Its Book Time

Could I be any more of a slacker when it comes to my blog? I am still trying to work out a regular schedule for blogging, but like I said before I am not going to stress over it...I want to make sure this is fun for me again and I am starting to formulate ideas on blog topics, books to review, and tons of recipes to share!! So without further ado here are a bunch of books I've read lately that I've loved!!

Since the list is long I'll keep the reviews brief but all the ones I'm listing I absolutely loved and could not put down!! I've definitely been on a reading kick the last few weeks :)

1. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Courtesy of Amazon.com

I resisted reading this book for sooooooo long. I had talked to my Sister about it to see if she thought I'd like it and she said probably not. With that said I wrote the book off....that is until I saw the preview for the movie and I just had to read it! I didn't go in with high hopes of enjoying but let me tell you I read it over a weekend. I was hooked! It helps that the book is an easy read and you can just enjoy it. I know everyone knows about this book so I won't even bother with a summary BUT all I can say is that the minute I finished the first one I put in a request for the second at the library and waited on pins and needles to pick it up!

2. The Silent Wife by A.S.A Harrison

Courtesy of Amazon.com

I picked this one up because it sounded similar to Gone Girl (which I LOVED) and I had read some good reviews about. This book was such an easy read and not very long. It revolves around a couple, Jodi and Todd, who have been together for many years but never legally were married. When Todd makes a choice to completely disrupt their lives Jodi takes matters into her own hands. The one thing I disliked about this book was that I didn't like any of the characters. I found Jodi to be pathetic, Todd to be a disgusting man, and the supporting characters to be just background noises. Despite that I really liked the book. It was another one of those books that take you into the minds of people who need some serious help with their own personal issues. I'd recommend it for anyone who liked Gone Girl, just don't expect it to be anywhere close to that level of amazingness.

3. Chocolate, Chocolate by Frances Park and Ginger Park

Courtesy of Amazon.com

I was browsing my local library looking for something new and random to read when I came across this one. It was in the cooking/baking section and the minute I read the back cover I knew I had to read it! This book is a true story and it was soooooo much fun to read. I fell in love with the two sisters! It's about Ginger and Francis Park who decide to open a chocolate shop in D.C. Anyone who loves success stories and ones about anything chocolate related should definitely pick this one up!

4. The Selection by Kiera Cass

Courtesy of Amazon.com

I had been craving some young adult fiction lately and while I had started to read the Matched trilogy I was having a hard time getting into the second book. I remembered hearing about The Selection a long time ago and decided to check it out! Its another dystopian novel where the society is divided into castes ranging from 1-8. When its determined the Prince needs to find a wife they invite all girls in a certain age range to apply to be placed in the competition. The book follows America Singer, a 5 in the caste system (one of the lower levels), and how the Selection process changes her entire life. This book is full of decadence when it comes to palace life and you can't help but fall in love with the characters. Any one who is interested in young adult fiction should read this one. I have already put in a request for the second novel at the library and I really hope it comes in this week!!

I have read a few others recently too but these were my most favorite!! You should also check out The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartlett, The Secret of Magic by Deborah Johnson, and The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty.

Happy Reading!

Thirty by Thirty

I have been on a roll with reading lately and it's been amazing! Yes I know I promised recipes and I can assure you those are coming...I've been baking, reading, and binge watching Grey's Anatomy!! Since I broke my toe my social life has kind of taken a dive but I am enjoying every minute of being at home and engaging in my favorite hobbies!

This past weekend I sat down and read a wonderful book in a day! It was easy to read in a day because it wasn't a fictional novel, it was short, and it was applicable to where I am at in my life!

Photo courtesy of Amazon

I first heard about this book from one of those random book lists on Pinterest...yes I am still hopelessly addicted to Pinterest and I don't foresee that changing any time soon. I am all about self improvement books and while this isn't necessarily a self improvement book it is a practical checklist of what you should have and know by 30. Does it all apply to every individual? Absolutely not. But this book does give you hope that entering your thirties isn't as bad as some people make it seem.

While I'm perfectly content at staying 28 for the moment I am feeling less anxious about entering my thirties in a couple years and I am determined to achieve everything in this book. I can already check off a few things...For example:

• An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account -- all of which nobody has access to but you.
• One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
• How you feel about having kids.
• Where to go -- be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat -- when your soul needs soothing.

And I am so looking forward to discovering these things:

• The realization that you are actually going to have an old age -- and some money set aside to help fund it.
• Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
• When to try harder and when to walk away.
• How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
• Why they say life begins at 30

For those of you on the cusp of turning 30 I highly recommend you check out this book. My copy now resides on my entertainment stand for future reading and referencing when I start one of my million freak outs about turning 30.

And don't tell anyone but I think I'm almost to the point of being perfectly happy to kiss my twenties good bye! I'll enjoy the last two years of being in my twenties but I think I'm ready to be in my thirties and just moving forward in my life!

City Girl, Country Vet

Last weekend I was able to finish City Girl, Country Vet by Cathy Woodman. This book was a gift from my friend Alycia and I'm sure she selected it for me because A. It's all about animals and B. It's a British Chick Lit!!

The book revolves around Maz who ventures out to the country to fill in as a relief Vet. Her friend Emma owns a vet practice and is taking some time off to travel and decompress with her husband. Maz, who hails from London agrees, but soon discovers that she may not be cut out for small town country life! Between a deep rooted vet rivalry, your typical town odd balls, and a romantic interest it's a fun read! I never got to a point where I was bored and I was always rooting for the best for a majority of the characters.

And a huge shout out to Alycia because this book was already a winner before I was even 20 pages in...

I had to do a double take as soon as I saw my name in the book!! I was like oh yes I'm already sold on this book!! It was amazing so of course I took a picture right away :)

For those who love British Lit this is another must read! And it was a quick read for me! I read this over two days and enjoyed every minute! It's a little predictable and of course it's a chick lit so there's a bit of unrealistic romance in there but who doesn't love that??

Overall I give this book an A+!! Thank you to Miss Alycia for providing me with yet another great novel!

The End of Bridget Jones

Any one who knows me well knows that I LOVE LOVE LOVE British Chick Lit! I am obsessed with the Brits and all their quirkiness!! In fact if I could sell my soul to become British I would!! I love everything about them....well everything that I know about them anyways :)

One of my all time favorite British Chick Lits is of course Bridget Jones! I love the books and adore the movies! Renee Zellweger is the perfect Bridget Jones...don't even try and fight me on it!

One of my Christmas gifts from my parents was the third and I'm guessing final novel for Bridget Jones. I have waited 6 months to read it because I wasn't sure I was ready for it to end. I am one of those readers who will have less than 100 pages in a book and set it down for a few days because I am just not ready for the book to be over. Unlike movies which I can watch over and over again until I can quote the entire thing....I can't seem to reread books. The magic isn't there once I know how it's going to end.

There are few books that I can reread....for example Harry Potter...I will always read the Harry Potter novels over and over again! And yes I am still waiting on my Hogwarts Letter even though I am well past the age! I can reread all the Hunger Games, The Treachery of Beautiful Things, anything by Gillian Flynn, The Help, and almost all of Sophie Kinsella's books. Okay so I guess that's quite a few but I know people who will reread a million books over and over again!

Unfortunately the Bridget Jones' books are not included in that last...the movies yes absolutely. I put them on all the time when I'm falling asleep at night but the books not so much! Do I keep them?? Absolutely!

Once I finally started Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy I couldn't put it down....at least not until I had a little over 30 pages to go and then I set it aside for three days before I finally finished it. I was just not ready for it to end!!

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.

The book picks up with Bridget years later...2 children and the unfortunate death of her beloved Mark Darcy...not spoiling anything that is clearly in the synopsis of the novel. It follows Bridget through the trials of moving on in the only way Bridget Jones could do it....awkwardly! This woman could make anyone look like a picture of perfection! She is so quirky and such a hilarious mess! What can I say I absolutely adore her!

The book is set again in diary format...could it be any other way? She details her feelings on being a single mother, the joys and pitfalls of having a young toy boy (referred to here in the States as a boy toy), helping her still single friends through their relationships, and trying to start her career up again following the loss of Mark.

Now if I had it my way and could create a happily ever after I'd leave the third book out of the publishing world. I rather liked imagining her and Mark Darcy living happily ever after...just the way they are. But of course life isn't about happily ever after and I will say Helen Fielding did an amazing job of disposing of a beloved character and still leaving you happy with the way life goes on for Bridget. You will find that you like all characters in this novel and that you really are rooting for them all to find happiness.

If you are a fan of Bridget Jones be sure to read this one. She is....as can only be described...the Bridget Jones we all love!

Overall grade - A+++...Now Helen Fielding needs to leave it alone and be good with how she finished Bridget's story. I can't take another heartbreak for Bridget!!

Books and Cooks...

Happy Tuesday Everyone!! I hope you all are having a fabulous kick off to your week!!

I am pretty excited for tomorrow as we are having a company party!! For 6 years the company I am working for has been voted Best in the Business and we are celebrating tomorrow!! It should be a blast!!
*Side Note - I was actually laid off from my position last year (12/31/12 to be exact) but I started at my new company this past April and I love it!! :)

I thought today I'd share with you a couple new books and some new foods I've tried recently!

First up the foods....

I always hit up the clearance section at Target because you never know what kind of little items you might find to try out! I usually find small things of flavored coffee to try or flavorings to add to your meals! My other favorite place to browse the food racks is TJ Maxx. Yup TJ Maxx! I always find good flavored coffees there, scone & muffin mixes, and now I've found a Quinoa mix! I have never had Quinoa but figured I'd jump on the band wagon before another health food takes over. Last night I decided to combine my two finds - Lemon & Herb Quinoa with steak marinated in Campbell's Skillet Sauces Fire Roasted Tomato!

I will be honest I have no idea how people can rave about Quinoa the way they do! Perhaps it's because I'm a texture person when it comes to my food and there is just something wrong to me about the texture of this stuff but you can put me down as not a fan of it! I even waited the full 20 minutes for it to absorb the water, then 5 minutes to sit, then fluffed....but nope I took two bites and couldn't do it! For those of you who do like Quinoa make sure to hit up your local TJ Maxx to see what they have to offer in flavors!

Onto the skillet sauce....DELISH! I was pleasantly surprised how good this sauce was! Whenever I see Fire Roasted on anything I usually find it to not be quite as "firey" as I like but this one was right on the money! And so easy...brown up your meat, toss in your sauce, and let simmer til your meat is cooked! If you can find this one make sure to try it...I know I'll be on the look out for different flavors!

Onto the books...I recently put out a post on Facebook requesting suggestions for a book I could devour! I was looking for something that would suck me in and make it hard for me to accomplish anything over the weekend! One of my super sweet coworkers left two books sitting on my desk waiting for me the next morning! One of those was The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

A good friend of mine Laura had recommended this one to me  awhile back but I completely forgot about it, especially since I watched the movie (very sweet movie for all you cinema lovers). I was lucky enough to sit down Sunday and read this entire book! It was a 4 star story and such an easy read! It's written in letter format which I love! I definitely recommend this book!

And one more book that I recently purchased is a 5 Year Q&A Book!!

I heard about this book recently from a vlogger on YouTube and it sounded right up my alley. I really like to keep a journal but some nights I just want to read or I am so tired that the minute my head hits the pillow I am out...this books allows me to still record a thought each day! Basically for 5 years you record your answer to each question and every day has a different question! I really love this and think it will be so fun to see what changes and what doesn't change in my answers! Another "book" I would recommend to everyone!

Well folks I should probably wrap this post up as my lunch break is nearing its end! I will leave you with a few fun upcoming things I've got going on though...

I am currently rereading all the Harry Potter books! I have not read these since the first time I read them and think it's so fun going back through book 1 now! I just love everything about Harry Potter!! I am also reading a few other books on the side but the next one I am starting is called The Fault in Our Stars...the second book my coworker lent me!

This week, aside from the work party tomorrow, I've got happy hour with my best friend Alycia, Coffee and a walk with a friend on Saturday, Decorating for Halloween!! and Sunday morning Chuckles and I have a date to watch the first episode of the new season of Once Upon a Time! He is working nights now so we will be DVRing it and watching it together a WEEK LATE!! It's killing us both to have it sitting on the DVR but it's our show so no sneak watching it!!

I hope everyone has a great rest of your week and I'll be back on Friday with my Weekly Favorites!!

Insurgent - Book 2

I just finished up Insurgent by Veronica Roth. This is the follow up book to Divergent which I loved!! 

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This book picks up right where Divergent left off, but it's action from the start! In Divergent it seems to start out relatively slow and then all the action happens the last half of the book. Insurgent is action-packed from start to finish!!

 

The book follows Tris (and all the usual characters) as she tries to figure out why the Erudite have chosen to attack the factions. It's such an interesting storyline and the whole time they speak of this sacred information that only a select few are aware of. Obviously that makes it almost impossible to put this book down because curiosity kicks in and you must know what the secret is. 

 

I was into this book from the start, it had my full attention the whole time! Some moments might drag a little but not much and if you forge ahead a few pages you are dropped into more action. 

 

I don't want to say too much more about the storyline because I'm hoping some of you will pick up Divergent and Insurgent to read. They really are quite interesting and very easy reads! 

 

Overall grade - A+! 

The Paris Wife!

For October our book club read The Paris Wife by Paula McLain! The novel focuses on Ernest Hemingway's first wife Hadley and their relationship.

When our book club met to pick our next 12 books this book happened to be one that 4 out 5 had put on the recommended list. It also had a lot of hype surrounding it the months before we selected books, got rave reviews...thus why I had suggested we read it!! I was super excited for this book and thrilled with all the feedback I had read...

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Well folks the book just wasn't that thrilling. I had imagined a book that kept you wrapped up in the story, one that made it hard to put the book....this was just not.

It is not a horrible book, it is not a great book. I didn't dislike it, nor did I really enjoy it. Going into it with absolutely no knowledge about Hemingway's personal life, I'll be honest I've never even read one of this books, I was excited to learn about someone new.

The book just didn't keep me that interested. It wasn't very detailed, it was hard to picture anything that was going on aside from the sections about the running of the bulls and yes I could've gone without those details. Aside from missing vivid details I also found it lacking in any sort of character building. I never found myself liking any of the characters...and other than Ernest Hemingway, I didn't dislike them either. 

I found I had to constantly remind myself of the era it took place and how women acted back then towards men...it was difficult because the main character, Hadley, was pathetic in my mind. It was sad to me how much she sacrificed for a man who would always be selfish. Yes she loved him and yes I realize it took place back in the 20s but it was hard for me to understand. 

Overall the book was pretty boring, the author wrote in a very monotone voice, or at least that's how I read it, and until the very end I was never engrossed in the book. By the time you get to the end and you are intrigued she drags it out forever and I found myself getting annoyed.

Grade - C. It's average!

Happy Reading! 

Autobiography of a Fat Bride!

I think I might be obsessed with Laurie Notaro...I just finished up her book Autobiography of a Fat Bride and it was hilarious!! I wish I would have read it before I got married!

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If you remember I recently read her first book (The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club) that had me laughing out loud through almost every chapter!! This one is just as funny, if not more funny! It chronicles moments of time before she got married, some moments, during her wedding, and of course some of the aftermath of living with your husband! I'll admit some parts were a little too gross for me....there's a whole chapter in relation to her husband eating Chitlins and her ending up in the bathroom....wish I had skipped that one...

But overall the book is hilarious and I am already planning on reading I Love Everybody and Other Atrocious Lies as soon as I finish this months book club book which is The Paris Wife...I cannot wait to get into that book and have high hopes tonight will be the night!!! :o)

Overall grade for Ms Notaro's 2nd book - A+!! Any author that can keep me laughing throughout deserves nothing less than the highest grade possible!! Thanks for the laughs again!!

Happy Reading Everyone!!

A Fairytale Wedding

I am a huge fan of Prince William and his beautiful wife Catherine Middleton. Perhaps I should use their formal titles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I just love Catherine! I think she is classy, naturally gorgeous, sweet, and from all news reports a very sweet lady.

Despite being extremely sick the week of their wedding I did stay up into the wee hours to watch their wedding. It was gorgeous and so full of love!

As soon as their wedding was over I knew I wanted just a bit more! I went on Amazon and purchased this book to read whenever I could...

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I actually started the book January of this year...and finished it last week...September of this year...9 months later!!! They could've had a baby by now, I can only wait patiently for that glorious day! 

I should clarify that I did not read this book every day, every week, or even every month. Whenever I didn't feel like reading whatever book I had started or when I just wanted a break from fictional stories I'd pick up this one...which I'm sure isn't too far from fiction!

It was cute! I loved reading about their history and not just their wedding and engagement. In fact the book barely touches on their actual wedding day which is so amazing since I watched it! I wanted all the fun facts that you miss out on by living here in the States. We don't get too much royal gossip which of course is such a shame but I understand.

If you are at all intrigued by the royal couple then I recommend you read this book. I would take everything with a grain of salt because really how can the author be so sure of all the little details? But the book was super fun to read!

Overall grade - A+!! 

I couldn't give it less than that because it's Will and Kate...yes I am one of those nut jobs who loves loves loves these people!

A Little Sass in Your Reading Pants!

I am so happy to report I have found a new favorite writer!! Her name is Laurie Notaro and she wrote this super funny book...

The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club!

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While I don't think of myself as a member I would love to know and befriend every single person she wrote about, except for Dog Girl of course! (if you read the book you'll know who that is)

The book contains a bunch of short stories, which I'm guessing are columns Ms. Notaro wrote for the newspaper she was working for at the time, about mishaps in her life...well not really mishaps but apparently how life goes for those who belong to the Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club. I was hooked right from the beginning and I have already started another one of her books...yes she is that funny.

I can only compare her writing and life stories to that of Miss Chelsea Handler...and if you remember her books made me laugh out loud while I was at the gym, gaining me unwanted stares! This book I kept my LOL moments to myself until I was in the comforts of my own home with just Chuckles and the dog to judge me!

I loved loved loved this book! There is no real plot, but a collection of extremely funny tales. The book and author are not for everyone (talking to you Mandy & Mom) but like Chelsea Handler you do end up loving the character and thanking the skies above it's not your life!

Overall grade - A+! 

I laughed my butt off and I am already planning on reading ALL of her books!!

P.S. For those of you who noticed, no it's not on my original book list, nor are her other books, but more on that in my next book related post!

Those Who Save Us

In September our book club read Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum.

 The book centers around a Mother and Daughter, but in different periods of time. Trudy and her mother Anna are originally from a small town in Germany and then after the WWII they moved to the United States. Trudy grows up, goes to school, gets a college degree and is a history professor with her focus on German history.

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The book switches time periods and narrators view throughout the whole book. Anna's life during the war living in Germany and then Trudy's life in current times as she explores the history of Women's role throughout the War.

Anna's story is very sad and the book is quite depressing. While you know certain arrangements were forced upon German woman during that time you are not really given too much detail. Or at least from my basic history classes in high school you don't. You understand what happened but you never really dive into the details....this book is a good reason why.

Trudy's life is slightly depressing as well but in a different way. It seems her main focus is to solve the mystery of who her Father is and find out about her Mother's life in Germany, something which Anna chooses never to speak of. When Trudy gets an opportunity to participate in a funded project regarding WWII she jumps at the chance and embarks on a series of interviews with German natives who now live in her local area. It's interesting and disturbing all at once.

This book was quite depressing. I found myself setting it down and wasting time on Pinterest for 5 minutes to just clear my mind. Luckily I was informed by the other members of my book club how bad this book so I chose to sit down and read it in two days.

Maybe it's because I was prepared for it, or perhaps I just assumed it'd be horrible considering you know what some women had to do during those times, but I didn't think it was horrible. I feel the book was very accurate in it's history and I thought the way the author showed Trudy's own backlash from the events surrounding the war was very interesting.

That being said I will never read this book again. I wasn't disturbed by it, nor was I left with a permanent scar from reading it. But I did need those 5 minute breaks quite often and the content is just not things I enjoy reading about.

Overall Grade - C.

Georgia's Kitchen

I would love to say that my reading drought is over but I am treading carefully with that statement. Recently I finished 3 books (and no I have not been holding out on you, I literally finished all 3 within 3 days of each other) and I am really hoping I've found my groove but the last time I said that was how long ago??

In my defense we have been pretty busy folks and I have not been reading on my lunch breaks like I normally do, basically because I haven't been taking lunch breaks!

At night I've been wanting to read but we recently also started Family Walks after work, us and the dogs go for a quick 20 minute walk, which I am loving but by the time I get home we go for a walk and finish cooking then eating dinner I feel like A. Plopping my butt in front of the boob tube or B. I've got a million things on my checklist to take care of! I've been trying to read at night in bed but I usually end up dozing off...

Regardless I just finished up three books, the first one being...drum roll please.........

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Georgia's Kitchen by Jenny Nelson!

The story revolves around a Head Chef named Georgia Gray who unfortunately suffers a career setback in New York City. She is then blacklisted in New York and knows the chances of getting a decent job as a head chef or even sous chef are slim to none. But fate intervenes like usual and our main character Georgia is offered a temporary summer position at a new restaurant in Italy!!!!!

Who wouldn't take that? Especially after she gets fired AND loses her fiancee all in one day! Yup girl has it rough! Then she gets to go to Italy and the adventure begins there....

It's a very cute story and I really enjoyed all of the cooking aspects of the novel. But I will warn you the book is somewhat predictable. I think that's why I wasn't in a huge rush to finish this book, well until we had Campfest this past weekend and I had some relaxing time...

Overall grade - B+. I really enjoyed it, loved the main character, and loved the author for including dogs in the story...it's small details that I love the most! 

The Recipe Club

I am back in the reading groove people and it feels so good!! I wrapped another book this past week and it felt awesome! I hate when I hit a reading lull so when I find myself getting totally engrossed in a new book I am one happy lady!

The book I just finished is called The Recipe Club by  Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel.

The book centers around the friendship of two girls/grown ladies Val and Lilly. The whole book is written in letters and in each letter they write each other (well 90% of them) they include a recipe with of course clever and appropriate recipe names to go with their situation. Cheesy? Yes, but oh so entertaining for a reader.

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The book starts out with the women reaching out after many many years have passed since this "thing" that happened and made them not want to talk to each other. Yeah way to start the book out with you wanting to know exactly what happens.....you do find out, but not until the last quarter of the book.

This book was pretty good. I enjoyed it and it was a very easy read. There is nothing HUGE that made my jaw drop while reading it and I can't honestly say that I would really recommend the book to anyone particular. As much as I did enjoy it I'm not sure that I'd recommend it period. 

The book is just a book. Not a memorable one that I would rush to my friends and say you MUST read this. But if you find yourself interested based off the description then go for it. I'd say if you can get it at your local library and save yourself some money.

Overall grade - C. Like I said nothing spectacular but I did enjoy it and I found myself staying up late to find out what the big "thing" was that caused the rift.

Wench: A Novel

This month my book club chose to read Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez!

The book is something that is completely different from anything we've read and I had heard good reviews from a coworker of mine! It took me about 50 pages before I really got into it!

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 The book revolves around a slave named Lizzie that "belongs" to Drayle (his last name). In case you were unaware (like I was) back in the day slave owners would sometimes develop more "personal" relations with their woman slaves. Yes, we've all heard about the slave owners raping their slaves but I was never aware that some would develop relationships with one slave, to the point of moving that slave into their home! I was extremely shocked by this and it took a lot for me to wrap my head around it.

The woman are still treated poorly, don't think that this is a real relationship, but they are treated better than the other slaves. In Lizzie's story she truly believes she loves Drayle, the man who owns her and also has 2 children with her. But it focuses a lot on the summers where her and Drayle would vacation up North (Where slaves were free) and stay at a resort. It was a resort where quite a few white man brought their "special" woman slave and where they stayed in the same cabin together.

Throughout the book you meet 3 other woman and 1 man (all slaves) that Lizzie spends her summers with while at the resort and they all have sad stories to tell! 

The book is pretty gut wrenching and hard to believe, but I assure you it's true. In fact the resort they stayed at during those summers was turned into a school for African Americans and it's been said that those children of the men and their slave woman who stayed there were some of the first to attend the school. 

Overall the book was just plain sad. A book about slavery is already sad enough but then to toss in this very odd arrangement and it's heart breaking. Even though it was sad I still enjoyed it while I read it. I got thoroughly sucked in and finished it in 2 days so it's an easy read as well!!

My grade for this novel - B. It's worth a read if you are at all into the history from that time period!

The American Heiress

My Apologies Readers. I have been stuck in a reading rut but I have finally pulled through. For some reason I was very disinterested in reading in July and due to personal reasons I did not even attend our monthly book club meeting. I did however finish reading the book at last and feel that I am ready to get my reading back on :)

I finally finished reading The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin!

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I was so looking forward to reading this book when our book club first selected it and even more so after I started reading it. But then summer weather really hit and I did not feel like spending any time reading, especially a book that for the most part takes place in dreary England.

The book focuses on Miss Cora Cash, an extremely wealthy heiress in America who (because of her Mother) goes in search of finding a Duke to marry. The book focuses on Cora's transformation from a young at heart, carefree American Heiress to an esteemed Duchess with child! 

The book is overall quite interesting and the details are amazing. I felt at times I must be in England and attending these over the top parties! I was completely enthralled in the book and couldn't wait until the end. This book was definitely a book that had to guessing as to what the secret was, you know before they reveal it in the book, but I was constantly thinking "there must be more to it". Not hardly, the book ends exactly how you think it will end and that my friends is without a big hurrah. 

Life moves on for Cora as you'd expect and I was left with a "that's it!" feeling. I mean who wouldn't love some major drama after a scandal is revealed? Apparently not the author, she stayed true to the "real world" which for me was far less sastifying!

Overall Grade is a C+. If it hadn't been for the ending I probably would've given the book an A-. If you are interested in this particular time period & location by all means enjoy, the writing is wonderful, but if you are not then I'd steer clear!

Happy Reading!

Divergent

Calling all Hunger Game readers!! I have got a new book to share with you and you might have already heard of it!

I just finished reading Divergent last week and holy moly was I totally sucked in!!

I had first hear about the Divergent trilogy on a couple different blogs but being as I didn't have 3 empty spaces on my book list and I was trying really really hard not to add more books I resisted!

 

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But finally I broke down. I heard about it again for like the 10th time and it's always, "If you liked the Hunger Games" you will LOVE this series! I jumped on board, bought the book and devoured it! I seriously couldn't put this book down. I loved all the characters and it's "similar" to the Hunger Games but overall it's a very different story line. A little more adult as well, even though the kids are only 16.

It focuses on 16 year old Beatrice and her time to chose her faction. Currently the "world" is divided into 5 different factions - Abnegation (where she was raised), Candor, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. And each of those factions are know for key personality traits and the idea is that they all can coexist but in their separate factions. Each of the factions contribute a key quality to society. It's rather strange trying to describe it but I promise it's amazing.

Once you turn 16 you are required to go through a test, then decide what faction you'd like to commit the rest of your life too. You can choose to stay in the faction you were raised or you can "transfer" to another one and basically give up your old life and family!

There is way more to this than the above description but that's because it's so interesting and such a good book that I want you all to read it!! There is a huge storyline that (I'm assuming) carries over to the second and third books that will make you want to read them one after another!!

I was so happy with this book that I decided to read the 2nd and 3rd even though they aren't on my list. Only problem the 3rd isn't even written yet!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! I was so destroyed over that! I hate reading series and then having to wait for the next one. Harry Potter was the only series I followed like that and it killed me then!

So now I am planning on reading our book club book for July and then immediatly getting into the second of this trilogy - Insurgent. Then I guess I'll have to wait until next year (apparently it will be out in November 2013) to finish off this trilogy!!

Hunger Game readers you must get this book!! You will enjoy it immensely!

Summer Rental

I just finished reading a super cute (new) book from Mary Kay Andrews...one of my favorite Chick Lit authors! I mean seriously  her books are so cute and pretty easy to read. Plus you always love her characters, she makes them so damn likeable!! :)

Anywho I just wrapped up Summer Rental and it was adorable!!

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The book focuses on a group of 3 girlfriends who spend the month of August in a beach rental house called Ebbtide! Of course their's hunky McHunkster Ty who lives in the garage apartment next to the house and of course he sweeps one of the girls off their feet :)

Along with the 3 girls and the obvious summer romance Mary Kay Andrews tosses in a 4th woman who is running from her CRAZY con-artist husband. You've got the "mystery"/"suspense" from that and it fits perfectly in the book.

I don't want to give away too much because I think all woman should pick this book up before the end of summer! It's all about friendship, taking chances, and leaving behind a painful past!! Seriously go check this book out at the library, grab it at the store, or download it for your eReader!!!

Overall grade - A++ I loved this book!!

The Book Club - No not ours!

Another book down ladies and gents!! I just finished reading The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe!

 

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Obviously the reason I chose this book was solely based on the title! I mean come on who wouldn't want to read a book about a book club, especially when you are in a book club!! I knew that I'd have a hard time connecting to the characters because they are all in their 40s and 50s but I just had to read it anyways!  

The book focuses on 5 women, Eve, Annie, Doris, Midge, and Gabriella! Each women is facing a tough situation in their life at about the same time...Eve's husband suddenly passes away leaving her to raise their two children and deal with her grief over unspoken words. Annie finally decides she wants to have a child but at her age it's challenging. Doris is just a mess without knowing it. She's got an old fashioned way of life and learns to stop accepting the "abuse" from her husband. Midge's mother comes to "visit" (extended) which means a lot of  criticism on Midge's choice of staying single and focusing on her artwork. And Gabriella's husband loses his job forcing her to increase her hours as a nurse and deal with the stress of being a single income family!

All and all this book covers a lot of different topics, relationships, and overall opinions! It was alright. I was never able to connect to any of the characters, but I did like them. They all were good people just learning how to deal with stressful times in their life.

I wouldn't recommend this book unless you enjoy reading books about "real" life. It was extremely real to the point where I'm sure most people at that stage in their life can relate. It almost made me feel depressed the whole time. I wanted to finish it hoping for that happy ending but at the end I just felt sad. Sad for the women.

Overall grade - C. The book wasn't horrible but it was a downer!

Book Club Book Year 3!

After this month we will have officially entered Year 3 of our book club!! WOO HOO!! I am so excited that we are all still loving this book club and still chugging along with interesting books!! In the most recent meeting back in May we all brought our picks for the next years books and I of course want to share them with you all!! I also now have a completed 2012 book list for me to finish by December 31st, 2012!!!

And would you believe that I might actually have two books to add to make it 42 books this year?? We will see, I really wanted to stick with 40 but I'm debating about these two I just heard about!!

I actually ended up having to move one of my 2012 books into 2013 as it was picked by the book club to read, but I already replaced that one with Dreams of Joy, the sequel to Shanghai Girls! There's no way I won't be reading that one!!

But first here are the next 12 books for our book club, including 6 that will be added to my list :)

July 2012 -  The American Heiress: A Novel by Daisy Goodwin
August 2012 - Wench: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
September 2012 - Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
October 2012 - The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
November 2012 - The Violets of March by Sarah Jio
December 2012 - A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

January 2013 - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
February 2013 - Magnolia Wednesdays by Wendy Wx
March 2013 - Keeping the House by Ellen Baker
April 2013 - The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass
May 2013 - The Forgotten Garden: A Novel by Kate Morton
June 2013 - The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

There you have it folks! I'm super excited for our 3rd year of book club!! And I am super excited to have such a good variety of books!!

And here is our annual photo :)

 

Stay tuned for a couple more possible additions to my 2012 list...I might be crazy and add more :o)

Happy Reading!!

Mermaids in the Basement

This month for our book club we are reading Mermaids in the Basement by Michael Lee West and I was actually able to finish this one early! Lately I've been waiting until the week before book club to read the book so I don't forget details but it's just too darn stressful and really how much am I forgetting? Probably not much since you know I read the book and pay attention to details :)

Anywho we went camping this past weekend (post coming soon...) and I was able to finish up the book!!

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This book is a perfect summer read! It's got Southern Heat and Drama all wrapped up in one!!

The story focuses on Renata, a young woman who finds out via the National Enquirer that her director boyfriend is having an affair with an actress on his new movie set! She decides to head home, after finding a note her Mother left her (Mom passed away) telling her to speak to her Grandmother and Nanny (who live together now) about secrets from the past!

The book gives you a few different narrators, Renata, Honora (Renata's grandmother), Isabella (Honora's best friend/neighbor), Gladys (Renata's childhood Nanny who now lives with Honora), and Louie (Renata's father). It can get kind of confusing as to who's speaking but you can definitely figure it out if you pay attention.

The story is all about unraveling a bunch of secrets from Renata's childhood about her mother, her father, and all the others involved with them! It's a good book, not a great one, but the story is interesting and it's an easy read! I also really enjoy books that take place in the South (probably cause it's so different from California) and that have any sort of mystery to them.

If you have the time and you are interested in reading about some dysfunctional relationships then pick up this one. I wouldn't classify it as a must read though. 

Overall grade - B.