4 hours ago
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Read, Remember, Recommend
Read, Remember, Recommend By Rachelle Rogers Knight
Synopsis from Amazon
The ultimate organizing resource for book-lovers and a self-published hit, Read, Remember, Recommend gives readers a one-stop shop to keep track of their reading. Featuring 60 cross-referenced lists of literary awards and notable picks (Pulitzer, National Book Award, 100 Best Books of the Century), this journal offers more than 2500 suggestions to help readers discover great literature and new authors. The journal also provides room to record books read, jot down thoughts and ideas, and keep track of recommendations, books borrowed and loaned, and book club history.
My Thoughts
I have been wanting this journal since I started seeing it pop up on other book blogs. I was cleaning out my wallet and found an unused gift card (who forgets they have a gift card?). I paired my gift card with a coupon and now I am the proud owner of this wonderful tool! I tried to take pictures of each section but the pictures were blurry and bad. I'm a reader, not a photographer and it showed. I will spare you the horrible pictures. My next purchase should be a book on digital photography.
I love the Award and Notable List section. I have found many books that I have read listed along with many I want to read. I like how on some of the lists spaces were left for the new award winners. Yesterday I added to the Pennie's Picks-The Costco Connection list. I am having so much fun with this section!
There is a To Read section where you can list what you want to read, what you own, what you recommend and what you want.
Next section holds Journal Pages. I already journal about what I have read. I have been doing that for a few years now. The only complaint I have about this book is there is not enough journal pages. I have read others suggestions that this book be a binder type book in which you could add more pages to. I think that is an excellent suggestion. For now I will keep the journal book I already am using stored with this book. They make quite the pair!
The next section is for Recommendations, books you would like to recommend to others. A very useful section. I am thinking of listing my favorite reads here for those times when someone asks for a good book suggestion.
The next section is Loaner Lists. This is one section I need. Today I have no idea who has my copies of The Help and Snow Flower and The Secret Fan. If I had this book when I loaned them out I might stand a chance of recovering my books. Most books I do giveaway but a few are keepers for me. I do loan them out though so this is another useful section for me.
Next comes an interesting section on Resources. This is a nice section. There are book award websites listed along with sites to many book blogs, some of which I visit and others which I hope to be visiting soon. Also there is an index for the authors listed in this lovely book and also an index for the titles of the books listed.
Okay I must confess, it took me awhile to be able to write in this great book. It just goes against everything I have been taught. Once I started to write in it and started checking off books, there was no stopping me! I love lists! I love making them and following them so I absolutely love this book! I think it is a brilliant idea.
This book would make a great gift idea for that Mom who loves to read. Paired with a book gift card and you could Mom very happy! There is also a teen version of this book. A great gift for the reading teen to use over summer vacation.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Red Thread
The Red Thread by Ann Hood
Synopsis from Amazon
From the best-selling author of The Knitting Circle, a mother’s powerful journey from loss to love. “In China there is a belief that people who are destined to be together are connected by an invisible red thread. Who is at the end of your red thread?”
After losing her infant daughter in a freak accident, Maya Lange opens The Red Thread, an adoption agency that specializes in placing baby girls from China with American families. Maya finds some comfort in her work, until a group of six couples share their personal stories of their desire for a child. Their painful and courageous journey toward adoption forces her to confront the lost daughter of her past. Brilliantly braiding together the stories of Chinese birth mothers who give up their daughters, Ann Hood writes a moving and beautifully told novel of fate and the red thread that binds these characters’ lives. Heartrending and wise, The Red Thread is a stirring portrait of unforgettable love and yearning for a baby.
My Thoughts
At first I found the book a bit hard to follow. There are so many characters introduced in a short period of time. After I got used to the rhythm of the story I was able to follow along without any troubles. The story is about 6 couples who are seeking adoption from The Red Thread Adoption Agency run by Maya. Maya opened the agency after losing her own daughter in a tragic accident. The book follows what the adoptive couples go through and also follows the story of the Chinese birth mothers and what they are going through. The adoptive couples are a wide array of characters, some not so great. I could feel the pain of the birth mothers as they struggled with their decisions. I liked Maya and felt sorry for her. It kind of seemed like torture to bring babies into the lives of others after she has lost her own daughter. I liked this book alot and how it showed both sides of the story. I liked the idea that an invisible red thread connects people that are destined to be together. Once I was acquainted with all of the characters, I zipped right through the book.
I received this book for review courtesy of the W.W. Norton & Company and Librarything Early Reviewers
Mailbox Monday April 26
Mailbox Monday is a meme where you can post what books came into your home during the week. It is hosted by Marcia over at The Printed Page. Go on over and check it out. Be warned though it can lead to large TBR piles and wish lists!
Only one book for me this week. I must say it's nice to be able to feel like I am making progress catching up on my reading though so it's all good.
Read Remember, and Recommend by Rachelle Rogers Knight
The ultimate organizing resource for book-lovers and a self-published hit, Read, Remember, Recommend gives readers a one-stop shop to keep track of their reading. Featuring 60 cross-referenced lists of literary awards and notable picks (Pulitzer, National Book Award, 100 Best Books of the Century), this journal offers more than 2500 suggestions to help readers discover great literature and new authors. The journal also provides room to record books read, jot down thoughts and ideas, and keep track of recommendations, books borrowed and loaned, and book club history.
What fun things made their way to your mailbox this week? I'm off to peek and see what everyone else received.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Plain Pursuit
Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman
Synopsis from Barnes and Noble
Carley Marek experiences culture shock when she visits her friend Lillian’s family on their farm deep in Amish country. Carley has given up chasing her dreams. Now her dreams are chasing her.
My Thoughts
This is the second book in the Daughters Of Promise series. Carley Marek is a journalist who is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her mother after a tragic car accident in which Carley survives. She is struggling with her survival and the loss of her mother. She is forced to take a much needed vacation from work and ends up going to visit her Amish friend Lillian in Pennsylvania. While Carley is there, Lillian's stepson, David is discovered to need a kidney transplant. Dr. Noah, who first treats David is actually a shunned member of Lillian's new family. This brings many questions to Carly's mind about God's role in her life as well as the lives of others and forgiveness.
This series is very pleasant to read. I am enjoying meeting the various families and getting to know them. I like how Beth Wiseman gives us an honest look into the lives of the Amish. I could see and understand the story from both points of views, the Englishers and the Amish. This book leaves you with a feeling of hope at the end. As a bonus there are a few Amish recipes in the back of the book.
I received this book for review as part of Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Mailbox Monday April 19
Mailbox Monday is a meme where you can post what books came into your home during the week. It is hosted by Marcia over at The Printed Page. Go on over and check it out. Be warned though it can lead to large TBR piles and wish lists!
Juliet by Anne Fortier
Summary from the back of the book
When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a precarious journey into the true history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo turned medieval Siena upside down. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare's unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse – "A plague on both your houses!" – is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems the only one who can save her from her fate is Romeo… but where is he?
I received this book from Random House
The Language of Secrets by Dianne Dixon
Summary from the book jacket
Justin Fisher has a successful career as the manager of a luxury hotel, a lovely wife, and a charming young son. While all signs point to a bright future, Justin can no longer ignore the hole in his life left by his estranged family. When he finally gathers the courage to reconnect with his troubled past, Justin is devastated to learn that his parents have passed away. And a visit to the cemetery brings the greatest shock of all--next to the graves of his father and mother sits a smaller tombstone for a three-year-old boy: a boy named Thomas Justin Fisher.
What follows is an extraordinary journey as Justin struggles with issues of his own identity and pieces together the complex and heartbreaking truth about his family. With great skill and care, Dianne Dixon explores the toll that misunderstandings, blame, and resentment can take on a family. But it is the intimate details of family life-a mother's lullaby for her son, a father's tragic error in judgment-that make this an exceptional and deeply emotional novel from a new storyteller.
I received this book from Doubleday through Librarything Early Reviewers
I also hit the library sale on Saturday at our library. I picked up many great finds there.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquival
March by Geraldine Brooks
From Fields of Gold by Alexandra Ripley
More Than Memory by Dorothy Garlock
and a few other books that made their way to my mother's house
What fun books made their way into your home?
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Every Last One
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
Synopsis from Barnes and Noble
In this breathtaking and beautiful novel, the #1 New York Times bestselling author Anna Quindlen creates an unforgettable portrait of a mother, a father, a family, and the explosive, violent consequences of what seem like inconsequential actions.
Mary Beth Latham has built her life around her family, around caring for her three teenage children and preserving the rituals of their daily life. When one of her sons becomes depressed, Mary Beth focuses on him, only to be blindsided by a shocking act of violence. What happens afterwards is a testament to the power of a woman's love and determination, and to the invisible lines of hope and healing that connect one human being with another. Ultimately, as rendered in Anna Quindlen's mesmerizing prose, Every Last One is a novel about facing every last one of the things we fear most, about finding ways to navigate a road we never intended to travel, and about living a life we never dreamed we'd have to live, but find ourselves brave enough to try.
My Thoughts
This is going to be a hard book to review. I really don't want to give the story away because it has some shocking parts that really need to be felt. I have enjoyed other Anna Quindlen books- Blessings, One True Thing, and Black and Blue. Anna has a way to take us into situations that can be quite uncomfortable and makes one feel so many different emotions all at once. This book is no different.
When the book begins we are introduced to Mary Beth Latham and her family: her husband Glen an ophthalmologist, her teenage twin sons Alex and Max, and her teenage daughter Ruby. They seem to have it all even though they are not the perfect family by any means. As Max suffers from depression, Mary Beth becomes concerned for him. She is so concerned for him that she does not see the impending doom about to happen.
I had no idea what was going to happen in this book. I felt as shocked as the characters in the story. I could feel the confusion and gut wrenching pain that the characters felt. I knew Mary Beth's life was going to fall apart but I had no clue what was coming. When it did happen, I felt as though the wind was knocked out of my sails! I think it is great that an author can make a reader feel so much emotions with their words. The story is a book of tragedy and survival. How much can one person take and how do they go on and survive? It is quite an emotional roller coaster.
I highly recommend this book. It touched me in a way that was quite surprising to me. When you finish this book you will want to not take life for granted and you will want to hug those around you. This is a book you not only read but experience! What a powerful book! It's a book you won't soon forget!
I received this ARC for review from Random House. Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience this book!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
House Rules
House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult addresses the issue of a young man named Jacob, who has Asperger's and is accused of a crime. This story is told through the eyes of five different narrators. Emma-Jacob's mother who is raising Jacob and Theo alone, Theo-his brother, Rich-the detective involved in the case, Oliver-Jacob's attorney, and Jacob himself. It really gives insight as to how both Aspergers and the crime affected each person. I was a bit worried when I saw there were 5 narrators but the story flowed very well between each narrator and was very easy to follow. It made the story even more interesting to me to have five different viewpoints of what was happening. I felt as though Emma and Theo were just as much prisoners as Jacob. They were trapped in this world of making Jacob's life as easy for him as possible from keeping a strict schedule to eating foods of a certain color on specific days. However, as a mother I could imagine doing the same for one of my own children if put in the same situation. I could feel their frustrations in dealing with Jacob and making him understand the process in which he was about to go through. Jacob has a love for solving crimes and forensics ironically but he is not able to grasp what being accused of a crime means for him. Jodi had me questioning whether it is right to prosecute someone who has Aspergers of a crime such as murder. Will the defendant know what he is being accused of and have an understanding of right and wrong? Many questions do arise during this book that are interesting for discussion. I think it would be a great book for book clubs. Jodi Picoult's novels are always powerful and seem to address controversial issues. This one does not disappoint. This was a page turner for me. It kept me guessing until the very end.
I checked this book out from the public library.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Fireworks Over Toccoa
Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
Fireworks Over Toccoa is the quick, light, romantic story of Lily, a girl who has been raised to know her place in society who falls in love with Jake, an Italian pyrotechnician who has recently come home from World War II. The story is told through a flashback Lily has when a war artifact is displayed in the historical museum and she seems to be the only one who can tell the story of what the artifact is and how it came to be. Lily was married at 17 and shortly after her husband left for war. He is due to come home after 3 years away when Lily meets Jake. Lily must choose between the two. I felt as torn as Lily must have felt! I loved the setting of Toccoa and I could feel the close knit small town as though I were there. I enjoyed the escape to a much simpler time. It is a passionate story and really tugged at my heartstrings! It is a wonderful story. Once I started it, I read it straight through. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story. It's a great story for a Sunday afternoon! This is Jeffrey Stepakoff's debut novel and I think he does a fine job capturing the essence of love and it's conflicts. I hope he writes more novels as enjoyable as this one.
I received this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press for review. A special thank you to them!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Mailbox Monday April 12
Mailbox Monday is a meme where you can post what books came into your home during the week. It is hosted by Marcia over at The Printed Page. Go on over and check it out. Be warned though it can lead to large TBR piles and wish lists!
I received one book last week and it looks like a really good beach read! I love the cover!
Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook
Summary (from Goodreads)
Jill is a single mother who’s a master of cultural etiquette with a flair for exotic cuisine. She has a beautiful 10-year old daughter and steady career as an advisor at Great Girlfriend Getaways, a fabulous no-boys-allowed travel agency, perfect for a woman now leading a no-boys-allowed lifestyle. She thinks she finally has her life together, and there’s even a cute, free-spirited bicycle entrepreneur in the picture. For once, the dust in Jill’s life is starting to settle. But when Seth, the deadbeat husband who abandoned Jill and her then three-year old daughter Anastasia for the Peace Corps, comes back into her life, Jill finds herself utterly furious – and flabbergasted. He’s interested in getting to know his daughter, who’s dreamt of having a father, and Jill is powerless to say no. A spunky, worldly Jill of All Trades who has mastered the art of communication can’t seem to hold herself together in front of him. And on top of that, Great Girlfriend Getaways might be up for sale. Jill must make a choice – not necessarily between the two men in her life, but between the woman she is and the woman she wants to be.
I won this arc copy courtesy of Voice/Hyperion Books! A special thanks to them both!
What fun books made their way into your home?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Readathon End of Event Meme
I did not make it to the end of the Readathon. About 11:00 pm I closed my eyes for just a second and all of a sudden it was 3:00 am! I did get some reading accomplished before that so all is good! I had fun even though I wanted to last longer than I did.
Title of book(s) read since last update: Fireworks Over Toccoa
Number of books read since you started: 2
Pages read since last update: 260 pages
Running total of pages read since you started: 588 pages
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 198 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 622 minutes
End of Event Meme
1. Which hour was most daunting for you? I guess I would have to say 11:00 pm when I fell asleep.
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? House Rules was riveting and Fireworks Over Toccoa was a short romantic read.
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? None It is perfect the way it is!
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? Everything worked well from the hosts, to the cheerleaders, the mini-challenges...
5. How many books did you read? 2
6. What were the names of the books you read?House Rules and Fireworks Over Toccoa
7. Which book did you enjoy most? I enjoyed them both differently. They are very different books.
8. Which did you enjoy least? does not apply
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? I was not a cheerleader, maybe next time
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I will definitely participate again. Maybe I will be brave enough to cheerlead too.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Mid-way Mini Challenge
Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now? I will be starting Fireworks Over Toccoa
2. How many books have you read so far? 1- House Rules
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Widow Of the South audiobook
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? I cleaned and did laundry yesterday and cooked so all we have to do is reheat today
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? 2 interruptions-my old neighbor came to town and one phone call from my mother. I enjoyed chatting with each of them and then got back to business.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? That I am still goping strong!
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? None, it seems like a well oiled machine!
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? As a reader, maybe do one ongoing post instead of a new post each update and challenge.
9. Are you getting tired yet? Not really. I have been taking a break for the last hour visiting blogs.
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? Be flexible with your plan. If something isn't working for you try something else.
I am off to eat, do dishes and hit the books again!
1. What are you reading right now? I will be starting Fireworks Over Toccoa
2. How many books have you read so far? 1- House Rules
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Widow Of the South audiobook
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? I cleaned and did laundry yesterday and cooked so all we have to do is reheat today
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? 2 interruptions-my old neighbor came to town and one phone call from my mother. I enjoyed chatting with each of them and then got back to business.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? That I am still goping strong!
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? None, it seems like a well oiled machine!
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? As a reader, maybe do one ongoing post instead of a new post each update and challenge.
9. Are you getting tired yet? Not really. I have been taking a break for the last hour visiting blogs.
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? Be flexible with your plan. If something isn't working for you try something else.
I am off to eat, do dishes and hit the books again!
Readathon Update
I have finished my book! And what a book it was! I managed to visit a few blogs too. I find it hard to juggle it all and read. I have dinner heating up in the oven, not that I'm hungry. I have been grazing all day!
Title of book(s) read since last update: House Rules by Jodi Picoult (excellent!)
Number of books read since you started: 1
Pages read since last update: 119
Running total of pages read since you started: 328
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 155minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 424 minutes
Mini-challenges completed: 2
Other participants you’ve visited: about a dozen
Food or drinks consumed: Munchos, jelly beans, a coconut nest, pomegranate lemonade
As soon as I get dinner out of the way I will start on my next book. Not sure which I will pick. I'm feeling pretty good so far! How is everyone else doing?
Title of book(s) read since last update: House Rules by Jodi Picoult (excellent!)
Number of books read since you started: 1
Pages read since last update: 119
Running total of pages read since you started: 328
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 155minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 424 minutes
Mini-challenges completed: 2
Other participants you’ve visited: about a dozen
Food or drinks consumed: Munchos, jelly beans, a coconut nest, pomegranate lemonade
As soon as I get dinner out of the way I will start on my next book. Not sure which I will pick. I'm feeling pretty good so far! How is everyone else doing?
Read-athon Update
I have had a few interruptions so far. An old neighbor who lives down south stopped by, I took a shower, I talked to my mom on the phone.. I'm still reading House Rules but should be finished soon. It is really hard to put down so I have not done many challenges or visited blogs.
Title of book(s) read since last update:House Rules
Number of books read since you started:
Pages read since last update:209
Running total of pages read since you started:209
Amount of time spent reading since last update:269 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started:269 minutes
Mini-challenges completed:I did the introduction challenge and Mini challenge #1 at Ms Remmers
Other participants you’ve visited:Just Ms. Remmers, my nose is pretty stuck in my book
Food or drinks consumed: breakfast: many cups of coffee, banana, a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and a Peep on top.
Lunch: Creamy zucchini parmesan soup, carrots with dip, apricot jello, and a crystal light pomegranate lemonade (tried to keep lunch healthy to make up for my very nutritious breakfast!)
Title of book(s) read since last update:House Rules
Number of books read since you started:
Pages read since last update:209
Running total of pages read since you started:209
Amount of time spent reading since last update:269 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started:269 minutes
Mini-challenges completed:I did the introduction challenge and Mini challenge #1 at Ms Remmers
Other participants you’ve visited:Just Ms. Remmers, my nose is pretty stuck in my book
Food or drinks consumed: breakfast: many cups of coffee, banana, a chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and a Peep on top.
Lunch: Creamy zucchini parmesan soup, carrots with dip, apricot jello, and a crystal light pomegranate lemonade (tried to keep lunch healthy to make up for my very nutritious breakfast!)
Read-a-thon Mini Challenge #1
In this challenge we would like you to write a post on your blogs about your kick off strategy. What have you surrounded yourself with for these early hours of the challenge besides your books? Is there a coffee thermos, lucky book mark, snacks, pillow.... We want to know how you have prepared so you do not have to leave your cozy reading space (by the way - we'd like to know what is too.... (are you still in bed, a chair, the couch.....)
I have been reading for two hours sitting in the livingroom in my recliner. I have enjoyed a few cups of coffee cake coffee, a banana, and a chocolate cupcake topped with a peep! I have my tote bag with my books handy along with a pad of paper and a pen to keep track of what I accomplish. I'll be moving outside later when the temperature gets warm enough. I am reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult and it is riveting. I have snacks at the ready and lunch and dinner just need to be heated up. So far, so good!
I have been reading for two hours sitting in the livingroom in my recliner. I have enjoyed a few cups of coffee cake coffee, a banana, and a chocolate cupcake topped with a peep! I have my tote bag with my books handy along with a pad of paper and a pen to keep track of what I accomplish. I'll be moving outside later when the temperature gets warm enough. I am reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult and it is riveting. I have snacks at the ready and lunch and dinner just need to be heated up. So far, so good!
Readathon 1st Mini Challenge
I am getting a late start as the dogs did let me sleep in a bit this morning. Coffee is made, dogs are fed, cats are fed, kids are still sleeping. I am doing this mini challenge and then starting in right away while the house is quiet.
Where are you reading from today? I am reading from various places in my home and maybe out if the backyard if it gets warm enough.
3 facts about me … I have three kids, I am a stay at home mom, I love chocolate
How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? 11, I know I won't read them all but I wanted to have an assortment ready to go
Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? No goals this time around, just winging it and having fun.
If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time? I have only done the Read-a-thon once before but I did get caught up in being online and commenting and it really took a huge chunk of reading time. I guess my advice would be to have a set reading time and posting time.
I am off to read! Have fun everyone!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Readathon Plan
This time tomorrow I will be reading away! At least that is the plan. Tomorrow is Dewey's Read-a-thon. Go on over and check it out. There is still time to signup! I plan on starting at 7 am unless for some freakish reason my dogs decide to let me sleep in later. Fat chance! I am cleaning house today, doing laundry, making some pasta & meat sauce and a pot of soup for today and tomorrow's dinner so I will not have to cook. For snacks tomorrow I have a bag of munchos, leftover jelly beans and Russell Stover coconut nests (they changed these this year and I am not too happy with the new ones!) from Easter, and carrot and celery sticks. I also have some frozen pizzas in case of emergency! I'm hoping for some nice weather so I can read part of the time outside. If not my bed and my recliner are always cozy. For stretching, I will be reading on my treadmill. I am putting my books in a tote bag so I can move around to a new place pretty easily. I participated in the fall read-a-thon and I was achy the next day from sitting in one spot too long. I'm going to try moving my reading spot several times this time around. I doubt I will make the 24 hours either. I tend to fall asleep when I read late night. We shall see how long I make it this time.
My book list is crazy and I know I won't get to them all but I wanted to have an assortment handy. I am reading House Rules right now. It's very good. I will start the day off with finishing that. I have an audiobook in there in case my eyes get buggy! The list is as follows:
House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Sufficient Grace by Darnell Arnoult
Anne Frank The Book, The Life, The Afterlife by Francine Prose
Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
A Soft Place to Land by Susan Rebecca White
Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt
The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks (audiobook)
If I get just a few books read I will be happy. Last fall I really got into the challenges and ended up not reading near as much as I would like. I really don't have a plan of attack at this point. Any suggestions? If you are participating, what are your plans?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees
Louisa May Alcott and her family have interested me for quite awhile. One of my very first favorite books was Little Women. When The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott was offered to me for review you can believe I was over the moon! I enjoy reading anything about Louisa. I find her very intriguing.
In The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott, we are introduced to a 22 year old Louisa, who is moving to Walpole, New Hampshire with her family due to financial difficulties. While there Louisa struggles with the desire to be a writer and duty to her family. Love and marriage are not options she is willing to consider. She would like nothing more than to go to Boston, live alone and be a writer. Then she meets Joseph Singer. Louisa finds herself smitten and confused. Is there room for love, family and writing?
Kelly O'Connor McNees captures the essence of the Alcott family beautifully. I felt that the way the family was depicted was in line with things I have read or seen about the Alcott family. Louisa was just a I had imagined her to be and reminded me of Jo in Little Women. I enjoyed this book immensely! I can't recommend it enough. Just like when I read Little Women as a young girl, I didn't want this story to end! I'm looking forward to seeing what Kelly O'Connor McNees writes next.
I also saw this link to a book trailer for The Lost Summer of louisa May Alcott which I found to be hilarious! Check it out!
book trailer
I received this book courtesy of Lydia at Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam Books. I can't thank you enough Lydia for this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Mailbox Monday April 5
Mailbox Monday is a meme where you can post what books came into your home during the week. It is hosted by Marcia over at The Printed Page. Go on over and check it out. Be warned though it can lead to large TBR piles and wish lists!
My mailbox was empty last week! That is okay with me! It's nice to have a slow week or two so I can catch up on all the books I have here now. It's nice to get books but sometimes it's nice to not get books, if you know what I mean. Not so much pressure. I finished reading The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees last night and will get a review up for it this week. We have Spring Break this week so I am hoping to do a lot of reading! I'm off to see all the goodies everyone else got in their mailbox. Have a great week!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
24 Hour Readathon April 10th
Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon is just around the corner! April 10th at 5 a.m. Pacific time. I did this in the fall. I didn't get a lot accomplished but I had fun participating so I am going to do it again. I did not make 24 hours and that's okay. I have to sleep at night. If you would like to participate go to Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon It's alot of fun. There are mini challenges and prizes and the best part of all is we get to read for 24 hours(or in my case until I fall asleep). I will post my reading list closer to the actual date.
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