Book Ends And The Good Stuff Between

Fireflies in December

2011-02-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

I love books that teach me something about humanity. This book is definitely one of these books. I really loved that Jennifer Erin Valent showed that during the period after the Civil War to the establishment of equal rights for all men, that there were good white people in the South who disagreed with the Jim Crow Laws and the KKK. I will admit to two things: one, I am not African-American and two, I can never understand the oppression and hardships that African-Americans face. That said, I also cannot be blamed for said oppression and hardships. Maybe it is that I live in the South, but just as all black people are not the same, neither are all white people. And this book demonstrates this perfectly.

Title: Fireflies in December

Author: Jennifer Erin Valent

Length: 352

Genre: Fiction, Historical

How long will it take to read: 4-5 days.

Fireflies in December takes place in Virginia in 1932. So not only is the nation dealing with racism and segregation, but it is also dealing with the Great Depression. Jessilyn Lassiter, who is the narrator, and her family own a farm and the Teague family work as farm hands. The Teagues have a daughter, Gemma, who is a close friend of Jessilyn. When Gemma's family is tragically killed, the Lassiters, a white family, take Gemma in as one of their own.

The Lassiters are immediately austercized. Jessie goes from a 13-year-old who is idealistic to a 13-year-old who realizes that the world is not all sunshine and roses. She is exposed to the horrific acts of the Klu Klux Klan and the disgusting ways that human beings can treat each other. But she also sees the beauty in others, Luke Talley, Mrs Cleta, and her parents. She learns that there are people out there who will sacrifice all to help others.

This is an excellent read.

Favorite Character: Mrs. Cleta. I love Mrs. Cleta because she has the gumption as an old woman to stand up to those people she disagrees with. I love when she takes Gemma and Jessie into a restaurant and raises a big stink because they won't serve Gemma. Awesome.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Published by Tyndale House Publishers 2008

The Lost Hero

2011-01-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen or heard of Percy Jackson, let me take a minute to introduce you. Percy is the main character in the first series of books about Mount Olympus and the Greek gods. The series is called Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Fabulous books. You must read this series before moving on to the next series, The Heroes of Olympus. I first heard about these books from my then 10-year-old daughter. Yes, these are kids books but a lot of fun. Think Harry Potter meets mythology.

Title: The Heroes of Olympus Book One: The Lost Hero

Author: Rick Roirdan

Length: 576

Genre: Fiction, Mythology

How long will it take to read: 4-5 days. This is an easy but very fun book to read.

If you have read the Percy Jackson series, many of the characters that you love do continue to show up in this series. Chiron, Annabeth, and Thalia are not only mentioned, but are vital characters. As is Percy. But the new characters, and the characters that this series is set around, are Jason, Leo, and Piper. And yes, they are all demi-gods.

The story begins with Jason appearing on a school bus with no memories of who he is or where he came from. Piper and Leo are on the same school bus and convinced that they have known Jason for months, thanks to the Mist. After an attack, Jason, Piper, and Leo are rescued by Annabeth and taken to Camp Half-Blood where they learn of who they are and what they need to do. This all goes along with the prophesy that Rachel, the oracle, gave at the end of Book 5 in Percy Jackson. Which is why you need to read that series first. It explains a lot. The really intriguing part of this story is that Jason knows the gods by their Roman names and he speaks Latin, unlike the other half-bloods who speak ancient Greek.

Jason, Piper, and Leo are sent on a quest to free Hera. They experience many hardships and road blocks on the way. And the quest ultimately ends in a epic battle. Of course, right? I mean, it is mythology.

Rick Roirdan writes in such a way that you do not want to put the book down. He makes mythology, dare I say, FUN! It has been several years since I learned about Greek Mythology, but he writes it in a way that makes it easy to understand and remember. The only down side of this book-it is the first book in the series. The next one is due out in the fall. I really hate waiting which is why I got into the Hunger Games, Twilight, and Harry Potter towards the end of the series. Well, not so much Harry Potter, but the first four books were done so I could just keep reading at first.

If you find you love Percy Jackson and The Lost Hero, Mr. Roirdan also has a book out called The Red Pyramid. I have yet to read it, but it is on my list. I am sure it is just as wonderful as his other books. And he also has written adult book. These I haven't read either.

Favorite Character: Piper. I love her because she completely underestimates herself and her power over others until she realizes that it is a blessing.

Rating: 5 stars

Published by Hyperion Book CH 2010

Me Talk Pretty One Day

2011-01-25T14:11:00.000-08:00

After hearing my French teacher rave about David Sedaris, I figured I would give him a chance. I like autobiographies that aren't completely serious. They type that make you feel like you are reading from a diary or log book. This one certainly didn't disappoint. I laughed out loud, a lot, to the point that my husband questioned, "what the heck are you reading?" If you want a good laugh that will make you examine your own life, this is it.

*Warning-if you are easily offended by crude speech, do not read this book. There is one chapter in particular that I skipped because the f-word was used way to often for my liking.*

Title: Me Talk Pretty One Day

Author: David Sedaris

Length: 272

Genre: Autobiography, Humor

How long will it take to read: One week.

Me Talk Pretty One Day is about the life of David Sedaris. From his exploits with his speech therapist to learning French, from his dad being a food hoarder to his fear of the computer, you will find yourself laughing your guts out. Here are to synopses of my favorite parts in the book.

Amy Sedaris is David's sister. He describes her as very attractive. Their dad has long taught his girls to watch their figures because he is old school and thinks a woman can only be happy if married. And the only way to get married is to be thin. Anyway, Amy and David fly to NC to see their dad and Amy spots only the bottom half of a fat suit. Hilarious! I could not stop laughing. Maybe it is the idea that a person loves to dress up so much that she wears a fat suit until her legs are all chaffed or that at a photo shoot she asks the make-up artist to make her look like someone beat the crap out of her, but this is someone I want to meet.

My second favorite part of the book is when David is describing his fear of the computer. He takes a typewriter on the airplane and his description of the ordeal it is a security is so funny. That and when the people in the next hotel room complain that he is making to much noise. Seriously, I laughed my guts out.

This is a great book to just sit back and laugh. Highly recommend it.

Favorite Character: Amy Sedaris. If you can wear half of a fat suit on an airplane to freak out your dad, you have to be one amazing person.

Rating: 4 stars

Published by Back Bay Books 2001

To Kindle or Not to Kindle

2011-01-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

That is the question.

Obviously I love books otherwise I wouldn't blog solely about the joys, and sometime misses, of reading. But it isn't only the story I love. I love to feel the weight of the book. The smell of the pages can be intoxicating in both old books and new books. I love the feel of the spine. Hearing it crack and bend, especially in a new book. I love books. The actual book.

So, for my birthday this past December, my wonderful husband bought me a Kindle. Apparently he bought it a while before my birthday and he became really nervous about my Kindle purchases when he saw my stack of books from the library on my night stand. He wondered how long it would take to get through the 4 books, to which I responded, "a few weeks." So back to the Kindle, I opened it and became concerned that I wouldn't like it because of my love of the book. After reading my stack, I downloaded my first few books. They are mostly free classics, but a few newer books also. My first book was Jane Eyre. Let's just say, I LOVE my Kindle. It is easy to read in bed. It is easy to put in my purse and take everywhere with me. I can read it and hold my kids, such a novelty. I love that I never need a book mark. I simply love my Kindle. And I love my cover with the little pull out light. I can read all night and not bug my sweet husband.

So, if you ever considered a Kindle, or Nook, or any form of electronic book, go for it. You won't ever look back.

The Puzzle Lady vs The Sudoku Lady

2011-01-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

I had such high hopes for this book. Why? Well, I love puzzles. Both Sudoku and crossword so I thought, hum, this should be entertaining. So that guess wasn't necessarily right, but it also wasn't wrong either.

Title: The Puzzle Lady vs The Sudoku Lady

Author: Parnell Hall

Length: 309

Genre: Fiction, Mystery

How long will it take to read: One week, tops.

The Puzzle lady is Cora, an older woman who is habitually getting married then divorced. She lives with her niece and her new husband. Her niece, Sherry, is actually the puzzle lady. Don't worry. I didn't ruin anything there. You find this out almost immediately. The puzzle lady make crossword puzzles. Cora is also known as being a great sloth. She helps the local police solve murders.

The story revolves around the Sudoku lady, Minami, coming to town to meet Cora because Cora's Sudoku books have out sold Minami's Sudoku books in Japan, her home. While there, a murder occurs. Minami also helps the police in Japan, so she challenges Cora to a duel. The duel is who can solve the murder mystery first. During the investigation, Cora unknowingly frames Minami who is arrested for not one, but two murders. I guess the excitement should be in how Cora clears Minami's name, and that part is actually quite funny, but that is about it.

There really isn't much to this book. I know, some of you out there say the same thing about the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer which is on my guilty pleasures list, but at least she can include suspense, romance, and some good old sexual tension. You will get none of that in this book. And it isn't even that funny.

Favorite Character: Is it fair to say no one? Okay, I guess I would pick Michiko because she has attitude and can't stand her aunt, Minami. One thing that we have in common.

Rating: 1 star. Only get this if your library has run out of all other books.

Published by Minotaur Books 2009

Jane Eyre

2011-01-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

I must admit it, I have never been one to fall for a classic. Well, unless you count my love affair with Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, but I am saving that for another day. I have tried to love these "classics" but I really struggle. Emma just about killed me. Same story with Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Well, Charlotte Brontë has caught my eye. Jane Eyre is fabulous! My mom told me that I must read this one after we saw a preview for the upcoming movie.

Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Brontë

Length: 352

Genre: Fiction, Classic

How long will it take to read: One week if you get absorbed like I did. It could take a little longer, or it might be a quicker read, especially if you know French.

I love a book where there are crazy people involved. And there is no shortage in this book. Which is also why I love Wuthering Heights. Something must be up with those sisters!

The story begins with Jane as a 10-year-old child who is an orphan and a benefactor of her aunt. The aunt, cousins, and, for the most part, servants, are all cruel and show little to no love for Jane. Jane is sent away to a boarding school. The boarding school not only educates Jane, but it also provides many references for the rest of her life. After finishing school, and teaching there for a few years, Jane decides to leave for a position as a governess. This is where things really pick up. Mrs. Fairfax hires Jane to teach Adele. Adele belongs to, or is the benefactor of Mr. Rochester. How I love Mr. Rochester. And you will to.

Life is life which means it changes. Because of some of these changes, Jane leaves Thornhill, Mr. Rochester's estate. She meets a family that takes her in only to discover more about herself.

You will stay riveted once you get involved with Mr. Rochester. He is not necessarily crazy, but everything around him seems to be.

I can't wait to see the new movie to see if they do Miss Brontë justice.

Favorite Character: Since this is called Jane Eyre, it would be said if Jane wasn't my favorite character. But I was also intrigued by St. John also.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars. If you haven't read this, you should. It is an easy one to grab from the library.

Published by Tribeca Books December 2010

*Confession: For my birthday my husband bought me a Kindle, which I am going to post about separately. That said, I read the Kindle version but felt that some publisher some where deserved credit for this book. Also, I thought that since the Kindle doesn't tell you actually pages, you might all find it helpful to know this.

Profiles In Courage

2010-12-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

Being of the political mind, or at least thinking that I am that way, I really enjoy books on politics. Not necessarily the self-proclaiming books by current politicians, which are interesting, but books that actually talk about politics. This book is exactly that. This book came recommend by my dad, Paul, who is also into politics. Also, this book won the Pulitzer Prize.

Title: Profiles In Courage

Author: John F. Kennedy

Length: 244

Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Politics

How long will it take to read: A couple of weeks, this isn't exactly a page turner but one that you want to finish. It just takes time to read. I found it hard to pick up where I left off because of the history. I would have to look back a few pages to see exactly where we were in time.

Type of read: Slow and one you really need to pay attention to.

JFK wrote this book while serving as a senator. It examines eight senators throughout the history of the United States and how they acted courageously. It is interesting to note that JFK does not necessarily say that they men stood up for the right things, but that they stood up for the things which to them were the right things and worthy of personal sacrifice.

I think this is what really struck my interest, senators with courage. Maybe it is because I, or we, have become cynical about our politicians, but the idea that a politician would willingly sacrifice his seat over an issue amazes me. Probably because I don't think this would ever happen today. My favorite quote comes from John Quincy Adams. He said to a colleague while in the Senate, "This measure will cost you and me our seats but private interest must not be put in opposition to public good" (43).

Favorite Character: This is hard because the senators in the book are not "characters" but real people who stood for something. Having to choose one, I would probably say Edmond Ross because he clearly understood the Constitution and was not willing to sacrifice it for personal gain.

Rating: 2 1/2 stars. If you are not interested in politics, skip this one. If you are, I sincerely encourage you to read it.

Published by Harper Perennial New Edition 2003

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2010-12-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

This book was again a suggestion by my sweet Grandma Neil. She has incredible taste in books and she just knew I would love this one. She was right. This has made it on to my list of favorite books.

Title: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Author: Garth Stein

Length: 336

Genre: Fiction

How long will it take to read: 2-5 days depending on how fast you read.

Type of read: Not a brain-candy read, but it is very easy to become engrossed in this story.

Enzo is a family dog that narrates the story. Stein wonderfully intertwines the life of the human family, the Swifts, with the life and perspective of a dog, Enzo. Enzo is smart and, if you have a dog, you will find yourself asking your dog, "Do you think like this?" And while the title of the book would make you think this book is about race car driving, it is...and it isn't. Trust me. I have no knowledge of the racing world and there were no points in the book that I was wondering what the heck was going on. The story is more about relationships, family, and growth.

It is funny. You will laugh. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Enzo is explaining that humans are in fact evolved from dogs. His evidence...werewolves.

It is sad. You will need a tissue box by your side.

It is hopeful.

Most of all, it will make you think. It really will make you look at your animals in a different way, especially if you have a dog.

Loved, loved, LOVED this book!

Favorite Character: Has to be Enzo. How can you not love a dog that narrates a story.

Rating: 5 stars. This should be on your "must read" list.

Published by Harper Paperbacks 2009.

The Creation of Eve

2010-11-30T07:24:00.001-08:00

I hate to admit it, but I do judge books by their covers. This is what lead me to this fascinating story of Sofonisba Anguissola, a female artist living during the Renaissance. And she also happens to be a real person which makes this story all the more interesting.

Title: The Creation of Eve

Author: Lynn Cullen

Length: 400

Genre: Historical Fiction

How long will it take to read: 1 to 2 weeks

Type of read: Not a hard read, but also not easy. Unless you speak Spanish and Italian. But it is a very enjoyable read.

Sofonisba Anguissola is one of the first woman who became known as artists. She had the fortunate opportunity to study with the famous Michelangelo. The title of the book comes for the Sistine Chapel where the stories of the Bible are depicted. Including the creation of Eve. During her time with Michelangelo, she falls in love with Tiberio and becomes a fallen woman. This, however, never comes to light.

After leaving Rome and returning to her home in Cremona, Sofi is summoned by the King of Spain, Felipe, to serve as an art teacher to his new teenage bride, Elisabeth of France. This is where the story becomes intriguing. Royal courts are full of drama and much of the drama that unfolds during the Sofi's time with the Queen. Sofi longs for Tiberio which is a continual understory. Ms. Cullen also brings in the history of Michelangelo and his homosexual leanings, which become an integral part of the story.

Definitely read the information at the end of the story. It not only shows how much of the story may be real, but it tells what happens to the people after the "story" ends.

The book is written with much description and feeling. You will truly be able to see and feel the environment, cities, and palaces that you will visit in your read.

Favorite Character: This is a tie between Don Juan and Sofi. Don Juan is not necessarily a major character, but his actions making him compelling.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars. Definitely pick this one up at the library.

Published by Putnam Adult 2010

The Last Song

2010-11-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

I choose this book solely on the principle that I needed an easy read, and Nicholas Sparks delivered.

Title: The Last Song

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Length: 390

Genre: Novel/Fiction

How long will it take to read: 4 days tops

Type of read: Easy read. It is quick and easy to follow.

Like all Nicholas Sparks books, this one takes place in North Carolina. And who doesn't love North Carolina. Especially the beaches. This story is in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. While I wasn't immediately transported into the story, it was easy to get into. Ronnie is a rebellious teen and the story seemingly focuses on her. This truly is where I struggled. Not with Ronnie, but I couldn't get the fact that Miley Cyrus plays this character in the movie. Because even though Ronnie is rebellious, she is also sweet, compassionate, and smart. None of these characteristics describe Ms Cyrus in my mind. There are also the following characters: Will-a rich, good-looking guy and Ronnie's love interest, Steve-Ronnie's father, and Jonah-Ronnie's little brother. There is also a cast of side characters who play significant roles in the plot.

Ronnie and Jonah are sent to NC to stay the summer with their father. Ronnie and Steve's relationship is strained from three years of separation. She spends as little time with her father as possible. As a result, she ends up with a pretty rough group of "friends." After getting into some trouble, she becomes closer with her patient father and starts a budding romance with Will.

So the questions are: will a summer romance last and will Ronnie's relationship with her father continue to thrive once she returns to her home town of NYC.

If you have read any of Nicholas Sparks' books, you know that they all are tear-jerkers. This is no different.

Favorite Character: Steve is my favorite. I must have a complex about men who seem to fill their purpose.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars. A good read but not the best.

Published by Grand Central Publishing 2009

Cutting For Stone

2010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

My latest read was recommended to me by my Grandma Neil, who has never failed to recommend a great book.

Title: Cutting For Stone

Author: Abraham Verghese.

Length: 658 pages

Genre: Novel

How long will it take to read: I would plan on 2 to 3 weeks for this one.

Type of read: This is a moving read but one that takes time to process. Definitely not brain candy.

Since I have finished this book, I have found myself thinking about the events that unfold in this powerful book. Which also happened as I was reading the book. I would think about the characters: Marion, Shiva, Genet, Hema, Ghosh, Thomas Stone; and how the things they see and experience effect them. I must point out that as I read, I become engrossed and imagine that the characters are indeed real people. Their lives extend beyond the pages, so I will talk about them as if they are real people.

The book largely takes place in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, however, it does take you to places in India and the United States as well. Having never been to Ethiopia, the descriptions of Addis Ababa were definitely not the Ethiopia I had imagined. Lots of vegetation and Italian influences as it was occupied by Italy for a time. Missing Hospital is the center of the story that is told by Marion Stone, a twin born of a nun with a father as a surgeon. Marion tells the life of his mother who died in child birth, the relationship he has with his twin, the love of adoptive parents, and finding himself.

The most beautiful thing about this story is not the stories of the medical miracles that are performed or the crazy circumstances of the characters' lives, but about how Marion comes to understand who he is and how his choices define him.

This story will make you cry, make you angry, make you believe in love, and make you see the beauty that comes from forgiveness and sacrifice.

Favorite Character: Aside from Marion who you can't help love, Ghosh is my favorite character. He encompasses all the characteristics of a true father, husband, friend, and man.

Rating: 5 stars...a must read.

Published by Vintage Books, New York 2009

A Blog About Books

2010-11-10T04:38:00.000-08:00

There have been many times in the recent past that I have contemplated starting a blog about something of which I am passionate about. These ideas have ranged from cooking to rearing children, but ultimately I decided I would try my hand at reviewing and suggesting books. Why? Because I am an avid reader. I am not a biased reader either. I will read anything under the sun, or on the shelves of my local library. As a result, I have become a source of recommendations to friends and family, which I hope to share with readers.

Books are as varied as people. You can expect to see books ranging for brain candy similar to the Twlight Series or biographies and autobiographies. I will post the good, the bad, and the down right horrible. Because, let's face it, some books should disappear.

As this is a blog about books, do not expect daily posts. I will be reading books and reviewing them as I finish. There will be times that I will review, or comment on books that I have previously read, but for the most part the reviews will be on books that I have recently completed. And the books will probably not be books that are "fresh of the press" unless a publisher decides that I should get to read a new release before the general public. So, there will be books that many of you have read but hopefully I will turn you onto a book you have never heard of.

And, as always, I am open to your suggestions. Let me know of a book you have loved, like, found inspiring. I want to know what you are reading, too!