by Gillian Flynn
Have you heard of this book? If not, have you been living under a rock? I've been surrounded by whispered conversations about this book for MONTHS now and decided to finally get in on the action. There's nothing I hate more than not being able to partake in a bookish discussion. Well, almost nothing... Honestly, I can't tell you much about the book without giving away some critical plot points. And since not many people in the world are spoiler whores like myself, I will hold back and offer just a few thoughts. In Gone Girl, we begin by following a man (Nick) who finds that his wife (Amy) is missing. The drama just builds from this point. Although the beginning was a little slow (filled with marital back story and strife), as soon as I hit the first twist I couldn't put the book down. Oh yes, there are plenty of twists. At the core of it all, Flynn deals with questions like: "How well can you really know another person?", "What are the boundaries within marriage?", "Can you love someone without conditions?". To borrow Nick's words, the relationship between these two bizarre people is "catastophically romantic". Catastrophically. Twisted. Toxic. Did I reveal too much? Now, please read this so that we can have a real discussion on the topic. Call me when you're done. Thank you.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
This book made me cry in front of strangers. Let me explain... I have a leaky eye. Specifically, my right eye. For some unknown reason, while my left eye can contain itself, my traitorous right eye will always reveal my true emotions and sheds a tear at every sappy Hallmark movie, Google+ commercial, or sweet note from a friend. So when I tell you that I read this book on an airplane, it should not come as a surprise that my right eye shed more than a single tear, in front of total strangers. The poor girl sitting next to me must have thought I was going through something tragic, since I kept turning to the window to wipe tears from the right side of my face. But please, do not let my sappy tears discourage you from picking up this book. There are few books that have truly touched my heart and stayed with me (the last most likely being If I Stay by Gayle Forman)... but this will be added to my list. The story follows Hazel, a teenager who has lived for years with a terminal cancer diagnosis. While her life seems pointless & endlessly repetitive (the only excitement being a TV marathon of America's Next Top Model), all of that changes when Augustus Waters waltzes into her support group. The friendship, support and love they find in each other changes them deeply, eternally. I don't want to give away too much of the story, so you'll have to read it yourself. Green's perspective seems to be spot on, on a subject that few can truly grasp. Heartbreaking and yet beautifully hopeful, this book should be on everyone's list for 2013.
This book made me cry in front of strangers. Let me explain... I have a leaky eye. Specifically, my right eye. For some unknown reason, while my left eye can contain itself, my traitorous right eye will always reveal my true emotions and sheds a tear at every sappy Hallmark movie, Google+ commercial, or sweet note from a friend. So when I tell you that I read this book on an airplane, it should not come as a surprise that my right eye shed more than a single tear, in front of total strangers. The poor girl sitting next to me must have thought I was going through something tragic, since I kept turning to the window to wipe tears from the right side of my face. But please, do not let my sappy tears discourage you from picking up this book. There are few books that have truly touched my heart and stayed with me (the last most likely being If I Stay by Gayle Forman)... but this will be added to my list. The story follows Hazel, a teenager who has lived for years with a terminal cancer diagnosis. While her life seems pointless & endlessly repetitive (the only excitement being a TV marathon of America's Next Top Model), all of that changes when Augustus Waters waltzes into her support group. The friendship, support and love they find in each other changes them deeply, eternally. I don't want to give away too much of the story, so you'll have to read it yourself. Green's perspective seems to be spot on, on a subject that few can truly grasp. Heartbreaking and yet beautifully hopeful, this book should be on everyone's list for 2013.
Can you believe it?
Welcome to 2013! It's hard to believe that this will be my 3rd year writing on this blog... In total, I have read a total of 90 books over the last 2 years. Crazy! I have a feeling that 2013 is going to be a great one all around, and I'm excited to continue sharing my reading journey with you! As always... send any of your favorite recommendations my direction, and I'll be happy to read & blog my thoughts. Happy new year!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Let's Play Catch Up
Wow! I have been MIA from my site... but I guarantee I have still been turning the pages! So in order to get back up to speed, we're going to do a mini review set on the last 5 books I've read. Take a deep breath, ready... go.
1. MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend by Rachel Bersche. Ummm... Rachel Bertsche, I love you, and I will be your new best friend. For life. This book is a must read. Searching for a new friend after relocating, the author begins searching by taking weekly friend "dates", and researching the science behind lasting friendships. She approaches the subject with a great deal of humor and sensitivity... and for anyone who's found themselves missing their long time connections after a separation, this a truly inspiring read.
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling. My new best friend #2. This girl is hilarious. Even the introduction to the book will make you laugh. Pick it up. Now. Do it.
3. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow. I read this for a book club that I joined (yes, I do that), and was genuinely surprised by how much I appreciated and enjoyed this book. It begins with a tragic incident, as the "girl who fell from the sky" must pick up & continue her life, as a biracial child, in a community where she is forever ostracized. The haunting sorrow of this book, somehow manages to leave you with a hopeful attitude for the future, while keeping you turning the pages to see what truly happened in the narrator's past.
4. The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts. A great ending to her latest trilogy. What's not to love about the brash contractor in love with the organized, bold innkeeper?
5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed. This book follows the author along her true-life journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, while dealing with her mother's death and poor life decisions. Along the way, she meets interesting people, faces her fears, and learns that even her mistakes led her to the healthy & happy place she is now. I'll admit, I thought it would be boring to read a book about one women's solitary trek in the wilderness for months, it was actually a very quick read, and an encouraging tale of the triumph of the human spirit.
Alright, catch your breath.... and look forward to my upcoming review of Unbroken, because, yes, I've finally started reading it!
1. MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend by Rachel Bersche. Ummm... Rachel Bertsche, I love you, and I will be your new best friend. For life. This book is a must read. Searching for a new friend after relocating, the author begins searching by taking weekly friend "dates", and researching the science behind lasting friendships. She approaches the subject with a great deal of humor and sensitivity... and for anyone who's found themselves missing their long time connections after a separation, this a truly inspiring read.
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling. My new best friend #2. This girl is hilarious. Even the introduction to the book will make you laugh. Pick it up. Now. Do it.
3. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow. I read this for a book club that I joined (yes, I do that), and was genuinely surprised by how much I appreciated and enjoyed this book. It begins with a tragic incident, as the "girl who fell from the sky" must pick up & continue her life, as a biracial child, in a community where she is forever ostracized. The haunting sorrow of this book, somehow manages to leave you with a hopeful attitude for the future, while keeping you turning the pages to see what truly happened in the narrator's past.
4. The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts. A great ending to her latest trilogy. What's not to love about the brash contractor in love with the organized, bold innkeeper?
5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed. This book follows the author along her true-life journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, while dealing with her mother's death and poor life decisions. Along the way, she meets interesting people, faces her fears, and learns that even her mistakes led her to the healthy & happy place she is now. I'll admit, I thought it would be boring to read a book about one women's solitary trek in the wilderness for months, it was actually a very quick read, and an encouraging tale of the triumph of the human spirit.
Alright, catch your breath.... and look forward to my upcoming review of Unbroken, because, yes, I've finally started reading it!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Age of Miracles
by Karen Thompson Walker
I bought a beautiful hardback copy of this book, signed by the author, in a little New York bookshop on my recent trip back East. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but I believe that the outside of a BOOK often reflects the style and story telling ability of the author... and so I do judge by the cover and title. So I have to say that I was predisposed to like this book, based on my first impression. And I will say that Walker's debut novel did not disappoint me.
The story follows young Julia and her Southern Californian family as they face the everyday complications of life and love, all while dealing with the "slowing" of the earth. After years of destruction, the planet has finally slowed its rotation, meaning that the sun now stays out for days, and nights may last for weeks. Plants can no longer thrive, gravity has changed, and societal structures are fluctuating.
There are some conflicting reviews of this book, but I find that most of them are due to the fact that unaware readers were expecting some high paced, apocalyptic novel. Rather than the "2012" end of the world story, Walker delivers a coming of age story in a completely unique scenario. In fact, I find that the slow pace of Earth's destruction is more terrifying than any sudden end. For example, Julia's young love interest Seth, is fascinated by death due to his mother's lost battle with cancer. They frequently play the "Would you rather...?" game, and Seth always chooses the quickest way to go, believing that the waiting is the hardest part. And just as his mother fought for years, so too will every character in our story. They go on with their lives, day in and out, but with the knowledge that there might not be many days left.... that they will have to fight for each and every day that they get. And somehow, they become accustomed to this struggle. The story focuses not on the end of the world, but on family dynamics, and how individuals respond to situations that test their character. Julia simply relates the events of the initial slowing of our planet, with hints as to what the future may bring for humankind.... but in the end, many questions remain unanswered.Walker's storytelling manages to be both whimsical and somehow melancholy, and although I finished this book several days ago, I have been haunted by the grief for the world Julia once knew, and the life she may never have.
I bought a beautiful hardback copy of this book, signed by the author, in a little New York bookshop on my recent trip back East. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but I believe that the outside of a BOOK often reflects the style and story telling ability of the author... and so I do judge by the cover and title. So I have to say that I was predisposed to like this book, based on my first impression. And I will say that Walker's debut novel did not disappoint me.
The story follows young Julia and her Southern Californian family as they face the everyday complications of life and love, all while dealing with the "slowing" of the earth. After years of destruction, the planet has finally slowed its rotation, meaning that the sun now stays out for days, and nights may last for weeks. Plants can no longer thrive, gravity has changed, and societal structures are fluctuating.
There are some conflicting reviews of this book, but I find that most of them are due to the fact that unaware readers were expecting some high paced, apocalyptic novel. Rather than the "2012" end of the world story, Walker delivers a coming of age story in a completely unique scenario. In fact, I find that the slow pace of Earth's destruction is more terrifying than any sudden end. For example, Julia's young love interest Seth, is fascinated by death due to his mother's lost battle with cancer. They frequently play the "Would you rather...?" game, and Seth always chooses the quickest way to go, believing that the waiting is the hardest part. And just as his mother fought for years, so too will every character in our story. They go on with their lives, day in and out, but with the knowledge that there might not be many days left.... that they will have to fight for each and every day that they get. And somehow, they become accustomed to this struggle. The story focuses not on the end of the world, but on family dynamics, and how individuals respond to situations that test their character. Julia simply relates the events of the initial slowing of our planet, with hints as to what the future may bring for humankind.... but in the end, many questions remain unanswered.Walker's storytelling manages to be both whimsical and somehow melancholy, and although I finished this book several days ago, I have been haunted by the grief for the world Julia once knew, and the life she may never have.
Monday, September 24, 2012
The Mortal Instruments (#1-3)
by Cassandra Clare
I had been debating whether or not to pick these books up, after reading glowing reviews of them from YA fiction fans.... and seeing them featured in any and every store that sells books. Then a couple of weeks ago, one of my avid reader friends at work just happened to finish the last one in the original trilogy (books 4 & 5 were not originally planned) and recommended them. And so one day after work, I raced myself to the nearest Target and picked up a little light reading (three books worth).
Our story begins by following the heroine Clary Fray, as she discovers there is an invisible world interacting with her own - a world where demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves & angels exist. In fact, it turns out (don't worry, no major spoiler here), that Clary is actually a Shadowhunter. They are the descendants of angels, created to battle the evil forces in the world. When her mom goes missing, Clary, her best friend Simon, and her new found gang of Shadowhunters begin a journey to fight the "big bad" AKA Valentine. In the midst of all this, Clary also finds an instant attraction to the arrogant and talented Jace Wayland.
One of the things that I admire in this series, is Clary's transformation. She does not come into this world as an instant demon killer who has clearly been meant to do this her entire life. At times in the beginning, she seems defenseless, thrown into an unfamiliar territory. But as the books progress, Clary begins to come into her own - with the help of special training, and her own exceptional gifts. All the characters show character progression, and are believable, although they exist in an unbelievable world. To be a successful YA fiction novel, there always has to a be a forbidden romance... and this series has plenty of that! In fact, it has several love triangles (including hetero and homosexual dynamics), secret relationships, betrayals, and true love.
These books are definitely entertaining, although I would recommend spacing them out a bit.... and not devouring all of them in the space of one week like I did. They can seem a little formulaic, and it led to me skipping over a few scenes that I found tedious. Also, I started having nightmares about demons. Maybe don't read them before bedtime. I'm just saying. On the whole, they make up a unique young adult fiction series that genre fans will enjoy... and as soon as book six finally comes out, I will read the second half of the trilogy.
I had been debating whether or not to pick these books up, after reading glowing reviews of them from YA fiction fans.... and seeing them featured in any and every store that sells books. Then a couple of weeks ago, one of my avid reader friends at work just happened to finish the last one in the original trilogy (books 4 & 5 were not originally planned) and recommended them. And so one day after work, I raced myself to the nearest Target and picked up a little light reading (three books worth).
Our story begins by following the heroine Clary Fray, as she discovers there is an invisible world interacting with her own - a world where demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves & angels exist. In fact, it turns out (don't worry, no major spoiler here), that Clary is actually a Shadowhunter. They are the descendants of angels, created to battle the evil forces in the world. When her mom goes missing, Clary, her best friend Simon, and her new found gang of Shadowhunters begin a journey to fight the "big bad" AKA Valentine. In the midst of all this, Clary also finds an instant attraction to the arrogant and talented Jace Wayland.
One of the things that I admire in this series, is Clary's transformation. She does not come into this world as an instant demon killer who has clearly been meant to do this her entire life. At times in the beginning, she seems defenseless, thrown into an unfamiliar territory. But as the books progress, Clary begins to come into her own - with the help of special training, and her own exceptional gifts. All the characters show character progression, and are believable, although they exist in an unbelievable world. To be a successful YA fiction novel, there always has to a be a forbidden romance... and this series has plenty of that! In fact, it has several love triangles (including hetero and homosexual dynamics), secret relationships, betrayals, and true love.
These books are definitely entertaining, although I would recommend spacing them out a bit.... and not devouring all of them in the space of one week like I did. They can seem a little formulaic, and it led to me skipping over a few scenes that I found tedious. Also, I started having nightmares about demons. Maybe don't read them before bedtime. I'm just saying. On the whole, they make up a unique young adult fiction series that genre fans will enjoy... and as soon as book six finally comes out, I will read the second half of the trilogy.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Ugly Duchess
by Eloisa James
Well, let me start this post by reminding you all of how I swoon whenever I hear the term "pirate" in relation to a historical romance novel (http://breadofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/scandalous-desires.html). Ahem.
This is the fourth installment in Eloisa James "Fairy Tale" series, and is based off of its' namesake, "The Ugly Duckling". As always, I have to preface this synopsis with a SPOILER warning. SPOILER. Red alert. Our main characters are Theo (AKA Daisy), and James. After growing up together in the same household they are surprised to find passion together, only to be torn apart by the shocking realization that James only married the "ugliest" girl in town (our Daisy) due to the fact that his father had been embezzling from Daisy's fortune. Gasp! Daisy kicks James out of their home, and he takes to the high seas. He joins forces with another ton pirate, only attacking other pirates or slave ships. Swoon. Meanwhile, Daisy transforms the estate into a thriving enterprise.... and is taken completely by surprise when her husband (presumed dead) makes an appearance at his funeral seven years later. The remainder of their story consists of the characters determining what their future relationship will be, and regaining the trust and balance that was so quickly lost.
I think that readers will be swept away by James and Daisy's romance... while still being rooted to the ground with empathy for Daisy's insecurities. Widely known as the "Ugly Duchess", Daisy faces a world in which she is a social pariah. A world in which she must transform herself to be socially accepted, and is exhausted with the effort. No matter how successful she becomes, or how she is touted as a fashionista, there always seems to be something missing. It seems like a role that many women will relate to... Who can honestly say that they've never felt misunderstood or underappreciated? That they've never felt unattractive or lonely? It's only when she sees herself through the eyes of someone who truly knows her, that she seems to accept herself.
My only qualm with this story is the ease with which Daisy seems to forgive James for being MIA for SEVEN YEARS. C'est la vie.... true love!
Well, let me start this post by reminding you all of how I swoon whenever I hear the term "pirate" in relation to a historical romance novel (http://breadofbooks.blogspot.com/2011/11/scandalous-desires.html). Ahem.
This is the fourth installment in Eloisa James "Fairy Tale" series, and is based off of its' namesake, "The Ugly Duckling". As always, I have to preface this synopsis with a SPOILER warning. SPOILER. Red alert. Our main characters are Theo (AKA Daisy), and James. After growing up together in the same household they are surprised to find passion together, only to be torn apart by the shocking realization that James only married the "ugliest" girl in town (our Daisy) due to the fact that his father had been embezzling from Daisy's fortune. Gasp! Daisy kicks James out of their home, and he takes to the high seas. He joins forces with another ton pirate, only attacking other pirates or slave ships. Swoon. Meanwhile, Daisy transforms the estate into a thriving enterprise.... and is taken completely by surprise when her husband (presumed dead) makes an appearance at his funeral seven years later. The remainder of their story consists of the characters determining what their future relationship will be, and regaining the trust and balance that was so quickly lost.
I think that readers will be swept away by James and Daisy's romance... while still being rooted to the ground with empathy for Daisy's insecurities. Widely known as the "Ugly Duchess", Daisy faces a world in which she is a social pariah. A world in which she must transform herself to be socially accepted, and is exhausted with the effort. No matter how successful she becomes, or how she is touted as a fashionista, there always seems to be something missing. It seems like a role that many women will relate to... Who can honestly say that they've never felt misunderstood or underappreciated? That they've never felt unattractive or lonely? It's only when she sees herself through the eyes of someone who truly knows her, that she seems to accept herself.
My only qualm with this story is the ease with which Daisy seems to forgive James for being MIA for SEVEN YEARS. C'est la vie.... true love!
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