Bookopolis

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

2009-09-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (watch the trailer)

Published by HarperCollins

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the book :

Every gift has a price . . .

Every piece of lace has a secret . . .

My name is Towner Whitney. No, that’s not exactly true. My real first name is Sophya. Never believe me. I lie all the time. . . .

Towner Whitney, the self-confessed unreliable narrator of The Lace Reader, hails from a family of Salem women who can read the future in the patterns in lace, and who have guarded a history of secrets going back generations, but the disappearance of two women brings Towner home to Salem and the truth about the death of her twin sister to light.

My review:

Though I've been taking a break from blogging, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to read and review this book. The Lace Reader is one of those books that has received a lot of positive buzz and I kept meaning to read it but secretly feared it would not live up to its hype. After reading the first sentences though, I knew I would enjoy it since I'm a huge fan of the 'unreliable narrator' writing style. I do have to say that as the story progressed, I felt like Towner was letting me down a bit by her lack of deception. By the end, I was almost begging for her to lie to me and then when I least expected it - bam! - she went in for the kill. My jaw dropped and I had to stare at the page for a couple minutes to get over my shock. Kudos to Brunonia Barry for that thought-provoking ending (which you'll have to read to believe and even then..... it's still a shock)!

This is not a book that necessarily lends itself to being read in one sitting, and yet I literally could not put it down. What I had thought was a plot-driven book, turned out to be an insightful character study into the minds and hearts of some very strong women. It was the passion and dedication behind their stories that intrigued me most.

I also really loved the dialogue among the characters and the the different dynamics between them. I was even surprised to find a great deal of deadpan humor within their conversations, especially Towner and Rafferty. It was a refreshing break from the disturbing events and intense emotions that are weaved throughout the book.

Another wonderful aspect of the book is the lace reading itself. I tend to enjoy the incorporation of mystical elements when properly executed. The Lace Reader never left me feeling skeptical about the special powers the women in the book possess, almost like an intense case of women's intuition that tranformed into a powerful gift.

In short, The Lace Reader is a wonderful book. There is a little something for everyone within its pages and the ending will leave you breathless. I look forward to reading more from Brunonia in the future.

This post is part of the TLC Book Tours tour for The Lace Reader. Be sure to check out these past tour stops:

Monday, August 24th – books i done read

Wednesday, August 26th – Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’?

Monday, August 31st - Savvy Verse & Wit

Tuesday, September 1st – Cindy’s Love of Books

Thursday, September 3rd - Eclectic Book Lover

Friday, September 4th – Shhh I’m Reading

Monday, September 7th – Literate Housewife

And upcoming stops:

Thursday, September 10th – The Book Lady’s Blog

Monday, September 14th – Biblioaddict

Tuesday, September 15th – Trish’s Reading Nook

Thursday, September 17th – Books and Movies

Brunonia Barry is on tour again - see if she is coming to your city:

9/8 – Bellingham, WA – Village Books – Reading and Signing
9/10 – Oakland – A Great Good Place for Books – Reading and Signing
9/12 – San Mateo – M is for Mystery…and More – Reading and Signing
9/14 – Los Angeles – Vroman’s Bookstore – Reading and Signing
9/15—Edwards, CO – VIP Customer Book Club Event
9/20—Andover, MA – Meet the Author Benefit for PATHS
10/12 Mequon, WI Next Chapter Bookshop
10/13 Dallas, TX Legacy Books
10/20 – Lexington, MA Library
10/22- Swampscott, MA Library
10/27- Destination Salem Lunch, Hampton Falls Library
11/18th 10 AM, Exeter Library, Exeter, NH.

Some more noteworthy news:

Soon, LaceReader.com will also have a downloadable t-shirt iron-on design and printable signage for booksellers.

In the September issue of Book Page, there will be a sweepstakes in which the grand prize is a trip for two to Salem, two nights at The Hawthorne Hotel, and a guided Lace Reader tour of Salem with Brunonia.

Big thanks to Trish for organizing this great tour and HarperCollins for my review copy!

What Have I Been Up To?

2009-07-26T23:15:00.004-04:00

I apologize for the hiatus - I've been very busy working as an intern .....

HERE

(which includes tasks like writing this, this, this and this AND mailing

books to some of you bloggers out there!!!)

Book Review: Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz

2009-06-28T11:00:00.001-04:00

Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Published by Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group

Rating: 4 stars

Portia Nathan is an admissions officer at Princeton University but the endless hours and dedication to her job are starting to take a toll. As Portia's quiet life takes some unexpected turns, she is forced to reevaluate her priorities and come to terms with the changes.

Admission provides an interesting glimpse into the world of academia and the process of selecting the elite students that comprise an Ivy League university. It's clear that Jean Hanff Korelitz has done a great deal of research, in addition to her background as an outside reader for Princeton's Office of Admission. This was both an advantage and disadvantage in my reading of the novel. On one hand, I enjoyed hearing all about the intricate details and getting an insider's look into something I've always been curious about. The downside is that there were parts I felt I needed to skim through because they were a little too detailed for me and detracted from the bigger picture and overall storyline.

Though the narrative is somewhat detached and lacking in emotion, I still felt surprisingly connected to Portia and invested in her outcome. While reading the book it seemed like I was getting to know her pretty well and so when she makes a decision near the end of the book that seemed contrary to her character, I was really shocked. That particular choice was a life-altering one for Portia, even though it was still executed and narrated in a very subtle manner.

Admission is a very quiet novel. The primary focus is on Portia and her reflections on her life and the important choices she must make. This is not the type of book that features any action or huge plot twists, but it makes for enjoyable reading due to its subtlety and intelligence.

BIG THANKS to Miriam and Hachette for my review copy.

Book Review: Follow Me by Joanna Scott

2009-06-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

Follow Me by Joanna Scott [browse inside]

Published by Little, Brown and Company , a division of Hachette Book Group

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher's description of the book:

On a summer day in 1946 Sally Werner, the precocious young daughter of hardscrabble Pennsylvania farmers, secretly accepts her cousin's invitation to ride his new motorcycle. Like so much of what follows in Sally's life, it's an impulsive decision with dramatic and far-reaching consequences. Soon she abandons her home to begin a daring journey of self-creation, the truth of which she entrusts only with her granddaughter and namesake, six decades later. But when young Sally's father--a man she has never known--enters her life and offers another story altogether, she must uncover the truth of her grandmother's secret history.

My review: (although I did participate in the Early Birds Blog Tour, I wasn't able to post a review in time for the tour)

What I found most interesting about this book is how Sally manages to reinvent herself, changing her last name and lifestyle to adapt to each new setting. There is something subtly suspenseful about her escapes and read on in anticipation . Even though I became frustrated with Sally at some points because I really wanted her to confront her past, I was still rooting for her until the very end.

What made it sometimes difficult to get into the story was the unique writing style. I'm not used to paragraphs of such literal writing, particularly with respect to thoughts in the characters' minds and even sounds.

Alhough I began to predict the major plot development before it occured, there was another surprise that came later. I'm not sure if I would have chosen for the storyline to veer in that direction, however I admire how it was all pieced together, nonetheless.

Though this book is not for everyone, I enjoyed the interesting narrative and unique characters, despite the unconventional writing style.

BIG THANKS to Miriam and Hachette for my review copy.

Book Review: Perfection by Julie Metz

2009-06-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

Perfection by Julie Metz

Published by Voice, an imprint of Hyperion Books

Rating: 4.5 stars

Perfection is Julie Metz's intriguing memoir about coping with death and then betrayal. Her husband of twelve years, Henry, died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism leaving Julie and their six-year old daughter to deal with their grief. Just as Julie was coming to terms with his death and recovering from her loss, she finds out that her marriage to Henry had been filled with affairs, secrets and lies. Not only did Henry have multiple affairs with other women but he also had an ongoing relationship with one of Julie's good friends. After hearing about this, Julie let go of the perfect image she had of her husband and began investigating his past lovers to get to the truth.

Perfection reads like a work of fiction, with its complex characters navigating plot twists and tragedy. It is unfortunate that Julie had to live through such painful events however it is clear from this book that she has emerged a new woman. Just as a fictitious character grows and develops from a book's beginning to its end, Julie takes us from her naive and unsuspecting beginnings to grief, pain, anger, exploration, acceptance and finally renewal.

While I cannot even begin to imagine how it must have felt to be in her position, the way Julie narrates her own life story made me feel like I was right there with her. Though I couldn't relate to her predicament, I did relate to her passion, her depth and her strong sense of emotion throughout her journey to acceptance. I felt her anger and her pain and though I usually shy away from foul language in my reading, there were times when certain words were justified and even I relished in their usage!

Some of the greatest parts of this book are those that touch upon topics of friendship and family. Julie shows us the importance of supportive friendships and unfortunately, the detriment of having friends who betray you. There are also heartwarming chapters illustrating Julie's special relationship with her daughter that nearly brought tears to my eyes.

With its passionate writing and elaborate narrative, I'm sure this book will capture your attention and especially your heart, as it did mine.

BIG THANKS to Hyperion for my review copy

Book Review: The Winner Stands Alone by Paulo Coelho

2009-06-24T09:30:00.001-04:00

The Winner Stands Alone by Paulo Coelho

Published by HarperCollins Publishers

Rating: 3.5 stars

BROWSE INSIDE the beginning of this book!!

The Winner Stands Alone takes place at the Cannes Film Festival among the world of film and fashion. Igor, a misguided yet very successful businessman, is pursuing his ex-wife Ewa in the hope of rekindling their romance. Igor believes that he must "destroy whole worlds" to win back her affection and he is willing to do anything for her. The book also features the tales of of different characters weaved in together, who all serve a function amidst the film festival: producers, actors, designers and supermodels. This story shows us the dark side of what can become if everyone would give in to temptation and seek out hedonism at all costs.

Best known for his renowned book The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho is an extremely talented writer. I had high hopes for this latest novel and was intrigued by the exciting setting. The Cannes Film Festival is always filled with glamorous and important people and getting an inside glimpse into that world is a lot of fun. The problem for me was that none of the characters seemed very real or made any impression upon me. They felt a little two-dimensional and lacked any real authenticity.

The most interesting aspect of the book is that all of the action-filled plot occurs over twenty-four hours. There is a lot of action, not to mention murder, that transpires as each hour passes by. For the most part my attention was captured until the very end and even if I wasn't too invested in any of the characters, I needed to see how it would finish.

What strikes me most about the book is morality or rather the lack of morality coming into play. Igor feels justified in murdering innocent people to 'prove' his love for Ewa, despite that having no effect whatsoever. This blurring of ethics is the common thread throughout the novel and I would have liked to see it explored further and I especially longed for some sort of conclusion to have been drawn.

Overall, The Winner Stands Alone has an interesting storyline and plenty of adrenaline-filled action but in my opinion, the characters were not developed enough for a proper execution of the plot. What really saves this novel is Coelho's wonderful writing style and vivid descriptions of Cannes that capture just the right ambience.

BIG THANKS to Deanna and HarperCollins Canada for my review copy

Book Review: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby

2009-06-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby

Published by Harper Perennial, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Rating: 4.5 stars

BROWSE INSIDE to read the beginning of the book!!

This book is the fascinating memoir of Jean-Dominique Bauby, who suffered a massive stroke in 1995. Once he regained consciousness after a three week coma, Bauby was left with an active mind trapped in a functionless body, known as Locked-in Syndrome. The only muscle that retained any movement was his left eyelid and so he spent most of 1996 dictating this book letter by letter by blinking as someone read out the alphabet to him. In 1997, three days after the book was published in France, Jean-Dominique Bauby died.

Bauby was a well-known journalist and author and editor of the French version of ELLE magazine. Though he must have had many interesting stories to recount about his days as an editor and journalist, he decided that the book's content would focus on the smaller joys of life. It's a much quieter and more subtle book than you'd expect from such a high-profile man but I think that is really where the beauty of this book resides. Day to day events and memories of spending time with his children fill the pages of this book. Focusing on the little tasks of everyday life after his stroke, it makes you realize just how much we take for granted by simply being able to move our muscles.

For this man to have lost his basic functioning and still maintain hope and the strength to transcribe this book LETTER BY LETTER in itself is quite remarkable. It was clearly important to him to pass on his insights to the world and make the most of his last days. With the insight he gained from his experience, this book makes for a powerful read that will stay with you for a long time.

This memoir was made into a film in 2007, with the same title as the book. As you can see, this cover is from the movie tie-in version (which I usually find pretty corny), but I really like this particular one. I haven't seen the movie yet but it has won awards at the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globes, plus it received four Oscar nominations.

The movie really does looks wonderful - here is the trailer:

As you may expect, given the unique form that this book was written, it is quite short. However I would certainly not equate brevity with a lack of substance, because this book is both inspirational and meaningful, in short - a very worthwhile read.

BIG THANKS to Deanna and HarperCollins Canada for my review copy

Book Review: Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou

2009-06-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister's Memoir by Heather Summerhayes Cariou

Published by McArthur & Company

Rating: 4.5 stars

Sixtyfive Roses is a memoir written by Heather Summerhayes Cariou, whose younger sister Pam was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at age four. The book is called "Sixtyfive Roses" after the way Pam was able to pronounce "Cystic Fibrosis" as a child. The doctors told the family that Pam would only have months to live but they were determined to save their daughter and did everything in their power to do so. With the help of their community and others' support, Heather's parents founded the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation which raised awareness and funds for further research and discovery of new treatments. With the encouragement of family, friends and the community at large, Pam lived until the age of twenty-six.

Though this book primarily focuses on the relationship between Heather and Pam, there is so much more to be found and discovered while reading this book. Heather's writing is beautiful and I really appreciated her inclusion of excerpts of family letters and writing, especially those from Pam's point of view. This book shows both the wonderful and difficult moments for the Summerhayes family, without glossing over any of the inevitable arguments and tension that arose over the years.

My experience reading this book was both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Knowing this is a true story really heightened my emotions and made me ache for all that Pam and her family endured. Though Heather has done an excellent job in portraying the trials and tribulations they all went through, I still cannot begin to imagine how it must have felt.

On the other hand, I think that what Pam would have wanted readers to take away from her story is a sense of triumph, rather than pain. In the moments leading up to her death, it was Pam who asked Heather to write down their story. Though Pam did ultimately pass away at a young age, it is important to remember that she lived TWENTY-TWO years longer than the doctors had predicted. She lived life to the fullest and refused to be bound by her illness. Pam's story is a lesson in courage and strength that is truly inspirational.

Currently, Eva Longoria and her production company have optioned the film rights to Sixtyfive Roses and I certainly hope that this moving story will be put on screen to further raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and this powerful story.

This is an incredibly touching story that will stay with you long after you finish the book. I encourage everone to buy a copy of this book - it is highly recommended and as an added incentive, McArthur & Company publishers will donate 5% of proceeds from book sales to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

BIG THANKS to Sarah of Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for my review copy.

Book Review: Annie's Ghosts by Steve Luxenberg

2009-06-21T11:00:00.001-04:00

Annie's Ghosts by Steve Luxenberg

Published by Hyperion Books

Rating: 4 stars

Annie's Ghosts is a real-life mystery about Beth Luxenberg (the author's mother), who always claimed to be an only child until one day at almost eight years old, she casually revealed the existence of a disabled sister. After Beth's death in 1999, more information about a secret sister was discovered, and Steve Luxenberg used his journalism skills to find out more. He tracked down old acquaintances and friends and persuaded people to offer records about his mother sister, Annie, who it turned out was hospitalized at age twenty-one and remained in a mental institution until her death many years later.

This book is incredibly interesting and rare, being a true account of a family's secrets and a mystery that the author set out to solve. The events that are uncovered as just as intriguing as one might imagine they would be.

Though there were some instances when the narrative was bogged down by too much detail, for the most part I enjoyed reading about the intricacies of the story. The most fascinating thing about this story is how each detail discovered led to another revelation and helped Luxenberg get one step closer to the truth. As such, this book also contains information about Beth and Annie's ancestry and provides a very well-rounded account of all that transpired in these women's lives.

This book also features information about the state of mental institutions years ago and provides an insider's look into how someone can fall through the cracks of the system. The terrible treatment of Annie and her physical and mental health is truly unfortunate, but the fact that Steve Luxenberg has searched for meaning and answers about his aunt, pays tribute to her name and respect for the life she lived.

For a wonderful combination of mystery and history, this book comes highly recommended.

BIG THANKS to Julie of FSB Associates for my review copy

Book Review: Shotgun Shopping by Sheevaun Moran

2009-06-20T22:00:00.002-04:00

Shotgun Shopping by Sheevaun Moran

Published by Master Your Life Publishing

Rating: 3 stars

Shotgun Shopping is about educating consumers and providing tools to shop better and more efficiently. Sheevaun Moran explains how she has always hated shopping so she eventually came to create the "shotgun shopping" method to avoid spending too much time and money shopping. According to Sheevaun, though we are always shopping, we are doing so unconsciously without giving enough thought to each purchase. As a result, we are left with many items that we don't need or want. Throughout the book there are little anecdotes and personal examples of the shotgun shopping method.

When I heard of the premise for this book, I was intrigued. Especially in economically difficult times, I was excited to learn about some great tips that I could apply to my everyday life. Unfortunately for me, much of the practical tips offered seemed like common sense. I don't consider myself an expert shopper, but advice such as avoiding salespeople who will persuade you to buy anything, is something I already do. There were some interesting tips regarding the best and worst times to shop which I will keep in mind in the future.

What I did really enjoy reading were the little stories and personal experiences shared throughout each chapter. Though there wasn't much explanation as to how specifically people got amazing shopping deals, I still liked reading about them.

This book teaches the "shotgun shopping" and though I did learn a bit from some of the tips, I was left feeling a little disappointed by what seemed to me like a lack of substance. It's possible that I'm not the right target for a book like this though, and those who feel overwhelmed when entering a shopping mall and detest shopping, could stand to benefit a lot more from this book.

BIG THANKS to Lorain of Energetic Solutions for my review copy

Book Tour - Review & Giveaway: House of Ghosts by Lawrence Kaplan

2009-06-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

House of Ghosts by Lawrence Kaplan

Published by Westfield Press

Rating: 4 stars

Book synopsis:

Imagine that Raymond Chandler wrote The Winds of War and you can begin to understand why House of Ghosts is such different and compelling detective story. Detective Joe Henderson is the modern incarnation of Philip Marlowe--hard boiled, hard drinking, hard loving, delightfully cynical, offering wry observations of life in the age of Starbucks.

The tale begins in the sweltering summer of 2000 when Preston Swedge, an alcoholic recluse and World War II veteran, has died in Westfield, New Jersey. At his estate sale, retired local police detective Joe Henderson discovers a 1944 diary describing a rogue attempt by a Jewish-American pilot named Paul Rothstein to drop his bombs on Auschwitz's killing complex where nearly 300,000 captives were about to be murdered.

With the fortitude of a Maccabean zealot and the patriotism of an American freedom fighter Rothstein had set out to defy his commanders who had prohibited any attempt to save Jewish lives. Joe Henderson's curiosity launches him on a crusade for the truth and a shocking revelation when he tracks down the last living witness who can solve the mystery of why the raid never happened.

Epic in its breadth, House of Ghosts sweeps effortlessly from contemporary Westfield, New Jersey to the Princeton University of 1939, and on to the aerial battle above Italy and Poland in 1944. Along the way you'll meet up with notables such as Charles Lindbergh, Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr., General Fulgencio Batista, and Alina Gilbert, the exotic dancer who helps to make this the hottest summer on record.

My review:

As I began reading House of Ghosts, I wasn't sure if it would be my cup of tea since it starts off like a traditional mystery book and I usually like mysteries that have a unique slant to them. However, as I continued reading further, I realized how intricate the storyline is and found myself fascinated with the descriptions of the war and how it affected each character in different ways.

The book is a compelling novel that combines elements of mystery with historical fiction. The inclusion of the historicals aspects adds depth and authenticity to the story and allowed me to become increasingly invested in the story. The shift in narrative from the different characters from the past, as well as the present allow for a wide range of perspectives and interesting sub-plots.

My one small issue was that one of the characters included in the book is an exotic dancer and while that may have been incorporated to spice up the book, for me that sexual content was unnecessary and detracted from the story. Nonetheless I really enjoyed my reading of the book and was intrigued by all that transpires. Not only does the book have an interesting storyline, it is also well-written and features great characters that I got to know very well.

Despite some extraneous material included throughout the novel, House of Ghosts makes for a very interesting and appealing mystery book that expertly combines historical fiction into its plot.

Author bio:

Lawrence Kaplan is a 1979 graduate of New York University School of Dentistry, runs a dental practice in New Jersey, and lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with his wife and menagerie. House of Ghosts is his first novel. For more information, visit his website.

Now for the giveaway details .......

Larry Kaplan is giving away a signed copy of his book, House of Ghosts, to one lucky tour visitor. Go to Larry’s book tour page, http://larry-kaplan.omnimystery.com/, enter your name, e-mail address, and this PIN, 7975, for your chance to win. Entries from Bookopolis will be accepted until 12:00 Noon (PT) tomorrow. No purchase is required to enter or to win. The winner (first name only) will be announced on Larry’s book tour page next week.

Be sure to visit Larry's book tour page for more reviews, author interviews and guest posts!

BIG THANKS to Lance of Omnimystery for arranging this great tour.

Book Review: The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman

2009-06-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman

Published by Shaye Areheart Books, a division of Random House

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Story Sisters opens with three sisters who are the closest of friends, and then as time goes on, their common bond begins to unravel. The book spans many years and we follow the girls from teenagers to grown adults and witness love, heartache, despair and hope. With the inclusion of magical and mystical elements weaved in throughout the novel, this family saga makes for an engaging and certainly unconventional reading experience.

I think Alice Hoffman has succeeded in writing another wonderful story with its own unique mystical undertones, that can inspire both awe and even a little fear. This story is by no means a horror, however certain parts are pretty creepy and somewhat disturbing. The plot fluctuates from warm and heartfelt to dark and sinister, but the majority of the book seems to slant towards oldest daughter, Elv, who appears to be haunted by her own demons and is constantly engaging in self-destructive behavior. There is so much more to say about the other characters as well but I think it's best to read about them without any pre-conceived notions and to judge for yourself.

Despite the melancholy feel that the book tends to elicit, there is an overall message of hope and triumph that takes shape as the book nears its end. Many tragedies have taken place, certainly more than any typical family, but each character attempts to find peace with themselves, even if it takes years to do so.

Though it sometimes feels like there is too much taking place and the plot gets a little chaotic, that is also what makes the book so intriguing. From the first chapter, I was pulled into the world of the Story sisters and was engaged and ultimately moved by them and their tale.

Alice Hoffman is a magnificent writer and I think both fans and newcomers will enjoy this latest novel.

BIG THANKS to Jessica and Random House of Canada for my review copy

Book Review: Happily Ever After Divorce by Jessica Bram

2009-06-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

Happily Ever After Divorce: Notes of a Joyful Journey by Jessica Bram

Published by HCI Books

Rating: 4 stars

This book is Jessica Bram's memoir about her life in the aftermath of divorce and its repercussions on the family and most of all herself. This book takes a complex and serious subject, and tries to look at it from a lighter and more positive point of view. Through the use of short chapters and vignettes, Bram lets readers inside her private life so that she can impart some of the wisdom she has gained over the years.

Although this book can be seen as a "self-help book" because there is some practical advice as well as lessons discussed, it feels more like an old friend discussing the tough times she has gone through and what she learned from it all. The book explores topics such as appreciating time spent alone, how to help children cope with the divorce, and my favorite (and funniest part of the book) - getting back onto the dating scene.

Some sections of the book were more serious and other more humorous, but the general feel of the book is towards the lighter side. Some of the chapters or sections did include some repetition and I think that had they been combined together into fewer, yet longer chapters, the reading experience could have been more enjoyable. I also would have liked for the chapters to have been in chronological order or at least grouped together better by topic.

Although the target audience for this book is those who have experienced or are currently going through a divorce (i.e. not me - I'm not even married yet...), there are certainly life lessons throughout its pages that can apply to anyone at any stage of life. Positive thinking and cherishing a sense of independence are examples of universal messages that can benefit anyone.

BIG THANKS to Sarah of Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for my review copy.

Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

2009-06-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Published by Dial Press, a Random House imprint

Rating: 5 stars

In 1946, author Juliet Ashton receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, who found her name in a used book. From then on, they begin an interesting correspondence and Juliet learns about Dawsey's small town of Guernsey and the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Other members of this society begin writing to Juliet and recounting their war stories in the hopes that she will be able to write a book about their experiences. Narrated solely through letters between all the characters, readers learn all about the small island of Guernsey and its interesting inhabitants.

This book has been incredibly well-received by so many and I'm happy to say that I am certainly among those who loved it. While it did take me a little while to become accustomed to a whole novel being written in letter format, I really enjoyed its uniqueness. There is something really charming about each of the letters and in particular, Juliet's witty banter and playful writing were such a joy to read. Not to mention the funny telegrams that Juliet sends, showing us her great sense of humour and spunk.

It's amazing that all it takes is a series of short letters to fall in love with a whole town. Each one of the characters touched my heart and I really felt connected to them. They each have their own idiosyncrasies and tales of hardship, but together they represent the best of humanity and show us the power of friendship.

Annie Barrows is Mary Ann Shaffer's niece, who was asked to help finish writing the book after Mary Ann's health began to worsen. Unfortunately, Mary Ann Shaffer has since passed away and though she wasn't able to see the final product or the book's impact on its fans, her dream to "write a book that someone would like enough to publish" was certainly realized.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has recently been released in trade paperback, so now there's even more reason to go out and buy a copy of this book!

BIG THANKS to Jessica and Random House of Canada for my review copy

Book Review: The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews

2009-06-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews

Published by Random House of Canada

Rating: 5 stars

Hattie's sister Min has just been checked into a psychiatric hospital and now it is up to Hattie to make sure that Min's kids, Logan and Thebes, are looked after. In a fit of desperation Hattie decides to go on a road trip in search of the children's father, who has been estranged from them for years. Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters and get into a number of interesting predicaments, which helps they become allies and band together. The reader also gets an occasional glimpse into Hattie's own childhood memories with Min, as she reflects back on Min's unstable mental history and their own fractured relationship.

I think the real testament to Miriam Toews' talent as a writer is that even though I couldn't really relate to any of the characters, I truly fell in love with each of them. As I kept reading, I grew attached to them and learned their mannerisms and all I would have to do is read the dialogue to know who said what, without it being explicitly written. Thebes, in particular, captured my heart with her hilarious expressions and unique sense of self. How can you not love an eleven-year-old who conducts art classes from the backseat, considers bathing optional and sports purple hair and fake tattoos?

It doesn't surprise me that book has won a number of awards and prizes, given the way it spoke to me and engaged me until the very end without any tricks of suspense or drama. This novel is purely character-driven and thrives on its unique dialogue and humour. There is also a more profound side to this book, that teaches us about the nature of family and how that definition can sometimes be a malleable one.

It's clear that I loved this book, but I can however acknowledge that it is not for everyone. I happen to relish this type of quirky dialogue among the characters that has the potential for deeper meaning. Instead of being bothered by the zany plot and crazy characters, I was intrigued and amused. Though this book may be too unconventional for some, for me it really got to the heart of families and relationships with the just the right blend of wit and humour.

BIG THANKS to Jessica and Random House of Canada for my review copy.

Early Birds Blog Tour: Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn

2009-06-12T01:00:00.001-04:00

Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn [click HERE to browse inside]

Published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group

Publisher's description of the book:

Holly Frick has just endured the worst kind of breakup: the kind where you're still in love with the person leaving you. While her wounds are still dangerously close to the surface, her happily married best friend confesses over a bottle of wine that she is this close to having an affair. And another woman comes to Holly for advice about her love life--with Holly's ex!

Holly decides that if everyone around her can take pleasure wherever they find it, so will she. As any self-respecting 30ish New York woman would do, she brings two males into her life: a flawed but endearing dog, and a good natured, much younger lover. She's soon entangled in a web of emails, chance meetings, and misguided good intentions and must forge an entirely new path to Nirvana.

My review:

Secrets to Happiness is an interesting book that fluctuates between the discussion of superficial subject matters and deeper issues. The inclusion of more profound topics such as religion and fidelity is what really kept my interest and enhanced the overall reading experience. Although I didn't find any of the main characters particularly likeable, I still had to know what would happen to them next (despite being frustrated by their poor choices!).

This book provides an interesting look at relationships and explores them through the eyes of very different characters who ultimately just want to be happy. It was interesting to see how the plot unfolds and to read about how the characters respond when provoked and challenged.

Although the storyline didn't follow the progression that I had expected or even wanted it to, I felt satisfied in knowing that even the most shallow of characters gained some insight in the end. This book may not be for everyone, however for me, its concluding message makes it a really worthwhile read.

Author Bio:

Sarah Dunn has moved from Los Angeles to New York five times, and from New York back to Los Angeles four times, which means, at the moment, she is happily residing in New York. Her first novel, The Big Love, has been translated into 23 languages.

Check out Sarah Dunn's Books for Bed Rest and Rainy Afternoons !

BIG THANKS to Miriam for organizing this fun tour and for sending along my review copy.

Here are the wonderful blogs who are also participating in this tour:

Book Review: Willow by Julia Hoban

2009-06-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Willow by Julia Hoban

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Group

Rating: 5 stars

It has been seven months since Willow's parents died in a terrible car accident and she is still flooded with grief and especially guilt, because she was the one driving. Blaming herself for their deaths has taken its toll and without any comfort from her older brother and now guardian, she turns to cutting herself to numb the pain. When Willow's secret is discovered by another student named Guy, she must face the consequences of her actions, even if it means making herself vulnerable. Little does Willow realize, that Guy has the potential to save her from her own worst enemy, herself.

Because Willow has generated so much buzz around the blogosphere, I had really high expectations for the book. I even let it sit on my nighttable for a few weeks because I wanted to make sure that I'd have enough uninterrupted reading time over a number of days to finish it and ironically enough, I ended up reading it all in one sitting. I literally could NOT put the book down. In one sentence: The writing is powerful and genuine, the characters are complex and despite the depressing and painful subject matter of the book, the storyline was uplifting and inspirational.

Willow is filled with raw emotion and truly gets to the heart of the pain we all experience at some point in our lives. Although magnified, Willow represents the hurt people can feel and their need for comfort and compassion. The book shows us that all it takes is one person to change someone's life, in the same way that Guy looks beyond the surface and refuses to give up hope.

Although Willow's primary storyline is about cutting, there is so much more that can be taken away from the book. Even in this wonderful interview on The Story Siren, Julia says that she doesn't consider the book to necessarily be about cutting. The act of cutting can easily be replaced with any other self-desctructive behavior (drugs, alcohol, gambling addiction) or even self-destructive thinking (low self-esteem..etc.), which are all defense mechanisms that mask something deeper inside. I believe that anyone can relate to at least part of what Willow experiences throughout the book, no matter how old they are.

This book really spoke to me and I was touched by Willow's story. Willow is NOT just for young adults - I am positive that even someone who has never read any YA books will love this book!

BIG THANKS to Julia who kindly set aside an ARC of Willow and sent it to me for review.

Book Review: American Eve by Paula Uruburu

2009-06-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

American Eve : Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White: The Birth of the "It" Girl and the Crime of the Century by Paula Uruburu

Published by Riverhead Books, a division of Penguin Group

Rating: 3.5 stars

American Eve chronicles the life of Evelyn Nesbit, the original "it" girl, whose popularity soared after being photographed to sell many different products, using her innocent sexuality to their advantage. Evelyn was known to be the most photographed woman of her era and was pursued by many men. The two most important men in her life, Stanford White, and her millionaire husband Harry K. Thaw, mistreated her and then ultimately fought over her until their demise. This "crime of the century" initiated a nation's fascination with celebrity and beauty that has continued on into the next century.

This book provides a wonderful look into the world of the rich and powerful during the early 1900s. However, having been written by a professor, it is to be expected that it reads more like an academic text then a regular work of non-fiction. Although someone looking for a casual biography could be very interested by this book, there is a lot of well-researched information in it for those who want a more scholarly approach.

The book itself is very well-written and captures the tone and feel of life at the turn of the century quite nicely. There is extensive detail about the inner workings of both Evelyn's personal and professional life, leaving no stone unturned. This is both a disadvantage and a benefit. On the one hand, there is a great amount of detail which can seem unneccesary in certain instances, but alternatively it provides an extremely close look at every detail of Evelyn's life and the lives of those around her.

Having never heard of this scandal, it was intriguing to read about, while simultaneously hard to hear about the horrible way Evelyn was treated. From exploitation to rape, there is no shortage of brutal acts and scandalous behavior to read about. Despite the amount of detail though, I never felt very connected to Evelyn. Perhaps this is the consequence of the book's biographical nature, as opposed to memoirs, which I generally read. Regardless, I realize that the point is not to sympathize with the main character, which is probably why I had some trouble with it.

Overall, American Eve is very well-researched and perfectly written for its subject matter. Although I myself found some parts to be too detailed and would have liked a more personal slant to the narrative, I am certain that others who read more of this type of biography will enjoy it very much.

BIG THANKS to Jennifer and Penguin for my review copy.

Book Review: Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster

2009-06-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster

Published by NAL, a division of Penguin Group

Rating: 4.5 stars

With the guidance of fashion to narrate her stories, Jen Lancaster's Pretty in Plaid is about her childhood, teenage years and transition into adulthood, serving as a "prequel" to her first book, Bitter is the New Black. From tales of Junior Girl Scouts to sorority mayhem, this latest memoir offers readers an invaluable glimpse into how Jen Lancaster came to be who she is today. True to her signature writing style, Jen includes letters and memos as visual aids, illustrating all the embarassing, triumphant and especially hilarious moments of her youth up until her first entry-level position.

It is important to note that Jen Lancaster's books are not your garden variety memoirs. There is a certain je-ne-sais-quoi about her writing and most importantly the woman behind the writing that have mass appeal and keep readers coming back for more (including myself!). Yes, she is funny and yes, she is quirky. She is also not afraid to speak her mind. These are all part of the reason why she has such a huge fanbase (8665 fans on Facebook and counting...not to mention reaching the bestsellers list multiple times)but there is also so much more that can only be discovered after reading her books because once you do, you instantly feel like her very best friend.

After waiting what felt like an eternity for my next Jen Lancaster fix, I was really excited to delve in Pretty in Plaid and hear about Jen's earlier years. While I didn't find this book to be as "laugh-out-loud funny" as her previous ones, there was a different kind of magic to it that can only come from a flashback to the past and all the accompanying nostalgia.

I realize that I'm not necessarily the target readership for this particular Jen Lancaster book, (considering I was born in the eighties, rather than having been a teenager at that time), however I still found myself relating to different experiences and events, which really says a lot about how universal the book is. Common themes of longing for acceptance, facing those who tease us, dating dilemmas, new schools, new jobs, and um of course fashion and shopping are relevant to everyone. I may not have known what each piece of clothing looked like but I could appreciate its message and how it affected Jen's life for better or worse.

If you are new to the writing of Jen Lancaster, I'd suggest reading her earlier works first to better appreciate this latest look into her life. (For a feel of her writing style and quirky personality, check out her popular website, but be prepared to laugh until you cry). For those who are already Jen Lancaster converts, you will not be disappointed with all that is offered in Pretty in Plaid!

Watch the following trailer for Pretty in Plaid - it's hilarious:

BIG THANKS to Melissa and Penguin Group for my review copy

Book Review: Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

2009-06-08T10:00:00.002-04:00

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Published by Random House

Rating: 4.5 stars

Shanghai Girls begins in the late 1930s, amidst a frenzy of glamour, excitement and a vibrant nightlife where beautiful sisters, Pearl and May Chin, are leading extravagant lives. They have everything they could ever desire and they take advantage of their abundant means, until their father gambles away his fortune and must pay off his debt by turning over the girls as wives. They are forced to abandon their comfortable lives and as they take the harrowing journey towards Los Angeles to marry strangers, the girls encounter many obstacles and endure much strife. Once in Los Angeles, they must navigate the treacherous waters of their new lives and fight to stay afloat in a city that constantly discriminates and has the potential to bring out the worst in people. This book spans many years and readers have the chance to follow Pearl and May from teenaged girls into adulthood and beyond.

Since I know Lisa See is a very talented writer, I had high expectations for Shanghai Girls and thankfully I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed reading about both Chin girls and their family saga, especially about how far they travelled to get to where they ended up, in both the literal and figurative sense. Despite their flaws, these girls are passionate and driven people who had to overcome so much and I really respect them for that. From the way I'm writing about them, it's easy to tell just how real they became for me and how vivid the whole book became, which is certainly a direct reflection of Lisa See's powerful writing.

Not only is the writing itself wonderful, but the plot is really well-crafted and I'm always a fan of twists and turns in the storyline, especially when secrets are revealed later on. It's amazing that so much happens throughout its pages and yet I never felt like the story was dragging on or the book was too long.

I'm not sure if there will be a sequel to Shanghai Girls in the future but I hope so because the ending is left open for one and I'm dying to find out what happens next to the Chin women.

BIG THANKS to Random House for my review copy

Book Review: Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

2009-06-07T10:00:00.005-04:00

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, a division of Hachette Book Group

Rating: 4.5 stars

Frankie is spunky and outgoing, while Anna is studious and reserved but despite their differences, the two teenagers are best friends. Along with Frankie's older brother, Matt, they spend all of their free time together but for weeks Anna and Matt have been keeping a secret. Anna's crush on Matt finally turned into something more but Matt insists on keeping it from Frankie because he thinks it will hurt her. Before Matt can tell Frankie the truth, he is killed in a horrific car accident, leaving everyone shocked and heartbroken. The next year Frankie's family decides to return to their annual summer vacation spot with Anna in tow but nothing will ever be the same. Frankie convinces Anna that they should have a string of summer flings - a twenty boy summer -but Anna is still deeply in love with Matt.

Twenty Boy Summer has something for everyone. For those who enjoy a great summer read this book is a perfect combination of summer romances, close friendship and beautiful beaches. Those who seek a more profound read will also be pleasantly surprised because within the book's pages, there is much depth if you look beyond the surface.

Anna not only has to handle her own grief over losing Matt, but she also must come to terms with the guilt she feels from keeping such an important secret from Frankie. If only Frankie understood just how much Matt meant to Anna, they could grieve together. The dynamics of Frankie's family is also suffering and Frankie's parents are dealing with their pain in their own way. This book clearly deals with the sensitive and difficult issue of death and although I sympathized with the characters, I never felt overwhelmed.

Teen sexuality is also explored throughout the book but always in good taste. There were times when I was just appalled by Frankie's attitude towards losing her virginity and sex, as if it was something you need to get over with and move on. However, you soon learn that nothing everything is as it seems and much of that attitude stems from the loss of her brother and the grieving process. There are important lessons to be learned and eventually the right message is conveyed.

This story is perfect for reading in one sitting and even those who don't typically read YA books will enjoy and benefit from reading this book. Much to my surprise, this is Sarah Ockler's first novel and I really look forward to seeing (and reading!) what she comes up with next.

Become a fan of Twenty Boy Summer on Facebook

*Enter to win a copy of Twenty Boy Summer through all of these amazing contests *

BIG THANKS to Caitlin of FSB Associates for my review copy

Book Buddy Review: from ReadingComfort.com by Amanda Crawford Designs

2009-06-05T11:00:00.000-04:00

For the past couple of months I have been using ReadingComfort.com's Book Buddy and I have to say that I'm very impressed. Like many others I often struggle trying to find a comfortable position to read in and thanks to the Book Buddy I no longer have that problem. Especially those who have arthritic pains will certainly benefit from a hands-free reading experience. It is perfect for holding both hardcover and paperback books in place with its adjustable ribbons and the pillow is very comfy on my lap. Mass market paperbacks are a little harder to get in the right position but it's not too much of an issue.

In addition to its usefulness when reading books, the Book Buddy also comes with an acrylic desktop that fits right on top of it and comes in handy as a mini-writing desk. Since I have a laptop that desktop really comes in handy because it is the perfect way to prop up my laptop and use it comfortably. I actually took the Book Buddy travelling and it served an extra function of being a pillow on the airplane.

Overall, the Book Buddy is a really wonderful product with multiple functions (and pretty patterns) and would also make a really great gift!

To see the many Book Buddy patterns and/or to order the Book Buddy online click here

In addition to the Book Buddy, ReadingComfort.com also carries lap blankets in matching fabrics, elegant paperweights to hold books open, classy book covers to spruce up the look of your books, elastic 4-ribbon bookmarks, and glittermarks.

Become a fan of Readingcomfort.com on Facebook!

To find a retail store that sells these products near you click here

BIG THANKS to Amanda Crawford Designs for sending me a wonderful Book Buddy to review

Book Review: Drawers & Booths by Ara 13

2009-06-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Drawers & Booths by Ara 13

Published by CovingtonMoore, Inc.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Drawers & Booths is the type of novel that cannot be properly summarized. Ara 13 has used a literary device called metafiction1 throughout the book, eliciting conscious awareness of the fact that this is a book and includes himself in the plot. What begins as a story about the military transforms into a completely different one through the use of an alternative narrator in search of a criminal (and then keeps switching to different "scenes" as the book progresses). Once the characters realize they are actually in a novel, there is rebellion and confusion culminating into a courtroom drama when even the author himself is called to the stand.

I can honestly say that this is one of the most unique books I've ever read. The concept of metafiction is what intrigued me and most interested me in this book. I'm usually up for any unique or unconventional plot twists or literary devices employed by an author as long as there is some purpose to it. That is definitely the case in Drawers & Booths, which goes a lot deeper than the surface and explores topics of philosophy and religion throughout its pages.

Ara 13 does do a great job of bringing the reader into the narrative, which is necessary for any work of metafiction. There were many parts that I found myself laughing out loud at the author's inclusion in the story and the characters' attitudes and personalities coming to life. Let's just say they're an opinionated bunch.

Here is a small excerpt to get a feel for the metafiction:

"Well reader, you might as well follow me since you've come this far. I'm not quite sure what you expect to get out of all this. Maybe you're just killing time. But you'll have to excuse me if I don't analyze your motives any further. I've got a job to do."

There were a few times when I was confused by the author's intent and felt a little lost amongst all of the plots and characters. The military jargon was also a little hard to follow as well. However once I pulled through some of the stranger pages, the overall reading experience was worthwhile. Overall, I think Ara 13 has succeeded in producing an excellent example of metafiction, even if that required some disorientation for its readers in certain parts.

While Drawers & Booths is not for everyone, there is much to be appreciated about a book that tackles such a difficult genre and especially does it with such humor and intellect. I look forward to checking out Ara 13's next book entitled Fiction.

1 According to Wikipedia, metafiction is defined as: "a type of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction. It is the literary term describing fictional writing that self-consciously and systematically draws attention to its status as an artifact in posing questions about the relationship between fiction and reality, usually, irony and self-reflection".

Be sure to watch the following interview with Ara 13 on ShelfLifeTV

BIG THANKS to Ara 13 for my review copy

Book Review: Miranda's Big Mistake by Jill Mansell

2009-06-03T10:00:00.002-04:00

Miranda's Big Mistake by Jill Mansell

Published by Sourcebooks

Rating: 4 stars

After meeting Greg at a party, Miranda thinks he is a great catch and they eventually begin to date. Little does she know that he has just left his newly pregnant wife without looking back. Once Miranda discovers the truth, her friends help execute revenge on Greg but Miranda is still left feeling heartbroken. It will take some disappointments, tragedy and a little encouragement for Miranda to realize that the potential for love was right beside her all along.

This is another fun book by Jill Mansell, where the quirky characters come to life and get themselves involved in all sorts of crazy situations. I found myself laughing out loud during some parts from the series of misunderstandings and drama that transpire. Without revealing too much (hint: it involves race car driving), there is a plot twist that I did not see coming and though I'm still confused as to its place in the story, it did makes things more interesting.

Although Jill Mansell's books are considerably longer than most other chick-lit, there is never a dull moment. The plots are always multi-faceted and she provides a little something for everyone with all the different personalities and Miranda's Big Mistake is certainly no exception!

BIG THANKS to Danielle and Sourcebooks for my review copy

Book Review: Living a Charmed Life by Victoria Moran

2009-06-02T10:30:00.003-04:00

Living a Charmed Life: Your Guide to Finding Magic in Every Moment of Every Day by Victoria Moran

* BROWSE INSIDE for a glimpse into the book!

Published by HarperOne, a division of HarperCollins Publishers

Rating: 4.5 stars

Living a Charmed Life is an adorable little book that is filled with 50 short essays that are meant to empower and inspire to live the best life possible. At the end of each lesson there is a 'lucky charm' that outlines a specific action we can take to fulfill the given message. For example, cutting your to-do list in half in order to slow down or getting rid of clothing that doesn't make you feel special. Victoria Moran often applies each message to her own life giving clear examples of how to apply these lessons and the what can happen if you don't try to follow the enlightening advice. These essays have the ability to change attitudes, and improve every aspect of daily life.

What first appears to be a cute and light book (complete with adorable cover) is really so much more. There is a lot of insight to each message and so much to gain from applying them to everyday life. I would recommend reading one or two essays each day as I did to fully grasp their meaning and take them in.

What I really appreciate about this book is that its goal is not only to benefit the self but also to help others and the world we live in. Some examples of this include the idea of giving something away each day (can be big, small, tangible, your time or kind words ...etc.) and making one change a week that brings the way you live more into harmony with what the earth can accommodate.

This is the type of inspiring resource that can and should be re-read and consulted to enhance daily life and truly work towards a "charmed life". I have bookmarked my favorite ones that I will be returning to and reminding myself of in the future. Although it's probably difficult to follow each and every one of the 50 lessons, it is easy to find ones that relate to your life and follow those that speak to you. Some of them are little things that make a big difference, such as bringing back chivalry (open doors for people and give up your seat on the bus) or add a splash of red, either as an accesory or even flowers in your home can brighten up your day.

The following is written by Victoria Moran and is a great example of what is included in the book:

Lucky Charms Aren't Just for Breakfast Anymore -- Use These Lucky Charms and Find Yourself Living a Charmed Life

By Victoria Moran,

Author of Living a Charmed Life:Your Guide to Finding Magic in Every Moment of Every Day

Sometimes all it takes to shift the direction of your life is to start the one day differently. You set the tone for your day first thing in the morning. Each of the actions that follow is an a.m. lucky charm to help you to a totally glorious day. Put a string of days like this together, and you’ve got yourself a charmed life.

Set your clock for 15 minutes earlier than usual. This will put extra room in your morning so there's a bit more time for tending to your own needs before the world starts putting demands on you.
Start with a little quiet. Instead of blasting into your day like being shot from a cannon, take five or ten of those extra minutes to be still with yourself and compose your day. You can use this time for prayer, meditation, journal writing, or just being and breathing and deciding that, for the next twenty-four hours, you're going to seize opportunities, shine like the dickens, and make a difference in the world.
Have a keynote thought, one positive idea to set the tone for your day. You might try. "It's wonderful to be alive," or "I fully intend to make this a great day." This thought is independent of circumstances. It isn't wonderful to be alive because you just got the raise or the last 38-C on the sale table, but because you've been given a day which is, by definition, filled with possibility.
Get to the gym. "No matter who you are or how much money you have, you can't buy muscle," says New York City trainer Sasha Lodi. "The only way to get it is to build it yourself." And knowing you've done it, you'll feel terrific about yourself.
Wear something you love. It may not be new (it may very well be old) and it probably won't be the most expensive thing you own, but choose today to wear something that makes you feel like a million bucks.
Have some fresh juice in the morning. Whether you like breakfast light or substantial, try starting with fresh juice (try apple, kale, lemon is yummy). This gives your body an infusion of vitality since you're ingesting vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals in their most easily assimilable form.
Cut today's to-do list in half. And trust that it won't cause the world to end. Prioritize the thousand things you "ought" to do so that you get the important tasks for work, family, and yourself taken care of. Everything else can take a number.
Tend to the intimidating assignments first. When you've tackled what's scary or overwhelming first, you're won out over procrastination. And you've already succeeded today, even if it's only 9 a.m.
Be completely, utterly yourself. From the moment you open your eyes. Nobody can do "you" the way you can. All sorts of great stuff is heading your way, but it can't find you when you're impersonating someone else. Cherish your individuality and relish your authenticity.
Make a point that today you'll remember your own worth. Nothing will give you a better shot at having your best day ever than remembering your own innate worth. Choose a common action (like looking in a mirror or walking through a door), and every time you do it today, remind yourself that you are worthy. Because that's the truth.

©2009 Victoria Moran, author of Living a Charmed Life:Your Guide to Finding Magic in Every Moment of Every Day

Author Bio
Victoria Moran, author of Living a Charmed Life:Your Guide to Finding Magic in Every Moment of Every Day, is an inspirational speaker, a certified life coach, and the author of ten books including The Love-Powered Diet, Lit from Within; Fat, Broke & Lonely No More; and the international bestseller Creating a Charmed Life. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including Body + Soul, Natural Health, and Yoga Journal. Her blog, "Your Charmed Life," is published daily on BeliefNet.com. She lives a charmed life in New York City.

Visit Victoria Moran online at www.victoriamoran.com

BIG THANKS to Caitlin of FSB Associates for my review copy

Book Review: Best Intentions by Emily Listfield

2009-06-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

Best Intentions by Emily Listfield

Published by Atria, a division of Simon & Schuster

Rating: 4.5 stars

Best Intentions follows narrator, Lisa Barkley's life, as she struggles with her marriage, her teenaged daughters and her career. After suspecting her husband Sam of having an affair, Lisa listens to his voicemail and hears a woman's mysterious message. As the story progresses, more red flags are raised regarding Sam's suspected affair and other obstacles and misunderstandings arise. When Lisa's best friend Deirdre gets involved, things become even more complicated until the second part of the book, when a murder takes place.

Although the book starts off relatively slow, it more than makes up for it with all of the secrets and mysteries that unravel throughout the story. The first part of the book reads more like a women's fiction book, when we get an insider's glimpse of Lisa's life and her worries and complex relationships. Emily Listfield does a wonderful job of capturing Lisa's middle-aged angst. I felt connected to Lisa and her inner circle and hoped that she would pull through despite all of the complications in her life.

Since the second part of the book is mostly devoted to the murder mystery, it seemed like a somewhat abrupt transition from the first part. Nonetheless, thinking about the suspects and trying to determine who the killer was kept me intrigued. There is a noticeable shift in narrative tone, as the plot centers around the murder and all the potential suspects, leaving you guessing until the very end.

The combination of women's fiction and mystery seems to be an emerging new genre, as can also be seen in books like The Laws of Harmony by Judith Ryan Hendricks and The House on Tradd Street by Karen White. Although I would have appreciated a more gradual transition and combination of women's fiction and mystery in Best Intentions, it is a worthy addition to this new type of novel and one that I truly enjoyed reading. I hope this trend of combining women's fiction and mystery continues!

Be sure to check out this website for more information about the book and the murder suspects!

BIG THANKS to Lauren for my review copy

Book Review: Do-Over! by Robin Hemley

2009-05-31T14:00:00.000-04:00

Do-Over! by Robin Hemley

Published by Little, Brown and Company , a division of Hachette Book Group

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book is about precisely what its sub-titles states: "In which a forty-eight-year-old father of three returns to kindergarten, summer camp, the prom, and other embarrassments". Robin Hemley decides to re-visit his past of embarassing and shameful moments so that he can 're-do' them all over again with the additional benefit of perspective and wisdom from decades of life experience. Given the strange nature of his adventures, (what other kindergarten student has their wife pick them up from school?) Robin receives some interesting feedback from his fellow classmates, campers, and teachers. Thankfully though, for the most part Robin is supported in his quest and given ample opportunity to improve upon his past 'failures'.

I think that what initially started out as a unique opportunity for Robin's self-exploration and journey to his past, transformed into an experience that has proved insightful to many others as well. Though this book is focused on Robin's past, it can easily be translated to anyone with regrets or those who wonder what would happen if they could 're-do' a past experience. The book's idea and writing style, along with witty humor, reminded me a lot of A. J. Jacobs' work, including The Year of Living Biblically, which was a plus for me.

I only wish that each chapter could have been a little longer so that I could have read more about each experience. In particular, my favorite do-over by far, the kindergarten chapter seemed to go by too quickly. I longed to hear more of the dialogue exchanged between Robin and the children, who seemed to conclude that Robin had a 'bad time' when he was a kid and he wanted to back so he could have a 'better time'.

Though not many would jump at the chance to re-do experiences that humiliated them in the past, there is a fascination with someone who would have the courage to do so and share his experiences with everyone (photographs included!). It is often other people's reactions to Robin's endeavor that were most interesting to me and were also able to elicit the most laughter.

The underlying self-deprecative attitude translates into a humorous book where a grown-man can poke fun at himself while re-living past embarassments and come out a little wiser and insightful than he started out in the beginning. Do-Over! is not only a hilarious journey of flashbacks and re-dos, but also insightful in its implications and I certainly enjoyed accompanying Robin on his trip down memory lane.

BIG THANKS to Anna and Hachette Book Group for my review copy

Book Review: Angels of Destruction by Keith Donohue

2009-05-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Angels of Destruction by Keith Donohue

Published by Shaye Areheart Books

Rating: 4.5 stars

The books begins with a late-night knock on Margaret Quinn's door, which is highly unusual for a window living alone. The mysterious visitor is a young girl who claims to be an orphan with nowhere to stay. Ten years earlier, Margaret's own daughter, Erica, ran away with a radical cult-like group known as the Angels of Destruction and she has never seen her again. In an effort to reclaim the daughter she once lost and fill the void in her heart, Margaret takes in the little girl and presents her to the town as her granddaughter, Norah Quinn. Norah befriends a neighborhood boy nameds Sean Fallon, and together they find companionship until Norah's magical abilities threaten their security. Throughout the book, a mysterious figure haunts the characters and elements of magical realism fill its pages.

Angels of Destruction begins in the present and describes Margaret's re-awakening once the mysterious girl enters her life and only briefly refers to her runaway daughter through her memories. I enjoyed the second part of the book being told from Erica's perspective and getting into her psyche in order top find out what would possess someone to leave their life behind and never return. As more secrets are revealed, the book increases in intensity and I found myself amazed by what was transpiring.

I am particularly fond of books that incorporate magical realism into the stories, such as in books by Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen. In this book, the mystical elements had both uplifting and morose connotations which I found especially intriguing. Not only are the events in the book magical, but the writing itself felt like it had a magical quality to it as well.

Although some lingering questions remain after the book has ended, I really like the way things tie in together in the book's conclusion, offering the closure I was waiting for all along.

This wonderfully written book captured my interest until the very end and left me missing the characters once it was over.

BIG THANKS to Random House for my review copy.

Early Birds Blog Tour: Mating Rituals of the North American WASP by Lauren Lipton

2009-05-27T00:30:00.000-04:00

Mating Rituals of the North American WASP by Lauren Lipton

Published by 5-SPOT, a division of Hachette Book Group

Publisher's description of the book:

After arguing with her live-in boyfriend about his inability to commit, Peggy Adams flies to a friend's bachelorette party in Las Vegas, and wakes up next to a man she can't remember. Hung-over and miserable, she sneaks out of the sleeping man's hotel room and returns home to New York, where her boyfriend apologizes for the fight and gives her a Tiffany box containing a pre-engagement ring. Not what she expected, but close enough! The next day she receives a phone call from the Las Vegas one-night stand, Luke, claiming she's already married to him¬-and he faxes her the license for proof! Both are ready for an annulment, until Peggy arrives in quaint New Nineveh, CT, where Luke cares for his Great Aunt, and the old woman makes Peggy an offer she can't refuse.

My review:

This book satisfies all the criteria for a great beach read: light, funny and a satisfying ending despite its predictability. I really liked reading about the world of "WASPs" and the challenges Peggy faces when trying to fit in with them. It was almost like reading about a completely different culture, with the specific clothing, behavior and "mating rituals".

Eventually Peggy's New York City life during the week starts to collide with her Conneticut weekend life and of course things get complicated. Life never turns out as we expect it to and in this book a chance enounter proves to be a life-altering experience. Though the plot is pretty unrealistic, it's still fun to read about what's going to happen next.

About the author:

Lauren Lipton is a journalist who specializes in lifestyle, business, fashion, and trend stories. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast Portfolio, In Style Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Forbes Woman, Glamour, Marie Claire, and on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. She lives in New York City and in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

Check out the Lauren Lipton Fans facebook group

BIG THANKS to Miriam for arranging this wonderful tour and Hachette for my review copy.

There are many other wonderful blogs featuring reviews today of this book as part of the Early Birds Blog Tours:

http://thereviewfromhere.wordpress.com/

http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/

http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/

http://kylees2009.blogspot.com/

http://www.devourerofbooks.com/

http://burtonreview.blogspot.com/

http://carolsnotebook.wordpress.com/

http://www.foreigncircuslibrary.blogspot.com/

http://www.xanga.com/bravehsgirl

http://books-movieschinesefood.blogspot.com/

http://inbedwithbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.bookconfessions.com/

http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/

http://www.readingwithmonie.com/

http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/

http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/bookbin

http://www.acircleofbooks.com/

http://www.myspace.com/darbyscloset

http://www.thisbookforfree.com/

http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/

http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/

http://lastexilewords.blogspot.com/

http://unmainstreammomreads.blogspot.com/

http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/

http://www.bermudaonion.wordpress.com/

http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/

http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/

http://bookslovejessicmarie.blogspot.com/

http://www.thenovelbookworm.com/

http://proudbookworm.blogspot.com/

http://kayespenguinposts.blogspot.com/

http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/

http://epicrat.blogspot.com/

http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/

http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/

http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/

http://www.thebookzombie.com/

http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/

http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/

http://www.linussblanket.com/

http://donnasbookreviews.blogspot.com/

http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/

http://www.morbid-romantic.net/

http://www.writeforareader.blogspot.com/

http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/

http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/

http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/

http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/

http://danys-san.blogspot.com/

http://www.iheartmonster.com/

http://debbiesworld.wordpress.com/

http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/

http://ebogie.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Who Do You Think You Are? by Alyse Myers

2009-05-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Who Do You Think You Are? by Alyse Myers

Published by Touchstone, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Rating: 4 stars

This book is Alyse Myers' memoir about the difficult relationship she had with her mother and how that has affected her life in both negative and positive ways. Her parents had an unhappy marriage which further exacerbated the situation, until her father passed away when she was only eleven years old. From them on, Alyse felt like she was on her own because she was 'daddy's little girl' and couldn't relate to her sisters and certainly not to her mother. Alyse was unfairly treated for years and forced to suffer her mother's constant criticism, such as calling her a snob and asking her, "Who do you think you are?" all of the time. Finally one day when she had saved up enough money, she finally moved out and started to forge her own life and identity away from the clutches of her overbearing mother. It was only after the birth of Alyse's own daughter that she finally was able to see her mother for more than her past behavior.

Surprisingly enough, despite the emotionally charged subject matter, this book didn't leave me feeling overwhelmed. Of course, I was outraged at times by Ms. Myers' mother's appalling behavior, but as she was telling her stories, Ms. Myers' maturity and growth was apparent. There was almost a detachment between what she had experienced and where she is now because of how well her life has turned out. I could sense the forgiveness in her words and the path towards reconciliation beginning to develop.

Thankfully, this book is not bogged down by too much detail or unneccesary information. I enjoyed its conciseness and Ms. Myers' ability to hone in on the most salient and relevant chapters in her life that helped provide me with the complete picture, no more and no less.

My favorite part of the book is once Ms. Myers has a daughter of her own. She deeply feared that history would repeat itself and she would have a similar relationship with her daughter as the one she'd had with her mother. However, it was probably for the best that she did have a daughter because she was able to right the wrongs of the past and pave the way towards a better future for her family. I would have liked to have read a little more though about her relationship with her daughter and perhaps her daughter's reactions to what she went through as a child.

It took courage to come out and admit that she hadn't felt the love for her mother that society views as a prerequisite and frowns upon negative mother-daughter relationships. I'm glad that Ms. Myers overcame her tumultuous relationship with her mother and gained enough insight from it to raise a daughter of her own and to have a strong relationship with her.

Ms. Myers recently appeared on The View - to watch a clip scroll down this webpage!

BIG THANKS to Julie of FSB Associates for my review copy

Book Review: The Get Organized ANSWER BOOK by Jamie Novak

2009-05-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Get Organized ANSWER BOOK by Jamie Novak

Published by Sourcebooks, Inc.

Rating: 5 stars

The Get Organized ANSWER BOOK features hands-on and practical answers to 275 of your most common questions about how to de-clutter your home and your life, as well as some questions you haven't even thought to ask. This book is part of the ANSWER BOOK series from Sourcebooks, which also includes other books about many other topics such as new baby, autism, and living gluten-free.

Since this book is presented in a Q & A format - my review will do the same!

Q: Who is Jamie Novak?

A: The book's author, Jamie Novak, is a professional organizer and clutter coach, who is known as "The World's Most Relatable Organizer™". She has been a featured organizer on HGTV and has written many articles for popular magazines. Plus, she has a great sense of humor - check out her article from Everyday with Rachel Ray.

Q: What topics does this book cover?

A: The following is the table of contents that outlines the book's main topics.

Chapter 1: Behind the Scenes Q&A
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Chapter 3: Organizing 101
Chapter 4: Everyday Stuff
Chapter 5: Paper
Chapter 6: Storage
Chapter 7: Kitchen
Chapter 8: Kids
Chapter 9: Out-of-the-Ordinary Times
Chapter 10: Work and Home Office
Chapter 11: Getting It All Done
Chapter 12: Simply Green Organizing
Chapter 13: Real Moments—Specific Organizing Questions

Q: What are some specific questions that the book answers?

A: Here are some examples from the book:

What should be put through a shredder instead of thrown away?
What can I do to make my desk setup more efficient?
How can I locate and organize an aging parent's important belongings?
What are the root causes of disorganization?
Free items or items on sale aren't really clutter, are they?
How can I spend less time running errands?

Q: What are some of the great features of this book?

A: Since the book follows a question and answer format, it's very clear and concise. It's an extremely useful resource that can be picked up at any time and consulted. It's also relatively small in size so it doesn't create more clutter, without compromising any information. If you don't have the time to read longer organization books, then this is one is perfect because the answers are rarely more than a page long because they get straight to the point! I also loved the inclusion of useful references and websites to consult for further information, as well as lists of charities and places where excess clutter can be recycled.

Q: Would I recommend this book?

A: Definitely! This book can be useful even for people who consider themselves very organized. There is always more to learn when it comes to quick tips and organizational skills.

BIG THANKS to Emily and Sourcebooks for my review copy

AudioBook Review: Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman

2009-05-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Undress me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Jane Gilman (read by the author)

Published by Hachette Audio

Rating: 4.5 stars

Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven chronicles Susan and her friend Claire's impulsive decision to travel the world after graduating Brown University. The story follows them throughout China as they meet new people, try new foods and explore a country that has since experienced a huge transformation. It is a chance to hear about how China used to be and at the end of the story, to hear how much it has changed.

This story itself is so interesting and at times, truly mesmerizing. I loved the descriptions of the beautiful scenery and the exciting adventures Susan and Claire experienced. It was wonderful hearing about all the unique people they met along the way and about the warm hospitality they often received in each destination. The narrative does not, however, shy away from describing the difficult times as well, especially when things take a turn for the worst. This story did not follow the path that I was expecting it to take, however hearing the author's explanations helped me understand why she felt she needed to document this journey. It is clear that Susan Jane Gilman went through a lot on this trip and it no wonder why it is only 20 years later that she decided to revisit this experience from her past.

This was actually my first time listening to an audiobook! Although I'm not sure how different my experience with this story would've been had I read it instead, I really enjoyed having the author herself read the audiobook, which probably made all the difference because its a memoir. Since this book in particular, features many foreign accents (Chinese, German ... etc.) it was a lot of fun hearing Susan putting on those accents since she happens to be pretty talented at it!

Another wonderful bonus of the audiobook is the interview that I heard at the end with Susan Jane Gilman discussing her book and the motivation for its conception which clarified things a great deal for me. For example, she discussed how most travelogues and travel memoirs only focus on the positive aspects of travel and always end happily. The problem with these books is that sometimes it appears that Americans (or perhaps more generally, "Westerners") have symbolically conquered these foreign countries and triumphed against language and cultural barriers, which is often unrealistic. Ms. Gilman wanted to show that we are not always as invincible as we think and there are important cultural differences in this world that should be respected. Not every ending is a happy one but despite all the pain and difficulties that both Susan and Claire encountered, lessons were learned and Susan can attest to her own growth and maturity that she developed as a result.

BIG THANKS to Anna and Hachette for my review copy

Book Review: A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy by Charlotte Greig

2009-05-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy by Charlotte Greig

Published by Other Press, a subsidiary of Random House

Rating: 4 stars

The story takes place in the 1970s and Susannah is living with her boyfriend Jason, who also happens to be ten years older than her. Though she isn't completely convinced that Jason is "the one", Susannah appreciates the security that comes with an older man. After starting up a fling with her tutorial partner, Rob, Susannah finds herself confused and torn between two men and two different lifestyles. The fact that she has gotten herself pregnant also doesn't seem to be helping and she is forced to confront her problems and hopefully overcome them.

What was becomes evident almost immediately at the start of the book is how the reader is instantly transported into 1970s university life, so much so that I could easily envision the plot unfolding in that environment (even though I wasn't born yet during those years).

Since Susannah is a philosophy major, the narrative strives to incorporate modern philosophy into its plot development by way of teaching Susannah. I'm not convinced that the use of philosophy was successful in conveying the story's messages or imparting much wisdom for Susannah, but nonetheless it was interesting to read about it, even if it didn't add much to the story for me.

As a main character, Susannah leaves a lot to be desired at first, from her poor judgment and impulsive decisions to the way she justified every indiscretion. Although her behavior could be deemed 'realistic', I found it hard to identify with her profound lack of maturity and the way she handled herself. While I didn't find myself feeling particularly sympathetic towards Susannah in the beginning, I began warming up to her and truly sensed her character development when faced with a really difficult dilemma. I felt the need to read about what path she would take and how she would justify the choice to herself in the end became important to me.

Throughout the book, there are issues of infidelity and morality that come into play and more concretely the topic of abortion. I liked that the author never argued in favor of a particular viewpoint, but instead presented arguments for both and Susannah's ultimate decision didn't seem like it was intended to make a political or moral statement. The book's overall conclusion offers a positive message and also provides some interesting food for thought.

BIG THANKS to Tony of BlueDot Literary, LLC and Other Press for my review copy

Book Review: Breathers: A Zombie's Lament by S.G. Browne

2009-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Breathers: A Zombie's Lament by S.G. Browne

Published by Broadway Books, a division of Random House

Rating: 4.5 stars

I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program

Though zombies have been roaming the earth for years, they have yet to receive the rights and proper treatment they deserve, at least according to them. Andy Warner is a recent addition to the undead, and is trying to cope with his new 'lifestyle' as a zombie. He is currently living in his parents house, despite their disdain for his zombie status and is a member of Undead Anonymous, where he meets fellow zombies and makes friends. When the group starts eating mysterious meat provided by another zombie, drastic changes take hold of them and their destiny is altered.

I can definitely see why I received this book. I love humor books, especially off-beat ones that have elements of satire embedded throughout, such as the work of Christopher Moore and Chuck Palahniuk. Breathers is every bit as funny as I would have expected and had numerous pop culture references, making it current and very witty.

Just a little warning: Breathers is not for everyone. Some parts made me a little queezy, so if let's say the thought of someone chopping up his parents and eating them as a main course makes you feel a little sick then beware! I could have managed fine without certain unneccesary descriptions and I don't think the plot would have suffered either. Having said that though, most of the book is not gory or too graphic. In fact, a lot of it feels more like a romantic comedy then a horror. I read that the book will likely be made into a movie, which I think would ve very interesting to see!

This book does surprisingly go deeper than you would think. Much of the beginning is a satirical account of discrimination that could easily be substituted for the rights that women and other discriminated members of society have had to face throughout history (except that these zombies are undead, reak of formaldehyde and hang out in cemetaries). Another funny part of the book is a parody of the media circus we now know of that creates instant overnight celebrities. There are also issues of morality that come into play and though they're not particularly resolved, I still found them interesting to contemplate within such a hilarious context.

Breathers will make you root for the undead and join in the vilification of all those who are 'alive' , despite being one of them. Though this book will not suit everyone's taste, for those who enjoy off-beat humor and satire, this is an excellent choice!

BIG THANKS to Random House and LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program for my review copy

Book Review: The Toss of a Lemon by Padma Viswanathan

2009-05-19T13:00:00.003-04:00

The Toss of a Lemon by Padma Viswanathan

Published by Random House Canada

Rating: 4 stars

The book begins in the year 1896, with ten-year old Sivakami, who is arranged to be married to the local village healer named Hanumarathnam. Despite astrological predictions that he will pass away in his tenth year of marriage, Sivakami marries him and soon enough finds herself with two children. After Hanumarathnam realizes that his death is imminent as was originally predicted, he hires a servant to watch over Sivakami and help run the household and business. As Sivakami's children get older and start families of their own, the book chronicles all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's journeys into the modern era confronting issues of religion, tradition, family, loss and love.

The Toss of a Lemon provides an excellent historical background and overview of many cultural customs and the way they influence daily life in India. It is clear that the author did a tremendous amount of research and I was not surprised to discover that many of the characters are based on her own ancestry.

This book is a very detailed account of many generations and is quite lengthy. As such, there are times when some patience is required in order to read further. It is an excellent character study for all of those depicted but keep in mind it is not plot-driven at all. This is not a book that is filled with plot twists and suspense, but rather one that delicately weaves together the lives of many generations. What this book offers that many others don't is a chance to really get to know characters and their whole family history and future, instead of just a slice of their lives. In that sense, I really appreciated the narrative and its details, even though some of it felt a little tedious. During those times, it was the beautiful writing that kept me reading and kept me intrigued.

Padma Viswanathan's strength definitely lies in her ability to breathe life into each character and give the impression that these are real people. That talent is what helped me become invested in the lives of even the most unlikable characters throughout the book.

For anyone who enjoys reading about family sagas and following characters throughout many generations then this is the perfect book. What it lacks in emotional buildup and complex plot structure, it makes up for in character development and intriguing description.

BIG THANKS to Jessica and Random House Canada for my review copy

Reunion by Therese Fowler

2009-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Reunion by Therese Fowler

Published by Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

About the book:

Celebrity talk show host Blue Reynolds is the queen of daytime television—she is smart, funny, and as down-to-earth as her adoring fans. In the eyes of the world, she has it all. But no one knows about the secret she has harbored for the last twenty years—a secret that could destroy her image, her reputation, and her career. Twenty years ago, she gave birth to a son and put him up for adoption through illegal channels. And every day since, she’s been filled with regret. Now Blue has hired a private investigator to find her son, knowing full well the consequences.

A week in Key West to do her show on location brings Blue a much-needed change of pace—and an unexpected reunion with an old flame, Mitch Forrester. Helping him launch a television series may help her recapture the kind of genuine romance and affection long missing from her life. But it also means having to deal with Mitch’s disapproving son, Julian, who is only nine years younger than Blue. Emotionally battered from his years as a war photographer in the world’s most dangerous hotspots, Julian struggles to get close to his father while making his disdain for Blue crystal clear—which makes his desire for her all the more shocking.

My review:

Reunion is a definitely a quick and light read. That is not to say that there is no depth to the plot or characters, but rather there is an ease about the writing that kept me reading. Blue's difficult decision to put her son up for adoption many years ago still haunts her and parts of the book focus on her struggle and coming to terms with that choice. That aspect of the plot is what drew me in to the book and kept me intrigued. In my opinion, the romantic elements felt secondary to the real plot and and the development and conclusion of the love triangle seemed too unrealistic, given its unique nature.

When it comes to depicting the book's settings, Therese Fowler does an excellent job. In particular, the descriptions of the luxurious Key West were very well-written and automatically triggered memories from a trip I took there years ago.

The book's ending presents some unanswered questions, which can either pave the way for a sequel or leave readers to their own imaginations. I enjoyed reading this book and though some of the plot development seemed unrealistic, it makes for a wonderful beach read, as the cover implies!

About the author:

Therese Fowler is the author of Souvenir. She holds an MFA in creative writing. She grew up in Illinois and now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.

BIG THANKS to Random House for my review copy and Dorothy for organizing this great Pump Up Your Book Promotion tour!

Book Review: I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci

2009-05-04T00:00:00.003-04:00

Continuing the food theme.....here is another food-related memoir!

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci

Published by Grand Central Publishing

Rating: 4.5 stars

Giulia Melucci guides readers through her complicated love life, from men who couldn't commit to others who should be committed. Despite all the heartache and the never-ending quest for true love, Giulia has a positive outlook and shows how the joy of cooking changed her life. Throughout the pages, there are also many recipes that tie into the story and relate to Giulia's circumstances.

I read this book into the late hours of the night because every time I tried to stop at a certain chapter, I was too curious to put it down. The stories are fresh and interesting, many of them managing to induce fits of laughter. I also really love how personal the writing style is, almost as if she was a new friend filling me in on her past romances. Every time another man broke her heart, I wanted to shout at her, and tell her she deserves better than him!

While others may find the recipes interspersed throughout the narrative a distraction, I found them really charming and a perfect way to incorporate cooking into the storyline. I don't think including the recipes as an appendix would have had the same effect, especially given how funny some of their titles are, such as "Dinner to Impress an Older Gentleman" and "Spaghetti and Meatballs for Cooking Sluts and Those Who Love Them".

It is not that the recipes are exotic or even particularly unique, rather it’s their home-cooked feel that makes them special, as Giulia credits her own family for some of the recipes and for the inspiration behind many others. What is most important though, is the personality behind the food that stands out. Had the very same book idea been written by anyone other than Giulia, I doubt it would have turned out as engaging and witty as it is.

This memoir is not only enjoyable to read but practical as well, and I look forward to trying out some of the recipes in the future. With so many memoirs out there to choose from, I guarantee this one is not to be missed!

Be sure to check out this really interesting New York Times article about Giulia, which also features great pictures from her Brooklyn apartment.

BIG THANKS to Anna and Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

Book Review: Spiced by Dalia Jurgensen

2009-05-03T01:30:00.001-04:00

Spiced: A Pastry Chef's True Stories of Trials by Fire, After-Hours Exploits, and What Really Goes on in the Kitchen by Dalia Jurgensen

Published by Putnam Adult, a division of Penguin Group (USA)

Rating: 4 stars

Dalia Jurgensen left her office job in the pursuit of a career in the culinary arts and quickly started off interning at Nobu, one of NYC's hottest restaurants filled with many V.I.P. customers. From there she worked at different restaurants, as well as a chef for Martha Stewart's TV show and a caterer in between. Spiced is the story of how Dalia navigated through the male-dominated kitchens and also provides details about her personal life during that time.

I found this book to be pretty entertaining, especially the insider's look into restaurant life and what really goes on in the kitchen while customers await their meals (which did frighten me at times!). There were a couple anecdotes about celebrity customers that were really fun to read about, although I wish I could have heard some more.

I enjoyed reading about the politics of the kitchen and how each restaurant has their own unique hierarchy for all the staff. It was also interesting to learn about the relationship between those who prepare/make the food and those who serve it, given that the chefs often view their jobs as a calling, while the waiters tend to think of their jobs as a means to some other end.

Jurgensen's decision to include a lot about her social life was smart because it helped paint the complete picture of what life is like in that milieu. I learned about the late night staff parties and bar cruising, not to mention the consequent lack of sleep. Some restaurant staff are wilder than others, and I was shocked to hear about some of the crazy antics that can occur once the last customer has left. There was also a fair bit about Jurgensen's romantic life but in my opinion much of it was unneccesary and didn't really help enhance the book.

I was a little disappointed that after reading all about these wonderful pastries, that none of the recipes were included as a glossary (not in my advanced copy, at least), but thankfully there are some wonderful recipes on Dalia's website that can be found here. I actually tried the brownie recipe and they were delicious!

Overall, I think this book provides an interesting look behind-the-scenes of some very busy and successful kitchens, while offering insight into what it's like working as a woman in those environments. Though the book concludes before describing Dalia's recent years, it still offers a nice overview of her experiences and how she became what she is today.

BIG THANKS to Penguin Group for my review copy.

Book Review: Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult

2009-04-30T10:30:00.001-04:00

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

Published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe's youngest daughter, Willow, is afflicted with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a brittle bone disease that disposes her to break bones from even the simplest of acts, such as sneezing. Charlotte has become Willow's full-time caregiver and neglected her husband and older daughter Amelia, in the process. When an opportunity presents itself to sue for wrongful birth (claiming they would have terminated the pregnancy had they known of Willow's condition), Charlotte's decision will alter the lives of each family member forever and create a rift between her and her best friend, who was her gynecologist at the time.

True to Picoult's winning formula, this book unravels through the different points of view of the main cast of characters. The emotions are raw and the pain is almost tangible as each character struggles with their own reality and tries to find a coping mechanism to ease their heartache. I found myself quickly drawn into the lives of the O'Keefe family and it was hard to pull myself away from the book. The characters were all well-crafted, however some were able to elicit more emotion out of me than others, such as Amelia and Charlotte, while other characters such as Marin (the attorney) and Piper (the gynecologist) left me with less of an emotional connection. Nonetheless, each character serves an important role in the story and their complex subplots and internal conflicts make the book what it is.

There are a number of events that are hard to digest and as with classic Picoult writing, these characters do not shy away from controversional topics or serious issues. For example, while Sean and Charlotte's marriage falls apart, Amelia starts spiralling out of control and becomes self-destructive. Even though those parts were hard to read, they were a necessary part of the story and definitely added another interesting angle. My only issue is that towards the ending, I felt that some of these important issues were not properly resolved and seemed to be swept under the rug while the narrative dealt with more pressing topics.

What I liked though, is the inclusion of different recipes and baking techniques between different section that in my opinion served a couple functions. It was interesting to see how the techniques, such as blind baking, weeping and tempering, connected to the storyline and offered further insight into what was transpiring. Additionally, for me these interludes represented a reprieve from the emotionally difficult subject matter which I really needed.

Jodi Picoult in an incredibly talented writer who delves into deep contemporary issues with great care and a lot of meticulous research (as I learned from reading through her website) and Handle With Care is no exception. Though her plotlines can seem a little formulaic, they are always able to make me ponder some deeper issue and inevitably shed tears which in my mind, makes for a very effective novel! I can't wait to read her next book coming out March 2010 called House Rules (click here for an excerpt).

BIG THANKS to Michelle and Simon & Schuster Canada for my review copy.

Book Review: Darling Jim by Christian Moerk

2009-04-29T08:00:00.005-04:00

Darling Jim by Christian Moerk

Published by Henry Holt and Co.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Two sisters, Fiona and Róisín Walsh, are found dead along with their aunt Moira in her secluded home. There is disturbing evidence that Moira had been keeping the girls prisoners in her home, chained down, without proper nourishment. Upon the discovery of Fiona's diary by a postal worker named Niall, readers get an inside glimpse into their final days and learn how their demise is linked to 'Darling Jim', a charming storyteller who travels from town to town winning the hearts of all the local women. The story takes some unexpected turns as Niall becomes personally invested in the tales of these women and ensures that their story is never forgotten.

For a story that begins with the main characters' deaths, there was a surprising amount of intrigue and suspense throughout the book. This is one of those books that starts off by providing what appears to be all of the facts, and then slowly reveals more and more until the complete story is understood. That is what I particularly enjoyed about this book. Just when I thought I had a grasp on each of the characters, they said and did things that surprised me and made me question all that I had learned.

Every time I tried to put down the book I couldn't because I needed to read further to see how everything unfolded. It's hard to classify exactly what genre this book is because it's a combination of thriller, crime and it does have some elements of horror, though I found it to be more creepy than scary. The interesting combination of legend and fairy tale weaved throughout the novel enhanced my appreciation of the book and made it even more mysterious.

Though there can be no 'happy' ending in a story that begins with many murders, I think Christian Moerk did a wonderful job of tying up loose ends and leaving readers satisfied.

Darling Jim is filled with much passion and intrigue and will keep you reading on with anticipation until the very end. I look forward to seeing what Christian Moerk comes up with next!

* Edit: Girls Just Reading (a great blog, by the way) are giving away 5 copies of Darling Jim - enter HERE by May 3rd for your chance to win this great book!

BIG THANKS to Tara and Henry Holt for my review copy.

Book Review: The Towering World of Jimmy Choo by Lauren Goldstein Crowe and Sagra Maceira de Rosen

2009-04-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

The Towering World of Jimmy Choo by Lauren Goldstein Crowe and Sagra Maceira de Rosen

Published by Bloomsbury USA

Rating: 3 stars

This book is officially released today.

The Towering World of Jimmy Choo follows the establishment of Jimmy Choo as a modern luxury brand from its humble beginnings and one man's vision. This book provides an insider's look into Tamara Mellon's life and how she created the Jimmy Choo empire.

Although I don't own any Jimmy Choo shoes (although that would be nice), I was very intrigued by the book's subject matter and interested in learning about Jimmy Choo, the man behind the shoes that have become so popular in recent years and that I've heard referred to many times on screen, such as in Sex and the City. However, I was a little disappointed to see that most of the book does not focus on Jimmy Choo at all, but rather on Tamara Mellon. There are many chapters dedicated to details about her upbringing, her love life, and her family that have nothing to do with the Jimmy Choo brand.

Relatively early on in the parternship between Jimmy Choo's designs and Tamara Mellon's business savvy, they had a falling out with irreconcilable differences. Unfortunately, Jimmy Choo's side of the story seems to be missing from the book. I would have liked to see more information about Jimmy Choo and especially greater insight into his experiences and thoughts regarding all that has transpired.

The idea of a book combining business with culture, more specifically fashion, is wonderful but I didn't feel that it was executed as well as it could have been. There was a lot of focus on very specific details of the business angle and since this book is intended for the general public, some of that business talk seemed a little superfluous and complicated. Because of this, I preferred reading about the cultural aspect but again much of that was clouded over with information about Tamara Mellon.

Having said all that, there were many parts of the book that I did enjoy reading, such as the Oscars behind-the-scenes information. I think the main issue for me what that much of the book's contents wasn't what I expected. This book had a lot of potential that wasn't fully achieved in my opinion, however, it still does make for an interesting read if you want to learn all about Tamara Mellon and just how she made the Jimmy Choo brand what it is today.

BIG THANKS to Bloomsbury USA for my review copy.

Early Birds Blog Tour: Follow Me by Joanna Scott

2009-04-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Follow Me by Joanna Scott [browse inside]

Published by Little, Brown and Company , a division of Hachette Book Group

Publisher's description of the book:

On a summer day in 1946 Sally Werner, the precocious young daughter of hardscrabble Pennsylvania farmers, secretly accepts her cousin's invitation to ride his new motorcycle. Like so much of what follows in Sally's life, it's an impulsive decision with dramatic and far-reaching consequences. Soon she abandons her home to begin a daring journey of self-creation, the truth of which she entrusts only with her granddaughter and namesake, six decades later. But when young Sally's father--a man she has never known--enters her life and offers another story altogether, she must uncover the truth of her grandmother's secret history.

My review: To be posted

Unfortunately due to a postal service mix-up this book was sent back to the publishers. Because of this, I still haven't received the book and therefore could not write a review in time for the blog tour. However, as soon as I receive the book and read it, my review will definitely be posted!

Here is a great review of Follow Me from the Los Angeles Times to read in the meantime

About the author:

Joanna Scott is the author of nine books, including The Manikin, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; Various Antidotes and Arrogance, which were both finalists for the PEN/Faulkner Award; and the critically acclaimed Make Believe, Tourmaline, and Liberation. A recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Lannan Award, she lives with her family in upstate New York.

Book Deals

2009-04-24T11:28:00.006-04:00

Barnes & Noble is offering 9 FREE AudioBook Short Story MP3 downloads, including:

The Babysitter's Code by Laura Lippman

(from Hardly Knew Her)

Truth or Dare by Elizabeth Berg (from The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted)

Definitely worth checking out!

Also, get a free audiobook download of Marley & Me from audible.com

Here are some coupons for your book buying pleasure:

Barnes & Noble 10% off one item coupon (exp. April 26/09)

Other Barnes & Noble coupons

Border 25% off one item coupon (valid with Borders Reward membership - exp. April 26/09)

Borders 20% off one item coupon (exp. May 2/09)

Border 15% off one item coupon (exp. May 31/09)

Have a great weekend and happy reading!

Book Review: Murder in the Latin Quarter by Cara Black

2009-04-22T09:25:00.002-04:00

Murder in the Latin Quarter by Cara Black

Published by SOHO Press

Rating: 4 stars

This book is the 9th volume in the Aimée Leduc mystery series, that follows Aimée, a computer-security analyst, through her investigations. This installment begins with a mysterious Haitian woman who approaches Aimée, claiming to be her sister. As the story progresses, a number of deaths all seem to be linked to an international scandal involving Haitian politics and corruption.

This is the first book I've read in this series and I was not disappointed. I liked how the mystery intertwined with Aimée's life, providing her with a personal stake in its outcome. Aimée is also a great role model as can be seen through her independence and bold attitude throughout the novel. Though the plot occasionally begins to seem a little too formulaic, there are some intricate details that help contribute to its uniqueness.

The book's title, Murder in the Latin Quarter, reveals that the setting for the story is as important as the murder that occurs in the book. Black's description of the Latin Quarter and the Paris scenery helped enhance the story's overall charm and certainly made me want to hop on a plain to Europe!

While the book is not as fresh and original as it could be, it captured my attention from start to finish with its interesting topic and great female lead.

BIG THANKS to Sarah and SOHO Press for sending me this book to review.

Book Review: Sleepwalking in Daylight by Elizabeth Flock

2009-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sleepwalking in Daylight by Elizabeth Flock

Published by MIRA Books

Rating: 4.5 stars

Sleepwalking in Daylight begins with the thoughts of Samantha Friedman, who appears to be a devoted wife to husband Bob and dedicated mother to her 16-year-old daughter Cammy and her twin 8-year-old sons. All the other mothers envy how 'put together' she always seems but they would be shocked if they knew the truth. Her marriage is falling apart and Cammy barely speaks to her. The narrative then shifts back and forth from Samantha's point of view to Cammy's diary entries. Cammy feels like an outcast at school and experiments with sex and drugs in an attempt to numb the pain. At an early age Cammy discovered that was was adopted and is now seeking out more information about her birth mother and trying to come to terms with her own identity. Meanwhile, Samantha appears to be oblivious of Cammy's misery and alienation as she starts up a flirtation with a married man and further distances herself from the rest of the family. As the novel progresses, readers watch as both mother and daughter spiral out of control and then attempt to pick up the pieces, however in vastly different ways.

Samantha's problems are probably ones that every wife and mother feel every now and then. Her emotions and fears are captured incredibly well and I felt an instant connection to her. However, in comparison to Cammy, Samantha's troubles pale in comparison. Though Samantha is the more relatable one of the two, it was Cammy that left a lasting impression. Don't be fooled by the light-hearted (albeit beautiful) cover of the book, because there are some deep and painful issues explored in this story. Hearing about Cammy's pain and her consequent self-destructive behavior was really difficult. I found myself shedding tears at various points of her narrative, because I wanted so badly to end her pain. My frustration and anger at how Cammy's path unfolds however, is proof of how invested I became in this book and its characters.

Elizabeth Flock shows a great deal of insight and perception through the way she lets readers into the lives of Samantha and Cammy. I did feel like I was missing out a bit by not hearing Bob's side of the story, since he is mentioned so frequently and never has the opportunity to 'defend himself'. Nonetheless, the inner thoughts of Samantha and Cammy are captured so beautifully and truly captured my attention and most importantly my heart until the very end.

BIG THANKS to FSB Associates for my review copy

Book Review: The Night of the Gun by David Carr

2009-04-20T12:27:00.007-04:00

The Night of the Gun by David Carr

Published by Simon & Schuster

Rating: 4 stars

This book is David Carr's very unique memoir about his battle with drug addiction and subsequent recovery. A reporter by profession, he decided to return to his hometown and interview friends, family and ex-girlfriends about their experiences with him. This, as Carr explains, is to fill in the gaps between where his memory fails him and to try to remain as true to reality as possible. Readers learn about the ups and downs of his past including multiple arrests, the birth of his twin daughters, and his battle with cancer.

The premise of this book intrigued me and I was really interested to see how the people in David Carr's life recounted past events and especially their feelings towards him and those experiences. The result is an interesting mix of different stories and events that colored Carr's life and shaped him into the person he is today.

My only problem with the different chapters lies in their lack of cohesion. Some of the chapters seemed out of place and left me feeling a little confused as to their purpose in the book. What I did really enjoy however, was how concise they were and their inclusion of photographs and other documents that helped paint the complete picture of what was being described. Some memoirs tend to include far too many details but this one kept things fresh and engaging, always leaving me wanting to read on.

What makes this story so amazing is that I kept forgetting I was reading a memoir because some of the events are so unbelievable and shocking. What's even more amazing though is how David Carr actually lived through all of those events and I have to admire how he was able to turn his life around. This memoir shows many different facets of Carr's life and it was interesting to see how people can come out of the same experience with such different memories and viewpoints.

I requested this book from MiniBookExpo – BIG THANKS to Lex and Simon & Schuster Canada!

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-04-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts the Teaser Tuesdays weekly event

Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read

* Let the book fall open to a random page

* Share with us (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12

* You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from ... that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the "teaser" you've given!

* Please avoid spoilers!

This week's teaser is:

"No time for memories now. The fear in Mireille's face, the urgency in her voice kept coming back to her."

- Murder in the Latin Quarter by Cara Black, page 46

Book Review: Unlovable by Esther Pearl Watson

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

Unlovable by Esther Pearl Watson

Published by Fantagraphics Books

Rating: 4.5 stars

Unlovable is loosely based on a teenager's diary from the 1980s that was found in a gas station bathroom. It follows the (pathetic yet hilarious) life of Tammy Pierce, a sophomore in 1985. It was first serialized in Bust magazine and this book features the collection with additional material. Readers get an inside glimpse into Tammy's school life, social life and Tammy's thoughts on the people in her life. There are also Tammy's "own" drawings and doodling throughout the book's pages. The fashion and style is typical eighties with overly done make-up, leg warmers, shoulder pads and outrageous patterns. The hot pink cover with sparkly blue glitter (even on Tammy's eyeshadow) adds a nice touch to the 80s theme.

I first heard about Unlovable from Alea (Pop Culture Junkie) who raved about it and was anxiously anticipating its arrival. After reading the book I can now see why! Tammy is your typical teen, give or take some delusional behavior and occasional bouts of hysteria. She spends a lot of her time with deliquents and then wonders why she gets into such crazy situations. Even though I cringed at times because of how utterly clueless Tammy is, I couldn't help but laugh. Her desperate need to fit in, her obsession with the opposite sex and her stalker-like tendencies all make her a lovable character, but mostly one you love to laugh at. Though some of the drawings are a little repulsive (think dandruff, acne, Tammy's facial hair...etc.). they are all part of Tammy's charm (or lack thereof, seriously).

Even those born after the eighties (I was just a little toddler then) will appreciate its pop culture references and outrageous style. I especially loved the Teddy Ruxpin spoof since I remember playing with mine so clearly!

This book is so much fun - it kept me laughing for hours. Not only is the dialogue hilarious but the drawings themselves are really hysterical.

Here is a preview from Publishers Weekly "Panelmania":

Click here to see more of the book's fabulous artwork and hilarious moments in Tammy's life!

BIG THANKS to Esther, Eric and Fantagraphics Books for helping me get a review copy.

Book Review: An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell

2009-04-06T01:00:00.002-04:00

An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell

Published by Sourcebooks Inc.

Rating: 4.5 stars

An Offer You Can't Refuse, which is already a bestseller in the UK, has just been released in North America. It starts off telling the story of seventeen-year-old Lola, who was just offered 10,000 pounds to break up with her boyfriend Doug, from his mother because according to her, Lola doesn't fit in with the privileged life she wants for him. Lola refuses the money but upon discovering her step-father's huge gambling debts, decides to take the money to bail him out. Fast-forward a number of years later, Lola decides to move back to her hometown and through certain circumstances runs into Doug. Lola realizes that she still has feelings for him but seeing her only arouses the anger and pain he had felt when she inexplicably broke up with him in a letter and left town. Despite the challenge, Lola fights to win back Doug's affection while trying to keep the secret about the money and her reasons for accepting it to herself.

I seem to be reading less and less of traditional "chick-lit" because I find that even light books need some substance to truly be enjoyable for me. That is exactly why I was so pleased with An Offer You Can't Refuse. Although the ending is predictable and it has its share of overly sentimental parts, Jill Mansell's witty writing and interesting characters put this book in a different league. It may appear that Lola is a helpless and pathetic woman, still pining over Doug after all those years, but she is not portrayed as weak at all in the story. Actually the opposite is true given how loyal Lola is to her step-father by refusing to divulge the real reason why she needed the money. She stays true to herself and to her morals, even though it would have been a lot easier to betray her stepfather's trust and tell Doug what really happened.

Even though this book is longer than most chick-lit books, it was an incredibly fast read. I was very absorbed in the storyline and especially enjoyed the cast of entertaining and at times wacky, secondary characters. It turned out that there was a lot more to the book and its plot than the description mentions, including a secret affair with a celebrity and the return of an estranged father.

Jill Mansell's writing is fresh and fun, not to mention being released in North America just in time for some great light summer reading! Stay tuned for my review of Jill Mansell's next North American release, Miranda's Big Mistake, which comes out June 2, 2009.

BIG THANKS to Danielle and Sourcebooks for my review copy.

More lookalikes (or in this case, the same picture!)

2009-04-05T17:31:00.000-04:00

Both of these books are mysteries, which is very fitting given their interesting (and a bit creepy) cover art - plus they were both officially released just days apart!

Still Life by Joy Fielding (released March 24, 2009)

This book sounds very interesting and sometime soon you'll be able to read my thoughts about it since I was lucky enough to win it through Twitter -THANKS AtriaBooks!

Keeper of Light and Dust by Natasha Mostert (released April 2, 2009)

(for more info read a great review by A Novel Menagerie, which is where I first heard of the book)

Friday Finds

2009-04-03T09:33:00.010-04:00

What great books have you discovered this week?

Share your Friday Finds at Should Be Reading

The Godmother by Carrie Adams (found on BOOK CLUB CLASSICS!)

Looking for Alaska by John Green (found on Shhh I'm Reading)

How to Buy a Love of Reading by Tanya Egan Gibson (found on Foreign Circus Library)

Undercover by Beth Kephart (found on Presenting Lenore)

Book Review: The World in Half by Cristina Henriquez

2009-04-02T11:00:00.001-04:00

The World in Half by Cristina Henriquez

Published by RIVERHEAD BOOKS, a member of Penguin Group

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book is officially released today!

The World in Half is about Mira (Miraflores), a geophysics major who has recently discovered old letters written to her mother from her father. Although Mira's mother had always told her that her father never wanted a child and abandoned them, the letters told a completely different story. Her father wrote about his love and devotion to her mother and it was revealed that once he found out she was pregnant, he was excited to be a father. Mira is confused by this contradiction and wonders why her mother had lied to her. Mira is unable to confront her mother about it because she has early-onset Alzheimer's and besides, she knew her mother would never tell her the truth. Mira hires a nurse to care for her mother and heads off to Panama City to find the father she never knew. Once there, Mira questions her impulsive decision, which went against her usual rational behavior. One morning she encounters a young man who piques her interest and after hearing her story, volunteers to help her find her father. What starts off as a trip to meet her father ends up turning into a journey of self-exploration and self-discovery. Mira learns a lot about herself and struggles to come to terms with her own identity.

The World in Half is a beautifully written story that has a certain underlying magic to it. The characters are first introduced as one-dimensional, with simple thoughts and emotions. However, once the novel progresses, their depth and complexity become apparent and there is more to them than meets the eye. The plot itself it interesting, but I think the most compelling thing about the book is its quiet hold over the reader. I kept reading on further and further, not because of thrilling plot twists, but because I genuinely felt a connection to the characters and to the story.

I loved how Mira's search for her father turned out to be a search for herself. Her father represented all of the parts of herself and her identity that she was missing in order to feel whole. Exploring Panama City and learning about love helped open up her eyes. By the end, I really sensed her character's evolution and development.

This book has positive messages embedded throughout the narrative and Mira was the perfect vehicle for conveying them. Although it is possible to go through life without discovering who you are as a person, that is not living life but merely existing. The way things turned out for Mira was unexpected but it wasn't the ending that mattered, rather the journey it took to get there. The World in Half is a well-written story about characters you will care about and possesses a certain subtle power that will inevitably take hold of you.

BIG THANKS to Penguin Group for my review copy.

Book Review: Janeology by Karen Harrington

2009-04-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

Janeology by Karen Harrington

Published by Kunati Inc.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Be sure to check out Karen's wonderful blog, Scobberlotch, where you'll find interesting, informative and often very funny reading material! Plus, starting tomorrow April 2nd, Karen is celebrating Janeology's one-year birthday! She'll be giving away copies of her book and discussing her debut year, along with other fun posts and pictures!

Janeology is narrated by Tom Nelson, whose wife Jane, has just been convicted of drowing their two-year old son and almost killing his twin sister in the process. Tom is still struggling with the reality that his loving wife could have actually commited such a heinous act and can't even look her in the eyes when visiting her in jail. Jane was found 'not guilty' by reason of insanity, and Tom cannot understand how Jane's seemingly mild depression could have turned her into such a monster. Adding even more grief to Tom's already painful existence, the prosecution is charging Tom with child endangerment and neglect, implying that he could have and should have prevented his son's death. Tom's lawyer has found one of Jane's relatives, Mariah Hernandez, whose clairvoyance helps her adopt others memories and pasts by holding onto their cherished belongings. The novel then shifts in perspective from Tom's narration to each of Jane's many ancestors and their own harrowing tales. By showing Jane's family's history of abuse and neglect, Tom's lawyer hopes to prove that what Jane's act was the result of genetics and nothing Tom could have foreseen or prevented.

Janeology is a very deep and thought-provoking book. Although this book is fictional, there are many real-life stories of maternal infanticide, making this book as relevant as it is at times painful to read. What sets this book apart from other legal thrillers and stories of horrible atrocities, is its departure into the world of clairvoyance and mysticism. This voyage into an almost magical realm of past memories helps lessen the emotional load of such a difficult subject, and was a much-needed break from Tom's present predicament. Although each family member's story isn't too long, they are all well developed and it's easy to imagine their personalities and lives from the information provided.

From reading Karen's blog, I know that she intentionally left the ending ambiguous in order to let readers interpret it however they wish. I usually dislike when an author does this because I appreciate closure from a book once I close its pages, however in this case I found myself quite satisfied with the book's ending. I think the message is that it doesn't matter exactly how things worked out for Tom because it was what he gained from his experiences that matters most. Overall, Tom learned how to be a better father and to focus on the child who lived, as opposed to spending life mourning the child who did not.

Karen Harrington has truly written a mesmerizing and intricate first novel and I anticipate great things to come from her in the future!

BIG THANKS to Karen for sending me a copy of her book to review.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-31T10:50:00.000-04:00

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts the Teaser Tuesdays weekly event

Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read

* Let the book fall open to a random page

* Share with us (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12

* You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from ... that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the "teaser" you've given!

* Please avoid spoilers!

This week's teaser is:

"When you cook, it's all about quality ingredients, and the same is true for making shoes. Sumptuous fabrics, fine leather, and hand-tooled embellishments make all the difference and define our brand."

- "Very Valentine" by Adriana Trigiani, page 125

Book Review: The Optimist by Laurence Shorter

2009-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Optimist by Laurence Shorter

Published by Doubleday Canada, a division of Random House of Canada

Rating: 4 stars

About this Book - publisher's description:

When it comes to bad news, we’ve never had it so good.

Laurence Shorter is feeling anxious. Every time he opens a newspaper or turns on the radio he finds another reason to be tearful. It’s time to make a change. It’s time to be optimistic!

His plan is simple:

1. Learn how to jump out of bed in the morning.

2. Secure personal happiness.

3. Save the world.

The Optimist charts Shorter’s ambitious, year-long, international quest to seek out the world’s most positive thinkers, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jung Chang, Matthieu Ricard, California’s renowned Surfing Rabbi, and Bill Clinton. But optimism doesn’t come easy, and Shorter’s resolve is tested at every corner: by a flagging career, a troubled love affair, and his ever-pessimistic dad.

My opinion:

I liked reading about Laurence Shorter's journey towards an improved definition of optimism and how to achieve it. His down-to-earth approach is very relatable and no detail is left unexplored. I also really appreciated his inclusion of his personal life, along with its share of ups and downs because it allows for the reader to feel more connected to him and his plight. Although there is the common theme of optimism throughout the novel, the chapters can almost be short stories on their own, revealing a different aspect or lesson learned. I enjoyed some of the chapters more than others, with my favorite being the one about former President Bill Clinton because it marked the culmination of all that Shorter worked for and it felt very satisfying and certainly inspired optimism out of me!

Though there were many parts in the book that I found funny, I don't think the book can necessarily be categorized as "humor". I do believe that Shorter set out on this quest whole-heartedly in the search for answers and not simply as a joke. While I can usually appreciate British sense of humour, there were some points when I wasn't sure if he was trying to be funny or not.

Nonetheless, The Optimist is an interesting and at times thought-provoking read that both amused and aroused my curiosity. Being a psychology major, I did know a lot about the psychological aspects of optimism and happiness already, particularly Martin Seligman's theories, but told through Shorter's perspective, I still learned something new.

BIG THANKS to Jessica and Random House of Canada for my review copy.

Book Review: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

2009-03-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

"The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" by Alan Bradley

Published by Doubleday Canada, a division of Random House of Canada

Rating: 5 stars

This book has already been released in Canada and the UK, and can be pre-ordered in the U.S. until its offical release on April 28, 2009 from Delacorte Press!

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is set in the summer of 1950, following Flavia de Luce as she attempts to solve the mystery of the man who was found dead in her family's cucumber patch in the early hours of the morning. Upon the discovery of the dead body body, Flavia thinks: “I wish I could say I was afraid, but I wasn’t. Quite the contrary. This was by far the most interesting thing that had ever happened to me in my entire life." With her determination and resourcefulness, Flavia investigates the murder which seems to be mysteriously linked to the presence of a dead bird found with a stamp on its beak on her front doorstep earlier that day. Although Flavia is only eleven years old, she is a very precocious girl who can often be found in her chemistry working on a new experiment. With her powers of deduction she begins narrowing down the suspects and learns more than even she thought possible.

I first heard about "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" while reading a review in my local newspaper , The Montreal Gazette, which got me very interested. I also recently read a great article about Mr. Bradley from The National Post which is worth checking out!

At first it may seem strange to hear Mr. Bradley and others speaking about Flavia de Luce as if she were a real person, but after reading this book it's hard not to feel personally connected to her. It's all too easy to forget that the story was not written by this eleven-year old prodigy herself! Her vivacious and inquisitive personality make her one of the most endearing and likeable characters I've read about in a long time. From the way she concocts her potions in the chemistry lab to her Sherlock Holmes-like detective skills, she captured my attention but more importantly my admiration and respect. Although an eleven-year old detective may seem unlikely, you just have to read the book to understand how all of the elements of the story work together so beautifully. The secondary characters are also eccentric and really great in their supporting roles, adding some interesting flavor to The Sweetnes at the Bottom of the Pie!

In addition to the marvelous cast of characters, the storyline itself is brilliantly crafted. There are a number of unexpected plot twists and everything so wonderfully in the end. I wish I could say more but I don't want to spoil anything because this is a story best left to the narrative skills of one Ms. Flavia.

Thankfully, this book is the first installment in a Flavia de Luce trilogy so there is much to look forward to from Mr. Bradley in the future!

Watch this wonderful promotional video from Blanvalet (Random House) Germany, where the German language version "Mord im Gurkenbeet" ("Death In the Cucumber Patch") will be published in June. It's actually really close to how I pictured Flavia!

Don't forget to join the Flavia de Luce fan club!

BIG THANKS to Mr. Bradley, Sharon and Random House for my review copy.

Book Review: The Rose Variations by Marisha Chamberlain

2009-03-29T13:00:00.002-04:00

The Rose Variations by Marisha Chamberlain

Published by SOHO Press

Rating: 4.5 stars

The Rose Variations begins in 1975, and follows the story of Rose McGregor, who has just moved to Minnesota to teach music at a Midwestern college. She is on her own for the first time and must cope with academia's complex inner world, and being the only female faculty in the music department, she has her work cut out for her. Soon enough, Rose befriends some other members of the staff which only complicates her life even more.

After falling in love with a local stonemason named Guy, their affair is ripped apart by a bold choice Rose secretly makes and so she runs off to live with a group of female musicians in the countryside after being invited by the homeowner, an eccentric cellist named Lila. As soon as Rose is settled in her routine, her pregnant sister Natalie shows up in need of assistance, and Rose's life is turned upside down once again. The second part of the book takes places a number of years later as Rose's niece shows up on her doorstep by herself with no explanation, complicating Rose's life yet again. The narrative continues with more romances for Rose but even more heartache as she struggles with her independence and success in the face of many obstacles.

This book has so much more to it than meets the eye. What started off as a small story of a young woman develops into a complex saga filled with many love interests, friends, and the pain of betrayal from those who Rose loves the most. This is such a difficult story to summarize because its impossible to capture all of the depth and storylines. This is Marisha Chamberlain's first novel, however it came as no surprise to me that she is also an accomplished playwright, given the elaborate and dramatic story she has created.

At first it seemed like Chamberlain was attempting to tackle too many storylines and issues, however, after reading on, I began to discover that each event in Rose's life has shaped her on some way and is a crucial part of the story. I think that is particularly why I was disappointed with the story's ending because after having read so much about Rose's life, I was left to interpret and imagine where life will take her next. There are many unanswered questions and having developed a connection to Rose and her struggles and passion for life, I was sad that I didn't get the closure that I felt I needed as a reader.

Nontheless, The Rose Variations ia a complex character study of a very interesting and admirable woman and ultimately is a worthwhile read. Not only is the narrative captivating, but the writing is so well developed and expertly exposes Rose's inner thoughts and emotions. I hope to read more from Ms. Chamberlain in the future.

BIG THANKS to Sarah and SOHO Press for my review copy.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts the Teaser Tuesdays weekly event

Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read

* Let the book fall open to a random page

* Share with us (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12 (which I've modified to 2-4 sentences)

* You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from ... that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the "teaser" you've given!

* Please avoid spoilers!

This week's teaser is:

"On the drive down the mountain, I might have been able to keep my gaze planted firmly on the vista outside, but I couldn't block out the musky scent of his creamy leather seats. Even our cars sprang from different worlds."

- "North of Beautiful" by Justina Chen Headley, page 100

New Website: GraphicNovelReporter.com

2009-03-23T18:03:00.006-04:00

I was recently informed about a great new website devoted solely to graphic novels, GraphicNovelReporter.com. Graphic novels have been entering the literary mainstream recently with best-selling books such as Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi (GraphicNovelReporter's review here).

Here is some more information about GraphicNovelReporter.com:

This is the latest website from The Book Report Network, which now includes eight editorial websites devoted to helping readers explore their passion for books online.

Edited by John Hogan, former editor of Pages magazine and a lifetime fan of comics and graphic novels, GraphicNovelReporter.com features insightful reviews that will guide readers to books they will enjoy, as well as interviews and roundtables with the top creators, publishing professionals and academic librarians in the field today. Opinion pieces, a blog, news on upcoming releases and movie and DVD releases based on graphic novels will round out the editorial coverage and offers readers a fresh, in-depth look at graphic novels and their creators.

This month, capturing the enthusiasm for the theatrical release of Watchmen, GraphicNovelReporter.com is offering readers the chance to win one of three sets of two Watchmen books --- Watchmen: The Art of the Film and Watchmen: The Official Film Companion, both of which delve into the magic behind this much anticipated film. Between now and March 31st, readers are invited to share their thoughts on the movie to enter the contest.

GraphicNovelReporter.com is updated every other Wednesday and it includes content for adults, kids and teens. Readers can subscribe to a newsletter at or subscribe to an RSS feed that will alert them to updates about the site at .

Recent creator interviews on GraphicNovelReporter.com include Alan Davis (Captain Britain, Marvelman), Gerard Way (The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite), Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole), Dan Goldman (08, Shooting War), David B. (Nocturnal Conspiracies) and Dean Motter (Mister X).

There are more than 130 reviews already on the site. In the weeks and months to come, even more compelling content is coming:

A roundtable with academic librarians about the challenges and issues they face today

A sneak preview of the three stories in Gene Luen Yang's new book, Eternal Smile (First Second)

Interview with James Sturm, author of Adventures in Cartooning (First Second)

Interview with artist Zid about the process he used to create the artwork for City of Dust (Radical)

An op-ed piece on animation in the autobiography genre by Ellen Besen, award-winning animator and author of the new book Animation Unleashed: 100 Principles Every Animator, Comic Book Writer, Filmmaker, Video Artist and Game Developer Should Know

Graphic novel lovers be sure to check out the website!

Also, keep a lookout for my review of "Unlovable" by Esther Pearl Watson , a hilarious graphic novel loosely based this graphic novel on a teenager's diary from the 1980s found in a gas-station bathroom, published by Fantagraphics Books!

Friend award

2009-03-23T14:25:00.002-04:00

Thanks so very much to Alyce of At Home With Books who has awarded me with the Friend Award:

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I am giving this award to the following people/blogs (in no particular order):

Sheri from A Novel Menagerie

Anna from Diary of an Eccentric
Sandra from FRESH INK BOOKS
Luanne from A Bookworm's World
Avis from she reads and reads
Kathy from Bermudaonion's Weblog
Alea from Pop Culture Junkie
S. Krishna from S. Krishna's Books

These are some of the first blogs I read each day and they are all written by very special people!

Book Review: The Price of Silence by Camilla Trinchieri

2009-03-23T12:30:00.000-04:00

"The Price of Silence" by Camilla Trinchieri

Published by SOHO Press

Rating: 5 stars

Narrated from three different perspectives, "The Price of Silence" provides an insider's look into the life of Emma Perotti, who is on trial for the murder of her former student and friend, An-ling Huang. Through flashbacks, courtroom transcripts and emails, readers learn about the complicated relationships between Emma and her husband Tom, her son Josh and ultimately An-ling. There was something wrong with An-ling right from the start which Tom sensed but Emma refused to acknowledge. As Emma grew closer to An-ling, her connection to her husband and son weakened. The story centers around the dangerous consequences of obsession and jealousy, while showing just how far someone will go to hold onto what matters to them.

"The Price of Silence" blew me away. I was captivated right from the start and I literally did not want to put the book down. This book is a perfect combination of all the elements that make up a great psychological thriller. There is so much depth to each of the characters and as the book progresses, another layer of their character is exposed. Though it seems like all the facts are presented at the beginning of the book, nothing is at seems and there were twists and turns that I could not have predicted.

I was also amazed by how the author's writing style shifted between each character's narration. Camilla Trinchieri truly embodied Emma, Tom and Josh as if they really had completely separate identities. I found myself thinking about this story and murder trial as if it were real. Ironicaly, it was An-ling's character that was most real and alive to me, despite her being dead throughout the entire book. Her presence in the book was haunting as she cast such a powerful shadow over the lives of the entire Perotti family.

This impressive book is not to be missed!

BIG THANKS to Sarah and SOHO Press for my review copy.

Book Review Policy

2009-03-20T15:30:00.000-04:00

Book Review Policy

After reading a wonderful article by Paula Krapf of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., I’ve decided to write a formal Book Review Policy for potential publicists and authors.

March 20, 2009: I am currently open to review requests (until noted otherwise) but please keep in mind I try to be as selective as possible to ensure that each book I read and review receives the necessary time and attention it deserves. If I don’t think I’m going to like a book then I will simply not review it, which is probably why many of the books I’ve reviewed have received high ratings. Nonetheless, my reviews won’t always be strictly positive, but they will always be honest.

Contact me: bookopolis AT live DOT com

Genres I DO review*: Humor, Contemporary fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Chick-lit (selectively though), Mysteries and Psychological Thrillers

I don’t read or review many YA books but I will consider certain ones.

The non-fiction books that I typically read and review are memoirs but I occasionally like to read something different, such as art, fashion, decorating and “green” living.

* Please understand that just because a book you propose falls into a given genre that I enjoy reading, doesn’t mean that particular book will appeal to me.

Genres I DO NOT review: Christian fiction, science fiction, horror, romance, or erotica

Acceptable book submission types: I typically don’t accept self-published books BUT in certain circumstances I will consider reviewing them.

I do not accept e-books because it’s too hard on my eyes and I can’t curl up in bed and read my computer!

Review timeframe: When given advanced notice for ARCs (minimum of 2 weeks) I will post my review on the day or the week of its official release date.

For finished copies, I try to have my review posted a maximum of 3 weeks after it’s sent but that’s not always possible so please let me know if you have certain deadlines/requirements so I can make a note of that.

If however, a book is being sent for a virtual book tour (which I love participating in) then I will post my review on the assigned date.

Cross-posting: I usually cross-post my reviews on Amazon.com, Amazon.ca and Chapters.ca and occasionally on LibraryThing. If there is anywhere else you’d like my review posted please let me know in advance and I’ll consider it.

Miscellaneous: Your ARCs are safe with me – I do not believe in selling them!

For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Friday Finds

2009-03-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

What great books have you discovered this week?

Share your Friday Finds at Should Be Reading

I have to say that I especially adore all of the book covers of my Friday Finds this week!

"The Sari Shop Widow" by Shobhan Bantwal (found on Popin's Lair)

"Honolulu" by Alan Brennert (found while randomly searching amazon.com!)

"Bonjour Tristesse: A Novel (P.S.)" by Francoise Sagan (found on The Roaring 20s)

Browse Inside

"The Ballad of West Tenth Street" by Marjorie Kernan (found on The Roaring 20s)

More info in another post by The Roaring 20s

Browse Inside

Book Review: Posed for Murder by Meredith Cole

2009-03-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

"Posed for Murder" by Meredith Cole

Published by Minotaur Books, an imprint of St. Martin's Publishing Group

Rating: 4.5 stars

"She had never killed so many people in so many ways". That is exactly how "Posed for Murder" begins with Lydia McKenzie relishing in her photographic genius. Her hauntingly brilliant photographs are being displayed in her first art show and Lydia is trying to take it all in. Lydia dressed her friends up as her models and recreated scenes of real murders she had read about described in great detail. Though she is worried that people might misunderstand her intentions of recreating unsolved murders of the past, she hopes that people can recognize them for their beauty and perhaps even help in the identification of the victims, who have yet to be recognized. However, nothing could have prepared her for what happens next. When one of her models and friend is found dead in the same pose as in Lydia's photo, the police begin a close investigation that leaves Lydia paranoid and in desperate need of answers. Being the independent woman that she is, Lydia decides to conduct her own investigation and becomes personally involved in a shocking murder mystery.

From the very first sentence, I was intrigued by the book and its compelling and unique plot. Although Lydia's photographs are creepy in some ways, I think her intentions to create beauty and honor the dead are commendable. Lately I've been reading a lot more mysteries and thrillers, but I'm always a little wary that I'll solve the case too soon and spoil the surprise. I'm happy to say that "Posed for Murder" kept me guessing until the very end and concluded with a satisfying twist. It comes as no surprise that "Posed for Murder" is the winner of Malice Domestic Best First Traditional Mystery Novel Competition!

I loved that the main character was a strong woman and a great role model, not relying on others to seek out answers. She has her own funky fashion sense and stays true to herself. In the face of danger, Lydia rises to the challenge. She is the ultimate heroine and I loved following her to very end of the story.

Though this is Meredith Cole's first novel, she already shows much talent with her creative and well-crafted writing. I loved how modern and fresh the story was and the way it differs from traditional mystery books. I look forward to reading more from Meredith in the future!

Meredith Cole is also a member of this year's Debutante Ball. To read her past weekly posts, click here

BIG THANKS to Meredith and her publicist for my review copy.

Guest Post: Katherine Center, author of "Everyone is Beautiful"

2009-03-18T01:00:00.001-04:00

I am pleased and honored to welcome Katherine Center to Bookopolis! As you can tell by my review of "Everyone is Beautiful", I really enjoyed the book and I can't wait to read Katherine's next novel! Given the delicious-looking cupcake on the cover of "Everyone is Beautiful", it's only fitting for Katherine to discuss "The Truth About Cupcakes". Enjoy!

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

The Truth About Cupcakes
© Katherine Center 2009

The truth about cupcakes is that most of them look a lot better than they taste.

I know this from experience.

For the Mom 2.0 Summit in Houston this year, I decided to bring cupcakes with me to the speakers’ dinner. I had this idea of making toppers for them with quotes from Everyone Is Beautiful, and the notion completely swept me up.

There were 50 speakers. And making 50 handmade cupcake toppers turned out to be a heck of a task. I spent hours leafing through the book, marking passages with post-its. Then more hours typing the quotes up and laying them out. Then the pasting and assembling. It wound up taking several days to get it done.

And meanwhile, every day, my kids and I were tasting cupcakes all over town. Because I wanted to find cupcakes that looked just like the cupcakes I remembered from my childhood. And I wanted them to taste as good as those had, too. I wanted to find that old thrill.

I’d pick up the kids after school and say, “Guess where we’re going?”
And they’d say, “Where?”
And I’d say, “On a cupcake hunt!”
And they’d all shout, “Yay!”

The first place we tried had cupcakes with magazine-quality icing. But the “cake” part tasted like a corn muffin. We licked all the icing off and left lumps of cake.

The second place’s cupcakes were sleek and modern. And no fluffy dollup of icing on top--the icing on these was flat and perfectly round. And they weren’t sweet enough. Or maybe they were too sweet. We mostly drank our milk.

We tried red velvet cupcakes, cream cheese cupcakes, regular and jumbo-size cupcakes. We went to grocery stores, bakeries, and cupcake shops—both in town and outside it.

After a week and a half, I‘d pick up my kids and say, “Guess what we’re doing?”
And they’d shout, “No more cupcakes!”

In the end, I never found the cupcakes I was looking for. I finally chose standard-issue grocery store cupcakes with a buttercream icing that tasted pretty good.

But I never found any that tasted as good as the ones I remembered from childhood. I never could get the taste of the cupcake to match the idea of the cupcake. Maybe if you look too hard for something it’s more difficult to find. Maybe nothing from childhood is ever as good as you remember. Or maybe time and the filter of memory just always make everything a little bit sweeter.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Katherine Center’s second novel, Everyone Is Beautiful, is featured in the March issue of Redbook. Kirkus Reviews likens it to the 1950s motherhood classic Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, and says, “Center’s breezy style invites the reader to commiserate, laughing all the way.” Booklist calls it “a superbly written novel filled with unique and resonant characters.” Katherine’s first novel, The Bright Side of Disaster, was featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Vanity Fair, the Houston Chronicle, and the Dallas Morning News, among others. BookPage named Katherine one of seven new writers to watch, and the paperback of Bright Side was a Breakout Title at Target. Katherine recently published an essay in Real Simple Family and has another forthcoming in Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers on the Mother-Daughter Bond this April. She has just turned in her third novel, Get Lucky, and is starting on a fourth. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and two young children.

You can visit her website at http://www.katherinecenter.com/

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Lanie Coates’s life is spinning out of control. She’s piled everything she owns into a U-Haul and driven with her husband, Peter, and their three little boys from their cozy Texas home to a multiflight walkup in the Northeast. She’s left behind family, friends, and a comfortable life–all so her husband can realize his dream of becoming a professional musician. But somewhere in the eye of her personal hurricane, it hits Lanie that she once had dreams too. If only she could remember what they were.

These days, Lanie always seems to rank herself dead last–and when another mom accidentally criticizes her appearance, it’s the final straw. Fifteen years, three babies, and more pounds than she’s willing to count since the day she said “I do,” Lanie longs desperately to feel like her old self again. It’s time to rise up, fish her moxie out of the diaper pail, and find the woman she was before motherhood capsized her entire existence.
Lanie sets change in motion–joining a gym, signing up for photography classes, and finding a new best friend. But she also creates waves that come to threaten her whole life. In the end, Lanie must figure out once and for all how to find herself without losing everything else in the process.

Katherine Center’s Everyone Is Beautiful is a hugely entertaining, poignant, and charming new novel about what happens after happily ever after: how a woman learns to fall in love with her husband–and her entire life–all over again.

BIG THANKS to Katherine for her wonderful guest post and Dorothy for organizing this great tour!

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts the Teaser Tuesdays weekly event

Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read

* Let the book fall open to a random page

* Share with us (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12 (which I've modified to 2-4 sentences)

* You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from ... that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the "teaser" you've given!

* Please avoid spoilers!

This week's teaser is:

"This was misguided loyalty, she realized, fear that the others would think she was making friends elsewhere, moving on. How had she gotten herself into such a state, inhibited, mistrustful of herself and other people, unable to take the open hand of friendship?"

- "The Rose Variations" by Marisha Chamberlain, page 127

Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center

2009-03-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

"Everyone is Beautiful" by Katherine Center

Published by Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

About the book:

Lanie Coates’ life is spinning out of control. She’s piled everything she owns into a U-Haul and driven with her husband, Peter, and their three little boys from their cozy Texas home to a multiflight walkup in the Northeast. She’s left behind family, friends, and a comfortable life–all so her husband can realize his dream of becoming a professional musician. But somewhere in the eye of her personal hurricane, it hits Lanie that she once had dreams too. If only she could remember what they were.

These days, Lanie always seems to rank herself dead last–and when another mom accidentally criticizes her appearance, it’s the final straw. Fifteen years, three babies, and more pounds than she’s willing to count since the day she said “I do,” Lanie longs desperately to feel like her old self again. It’s time to rise up, fish her moxie out of the diaper pail, and find the woman she was before motherhood capsized her entire existence.

Lanie sets change in motion–joining a gym, signing up for photography classes, and finding a new best friend. But she also creates waves that come to threaten her whole life. In the end, Lanie must figure out once and for all how to find herself without losing everything else in the process.

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

My review:

"Everyone is Beautiful" is a charming story with a lot of heart (plus, don't you just love the cover - it totally fits). The characters are really likeable, even when they find themselves in some awkward situations! Katherine Center's writing is very engaging and down-to-earth, making me feel like I was reading about real people and not just characters in a story. There are themes of love, relationships, family and certainly parenting that complicate and simultaneously enhance Lanie's life.

This book has a great message about respecting yourself and learning to feel beautiful, particularly for mothers who don't take any time for themselves. Once Lanie started working out and taking photography classes, she became a happier and more productive person and an even better role model and parent for her children. I absolutely loved the conclusion Lanie reaches at the end, that like the title of the book, everyone truly is beautiful.

This is a quick read and a light book, but definitely one with important lessons and more depth than your average chick-lit book. I look forward to reading Katherine's next book "Get Lucky".

About the author:
Katherine Center’s first novel, The Bright Side of Disaster, has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, Vanity Fair, the Houston Chronicle, and theDallas Morning News, among others. BookPage named Katherine one of seven new writers to watch, and the paperback of Bright Side was a Breakout Title on special display at Target last spring. Katherine recently published an essay in Real Simple Family and has another essay forthcoming in the anthology Because I Love Her: 34 Top Women Writers on the Mother-Daughter Bond. Katherine’s second novel, Everyone Is Beautiful, will come out both in hardcover and as an audiobook in February of 2009. She has just turned in her third novel, Get Lucky, and is starting on a fourth. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and two young children.

For more of Katherine Center, check out her wonderful guest post!

BIG THANKS to Random House for my review copy and Dorothy for organizing this great Pump Up Your Book Promotion tour!

Book Review: The Simplest of Acts And Other Stories by Melanie Haney

2009-03-16T11:00:00.005-04:00

"The Simplest of Acts: And Other Stories" by Melanie Haney

Published by Lulu.com

Rating: 4.5 stars

In this compilation of short stories, Melanie Haney explores the pain of loss and its consequences for those who are left to grieve. Whether it be a death of a family member or the death of a romance, the raw emotions are felt from each story through the beautiful writing and imagery. Each story is unique with its own characters and circumstances, and yet they are all tied in the common bond of deep meaning and all elicit powerful emotions.The touching stories are all wonderfully developed and yet simultaneously succinct slices of life in the face of tragedy and pain. Though there are elements of sorrow woven throughout these stories, they are not depressing or overwhelming, rather they embrace pain and in a subtle way, even offer hope.

I enjoyed each one of them, but of course I did have my favorites, including:

"Milk" - A mother's pain after losing her son in a car accident leads to a difficult period of adjustment as she envisions a boy who is not really there. Because her son died while driving to pick up milk for her, she carries a tape recorder everywhere to ensure she never forgets another item again. Her son's death continues to haunt her until she takes a final stand.

"The Simplest of Acts" - A beloved mother passes away, leaving her children to pick up the pieces in an effort to continue her legacy. For her wake they must bake her speciality, an almond pound cake, which reveals an ironic twist.

"An Ordinary Evening" - A mother spends her days sitting by her daughter's bedside in the hospital, despite ackowledging that her daughter's brain and soul have passed on and nothing but her physical body remains. She is faced with the difficult decision of whether or not (or perhaps when) to finally let her daughter rest in peace and take her off life support.

Melanie Haney is a great talent writer with a promising future and this collection of short stories is the perfect introduction to her writing. She is currently working on a novel, which I cannot wait to read!

BIG THANKS to Melanie for sending me a copy of her book to review.

Book Review: To My Senses by Alexandrea Weis

2009-03-15T16:30:00.000-04:00

"To My Senses" by Alexandrea Weis

Published by BookSurge Publishing

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book is about Nicci Beauvoir (love the last name!), who is from a wealthy family and part of New Orleans high society. Though she holds a place of prestige within the community, Nicci's down-to-earth personality prevents her from desiring a lavish lifestyle. Nicci has many admirers but is not interested in any of the men she encounters until she meets David, the one man who is off limits. Despite the difficult circumstances, Nicci and David fall in love and he awakens a passion for life that she didn't even know existed within her. Things are going smoothly until Nicci overhears secrets that tear her and David apart, causing her to seek solace in the arms of another man, Dr. Michael Fagles. Though her relationship with Michael lacks the intensity of her past affair with David, Nicci stays with him. As Michael becomes more invested in her, Nicci must decide if she is willing to spend the rest of her life in a loveless relationship.

From the first page, I became immersed into the storyline and I found myself admiring Nicci's strength and independent character. I loved reading about the passion she had with David, and began to experience the same ups and downs as Nicci, after the relationship ended. Though there are some serious subject matters, there is always comic relief in the hilarious characters, such as Nicci's aunt and cousin. This book provided just the right blend of tearful emotion and amusement to satisfy my reading palette.

Another great element of the storyline is how timeless it is. Though it's set in modern times, I could easily envision it taking place decades ago, especially with all of the traditional New Orleans festivities and banter.

Just when the plot starts following a somewhat predictable course, it takes an unexpected turn and the ending comes as a shock! One of the most important elements of a book to me is how the author ends the novel because ideally that is what leaves a lasting impression. Alexandrea Weis has definitely succeeded in writing an unforgettable novel, especially in the beautiful way she has crafted the ending!

Here's the trailer for the book:

BIG THANKS to Alexandrea for sending me a copy of her book to review.

WINNER of Cool Jew by Lisa Alcalay Klug

2009-03-15T16:01:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to .................

rottawa

who has won a copy of "Cool Jew" by Lisa Alcalay Klug

"Cool Jew", is a recipient of an honor in the "Jewish Pulitzers," the 2008 National Jewish Book Awards. It was named a finalist in the category of "Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice." It is the only pop culture/humor book among the 2008 National Jewish Book Award honorees. In fact, it is the only funny book honored in recent years!!

Friday Finds

2009-03-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

What great books have you discovered this week?

Share your Friday Finds at Should Be Reading

"Barbie and Ruth" by Robin Berger (found on The Savvy Reader)

"In the Land of No Right Angles" by Daphne Beal (found on Paperback Frenzy)

"The Sudden Disappearance of Seetha" by Andrea Gunraj (found on Peeking Between the Pages)

"Breaking Lorca" by Giles Blunt (found on A Bookworm's World)

Month-Long Book Tour: My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff

2009-03-12T10:30:00.000-04:00

"My Little Red Book" by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff

Published by Twelve, a division of Hachette Book Group

Rating: 5 stars

Publisher's description:

"MY LITTLE RED BOOK is an anthology of stories about first periods, collected from women of all ages from around the world. The accounts range from light-hearted (the editor got hers while water skiing in a yellow bathing suit) to heart-stopping (a first period discovered just as one girl was about to be strip-searched by the Nazis). The contributors include well-known women writers (Meg Cabot, Erica Jong, Gloria Steinem, Cecily von Ziegesar), alongside today's teens. And while the authors differ in race, faith, or cultural background, their stories share a common bond: they are all accessible, deeply honest, and highly informative. Whatever a girl experiences or expects, she'll find stories that speak to her thoughts and feelings.

Ultimately, MY LITTLE RED BOOK is more than a collection of stories. It is a call for a change in attitude, for a new way of seeing periods. In a time when the taboo around menstruation seems to be one of the few left standing, it makes a difficult subject easier to talk about, and helps girls feel proud instead of embarrassed or ashamed. By revealing what it feels like to undergo this experience first hand, and giving women the chance to explain their feelings in their own words, it aims to provide support, entertainment, and a starting point for discussion for mothers and daughters everywhere. It is a book every girl should have. Period."

My opinion:

I think the idea for this book is so ingenious. It is the kind of book that women of all ages, cultures, religions and backgrounds can relate to and from its pages reap wisdom and guidance. More importantly though, My Little Red Book unites women in its message that no matter how different each and every one of us is, we share a common bond. It tells girls that what they're going through is normal and literally happens to all women and that having your period is nothing to be ashamed of but rather should be embraced and celebrated. That is why there is no better book to celebrate Women's History Month!

The stories represent women of all backgrounds and even reveal customs about menstruation from different cultures and eras that I hadn't even heard of until reading about them in the book. Many of them are funny, others are sad, and some are thought-provoking. No matter what emotion they elicit, they are all powerful representations of girls and women all over who have all had that memorable first period. This is the type of book that can be re-read over and over again for generations to come.

As if putting this book together wasn't impressive enough, Rachel Kauder Nalebuff has also decided to donate the proceeds of My Little Red Book to women’s health charities to ensure that the book can help other girls in need, beyond those who read its contents! This truly is the perfect gift , especially for a girl who has just gotten her first period!

About the author:

Rachel Kauder Nalebuff was initially embarrassed by her first period, but the power of these recollections has rubbed off. She has come to embrace her own story (and has even used it as a conversation starter). Because she talked about periods...let’s just say more than once a month, it was inevitable that she would go down in her high school's history as "the period girl." She is absolutely cool with that.

Rachel is on a gap year before heading to Yale. In her free time, she plays guitar, rides/falls off her unicycle, and indulges in late-night pie baking with friends. My Little Red Book is her first published work.

Have questions? Send Rachel an email

Here are the other blogs participating in this month-long My Little Red Book Tour:

She Reads and Reads
Marta's Meanderings
Confessions of a Romance Book Addict
Write for a Reader
Reading With Monie
Marjolein Reviews
Worducopia
The Review From Here
Zensanity
Scribe Vibe
Cafe of Dreams
Carol's Notebook
Ms. Bookish
B & b ex libris
Brimful Curiosities
Cindy's Love of Books
Books in Every Room
Seaside Book Worm Blogger
Books Ahoy!
At Home With Books
The Reading Room
Book Bargains and Previews
Wendy's Minding Spot
The Epic Rat

BIG THANKS to Hachette Book Group for my review copy and Anna for organizing this great tour!

Book Review: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

2009-03-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

"Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford

Published by Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

Rating: 5 stars

The book begins in 1986 and follows Henry Lee, a Chinese-American whose wife has recently passed away. He is dealing with his heartache and a strained relationship with his grown-up son Marty. The Panama Hotel, a renovated hotel in what was once Seattle's Japantown, recently discovered belongings that were once hidden there by Japanese immigrants in WWII. This news sparks Henry's memories of his youth and flashbacks to the 1940s when Henry had developed a close relationship with a Japanese girl named Keiko. Henry's father however, was a strict advocate for his Chinese heritage, forcing Henry to wear a pin stating "I am Chinese" and showed a stubborn dislike of all things Japanese. Henry's relationship with Keiko, set to the backdrop of WWII, forces him to grow up quickly and make difficult and sometimes dangerous decisions in order to fight for what he believes in.

I enjoyed this story from start to finish. It is surprising that this is Jamie Ford's first novel because his writing is so professional and polished while retaining its passionate flair. Henry and Keiko are two of the most endearing characters I have ever encountered and it is hard not to feel connected to them and become deeply invested in their outcomes.

"Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" also explores important issues of culture and the ramifications of prejudice, proving that there is more depth to this sweet story than meets the eye. Though it's often hard for an author to separate his or her own personal judgments and opinions, Jamie has done his best as he so eloquently states in his author's note:
"My intent was not to create a morality play, with my voice being the loudest on stage, but rather to defer to the reader's sense of justice, of right and wrong, and let the facts speak plainly."

Though there were predictable elements in the storyline, I still soaked up every detail of this novel and read it in one sitting. My emotions were tied up in the characters and I even cried at the end.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming story that explores many issues and is ultimately filled with much needed hope!

Be sure to follow Jamie on twitter and read through his website- not only is he a talented writer, he's also really hilarious!

BIG THANKS to Jamie and Random House for my review copy of this book.

Book Review: The Laws of Harmony by Judith Ryan Hendricks

2009-03-10T14:00:00.001-04:00

"The Laws of Harmony" by Judith Ryan Hendricks

Published by HarperCollins

Rating: 5 stars

Tune in tonight at 7:00 P.M. and join Judith Ryan Hendricks on Blog Talk Radio as she discusses "The Laws of Harmony" and answers questions from her fans!

There is no easy way to summarize "The Laws of Harmony" because of all the plot twists and revelations infused throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised when the story turned out to be filled with elements of mystery and deception, instead of being simply the women's fiction style novel that I was expecting. The straightforward part of the story revolves around Sunny Cooper, who is living with her boyfriend in Albuquerque, New Mexico until she discovers that people are not always as they seem and he has plenty of secrets of his own after a tragic accident. Sunny feels compelled to uproot her life and find somewhere else to call home. In a new town, Sunny befriends the locals and develops a whole new lifestyle but her past catches up to her and new challenges arise.

Judging by my rating, you can probably tell that I absolutely loved this book! Since I tend to enjoy plot twists, especially ones I don't see coming, this book offered a bonus for me, in addition to its charming story about love, life and relationships. Sunny is a complex character and yet really easy to relate to her feelings and fears. The secondary characters in the book are also really expertly crafted and I especially saw the residents of Harmony come to life.

There is also a really interesting inclusion of food and baking throughout the book. I love baking and so I was particularly fascinated by Sunny's expert culinary skills and the catharsis that baking brings to Sunny's life. I wish I could have some of her recipes to try out!

*edit: Sunny's recipe for Blackberry brownies can be found here!!

The ending of the story is somewhat open-ended which left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it leaves readers the opportunity to imagine whatever they'd like for Sunny's future but on the other hand, I feel like a part of the book is missing. An interview with the author at the end of the book seems to suggest the possibility of a sequel but nothing definite yet. I sincerely hope that there will be more of Sunny Cooper to come because I really feel like there is so much more that can be explored and I want to know what happens to her next!

This is the first book I've read by Judith Ryan Hendricks and I am positive it will not be the last!

I was so lucky enough to have received a copy of this book through Book Club Girl so a BIG THANKS to Jennifer and to HarperCollins, as well as for the lovely shawl, just like the one pictured on the cover!

THE WRITERS' BLOCK - KQED's weekly series

2009-03-10T11:00:00.001-04:00

I recently was informed about KQED, the PBS affiliate in San Francisco, and their amazing weekly series called "The Writers' Block" that features authors reading from the first chapter of their books.

It is always really interesting to hear how an author reads from his or her own book and so this series is a great opportunity to hear books you've already read or ones you have yet to discover because those book tours can't reach everyone!

Here are some great ones to check out:

Christopher Moore's reading of his latest book, "Fool" (my review)

Tiffany Baker's reading of her debut novel, "The Little Giant of Aberdeen County" (my review)

Andrew Davidson's reading of his book, "The Gargoyle" (which is sitting in my TBR pile)

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-10T08:00:00.004-04:00

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts the Teaser Tuesdays weekly event

* Please avoid spoilers!

This week's teaser is:

"Conventional wisdom suggests that recovery begins with submitting to a higher power. I have always had trouble getting the hang of that - less about a spiritual deficit than a tendency to overintellectualize things - but I found a pretty handy substitute in Marion."

- "The Night of the Gun" by David Carr, page 199

Friday Finds

2009-03-06T08:00:00.006-05:00

What great books have you discovered this week?

Share your Friday Finds at Should Be Reading

"Keeping Hannah Waiting" by Dave Clarke
(found on Diary of an Eccentric)

"The Brightest Moon of the Century" by Chistopher Meeks

(found on She Is Too Fond of Books)

"Godmother: The Secret Cinderella Story" by Carolyn Turgeon
(found on living read girl)

Book Review: I'm Sorry You Feel That Way by Diana Joseph

2009-03-05T08:00:00.003-05:00

"I'm Sorry You Feel That Way: The Astonishing but True Story of a Daughter, Sister, Slut, Wife, Mother, and Friend to Man and Dog" by Diana Joseph

Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, a member of Penguin Group Inc.

Rating: 3.5 stars

This book is released today!

Diana Joseph's memoir features a different chapter on each man from her past and present, including family members, friends and ex-boyfriends. The overall tone of the book is light and humorous, with little room for sentimentality and heart-warming tales. Diana Joseph is certainly an unconventional daughter, sister, slut, wife, mother as can be seen by the way she interacts with those in her life.

I found the different chapters in the book to be hits or misses. Some parts were hilarious and memorable, while others seemed to flat for me.

The parts that I enjoyed most were those about her son, whom Diana refers to as "the boy". She is a free spirited liberal woman and her son is a conservative Republican, which of course, sparks a number of debates between them. I love the way she describes their interactions and their relationship, especially since it's clear he means the world to her. Despite how much she teases him about everything, including his limited understanding of proper hygiene, she does it all with love.

Another notably hilarious part of the book is the description of her current partner, Al, and his parents. When they went to visit them, Diana got a nice glimpse of her future with Al, which made her both laugh and cringe.

Diana Joseph is very funny and has a unique way of telling her life stories which I could appreciate, even if I didn't enjoy every single anecdote in this memoir.

BIG THANKS to Penguin Group for my review copy.

Book Giveaway: Cool Jew by Lisa Alcalay Klug

2009-03-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

In honor of the Book Giveaway Carnival, as well as Purim coming up next week, Lisa Alcalay Klug is generously offering a copy of her hilarious book "Cool Jew" [my review here] to one lucky winner!

Be sure to drop by Book Room Reviews for the complete Book Carnival Giveaway listing of amazing giveaways!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post! For an extra entry, please leave a SEPARATE comment telling me if you subscribe or follow my blog.

Giveaway starts right away and ends on March 12th at 11:59 pm

Open to U.S. and Canadian residents

Winners will be chosen by random.org

Check out the Cool Jew website and the Cool Jew blog !

GOOD LUCK!!

Book Review: In the Land of Invisible Women by Dr. Qanta A. Ahmed

2009-03-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

"In the Land of Invisible Women" by Dr. Qanta A. Ahmed

Published by Sourcebooks, Inc.

Rating: 4.5 stars

After being denied a visa to stay in the United States, Dr. Qanta A. Ahmed, a Muslim woman of Pakistani origin, embraces the opportunity to practice medicine in Saudi Arabia. In this book, Dr. Ahmed describes her experiences while living in The Saudi Kingdom as a doctor, and more specifically a female doctor. Though the book chronicles Dr. Ahmed's personal journey, it also represents the lives of so many other oppressed women who are forced to abide by strict rulings or else face the harsh consequences. Dr. Ahmed gives those women a voice and speaks out against this kind of treatment. Through her own observations, Dr. Ahmed learns a great deal about life in The Saudi Kingdom and most importantly, she learns a lot about herself. We also see that although the men often live privileged lives in relation to the women, they also have their own share of obstacles and challnges they must endure.

This is an important story because it perfectly demonstrates that major inequalities between men and women are still rampant in some parts of the world. What Dr. Ahmed witnessed and had to face is a reality for many women and a true testament to their strength and courage. This book took me through a range of emotions, including anger, sadness and amazement. Not only is the story incredibly powerful, Dr. Ahmed's writing is really beautiful. I loved the writing style as and the way she managed to transport me into her experiences. I felt her outrage, her pain and her frustration as though I was living it as well.

While reading the book there were times when I felt that Dr. Ahmed went into too much detail and perhaps less would have been more in some cases. However, I do realize that many of those details are integral parts of her experience and offer important insights into each aspect of daily life as a woman in The Saudi Kingdom.

This book is a well -written and fascinating insider's look into life in Saudi Arabia and the challenges that women and sometimes even men must face in their daily lives.

BIG THANKS to Danielle and Sourcebooks for my review copy.

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts the Teaser Tuesdays weekly event

Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read

* Let the book fall open to a random page

* Share with us (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12 (which I've modified to 2-4 sentences)

* You also need to share the title of the book that you're getting your "teaser" from ... that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the "teaser" you've given!

* Please avoid spoilers!

"I couldn't summon the will to speak out the refusal my conscience kept telling me to make. So instead I just nodded and let my shoulders sag forward in complete resignation."

- "To My Senses" by Alexandrea Weis, page 105

Virtual Media Tour: "SOFT SPOTS: A Marine's Memoir of Combat and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder"‏ by USMC Sgt. Clint Van Winkle

2009-03-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

"SOFT SPOTS: A Marine's Memoir of Combat and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder"‏ by USMC Sgt. Clint Van Winkle

Published by St. Martin's Press

Publisher's book description:

"A powerful, haunting, provocative memoir of a Marine in Iraq—and his struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in a system trying to hide the damage done

Marine Sergeant Clint Van Winkle flew to war on Valentine’s Day 2003. His battalion was among the first wave of troops that crossed into Iraq, and his first combat experience was the battle of Nasiriyah, followed by patrols throughout the country, house to house searches, and operations in the dangerous Baghdad slums.

But after two tours of duty, certain images would not leave his memory—a fragmented mental movie of shooting a little girl; of scavenging parts from a destroyed, blood-spattered tank; of obliterating several Iraqi men hidden behind an ancient wall; and of mistakenly stepping on a “soft spot,” the remains of a Marine killed in combat. After his return home, Van Winkle sought help at a Veterans Administration facility, and so began a maddening journey through an indifferent system that promises to care for veterans, but in fact abandons many of them.

From riveting scenes of combat violence, to the gallows humor of soldiers fighting a war that seems to make no sense, to moments of tenderness in a civilian life ravaged by flashbacks, rage, and doubt, Soft Spots reveals the mind of a soldier like no other recent memoir of the war that has consumed America."

My opinion:

"Soft Spots" is a really unique memoir because of how swiftly the present narrative shifted back to the past, as Sgt. Clint Van Winkle experienced it. It took some time to get used to the rapid changes of setting and characters, but once I did, I think it made the reading experience more interesting. These shifts also offer readers a glimpse into Sgt. Clint Van Winkle's mind and the repercussions of a life with post-traumatic stress disorder. There is also a blur between fact and fiction, because as Sgt. Clint Van Winkle explains, "truth lives where that piece of my soul once did and visits me briefly in sleep - only to disappear with waking".

This isn't a heart-warming book with a happy ending. It's not supposed to be. This book contains an important glimpse into the reality of one man's journey, and yet speaks volumes about the biggers issues of war and PTSD, as well as their ramifications. Yes, some parts were hard to read, but such is the reality and is something we need to confront and address.

This book serves as a reminder of the power of war and its potential for damage to more than just the physical being. It is clear that only those who have lived through it can understand its effects. I think it was really brave of Sgt. Clint Van Winkle to expose his memories, pain and raw emotions on paper for the world to take notice. He has undergone different forms of therapy, but it is acknowledged that a piece of himself will always remain in Iraq.

For more on "Soft Spots", be sure to check out The Washington Post - "Soft Spots" review

BIG THANKS to St. Martin's Press and Katherine for my review copy and for organizing this wonderful tour.

Friday Finds

2009-02-27T09:00:00.006-05:00

What great books have you discovered this week?

Share your Friday Finds at Should Be Reading

"The Vienna Triangle" by Brenda Webster (found on 1st BOOKS: STORIES OF HOW WRITERS GET STARTED)

"The Year the Swallows Came Early" by Kathryn Fitzmaurice (found on Booking Mama)

"The Last of Her Kind" by Sigrid Nunez (found on Everyday I Write the Book Blog)

Book Review: The Local News by Miriam Gershow

2009-02-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

"The Local News" by Miriam Gershow

Published by Spiegel & Grau, a division of Random House

Rating: 4 stars

This book was just released this week!

"The Local News" is narrated by Lydia Pasternak, whose older brother Danny mysteriously disappears one night, when Lydia was 15 years old. Most of the book consists of Lydia's memories of her high school years and the impact Danny's disappearance had on her life and her relationships. Lydia was an incredibly brilliant social outcast, who kept few friends and was constantly being teased by her older brother and his popular friends. Once Danny goes missing, everything changes for Lydia. She starts receiving attention from the other kids at school and much to her surprise, Danny's friends become protective over her and even befriend her. Lydia also takes a liking to the detective investigating Danny's case and a deep interest in helping him track down the truth. The books ends with the present day, as Lydia prepares for her 10th high school reunion and readers get to see what became of the other characters.

This is Miriam Gershow's first novel and I think it is an excellent testament to her beautiful writing style and powerful story-telling abilities. I loved how so many of her phrases were like poetry, because of the way they could evoke intense emotions. The writing and overall tone of this book reminded me so much of Alice Sebold's "The Lovely Bones" (which funny enough, I later read the same thoughts from The New York Times book review). The similarities lie in the dark and eerie feelings that emanate from the pages, as if something about the story is haunted in some way. That feeling is what drew me to the writing and simultaneously made me long for some lighter material to ease the emotional burden.

Even though the subject matter of the book was serious, it didn't always need such a somber tone. I think that had there been some comic relief weaved into the storyline, I would have enjoyed the story more. I had hoped for an uplifting ending but the reality was a bittersweet one, which perhaps was the author's intentions all along.

Overall, I think that this is a successful debut with respect to the excellent writing and plot development. I look forward to reading more from Miriam Gershow in the future!

BIG THANKS to Random House for my review copy.

Book Review: The Makedown by Gitty Daneshvari

2009-02-25T08:00:00.006-05:00

"The Makedown" by Gitty Daneshvari

Published by 5-Spot, a division of Hachette Book Group

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book is officially released today!!

"The Makedown" begins with memories of Anna Norton's life as an overweight, geeky, friendless teen and tales of her eccentric family. Anna decides to take drastic measures to change her fate and moves from her small town in Ohio to New York City. There she begins working in a catering business, where her boss becomes a personal mentor and health coach, forcing her to get in shape and helping her shed all her extra fat. Though not as glamorous or good-looking as the other women of Manhattan, Anna begins to gain some confidence and manages to attract the attention of a very handsome bachelor named Ben. Unfortunately, Anna is not the only one who admires Ben's good looks and she finds herself feeling insecure and jealous as other women constantly flirt with her boyfriend. One day Anna devises a plan to make Ben less attractive and therefore less competition for his attention - hence the makedown.

While I have to admit the book's plot sounds a little ridiculous, the execution is really well done and this book turned out to be even better than I thought! I love Gitty Daneshvari's writing style and her flawless choice of words. I also loved the humor in every situation, especially Anna's semi-delusional mother, whose personality merits another book all about her!

Throughout the beginning part of the book, I felt badly for Anna and the way the other kids tormented her. I really sympathized with her and wanted things to improve. Then once she lost the weight, I was relieved that she didn't magically transform into a beauty queen or become conceited. It was very realistic that Anna's insecurities did not disappear and dating the epitome of male perfection would inevitably bring the insecurities to the surface.

Surprisingly enough, even when Anna was fattening Ben up and putting Nair in his shampoo, I still loved her as a character. I thought Ben was way too stuck-up and in some ways deserved to see how it felt to be less than god-like in appearance. Of course the makedown doesn't go as planned and with time, Anna learns her lesson and is a better person because of her experiences.

My only complaint is that I wish the book didn't fast forward in the end because I would have loved to see what happened in between but I did think it was a good ending. This book was humorous and even witty at points, and certainly a lot of fun.

BIG THANKS to Miriam and Hachette Book Group for my review copy.