Island Girls by Nancy Thayer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I intended to read this book at the beach, bur didn't get to it. Maybe it would have been better had I been in the sand. I wasn't connected to any of the characters in this book, they were so surface and Thayer spelled it out way to much. The Meg character was just awful. SPOILER!!!
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I pretty much only finished the book so I could find out who the not so mysterious woman was. I was really hoping for another daughter. Oh well. This book was just not great. Perhaps as a beach read it's okay, but if you aren't on an island ...
Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars. I never watched Gilmore Girls, but I'm an avid Parenthood fan and love Lauren Graham. I think she's smart, funny, and pretty so I was excited to read her first novel about a young actress in NY. I really enjoyed the book, but it did move a little slow for me through parts. I could definitely hear her voice in Franny and I think that's what made the book for me. If you are a fan, I think you'll like the book. I'd definitely read her again, but maybe would like her to be a bit bolder.
Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars. I love Elin Hilderbrand and I enjoyed this book but it wasn't one of my favorites of hers. The story moved quickly and had interesting characters. I loved that one of the characters was from Durham and all the local references. But I got annoyed by all the south verses north comparisons. I also found Margot really annoying. She complained about brother Nick being self involved but so was she. She left every bridal event early. Good beach read, but not as memorable as some of EH others.
The Happiest Toddler on the Block: The New Way to Stop the Daily Battle of Wills and Raise a Secure and Well-Behaved One- to Four-Year-Old by Harvey Karp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a book I want to give this book a 3.5 stars but since reading it has really helped my 3 yr olds behavior I gave it a 4. The book is a quick read (even though it took me a good few weeks, it shouldn't have). We were having a lot of behavioral issues when my son started having major sleep disturbances leading to tantrums, meltdowns, and a really unhappy family life. A pediatrician friend gave me this book after I reached out for help. After getting through one night of reading we had no meltdowns or time outs for a full week. That is a win coming from multiple crazy periods a day. The tactics make sense and are simple, but sometimes you reach a point where things are so wrong you've given up and are at a loss on how to gain control again. This book helped me refocus and feel confident. It has worked and our family is happy again. I think most books of this nature are worth a read when you are struggling and I find that picking and choosing things that work for your family work best. There was nothing in this book that I found would be too out there for my family to implement - the toddler-ese is a bit strange, but I haven't had to dumb it down quite as much as presented in the book and its still been effective. I'd recommend this to struggling friends for sure.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I miss Cheryl Strayed already. I wasn't sure how I was going to react to this book, but it moves along quickly and is a great story. I really liked it. I do feel like I want to read the very end again because it seemed a bit short in it's finality. And clearly I'm reading too many novels because I just couldn't wait to find out which PCT hiker she married... boo.
A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.75 stars. Zippy is such a cute memoir. A cross between David Sedaris and Jeanette Wells. Funny, fast read.
The Light Between Oceans by
M.L. Stedman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars. I really liked the story in this book. It was griping and when I was reading it I didn't want to put it down so I could find out what happened next. But after I put the book down, I found myself going days before picking it up again. I was also a bit shocked to find it written by a woman. Tom is so unavailable or emotionally untouchable for much of the book and that's the general vibe I got from the book. I just assumed that M.L. was a man also. In fact, I only got an emotional connection at the very end of the book. The story is good. Losing Isaiah in 1920s Australia with a Lighthouse. What's not to like? I just would have liked to be a bit more griped by it.
Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.75 stars. I really enjoyed this book & liked the format of the 3 women storytellers. My only gripe was it ended a bit soon. I'd rather end with an adult perspective than 13 year old Ava. The dad was a bit clueless too. But I still enjoyed it.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The title notwithstanding, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the old Hollywood storyline & mixing together the different time frames to bring the story together. I also really appreciated the last chapter, bringing everyone's story to a close. Very well done.
All the Summer Girls: A Novel by Meg Donohue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An okay book for lounging at the pool or sitting in the sand/surf. Girls & the beach. A teeny tiny death mystery with almost no thinking involved. Not bad, not memorable or stellar either.
Fly Away by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'll admit that I don't remember Firefly Lane in the greatest detail, so I did enjoy some backstory. But, to be honest, I don't even know where Firefly Lane left off? Was Kate dead already? I don't know. This book was just OK and I really love Kristin Hannah (I have a Benjamin & a Tucker in my life too!) I wasn't as drawn into the story without Kate in it. I really did not enjoy getting Dorothy's backstory- I could care less really. I'm not sure why this wasn't on point, but after 400 pages I feel unsatisfied and wish it had all gone another way. I'm also not one for out-of-body, meet you in heaven type of storylines so I think that kinda had me disinterested from the start. It just fell short for me.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I'll begin with saying as a stay at home mom by choice, with no compromises and no guilt for doing so, I am not Sheryl Sandberg's target audience. I do have a lot to say about this book though, and I guess that's the point. I think a lot of what she said was true regarding business at the beginning of the book. Especially that no one likes a female superior at work. I had one and I along with all my co-workers, male & female, despised her. She was quickly let go. I'm also not a feminist no matter how Sandberg describes it. I don't really care if females make up 1/2 of all government and industry top positions- I really don't. (I think I care more strongly about equality for gay marriage than I do this). I think men and women are different and that's fine. I do think they should be paid equally of course! But everyone can't be at the top of industry, and not all women care about getting there. I promptly put in my notice when 30wks pregnant I was offered a promotion. I uttered her dreaded, "Let me think about it." and went home to write my 2 week notice. I also notice that when 'other' women don't jump for promotions Sandberg encourages them for not doing so, but when her own mother was happy to be in the classroom, even tho she could be in administration that she's her inspiration. That's because everyone has their own ideas, goals, aspirations, etc. Not everyone wants to be at the top like you, Sheryl.
Interesting, she talks a lot about being there for the other females; however, in all her name dropping she most often name dropped mentoring males. She made fun of the females who asked her to be a mentor. Now I agree, you don't ask a stranger to be your mentor, but this stood out to me.
Now, when Sandberg started in on stay at home moms I kinda lost it. Stay at moms average 17 hours a WEEK of primary child care. Is this child's nanny also home? I figure I average at least 7 hours a day of primary child care, but man I must be doing something wrong. She's just too out of touch with a regular person without nannies, and delivery dry cleaners, and personal assistants, and grocery drop offs, and house cleaners. And months of maternity time. Mentioning 2 weeks that the Yahoo lady took- I know plenty of people who took 2 weeks because that's all that was offered paid! It's just laughable. Sandberg talks about her guilt, but here's the thing- I don't feel guilty for staying home. I didn't compromise anything. I also find it funny that she puts so much on the working mom against the stay at home mom - mommy wars. There are so many mommy wars, I don't really see that one often- attachment parenting, breast feeding (short term, long term), formula, homeschool, private/public school, these I see all.the.time.
Women are judgmental bitches. It's unfortunate, but that's our biggest problem and obstacle to get anywhere. Anyways, not a fan- but not the targeted audience either. I don't find her to be in touch with my reality.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I think this is my 3rd or 4th time reading this book and I find it better as I get older. I feel ready for the movie now.
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really loved this book. I enjoy Historical Fiction and did not know a lot about the Lindbergh's prior to this. I've added Reeve's Lindbergh's book to my 'to read' list as well. It's hard to imagine how famous they were during their time; that kept me a little awe struck throughout the book. I couldn't think of anyone to liken them to by change-the-world-accomplishment instead of just celebrity status. Great book about life, love and family. Highly recommend.
The First Rule of Swimming by Courtney Angela Brkic
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars. I occasionally, more like often times, read a book from the cover or title alone. This was one of those instances. I love to swim, it's summertime, I put it on the library list and gobbled it up. So this book was really different than I expected (surprise!) It took me at least 80 pages, if not 100, to figure out the characters and who they were related. I kept thinking, wait are they sisters? or Cousins, Or is it the brother? I couldn't keep it straight but the story was still intriguing and it got better to keep everyone straight. Liked the story, quick read.
The Honest Toddler by Bunmi Laditan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars. I love the Honest Toddler FB page. LOVE it. I have a toddler. I was really looking forward to this book and while it did have some spot on, hilarious, read out-loud to the husband moments, I got bored into many of the chapters. It was just too much. I think the HT is best served in small doses- like most toddlers ;-) I'll still be an avid FB fan though!
I just want to pee alone : a collection of humorous essays by kick ass mom bloggers by Stacey Hatton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was hilarious! I literally laughed out loud. Definitely a must read. Some bloggers obviously hit a chord more than others. I read all of them, but you can easily skip to the next chapter if not feeling a certain blogger.
Hiding from Reality: My Story of Love, Loss, and Finding the Courage Within by Taylor Armstrong
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was the best of the Beverly Hills Housewives books so far. I was pleasantly surprised that Taylor tried to write an honest book about her relationship without name dropping and showboating. There wasn't any new information in the book or anything that surprised me (besides all her name changing). Another quick read.
The Sunshine When She's Gone by Thea Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
SPOILERS! This falls between a 2.5-3. So Kelly Ripa recommended this book to me (well to all her viewers if you want to get technical about it). I found the first third of the book very good and was hooked (this was another 24hr read). But somewhere between John traveling around Barbados and Veronica's indiscretions I just kind of lost interest. I have a toddler, so I'm not too far gone from those crazy mood swings and sleepless nights and blaming the other partner for the baby not sleeping but this book was just a bit weird. The X? I also thought you could not travel out of the country without a notarized document from the other parent even with a passport (or is that just to get the passport)? And then to find out that the characters are similar to Nick & Amy in Gone Girl- just a bit F-ed up and actually stay together. I felt the ending was unsatisfactory because that's not how I would handle my 6month old being taken out of the country. But I also kind of loved the ending. They take turns parenting, helping each other, sleeping in, trips out of the house. And Veronica just like me struggles- I want to be with you guys and have the fun too, but I want to take a bath and read a book! Still on the fence I guess.
Drinking and Tweeting: And Other Brandi Blunders by Brandi Glanville
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
I am a huge Bravo fan but I have always disliked Brandi Glanville. I was upset when she was cast as a Housewife and I was really upset when she wasn't fired after two seasons of just being mean and unnecessarily cruel to an original cast mate. So I read her book because I thought maybe I wouldn't dislike her as much and then I could enjoy the show more. UM NOPE. I read this book in less than 24 hours, the words are huge, the margins are bigger. The book reads like a bitter ex wife trying to make a dime off her divorce story. Everything she criticizes about LeAnn Rimes is a quality I see in her both on the show and in other parts of the book. They are the same person, at least from Brandi's perspective. Her quote about LeAnn not being about to do algebra homework with her kids- hilarious considering the source. The notes about teaching her 9 year old about inappropriate adult touching- hello- I have those conversations with my 2 year old. Pride about coming from nothing, but yet having to re-learn to empty a dishwasher after 8 years of marriage. Just the fact that when she stated she was emptying the dishwasher she had to explain why in the world she would preform such a task, even though she's surprisingly domestic. Making her parents co-sign on a Range Rover (don't worry it's the Sport) after the divorce. Come on. I'm sure it's her reality but make a good book it does not. She talks a lot about the horrors of child stars- how do Kim & Kyle Richards feel about that I wonder? As much as she dislikes LeAnn- once you take all of the references to her out of the book it would be about 10 pages long- except for the clothing tips (sounds vaguely familiar to another Housewives' book, no?) And what is with all the hash tagging in the book? I do not get it. #dontreadthisbook
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.75 stars. It took me a long time to get into this book. But once I did I found it's one the styles of books I love to read. It follows the characters from childhood to adulthood. I think what got me at the beginning was learning the characters and the going back and forth between time periods in the same scene. Once I got everyone down I really enjoyed the book. My one criticism is that the characters didn't change much from age 15 to age 50. I'm not sure their personalities grew with their age; though maybe our personalities don't change that much & it's just wishful thinking on my part. I'm not sure Jules is likable all the time, but I guess none of us are. My one other problem with this book is the name. The Interestings only call themselves that once, right? And they never refer to each other as that. I really liked that the Goodman scandal is the center of the story even when it's not. In the beginning, I thought to myself, 'if I don't find out what happened there by the end of the book, I'm going to be mad.' I'm glad the audience was privy to info on that. Interesting read.
America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom by Meghan McCain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I actually liked this book. I enjoy Michael Ian Black & have seen his standup live (recently!). I was initially very confused about Meghan McCain because I thought she was gay, turns out that's Cheney's daughter. But I really liked Meghan too. She's a girls girl and would be a lot of fun to hang out with. So I really liked the book BUT it took forever to read. It took me two days to finish the last 40 pages- forever. I think it would be better as an audio book? It is funny & I did chuckle a few times. The problem, for me, is that every story is told twice. I get why, and see it's importance, but it made some chapters very very long. A fun read for the not-so-political.
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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It drew me right in. I expected (& feared) it would be much sadder. It was sad but not the way I expected. Definitely worth a read.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I listened to the audio book and really really loved it. Much funnier and more relatable than Tina Fey's book for me- Mindy is of my generation so all the references actually made sense to me. The stories were funny, interesting, and smart. Definitely recommend this audio book!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Well this is a super quick read, but 200 pages is really short to encompass rape, abortion, death, etc etc. and so much damn crying. I really could not stand that Charlie cried so much. I also really didn't buy his freshman year as realistic based on all the crying. I much rather have a story based on Patrick or Sam. I have no interest in the movie- none.
Defending Jacob by William Landay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars. I read this book while out of town in Newton MA so that was kind of fun. I really loved the book. Such a quick read. I liked that Andy was an unreliable narrator of the story. It made me question more. But he was being honest as he saw it. There were parts that were transparent & you could see them coming a mile away, but I quite enjoyed the ending. As a mother of a son, I see it. I can see that being the answer. Very good book. Engrossing.
Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot by J. Randy Taraborrelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved! Of course it is one of my favorite subjects. Very easy to read bio on the three Kennedy wives. A good balance between the 3 as they intertwine. I would say Joan gets the short end of the stick but not by much. Can't wait to start After Camelot.
She Wore Only White by Dörthe Binkert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
2.5 stars. I bought this book on Kindle's $3 day and from the photo I thought it was a Titanic novel. I love the Titanic so I just bought it without doing much research. I actually liked the initial mystery of the story and liked how the characters all intertwined. But somewhere along the way it became The Love Boat or maybe even Real World: Semester at Sea. I guess that's what happens when people are forced to live together in a confined space for a few days. I wanted a little more from the ending.
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Drinking Closer to Home by Jessica Anya Blau
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'd give this book 3.5 stars. It's very David Sedaris but not as laugh out loud funny. Same kind of family dynamic for us though. It took me a while to get through for some reason but an interesting light read.
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Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I read this back to back with Shanghai Girls. SG was better. The problem is Joy, she's bratty and annoying and I did not enjoy her chapters at all. I fact, I usually would break for reading once the book moved to her perspective. I found the 4th part of this book to be the best. This family has really been through a lot, by the end it was like the True Lies of books. If it wasn't one thing it was another. I disliked that Shanghai Girls ends leaving you wanting more but I'm not sure the beginning of this book is the more I wanted.
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved Lisa See and this was no exception. I was surprised along the way. I am interested I am interested in following it up with Dreaming of Joy. I wish we could hear a little more from May. We do at the very end. It I'd like to see more for her eyes.
Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All by Kyle Richard
s
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I watch the Real Housewives of any city. And Kyle is definitely a favorite from Beverly Hills. I hear her voice when I read this book, which is good, but all the "ha-ha!" got annoying, even though I can hear her laughing in my head. The flow of this book on the Kindle was strange too. All the little inserts into the middle of a story got weird for me. I think I expected a little more personal information. I didn't realize this was a self help/guide book type book. And if you are happy in your relationship you can skip the first 5 chapters. To me those were a big waste of time. After them it got considerably better though. I still don't feel like I know too much more about Kyle than the show.
by Kristin Hannah
Home Front
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My love of Kristin Hannah started the first time I read her dedication years ago (Ben & Tucker- how could I not?). This is a good book, Moves very quickly, and gets emotional many times. There are some annoyances to me but overall a great read.
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Probably 3.5 stars, though some parts of the book would be a solid 4. I definitely think this book is worth a read.
Contains some spoilers!
It was fascinating to me how it's a futuristic Scarlett Letter but Hannah's family and religious beliefs are actually many many steps backwards. I feel like the book hung on the line of being dark but always pulled back just in time. I wish it would have just gone there and got a little uncomfortable once or twice. It just tied up a little too neatly. I wish something more had happened at the end or we got an epilogue of Hannah's new life. Or we found Aiden had lots of little Reds running around, just something to stir things up a bit. I really enjoyed it though.
My Week with Marilyn & The Prince, the Showgirl and Me by Colin Clark
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I agree with the reviewer who said this book was painful to get through. The edition I read combined 'My Week with Marilyn" with "The Prince, the Showgirl, and Me." The 'My Week' portion was exactly like the movie, which I quite enjoyed. But reading it back was a bit boring. But not as boring as Colin Clark's actual diary. I am kinda interested in watching the movie "The Prince and the Showgirl." The thing is, it starts off interesting. But then it's a transcribed daily diary and while it certainly has it's place in history, I would have enjoyed a shortened version of the more interesting days.
11/22/63 by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Somewhere between 3.5-4 stars. My husband read this book and recommended it to me. I might not have finished it if it was not for that fact. I got bored a few times. We are talking about 853 kindle pages. This book is a lot of 200 page books in one which keeps it moving, but then you forget that everything started somewhere else. I did not like the end, especially after spending the whole book trying to get to this one goal. I do think it was well written and the characters were like able. There are a lot of characters and names that reoccur and even though I read the book fairly quickly I couldn't remember the connections. Anyways, definitely worth a read but it could have been shorter!!
I was expecting so much worse from the reviews! This wasn't half bad considering its a 21 year old girl writing a memoir about her life from age 15-16. Sounds pretty much on par to me. I really enjoyed learning more about her relationship with Derek. I'm a big Teen Mom fan I do think this fills in a lot of gaps. I feel like Farrah is really stubborn when she wants to be. I would have loved more info on why she calls her dad Michael & some of the abuse Farrah & her sister allude to in some later episodes of TM, but since she's on better terms with her family I guess she didn't want to go there. I didn't really like the end of the book. It jumped from Sophia's birth to like a year later & didn't flow well plus we saw all that anyways. So- if your a fan of the show I think you could get into the book; super fast read.
This book was dumb, or the main character and all her antics were dumb. I'd give this book 2.5 stars because I did actually want to finish it to find out what actually happened. But the ending is so quick and not that satisfying. I guess I wasn't expecting great but it wasn't even good.
Better than I expected, though typical Harlequin novel. Looks like a Lifetime movie waiting to happen. The ending is pretty bad & I can't believe anyone who has had a child put it in but otherwise ok.
I'd give this book 3.5 stars. The second half was funnier than tthe first half to me. Definitely laugh out loud moments.
I just never got to finishing this book. I loved the play and wanted to read the book, but it was just too different. As these things go, I should have read the book first.
Okay, so I didn't finish this book either (sensing a trend?? I need a good recommendation to get me back into reading!) But this was a book club book and I enjoyed what I was able to finish before seeing the Lincoln movie- which was EXCELLENT. I bought this on my Kindle, so perhaps I'll get back to it... (perhaps)
This book is really really funny. I loved the chapter about Elf on the Shelf of course (even though I have an Efl) and the chapter about her mother's house. My mother's house is just like hers. Crazy!
I thought this book was just okay. I was waiting for a little more. And I really want to know if the Professor was married to the 'sister in law' or if they just had an affair. Did she marry the brother after the accident? This mystery really kept me reading the book, but I never got the answer.
I just could not get into this book. I'm not sure why, but I didn't care about the characters and only got about a third of the why through.
This book is pretty gripping. I really enjoyed the first part of the book and what seems to be a present day account from Hubby Nick coupled with Wifey Amy's past account of their relationship. The book twists and turns but I didn't love the ending. I felt it was SO good, until Part 3. The other problem is I read this on the Kindle version, on which, I start at the cover. Well let's just say that in skimming the Table of Contents page prior to reading any of the book made it easier to anticipate some of the twists (or more the name of each Part of the book). But still with a book this twisted you never know what's going to happen. The first part of the book had many more twists that I never saw coming; Part 2 & Part 3 were easier to figure out what was coming up next. Definitely worth a read though.
I wish Goodreads had partial stars. This is probably 3.75. I waited for a long time for this book and was not disappointed. Clint Hill spoke respectfully about his emotional relationship with Mrs. Kennedy. He truly seemed to care for her and the family. My only critizism is that Mrs. Kennedy was portrayed a bit too perfectly- never a bad word was said. While I respect Clint Hill for writing his story this way it's hard to take everything he has said at face value. I loved the photos and personal stories. Even though you know the ending of this tale, it was told with heart and emotion.
3.5 stars. I'm surprised everyone else is giving this book 5 stars. I thought it was good but not the best book I've ever read. After reading the note from the author and finding this book was a self published first novel, I felt like it was maybe even a little better. It's not amazing, it's simply written, but the story is very engaging. I was hesitant to read this book though it's gotten a lot of buzz just because I felt like it was a bit cliche (and yes I did keep waiting for TJ to come out of remission in Jodi Piccoult style). And a lot of it is cliche; I'm surprised there aren't a Castaway references (which did come out before the plane crash) because the island portion of the book reminded me exactly of Castaway with a romantic twist (not you Wilson!). A good summer super fast read. The movie option scares me a bit (depending on who plays the characters- Zac Efron?) because it would be just like Castaway with more dialog. The brief plug for the Garvis-Graves' second book does leave me intrigued - I will definitely pick it up when it comes out.
This book was quickly discussed and dismissed as a book club choice (Maine was picked instead). This was Maine but better! It's spooky, but a lighter (what book club was requesting) beachy read. I really enjoyed the book and liked the writing style of getting one whole person's perspective and then moving on to the next. Ed is just so creepy; and I could see the way he moved! I loved it! Very visual writing.
This was a book club book and I thought it was ok. My husband went to Newton North High School so I enjoyed the fact that Ann Marie walked that track for exercise. I was confused as to why their is a third sibling, Claire, in the book. Why doesn't she have a voice? What's interesting is that this book can be your own family. All the drama, the covering up, the sons always the ones that get the most slack (little Daniel? $5k a month??). I didn't really like any of the characters. You start to like them and then realize they are all flawed and a little messed up. Kathleen is just like Alice, to a T, Maggie is pathetic, and Ann Marie is a little bat crazy. In the end I liked Alice the best because she kept it real. An okay read.
3.5 stars. There's nothing like realizing you have 5 days to read a library book before it's due back with people behind you waiting for it. Luckily, this book is a fast read and I didn't have any trouble! I liked it. It kept my attention. Nothing earth shattering or profound going on. I figured out who Researcher 101 was very quickly. I did like the author's writing style and how the chapters were divided. I was also annoyed at how 'plugged in' the family was and I think it's an important thing to take stock of in my own life. Good mom-lit.
I guess this doesn't really count as a 'read' book because I couldn't get past page 40. And I always finish! This book was just not worth my time to read. I was so happy when I picked it and see on the first page, the acknowledgments page a shout out to Salisbury, Cheerwine, and a family that I babysat for a few times. But I just couldn't care less about the plot and where I knew it was going. The author's writing style was really off putting to me too. I was just getting a grasp on the characters and scene (we're in a church, there's a wedding, oh it's her ex, oh the daughter isn't really hers) and there would be a flashback to another place, time, characters; and then another, and then it took 35 pages for a bride to walk down the aisle. I couldn't continue & I'm not even mad about it.
I've read a lot of Kristin Hannah and usually love her books (partially b/c I too have a Ben & Tucker and find this funny). This one didn't do it for me as much. I just read Elin Hilderbrand's Summerland and it too had boy/girl twins with a car accident in which someone dies. I know Hannah's book was written first but Hilderbrand did it better. This book definitely pulled at the heartstrings and I was draw in but it was too Jodi Picoult for me. Which is fine, but wasn't at all what I was expecting. I think it was all just a bit too much for me.
I found this book to be witty, entertaining, and informative. I can't say I'll implement every or even most parenting techniques but I found the overall message to be common sense. I don't really see what all the buzz was about with this book. Wish I had read it sooner.
And more on what I thought here:
I liked Racing In The Rain better. I thought this was a cute book but not amazing. I actually enjoyed Ellie the German Shepard best of all the dogs which is probably part of the problem in loving the book. Apparently there is a sequel, released this past spring- I won't be reading it.
I got this at the library and was actually on the waitlist for a few weeks so I know I'm not the only one reading it. I watch the Kardashian's show, but I don't record/DVR it; I'll watch if I happen upon it. The introduction was horrible and not even what the book is about really. I was worried it was going to be all about the kids. But it's not the book is actually about Kris. I can't always hear her voice when reading so I'm not sure how much she 'wrote' but the beginning of the book just talks about how wonderful everything is all the time. Again I was worried. But after a rocky start the book gets better. I am confused tho- on the show they say Khloe might not be Robert's daughter bc of the affair; but she was 5 or 6 at the time?? I don't get it. Then the book gets really interesting - first hand tell all of the OJ murder & trial. This was a bit fascinating to me and sadly my favorite part of the book. The ending goes downhill again with too much about the kids and the show. But this is a quick read & I'm on vacation. If you like the K's then you'll like the book. If you don't then you shouldn't be wondering if you should read it- you shouldn't.
When I found out Elin Hilderbrand's new book was being released when I was on our beach vacation I was very very excited. Hilderbrand is my favorite beach/summer read and Summerland did not disappoint. I bought it the day it was available and started it that evening. I feel like this was one of her better novels. I loved getting the story from different voices and having bits revealed at a time. I had a pretty good guess at what Demeter told Penny but I still could not wait to find out and pretty much did not put the book down all day just so I could. Loved it! Perfect beach read.
Contains spoilers:
I really did not like this book. Nora wasn't a heartfelt character, and her typical daughters were annoying. The only character who I liked dies before she can answer any questions. I'm not a magic person & then introduce selkies- well I'm pretty much done then. I lost it on page 200 when sex with Owen makes Nora cry bc she didn't know it could be that way. Please!
This had the makings of a good book but it just doesn't happen. Why was the phone ringing at Marie's house? What really happens to Mauve? Who is Ronan's mom? I mean I have guesses but I'd like answers if I'm reading 300pages.
I've been trying to figure out what to say about this book. I enjoyed it and was invested in the story, but I didn't really connect or feel much one way or another about any of the characters, except for those I didn't like. I enjoyed the book, but I think (even days later) I'm still processing it all. I really did like the ending. I would recommend the book to others.
This book was featured in our library newsletter and I thought it might make a good bookclub selection. I decided to preview it before the whole bookclub read it, even though it was already on a future month's list ... just in case. But it was really engaging and I think it will provoke a lot of conversation. I thought I might get confused by the parallel stories seeing as both main characters are named Wes Moore, but that wasn't an issue. Even though I knew the outcome of both Weses you keep routing for them. You think this is where one is going to turn it around or another one is going to screw it all up. Wes Moore is obviously very intelligent based on his accomplishments and the easy way his book flowed, but I felt a few small portions of the book were dumbed down a bit (South Africa is warm in the winter b/c it's below the equator...) but it didn't take away from the book, as there are only a few instances. I also loved the follow up on all the characters.
Could they each have ended up with the other's fate... life in prison, Rhodes Scholar?
Great read. I think the author could have an amazing auto bio too.
The first portion of this book moved really slowly; similarly to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo . Too much setting the scene for an American reader who isn't familiar with anything that is going on. But once the action picked up- wow I was kind of stunned. And since I was reading on the Kindle I saw there was still 50% percent of the book to come. It's funny how Roger starts off as such an ego-maniac and then reveals little pieces of himself that were unsuspected, at least by me. I also didn't see much of the plot coming, which is a nice change. A good mystery read, though I never really 'liked' Roger I really liked the book. It ended up being a quick read once I got through the first quarter. And by the way, I've been taller than most of my immediate supervisors, along with the owner of the company. Strange- I'm a 5'7" female ;-) Get over it, Roger!
LOVED IT! I'm a Bravo fan. Jeff Lewis is my FAV along with the Housewives. I DVR Watch What Happens: Live and watch it almost all the time. But I knew very little about the man behind the Housewives. I felt like Andy was pretty honest and the book was Laugh Out Loud funny. I seriously was laughing out loud. And there is some behind the scenes info I didn't know too. Must read for any Bravo fan!
Oh Nicholas Sparks- I used to like you. Message in a Bottle, A Bend in the Road you are some of my favorite books I ever read. I gave this book a try because I was waiting for some books to come available at the library. I have taken a LONG break from NS books and while the beginning gave me hope this book is not good. I thought this would be the book that would be different but it went down the same path eventually. And of course there was a storm and of course someone died. It was all so NS predictable.
What I really want is a NS book in which the characters do not fall in love withint 24 hours of meeting each other. I also want him to drop his plot formula and come up with a different flow.
I read this book in less than two days; I loved it! I read some of the reviews of the book before reading it and I found an Aussie author easier to read than a British author. The length of the book didn't bother me either. I identified very strongly with both Elisabeth and Alice. Frannie's story didn't interest me much, but her letters were short and her story was predictable. I found Barb ridiculous. I wish she wasn't in the book at all; but again she was such a secondary character that it didn't bother me much.
As a mother and wife this book really struck a chord with me. The chapters that Elisabeth was writing out her feelings for her therapist were so real. There were things she wrote that I read out loud because they could have been my thoughts (especially when she wrote about the superstitious worrying). I don't always want a happy ending when I read a book but I was really routing for the Love family the whole book. I loved this family and their story. Great book!
I've definitely drank the Skinnygirl Kool-Aid. I love Bethenny and this novel is no exception. This is the 3rd book of her's I've read and I loved it. You feel like you are watching the show, listening to her voice, watching it unfold in your head. I did keep wondering how much was really Bethenny & how much was fiction and that becomes more apparent in Part II of the book. The book dealt a bit with Bethenny's father issues but none really with her mom. That was a nice change from her show and previous books. I was sad to see her mother attending her wedding at the end and her not doing a reality TV show. Is this what she wished her reality was? Anyways, I continue to be a fan!
I picked this book up from the library after seeing it in B&N. I briefly skimmed the jacket- Cape Cod, sisters, secrets... summer read! So this book is not what I expected more of a rainy, fall/winter day book. It's dark and grey and I really liked it. I couldn't put it down. The secrets were pretty thinly veiled but I liked the way the story unfolded. Dee is a completely unlikeable character and I disliked her voice in the book. I'm not sure the last chapter fit with the rest of the book either. I'm still processing it. A good story and a good read.
I listened to the audio book one a recent road trip. Some parts are funny (black Jesus, letters to the NAACP about chocolate) and others just fall flat (the court case, baby nizames). I had high hopes for the baby nizames too. I think previous reviews are right; Wilmore isn't edgy enough; there needs to be a bit more risk. This was just ok, but it did help the drive go faster.
This book is 3.5 stars for me. Very quick read, I literally read it in a few hours. While the book won't win any literary awards, it was written by the actual couple. In ways I feel like the book was therapeutic for Kim and you can tell by the way the story progresses. I think the original book was written in the late 90s and you can definitely tell they pieced together the update from then until now- it's like 40 pages long.
I have not seen the movie but the actual story seems completely different than the previews I saw (other than the fact that Kricket doesn't remember Kim). In the actual accident Kricket is driving, Kim is in the backseat, they have another passenger in the car, they are not kissing during the accident, and they live in Arizona/New Mexico (the previews look more Northeast). I'm glad to have read this book and am moved by the couple's faith. They rely heavily on it, but it doesn't seem pushed down your throat in the book. Interesting quick read especially if you were intrigued by the movie.
I'd give this 1.5 stars. This book was not good. I'm a huge Jackie fan and have read about the CIA links before. I can even believe them. But I cannot imagine her saying or thinking a word of this book. After pretending the main character is just girl X the book is still lacking. Some of the mystery is not mystery at all and other parts are just who cares. Honestly, there was a lot of skimming at the end. Dan Brown and Jack Paterson this is not. I will not be reading the next installment even though I was slightly intrigued as JFK will be a character. I am really disappointed.
This is my 2nd audio book (thanks Anya!) ever and it was so much better than the first. This book was really funny! Must listen/read if you are a Tina Fey fan. I'm only marginally a fan, as in I know who she is and that's about it. But it was funny! I found the worst part of the book to be the last CD, which is probably less than the last 50 pages. Though, as a non-breastfeeding mama the 'Teet Nazi" bit was hilarious! Women are all 'support other moms!' until you aren't breastfeeding so I enjoyed that part. I think audio books are the way to go for any other auto-bios I read, for sure!
This is a 4.5 star book. It has been on my mental to-read list for a long time and am so glad I finally got to it. I was a bit intimidated but this book is less scientific and easier to read than Cutting for Stone, which wasn't difficult. Everyone should read this book; really everyone. Kudos to Skloot (whom I kept forgetting was a woman during the first third of this book, apparently I have some sexism when it comes to understanding science, as I understand it minimally) for telling this tale, bringing the information to the Lacks family, and for telling it in the way she did. Excellent read.
I love Elin Hilderbrand. I can't put her books down and I want to be on the beach when I'm reading them. I've liked some of her other books more than this one, but still really enjoyed it. Would have liked to get more from Fiona but I think that is kinda the point. I do feel like the cover art (man has a ring on his finger) is a bit of a giveaway though. I guess it could be one of two characters in the book, but still.
I'd give this 3.5 stars. This was a pretty quick read. I didn't want to see the movie because it looks like an emotional nightmare and the book was emotional but did not leave me sobbing and raw like the movie previews did. I liked the book a lot, especially from Oskar's perspective. I was not loving his mom through most of the book; and then when you are supposed to like her I just couldn't. I spent too much time thinking she should be doing something more to get over it. I did and am still confused about the grandparents and ultimately what happened in the end with them. I probably read something too fast and missed it. But I definitely enjoyed the story and the story telling.
I enjoyed this book and felt it had a good story. I enjoyed the mystery and trying to figure it out along the way. The ending left me wanting a little bit more. I wanted to see something from Ivo's perspective.
I thought this book was OK. A little funny- a light read; I really liked the chapter on getting a tan. A good book if you are from the south. Are the Sweet Potato Queens a real thing? I'm going to Google it.
This was a book club book and it took me down to the last day to finish it. Part of the problem is my child is a similar age to Erica Lafferty. Whenever I tried to read before bed I'd be up hours just thinking about it. I didn't find the book to be very cohesive. It was hard to follow and pick back up again; in fact only two people in the book club finished the book. I'd also like more information on the non-fundamentalist Mormons. It was great for discussion- so a great book club book but I couldn't/wouldn't read this for pleasure. I found the 19th Wife much better at exploring the history of Mormons while following a modern day (fictional) story.
I definitely think this book could work for our family. Interesting, a lot of what needs to change is ME and not the baby! Go figure!
What I learned: I'm too soft on my toddler. Too many chances, too much laziness with the discipline- I'll get it next time, etc. He's learning that I don't mean what I say most of the time. Most of the misbehaving is occurring when he missed a nap or is tired or I haven't given him a lot of attention. My toddler at 18months is way too young to understand sharing. We refer to it as the "s" word in our house because just saying it turns toddler into a boy terrified his toy is being taken away. That is reassuring and there isn't much I can do at this point to teach him to learn to share.
What I'll use: Counting to 5 to stop a behavior. One warning, one threat, Time Out. I should also use one warning, one threat, no more breakfast/lunch/dinner when he throws food on the floor but it will be hard. Hopefully it will only take a few tries!
What I'm not sure about: Time out in his bedroom, which is upstairs and believe it or not it's not baby proofed. Lunch before nap. We aren't having napping issues, but we do an early nap with a snack beforehand and a late lunch after nap. I see the benefits but I think I'll try this once nap moves back a bit further into the day.
I would recommend this to other parents. I'm a big believer of taking what works for your family and leave the rest with no judgement. A lot of this I can take with me.
Wow, I haven't finished a book in a while...
****SPOILERS*****
I really did not like this book. Kiwi was the only character who I felt like had any real depth and emotion to him. There were way too many unresolved aspects for me. The most glaring has to be the way the kids deal with the father. Kiwi had the same emotions I had for him until the last 5 pages of the book and then they are a happy family again? Where is CPS after the girls are rescued? Other unresolved issues- um Ossie? I really wanted to know what was going on with her. I wish she had been a 3rd narrator. I guess she was just crazy, or could she really talk to ghosts? I just wanted a real life explanation of her story. And of course there is Ava. Her trip through the swamp was so boring and I felt like something bad was going to happen when she invites the Birdman in. The author takes you on this whole journey where I finally said- okay fine they are both lonely and are good company for each other, nothing bad is going to happen and bam it does almost out of nowhere. But then Ava just covers it up. The ending was too happy for me. They are all rescued on the same day? After all that it's just tied up with a bow? I read this for book club and I would never have finished it otherwise. I didn't get it.
I'm glad I waited a while to read this. I've missed Regis' voice. I've watched Regis since Kathy Lee entered the scene when I was a kid; summer & winter breaks, sick days, etc. I watched in college when I didn't have class, and I must say I love Kelly. I knew & loved Haley & Mateo from the AMC days.
A great story and a great story teller. My only question is why no chapter about Gelman? Did anyone else find this strange? If you are a Regis fan then you'll enjoy reading about how it all came to be.
I read the interviews, though did listen to the experts on the Dateline special. I have a hard time reviewing this. I wanted to love it, but I didn't LOVE it. I found some of it very interesting, and some of it quite dry. Since I don't know all of JFKs cabinet members, etc, it was hard to get through some of the later aspects of the interviews. What I did find interesting is how bad Jackie's memory seemed to be. It felt as if Arthur lead her with some of the questions and helped her remember the answers. I also found it interesting that in the 7 conversations they spanned from March to June.
It's just not what I expected. Bobby wasn't mentioned near as much as I expected. I think I wanted more detail, what was he like, what did they do. The interview seemed more PR or staged for the time period and more of a who's who. I didn't really care to know if JFK liked this person or that person. Maybe the questions should have been different. Fascinating yes, but a bit frustrating as well. It does make me want to watch The West Wing though.
Spending the Holidays with People I Want to Punch in the Throat by Jen of People I Want to Punch in the Throat
Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman
How to Say No to Your Toddler: Creating a Safe, Rational, and Effective Discipline Program for Your 9-Month to 3-Year Old by William G. Wilkoff
