there isn't such a place-please invent one just for these two characters. The love scenes in this book were romantic, hot and dirty. I mean dirty as in unclean. They didn't have indoor plumbing back then and these two spent much of their time outdoors in the wilderness of Scotland. I actually had to put this book down several times and go and take a cold shower. Yowza. The battle scenes were intense and the torture scenes extremely painful but impossible to skim past. I have read so many books that have left an impression but this book has two really powerful scenes that I will carry in my mind forever.
For those who have already read the book- you are imagining right now...the scene with Jamie and Captain Randall-prison. The chapter(s) with Jamie and Claire in the monastery. Scenes that make you cry, sweat, feel revulsion and love with just written words. I felt burned by those pages. Amazing.
Fictional writing at it's most powerful.
Do I recommend it: Yes.
But: For the fans .....I imagine Jamie as a towering man with Black hair and Blue eyes! Sorry... the red-headed Scot doesn't do it for me!
Bonus material: Go to www.dianagabaldon.com for more background on the Outlander book and series. There is also a companion guide for the first few books, "The Outlandish Companion". Beware though, if you haven't read the first 3 or 4 books this contains spoilers.
$7.99 Paperback and $8.99 Kindle (with bonus content)
Fiction/Historical Romance
This book just celebrated it's 20th anniversary. I think it's a testament to Diana Gabaldon's writing and the characters she created that this story is still as relevant today as it was 20 years ago. I only just discovered this book and the series last summer when my cousin recommended it to me. My cousin owns every book in the series and also on her Nook, knew that I tend to gravitate towards books in a series and literature that has alot of sex in it.
I was skeptical at first. The book met the above mentioned requirements but it was listed as a "historical romance". I do not do historical books. I do not want to read about old fashioned sex. No petticoats or Lords or Barons in the bedchamber for me! I have come to find out though, that so many women I know have read this book and fallen in love with it. At this point, I am discovering that by reading the "Outlander" you automatically become part of a secret cult of women called the "Fraser Clan" groupies. Nah...just kidding. Seriously though, the fans of Gabaldon are pretty devoted.
I can see why the world is crazy about this story. It is devastatingly good. Diana Gabaldon writes with extreme attention to detail. At times that was wonderful; I could imagine what the sunshine felt like in 1746. Other times, I felt like the details were just page fillers. I don't need to know about the moss on the castle wall (it's in the book!).
The painstaking detail is one of the reasons this book took me about 2 1/2 to 3 months to read. That and it's thousands of pages long. It was completely worth the time though! The love story of Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall should be in the literary hall of fame. If there isn't such a place-please invent one just for these two characters. The love scenes in this book were romantic, hot and dirty. I mean dirty as in unclean. They didn't have indoor plumbing back then and these two spent much of their time outdoors in the wilderness of Scotland. I actually had to put this book down several times and go and take a cold shower. Yowza. The battle scenes were intense and the torture scenes extremely painful but impossible to skim past. I have read so many books that have left an impression but this book has two really powerful scenes that I will carry in my mind forever.
For those who have already read the book- you are imagining right now...the scene with Jamie and Captain Randall-prison. The chapter(s) with Jamie and Claire in the monastery. Scenes that make you cry, sweat, feel revulsion and love with just written words. I felt burned by those pages. Amazing.
Fictional writing at it's most powerful.
Do I recommend it: Yes.
But: For the fans .....I imagine Jamie as a towering man with Black hair and Blue eyes! Sorry... the red-headed Scot doesn't do it for me!
Bonus material: Go to www.dianagabaldon.com for more background on the Outlander book and series. There is also a companion guide for the first few books, "The Outlandish Companion". Beware though, if you haven't read the first 3 or 4 books this contains spoilers.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
Released April 23, 2011
Fiction/Young Adult
$18.99 or $9.99 (Kindle) www.amazon.com
The prequel to "Summer and the City" and "Sex and the City". The story introduces you to Carrie Bradshaw during her senior year of highschool. The story navigates through Carrie's first serious relationship, Sebastian Kydd. It also covers a whole year of her drama-filled friendships.
Candace Bushnell writes at a very fast pace- so this is a really quick read. I'm sure some of this is because it was written for the "Young Adult" population and/or those with short attention spans.
I would love to elaborate more on this story but Bushnell has written such a quick narrative that the plot I described above pretty much covers everything. The book has no depth. Ignore the book flap-that was creative writing meant to get you to purchase the book. With that in mind, I have decided to review this book in two ways. One for the SATC fans (those who love the HBO series) and all others.
Let's start with "all others". If this is your first introduction to Carrie Bradshaw you find out that her mother died when she was very young. She was devastated. I think. Her father struggled with rasising three young daughters who were full of life while he was full of analysis. I think. Carrie's sisters were unruly and the youngest had issues....yep...I think. That is the whole problem with the book. Every plot point thrown at you is never really developed; just kind of mentioned. I really disliked most of the characters because I wasn't invested in them.
Moving on to the SATC fans. Read this only if you feel like you are incomplete and can't call yourself a true fan unless you are able to say "Yea-I read the books". Read this if you really want to feel like a super authorative person on all things SATC and want to be able to gloat to your non-reading SATC friends.
Be prepared. If you are expecting to learn about the pre-New York Carrie Bradshaw- good luck with that. In this book there is no high fashion, Louboutins-lovin Bradshaw. No Carrie who even knows what any of the above is (gasp!). No Samantha, no Miranda, no Charlotte. One thing does hold true to the HBO series. Carrie has aspirations to be a writer. Unfortunately for me, I hated Carrie in this book. Too whiney and lacking in self-confidence. She didn't stand up for herself and was always taking shit from people who were supposed to be her friends since kindergarten?! As if!
Finally, the fact that this book is labeled "Young Adult" bugs me as well. Now before you decide to start pulling this book off the library shelves and burning pages- let me clairify. I support the first amendment. I just want parents to read this book before they let their 10 or 12 year olds read this book. There is no graphic sex or violence. However, Carrie does spend most of the book bemoaning her virginity and how she can't seem to get laid. Her friends can't seem to stop getting laid. The book also touches on abortion and homosexuality. I'm just saying don't let the "Young Adult" label lure you into believing that every book in this category is appropriate for YOUR child.
Do I recommend it: Sure. It's a quick, easy summer read if you are bored and have read all of your favorite author's books.
But: Don't read it if you are hoping for Sex and the City type stuff. And SPOILER ALERT: On the very last page of this book...you meet one of the other SATC girls. That was the best part of the whole book!
Fiction/Young Adult
$18.99 or $9.99 (Kindle) www.amazon.com
The prequel to "Summer and the City" and "Sex and the City". The story introduces you to Carrie Bradshaw during her senior year of highschool. The story navigates through Carrie's first serious relationship, Sebastian Kydd. It also covers a whole year of her drama-filled friendships.
Candace Bushnell writes at a very fast pace- so this is a really quick read. I'm sure some of this is because it was written for the "Young Adult" population and/or those with short attention spans.
I would love to elaborate more on this story but Bushnell has written such a quick narrative that the plot I described above pretty much covers everything. The book has no depth. Ignore the book flap-that was creative writing meant to get you to purchase the book. With that in mind, I have decided to review this book in two ways. One for the SATC fans (those who love the HBO series) and all others.
Let's start with "all others". If this is your first introduction to Carrie Bradshaw you find out that her mother died when she was very young. She was devastated. I think. Her father struggled with rasising three young daughters who were full of life while he was full of analysis. I think. Carrie's sisters were unruly and the youngest had issues....yep...I think. That is the whole problem with the book. Every plot point thrown at you is never really developed; just kind of mentioned. I really disliked most of the characters because I wasn't invested in them.
Moving on to the SATC fans. Read this only if you feel like you are incomplete and can't call yourself a true fan unless you are able to say "Yea-I read the books". Read this if you really want to feel like a super authorative person on all things SATC and want to be able to gloat to your non-reading SATC friends.
Be prepared. If you are expecting to learn about the pre-New York Carrie Bradshaw- good luck with that. In this book there is no high fashion, Louboutins-lovin Bradshaw. No Carrie who even knows what any of the above is (gasp!). No Samantha, no Miranda, no Charlotte. One thing does hold true to the HBO series. Carrie has aspirations to be a writer. Unfortunately for me, I hated Carrie in this book. Too whiney and lacking in self-confidence. She didn't stand up for herself and was always taking shit from people who were supposed to be her friends since kindergarten?! As if!
Finally, the fact that this book is labeled "Young Adult" bugs me as well. Now before you decide to start pulling this book off the library shelves and burning pages- let me clairify. I support the first amendment. I just want parents to read this book before they let their 10 or 12 year olds read this book. There is no graphic sex or violence. However, Carrie does spend most of the book bemoaning her virginity and how she can't seem to get laid. Her friends can't seem to stop getting laid. The book also touches on abortion and homosexuality. I'm just saying don't let the "Young Adult" label lure you into believing that every book in this category is appropriate for YOUR child.
Do I recommend it: Sure. It's a quick, easy summer read if you are bored and have read all of your favorite author's books.
But: Don't read it if you are hoping for Sex and the City type stuff. And SPOILER ALERT: On the very last page of this book...you meet one of the other SATC girls. That was the best part of the whole book!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
The Facts: Smokin' Seventeen: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
Fiction-Romance/Mystery, # 3 on NYT Best Sellers list, Released June 21, 2011
$28 or $12.99 (Kindle) http://www.amazon.com/
The Book: This book is the 17th in a series (duh) but don't worry if you haven't read any of the other Plum novels. Evanovich always gives a little background info and history in each book so that you can easily follow along in the current novel. That's another reason why you can pick up any book in this series in any order and feel like you haven't missed important plot points. I consider these books to be like candy for your brain; there is nothing healthy or enriching about them but they are so enjoyable.This current installment does not disappoint; it's sticky sweet!
Smokin' Seventeen follows the Janet Evanovich established checklist for Stephanie Plum novels. And I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Why change something that works so well?
The founding cast of characters: Stephanie Plum-Bounty Hunter
Lula-Ex-hooker and assistant to Stephanie
Joe Morelli-Trenton Cop and sometimes boyfriend of Stephanie
Ranger- Bad-boy Security expert and sometimes lover of Stephanie
Check, check, check and check.
Dead bodies showing up. Check. In this book they show up in shallow graves on the empty construction site of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, This is also where Stephanie Plum works. Vincent Plum is her sleazy cousin and boss. Moving on. Unknown killer who is also after Stephanie Plum. Check. Stephanie,Lula, and cast trying to solve the mystery of the murders. Check. Trying to choose between Morelli and Ranger. Check. (sigh-wish I had that dilemma). Cars blowing up, donuts and Cluck in the Bucket chicken, funeral viewings, and Mooner. Check, check, check, and check!
So what's new in this book that makes me say..."I am so glad I read another Stephanie Plum novel?" The "vordo" curse. It's a spell put on Stephanie by Morelli's Grandma Bella. I can't tell you what the curse does because that would spoil the fun but I can tell you that by the time you get done reading this book you will want a little "vordo" of your own!
Bottom line: It's a light, sexy, funny, action packed read; perfect for summer. It will make you laugh!
But.... I think it would be nice to see this series (17 books and counting!) completed.
Dear Ms. Evanovich, Give us a fresh book all about Lula. She is my favorite character! I would love to read about her antics (and we could still pay visits to Stephanie). I have even thought of some book ideas for Lula. What do you think of "Lula's Fast Food Diet Tips" or "How to Shoot a Gun and Run in Heels" or "How to Dress for Success"? Hmmm, maybe I'll just stick to reading about Plum .
Extras: Janet Evanovich has a great website where you can find lot's of fun little facts and tidbits about the Plum novels plus information on all of her other books. I have read every one! You can also get info about the upcoming movie based on the first Stephanie Plum novel. http://www.janetevanovich.com/
Fiction-Romance/Mystery, # 3 on NYT Best Sellers list, Released June 21, 2011
$28 or $12.99 (Kindle) http://www.amazon.com/
The Book: This book is the 17th in a series (duh) but don't worry if you haven't read any of the other Plum novels. Evanovich always gives a little background info and history in each book so that you can easily follow along in the current novel. That's another reason why you can pick up any book in this series in any order and feel like you haven't missed important plot points. I consider these books to be like candy for your brain; there is nothing healthy or enriching about them but they are so enjoyable.This current installment does not disappoint; it's sticky sweet!
Smokin' Seventeen follows the Janet Evanovich established checklist for Stephanie Plum novels. And I'm not saying that's a bad thing. Why change something that works so well?
The founding cast of characters: Stephanie Plum-Bounty Hunter
Lula-Ex-hooker and assistant to Stephanie
Joe Morelli-Trenton Cop and sometimes boyfriend of Stephanie
Ranger- Bad-boy Security expert and sometimes lover of Stephanie
Check, check, check and check.
Dead bodies showing up. Check. In this book they show up in shallow graves on the empty construction site of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, This is also where Stephanie Plum works. Vincent Plum is her sleazy cousin and boss. Moving on. Unknown killer who is also after Stephanie Plum. Check. Stephanie,Lula, and cast trying to solve the mystery of the murders. Check. Trying to choose between Morelli and Ranger. Check. (sigh-wish I had that dilemma). Cars blowing up, donuts and Cluck in the Bucket chicken, funeral viewings, and Mooner. Check, check, check, and check!
So what's new in this book that makes me say..."I am so glad I read another Stephanie Plum novel?" The "vordo" curse. It's a spell put on Stephanie by Morelli's Grandma Bella. I can't tell you what the curse does because that would spoil the fun but I can tell you that by the time you get done reading this book you will want a little "vordo" of your own!
Bottom line: It's a light, sexy, funny, action packed read; perfect for summer. It will make you laugh!
But.... I think it would be nice to see this series (17 books and counting!) completed.
Dear Ms. Evanovich, Give us a fresh book all about Lula. She is my favorite character! I would love to read about her antics (and we could still pay visits to Stephanie). I have even thought of some book ideas for Lula. What do you think of "Lula's Fast Food Diet Tips" or "How to Shoot a Gun and Run in Heels" or "How to Dress for Success"? Hmmm, maybe I'll just stick to reading about Plum .
Extras: Janet Evanovich has a great website where you can find lot's of fun little facts and tidbits about the Plum novels plus information on all of her other books. I have read every one! You can also get info about the upcoming movie based on the first Stephanie Plum novel. http://www.janetevanovich.com/
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