Halloween!!

Happy Halloween, yall!! How are things where you are?  I tell you what, I feel a little guilty because I've been reading about the 'Frankenstorm' that has hit the East Coast while we are enjoying such beautiful fall weather here. (Reading that more than 8 million are without power and it is sunny and about 60 degress here - little windy, but that makes it feel nice and fallish.)  Anyway, we are thinking of all those affected by the storm and praying for a quick recovery. It's only fun to eat cold ravioli out of the can once or twice.

Well, as always, I have been keeping my nose in a book. But having a very hard time finding something GOOD to read.  Any suggestions from fellow readers out there?  I will read anything.  Classics, old, new, it doesn't matter to me.  I've been seriously wandering from my normal genres and not making very good picks.  Please leave me suggestions in the comments if you think of anything!!

In the last month, I read Hope's Boy by Andrew Bridge (published in February 2008). This is a true story about a boy (Andrew) born to a single mom. While Hope is not a normal mom and shows signs of mental health issues, she and Andrew seem to share a very strong, loving bond. Well. When Andrew turns 7, Hope is institutionalized and with no one to take him, he is place in the foster care system, where he stays for the next 11 years. Andrew ends up with a family that was in it for the check (which, I'm afraid, happens to too many of our foster children) and turned to his teachers and academics for survival. In the end, Andrew goes to college and becomes a lawyer and dedicates his life to children living in the 'system'.


Meh.


WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? This should have been an inspirational, uplifting book.  But honestly, it was just 'meh' to me. It didn't inspire, it didn't make me cry, I didn't think about it once it was done.  I don't know.  It was fine and easy to read, but not one of those books that grabs you by the throat.  And I think it could have been.  Eh.  2/5.

So here's the problem.  In looking through the bestsellers for something to read, I picked this.  'The Ugly Duchess' by Eloisa James.


...


I don't read thes kinds of books.  Honest.


...


Or, I didn't used to.  ERMAHGERD!!  This book was SO good!  I have now read every single one of her books (obsessive, much?), including, 'The Duke Is Mine', 'When Beauty Tamed the Beast', 'A Kiss at Midnight'...


I know what you are thinking.


Most every book has the same premise - smart, spunk heroine and a charming, worldly duke. I can't help it. I loved them. Each and every one of them. I WILL tell you that I enjoyed the Essex Sisters stories very much.  There are four books in the series (each about one of four orphaned sisters): 'Much Ado About You' which tells the story of Tess, the oldest sister - then 'Kiss Me Annabel' - then 'The Taming of the Duke' - and last, 'Pleasure for Pleasure.'


In all seriousness, I enjoyed these books and would recommend them for a nice, easy, feelgood read.  ALL OF THEM 5/5, but I may no longer be rational as I find myself looking for my lady's maid to help me into my corset in the morning!

Alrighty, then. In an effort to get back on track, I read 'The Academie' by Amy Joy. In response to escalating violence by teenagers/young people (think Columbine), all persons under the age of 23 have to go to a live-in boarding school - the Academie - which is run by the government. Students are not allowed to take personal items, are issued uniforms for school and sleep and are generally not allowed to see their families. They live at the Academie 24/7. Allie is the protagonist. She was just starting college when she was called back to the Academie. Despite working hard and having friends, the Academie is a dismal, militaristic place and Allie gets depressed.  **Spoiler Alert** Stop reading here if you think you might want to read this book because I'm about to ruin it for you. Allie and her friends start noticing unusual things happening and in the end, discover that the Academie is nothing more than a sophisticated computer program.  All of the kids are actually in a medically induced coma, with this computer program simulating a life for them.  At the end of the story, a group of rebels tries to help the kids out of the program because the government has just announced that they will be keeping everyone until they turn 30, rather than 23.  Pretty good.  BUT, it is a series...so stay tuned. 3.5/5.  (What is with all these series?  STAHP. Please. Just. STAHP.)

 

 

Next, I'm going to read 'The Rook by Daniel O'Malley.  We'll see how this one turns out!  It is about a secret agency of spies that track supernatural activity in England (Think Harry Potter-style).  The reviews pretty much unanimously call it interesting and humorous.  We'll see - I'll definitely let you know!!

 

 

Hope everyone has a great Halloween!!  Don't eat too much candy!

 



Or Little Debbie Fall Cakes.  (Ha. Little Debbie FAT cakes.) ERMAHGERD, I lurve them them SO much.

They are completely addictive.  Do NOT start.  Don't even try them.  Or before you know it, you will be in the bed surrounded by a wad of empty wrappers.  I mean, seriously.  What can you do EXCEPT go to bed when you've eaten that many fatcakes?  Trust me, I speak from experience.


Happy Days!!  Bye for now!



Undecideds

Hey, fellow readers!!  What are you reading?  I'm kind of in a rut and need some suggestions.  What would be a good end-of-summer read? 

What have I been up to?  Well, my Walking Friend (WF) and I went to the Farmer's Market yesterday, looking for fresh peaches. O.M.G. I hadn't been to the Farmer's Market here in town. They had some hot peppers that smelled AMAZING.  I stood over by them, sniffing, for so long that I'm sure the lady thought I was going to try to stuff some in my purse.  (Still wish I could think of a reason to buy some).  In any case, Southern Living has an absolutely LOVERLY peach cobbler recipe - it is the real thing, too, made with pie crust and layered with peaches. Yumm-er. And btw, below is a picture of their peach-cinnamon ice cream...just in case...you need to go get some peaches. 

                                      

I'm currently reading 'The Post Birthday World' by Lionel Shriver.  First, Let me say that the first novel of Ms. Shriver's that I read was 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' which was a MINDBLOWER. (And I'm sure I've talked about this book before, so let me go ahead and apologize for what's coming.) WNTTAK was about a family that was decimated when Kevin, the son, killed several of his peers in a school shooting (is shooting the right word? He didn't use a gun, he used a bow and arrow as his weapon). In any case, Eva, Kevin's mother, never was very maternal and actually didn't like Kevin very much. So the question that predominates, did Eva not like Kevin because he was 'evil' or maybe, that something was inherently wrong with him? Or did he become the was he was BECAUSE Eva didn't much like him? Very chilling book that really sticks with you. My book club read this book and almost didn't forgive me for choosing it!! It is disturbing to read, but well written and definitely a novel you will remember.

So then I picked up TPBW.  This book is about the effects of choices that we make in our daily lives. Initially, it was confusing to read, because each chapter is sort of running parallel to the last. I should explain. The book is based on a pivotal moment in the protagonist's (Irina's) life. She is having a birthday dinner with her husband's friend, Ramsey, and a moment comes when she either chooses to kiss him or doesn't. From then on, the chapters alternate, telling the story of what happens if she DOES kiss him (and eventually cheats on her husband) or DOESN'T kiss him.  Very interesting read about how often, in the moment, you don't realize that you are making a decision that can affect the rest of your life. I'm not 100% sure if it works, though. Like I said, it is very confusing (especially if you are not expecting the alternating stories and have to work that out) and it is a very detailed story - you may not want to read that much about what minutiae is going on in Irina's life.  I can't say if I would recommend this or not.  I sort of like it and, like WNTTAK, you will remember this book, but it takes some work to get through. 3 out of 5 stars.

I've also just finished 'Shine Shine Shine' by Lydia Netzer. I read about this one in People magazine, I think.  Really, it's a little strange.  Maxon and Sunny grew up together, married and have been together now for 20 years. Maxon is a gifted NASA (I think) engineer who is chosen to go to the moon with a team in order to colonize the moon with robots.  Sunny is a beautiful surburbonite who has alopecia (is bald...no hair, no eybrows/lashes..), but tries hard to keep up appearances.  They have an autistic son, Bubber, who I think, may be like his Dad (Maxon may be a little autistic, too - in his growing up, they talk a lot about him learning the appropriate emotional responses).  Anyway, while Maxon is on his way to the moon, Sunny has a car accident and her wig flies off - so the neighborhood sees her as she really is for the first time.  That is the catalyst that makes her realize that she's not normal, Maxon's not normal, Bubber's not normal...and that's ok.  It is a very whimsical and unlikely book - liked it - but not really sure of the plot.  The story seemed to be a meandering talke of Sunny and Maxon's life.  Which is ok, and interesting, but it always aggravates me a little when I feel like we're just wandering, not actually going anywhere!!  So.  I'm sorry, I don't know whether to recommend this one or not.  3.5 out of 5 stars.

Awhile back, I read 'Room by Emma Donoghue.  I seems like this book is loosely based on the story of Jaycee Dugard (kidnapped, held captive, had captor's baby). The story is told from the vantage point of five year old Jack who has only ever lived in the 'Room' with his Ma. The story tells of their days - rationing food, bathing, learning, making do with what little they have. Although Jack doesn't really understand, his Ma locks him up safe in the wardrobe when Old Nick comes to visit her. Eventually, they try to escape from their one room prison where Old Nick has been keeping them. This is another one - pretty interesting read, but a little disturbing. I don't know whether to tell you to read it or not!!  3 out of 5 stars.

I would love to hear from you in the comments!!  Please let me know what you are reading and how you are doing!!  I've just gotten the book 'Skippy Dies' by Paul Murray.  We'll see how it is!!

Summer Reading

Hi everyone!!  Hope your summer has been going well - and that you are having good times and keeping cool!

Like the picture?  See, in January, this is how I picture my summer.  Hot, but with a cool breeze...my toes perfectly painted...a lazy bird aimlessly spiraling in the sky above...

Right.  I read entirely too much.  I completely forget about the humidity that makes me sweat the SECOND I step out the door, the HOARDS of mosquitos (see those birds in the picture?  They are not actually birds.  They are Alabama mosquitos.) and the BROILING sun.  Breeze?  What breeze?

HOWEVER, the good news is that I've been reading a lot of new and varied stuff this summer.  One of my favorites was "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn.  Initially this book seems

normal, boring almost.  I was aggravated.  Nick and Amy move from New York to Missouri where they can help with Nick's parents.  Normal marriage stuff, blah blah blah...and then Amy disappears on the day of her 5th wedding anniversary.  It's crazy!!  From what you've read until this point, you could not possibly have any idea about what might have happened.  And you certainly wouldn't suspect Nick!!  But then, the book starts to turn a little darker and the author teasingly reveals just a bit more.  Turns out that Nick is not the handsome good guy that you thought he was, their marriage is not as perfect as you once believed and Amy for SURE isn't the person you think.  And let me tell you...I read so much that I am not easily surprised, but this book knocked me flat on my hiney.  It is completely NOT what you would expect.  Hmmm...I can't decide what I should tell you...so I just won't say anything else.  Needless to say, this one is worth the read.  I would give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

So then I moved on to "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky.  Apparently this novel was originally published in February 1999 by MTV Books (kind of cool, huh?  I didn't know MTV had a book division).  Now, I was excited to read this for two reasons:  it has been made into a movie with Emma Watson (Hermione) and because it is frequently on the American Library Association's list of most frequesntly challenged books.  Meaning people want to keep them out of the library.  So.  I'm nosy.  I'll say it out loud.  I wanted to see what this was all about.  The book is based on letters that the main character, Charlie, is writing to an anonymous person - someone he has never met, but thought he could confide in.  Charlie is a freshman in high school and is shy and awkward.  After one of his friends commits suicide, he makes friends with two seniors, Sam, and her brother Patrick.  The book touches on topics like teen suicide, same sex dating, drug experimentation and burgeoning love.  And through it all, Charlie is very likeable and touching.  Near the end of the year, though, all his friends are set to graduate and Charlie gets very depressed.  Things happen and Charlie's mental state gets worse and he actually has to be checked into a mental hospital - in the hospital, he recalls some memories that he had suppressed from his childhood (which explains a lot about why Charlie is like he is).  I know, I know, it sounds a little depressing, but I promise, throughout, Charlie is very likeable and upbeat.  This book does not leave you feeling bad.  4 out of 5 stars.

In the interest of discussing something a little, ahem, lighter, I read a book that had been on all the best seller lists for ages.  I admit, I don't always like to read best-sellers - I like to read a book BEFORE all the hype.  You know, so I don't have any preconceived notions about what I'm reading.  Well.  I did it.  I finally bought 'Bossypants' by Tina Fey.  It was originally published in April 2011 and was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 5 weeks.  **yawn** Hmm..not impressed.  I actually don't like to have a book stuffed down my throat and I think that's why I never picked this one up.  Mistake.  Yall.  This is a really good, funny, easy read.  It talks some about Tina's life growing up and her college years...then how she made it on SNL...then about 30 Rock...and her family. All in such a funny and humble way.  She is so vibrant and smart and WOW!!  She manages a career and family...it's amazing.  I'm amazed.  And I apologize, Ms. Fey, for not picking this up sooner.  4.5 out of 5 stars.

I think I have a tendency to write only about the books I really like on this blog (because I'm so excited and want so much to share them with you!!, but in my next post, I'm going to include some novels I'm not sure about.  In fact, I just finished one that I can't tell ya if I liked it or not.

See yall soon!!!  Keep cool....fall is coming....in about....4 months...







Raining in Auburn today...

A great day for reading and relaxing before Monday comes (ugh)! What have you all been reading?  Did you find time to read the "Fifty Shades' series?  If you havent, you definitely need to - there was a shortage of the books at the end of March, but I've seen them back at the bookstores and on the ebook-reader lists for sale.  Like I said in my previous post about "Fifty", definitely an interesting story and not at all demeaning to women (which I was very afraid of, given the subject matter).  I did finish all three of the 'Fifty Shades' books, but I've also been doing a lot of other reading - my excuse for being absent for so long!!  (got distracted!)

Just finished "Defending Jacob" by William Landay.  Definitely a must-read!!  Now, as you know, I'm not really much for crime or mystery novels, but this was a good one!!  The premise of the story is that Andy, who is a prosecuter, is working a case, and his son, Jacob becomes a suspect.  A 14 year old boy is murdered on the way to school and initially, there is some thought that a convicted pedophile living nearby might have been involved in the murder.  In the end, Jacob goes to trial for the murder of his classmate - and I won't tell you what happens, but the ending is shocking and thrilling - the not knowing if Jacob is a child murderer or also an innocent victim.  Interestingly, there is discussion of a 'murder' gene in this book.  Think about it - children inherit all kinds of things from their parents - being athletic or musically inclined, etc.  Do they inherit bad things as well?  Andy's father and grandfather are both convicted murderers - so the question becomes, did Jacob inherit the 'murder' gene?  He did, but does this gene cause a predisposition to being a murderer??  Very good book - leaves you with a kind of creepy feeling at the end though! 

I also finished 'Rage' by Julie Anne Peters.  This is a teen book (I know, I know) that raises very interesting questions about teenage relationships.  The main character, Johanna, is in a relationship with Reeve, who is a very dark and disturbed young woman.  Reeve's home life is not good, and we don't find a lot out about it until the end of the book when a terrible tragedy befalls Reeve and her family.  Anyway, the focus of the story is the relationship with Johanna and Reeve, which is abusive, Johanna being very passive and Reeve very angry.  The question that this book raises is that a lot of what goes on (the aggressiveness of Reeve, the bruises she leaves on Johanna) is largely ignored.  I'm telling you, if this was a typical boy-girl relationship, this type of behavior never would have been tolerated, but when it is a girl-girl relationship, it seems that no one really knows what to do.  I enjoyed this book because it really took me outside my comfort zone and made me think!!

On another note, the teenage banana has graduated and will be moving on to college!  BAWWWW!  Kidding, kidding.  Sort of.  It is crazy because you have this journey from birth to 18 with your kids and when they FINALLY graduate, you are simultaneously going 'whew, we made it!' and 'OH NO!! Wait!!  I'm not ready!!  I still have stuff I need to teach him!!'.  So to the TB's future wife, sorry, graduation really snuck up on me!!

Ok-hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and read something good!!





Monday

Hey yall!  How was your Monday?  Mine was rough.  I love my job, but Mondays KILL me.  Why is that?  I've always wondered what it would be like to be a writer and work from home?  BAD!  That's how it would be.  Seriously.  I would probably NEVER get out of my pajama pants.  And would I ever do my hair??  Would I ever be presentable for public viewing again?  I mean, I want to think that I would be fabulously productive and have a cleaning schedule and be in the process of doing fabulous crafty things (you know?  all those amazing things you see on Pinterest?  That would totally be what I would be doing. Although, those things would probably involve multiple 2 hour trips to Hobby Lobby and Walmart for supplies, thus making my cleaning/productivity schedule a FARCE.)

So.  Anyway.  Books.  One of the fun things about Kindle are the Kindle short stories.  One that I read recently was 'Rules for Virgins' by Amy Tan.

I really enjoy pretty much anything by Amy Tan (author of 'Joy Luck Club' and 'Bonesetter's Daughter) and this was no exception.  'Rules for Virgins' is sort of a monologue by a veteran courtesan, Magic Gourd, to a young girl, Violet.  The story is MG giving Violet advice about how to be a more-than-ordinary geisha.  As you know (especially if you've read 'Memoirs of a Geisha' by Arthur Golden), being a geisha is not just about sex.  It is about singing and storytelling and entertaining.  There is the piece about selling one's virginity to the highest bidder - but it is more about making the most of beauty and talent in order to find a good husband.  Who new there were so many rules?  AND, the young girls have to pay back their 'house' for their training, food, clothes and makeup.  The only hope they have of ever getting out of debt is to find a rich husband/boyfriend.  And the competition is fierce.  That is what Violet is working toward - becoming one of the 'Top Ten Beauties of Shanghai'.  I think you would enjoy this - very different, engrossing and quick read!  If you are interested in reading something else (maybe something longer - RFV left me wanting more) by Tan (who is definitely an author of the highest order, especially in relating the feel of an ancient culture), try 'Bonesetter's Daughter'.

                                                                                                                   The story is about Ruth, a Chinese-American woman, and her mother Lu Ling, who maybe developing dementia.  Ruth finds a story written by Lu Ling about her life in China.  It is SO interesting!!  Lu Ling was raised by a mute, burned nursemaid, Precious Auntie.  Going further back, we find that PA's father was a bonesetter (like a healer) who knows where to find 'dragon bones' (very valuable for healing purposes).  The story is gripping, and the reader learns about Precious Auntie's early life and the tragedies that follow, Lu Ling's life and marriage and how that ties back to Ruth.  It is truly and enjoyable read.

On to other news in books - Jodi Picoult has a new book out entitled 'Lone Wolf'.  She is one of my favs!  Hoping to read that one soon.  Okay, yall, Monday is over - we made it through another one!!  Talk laters.

Long time no see!!

Hi everyone!  Hope you are all doing great!  I'm sorry I've been away for so long - I'll try to remedy that.  I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas and am trying to make the change over to electronic reading.  Actually, to be honest, so far I love my Kindle.  I can get so many more books than I could when buying hard copies, but I sort of miss browsing through my books and flipping pages.  Just a creature of habit, I guess.  Anyway, let's catch up.  I recently picked up 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green.  Let me preface this review by saying that it is another one of my teen books, but this was an absolute joy to read.  The main character, Hazel, has terminal cancer (although her most recent treatment did buy her some time).  While at a cancer support group, she meets a boy, Augustus, who had cancer, but is effectively cured.  Now, I admit, this sounds like kind of a downer, but it was such a joy to read.  The dialogue is smart and funny - and I am a sucker for smart writing - Hazel and Augustus are eminently likeable.  The story will draw you in and before you know it, you've finished the book.  It didn't end the way I thought it might, but I liked it and it really tugged at my heartstrings.  Of all the books I've picked up lately, this is the one I would tell you to read. 

Now.  There's another book that I am currently reading (haven't finished it yet) that has been getting some press.  The title is 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.  Apparently it is very popular among ladies who lunch.  Now, I don't think anyone would ever mistake me for a lady that lunches, but I'm nosy as heck.  So I downloaded it.

Girls, it is crazy good.  BUT, you sould be warned that it is about a couple that plays Dom/Sub.  I guess that's why it has been in the news - it is a bit controversial.  The main character, Christian Grey, is a young, wealthy businessman who has entered into a relationship with a young woman, Ana, who has just graduated from college.  Christian introduces her to the Dom/Sub lifestyle.  (There are lots of rules and stuff.  Who knew?)  Anyway, it is not just the juicy stuff - Christian is a bit of a mystery and Ana is a bit hardheaded - all of it together makes for a great read.  I can understand some of the uproar surrounding the book (a lot of commenters were saying that it is bad for women, etc.) but I don't really find it degrading to Ana or to women in general.  Just a good, juicy, interesting read.  Be warned, though, I think it is...(wait for it)...a TRILOGY.  So be prepared.

Okay, I'm going to run for now - Ghost Adventures is on.  I'll be back soon - promise!!  Write and let me know what you've been reading, or if you have any new recommendations for me!!