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!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
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!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Paris In Love
by Eloisa James
Have you ever wanted to read the inner thoughts of an author? To peek inside the normally private life of the person who writes stories that you read over and over again? Eloisa James is a phenomenal romance novelist who has written several of my favorites (e.g. When Beauty Tamed the Beast, This Duchess of Mine). I'm sure I always thought that her life was as romantic as the books she puts on the shelves. And in some ways it may be. After all, the premise of the book is snippets of her life taken from her year spent in Paris with her family while on sabbatical. But it also begins after her mother's death, and her own battle with cancer. In the calm after the storm, her family packs up and moves across the world. While this was her dream, the journey proves challenging to all the members of her family, especially her children. There are some funny anecdotes, some whimsical accounts of Paris & food (specifically chocolate), and some moments that truly touch you. The stories of her children's struggle with homework or her arguments with her husband are all too familiar for the average reader.... while her moments spent staring out her window onto the French boulevard transport the reader to a far off place. Each snippet, however, rings with the simple truth that the life of the ever glamorous Eloisa James, is really not all that different from yours or mine... Well, except for all the jet setting.
Have you ever wanted to read the inner thoughts of an author? To peek inside the normally private life of the person who writes stories that you read over and over again? Eloisa James is a phenomenal romance novelist who has written several of my favorites (e.g. When Beauty Tamed the Beast, This Duchess of Mine). I'm sure I always thought that her life was as romantic as the books she puts on the shelves. And in some ways it may be. After all, the premise of the book is snippets of her life taken from her year spent in Paris with her family while on sabbatical. But it also begins after her mother's death, and her own battle with cancer. In the calm after the storm, her family packs up and moves across the world. While this was her dream, the journey proves challenging to all the members of her family, especially her children. There are some funny anecdotes, some whimsical accounts of Paris & food (specifically chocolate), and some moments that truly touch you. The stories of her children's struggle with homework or her arguments with her husband are all too familiar for the average reader.... while her moments spent staring out her window onto the French boulevard transport the reader to a far off place. Each snippet, however, rings with the simple truth that the life of the ever glamorous Eloisa James, is really not all that different from yours or mine... Well, except for all the jet setting.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Seating Arrangements
by Maggie Shipstead
I have been M.I.A. Sorry. In fact, I've missed reviewing four different books... So in an effort to bring this blog back up to speed, I'm jumping backwards a little ways. See below.
Seating Arrangements is Shipstead's highly acclaimed first novel, which follows the Van Meter family through three days of a New England family wedding. The story shifts between different characters' point of view. There's the husband/father Winn who is the primary character, always striving to climb up the social ladder, lusting for youth and for his daughter's friend.... the wife who keeps up appearances.... the drunk sister in law...and the daughter who won't fit into any molds. Having just gone through a family wedding, I recognize the stress and emotions that the author relies upon to drive this novel. However, some of the characters seem too remote and unrelatable. Winn is a middle aged man who finds himself regretting some of the choices he's made in life, including the fact that he only had daughters... and no sons to carry on the family line. As the third daughter in my family, this did not sit well with me. He also spends about half the book considering adultery with the obviously sexy, but ultimately empty, Agatha. Ugh. Livia, sister of the bride, is over-the-top dramatic and searching for someone to accept her for who she is. The dark mistakes that all the characters have made in their lives are brought into the light during this wedding weekend. Well, isn't that how it seems to go in real life as well? The only character who we don't "hear" from in this tale is the bride herself, Daphne, who seems to, surprisingly in this family, be very well adjusted. Shipstead's writing is lyrical at times, and very thoughtful, but ultimately Seating Arrangements is not a "can't put down" book. It will, however, make you reflect on family, the bonds that hold us together, and what we strive for in life.
I have been M.I.A. Sorry. In fact, I've missed reviewing four different books... So in an effort to bring this blog back up to speed, I'm jumping backwards a little ways. See below.
Seating Arrangements is Shipstead's highly acclaimed first novel, which follows the Van Meter family through three days of a New England family wedding. The story shifts between different characters' point of view. There's the husband/father Winn who is the primary character, always striving to climb up the social ladder, lusting for youth and for his daughter's friend.... the wife who keeps up appearances.... the drunk sister in law...and the daughter who won't fit into any molds. Having just gone through a family wedding, I recognize the stress and emotions that the author relies upon to drive this novel. However, some of the characters seem too remote and unrelatable. Winn is a middle aged man who finds himself regretting some of the choices he's made in life, including the fact that he only had daughters... and no sons to carry on the family line. As the third daughter in my family, this did not sit well with me. He also spends about half the book considering adultery with the obviously sexy, but ultimately empty, Agatha. Ugh. Livia, sister of the bride, is over-the-top dramatic and searching for someone to accept her for who she is. The dark mistakes that all the characters have made in their lives are brought into the light during this wedding weekend. Well, isn't that how it seems to go in real life as well? The only character who we don't "hear" from in this tale is the bride herself, Daphne, who seems to, surprisingly in this family, be very well adjusted. Shipstead's writing is lyrical at times, and very thoughtful, but ultimately Seating Arrangements is not a "can't put down" book. It will, however, make you reflect on family, the bonds that hold us together, and what we strive for in life.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Deadlocked
by Charlaine Harris
Oh, Sookie. Sookie, Sookie, Sookie. Your life seems to be a series of unfortunate mishaps. ...
Seriously. This girl has somehow gotten herself into one mess after another, mostly related to her telepathic abilities and her relationships with men in power in the supernatural world. Which makes for an entertaining read. With this series, you know you'll get some good mystery, action, & romance when you crack open the book. Each book in the series has consecutively become darker and more serious in nature. My only complaint is that the spunky, personable Sookie that readers fell in love with - who loves to soak up some sun and uses multisyllabic words from her "Word of the Day" calendar - seems to have fallen into a deep depression. As a result, the comedy aspect of the series has gone into remission. However, Harris still writes an engaging story, filled with murder & intrigue, which pulls the reader in. The cliffhanger ending has me waiting on the edge of my seat, to see what next adventure Sookie may find herself wrapped up in.
Oh, Sookie. Sookie, Sookie, Sookie. Your life seems to be a series of unfortunate mishaps. ...
Seriously. This girl has somehow gotten herself into one mess after another, mostly related to her telepathic abilities and her relationships with men in power in the supernatural world. Which makes for an entertaining read. With this series, you know you'll get some good mystery, action, & romance when you crack open the book. Each book in the series has consecutively become darker and more serious in nature. My only complaint is that the spunky, personable Sookie that readers fell in love with - who loves to soak up some sun and uses multisyllabic words from her "Word of the Day" calendar - seems to have fallen into a deep depression. As a result, the comedy aspect of the series has gone into remission. However, Harris still writes an engaging story, filled with murder & intrigue, which pulls the reader in. The cliffhanger ending has me waiting on the edge of my seat, to see what next adventure Sookie may find herself wrapped up in.
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