Reading Derby

Read-a-thon Update 8am - last Update

2011-10-23T08:15:00.002-04:00

The read-a-thon is over...so sad...I slept and I am still tired! My kiddos were up at 5am so I didn't get as much read this morning as I wanted. I am determined to finish Sisters today. Sisters is a great book to read in the read-a-thon fast, easy, suspenseful but oddly so - you know what is going to happen just not who did it.... very odd...

I can't wait until the next read-a-thon...I love it that twice a year I have an excuse to read all day and not feel guilty about doing anything else!! Hello Laundry...I am coming for you today

Read-a-thon Update 4am EST

2011-10-23T04:37:00.002-04:00

I am up again! Trying to finish Sisters. My 2.5 year old hijacked my night...she is not feeling well and just wanted Mommy. Everytime I laid her down she started coughing and would wake herself up... hopefully she will sleep for a couple of hours.

Read-a-thon Update 8pm EST

2011-10-22T20:17:00.000-04:00

Still reading - going to take a break to put the kiddos to bed. :)

Read-a-thon Update 4pm EST

2011-10-22T15:59:00.002-04:00

Hour 8 I think... :)

Still reading

I have moved home and so far have changed more diapers (2) than chapters read...going to change that this hour...though my 5 year old keeps asking me to play stickers with her. :)

Page 106

Top 5 Books Coming Soon - Mini Challenge

2011-10-22T15:11:00.004-04:00

Here are the top 5 I am anticipating
Dicovery of Witches book #2

I love this mini-challenge because I love picking new books to read...hence my TBR pile is bigger than I can read in 1 year!! :)

Thanks Lisa for hosting this challenge

2011-10-22T12:47:00.002-04:00

It's nearly 1pm est here! I completed another mini-challenge and am really annoyed that I can't paste into blogspot! UGH - this is one of the reasons I stopped blogging so much - maybe I need to change who hosts my blog - any suggestions?

Anyway my favorite way of sharing reading right now is with my 5 year old and helping her learn to read...I am so excited at the number of books that await her!

As for this hour - still at Starbucks reading Sister :) still enjoying it! I think I am going to have to find some lunch this hour so probably less reading will get done...oh well...

Read-a-thon Update 12am EST

2011-10-22T11:59:00.002-04:00

Still reading! ;) Thinking about getting lunch on page 78 of Sister by Rosmund Lupton...really enjoying it and trying to figure out what happened to the sister! Wishing my sister and I were as close as Tess and Bee...but I am blessed to have friends as close as sisters! And one I know would move heaven and earth to find out how / why I died! :) Ok that is a morbid thought!

I might have to make a snack run before I head home :) A sweet chex mix is on my list of things to get..and someone mentioned Dove Carmels in their blog...it got me thinking about them.

So far I have drank:
Cinnamon Dolce Latte and Chai Latte - yumm...

Read-a-thon Update 10am

2011-10-22T10:16:00.003-04:00

So I think this is hour 2, but I have already lost count!! LOL!

I am still at Starbucks. Going though my google reader looking at people's updates. :) I just love today!

I am reading: Sisters - which is really good! Page 33 - yeah I did mention I am a slow reader.
Pages I have read: 33
Books Completed so far...none - this is typical for me in the read a thon...I should make it a goal to finish a book! LOL

Smelling all the good smell of starbucks looking forward to the day...I love fall all snuggly in a sweatshirt and when I get home I will start the fireplace. :) Sounds idealistic when I know the kiddos will be with me hopefully there will be a good show on NickJr that will give me 25 minutes of blissful reading! I love NickJr! :)

Reada-thon intro meme

2011-10-22T09:21:00.003-04:00

Introduction Meme

1. I am reading from Liberty Township, OH (a 'burb of Cincinnati)
2. 3 random facts - did my first read-a-thon with Dewey!, slow reader, probably won't make it the whole 24 hours awake and certainly not reading with 2 kiddos underfoot
3. an infinate number! A bookshelf full, but hoping to finish 2!
4. my goals are to read 10 hours but I will probably get in 5.
5. My advice is to have fun - that is the whole point if you need a break take it, if you want to change goals do it! :)

My favorite Day - Read-a-thon day!!

2011-10-22T09:01:00.002-04:00

I am reading in the 24 hour read-a-thon today! I got a hour late start so now it's a 23 hour read-a-thon...but in reality it will probably be 5 hours of reading...not even a-thon...but hey that is more than usual!!

For the next few hours I have left the kiddos and the hubby to read at Starbucks. The read-a-thon site is not working for me it keeps erroring out...well see if it starts working later...ok on to reading!

I have 2 books with me Sister by Rosamund Lupton and Call me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ;)

Jan- April 2011 Summary

2011-04-19T15:20:00.003-04:00

I am doing great reading this year! So excited...well I guess that most of my "reading" has been audio, but hey to me that counts! It also helps that so far work has been very light. I have been doing well with my challenges too! Yeah!! I might finish a bunch this year! Keeping my fingers crossed.

Here is the list of books completed so far:
1. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
2. Search - Nora Roberts
3. Night Fairy - Lara Amy Schlitz
4. Private - James Patterson
5. Caught - Harlan Corbin
6. Little Bee - Chris Cleave
7. Where the God of Love Hangs Out - Amy Bloom
8. Adoration of Jenna Fox - Mary Pearson
9. Maybe This Time - Jennifer Cruise
10. Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan
11. Bloodroot - Amy Green
12. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Helen Simonson
13. Nanny Returns - Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus
14. Great House - Nicole Krauss
15. Room - Emma Donoghue
16. Half Broke Horses - Jeannette Walls

My favorites were Room, Bloodroot, and Mockingjay...
Least Favorites Little Bee, Major Pettigrew, Where the God of Love Hangs Out, and Nanny Returns

Read-a-Thon April 2011 - 4:30am EST

2011-04-10T04:30:00.001-04:00

The Wake of Forgiveness has pulled me in...and I already know a friend who would love it! I am about 80 pages in - on my second cup of coffee and am now in the company of my 4 year old - who is a morning person like me...but 4am...geez. :) She is watching Carebears and I am going back to reading. :) I so love read-a-thon days!! Just wish they came more often!

Last few hours of the Read-a-thon

2011-04-10T02:17:00.001-04:00

It's 2:16am EST and I am here for a few hours of reading...whoo hoo! I am reading Wake of Forgiveness....at the beginning trying to figure out if I like it or not :)

Read-a-Thon April 2011

2011-04-09T05:50:00.002-04:00

Read-a-thon day is here!! Yes I look forward to the 2 read-a-thons with great anticipation. I did this one as well...unfortunately I am not going to get to read until probably 9pm EST. We have a storage area at our old city that needs to be moved. Since my Mom is here to watch the kiddos we are moving it this weekend. The great thing is all of our stuff is at the new house - the very bad thing is I am missing a lot of the read-a-thon. I will be there in spirit and I will be listening to an audio book so I am trying. :) I am reading Room by Emma Donoghue and am enjoying it. I am at a good part so I really want to finish it! :) So I will see you all at 9 and I am hoping to participate the whole time in the fall read-a-thon!

Show Me the Free Reading Challenge

2010-12-26T21:50:00.003-05:00

Missy at the Unread Reader is hosting the Show me the Free Reading Challenge

Guidelines:
Read 12 ebooks that were obtained for Free

The List (not sure if I will read them all or even some others that I get through the year)
1. Wish - Alexandra Bullen
2. Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy - Abigail Reynolds
3. Lydia Bennet's Story - Jane Odiwe
4. Mr & Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy: Thow Shall Become One - Sharon Lathan
5. Mr Darcy's Diary - Amanda Grange
6. Other Mr Darcy - Monica Fairview
7. Pemberley Chronicals - Rebecca Ann Collins
8. What Would jane Austen Do? Laurie Brown
9. Mr Darcy Takes a Wife - Linda Berdoll
10. Darcys & the Bingleys - Marsha Altman
11. Eliza's Daughter - Joan Aiken
12. Lonestar Sanctuary - Collen Coble
13. Troblesome Creek - Jan Watson
14. Fireflies in December - Jennifer Erin Valent
15. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

New Author Challenge

2010-12-26T21:05:00.003-05:00

Jackie is hosting a New Author Challenge.

Guidelines:

Authors New to Me (can be from other challenges)
Pick 15, 25, or 50...

I am doing the 15 Author Challenge, my selections so far are:

Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot
Girl with the Dragon Tatoo - Stieg Larsson
Hand that First Held Mine - Maggie O'Farrell
Revolation - Jennifer Donnelly
Irresistable Henry House - Lisa Grunwald
Rock, Paper, Tiger - Lisa Brackmann
Wake of Forgiveness - Bruce Maehart
Before I fall - Lauren Oliver
Velma Still Cooks in Leeway - Vinita Hampton Wright - REMOVE
The Friday Night Knitting Club - Katie Jacobs
Scarlet Thread - Francine Rivers
Case History - Kate Atkins

COMPLETE
1. Room - Emma Donoghue
2. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Helen Simonson
3. Great House - Nichole Krauss
4. The Night Fairy - Laura Amy Schlitz
5. Little Bee - Chris Cleave
6. Where the God of Love Hangs Out - Amy Bloom
7. Adoration of Jenna Fox - Mary Pearson (unplanned)
8. Bloodroot - Amy Green (unplanned)
9. Half Broke Horses - Jeannette Walls (unplanned)

Amazon's Best of 2010

2010-12-26T20:30:00.009-05:00

Kelly of Reading with Martinis is hosting a Amazon Best of 2010 Reading Challenge.

Rules
Pick 10 books from the Editors Favorite List
Pick 10 books from Customer's Favorite List
Books from 2 list cannot overlap
Previous books read cannot be counted
Books can be used in other challenges

Here are some of the books I like (not sure which 10 I will read and I still have a couple of overlaps but I will clean that up when I figure out where I need more books. :) One thing that was interesting to me - I had more that I was interested reading from the Editor's favorites vs Customer Favorites.

Editors Favorites
The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell
Freedom - Jonathan Franzen
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Stieg Larsson (duplicate Editor/Customer)
Revolution - Jennifer Donnelly
Irrestistible Henry House - Lisa Grunwald
Rock, Paper, Tiger by Lisa Brackmann
The Unnamed - Joshua Ferris
Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

COMPLETED
1. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Helen Simonson - COMPLETE
3. Room - Emma Donoghue (duplicate with customer) - COMPLETE
3. Maybe This Time - Jennifer Cruise - COMPLETE
4. Bloodroot - Amy Greene - COMPLETE
5. Great House - Nicole Krauss - COMPLETE
6. Where the God of Love hangs Out - Amy Bloom - COMPLETE
7. The Night Fairy - Laura Amy Schultz - COMPLETE
8. The Wake of Forgiveness - Brue Machart

Customer Favorites
The Girl Who Kicked the hornet's Next - Stieg Larsson (duplicate)
Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - Stephenie Meyer
Freedom - Johnathan Franzen (duplicate)
Immoral Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot (duplicate)
Heroes of Olympus - Rick Riordan
House Rules - Jodi Picoult
Heart of the Matter - Emily Griffin

COMPLETED
1. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins - COMPLETE
2. The Red Pyramid - Rick Riordan - COMPLETE
3. Caught - Harlan Corben - COMPLETE
4. Room - Emma Donoghue (duplicate) - COMPLETE
5. The Search - Nora Roberts - COMPLETE

Room - will only count for 1 category, but I haven't decided which one yet...

Read-a-thon Over :(

2010-10-10T07:59:00.003-04:00

So sad another read-a-thon is at close. I finished the Hunger Games (soo good) which was a perfect can't put down read-a-thon book. And I got 50 pages into Shiver. This is a great result for me!

Here is the Summary
Books Read: Hunger Games
Books Started: Shiver
Running pages: I probably read about 350 pages, which is awesome for me especially with all the interruptions I had! :)
Mini-challenges Completed: about 8 I think
Prizes Won: 1
Other Participants Visited: I am estimating 10, but not positive on this one...I didn't keep track.

Thanks to our hosts for another great read-a-thon!! I love participating in them and hope to be back in April...from a new city. : )

Hour 23

2010-10-10T06:27:00.001-04:00

I took a nap - well a little more than probably a nap. My 19 mo old has had a rough evening. She has been up 4 times...and at 1:00 she was up for nearly 2 hours. So I went to bed to help her sleep and fell asleep too. I am back at it now though for the big end! :)

Who me??

2010-10-10T00:03:00.004-04:00

I won a challenge!! And it was a challenge about DEWEY!! How fitting - I am in tears thinking about it. It was the 6 word challenge.... My 6 words were...

400 participants - Dewey would be proud!

Awww...I am so touched! There were so many others that were so good!! Thanks guys!!

Covers Mini Challenge

2010-10-09T23:43:00.003-04:00

I am a big cover person too. If the cover doesn't match the book I get very upset. I can't remember any I have read that hasn't matched the book. One cover that comes to mind tough are the Twilight books. I loved the cover with the black, red, and white flower, and the ribbon. But the blurb kept me from reading the book for a long time - I had no interest in reading about Vampires. I did finally listen to Twilight as an audio book and wondered what everyone was gushing about...it was no Harry Potter. Then a friend invited me to a free screening of New Moon - after drooling all over Jacob and the great story line I was hooked - and loved the series!

The other book that I thin of is the cover of "1,000 White Women" - I LOVED this book. What surprised me about the cover is that the book ends in a certain way...and if you look closely at the cover it gives it away - but subtly so you don't even realize it gives away the end until you have read the end! I loved that.

I tend to move away from science fiction looking covers, and half naked people (unless one is Taylor Lautner), or vapires for that matter. Covers are important draws for me.

Hour 16

2010-10-09T23:32:00.002-04:00

I did it!! I finished the Hunger Games! It is awesome!! I wish I had Catching Fire with me - I thought about stopping at Costco on my way home to pick it up! What a way to end!! UGH....One of those books you don't want to end. I am glad there are 2 more.

I am now in my 40's and am straining my brain to remember YA books when I was actually a YA! I don't think they were this good or maybe I was just reading the wrong ones! I loved series like Sweet Valley High, but remember starting adult books very young. I remember VC Andrews and A Child Called It (or something like it), but that is about it. I should have been keeping a book journal then! Does anyone else my age remember what YA books were out?

I think the quality of YA has improved. I have loved Harry Potter, Twilight, Luxe, Goosegirl, and now Hunger Games. :)

Ok I am still reading - hoping to make it until 2 EST. :) I will now start reading Shiver.

Mid-Challenge Meme

2010-10-09T19:42:00.002-04:00

1. Reading now: Hunger Games
2. Read so far: not even 1 yet! LOL
3. Shiver - I hope to start, but I am really looking forward to finishing the Hunger Games - it is so good.
4. I tried to make special arrangements to have the day free...but you know the best laid plans - my Girlies got sick.
5. I have had MANY interruptions... I have to stop reading. Looking forward to the kiddos bed time.
6. Surprises about the read-a-thon. None yet...it is great as usual!
7. Suggestions...none for the read-a-thon managers...for me - get out of the house more! :)
8. Next year I will get out of the house
9. I am getting tired - I am sure my reading will start to suffer, but considering how much I have read so far it probably won't be noticeable. :)
10. My only tip would to try to find a book that you can't put down or throw a YA book into the mix for the times that you are getting tired because they are easier reads.

Hour 10 Results

2010-10-09T18:22:00.002-04:00

Still on Hunger Games - only 9 yes 9 pages read this hour... so sad, but it will get better as the night goes on. The good news is I MUST finish Hunger Games tonight to know what happens! Lovin' it!

Hour 4-8

2010-10-09T17:05:00.002-04:00

These hours were a bust... I read for about 45 minutes but then my hubby called me to come play with the family. We went to a local pizza place that has games (think Chuckie Cheese). So they are played out and now they are watching videos...so hopfully I can get in some reading time.

Here is the summary from earlier
Book: Hunger Games
Pages:51 --- I am to page 212 now. : )

Back a home reading so it will probably be hit and miss until the girlies go to bed.

Hour 5 Results

2010-10-09T12:57:00.003-04:00

Hour 5 has been good to me!

Still Reading: Hunger Games
Pages: 40 ---now on page 160

Here are some things I thought from these 20 pages:
In District 12, looking old is something of an achievement since so many people die early. You see an elderly person, you want to congratulate them on their longevity, ask their secret of survival. A plump person is envied because they aren’t scraping by like a majority of us.” (pg 125)

I just thought this was interesting from a US perspective...how the plump do have enough food and in fact don't worry about it...and how we strive to stay young, but being elderly is an achievement.

Peeta has a crush and admits who it is on National Televisions! Poor guy! Or is he? Hmm…

I am really enjoying the Hunger Games...it's a great book for the read-a-thon because I don't want to put it down. I will defiantly read the next one - Catching Fire and #3 Mocking Jay (which they have mentioned what they are in book 1).

Challenge - Show Me the Books

2010-10-09T12:07:00.003-04:00

Since I am at Starbucks I can't take a picture of my book stack...or my overflowing bookshelf, or the box of books that won't fit on the bookshelf - so I will put in the cover of the books that I am hoping to get to today...

Hour 4 Results

2010-10-09T11:47:00.004-04:00

Reading: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Reading at: Starbucks in a comfy chair
Drinking: Toffee Mocha Frappachino
Pages read: 26 ---- Big improvement! :) On page 120

Favorite part in the last 26 pages :
Katniss shoots the apple out of the pigs mouth when the Gamemakers were not paying attention to her. :) I wanted to shout - you go girl! In the middle of Starbucks. LOL.

Learning about how Gale & Katniss met and the girl with the red hair forgiving Katniss and helping comfort her. :)

Hour 2

2010-10-09T11:27:00.001-04:00

Hour 3 is going to be good for me - even though it's 30 minutes gone! My darling husband has taken the kids and I have moved to Starbucks to read! I have read nothing since hour 1. So nothing new to post. :(

6 Word-Mini-Challenge

2010-10-09T11:23:00.003-04:00

Here are my 6 words for Read-a-thon 2010:

400 participants - Dewy would be Proud!

I helped Dewey out with one of her first ones...I think she would be so happy they are continuing! Thanks so much to our leaders for putting this together and donating your reading time this weekend!!

Hour 1 Results

2010-10-09T09:19:00.002-04:00

Reading: Hunger Games
20 pages read

1 breakfast served
3 conflicts broken up
1 dog let out

2 mini challenges entered
2 comments made to other readers

:)

Mini Challenge 2

2010-10-09T09:05:00.003-04:00

Children's Books:
The first book I remember reading is the Cat in the Hat. I remember this book because it is the first book I read by myself. ;) I loved the Betsy books as I got into chapter books. When I was a kid I didn't enjoy being at home because it wasn't a great environment. My favorite thing would be to get in my bed (top bunk with a window by it) and read. I would spend all day up there reading! Mom would take us to the library so I got a good selection of books...today going to the library or book store is still my favorite thing to do!

Now:
My girls love Babycakes and any books about farms! My 4 year old loves books with pictures in the words so she can help me read. So fun, but they are so hard to find! She is also into Carebears and Princesses, so we read a lot of those books.

Mini Challenge 1

2010-10-09T08:14:00.003-04:00

# of books in my TBR Pile - too many to count - literally. I am a compulsive book buyer (not to mention I love to check books out of the library)...so I am set today! :)

Goals for the read-a-thon: I would like to finish the Hunger Games. I am with my 2 girls (4 and 19 months) all day so that will be a big accomplishment! :)

Advice: have fun! It's such a great day to bond with other readers. Have lots of treats and caffeine! :)

Hour 1 (8am EST)

2010-10-09T08:07:00.002-04:00

I am starting... I think this is the time I start - thanks for translating GMP into Pacific time! That helps a lot.

I am thinking of Dewey a lot today...how proud she would be that the read-a-thon is continuing and growing so much!

Reading: The Hunger Games (page 73)

Read-a-ton Prep

2010-10-08T11:26:00.004-04:00

Oh, Boy...I can't believe it's been April since my last post...life just gets busy I guess. I am still reading but only about 1 book a month...more if I am lucky!

Big news - we are moving to Cincinnati - though not sure when. I am wondering if the name of my blog should change since the whole point of using Derby was that I am in Louisville, KY - home of the Kentucky Derby! ;) Not sure yet what Cincinnati is known for other than cinnamon in their Chili (not sure if I will try that one or not).

Today I am prepping for the read-a-thon by cleaning the house! Ha! I wanted to spend part of the day at Starbucks to make sure I got in a few hours of reading, but illness has gotten in the way of that dream. :) My 2 girls are sick so I will need to stick around the house. And you know they don't want to sleep more because they are sick...is that just an adult thing??

So I have my books ready...I am hoping to maybe finish 1! :)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs (on Kindle)
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Impossible by Nancy Werlin
...and tons more in my book shelf! Plus I have a kindle so the whole books store is at my compulsive purchase! :)

Read-a-thon Post #2

2010-04-10T16:35:00.002-04:00

Well with all my best intentions of getting up at 5am and getting a couple of hours reading...failed. Mom got up at 5:30am so I only got 30 minutes of reading in today. :( My hubby and I did get the storage area cleaned out, since Mom could watch the kids so that was a big accomplishment. Hopefully I will be able to get a little reading in...if not there is always after bed! :)

Thanks for all the cheers from the cheerleaders! :)

Read-a-thon Post #1

2010-04-10T04:58:00.003-04:00

5am
I am starting to read. :) I am starting with Sarah's Key which I have on my Kindle so I won't know how much I read, but I am trying to get ahead on this month's book club book :)

I hope to get in 2 hours of reading before the kiddos get up.

I am drinking Mocha frappachino (out of a bottle) and Reeses peanut butter cup minitures. Nothing like a sugar high to wake me up.

Read-a-thon Plans

2010-04-09T22:06:00.004-04:00

I have loose plans to participate in the Read-a-ton. I am disappointed I can't participate completely, but my Mom is in town so I am going to have to limit my reading.

I hope to be able to get in several hours. I have 3 books started that I would like to finish -
Breaking Dawn which I am 1/2 way through and really want to finish
Nefertiti - last month's book club book that I need to finish
Sarah's key - this month's book club book

I will be happy to finsih just one!

As for snacks...Easter candy and Starbucks Frappachino's. I may be hiding I mean reading, in the closet! :)

Missing the Library

2009-08-27T16:41:00.003-04:00

Oh how I miss the library!! We live in Louisville and although we weren't personally effected by the floods 3 weeks ago, my dear Louisville Library was. The main library had substantial damages when the 6 inches of rain in one hour flooded the basement - which housed all the inter-library transfers (which is a lot and mostly the new books) and all the new book processing, plus it totaled 3 book mobiles and 2 employee cars. Yes in the picture is the top of the book mobiles...this is a dock that went into the basement so you can imagine how much water flooded into the library.

Today (3 weeks later) the library was able to open. Unfortunatly a lot of the computer system is still down. The library catalog is up, but I can't request any books and they can't tell me what is due. They have asked people to keep their books until they can tell us when they are due. The library close to me is in a middle school and they have sorted books in boxes to where they belong (you can return books to any library reguardless of where you checked them out from) and they essentially can't check the book back in. So if they have a book you can check it out, but that's about it.

On the plus side the catalog is working so I was able to find our next book club book and drive to the library where it was located and check it out. It was fun for my girls and I to explore a new libaray. :) I DOOOOO miss being able to reserve books, but am trying to get some of my personal books read...that isn't going to well...what I seem to be doing is buying new!! UGH! Will I never learn??? LOL! Needless to say I am having library withdrawl!

If you are interested the are taking up a collection to help pay for the damages at:

The Library Foundation

ATTN: Flood

301 York St

Louisville KY 40203

(502) 574-1709

How I Live Now - Meg Rosoff

2009-08-23T18:52:00.000-04:00

Rating: 4

Pages: 194

Challenges: New Author, Read Your Own Books, Dewey Recommended, Young Adult, 2009 From the Stacks, 20 in 2009, Award (PRITZ)

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)

“Every war has turning points and every person too.”

Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives. The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy.

As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary. But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.

A riveting and astonishing story.

Review
I really enjoyed this story. And was happy the end had a epilogue because I thought it ended abruptly. This was one of Dewey's favorites and after she posted about it I got the book from bookmooch, so it was good to read it!

April / June Update

2009-06-27T21:27:00.003-04:00

It's hard to beleive my last post was May 6! There are many reasons...1 is that I found Facebook! And Farm Town and Yo'ville games on them...I am completely addicted to Farm Town.

I have been reading though... Here is what needs to be reviewed:
How I live Now - Meg Rosoff
Saavy - Ingrid Law
View from Saturday - EL Konigburg
The Penelopiat - Margaret Atwood
Wanted - Shelly Sheppard Gray
Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult
Mudbound - Hillary Jordan

Obviously I am still reading, but work and housework keep getting in they way. Also I finally feel like I am adjusting to having 2 little ones! :) Having 2 little ones and still time for me - well that is another story!

There are several challenges that I have some books to post to, but in a nut shell I have missed the deadlines for:
Book Awards (by 2 books...UGH)
Themed Reading - haven't started and is due end of July - I am calling Uncle
Numbers Challenge - Havent started - due Aug 1 - Uncle #2 (I have read one)

Everything else I have signed up for is due Dec 31...so I am not ready to call Uncle yet. I DO need to start reading books I own. I made that goal in January and have finished 2 yes only 2 of my own books...and I KNOW I have bought more than 2! Terrible...back to the drawing board. So my goal is to get a review up everyday until they are done. Thanks for sticking with me...wish I had more time to read .

Dream A Little Dream - Susan Elizabeth Phillips

2009-05-06T16:29:00.005-04:00

Rating: 4

Pages: 400

Challenges: Audio, Support your Local Library, Romance, Book Awards (RITA), 20 in 2009

Synopsis

Rachel Stone is left with a young son Edward when her Evangelist husband is caught lying to his congregation about the "good deeds" he is doing. He decides to ditch his life and his wife with $5 million to boot! In desperation, Rachel decides to return to Salvation, NC, where the towns people think (thanks to her husband) that Rachel is the reason for the good preacher's demise. Needless to say she is not much liked.

Rachel has determined that her husband's millions have to be in Salvation and has returned to find it. After some pleading and desperation she starts working at a drive-in where she finds love with the owner...and finds her faith.

Review

I enjoy the "Bonner" books from Phillips. Although I enjoyed What I Did for Love much better. See my review here. Rachel has more guts and determination than most people and she endured more than anyone should have to. The way her husband paraded her around reminded me of Tammy Faye Baker - I wonder if that was Phillip's inspiration for the book. A very good read!!

What I Did For Love - Susan Elizabeth Phillips

2009-04-27T16:35:00.003-04:00

Rating: 5 out of 5 horses

Pages: 400

Challenges: Support your Local Library, Publish in 2009, 20 in 2009

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)
How did this happen? Georgie York, once the costar of America's favorite television sitcom, has been publicly abandoned by her famous husband, her film career has tanked, her father is driving her crazy, and her public image as a spunky heroine is taking a serious beating.

What should a down-on-her-luck actress do? Not go to Vegas . . . not run into her detestable former costar, dreamboat-from-hell Bramwell Shepard . . . and not get caught up in an ugly incident that leads to a calamitous elopement. Before she knows it, Georgie has a fake marriage, a fake husband, and maybe (or not) a fake sex life.

It's a paparazzi free-for-all, and Georgie's nonsupporting cast doesn't help. There's Bram's punk-nightmare housekeeper, Georgie's own pushy parent, a suck-up agent, an icy studio head with a private agenda, and her ex-husband's new wife, who can't get enough of doing good deeds and saving the world—the bitch. As for Georgie's leading man, Bram's giving the performance of his life, but he's never cared about anyone except himself, and it's not exactly clear why.

Two enemies find themselves working without a script in a town where the spotlight shines bright . . . and where the strongest emotions can wear startling disguises.

Review

Loved it! If you enjoy watching ET or reading US to get the scoop on celeberties you will enjoy this book. It is esentially the break up of Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt with Jennifer marrying a bad boy...oh and Jennifer Aniston has a stage father. It's fun to see the the inner workings of celeberties and their relationships. I have rellly enjoyed Susan Elizabeth Phillips books and would recommend this one

The Burning House -Ann Beattie (short story)

2009-04-27T15:20:00.004-04:00

Short Story Title: The Burning House

Author: Ann Beattie

Book: More Stories We Tell

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Freddy Fox is in the kitchen with me."

This is a story of a party held at Amy and Frank. The story kind of drove me nuts because it was hard to keep up with the characters and what was going on. But then again it's about a party and I think the moving back and forth between characters and short snippets of things that are happening gives you a party feel. Basically the title comes from Amy and Frank - burning their marriage...they are both having affairs. The story is not of an actual burning house.

John at The Book Mine Set is hosting Short Story Mondays! Pop over there and see what people are reading or let us know what short stories you are reading.

The Lesson - Toni Cade Bambara (short story)

2009-04-27T15:04:00.005-04:00

Short Story Title: The Lesson

Author: Toni Cade Bambara

Book: More Stories We Tell

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:
"Back in the days when everyone was old and stupid or young and foolish and me and sugar were the only ones just right, this lady moved on our block with nappy hair and proper speech and no makeup."

Miss Moore is her name and she was an educated woman living in a poor neighborhood. She would take the kids places and teach them lessons. This story revolves around her taking the kids to FAO Schwarz. They window shop and see a toy sail boat that costs over $1,000. The kids can imagine that anyone would pay this for a boat when it could feed their whole party for a year. They come to the conclusion that democracy doesn't exist for the poor.

I thought this was ok. I agree that $1,000 is outrageous for a boat, but I don't think that democracy doesn't exist for the poor. I think that one of the best things about the US is that you can be dirt poor and invest in your eduction and make enough money to live well (at least before the recession!)

John at The Book Mine Set is hosting Short Story Mondays! Pop over there and see what people are reading or let us know what short stories you are reading.

Snow Mountain Passage - Houston, James D.

2009-04-27T04:16:00.000-04:00

Rating: 2 out of 5 horses
Pages: 336
Challenges: New Author, ebook, 20 in 2009

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)
Snow Mountain Passage is a powerful retelling of the most dramatic of our pioneer stories--the ordeal of the Donner Party, with its cast of young and old risking all, its imprisoning snows, its rumors of cannibalism. James Houston takes us inside this central American myth in a compelling new way that only a novelist can achieve.

The people whose dreams, courage, terror, ingenuity, and fate we share are James Frazier Reed, one of the leaders of the Donner Party, and his wife and four children--in particular his eight-year-old daughter, Patty. From the moment we meet Reed--proud, headstrong, yet a devoted husband and father--traveling with his family in the "Palace Car," a huge, specially built covered wagon transporting the Reeds in grand style, the stage is set for trouble. And as they journey across the country, thrilling to new sights and new friends, coping with outbursts of conflict and constant danger, trouble comes. It comes in the fateful choice of a wrong route, which causes the group to arrive at the foot of the Sierra Nevada too late to cross into the promised land before the snows block the way. It comes in the sudden fight between Reed and a drover--a fight that exiles Reed from the others, sending him solo over the mountains ahead of the storms.
We follow Reed during the next five months as he travels around northern California, trying desperately to find means and men to rescue his family. And through the amazingly imagined "Trail Notes" of Patty Reed, who recollects late in life her experiences as a child, we also follow the main group, progressively stranded and starving on the Nevada side of the Sierras.
Snow Mountain Passage is an extraordinary tale of pride and redemption. What happens--who dies, who survives, and why--is brilliantly, grippingly told.

Review
If you like history books about the west you will like this book, If you like books about relationships you probably won't like this book. I like books about relationships. I liked Patty's diary about what happened, but you had to read some parts of the book to understand what was happening outside of Patty's view. This book doesn't go very much into the cannibalism part from the Donner party so you don't have to worry about that. If this wasn't a book we were reading for my book club I would have put it on the Did Not Finish list.

2009 Read-a-thon

2009-04-18T11:06:00.002-04:00

Oh 24-Hour read-a-thon I miss you! But a 2 year old saying "Mommy, Mommy" all day doesn't do well for reading. If I am lucky I will get a few hours of reading in today. :) I will try! If anyone is interested stop by the Read-a-thon post

Check it out and participate in some of the challenges or comment on some of the reader's site and give them some encouragement!

Three Weeks to Say Goodbye - CJ Box

2009-04-09T14:02:00.004-04:00

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses
Pages: 340
Challenges: New Author, Support Your Local Library, 20 in 2009, Pub 2009

Synopsis (and pictue from bn.com)
Jack and Melissa McGuane have spent years trying to have a baby. Finally their dream has come true with the adoption of their daughter, Angelina. But nine months after bringing her home, they receive a devastating phone call from the adoption agency: Angelina’s birth father, a teenager, never signed away his parental rights, and he wants her back. Worse, his father, a powerful Denver judge, wants him to own up to this responsibility and will use every advantage his position of power affords him to make sure it happens. When Jack and Melissa attempt to handle the situation rationally by meeting face-to-face with the father and son, it is immediately apparent that there’s something sinister about both of them and that love for Angelina is not the motivation for their actions.

As Angelina’s safety hangs in the balance, Jack and Melissa will stop at nothing to protect their child. A horrifying game of intimidation and double crosses begins that quickly becomes a death spiral where absolutely no one is safe.

How far would you go to save someone you love?

Review
This book was a good and fast read. It was suspenseful and give a small indication half way through what might happen, but it didn't happen the way I thought it would - so it kept me guessing to the very end.

Here is my favorite quote:
"I know anyone is capable of anything, including me. It's a fine line between good and evil and, given the situation, the line moves. Oh, how it moves. It moved for me, but I still managed to cross it - repeatedly. And I've learned that once you cross it, bad acts become more effortless to commit because the moral restraints have loosened, and justifications cushion the implication of the crime. It becomes effortless to set things in motion, then stand by and let them happen, which is what I did."

I would recommend this book if you enjoy suspense.

Priceless - Dave Ramsey

2009-04-09T13:42:00.003-04:00

Rating: 2 out of 5 horses

Pages: 136

Challenges: New Author, Support Your Local Library

Review (picture from bn.com)

This book is about why we need to be out of debt. I am already convinced that being out of debt is good so this book wasn't the right one for me. This book has very little on HOW to get out of debt, just a persuasive argument on why debt is bad. Not the book I was looking for.

2009 Quarter 1 Totals

2009-04-07T08:44:00.007-04:00

Here are my totals for the end of March 2009:

Stats
3,954 Pages Read
12 Books Read
8 New Authors
1 Non-Fiction
The sidebar lists all the books finished in 2009.

Challenges Finished
Young Adult Romance Challenge

On-going Challenges (Number Completed To Date / Total Needed)
Book Awards II Challenge (5 /10)
Themed Reading Challenge (0/4)
Numbers Challenge (1/5)
Romance Reading Challenge (1/5)
Read Your Own Books Challenge (1/25)
Support Your Local Library Challenge (8/12)
PUB Challenge (0/9)
Christian Readers Challenge (0/4)
Audiobook Challenge (3/12)
Dewey's Reading Challenge (2/5)
20 in 2009 (11/20)
TBR Lite (0/12)
New Author Challenge (8 /12)
From the Stacks (0/5)
YA Challenge (7/12)
eBook Challenge (0/12)

American Girls About Town

2009-04-07T08:07:00.004-04:00

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

Pages: 386

Challenges: Short Stories, 20 in 2009, Support your local Library,

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)
Born in the U.S.A....
American gals are taking liberties — and pursuing happiness on their own terms — in this star-studded story collection featuring the nation's red-hot women writers.
They've declared their independence!

Jennifer Weiner (In Her Shoes) learns "The Truth About Nigel" — and the trouble with falling for an incognito Hollywood actor. Lauren Weisberger (The Devil Wears Prada) sends a single New Yorker on a backpacking trip halfway around the world — where she sees her love life back home with new eyes — in "The Bamboo Confessions." A harried mom with a hit novel crosses the pond in "My Great Brit Book Tour" by Adriana Trigiani (Lucia, Lucia), and turns a crumbling talk show appearance into a sweet success.

Review

I picked up this book because I was wanting to read Adriana Trigiani's story (I love her Big Stone Gap series). I enjoyed this collection a lot - so much I got the Irish Girl collection. It is contemporary short stories by today's popular authors. I was surprised that it was called American Girls and the main characters were American Girls, but the stories weren't necessarily set in the US and the ladies in the story didn't necessarily date American, but that is just something I wish I knew going into it to set my expectations.

Here are the stories in the collection and what I thought of them...

My Great Brit Book Tour - Adriana Trigiani (4)
Five - Julianna Baggot (2)
Leaving a Light On - Claire LaZebnik (3)
Moving Day - Cindy Chupack (3)
Yoga Baby - Lauren Henderson (1)
The Truth about Nigel - Jennifer Weiner (4)
Voodoo Dolls, C-Cups and Eminem - Melissa Senate (3)
The Bamboo Confessions - Lauren Weisberger (4)
Amore - Laura Wolf (2)
Andromeda on the Street of Ducklings - Judi Hendricks (5)
Bad manners - Chris Manby (3)
The Two-Month Itch - Sarah Mlynowski (3)
I know a Woman - Quinn Dalton (4.5)
Just Visiting - Nancy Starling (5)
Forty Days - Jill Smolinski (4)
The Uncertainty Principle - Lynda Curnyn (4)
Small Worlds - Gretchen Laskas (3)

Let me know what you think of the collection!

Small Words - Gretchen Laskas

2009-04-06T02:21:00.003-04:00

Short Story Title: Small Worlds

Author: Gretchen Laskas

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Marnie Haselton is going to Florida to have an affair with a a man she met on the Internet."

Marnie thinks having an affair will save her marriage that has been rocked by a miscarriage. She finds along the way that some of her friends have had affairs and explores what the affiar will mean to her marriage. She ends up in Disney World and we find that she is bored with her life and knowing what everyone at home is doing at this exact moment.

Review

I thought this one was ok, but struggled a lot with Marnie - why would she have an affair and why she thought her marriage was so bad. The writing did keep me entertained.

John at The Book Mine Set is hosting Short Story Mondays! Pop over there and see what people are reading or let us know what short stories you are reading.

The Uncertainty Principle - Lynda Curnyn

2009-04-05T02:13:00.003-04:00

Short Story Title: The Uncertainty Principle

Author: Lynda Curnyn

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"It's the computer I notice first. Not the computer but the sight of my words disappearing into a pinprick of light on the screen."

Tracy is working on a deadline and the power goes out. It's a New York blackout this after 9-11. The blackout makes Trace explore her failed relationship with Jess and shows her insecurities in not being able to contact anyone. Also she has not unpacked her apartment and her mother harasses her because she can't find a flashlight. Her friend Shauna shows up and they go to the shore to look at New Jersey. They are both shocked that they think New Jersey is beautiful.

Review

This story is about Tracy coming to terms...with her breakup and being alone. I LOVE New York and like to hear about normal people in NY (not Sex in the City type people - though I also like Sex in the City - I just don't think they are normal in a way that most people are). Also I enjoyed hearing her memories of 9-11 how she went to work even after the planes hit and then had to walk home...that would have probably been something that I would have done. I enjoyed this story and the writing.

John at The Book Mine Set is hosting Short Story Mondays! Pop over there and see what people are reading or let us know what short stories you are reading. Also if you want to see more literary stories this is a good place to go...this Monday John reviewed Kafka!

Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield

2009-03-31T04:06:00.000-04:00

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses (average)

Pages: 432

Challenges: New Author, Audio, Support your Local Library, Dewey Recommended, Numbers, Book Awards, 20 in 2009

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)

Margaret Lea works in her father's antiquarian bookshop where her fascination for the biographies of the long-dead has led her to write them herself. She gets a letter from one of the most famous authors of the day, the mysterious Vida Winter, whose popularity as a writer has been in no way diminished by her reclusiveness. Until now, Vida has toyed with journalists who interview her, creating outlandish life histories for herself - all of them invention. Now she is old and ailing, and at last she wants to tell the truth about her extraordinary life. Her letter to Margaret is a summons.

Somewhat anxiously, the equally reclusive Margaret travels to Yorkshire to meet her subject - and Vida starts to recount her tale. It is one of Gothic strangeness featuring the March family; the fascinating, devious and wilful Isabelle and the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline.

Margaret is captivated by the power of Vida's storytelling. But as a biographer she deals in fact not fiction, and she doesn't entirely trust Vida's account. She goes to check up on the family, visiting their old home and piecing together their story in her own way. What she discovers on her journey to the truth is for Margaret a chilling and transforming experience.

Review

I was disappointed in this book. I think that it is possible it was all the great reviews it has gotten, but also that I read it over a period of time. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I read it faster and would have kept the characters straight. Although the end of the book did surprise me which was nice.

Envy - Anna Godberson

2009-03-31T04:03:00.000-04:00

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

Pages: 416

Challenges: Young Adult, Support Your Local Library, 20 in 2009

Series: Luxe #3

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)

Jealous whispers.
Old rivalries.
New betrayals.

Two months after Elizabeth Holland's dramatic homecoming, Manhattan eagerly awaits her return to the pinnacle of society. When Elizabeth refuses to rejoin her sister Diana's side, however, those watching New York's favorite family begin to suspect that all is not as it seems behind the stately doors of No. 17 Gramercy Park South.

Farther uptown, Henry and Penelope Schoonmaker are the city's most celebrated couple. But despite the glittering diamond ring on Penelope's finger, the newlyweds share little more than scorn for each other. And while the newspapers call Penelope's social-climbing best friend, Carolina Broad, an heiress, her fortune—and her fame—are anything but secure, especially now that one of society's darlings is slipping tales to the eager press.

Review

Another good one in this series. I didn't like it as well as the others but it was still really good. This story ended with a setup for the next book (which I think is the last). In this we see Diana and Henry still loving each other even though he marries someone else...and Elizabeth in a predicament from being married to Will. We also see a new love emerge for Teddy, but will he ever get to be with the girl he loves? We will have to wait until book 4 to find out. I would recommend this series for anyone who is wanting a Young Adult book.

Forty Days - Jill Smolinski

2009-03-16T05:14:00.000-04:00

Short Story Title: Forty Days
Author: Jill Smolinski
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"I didn't think it was any big deal. Turning forty."

This is a quirky story about Donna who is turning 40 and feels her life is too conservative. So she decides for the 40 days before her birthday she is going to do something she has never done an each day is different. Her first task is to go skinny dipping - which goes great until her Dad walks into the pool.

I really liked this story and liked the concept of doing 40 things and Donna going out of her comfort zone. Getting out of her comfort zone was a big success...and her last task was excellent. I could really relate to Donna feeling like she lead too conservative life and challenging herself...I might think to do this when I turn 40 (which will be in a little over a year and 1/2).

One of my favorite ideas from this story is "Ghost Fat" -this is for people who have lost weight but still see themselves as fat and still act as if they are fat.

"...There's a whole other world out there. It's filled with the type of people who don't think twice abut going away last-minute. Who as a matter of habit drop everything and do the sorts of things I was trying desperately to cram into forty days. Making up for forty years."

I really like this quote because I can relate...I am also not a spontaneous person and couldn't just run off to Vegas because someone else was ready...especially now that I am a Mom...as if I couldn't get more conservative and less spontaneous...but it happened!! LOL! But then again I wouldn't give it up!

Bad Manners - Chris Manby (Short Story)

2009-03-09T04:56:00.001-04:00

Short Story Title: Bad Manners

Author: Chris Manby

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses
First Line:

"And then one day my Prince did come along..."

This story was well named - about a British man who the main character was dating who had horrible manners to others and pointed out every mistake others made. The main character and he finally broke up - and she had a one night stand...then she had bad manners. It was a cute 12 page story.

My favorite quote:

"You don't have to look too closely to realize that those little things he jokes about at the start of your passionate romance are going to be the big things that tear you apart later on. Your funny laugh is going to become a witch's cackle. That cute mole on your neck is the beginnings of a wart."

Just Visiting - Nancy Sparling

2009-03-09T04:25:00.000-04:00

Short Story Title: Just Visiting

Author: Nancy Sparling
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 5 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"'You didn't.' I say, gripping the phone so tightly my knuckles turn white. I must have misheard her. My mother wouldn't have told those tow they could stay at my place. She wouldn't do that to me."

This is a story about Danni - who has moved to London after her fiance Tom married Susie - 2 weeks before Tom and Danni's wedding. And to add insult to injury purchased the house that Danni loved for him and Susie. A real winner huh?!

Now Danni's Mom has invited Kim (Tom's sister) and Michelle to Danni's for a 2 week visit. What Danni's Mom doesn't know is that Danni has been lying about her life in London - the great apartment she lives in is actually the home of one of the dogs that she walks and the gorgeous boyfriend is actually a client she has never met.

So now Danni has to hide her lies from Kim and Michelle so they take news to her small town that she is doing great. In the middle of one of her lies she meets a handsome man who helps her with her lies and it seems wants to take her out on a date!

A quote I liked:

"They should put us a warning signs on the highway at the edge of town. Beware: you are now entering a high-gossip area. Before taking any action, you should first stop and think, What will people say? Or, even better, WWPS bracelets should be handed out at birth and worn at all times. (263)"

I have lived in several small towns and this is SOO true!

I would like to read more of this author.

I Know a Woman - Quinn Dalton (short story)

2009-03-09T04:11:00.002-04:00

Short Story Title: I Know a Woman
Author: Quinn Dalton
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Let's call her Judy. I like the simple names that sound as if they could belong to your next-door neighbor or the mother of your best friend in the second grade."

This story is about a woman and her husband Dennis. They work together and there is a woman in the office who is discovered to be a stripper. The couple goes to see Judy strip...which seems to be the beginning of the end of their marriage...Dennis soon has an affair (not with Judy). The main character divorces him and takes half of the company. She then crashes parties and is busted out of a Millionaire's dinner by Neil. This is where we hear the details of the demise of the marriage.

Review

I really liked this story and would like to read more by Quinn Dalton. I liked the way the story connected to Judy and the things that happened to her and her daughter and how it doesn't reveal everything at the beginning.

Is it just me or does anyone else have a hard time with the story teller's name in short stories? I am not sure if some of them are not called by their names or if it just happens so infrequently that I miss it. It's very frustrating for me!

The Two-Month Itch - Sarah Mlynowski (short story)

2009-03-09T04:05:00.001-04:00

Short Story Title: The Two-Month Itch

Author: Sarah Mlynowski

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"You're having an urge to kiss the boy sitting next to you on the plane."

This story is about a girl who is debating on cheating on her boyfriend of 2 months with a guy who is on the plane. This story has different options - does she cheat and what happens - does she not cheat and what happens. The interesting thing is that regardless of her decision to cheat or not the story ends the same! I thought that was a neat twist about the story - and also if you are like me and a "what if" person it's comforting to know that regardless of the decision the story ends the same. It kind of reminds me of the movie Sliding Doors - only because the story is the same no matter what choice Gweneth Paltrow character picks.

Also I have been on the receiving end of the 2-month itch. I went through a couple of years where my relationships RARELY went 2 months 1 day! :)

The Chili Queen - Sandra Dallas

2009-03-07T15:21:00.006-05:00

Rating: 4 of 5 horses

Pages: 292

Challenges: Library, Romance, Book Awards (SPUR), 20 in 2009

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)

Life may have been hard on Addie French, but when she meets friendless Emma Roby on a train, all her protective instincts emerge. Emma's brother is seeing her off to Nalgitas to marry a man she has never met. And Emma seems like a lost soul to Addie-someone who needs Addie's savvy and wary eye. It isn't often that Addie is drawn to anyone as a friend, but Emma seems different somehow. When Emma's prospective fails to show up at the train depot, Addie breaks all her principles to shelter the girl at her brothel, The Chili Queen. But once Emma enters Addie's life, the secrets that unfold and schemes that are hatched cause both women to question everything they thought they knew.

Review

I liked this book it surprised me which is always nice. I can see why it won a Spur Award. Although I have enjoyed all of Sandra Dallas's books I have read - this is probably one of my favorites. The characters were good and believable and the twists and turns were completely believable too! One was a little bit of a challenge - a man acting as a woman, but in the end I think I can accept that too!

Andromeda on the Street of Ducklings - Judi Hendricks (Short Story)

2009-03-01T04:41:00.006-05:00

Short Story Title: Andromeda on the Street of Ducklings
Author: Judi Hendricks
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 5 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"It's eleven o'clock on a Tuesday morning in May, and I'm Standing on Boulevard St. Germain des Pres in front of the beautiful old church of the same name. My suitcase sits next to me on the sidewalk and my daypack is slung over my back. I'm vaguely aware that tears are leaking out of my eyes and rolling down my face."

This is a story of getting through grief. Andy has lost her soul mate 1 month before they are supposed to get married. He passed away in a motorcycle accident. After having problems dealing with her grief and the 1 year anniversary of Evan's death she spontaneously decides to take a trip to Paris.

While in Paris she stays at a bed-n-breakfast run by Pauline. Andy and Pauline become friends and Pauline helps Andy get through her grief like none of her friends have been able to do.

I really enjoyed the writing and the characters of this story. I want to know more about what happens with Andy and Pauline and if they stay friends. I also like how the title works into the story. I love that when stories guide you to why it is titled the way it is. I feel like it's a mystery solved. I highly recommend this story. I have Bread Alone by Judi Hendricks so I am eager to start reading it!

Amore - Laura Wolf (short story)

2009-03-01T04:40:00.002-05:00

Short Story Title: Amore

Author: Laura Wolf

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 2 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"So why was everyone bend out of shape?"

This story is about Linda who likes to date foreign men and her family can't understand this. When they have the opportunity to meet these men they typically don't like them. She starts dating an Italian man named Raffael and arranges a dinner with him and her family. To her surprise her family loves him. She is so worried about how her family feels about him that this incredible dinner she has planned is ruined dish by dish because she is trying to ease drop on what is happening with her family and Raffael. She is so preoccupied that the meal is ruined and the kitchen eventually catches on fire. The story insinuates that she may have started the fire on purpose. I think she was so obsessed with making a great meal that it wouldn't surprise me to know that she burned the kitchen down rather than to admit that the meal was ruined. Also, the story insinuates that after the evening she doesn't see Raffael again - so clearly she was looking for a man that her family didn't like.

This story was odd. I didn't really enjoy it much. I would be interested to hear of anyone who has read anything else by Laura Wolf and what they thought about her writing. At this point I don't think I would read anything else by her without a high recommendation by someone else.

The Baby is here!!

2009-02-25T18:41:00.004-05:00

Kassidy Camille was born Sunday Feb 22 at 8:22 am. She is 8lbs 5 oz and 19.5 inches long.

It was quite an exciting birth experience! Kassidy decided to come very fast - 1.5 hours fast. We live 25 minutes from the hospital and my first couple of contractions were 20-15 minutes apart - then they were very close and very strong. I think I had 15-20 contractions total and 2 contractions to deliver! She was born in our living room hall and delivered by my husband. Luckily everything went perfectly (thanks to God) and she is very healthy. The paramedics arrived just as she was delivered. :)

There were a few other ways that God was involved in this delivery. My husband is in the medical field (a Surgical First Assistant) and worked about 10 years years ago in Labor and Delivery so he has seen and participated in many deliveries, he also was an EMT and knew what to tell them was needed, AND was a medic in the military - so I was in the best hands possible to deliver at home! He knew exactly where I was and how quickly I was going to deliver and how to deliver. It was quite exciting and I am hoping my 2 year old doesn't remember anything that happened. She sat on the couch the whole time quiet as a mouse - I am sure in shock.

The Truth About Nigel - Jennifer Weiner (short story)

2009-02-22T19:01:00.002-05:00

Short Story Title: The Truth About Nigel
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Sarah Compton started work at the First Bank of London on the third Monday of September, and Nigel Jones started two days later."

This story is about Sarah who is having a difficult time with men. She has sworn off all men with names starting with vowels. Sarah meets Nigel when starting a new job at a bank. He is handsome and she can't believe that he may be interested in her. They have drinks together every other day and become friends. Sarah even sneaks in a kiss on Nigel and the next day he disappears with a secret. This is a secret that gets Sarah press coverage and she goes into hiding.

I really enjoyed this story and will read more by Jennifer Weirner, since this is the first story I have read of hers.

Voodoo Dolls, C-Cups and Eminem - Melissa Senate

2009-02-22T04:59:00.001-05:00

Short Story Title: Voodoo Dolls, C-Cups and Eminem

Author: Melissa Senate

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Before brunch, I was engaged and happy. After brunch I was engaged and cursed - in more ways than one."

Micheal proposed to Rebecca after dating only 6 months. Well, Rebecca's family has taken offense to this and don't understand why they would rush to get married - even though their marriages to people who they dated longer didn't work. So her entire family is against the marriage and stage an intervention. Also, Rebecca is getting a bride voodoo doll and nasty notes to go with.

I thought this story was cute and it was funny during some parts. I think I will read more by this author.

The Bamboo Confessions - Lauren Weisberger

2009-02-22T02:47:00.002-05:00

Short Story Title: The Bamboo Confessions

Author: Lauren Weisberger

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"I knew the moment I'd arrived in the lobby of the oddly named Viet-Tang Hotel for our group's 6 p.m. meeting that I'd made the biggest mistake of my life."

Katie decides impulsively to travel to Vietnam by herself. Her friends and family are shocked because she doesn't do anything by herself. We find out in the story that her relationship with her live in boyfriend Matthew is not going too well - not that she has shared this with anyone and she felt the need to get away.

The trip is not so great at first - sub par accommodations an annoying tour guide...that is until Katie starts making friends and ditching the group. She learns a lot about herself in the process.

I enjoyed this short story.

Young Adult Romance Challenge - Complete

2009-02-17T06:55:00.006-05:00

The Young Adult Romance Challenge is complete. My first completed challenge of 2009! I know compared to others I am really behind! LOL! But for me it's great!!

Here are the books that I read for this challenge:
1. Luxe - Anna Godberson
2. Peaches - Jodi Lynn Anderson
3. The Higher Power of Lucky - Susan Patron
4. Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen
5. Rumors - Anna Godberson
6. Light Years - Tammar Stien

My favorites are Luxe and Rumors though I really enjoyed Lock and Key and Light Years also. I will probably read more in the Peaches series as well.

I am really glad that I joined this challenge. Young Adult is a genre of books that I don't read much of and I am not sure why, but I really enjoyed them! I am surprised that some of them are racer than I thought they would be. I would say that I probably wouldn't have read these books or authors if not for this challenge. And I would have missed some great ones!! Thanks Becky for hosting and making sure that we include the Young Adult Genre in our reading!

Light Years - Tammar Stein

2009-02-17T06:15:00.004-05:00

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

Pages: 263

Challenge: Young Adult Romance, Young Adult, New Author, Library, 20 in 2009

Synopsis (and picture from BN.com)
He went to school to learn how to kill me. The Israeli girl who ruined his life. Seven people were killed instead. A single mother of two. A computer programmer. Two college students. A grandmother and her four-year-old grandson sharing an ice cream. And Dov, my boyfriend, my heart, the man I wanted to marry, who was there waiting for me.

Maya leaves Israel to study astronomy at the University of Virginia, running from the violence, guilt, and memories of her past. As the narrative switches between Virginia and Israel, we learn about Maya’s life as a soldier, her ambiguous devotion to Israel, and her love for her boyfriend, Dov, who is tragically killed in a suicide bombing. Now, in Virginia, amid the day-to-day pressures of classes, roommates, and fraternity parties, Maya attempts to reconcile her Israeli past with her American future.

Review

I would recommend this book. It did a good job of hoping from Israel and discussing the past and present day Virgina. Also it gave me a much better perspective on what Israelis go through on a day-to-day basis with their terror attacks. It was very insightful!

Here are some of my favorite quotes or insights:

"They didn't even realize that light could conceal far more than it ever revealed. It deceived you, tricked you, and lulled you straight into the heart of danger. (184)"

Maya blames herself for Dov's death. Justin says, "If you hadn't existed, then maybe this wouldn't have happened. But whatever that waiter did to get himself fired would have probably happened sooner or later with someone else. You can't live life hoping nothing you do affect anything or anyone else. That's just life. You can't predict how the most simple thing will turn out, but that doesn't mean that you step away from living life and try to hide away. (247)"

"...I was especially taken by the words of Epictetus, a Roman slave from two thousand years ago. His advice: let go of what you cannot control, focus only on what falls directly under your control--your opinions, your will, your moral fortitude. (250)"

On why Israel keeps fighting, "We do it because after each war, after each victory and every death, we keep thinking and hoping it will be over. (258)"

Yoga Baby – Lauren Henderson (short story)

2009-02-16T10:30:00.002-05:00

Short Story Title: Yoga Babe

Author: Lauren Henderson

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 1 out of 5 horses

First I would like to start off saying this story was not for me. You may enjoy it, but for me it had the following issues:

1) I don’t like to exercise, so I don’t really care to read about it
2) I didn’t like the main character at all – she is exactly the type of person I hope not to meet in life – ever!

So this story is about a woman who is taking a yoga class. During the class she competes and criticizes (in her mind) everyone in the class about everything. So this is the gist of the story. Clearly the character has many insecurities to feel the need to do this. For me, I don’t want to be exposed to these people in life – let alone in something that I am reading for pleasure. I don’t think she got any life lessons on why she shouldn’t be self centered or so critical or anything that would change her attitude – so for me I am thinking what is the point? By the way – her boyfriend is as critical of her as she is of everyone else.

Moving Day - Cindy Chupack (short story)

2009-02-16T08:15:00.006-05:00

Short Story Title: Moving Day
Author: Cindy Chupack
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:
"It was three days before her ten-year high school reunion when Madeline's husband told her he thought he might be gay. He wasn't sure if he was gay, having never been with a man, but he thought it was somthing he out to figure out."

This story revolves around Madeline’s who’s husband Matt has told her that he thinks he might be gay. He broke this news to her just as they found a house that they both loved. She comments that his “forever” vow with marriage didn’t seem as intimidating to him as a commitment to a 30 year mortgage. The story revolves around with how Madeline copes with the news.

There are some very funny parts of this story. For example she goes to the book store to find a book on how to deal with the fact that your husband thinks he is gay. Here is what happens:

“The next day before work, she screeched into the parking lot of B. Dalton Books and went directly to the self-help section, where all problems could be solved. However, there was no book for the wives of men who suspect they might be gay. There was a book called Loving Someone Gay for teachers and family members, but nothing for spouses. That’s when she officially started to panic. She did not want to pioneer a problem. She wanted the validation of a book, the anecdotes of other women, the statistics of a study. It occurred to her that the whole point of the self-help section was simply the reassurance that your particular problem was at least widespread enough to merit a book.” (page 54) Then the poor clerk asks her if she needs help and she tells him, “This is the self-help section, Patrick. So clearly, I would like to help myself.” (56). I thought this was humorous. Madeline does eventually find her book but she goes to a specialty book store to get it.

I thought the story was ok, but really enjoyed the writing. I would probably read more by this author if the book plot pulled me in. She defiantly hit some humorous cords with me.

Leaving a Light On - Claire LaZebnik (Short Story)

2009-02-09T03:38:00.002-05:00

Short Story Title: Leaving a Light On

Author: Claire LaZebnik

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"It was one of those glorious evenings in early fall when the light turns golden at around seven o'clock, and the way it glitters on certain leaves and windows and throws everything else into deep shadow makes your throat catch, and you think, from now on, I'm not going to be ordinary or do ordinary things. There is greatness in my future."

This is a story about Kathy a woman going out on the town. She goes to a bar and meets a man who is married.

**SPOILER ALERT**

The man is Kathy's husband (Larry) and they are having a "date/affair" at a bar/restaurant that has a hotel attached. The have a fantasy fling with each other. And then have to go back to the reality of going home to their kids. At the end of the story she thinks about how the young her and the old her mix their thoughts together. How in some ways you don't grow up.

"You could have two kids and love them more than anything else in the world and still kind of believe that only an idiot would sacrifice her freedom to have kids. You could be grown up and settled down and satisfied with the way things had turned out and still sniff the air on a golden fall night and feel like you're only just beginning the adventures that will come to define your life."

I feel like that sometimes, especially about kids. Oh the sacrifice...and then my little one gives me a hug and a kiss on her own and it all seems worth it!

Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together - Ron Hall, Denver Moore

2009-02-08T08:31:00.003-05:00

Rating: 4 horses out of 5

Pages: 244

Challenges: New Author, 20 in 2009

Synopsis (from BN.com as is picture)

Meet Denver, a man raised under plantation-style slavery in Louisiana in the 1960s; a man who escaped, hopping a train to wander, homeless, for eighteen years on the streets of Dallas, Texas. No longer a slave, Denver's life was still hopeless-until God moved. First came a godly woman who prayed, listened, and obeyed. And then came her husband, Ron, an international arts dealer at home in a world of Armani-suited millionaires. And then they all came together.

But slavery takes many forms. Deborah discovers that she has cancer. In the face of possible death, she charges her husband to rescue Denver. Who will be saved, and who will be lost? What is the future for these unlikely three? What is God doing?
Same Kind of Different As Me is the emotional tale of their story: a telling of pain and laughter, doubt and tears, dug out between the bondages of this earth and the free possibility of heaven. No reader or listener will ever forget it.

Review

Wow! This was a great inspirational book. The insight Denver had into God just amazes me...all of this from someone who had a difficult life and was homeless most of his adult life. I would recommend reading this book. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Denver:

Page 113 - Denver talking about material things: “Are you sure you own them, or does they own you?” Ron thinks: “That wisdom stuck to my brain like duct tape. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced we’d enjoy life a whole lot more if we owed a whole lot less. In some ways, Denver became the professor and I the student as he shared his particular brand of spiritual insight and plain old country wisdom.”

126- Denver: “When you is precious to God you become important to Satan. Watch your back, Mr. Ron. Somethin’ bad gettin’ ready to happen to Miss Debbie. The thief comes in the night.”

169 – “There is something I learned when I was homeless: Our limitation is God’s opportunity. When you gt all the way to the end of your rope and there ain’t nothing you can do, that’s when God takes over. I remember one time I was hunkered down n the hobo jungle with some folks. We was talking ‘bout life, and this fella was talking, said, ‘People think they are in control, but thye ain’t. The truth is, that which must befall thee must befall thee. And that which must pass thee by must past thee by.”

170 - “God calls good ones like Miss Debbie home so He can accomplish His purpose down here on earth.”
“He sometimes needs to call the good ones home to bring glory to His name.”

179 – “God gives each person on earth a sent of keys, keys to live this life down here on the earth. Now in this set, there is one key you can use to unlock prison doors and set captives free.”…Miss Debbie opened Denver’s prison

193 – “Ever man should have the courage to stand up and face the enemy.” I [Denver] said, “cause every person that looks like an enemy on the oustside ain’t necessarily one on the inside. We all has more in common than we think. You stood up with courage and faced me when I was dangerous, and it changed my life. You loved me for who I was on the inside, the person God meant for me to be, the one that had just gotten lost for awhile on some ugly roads in life.” (said to Debbie in her grave)

235- “Then after I met Miss Debbie and Mr. Ron, I worried that I was so different from them that we wadn’t ever gon’ have no kid a’ future. But I found out everybody’s different- the same kind of different as me. We’re all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us.”

“The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or something in between, this earth ain’t no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless – just workin our way toward home.”

242 – Denver – “You never know whose eyes God is watchin’ you through. It probably aint’ gonna be your preacher and it just might be someone who was liven like I used to.”

I learned a lot about God from Denver. I especially like the last quote. Whose eyes is God watching you from? Changes your perspective on how you are treating others.

Pregnancy Update

2009-02-06T13:03:00.002-05:00

Joy asked how my pregnancy was going so I thought I would give an update. 12 days to go and doing good! I am not advancing closer to delivery - I have been dilated 1cm for 3 weeks so that is discouraging, but I am under the delusion that it will all happen fast!! :)

This pregnancy has been very different than my first daughter. With both I was sick for 4 months (although this one was much better - I had my gall bladder out between and that helped), but with this baby I have gestational diabetes so that has been rough. I think this is the only time in my life I have gone a week without pizza, french fries, "real" ice cream, cookies, and CHOCOLATE...it's been nearly 3 months without! The good news is 2 fold - I have only gained 1 lb in the 3 months...no kidding and after this diet Weight Watchers is going to be a breeze!! LOL!

So I am on the home stretch and looking forward to the little girl who has been kicking me. :) I will post pictures when the time comes!

Sunday at Tiffany's Arrived!

2009-02-05T15:15:00.001-05:00

I won Sunday's at Tiffany's from Joy at Thoughts of Joy and Hachette Books! I can't wait to get this started!!

Thanks so much!!

Five - Julianna Baggot (Short Story)

2009-02-01T03:26:00.001-05:00

Short Story Title: Five
Autor: Julianna Baggott
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 2 out of 5 horses

This is the story of a Tilly a woman who is leaving her fourth husband. She leaves him and goes to her only family her sister Elysius and her first and only husband Alex. Elysius is complete oppisite of Tilly, but has some sadness in her own life - the inability to have a baby. This is a story about them and their childhood and Tilly's hunt for husband #5.

Quote that I liked:

"Fourth husbands have to be both blindly optimistic and soberly realistic."

eBook Pricing

2009-01-27T19:39:00.002-05:00

Smart *itches has an interesting article on e-book prices here. I think it's very interesting that the ebook prices are increasing. I got a Kindle for Christmas and have noticed that before Christmas there were ebooks for a penny to $1 but now most of the books are $9.99. I confess I have yet to purchase an ebook on my Kindle. I am waiting for Adriana Trigiani's new book and Jodi Picoult because I know these will have long waits at the library...and I want to try out the Kindle book.

I struggle with the fact that I already have a HUGE TBR pile of books I already own - PLUS I can get books from the library for free. I asked my library if there are any plans to have the ability to check out ebooks, but our library has no plans (because they don't have any $$). Does your library offer ebook checkouts? I would be interesting in hearing how this works.

I do think if there are only a few dollar differences between the ebook and the paperback I would purchase the paperback. Mostly because I can pass the physical book onto my friends where the ebook doesn't offer this option.

I also think ebooks should be cheaper because distribution costs are very inexpensive AND you pay a fee to get the Kindle. At the rate that I am going it will take YEARS to make up the cost with savings on the books.

What are your thoughts on ebooks?
Any thoughts?

My Great Brit Book Tour (Short Story) - Adrinana Trigiani

2009-01-26T14:40:00.006-05:00

Short Story Title: A Day in the Life of My Great Brit Book Tour

Autor: Adrinana Trigiani

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

In honor of Andria Trigiani's new book coming out next week I read one of her shorts!

This is a story about an author who is going to Britain on a book tour with her husband and small baby. She has visions that the tour is going to be wonderful an wildly successful. After a harrowing plane ride where her daughter wanted to be held but only for 15 minute intervals she deplanes and breaks a tooth. Her PR manager is shuttling her to a TV interview, where no one can understand her. Here is my favorite quote:

"It's our first day of the book tour and I have already learned a big lesson: let go. Let go of the perfect picture and embrace the moment because the moment is extraordinary."

I need to remember this quote on a daily basis!

I highly recommend the Big Stone Gap series by Adriana Trigiani. Keep watching here I am chomping at the bit to read her new book and plan to do it soon -possibly in the hospital after I have my new addition.

Take a look at The Book Mine Set for more Short Stories Monday's.

Rumors - Anna Godbersen

2009-01-26T13:17:00.002-05:00

Rating: 5 horses out of 5

Pages: 423

Challenges: Library, Young Adult, Young Adult Romance, 20 in 2009

Synopsis

The second book in the Luxe Series picks up on the main characters of the first: Elizabeth and Diana Holland, Penelope Hayes, and Carolina (Lina) Broud. Elizabeth was taken for dead, but really went to find her true love Will in California. Diana is in love with Elizabeth's fiance (arranged by their parents) Harry and Penelope is after Harry as well. Lina is just trying to break into the upper class after being fired as Elizabeth's maid.

Will Elizabeth find Will? Will she be able to come back home to New York after leaving under the pretense of having "fallen" into the river? Will Elizabeth and Will be happy together?

Will Diana and Harry find happiness together?

Will Penelope continue her manipulation to marry Harry?

Will Lina continue to use her inside knowledge of the Holland family to get money from Penelope? Or will she find herself loyal to her previous employers? Will she get her sister Claire in trouble for divulging Holland family secrets? Will Lina get exposed for not being in the upper class?

Review

The second book in the Luxe series was just as good as the first! I devoured it. I like historical fiction and have really enjoyed both of these series. #3 comes out in a few days and I already have it reserved at the library. The last chapter of the book sets up the premise of the next book (but I don't want to give anything away). If you have started this series and liked the first book I am confident that you will like the second as well.

Getting Rid Of Matthew - Jane Fallon

2009-01-21T12:47:00.004-05:00

Rating: 2

Pages: 336

Challenges: New Author, Audio, Library, Book Awards, 20 in 2009

Synopsis (from BN.com)

A sparkling, sophisticated, witty story about what happens when he finally leaves his wife for you . . . and you realize you don't want him after all.
For once this isn't a novel about the heroine getting the guy. It's about getting rid of the guy, and in the process, finding herself.

Helen is nearly forty, and has, for far too long, had an affair with Matthew, a high-powered, much older, attractive, married man who was once, of course, her boss. After years of being disappointed by missed dates, out-of-the-way restaurants where there's no chance of them being caught, broken promises, and hushed phone calls, at last Helen realizes enough is enough-it's time to dump Matthew and get on with her life.

This, of course, is the exact moment when Matthew decides to leave his wife for her. He appears on her doorstep, announcing, "I've done it! I've left her! I'm yours!" and proceeds to move in. Helen then discovers how much she can't bear him. But she can't just throw him out-after all, she's been begging him to do exactly this for years. The only thing to do, she decides, is to convince his wife, Sophie, to take him back.

So after a "chance" meeting in the park, Helen befriends Sophie and hears all about her lying, cheating husband. But then, the unexpected happens-Helen really starts to like Sophie, and thinks she's way too good for a selfish bore like Matthew. And then there's the other small problem of Matthew's handsome, charming son . . .

Jane Fallon turns the conventional love story on its head in this irresistibly delicious, ironic debut for every woman who has ever realized, "Be careful what you wish for."

Review

This book was a Book Sense Pick and although I typically think the Book Sense picks are pretty good I was very disappointed in this one. I thought it was predictable and I kept wondering why does Helen or even Sophie want Matthew? He is a guy who is a serial cheater and can't have one woman at a time. He is pompous and a bore who only cares about himself. Helen stayed in a 4 year relationship with this man and only after he moved in (because he was worried he was loosing her) did she realize she wanted to break up with him. Then the book was all about her living 2 lives and trying to get rid of him. I wouldn't recommend this book.

Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen

2009-01-19T17:30:00.004-05:00

Rating: 5 - Loved it!

Pages: 432

Challenges: New Author, Library Book, Young Adult, Young Adult Romance

Synopsis (from Publishers Weekly)
Dessen (Just Listen) inverts a familiar fairy tale: what if Cinderella got the prince, the castle and all its accoutrements, but wasn’t remotely interested? After her mother abandons her, Ruby Cooper is flying below the radar of officialdom and trying to make it to her 18th birthday, when she’s busted by the landlord and turned over to social services. Ruby gets taken in by her estranged sister, Cora, who left for college a decade earlier and never looked back, and Cora’s husband, Jamie, the wealthy founder of a ubiquitous social networking site.

Resentful, suspicious and vulnerable, she resists mightily, refusing the risky business of depending on anybody but herself, and wearing the key to her old house around her neck. All the Dessen trademarks are here—the swoon-worthy boy next door who is not what he appears to be; and the supporting characters who force Ruby to rethink her cynical worldview, among them the frazzled owner of a jewelry kiosk at the mall. The author again defines characters primarily through dialogue, and although Ruby and her love interest, Nate, sound wiser than their years, they talk the way teens might want to—from the heart. A must for Dessen fans, it will win her new readers, too.

Review

Well this reader is a new fan of Sarah Dessen! This book was awesome. It kept me entertained and I could relate to Ruby's struggles with life and adjusting. I liked how she came into her own in the book.

I am so glad I joined the Young Adult Romance Challenge - it has introduced me to so many great books!

The Water Dancers - Terry Gamble

2009-01-17T08:57:00.003-05:00

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pages: 275

Challenges: New Author, 20 in 2009, RYOB

Synopsis (from BN.com)

A stunning debut novel from a new voice in literary fiction, set on Lake Michigan following World War II, The Water Dancers limns the divide between the worlds of the wealthy elite "summer people" and the poor native population who serve them–and what happens when those worlds collide.

When Rachel Winnapee first comes to work at the March family summer home on vast and beautiful Lake Michigan, she quickly learns her place. Servants are seen and not heard as they bring the breakfast trays, wash and iron luxurious clothes, and serve gin and tonics to the wealthy family as they lounge on the deck playing bridge. Orphaned as a poverty–stricken young girl from the nearby band of Native Americans, Rachel is in awe of the Marches' glamorous life–and quite enamored of the family's son Woody.

Rachel is soon assigned the task of caring for Woody, a young man whose life has been changed utterly by his experience as a soldier in WWII. The war has cost Woody not only his leg, but, worse, the older brother he loved and admired. Now back at home, Woody cannot bear to face the obligations of his future – especially when it comes to his bride–to–be Elizabeth. Woody finds himself drawn to Rachel, who is like no one he's ever known. The love affair that unites these two lost souls in this Great Gatsby–esque portrait of class division will alter the course of their lives in ways both heartbreaking and profound.

Review

I really liked this book. For some reason it reminded me of the Great Gatsby (funny that the synopsis had the same opinion). I think because it doesn't explicitly tell you everything that happens you have to read some into it. It was a quick read and kept me engaged the whole time. I would recommend this book.

The Bookshelf Meme

2009-01-12T08:12:00.009-05:00

The Bookshelf Meme
I was tagged for this meme by Alice at At Home with Books.

Tell me about the book that has been on your shelves the longest...

Drums in Autumn & Voyager by Diana Garbon. I have read the first 2 in the Outlander Series but haven't gotten around to these 2. Not sure why I liked both books I have read in the series. The first 4 books in the series were given to me by a co-worker 3-4 jobs ago!! And I am not a job hopper - it has probably been 9 years since she gave them to me!! Yikes I need to get these read. They have also moved with me from Illinois to Kentucky! I have a few boxes of books in storage also, but since I can't remember what these were I will ignore that there might be some older ones in there!!

Tell me about a book that reminds you of something specific in your life (i.e. a person, a place, a time, etc.)...

Has to be What to Expect when you are expecting! LOL! I read this book cover to cover with my first baby and only pieces with the 2nd baby. The only complaint about this book is very little coverage of Gestational Diabetes.

Tell me about the most recent addition to your shelves...

Water Dancers by Terri Gamble this is our book club book for the this month. I am trying not to add more to my huge TBR pile!

Tell me about a book that has been with you to the most places...

This one is hard because I typically read the books I take places. I would have to say Water Dancers will be the most places but not necessarily with me. I mooched it so it was at a previous owner, my friend Sarah is reading it so it is at her house, I will read it, it will go to the book club meeting with me, and then off to my friend in China who has a hard time finding English language books (and she is a speed reader!). Although going on this theme I have several library books - who knows where they have been!

Tell me about a bonus book that doesn't fit any of the above questions...
The book I have been referring to a lot lately is 50,000+ Best Baby Names. 38 days to go and still no name...we have some options but no firm name. I think we will pick out a few and take a look at the baby and see if the name fits. Some in the running right now are:

Kira or Kirya

Cassidy

Gabriella or Gabrielle

The Rules
1. Tag 3-5 people, so the fun keeps going!

2. Leave a comment at the original post at A Striped Armchair, so that Eva can collect everyone’s answers.

3. If you leave a comment and link back to Eva as the meme’s creator, she will enter you in a book giveaway contest! She has a whole shelf devoted to giveaway books that you’ll be able to choose from, or a bookmooch point if you prefer.

4. Remember that this is all about enjoying books as physical objects, so feel free to describe the exact book you’re talking about, down to that warping from being dropped in the bath water…

5. Make the meme more fun with visuals! Covers of the specific edition you’re talking about, photos of your bookshelves, etc.

I am tagging

Booklogged at A Reader's Journal

Joy at Thoughts of Joy

Maree at Just Add Books

Stephanie at The Written Word

Sunday at Tiffany's Give Away

2009-01-09T20:49:00.002-05:00

Joy at Thoughts of Joy is giving away 3 Audio versions of Sunday's at Tiffany's by James Patterson. I don't know if you have tried to check this out of the library, but our's has quite a waiting list for it!

Peaches - Jodi Lynn Anderson

2009-01-09T08:02:00.005-05:00

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult (Romance)

Challenges: Young Adult, Young Adult romance, New Author, Library

Synopsis (from BN.com)

In a Ya-Ya Sisterhood for teens, Peaches combines three unforgettable heroines who have nothing in common but the troubles that have gotten them sentenced to a summer of peach picking at a Georgia orchard.

Leeda is a debutante dating wrong-side-of-the-tracks Rex.

Murphy, the wildest girl in Bridgewater, likes whichever side Rex is on.
Birdie is a dreamer whose passion for Girl Scout cookies is matched only by her love for a boy named Enrico.

When their worlds collide, The Breakfast Club meets The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in an entirely original and provocative story with a lush, captivating setting.

Review

This book reminded me a lot of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (the movie I haven't read the book). But it was different and very good. I liked it a lot and will read some of the others in the series.

Higher Power of Lucky - Susan Patron

2009-01-09T07:22:00.004-05:00

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

Pages: 160

Genre: Young Adult

Challenges: New Author, Audio, Library, Dewey Recommended, Young Adult, Award Winner

Synopsis (from BN.com)

Lucky, age ten, can't wait another day. The meanness gland in her heart and the crevices full of questions in her brain make running away from Hard Pan, California (population 43), the rock-bottom only choice she has.

It's all Brigitte's fault -- for wanting to go back to France. Guardians are supposed to stay put and look after girls in their care! Instead Lucky is sure that she'll be abandoned to some orphanage in Los Angeles where her beloved dog, HMS Beagle, won't be allowed. She'll have to lose her friends Miles, who lives on cookies, and Lincoln, future U.S. president (maybe) and member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. Just as bad, she'll have to give up eavesdropping on twelve-step anonymous programs where the interesting talk is all about Higher Powers. Lucky needs her own -- and quick.

But she hadn't planned on a dust storm.
Or needing to lug the world's heaviest survival-kit backpack into the desert.

Review

I thought this book was cute, but thought it was a little slow until the last few chapters. It was a quick read!

Contest for 3 Books and Amazon Gift Card

2009-01-09T04:42:00.003-05:00

Maureen Lang is hosting a great contest! Here are the details from her site:

"To enter the contest, all you need to do is sign up for my newsletter (either here to the left or on my website) and you'll be entered to win a fabulous basket full of books (The Oak Leaves, On Sparrow Hill, My Sister Dilly), chocolate and a $25 Amazon.com gift card! "

To enter go here and sign up for her newsletter. The contest ends today so hurry!

2008 Reading Statistics

2009-01-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

Here are some book summaries:

Book I would never have picked up on my own, but sure am glad I did:
*Life As We Knew it
*Luxe

My favorite books of 2008:
*Tallgrass - Sandra Dallas
*This Heart of Mine - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
* Five Fortunes - Beth Gutcheon
* Love Comes Softly - Janette Oke
* Monsters of Templeton - Laura Groff
* Life As We Knew It - Susan Beth Pfeffer
* The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory
* Somthing Rotten - Jasper Fforde
* The Goose Girl - Shannon Hale
* Love Walked In - Marisa De Los Santos
* Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah
* Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen
* Luxe - Anna Godbersen

Series I started in 2008 that I must finish: Luxe, Hidden

Books I want to see continued: Life As We Knew It

New Authors that I read for the first time in 2008 and I want to read more of:
* Sarah Addison Allen
* Anna Godbersen
* Marisa De Los Santos
* Shelley Shepard Gray

* Philippa Gregory

* Susan Beth Pfeffer
* Jennifer Cheiaverini
* Laura Groff

Here are my stats for 2008:

Total books read in 2008: 60 (this is my first year tracking but I am sure all of the challenges have helped me to read more books!!)

* Pages Read: 20,986

* Fiction: 43

* Non-Fiction: 2

* New Authors: 40

* Audio Books: 32

* Did Not Finish Books: 4

* Challenges Signed up for: 14

* Challenges Finished: 7

* Challenges Carried Over to 2009: 3 (Young Adult Romance, Awards Challenge, Soups On)

My challenges finished is only 50%! I will have to try to improve that this year!! I am surprised that this is so low - but I can't complain I read many more authors and books than I would have without them!!

Ratings Stats:

2 = 7

3 = 23

3.5 = 1

4 = 16

5 = 13

Cape Refuge - Terri Blackstock

2009-01-03T06:50:00.004-05:00

Rating: 3 - Just OK
Pages: 400
Challenges: 2008 1st in a Series

Synopsis (from bn.com)
When Thelma and Wayne Owens are found murdered in the warehouse where they held their church services, their son-in-law Jonathan is arrested for the crime--but his wife Morgan and her sister Blair, Thelma and Waynes daughters, are confident that he didnt do it and set out to find the real killer.

Review
Mysteries aren't my genre of choice so others may enjoy this book more than I did. The last part of the book was excellent and I wanted to finish it, but I thought it got a slow start. It is a mystery that I didn't figure out until the last part of the book, so that was great!

This is a book I started in 2008, but didn't finish until a few days in 2009 so I am counting it towards 2008 books. This is my last 2008 book - here I come 2009!!

The Luxe - Anna Godbersen

2008-12-29T12:26:00.004-05:00

Rating: 5 - Loved it!

Pages: 433

Challenges: Young Adult Romance Challenge

Genre: Young Adult

Synopsis (from BN.com)

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.This is Manhattan, 1899.

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth's and Diana's golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city's gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan's most celebrated daughter disappear...

In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.

Review

Loved it! Read it in only a few days which is amazing for me because I get so little time to read! I enjoyed the history of the time period and the ways that the ladies got around doing what was proper. Each chapter started with an article from the time or a tidbit of information about the time period, which was great to really understand the confinements that women had. The book starts out with a mystery that I had an idea what happened but not how. The book didn't resolve the details of how the mystery occurred but I still enjoyed it. There are 2 more books in the series, so far and I have them reserved at the library!

There are a few racy parts in this book so I would think hard about give it to a young teen, but perhaps someone in high school.

The Host - Stephenie Meyer

2008-12-27T14:13:00.004-05:00

Rating: 3

Pages: 624

Challenges: Stephenie Meyer Mini-Challenge

Synopsis (from BN.com)
Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.

Review

I want to start off saying that Science Fiction is not my favorite genre, but I have found books that I have enjoyed (see my review of Life As We Knew It). I know there are MANY people who love Stephenie Meyer and I have enjoyed her books but not loved them like many have. This book just didn't pull me in until the last half. In fact, I read the first half and put it down for a few months then picked it up again because I wanted to loan it to a friend and finish it in 2008. I was very glad I finished it. This is a hard book to rate because I would give the first half of the book a 2 or a 3 rating, but the last half would be a 4 or a 4.5 rating. So I think I will settle down the middle with a 3 - average.

'Tis the Season - Lorna Landvik

2008-12-27T14:05:00.005-05:00

Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Pages: 304
Challenges: None

Synopsis (from BN.com)
Heiress Caroline Dixon has managed to alienate nearly everyone with her alcohol-fueled antics, which have also provided near-constant fodder for the poison-pen tabloids and their gossip-hungry readers. But like so many girls-behaving-badly, the twenty-six-year-old socialite gets her comeuppance, followed by a newfound attempt to live a saner existence, or at least one more firmly rooted in the real world.

As Caro tentatively begins atoning for past misdeeds, she reaches out to two wonderful people who years ago brought meaning to her life: her former nanny, Astrid Brevald, now living in Norway and Arizona dude ranch owner, Cyril Dale. While Astrid fondly remembers Caro as a special, sweet little girl left in her charge, Cyril recalls how he and his late wife were quite taken with the quick-witted teenager Caro had become when she spent a difficult period in her life at the ranch as her father was dying.

In a series of e-mail exchanges, Caro reveals the depth of her pain and the lengths she went to hide it. In turn, Astrid and Cyril share their own stories of challenging times and offer the unconditional support this young woman has never known. The correspondence leads to the promise of a reunion, just in time for Christmas. But the holiday brings unexpected revelations that change the way everyone sees themselves and one another.

At once heartfelt and witty, ’Tis the Season bears good tidings of great joy about the human condition–that down and out doesn’t mean over and done, that the things we need most are closer than we know,and that the true measure of one’s worth rests in the boundless depths of the soul.

Review
This was a quick read and a fun book. It didn't get into a lot of character development, but it was really creative on the ways it kept a letter type format even when the 3 main characters were together! Very creative. If you want a quick fun read then I would recommend this.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T06:18:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends!!

Being pregnant this Christmas has made me think a lot of Mary and her pregnancy with Jesus. I can't imagine being 9 months pregnant and riding on a donkey!! Speed bumps in the car hurt - let alone riding on a donkey!! Plus don't get me started on the scariness of having a first baby (this is my second) or giving birth in a barn! I just really can relate to what Mary had to go through this Christmas! :) Ever since my daughter was born the song, "Mary Did You Know" has been my favorite song. I can't imagine what Mary went through with the scandal of being pregnant without being married and knowing you were giving birth to Jesus.

Merry Christmas!!

Eve's Christmas - Janet Dailey

2008-12-19T09:19:00.006-05:00

Rating: 2 Drink more Mint Juleps before reading (åå)

Pages: 317

Challenges: None

Synopsis

Eve is a free-lance music teacher living in a small town with her parents. She runs into Luck McClure who is commiserating the loss of his wife (6 years ago) in a bottle of alcohol. He grabs her in his arms and calls her a brown mouse. Later they meet again when Luck accidentally throws a ball through her car windshield. Luck doesn't remember who Eve is though he does remember seeing a brown mouse during his drunken stupor. Eve rekindles Luck's heart and he actively pursues her. Eve on the other hand is full of insecurities and questions his feelings. Will their relationship advance beyond casual acquaintances?

Review

I thought this book was ok. I got a little frustrated with all of Eve's insecurities and just wished at times she would enjoy the moment (which is a good lesson for me!). I especially enjoyed the snowing scenes and when Luck and Eve were snowed in. I used to live in Illinois and we would get snowed in frequently. Here in Kentucky when it snows it is best to stay in because snow removal teams are not very experience nor are people driving...but as for being snowed in we rarely get enough snow. :( Bummer. And if we do get snow -no worries it will have melted with in a week! I would like a couple of good snow days a year! The other thing I liked about this book is that Eve's Mom is a baker and loves baking at the holidays...so do I. But I have forgone baking this year in favor of a health baby. My gestational diabetes keeps me from eating sweets and let me tell you I CAN'T make them and not try them! LOL! So I have decided not to bake this year...instead I am cleaning and organizing the house to get our small 2 bedroom condo ready for another baby. I guess that is a good exchange!

I do like Janet Dailey but have enjoyed some of her other books much better, for example the Calder Pride series.

Things I have done...

2008-12-12T20:16:00.003-05:00

Stephanie at the written word posted this blog and I thought it would be fun to do also!

The things I have done are in BOLD!
1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (I call them Sanity Days)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted (in chalk in New Orleans)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (oops)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

37 out of 100...

I have been Missing

2008-12-12T10:35:00.002-05:00

I have been missing blogging and checking in on my blogging friends. I had a incredibly aggressive deadline that had me working 60 hours a week - UGH! And with a 2 year old all the rest of the time tends to go to her. So I because a blogging writer and reading slacker! Since I am now taking vacation (due to a use-it-or-loose-it policy and my REFUSAL to loose it), I am getting back with it! And I realize how much I have missed my blogging friends! Also with the shock of Dewey's passing it tells me I need to keep up. So I have cleaned up my Google reader and have caught up on a few. :)

Trish at Trish's Books has posted this Meme via video...well I love it!! Now I am not ready to post a video because who knows how much time that will take. :) And I have to get working on house cleaning because the house has greatly suffered in my work schedule, but I thought I would answer 7 things about me:

Since my anniversary was 2 days ago I thought I would have 7 things about me and my Husband:
1. I met my husband in High School History
2. I punched my future-husband in HS History for saying something that is still too inappropriate to repeat.
3. We met up 15 years later through Classmates.com, went to Pizza at a local pizza shop and soon started dating.
4. We tend to balance each other out well - he tells me to relax and I tell him to stop relaxing and fulfill his promises.
5. We both dislike cleaning - little did I know that this would make for an always messy house...and that it would drive me crazy before him...hence I end up cleaning more.
6. I always said I would Never move for a guy...well never say never - I now live in Louisville, KY and moved for him!
7. We had 2 weddings and until this post only 3 people know about the first one! You see we were living together and as my Christian faith began to grow I was feeling that we should not be living the way we were. So our Pastor agreed to marry us in July and then again for the family in December. So we had 2 friends at our little wedding (the way that I wanted to get married) and 150 or so at the big wedding (how he wanted to get married). It's not necessarily something that we try to keep a secret - it just doesn't really get brought up much! ;)

Dewey's Book Reading Challenge

2008-12-10T19:51:00.002-05:00

January 1 - December 31, 2009
Chris at Stuff Dreams Are Made Of and Robin at A Fondness for Reading are hosting a very special challenge in honor of Dewey from The Hidden Side of A Leaf. Chris writes:

Dewey was such a prolific reader and her reviews were honest, intriguing, and beautifully written. What better way to celebrate her wonderful life than by having a year long challenge in her name!

Dewey's Books Reading Challenge asks participants to visit Dewey's blog and peruse her archives. Then do one of the following:

1. Pick one book from each of the 6 years of which Dewey has archives. You can access her archives by clicking on the archive link in the sidebar of her website. It’s a dropdown menu. For instance, you would read one book that she reviewed in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 for a total of six books.

2. The other option is to read 5 books that Dewey reviewed. These can be from any year.There will be Mr. Linky's to link to reviews, and a prize draw or two.

To read more and sign up, visit the dedicated blog and leave a comment on the post about the challenge.

I am going back on my personal goal to read MY books for this challenge. I just adore Dewey and miss her greatly. It was fun to go back and read some of her old blogs on books that she read. I am only going to read 5 books but here are the potentials I have picked:

1. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
2. What I Was by Meg Rosoff
3. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
4. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
5. Matrimony – Josua Henkin
6. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
7. Chocolat by Joanne Harris
8. What Mothers Do by Naomi Stadlen
9. The View from Satruday by EL Konigsburg (newbury)
10. The Higher Power of Lucky – Susan Patron & Matt Phelan (Newbery Challenge)
11. The Luncheon of the Boatin Party – Susan Vreeland
12. On Chesil Beach – Ian McEwan
13. The Penelopiad – Margaret Atwood
14. The Road – Cormac McCarthy
15. The Pesthouse – Jim Crace

Gestational Diabetes - What to Expect

2008-12-10T19:37:00.004-05:00

Rate: 2 Drink more Mint Juleps before reading (åå)

Pages: 72

Challenges: None

Yes I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes sadly from the 1 hour test. It was so bad that I didn't even have the option of taking the 3 hour test. I guess that could be a blessing too. What this means is essentially I can have NO sweets and very little carbs/starches. I can have 6 starches a day, which is about 90 grams of carbs. After playing with my diet for 2 weeks and cutting carbs I seem to have gotten my blood sugars under control - Yeah!! Although I still have bad days where it seems my hormones are high. :) But I haven't had to go on insulin yet which is great. My diet though is essentially Atkins - lots of meats and fats!

Anyone have any good Atkins or low carb recipes?? I am all for them!!

Review

This book is good for the basics and I would recommend it to someone who has just been diagnosed. Probably a little too basic for people who have been dealing with diabetes for a few weeks. Although I did learn about the different type of insulin's and some effects diabetes may have on the baby, so that was helpful.

By the way - I don't know how people on Atkins stay on the diet...If there wasn't a baby dependent on me I would have completely fallen off the wagon MANY times...actually every time I see a dessert or a roll!

2009 Challenges

2008-12-08T13:51:00.001-05:00

Here are the challenges I have slotted for 2009:

Young Adult Romance Challenge (5 out of 6 needed) - Feb 28
Themed Reading Challenge (4 out of 4 needed) - Feb - July - Jane Austin Theme
Romance Reading Challenge (5 out of 5 needed)
Read Your Own Books Challenge (25 out of 25 needed)
Support Your Local Library Challenge (12 out of 12 needed)
PUB Challenge (9 out of 9 needed)
Christian Readers Challenge (4 books out of 4 needed)
The Numbers Challenge (5 out of 5 needed) - January - August 1
Audiobook Challenge (12 out of 12 needed)
Book Awards II Challenge (1o out of 1o needed) -June 1

I am sure more to come!!

Magic Hour - Kristen Hannah

2008-12-08T13:38:00.004-05:00

Rating: 3 Don’t bet on this one…wait for the movie (···)

Pages: 480

Challenges: None

Synopsis (from BN.com)

Until recently, Dr. Julia Cates was one of the preeminent child psychiatrists in the country, but a scandal shattered her confidence, ruined her career, and made her a media target. When she gets a desperate call from her estranged sister, Ellie, a police chief in their small western Washington hometown, she jumps at the chance to escape.

In Rain Valley, nothing much ever happens—until a girl emerges from the deep woods and walks into town. She is a victim unlike any Julia has ever seen: a child locked in a world of unimaginable fear and isolation.

When word spreads of the "wild child" and the infamous doctor who is treating her, the media descend on Julia and once again her competence is challenged. State and federal authorities want to lock the girl away in an institution until an identification can be made.

But to Julia, who has come to doubt her own ability, nothing is more important than saving the girl she now calls Alice. To heal this child, Julia will have to understand that she cannot work alone and must look to others—the people in the town she left long ago, the sister she barely knows, and Dr. Max Cerrasin, a handsome, private man with secrets of his own.

Then a shocking revelation forces Julia to risk everything to discover the truth about Alice. The ordeal that follows will test the limits of Julia's faith, forgiveness, and love, as she struggles to ascertain where Alice ultimately belongs.

Review

I thought this book was ok. It was very easy to put down, but I did want to know how it ended which kept me reading it. I liked Firefly Lane more than this one.