Michelle's Reading Room

Reading Lolita in Tehran

2010-01-15T10:53:00.003-07:00

Title: Reading Lolita in Tehran
Author: Azar Nafisi
Pages: 347
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 2.5/5

From the Back Cover:
"Every Thursday morning for two years in the Islamic Republic of Iran, a bold and inspired teacher named Azar Nafisi secretly gathered seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western classics. As Islamic morality squads staged arbitrary raids in Tehran, fundamentalists seized hold of the universities, and a blind censor stifled artistic expression, the girls in Azar Nafisi's living room risked removing their veils and immersed themselves in the worlds of Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henry James, and Vladimir Nabokov. In this extraordinary memoir, their stories become intertwined with the ones they are reading."

While I did not HATE this book, I found myself struggling to immerse myself into it. It did not flow easily for me. The first section talks about the secret meetings in the authors home, but then not again until the very end. The middle seemed to be a whole different story all together and I found myself forgetting the characters by the final section.

That being said, I found the words very informative, and really got to capture the novels discussed in a new way that I have never thought of before. I have never read anything by Henry James or Vladimir Nabokov, but maybe someday. Lolita sounds very intriguing to me. I also learned a lot about the Islamic Republic that I never knew before. (I understand that what is in the novel is the perception of the author and nothing else.)

I am glad that I read this novel because of the things I learned and the thoughts and feelings it inspired in me. Maybe I should rethink the rating to a little higher, but as of right now, I still feel glad to be done reading it. I don't like feeling like that at the end of a book.... Maybe that is just me.

The Book Thief

2010-01-13T11:04:00.003-07:00

Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Pages: 550
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5/5

****Some facts about The Book Thief****
-Historical Fiction
-Death as a Narrator
-Set in Nazi Germany during the 1930's-1940's
-Liesel Meminger steals her first novel at the Graveside of her brother

The Book Thief is a novel that will stay with you for a while. Once you are done reading, you will find yourself thinking about the words for a while. The story is a great one, and is a little different that most I have read. Yes, it is told by Death, and Deaths perception of war, but it also follows the life of a girl. No, she is not Jewish, she is German. You become more aware of how children lived during the Nazi regime, and the things they liked, disliked, the struggles, and the way of life for them during that time.

The story also focuses on the power of words. How they can affect each individual, and ultimately how they can influence a nation.

The book is beautifully written, with ease, and intrigue. You find yourself indulged in a rich story, and definitely love the characters involved. I finished the book with a lot to think about, and I know this story will stick with me for some time.

After some soul searching, I found my purpose...

2010-01-13T10:40:00.003-07:00

I have been on some sort of hiatus. Not sure where all my motivation went, but I am glad I have found it again. I believe that I became a little overwhelmed with some reading challenges, and found myself reading some things that I just had no interest in.

I find that for myself, to keep me motivated, I need to be reading what piques my interest, and what fits my fancy. I learned that I am not a huge fan on memoirs, while I find them to be very informative, it feels like I am reading text books. I will try to minimize the number of them that I read. I am not a HUGE fan of *gasp* classics. While I find the stories good for the most part, I struggle with the language. Tess of the D'Urbervilles to name one. It takes me a long time to read, and I like to be able to sail through a book. It feels like I take more away from the novel if I don't have to read and re-read.

What I really love to read is Fiction. I love a good, rich, story. Historical Fiction I would say is my favorite. I love to read about WWII. If there are any of you that have some great ideas for me to read, please share!!

Japanese Literature Challenge 3

2009-08-15T12:26:00.003-06:00

Isn't that a beautiful picture? I couldn't deny myself this challenge, because I love Japanese Literature so much! Dolce Bellezza is hosting the challenge and for the official rules and time click here.

I only have two books on my list thus far, but I hope to have more to follow.

1. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

2. Eat, Sleep, Sit by Kaoru Nonomura

R.I.P. Challenge IV

2009-08-15T12:02:00.004-06:00

Yay! I have been looking forward to this challenge for some time now. To see the official rules and to sign up, click on the link here.

For this particular challenge, I am joining in on Peril the First. I will be reading four books. They are as follows:

1. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

3. The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe

4. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Firefly Lane

2009-08-13T14:50:00.003-06:00

Title: Firefly Lane
Author: Kristin Hannah
Pages: 479
Genre: Fiction, Chick-Lit
Rating: 4/5

I know, I know! I have been totally MIA lately, and have been lacking in the review department. I have been reading though. I read the whole Twilight series, which I have chosen NOT to review.

I have been really sick and tired and BUSY, but now that my energy is back, I am back in the full swing of things, and ready to be reviewing the books that I have read, and need to get my butt in gear to reach my 100 books in 2009 reading goal! I am no where near that!

Now to the review:

Firefly Lane follows the lives of two girls, Tully and Kate, who meet while in eighth-grade. They could not be more opposite. Tully lives with her grandmother most of the time, but occasionally, she lives with her flaky mother, Cloud, who is a hippie and cares more about drugs than her own daughter. Kate is an introvert, who is a little socially awkward, and lives with her perfectly normal family. They meet when Tully moves in across the street from Kate. The friendship starts off by happenstance, but they quickly develop a trust in each other.

Through the 70's until present day, we follow Tully and Kate through their lives struggles and triumphs. Marriages and relationships, and everything in between.

The story is very endearing and reminded me of the relationship between my best friend and myself. I cried like a baby, but I am sure it is the influx of hormones in my body right now, but I loved the book. I recommend this book especially when one can relate to a close relationship like having a lifelong best friend.

Review: Tess of the D'Urbervilles

2009-07-13T11:31:00.003-06:00

Title: Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Author: Thomas Hardy
Genre: Tragedy/Fiction/Classic
Rating: 4/5

Tess of the D'Urbervilles. Where to start? Tess is a classic novel written by Thomas Hardy in 1891. The story is set in England where Tess Durbeyfield and her family are living a simple life, until one day her father discovers that they are of a noble name D'Urberville. Tess goes to live with the D'Urbervilles to help out and claim some of the benefits of this noble name. The son of the Mrs, D'Urberville, Alec, loves Tess. After some unfortunate events, Tess moves back home for a few years.

Tess finds that she can no longer just stay at home, so she finds herself working as a dairy maid and meets the love of her life, Angle Clare. They eventually get married but quickly stumble along quite a few road blocks.

I can not say anymore. You must read this book. It is full of love, turmoil, heartache, and surprise in ways you would never think. I loved this book. I have to admit that the words were a little difficult for me at first, as I was unfamiliar with English Classic Literature, but once you get in the groove, you cannot put this down. READ IT!!!

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

I apoligize for a somewhat lame review. I really have no idea how to review this book in a way that does it any justice. I promise you this will become a favorite if you just read it!~

Review: The Life of Pi

2009-06-01T13:58:00.004-06:00

Title: The Life of Pi

Author: Yann Martel

Pages: 325

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3/5

The Life of Pi is a story of a boy who is moving to Canada from India with his family. They are going by boat because they have to deliver some animals along the way from the zoo they owned in India. While they are at sea, the cargo boat sinks and everyone aboard unfortunately does not make it except for Pi. He finds himself on a life boat with a tiger, zebra, hyena, and orangutan. After so long the only two who are left is Pi and the tiger, Richard Parker. Pi is at sea for 7 months before finally reaching land in Mexico. The majority of the novel talks of his journey at sea with just himself and Richard Parker.

Before you even get to the story of the journey at sea, Pi talks about his religious beliefs. He practices Christianity, Hinduism, and Muslim. In a way I appreciate that part of the book because there are many great things in all religions not just one. He also relates the zoo to religion. I don't have the book anymore so I cannot take a direct quote, but to summarize and to tell you my take on what was meant is this. The animals in the zoo are kept in cages, or restricted if you will, but also they get the best of what life has to offer. A meal (spiritual fulfillment), a clean home (peace of mind), someone looking after them (God). Zoo's are at time protested against because the animals are not "free to live their own lives" and so the same for religious believers; not "free to live their own lives". I found the first section to be very thought provoking and delicious.

When the second part of the book starts, I enjoyed reading but my love turned to just like. I am sure the story goes a lot deeper than I can see, but it seemed to be very long. I felt like it was going on forever. I also thought that for someone who is so religious, I did not hear much of God, and he did not mention too much about him praying and relying on a Higher Power. I thought that to be just a little odd, especially because he was so religious before the ship sank. Why would he, at the darkest part of his life, not have God be a bigger part of the story?

All in all, I enjoyed the book. I gave it 3 out of 5.

Review & GIVEAWAY: The Mighty Queens of Freeville

2009-04-25T15:49:00.004-06:00

Title: The Mighty Queens of Freeville
Author: Amy Dickenson
Pages: 244
Genre: Memoir
Rating: 3.5/5

The Mighty Queens of Freeville is written by Amy Dickenson who is the advice columnist who took the place of Dear Abby, after Abby's passing. This memoir chronicles her life and how she got to be where she is today.

When Amy had a small daughter, her husband left her. She was living in London at the time, so she packed up and moved back to her home in Freeville, NY. She tells of her family and how it consists of strong women. All the men have left. The story had a feeling of Steel Magnolias meets The Secret Life of Bee's. There are so many good things about the book, good quotes, good life lessons, stories of the power of women (go us!), and also some struggles and loneliness along the way.

At times the story seemed a little redundant, but that feeling quickly passes. This was a very easy read, quick to get through, lighthearted, and pleasant. I overall enjoyed the reading. It was a nice change from Tess of the D'Ubervilles. (Did anyone else find that one hard to read, or is it just me?) This book is a great choice for a Read-A-Thon (hint, hint) which means that I will be giving it away!!!!

I won this book from Jessica, again THANK YOU! and now I will be passing this along to someone else! All you need to do to enter is...
1. Tell me about an influential woman in your life.

2. Email address please!!!

I will have a winner May 1st
****************************************************************************
Also reviewed by:

Laura @ReadingReflections
Jessica @Bluestocking Societ y
Bermudaonion
Word Lily

Read-A-Thon 2009

2009-04-20T10:20:00.002-06:00

Yes, I know I am a little late with posting this. The Read-A-Thon (RAT) was a great success! I want to give a HUGE thank you to Trish, Hannah, and Nymeth. They organized everything so well. I know I am not alone in saying this, but this RAT was so much fun this year. All of this would not have been possible if not for the lovely ladies mentioned above. I was unable to participate as a reader this year, but I tried to cheer as much as I could. I really appreciated reading all of the updates and the silly video's here, and here.

I am really looking forward to the next go around. I will participate as an "official cheerleader" next time instead of just doing it all on my own.

Review: The Kite Runner

2009-04-04T20:14:00.004-06:00

Title: The Kite Runner
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Pages: 371
Genre:Historical Fiction
Rating: 4.5/5

This book was such an easy read, because I was always interested in the story line. There was always something that kept my attention and interest. Amir is the main character of the story and we follow him as he grows up in Afghanistan with his servant's son Hassan as his "best friend". They spend all of their days together, but in a way Amir is quietly ashamed to be friends with a Hazara/Servant. Then one day something happens that changes their relationship, and because of Amir's disloyalty to Hassan, he is too ashamed and haunted by what has happened. Amir tries everything he can to get rid of them but his father is too attached to Hassan and his father to let them go. Eventually, Amir and his father need to flee to America because of the government unrest. The story spans about 25 years total of Amir's life.

This book is a great story of life lessons. There is a couple of great quotes and I am a sucker for quotes!

"...lifting him from the certainty of turmoil and dropping him in a turmoil of uncertainty."

"I wondered if that was how forgiveness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."

I loved this book for a couple of reasons. First, I thought I could predict how the storyline would flow and was thrown off every single time. Also, I know nothing of Afghanistan and the cultures there. This book inspires me to want to learn all I can about this country, the history, the culture, the people, the government, everything. Another thing I really loved about this book is you get to see how this character has developed over the span of his life. You see how he grows, matures, realizes what is important, and who really matters in the end. Such a great read.

Winter Reading Challenge: WRAP-UP

2009-03-17T18:05:00.003-06:00

Robin of My Two Blessings hosted the Winter Reading Challenge. It officially ends on March 20. Originally, I had nine books on my list. However, I only read 7. Two of the books, I was unable to obtain, so here we are.

The books I read are:

1- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

2- A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

3- We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver

4- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

5- Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, and 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell

6- America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines by Gail Collins

7- White Oleander by Janet Fitch

I would have to say that my absolute favorite book was The Art of Racing in the Rain. I loved Enzo. I loved the story, I laughed and cried, and fell in love with this novel. Definitely my top choice for the year.

My least favorite was A Million Little Pieces. If you read my review, you will know why.

The two I could never find, and am really bummed I couldn't were; 31 Songs by Nick Hornby and Austenland by Shannon Hale. They are still on the TBR pile, so hopefully I can get to those soon...

Thanks Robin for hosting this challenge. You are the Hostess with the Mostest!

Review: America's Women: 400 years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Heroines

2009-03-17T17:38:00.003-06:00

Title: America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Heroines
Author: Gail Collins
Pages: 608
Genre: History
Rating: 4/5

This book is not something that I normally read. I usually prefer fiction, but I love History, and this book is full of it. I read a review of this a while back and thought that it looked really interesting.

The book teaches about the history of women. From the very first recorded woman to be born in America (Virginia Dare), to present day. It tells of how women have evolved in labor, fashion, to their roll in the home. Their triumphs, and failures. There is a lot to learn from this book. Most of the information, I never knew and a lot that I have forgotten about (Pocahontas).

One thing I learned about in this book is a woman names Sarah Josepha Hale. She wrote "Mary Had a Little Lamb". She was also the very first woman editor for the very first women's fashion magazine. When her husband died, she was 40 and pregnant with her seventh child. From the day he died to the day she died (another 54 years!) she wore black every day to mourn the loss of her husband.

This book is full of interesting tid bits all through the evolution of women. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is very interesting, very well written, and full of great history. Although there is a little more than 600 pages, the reading moves very quickly.

Review: A Million Little Pieces

2009-03-16T15:00:00.003-06:00

I hated reading this book, read about 100 pages. Couldn't make myself read the rest. The writing is terrible, the language terrible, the story embellished and insincere. Wouldn't even donate and put into anyone else's hands...

Review: Julie & Julia

2009-03-16T13:09:00.005-06:00

Title: Julie & Julia: 365 days, 524 recipes, 1 tiny apartment
Author: Julie Powell
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 320
Rating 3.5/5

Julie is on the brink of turning thirty. She hates her job, not sure if she is able to have children, and needs something to give her more fulfillment. While visiting her mother, she stumbles upon her mothers old copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking (MtAoFC) by Julia Child.

She is attempting to make all 524 recipes including brains, kidneys, and all. She tells of her triumphs, failures, and frustrations. She journals everything on her blog, and becomes quite successful and popular (hence, the book).

Julie is spunky, sassy, and a little self-absorbed. She has endearing qualities that I liked in Bridget Jones. She can be a little crass at times, but overall an easy, witty read. I thought the very idea of her "project" very creative.

There is a movie with Meryl Streep playing Julia Child and Amy Adams playing Julie Powell. I wonder how it will be.....

Couldn't find a trailer for it quite yet. :(

Midweek Morsels

2009-03-04T11:46:00.006-07:00

This week, I tried a new food. Eggplant. I have always been intimidated by this purple, squash like vegetable. However, when eating low-cab, one must be creative. I tried this recipe the other night for dinner, and thought it was so delicious. So try, and enjoy!

Cheese-Stuffed Eggplant

2 eggplants
1 red onion, chopped
3 Tbsp. butter
3 C. crumbled feta cheese
1/2 C. grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 C Ricotta Cheese
1 egg
Season Salt

Preheat oven to 350 F. Slice eggplants in half lengthwise. Scoop out center with a spoon, chop and set aside. Reserve the shells. Saute onions in butter until golden. Add eggplant pulp. This will seem like a lot but the pulp with cook down. Saute for about five minutes. Transfer mixture into a bowl and cool. Add cheeses to mixture. Beat in egg. Stuff mixture into eggplant shell and top with season salt. Bake for 40 minutes.

Midweek Morsels: Desserts

2009-02-25T16:09:00.003-07:00

Root Beer Ice Cream

Well, as many of you all know, today is lent. Starting today, I am giving up Carbohydrates. So after this recipe, most of what you will get is carb-free. This recipe is SO good. I got this from my Mother. Every summer she is always making homemade ice cream. My favorite is this root beer flavor. You can easily purchase an ice cream maker fairly inexpensively at Target, Wal-Mart, or here.

2 eggs beaten
2 Cups Sugar
1 Quart Half & Half
1 Quart Whipping Cream
1 Quart Milk
2 Tbsp plus 1-1/2 tsp. Root beer extract
1 tsp. Vanilla (or imitation vanilla is fine.)

In Ice Cream freezer, combine all ingredients and freeze.

See how easy that is? Try it! I promise it is sure to please those buds on your tongue.....

Classics Challenge

2009-02-23T08:20:00.006-07:00

Another challenge?! YUP. I know I said that I would not join another challenge anytime soon until I get my TBR list down considerably, but this one I have been waiting for. Plus, my beautiful cousin Trish is hosting this one. To sign up, go here!

For this challenge, I am just going to snack. For the snacking, I am to choose just four classics, and one bonus.

Here is my list:

1- Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
2- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
3- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
4- The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
BONUS** Life of Pi by Yann Martel

This is usually out of my comfort zone, so the list is small, but I really want to venture into something different for me. I am really excited to start but know I have to wait for April 1.

Midweek Morsels: Casserole

2009-02-18T11:44:00.003-07:00

This weeks theme for Midweek Morsels is...... CASSEROLES! Good thing for everyone, I grew up in Utah with a family of count them... nine. So casseroles are not a problem.... Here is my favorite one, Chicken and Rice Casserole. If we are not careful, Houston and I can eat the whole pan in one sitting. I told you, I love to eat! Try and enjoy!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

2 chicken breasts
2 Cans of Cream of Chicken Soup
2 Can of Milk
1 Stick of Butter
2 Cups uncooked Rice (not instant)
1/2 C Parmesan cheese

Heat soup, milk, butter and stir in Rice. Pour into a 9x13 pan with cooked chicken*. Put cheese on top. Cover with foil. Cook at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.

*After chicken is boiled, you can either cut into chunks, shred with fork (my preference) or omit all together. Your preference.

ENJOY!

Midweek Morsels

2009-02-11T13:22:00.003-07:00

I love sweets, love the spicy, love the fatty, and even sometimes love the healthy. All in all, I just really love to eat.

I have been trying to ponder about how I can spice up my reading blog. Reveiws are always nice but sometimes, it is nice to just get a taste of something different, you know? Anyway, I came across Kristina's Blog, I was inspired by this weekly event called Midweek Morsels. Here, you are supposed to share some recipes and etc, but if you know me, you know I do not have a flair for cooking, but I do have a flair for eating out! So, here we are midweek, and I would love to share with all of you, my midweek morsel.

Kristina inspired the genre of comfort food. It did snow in Denver yesterday (you would never know by the weather today though) so Houston and I ventured out to Federal Blvd to our favorite comfort food joint Pho Duiy.

Pho (pronounced FUH) is a vietnamese soup. It contains rice noodles, thinly sliced rare steak, broth seasoned with cinnamon, star anise, ginger, cloves, and a beef flavor. You will garnish this dish with hoisin sauce, Sriracha, sprouts, cilantro, lime, jalapeno, and basil. Click on the link above (pho) and you can read more about this delicious dish.

I encourage all to go to their local asian marketplaces, and I am sure that you will find a Pho place to eat nearby. I am telling you this dish will change your life for the better.

Maybe next week I will have a great recipe for all to try, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2009-02-11T12:31:00.009-07:00

Title: The Art of Racing in the Rain
Author: Garth Stein
Pages: 321
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.5/5

Let me first say that I LOVED THIS BOOK! I cannot say enough good things about it. I myself am a dog lover. I have three dogs, and reading this book added a little extra love in my heart for them.

The book is narrated by a dog, Enzo. He tells the story of his life, through his eyes and wisdom. Have tissues handy. It is not a sad, depressing, story, but a tender and endearing one. You will fall in love with Enzo and before you know it, you have read all 321 pages of the book. I don't want to say too much about the plot, but I guarantee you will love it!

The book is full of great thought provoking quotes. One of my favorites is on page314:

"I know this much about racing in the rain. I know it is about balance. It is about anticipation and patience... [it is also] about the mind! It is about owning one's body... It is about believing that you are not you; you are everything. And everything is you."

That is all I have. Here are my babies!

Ginger. She is a Japanese Chin. She is sweet and loving.

Grace. Another Japanese Chin. She is spunky and naughty.

And finally Duke. A Corgi. He is obedient, gentle, and kind.

Random...

2009-02-08T15:27:00.002-07:00

Robin at My Two Blessings listed her Weekly Geeks Post about judging a book by its cover. Her post is about War and Peace. I am a huge Seinfeld fan, and the most recent episode I saw was where Elaine is talking to an author, possibly to become his editor about the book War and Peace. Jerry told her as a joke that the original title of the book was War, What is it Good for? She didn't know that What is it good for? by the band WAR was a song! HAHA! So she is telling this author about that and looks like a complete fool! Anyway, random dumb humor!

We Need to Talk About Kevin

2009-02-04T18:01:00.009-07:00

Title: We Need to Talk about Kevin
Author: Lionel Shriver
Pages: 500
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.5/5

I absolutely loved this book. The book re-inspires the age old question: Nature vs. Nurture?
I was first drawn to this novel because of some reviews I read which I will link to at the bottom of this post, and secondly because I have this weird fascination for the psyche of people who murder.

The book was very creatively written. Eva is writing the book in first person through letters to her husband trying to figure out the reasons for her sons' mass murder on his schoolmates. She admits to having never connecting to her son even from the womb. She never wanted to get pregnant, and from the moment she found out, she felt as though her life was over, hence the nature v. nurture.

Can I go off on a tangent here? I have in no way done any scientific research, but have a person in my life who was adopted; let's call him Timmy. When Timmy was a little boy, before he ever knew he was adopted, he would ask his adoptive mother why he felt like no body wanted him around. A child of five. How could a child of five ever even think that he was not wanted unless it stems from the womb? Just something to think about....

Now back on task. The first couple hundred pages were very long and slow moving for me to get through. She uses a lot of big words, and although I could understand them, it took some time for me to flow through the pages. They were all mostly recaps of Kevin's life as a child. How Eva would react and interact with him, and why she feels he turned out to be such a vengeful person at only 16. The last 150 pages or so for me, just flew by. I couldn't put the book down. I really felt for the characters involved and even developed an understanding for Kevin.

Again, I really loved this novel, and would recommend to anyone. I will keep on the shelves to read again. I do have an extra copy if anyone is interested. Just let me know!

Cares Online Bookclub
The Bluestocking Society
The Hidden Side of a Leaf

If there are any others let me know. I would love to link.

HELP!

2009-01-28T10:00:00.004-07:00

What is wrong with me lately? I am reading a great book, We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver. I am really liking the book, but I have been reading this same one for almost a month. I just can't seem to read any more than a page or two at a time. Then I start to feel guilty about the house being a mess, the laundry not being done, I just can't seem to sit down and relax to a good book. I don't know what this is about. I have never had this happen before. I am falling way behind in my reading challenges, and can't seem to shake it. Now what?!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

2009-01-25T18:35:00.009-07:00

Title: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Author: John Boyne

Pages: 216

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 2.5/5

Bruno is a nine year old boy that moves with his family from Berlin to Auswitz (Out-With according to Bruno.) He is so upset to leave his five story home and his three best friends. His new home is only three stories, and there is no one to play with. One day while Bruno is exploring, he comes across a boy his same age on the other side of the fence. He is so excited to have a new friend. They meet in the same place every day. Bruno, because he loves exploring and wants to help his friend out, wants to see what the other side of the fence is like. He is sure that it is so much better than where he is living. Finally he has the oppurtunity to go to the other side.

I am not really sure where to start with the review of this book. WWII is something that I am so fascinated with and I love reading and learning about it. To begin, the author has a fantastic idea for the novel. There are so many underlying messages. I loved the way the author was able to bring an innocence to what was taking place at this concentration camp. It provides another view to what happened. It was a terrible tragedy for most of Europe.

The reading was very simple and very quick. The book is located in the YA section, and I could have read in one sitting.

I felt as though there was no closure. I was left wanting more. I think that the author could have elaborated a lot more to the story. Like I said earlier, I love the idea of this story, but was expecting a lot more than what was given. This could have been a great rough draft, and I would have loved to have read something with more depth. All in all, I did like the story.

I still have not seen the movie, but am going to this week. I am looking forward to see how they make that adaptation.

Tag: Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

2009-01-17T09:36:00.003-07:00

Beth at Beth Fish Reads has a great meme called "I have been lazy, hence I make excuses". We are supposed to list the excuses we make when there is just no reason to not read. Here are mine:
1- Emmory, my daughter, is now scooting around so I have to keep one eye on her at all times.
2- Cleaning the house and getting life back in order after holiday parties and visitors has taken me FOREVER.
3- Plain and simple lack of motivation!
4- Need to spend "quality time" with SO.
5- Pure laziness.

Are you there too? Consider yourself tagged!

White Oleander

2008-12-31T15:55:00.003-07:00

Title: White Oleander

Author: Janet Fitch

Pages: 446

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3/5

"Oleander time," she said. "Lovers who kill each other now will blame it on the wind."

Ingird Magnussen is sent to prison for murder and has left behind her daughter, Astrid to be sent into foster care. The story tells of the different foster homes Astrid finds herself in. The different worlds, the different rules, and different lessons.

Throughout the book and through the different families Astird belongs to, one thing is constant. Leaving. While reading this novel, I really felt for Astrid and the absence of love that she so desperately craved. She experienced so many different types of pain and hell. She often felt disconnected with society.

" To them, pain was a country they had heard of, maybe watched a show about on TV, but one whose stamp had not yet been made in their passports. where could I find a place where my world connected to theirs?"

The message I think the author is trying to convey in this novel is that we all live completely different worlds. Different struggles, different wars, even different joys. What a better way to convey that than someone in foster care. I think that the author was successful in portraying this message. The only thing I would have liked to see a little different, is that not every home is hell. Not every family is so destructive. There is goodness out there and that was never shown in the story. It was quite jaded in that way.

At the end of the book after all Astrid has gone through, she still yearns for a life with her mother. It is a great story with great character development with both Astrid and Ingrid. There is a great ending to a great story, and one that will leave me thinking differently about those around me.

A-Z Challenge

2008-12-27T11:26:00.008-07:00

The last challenge I am going to embark upon in 2009 is the A-Z Challenge. There are a couple of different angles you can choose from. The one that I am choosing is every letter of the alphabet read a novel that is set in the corresponding country. For a list of official rules and to sign up, click here. Here is my list:

A- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseinni setting in Afghanistan

B- Blood of the Wicked by Leighton Gage setting in Brazil

C- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See setting in China

D- In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez setting in Dominican Republic

E-Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy set in England

F- The Mighty Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickenson setting in Freeville, NY

G- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak setting in Germany

H- Tai-Pan by James Clavell setting in Hong Kong

I- The Four Seasons by Laurel Corona setting in Italy

J- Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson setting in Japan

K- War and Revenge by Tim Judah setting in Kosovo

L- The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb setting in Littleton, CO

M- Mexico by James A. Mechener setting in Mexico

N- The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life throughout the Pages of a Lost Journal by Lily Koppel setting in New York

O-Life of Pi by Yann Martel setting in the Ocean

P- Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson setting in Pakistan

Q- Dead Cold by Louise Penny setting in Quebec, Canada

R- Hunger by Elise Blackwell setting in Russia

S- The Heteric's Daughter by Kathleen Kent setting in Salem, Massachusetts

T- Kingdom of Make Believe by Dean Barrett setting in Thailand

U- Charolette's Rose by A. E. Cannon setting in Utah

V- The Piano Teacher by Elfreide Jelinke setting in Vienna, Austria

W- Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah setting in Washington

X- TO BE DETERMINED

Y- Motoring with Mohammad by Eric Hansen setting in Yemen

Z- Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter by J. Nozipo Maraire author from Zimbabwe

Winter Reading Challenge

2008-12-21T16:38:00.011-07:00

MY Two Blessings is hosting the Winter Reading Challenge. The challenge starts today and goes through March 20, 2009. The rules are simple. Any number of books, any type of book, and the books can crossover to any other challenge. I love these types of challenges because I can read whatever, and my mind changes as time goes on. Follow the link here to find the official sign up.

Here is the list of my books:

1- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

2- A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

3- 31 Songs by Nick Hornby

4- We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

5- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

6- Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell

7- America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines by Gail Collins

8- Austenland by Shannon Hale

9- White Oleander by Janet Fitch (part of another challenge too)

That is nine books in 13 weeks. That means I have to read one book every 1.4 weeks. Shouldn't be too hard.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I've gone to the Dark Side

2008-12-18T10:31:00.003-07:00

I don't usually like these things, but I saw this one floating around and decided to go for it!

The things I have done are in BOLD.

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo( trust me it was not a pretty sight, I can't sing!)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community (Bird in Hand, Pennsylvania)
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Have enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. started my own business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial (my favorite is at night)
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for cooking
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

100+ Reading Challenge

2008-12-10T10:33:00.014-07:00

This challenge should be easy enough. All you have to do is read 100 books in 2009. I will be adding to my list as I go. For a list of the official rules link here. As I read, I will be linking up the titles and reviews here. Happy Reading!!

1- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

2- We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
3- The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
4- Julie & Julia: 365 days, 524 recipes and 1 tiny apartment kitchen by Julie Powell

5- America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines by Gail Collins
6- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
7- The Mighty Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickenson

8- The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
9- Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
10- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
11- New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
12- Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
13- Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
14- Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Where the Heart Is

2008-12-05T16:35:00.003-07:00

Title: Where the Heart Is

Author: Billie Letts

Pages: 358

Genre: Fiction/Drama

Rating: 5/5

"Novalee Nation, seventeen, seven months pregnant, thirty-seven pounds overweight- and superstitious about sevens- shifted uncomfortably in the seat of the old Plymouth and ran her hands down the curve of her belly."

Novalee and her boyfriend Willy Jack are leaving Tennessee and moving to California with possibilities. Willy Jack to make money and Novalee to live by the ocean with her house facing the water. The two have very different ideas about what is ahead of them.

Novalee needs to stop for a potty break and to get herself some new shoes because she lost hers through the floor board of their beat-up car. They pull off in a small town in Oklahoma at a Wal-Mart. While Novalee is inside, Willy Jack takes off with out her, not wanting to be bothered by her or the baby anymore.

Scared and uncertain, Novalee has no choice but to live in the Wal-Mart until she delivers her baby. During this time, she meets some people that become her family, and later will shape who she becomes.

This is her story about finding the true meaning of the word home.

I have to say that I absolutely loved this book. I have seen and loved the movie, and have always wanted to pick this book up and read it but until recently, I just never have.

The book is so different from the movie, and in a way, I am glad. I felt as though I was reading a story that I knew nothing about. The movie left so many things out.

There is always a point in the book that you say to yourself "Oh that is where the title comes from". This happened twice to me. The first time when Novalee is telling Willy Jack to feel her tummy.

"Can't you feel that little bomp... bomp... bomp?.......That is where the Heart is."

The second is a little more hidden. Home is where the heart is. The books theme is about Home. It is fascinating that the author keeps reiterating that conversation Novalee and Willy Jack have about that bomp, bomp, bomp being the heart. That and the true meaning of home. I wonder if that was intended or if I am feeling extra sentimental. Maybe I am not making sense...

Needless to say, I loved the book, rated it 5/5, will reread it and would recommend this book to everyone. You can't help but feel good about the story. I loved the characters, the circumstances that help Novalee find herself, and just the overall feeling.

Fall Into Reading Challenge Finished

2008-12-03T20:44:00.002-07:00

YEAH!!! This is my very first reading challenge that I have finished. I am really excited about it and proud of myself. It was a really small one. I read only five books for the challenge, and I could read any book that I wanted to so it was not really a challenge so much as an organized read for fun. The books that I read were:

1-Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

2-The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

3-Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

4- The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

5- A Ticket to Ride by Paula McLain

It is hard to say what my favorite book from this challenge was. I loved them all for different reasons. Being forced to choose, (forced by myself) I would say that A Ticket to Ride would top the list. There was a great story behind the book and I really loved the characters and was able to relate in different ways with all of them. Here is to many more challenges in the future and to millions of words to be consumed by my brain!

Happy Reading!!

The Lovely Bones

2008-12-03T19:54:00.004-07:00

Title: The Lovely Bones

Author: Alice Sebold

Pages: 328

Genre: Fiction/Thriller/Horror

Rating: 4.5/5

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Suzie."

The book begins by describing this horrible crime of rape and murder. The victim: Suzie Salmon. She was murdered by her neighbor at 14 years old, in a cornfield near her home. She tells the story of what she is seeing from her Heaven. The lives that move on, the ones she chooses to stay with, and the new lives she meets in Heaven.

I really feel at a loss about what to say about the book. The characters were so real to me, that the book had this very eerie sense about it. I was struggling on whether I should even finish the book because I just felt so disturbed by this man that murdered this girl and affected her family in the way that he did, it just felt so real to me, and yet I found that I just could not put the book down. By the end of the story, I felt satisfied but with a sense of melancholy behind it. I have never had a book affect me the way that this one did. I really did like the book a lot but I think it is one that I will keep in the back of the pile, and not pick it up again for a really long time if ever again. I think the story resembles the movie Ghost. Anyone agree?

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

2008-11-29T16:49:00.003-07:00

Title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Author: Mark Haddon

Pages: 226

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3/5

" It was 7 minutes after midnight."

Christopher is 15 years 3 months and 2 days old. He is an only child living with his father. He knows every prime number up to 7,057. He hates to be touched and hates the color yellow. The story begins while Christopher is out walking and finds his neighbors dog has been stabbed with a garden fork.

Christopher's story is a murder mystery. He must find who killed Wellington, the poodle. This book is his quest to find who is responsible and have them punished.

The book seems like a simple story line, but really is much deeper. Christopher is autistic. It is written in such a way that you are able to get inside of his head to understand better the idiosyncrasies of someone who is autistic.

The storyline does seem to lose focus at times, but not in a way that you cannot keep track. In fact it can really help put things into perspective.

The book was very captivating to read. You will fall in love with Christopher and hurt for him as the murderer is uncovered. The ending is quite tender. I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a very quick read, and one that will keep you thinking about autism in a whole new way.

This quote is great at explaining what goes on inside the head of someone with autism. He is quoting a Sherlock Holmes book.

" ' The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.'

"But he notices them like I do. Also it says in the book:

'Sherlock Holmes had, in a very remarkable degree, the power of detaching his mind at will.'

"And this is like me too, because if I get really interested in something, like practicing maths...., I don't notice anything else, and father can be calling me to come eat my supper and I won't hear him. This is why I am good at playing chess, because I detach my mind at will and concentrate on the board and after a while the person I am playing will stop concentrating and start scratching their nose, or staring out the window, and then they will make a mistake and I will win."

Matrimony

2008-11-19T14:20:00.009-07:00

Title: Matrimony

Author:Joshua Henkin

Pages: 291

Rating: 3.5/5

"Out! Out! Out!"

Julian Wainwright, the only son to wealthy parents, can not leave for college soon enough. He attends a fictional college, Graymont University, and becomes friends with Carter Heinz, whom is in his fictional writing class.

The both of them are looking through the college facebook and happens upon Mia Mendelsohn. Refined and beautiful. Carter meets Mia first but already has a girlfriend. Later Julian runs into Mia while at the laundro-mat, and they hit it off immediately. They are inseparable from then on out.

During their senior year, Mia discovers her mother has cancer. To let her mother see her get married before she dies, they decide to get married right after they graduate.

The story then lets you in on their marriage and where life leads them.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the real-ness of relationships. The fact that companionship is not perfect. You don't get married and live happily ever after. But even through all the hard times, you can still make it through.

People have described the book as quiet, and I would mostly agree. There were a couple of points that I gasped because of a surprise, but for the most part, it was really enjoyable to sit down and follow the characters through their good times and bad.

Did the book end with the possibility for a sequel?!

A Ticket to Ride

2008-11-11T14:18:00.004-07:00

Author: Paula McLain
Pages: 272
Date Finished: November 10, 2008
Rating: 4/5

"It was August. For days it was August."

During the summer of 1973, Jamie and her cousin, Fawn, who has come to stay for the summer, spend their days sunbathing, listening to great music, and getting into trouble. Jamie lives with her uncle, Raymond, and is excited to have someone to spend the long days with. Fawn is older, very manipulative and quite self absorbed. Jamie is only 14 and still not sure about who she is and what is important to her. She is very impressionable, and wants so much to be accepted by Fawn, her much cooler and prettier older cousin. Jamie and Fawn find themselves in a situation that really tests who they are morally and ethically. Will they do the right thing? Meanwhile, Raymond is forced to reflect on his own life, his relationship with his sister, Suzette, and how it came to be that Jamie is living with him and not her own mother.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The author spent a lot of the book building the characters, which I liked because it gave more feeling to the storyline. I loved every character in the book because I am able to relate to all of them in one way or another. Thinking back, I was just like Jamie, confused about who I was and willing to do what I could to be accepted.

I will caution that the language in the book will be offensive to some. There is a lot of talk about drug use and some about sex.

Thank goodness, I am more sure about who I am now, and confident in myself. Those teenage years are the worst, especially while you are trying to figure out who you are...

TheFive People you Meet in Heaven

2008-11-03T15:28:00.005-07:00

Date Finished: 11/02/2008

Pages: 208

Rating: 3/5

"Lost love is still love, Eddie. It just takes a different form, that's all. You can't hold their hand... You can't tousle their hair... But when those senses weaken another one comes to life... Memory... Memory becomes your partner. You hold it... you dance with it... Life has to end, Eddie... Love doesn't."

Eddie is a man who dies in the very beginning of the book. This is a story of his journey through the afterlife, and a theory that everyone will meet five people after they die to help them sort through their unresolved life.

Where do I start with this one? I found this book at a used book sale and just bought it to basically buy it. I have heard a lot of great reviews about this book, and was curious. I did read Tuesday's with Morrie, and thought it was slow moving, but liked it more than didn't like it.

This story is full of thought provoking quotes, and I usually like that. I liked the idea of the story, but did feel as though it was written for those who love to have a good cry while watching a Lifetime Movie with an element of cheesiness.

I liked this book okay. While reading I thought that I could predict the ending and was pleasantly surprised and pleased at the end. I wouldn't say that the heartwarming-ness (is that a real word?) touched me enough to bring an actual or even proverbial tear to my eye, but I can mark it off my TBR list.

So many books so Little Time...

2008-10-29T17:52:00.003-06:00

Does anyone else feel this way? I have a tall pile of books that I just can't wait to delve into, and it feels as though I just can't read fast enough. Do they have support groups out there for this type of nonsense? Maybe I should put all of the used book sales on hold for a while until I get control of this....

Snow Country

2008-10-25T17:28:00.006-06:00

Date Finished: October 25, 2008

Pages: 175

Rating: 5/5

Let me first start by saying that before this book, I knew nothing of Japanese Literature. After reading Memoirs of a Geisha I fell in love with Japanese culture, and needed more knowledge. I have seen a couple reviews in different blogs of this book, and thought I would embark upon more lovely novels of the Japanese variety.

I can be somewhat of an ignorant person, as my journey through this novel has proven. The reviews were all so great and positive, I was really looking forward to a great read. This book accomplished that for me, but in such a different way than I had anticipated.

Shimamura, is a successful businessman from Tokyo and visiting the Snow Country. While there meets a young geisha , Komako. Their first meeting was not something that drew the passion to follow. The story follows them through their relationship. She gives her whole self willingly to him, and he doesn't return that same passion. Yoko, another woman that comes into the story has also captivated Shimamura although he was captivated at first glace with her. Komaku and Yoko were somewhat of rivals, I got the sense, but that was never fully confirmed to me in the book.

The storyline is quite simple. The book could easily be considered a bore if reading just for the story. In the foreword, the book is described as a beautiful Haiku.

Knowing a little bit about the Haiku, I was able to appreciate the writings of Kawabata. By the descriptions of surroundings, you as the reader are able to feel the emotions that are trying to be portrayed in the story. I have heard that the story is a small glimpse into the cold and lonely life of Kawabata. Perhaps the simple title Snow Country is a prefect description of that life.

There are many aspects to the story that I am sure were overlooked while trying to stay with the storyline (it jumps around a lot). I am definitely going to read this book again as it is such a quick read. Next time, I will spend a lot more time delving into the meanings and see what is hiding there for me.

I am looking forward to reading more of his novels and also more Japanese Literature.

Anne Frank Remembered giveaway

2008-10-22T10:11:00.002-06:00

Trish is giving away a copy of Anne Frank Remembered by Miep Gies. Click on the following link, http://trishsbooks.blogspot.com/2008/10/anne-frank-diary-of-young-girl-and.html read her review of Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl, and leave a comment. She will be doing the drawing on Thursday Oct 30, at 6:30am. Good luck!

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas

2008-10-20T19:52:00.005-06:00

Date Finished: October 18, 2008
Pages: 304
Rating:4/5

What a beautiful story about love. I know, I know sappy right?

The book is written as a journal of letters from a mother to her son Nicholas. Matt gives this diary to Kate, whom he has just broken off a relationship with so she will understand his love for his wife, Suzanne. I can't say much more about it, but trust me on this one, it is worth the read.

The book is really easy to read, and you will probably finish it quite quickly. This is the first book I have read from James Patterson, and I really enjoy his writting. I will probably read this one again before too long.

Memoirs of a Geisha

2008-10-19T19:33:00.003-06:00

Date Finished: October 18, 2008
Pages: 428
Rating: 4/5

Memoirs of a Geisha is so beautifully written, and easy to read. The story is fiction yet written in a way that is believed to be told by the Geisha herself. I really enjoyed reading the book from the beginning to the end.

Chiyo was only nine years old when she was sold to an okiya to become a Geisha. The story follows her through her life as she discovers who she really is, and what her destiny is to be.

There are so many eloquent analogies, and great descriptions about her emotions that it is hard to not feel as she feels.

I was really apprehensive to start this book as I thought that it would be above my realm of understanding, but it was so easy and smooth to read. I enjoyed the book the whole way through though at times I felt the book was anti-climactic. However, the story developed and moved along without me even knowing it. I felt that this book was taking me a long time to read. I don't know why, but I never felt bored while reading it. Strange. I have never felt that way about a book before...

Reading this story has made me fall in love even more with the Japanese culture. I definately will be reading a lot more about the Japanese , and will do more to learn about the history of Japan. I love when a book can inspire that.

Read-a-thon

2008-10-19T08:12:00.002-06:00

So the 24 hour read a thon is over, and I must say what a great idea. I have not participated in a read-a-thon since the days at Bacchus Elementary in Mrs Perkins class. It was nostalgic to think of those times, of course the books I chose then were more like the Ramona series and the like. I was able to finish 2.5 books as I was not able to spend as much time on this as I had hoped. (see previous blog)

The first book I finished was Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden). As I said before, I will write my reviews of the books at a later time because I am short on time now. But here is a quote from the book that really stuck out to me.

"We lead our lives like water flowing down a hill, going more or less in one direction until we splash into something that forces us to find a new course."

The second book that I finished was Suzannes Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson. What a heart wrenching and beautiful story. When I became a mother, anything that I see or read about children affects me on a different level. I really did love this book. It was not as predictable as I thought, and there are a couple of twists to it.

And the third book that I am just about finished with is Where the Heart is by Billie Letts. I have seen the movie but never read the book. I have always wanted to pick this up, but for some reason never did. I really do love this book so far. Of course, I have some idea how the story is going to end, but movies never follow the book like they should.

Overall, I had a great time, but really would have loved to devote more of my time to it. Next time around, I will definitely come more prepared and make sure that I can give more time to it! I love reading and I love participating in these challenges. Thanks to all that organized and encouraged. See you in the blogospere!

Read-a-thon Update

2008-10-18T17:04:00.005-06:00

Wow! Is it really this late? I must say that I have not spent as much time as I had hoped reading. My daughter has been a lot more needy than I imagined she would be. I just finished the book that I had been reading for a while Memoirs of a Geisha and am about to start another one. She is down for her nap (finally), so I can have some quite time before it is time to play mommy again. I guess for the most part she has been pretty good, I just wanted some time for reading! (Can anyone say mother of the year award? Its not that 24 hours is that long right?!?!?!)

So maybe in the fall I can truly devote the whole 24 hours to books and nothing else. Houston will be home in about 2 hours so then I will have more free time to read as well. Above are some pictures of the little one participating in her own read-a-thon.

I will write my reviews of the books that I have read another time (when I have more of it). Back to reading!!!

24 Hour Read a Thon

2008-10-17T10:37:00.003-06:00

When I first read about this Read-a-Thon, I thought to myself yeah right no way possible. But here we are at the last second, Trish has encouraged and tempted me, so I am now thinking why not? I know I must be a little crazy, I have a 5 1/2 month old daughter. She needs my attention not these books. I have decided to give this the best effort I can. Plus Emmory enjoys when I read to her even though she doesn't understand a word I say. So I am pulling out all stops, getting the lozenges handy (for reading aloud of course) and compiling my list. I am going to try to finish all of my challenges for the year, because I know there are a lot of challenges coming up for the new year. Here is the list of books that are remaining on my list:

1-Memoirs of a Geisha (Arther Golden), I don't know why this one has taken me so long to read...

2- A Ticket to Ride (Paula McLain)

3- Suzannes Diary for Nicholas (James Patterson)

4-The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)

5- Where the Heart is (Billie Letts)

I am going to throw some childrens books in as well (for Emmory too) why can't she enjoy this too right?

I know that the list is somewhat heavy but again here we are at the last second, and that is what I have... I am going to do my darndest to succeed at this, but I am sure there will be a little difficulty. I am excited to join and look forward to reading reviews about new books for me to read!

For more info, click here: http://deweymonster.com/?p=931

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

2008-10-15T10:12:00.005-06:00

Date Finished: October 15, 2008

Pages: 338

Rating: 4/5

I think I enjoyed this book a little better than the first. Bridget is so frustratingly lovable. In this novel she is up to her usual antics. She is someone who will be happy when... Again it is a character piece that every woman can relate to. It is perfectly put at the end of the book when she says "Will be fantastic in California with sunshine and millions of self help books..."
Bridget is always trying to better her life, and she is endearing and ridiculous all at the same time.

I watched the movie to this book and to the first Bridget Jones movie. I was wondering how they were going to put the interview with Colin Firth into the movie because Colin Firth plays the part of Mark Darcy. Of course that part was taken out. I was definitely disappointed in the movie not surprisingly enough. I thought that the movie did a terrible job of following the book. It was totally different. But oh well, what do you expect?

Charlotte's Web

2008-10-06T10:34:00.003-06:00

Date Finished: Oct. 5, 2008
Pages: 192
Rating 4/5

This book was such an easy read. I read through it virtually in one afternoon. Of course a little below my level of maturity, but always nice to revisit your childhood if even in a book.

Charlotte, the spider, befriends a pig who feels alone, and afraid. The story follows them as they both benefit from this friendship in different ways.

I couldn't help but catch the under-toned messages that come along with children's novels, which felt a little cheesy, but all in all, a good easy read.

I will probably choose to watch this movie along with the book for my lit flick challenge. I have not seen the movie in ages, but was always one of my favorites growing up.

The Secret Life of Bees

2008-10-03T10:37:00.005-06:00

Date Finished: Oct. 3, 2008
Pages: 302
Rating: 5/5

Lily Owens is a fourteen year old who has run away from home, run away from her terrible father, trying to find out more about her mother who was killed in a terrible gun accident. All she has is a picture of the "black virgin Mary" with the name of a town, Tiburon, SC written on the back. She is sure that this is where her mother came from and wanted to take her before her unfortunate accident, and where she will find the answers she has needed.
She finds herself working with a couple of sisters as a beekeeper and maker of honey. This story follows her through her discoveries, heartaches, and learning about life and her mother.

I have heard this book has "changed lives". I really loved reading this book, but would hardly say that my life is "changed".

In the beginning of the story, I quickly fell in love with Lily and her sweetness. How she yearned for her mother and hurt from her father. I could really empathize with her by the way the auther had dexcribed who this girl is in her soul. I flowed right through the book. I am curious to see how the movie coming out will follow the book.

Thanks Trish

2008-10-01T10:02:00.003-06:00

Thanks Trish for the award! Since blogging, I have developed a love for reading and all the challenges I am able to find here. Trish is where I found out about reading challenges so I would really like to send it back to her. Here is a link to her blog, since I love to stalk it and read her reviews about the books that she reads... http://trishsbooks.blogspot.com/

Bridget Jones's Diary

2008-09-24T13:40:00.005-06:00

Date finished: Sept 24, 2008
Pages: 288
Rating: 5/5

This book was easy reading and quite witty. Of course I have seen the movie, but thought there is always so much more to the books than what is in the movie.

Bridget is a 30-something singleton who is in love with her boss Daniel. The story follows her through one year of her life as she is attempting to 1-stop smoking, 2- stop drinking, 3- lose those dreadful 10 pounds, 4-find love etc.

I loved Bridget and her akwardness. Sounds familiar in my own life. Everything she attempts and does is clumsily failed. Bless her heart! I am sure that every woman can relate to Bridget in one way or another....

Fall into Reading 2008

2008-09-23T11:12:00.012-06:00

Fall into Reading 2008 is a challenge to read any amount of any sort of books you wish. Super easy. If you would like to read a long and make a list of your own... click on the link above
Here is my list of books to be read...Again I will mark the books that I have read in RED so I can keep track better.

1- Memoirs of a Geisha (H.F. Saint) Also part of another Challenge

2- The Secret Life of Bee's (Sue Monk Kidd)

3- A Ticket to Ride (Paula McLain)

4- Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas (James Patterson)

5- The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)

This is where I will start. I am also doing another challenge so this should keep me busy and my housework neglected for a while!!! Again, I am sure that I will be writing reviews as I read so check back again!

My First Challenge

2008-09-19T10:56:00.005-06:00

I am going to read at least 5 books that were made into movies. It goes from Sept. 1, 2008-Feb. 28, 2009. I am also supposed to watch 2 of the 5 movies.

Here is my list of books.

1-The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

2-Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)

3-Memoirs of a Giesha (Arthur Golden)

4-White Oleander (Janet Finch)

5-Where the Heart is (Billie Letts)

6-Bridget Jone's Diary (Helen Fielding)

7-Bridget Jone's Diary:Edge of Reason (Helen Fielding)

I am going to list the books I have read in red (HA) so I can keep track...

To find out more about the post here is the link: here

New Blog for a New Passion

2008-09-19T10:45:00.000-06:00

I started a seperate blog for my reading challenges and the books that I read. I have come to really enjoy sitting down to a book and being taken away by it. So here I will be joining challenges and writing reviews and ect. I am virgin to all of this so bear with my ignorance and stupidity with the links and what not. I am sure I will get it figured out.... so Come and enjoy, and hopefully be inspired to read as well!