My Book Buddies

February BOTM: Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography

2012-02-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

A wryly funny and surprisingly moving account of an extraordinary life lived almost entirely in the public eye

A teen idol at fifteen, an international icon and founder of the Brat Pack at twenty, and one of Hollywood's top stars to this day, Rob Lowe chronicles his experiences as a painfully misunderstood child actor in Ohio uprooted to the wild counterculture of mid-seventies Malibu, where he embarked on his unrelenting pursuit of a career in Hollywood.

The Outsiders placed Lowe at the birth of the modern youth movement in the entertainment industry. During his time on The West Wing, he witnessed the surreal nexus of show business and politics both on the set and in the actual White House. And in between are deft and humorous stories of the wild excesses that marked the eighties, leading to his quest for family and sobriety.

Never mean-spirited or salacious, Lowe delivers unexpected glimpses into his successes, disappointments, relationships, and one-of-a-kind encounters with people who shaped our world over the last twenty-five years. These stories are as entertaining as they are unforgettable. [SOURCE]

Join us for the online discussion in our MBB Forum
Purchase a copy of this book in the MBB Store

Book Review: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2012-01-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women—mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends—view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t.
Excerpt from Goodreads

Reviewed by Abha (aka Aragorn)

For years, my best friend has been telling me how fabulous this book is. Then she finally gave it to me as part of my birthday gift last year. Let me tell you, the book did not disappoint.

The setting is in Mississippi around the Martin Luther King era. Blacks had to use different bathrooms. Kids sent to different schools. They had different libraries. And the constant theme throughout the book was that the maids had to use different bathrooms that were built outside of homes they worked. As a woman in the modern day America, I can't imagine what it feels like not being able to go places and do certain things based on the color of my skin and my gender.

Stockett does a wonderful job showing the realistic thoughts of Aibileen and Minny. When Hilly Hillbrook, friend of Aibileen's employer Elizabeth Leefolt, suggests to have separate bathrooms made outside of the house it does not sit well with Aibileen or any of the "help". The helpers keep quiet about the injustice since they could lose their jobs from speaking out. Skeeter, a white woman, "friends" with some of the help's employer's wives thinks this is wrong and wants to write a book/journal of the help's stories working under these women. The story is about Skeeter earning and winning the trust of the helpers. It is about Aibileen and Minny's stories working under these white women and basically raising their children.

The most wonderful and exuberant character in the book is Minny. She speaks before she thinks many times which gets her into big trouble. She brings humor to such a serious topic. I laughed so hard in one of her outrageous moments I spit out water.

I recommend this book to everyone. It is a serious topic written with a lot of humor. I give this book 5 stars.

Side Note: I also saw the movie this past summer. Great acting and help up to the book really well. I give the movie 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Seduce Me At Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

2012-01-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.

Then, Win returns to England…only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for…Amazon.com

Reviewed by Mary S
Kindle Version: Seduce Me At Sunrise (The Hathaways)

As a big fan of Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1), I couldn't wait to get into the second book of The Hathaway Series. And once again, it was a very enjoyable read! It was, however, my least favorite of the entire series.

Lisa Kleypas has a wonderful talent of creating multi-dimensional, charming and complex characters. I love the family dynamic we find throughout the series. Reading her books always feels like a dinner with family. I was happy to find much of that feeling existed in Win's story.

Unfortunately, it was Kev that ruined this story for me. Instead of coming off as heroic, he came across more cowardly. There's always an element of the dark, dangerous and edgy in Kleypas' men but for me, Kev was more barbaric than anything else. He had a cruelty and selfishness about him that overshadowed his vulnerabilities and fears. Some of the things he did and said made it difficult for me to forgive and forget. Win's sweetness and compassion definitely trumps my own. LOL

But they can't all be like Cam, now can they?
With that being said, it was still an entertaining and well-written read.

Check out our online discussion of the Lisa Kleypas novels.

Latest Purchases for 2012

2012-01-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

With maternity leave literally just around the corner, I decided to load up my new Kindle with some reading recommendations from my fellow MBB members.

I'm really looking forward to getting into the Robin Hood Trilogy from Marsha Canham. I've always been a fan of the story and a fan of historical fiction, so this sounded like it was right up my alley. Reviews were good too. I uploaded the entire trilogy since the price was under $4.00 for each book.

Then there's this month's book of the month selection, Room: A Novel
I've already started this one and so far so good! Might as well get a head start on my 2012 Reading Challenge. I'm going to try and hit 30 this year since 50 seems so unattainable for me.

January 2012 BOTM: Room by Emma Donaghue

2011-12-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

To five-year-old-Jack, Room is the world. . . . It's where he was born, it's where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.
Room is home to Jack, but to Ma it's the prison where she has been held for seven years. Through her fierce love for her son, she has created a life for him in this eleven-by-eleven-foot space. But with Jack's curiosity building alongside her own desperation, she knows that Room cannot contain either much longer.
Room is a tale at once shocking, riveting, exhilarating--a story of unconquerable love in harrowing circumstances, and of the diamond-hard bond between a mother and her child.

Join us in our forum for online discussions.
This book is also available for purchase in our aStore

Movie Review: Something Borrowed

2011-12-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

Something Borrowed
Review by MaryS

Spoilers mentioned
I didn't get the chance to read Something Borrowed (yet), but I did catch the movie on the flight home from Hawaii. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it much. I'm usually not a fan of betrayal + friendship. I've always been a firm believer that friends come before boys so I went into the film already thinking that this movie couldn't end well.

And it doesn't help when "betrayed" friend is too self-centered and self-absorbed to feel much sympathy for. It also doesn't help that we're stuck with a guy who, despite a law degree and a successful career, can't step up to the plate in any other aspect of his life. Then there's the tortured Rachel who we see settle for second best for most of the film. AHHHHHHH! I actually really liked Rachel because she came off as the most realistic for me. But it took too long for her to look out for herself which made it difficult to root for her.

I suppose Darcy (played by Kate Hudson) could have come off as eccentric and vibrant, alive with energy and life. Instead she was insufferable, annoying, selfish and completely unlikeable. Aside from a few glimpses of niceness, she was unredeemable for me. Her "friendship" came on her time, in her way, and on her terms. No thanks.

I give the film 2 stars....mostly for being able to get a rise out of me. Plus Goodwin and Krasinski were endearing characters.

On a side note: It was nice to see Colin Egglesfield again. I loved him on his stint on All My Children. :)

Christmas Gifts: Kindle Touch

2011-12-26T18:47:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! The husband got me a new Kindle Touch for Christmas.
I currently have an iPad which I love, but I do like the idea of having an eReader that's dedicated solely to reading. With the multi-fuctionality of the iPad, it uses up battery much faster and the backlighting can be hard on the eyes when used over an extended period of time.

Luckily, I buy most of my books on amazon, so it was so easy to transfer my current elibrary to my new Kindle. Awesome!

Thanks husband!!

Movie Adaptation: The Hunger Games [Trailer]

2011-12-12T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well well, looks like I'll be tuning in to watch this movie after all. I couldn't bring myself to finish the last book because I didn't particularly like the direction it went in. But after seeing the trailer, I was reminded how much I really liked the first book. I'll be checking it out for sure!!

Thank you!

2011-10-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a moment to say Thank You to everyone who checks in with My Book Buddies - either on our blog, facebook or the online forum. Life has been a bit of an adjustment with changes and MBB has been pushed to the side a bit.

So thank you to those who still join in the monthly book selections, who read our reviews, and to the authors who still give MBB a chance to read and review their work.

Now that things are settling down, reading is starting to work its way back into my life and into the regular routine.

Happy reading all!

BOTM Review: Clan of the Cave Bear

2011-10-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel: This novel of awesome beauty and power is a moving saga about people, relationships, and the boundaries of love. Through Jean M. Auel’s magnificent storytelling we are taken back to the dawn of modern humans, and with a girl named Ayla we are swept up in the harsh and beautiful Ice Age world they shared with the ones who called themselves the Clan of the Cave Bear.

A natural disaster leaves the young girl wandering alone in an unfamiliar and dangerous land until she is found by a woman of the Clan, people very different from her own kind. To them, blond, blue-eyed Ayla looks peculiar and ugly--she is one of the Others, those who have moved into their ancient homeland; but Iza cannot leave the girl to die and takes her with them. Iza and Creb, the old Mog-ur, grow to love her, and as Ayla learns the ways of the Clan and Iza’s way of healing, most come to accept her. But the brutal and proud youth who is destined to become their next leader sees her differences as a threat to his authority. He develops a deep and abiding hatred for the strange girl of the Others who lives in their midst, and is determined to get his revenge. [Credit: Amazon.com]

Review by Mary S

This book ran hot and cold for me. The author did an incredible job in her research and the level of detail she went into creating this story. Reading about Ayla's journey with the Clan was very interesting. I particularly enjoyed Ayla's efforts to acclimate to the ways of her Clan, and the differences we saw from both ends. It made me think of the nature vs nurture debate. Despite the teachings given to her and how the norms & customs were drummed into her head, she kept reverting back to her own natural instincts and thought processes. And ever one to love a strong heroine, I enjoyed the way Ayla overcame so many obstacles through most of the book.

Unfortunately, as the story progressed, the characters started to become a little one dimensional for me. Super Ayla started to lose my interest because of the way she always, always succeeded. And Barbarian Broud was far too cruel with little vulnerability to make my sympathize with his worries over his status over the Clan. Like his father often times thought throughout the book, he lacked a rationality and calmness befitting a leader. It weakened his agenda against Ayla; making him appear to be a spoiled, petulant brat than a genuine leader looking to preserve the livelihood of his own people.

However, I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I'm not a huge history buff, but it left me wondering where the story paralleled in history and wanting to know more about the anthropology of the people described in the story.

I give the book 3.5 stars!

Purchase a copy of this book in our online store and join our discussion in the MBB Forum

Movie Review: Water for Elephants

2011-10-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

I'm always a little weary when it comes to book adaptations. 9 out of 10 times, I prefer the book. 7 out of 10 times I hate the movie adaptation. Water for Elephants happens to be one of my favorite books and I was a little worried that the movie wouldn't be able to capture the grittiness and the feeling of that era. But I was excited to see Robert Pattinson in a different role than his popular Twilight Saga.

Fortunately, the movie didn't disappoint. While I still prefer the book version of the story, the movie was very well done. I don't know if I'll visit a circus anytime soon (or a zoo-caged animals make me sad), but the directors really brought the story to life. All of the scenes of the traveling circus, the rise of the big tent, the glamour and awe of the big animals completely drew me in. The reality of the circus and everything behind the scenes was heartbreaking. There was definitely a cruelty and violence that not everyone remembers or even realized existed. Christopher Waltz played an incredible villain and his cruelty was so hard to watch at times. The goodness and compassion we see from Pattinson and Witherspoon gave the movie just the right amount of emotional punch. Oh, and speaking of Pattinson, I LOVE seeing that tan and smile on his face. I love him in Twilight, but he transforms in this movie with revitalized life and energy.

And who could not love Rosie? Circus elephants have captured my heart since the first time I saw Dumbo. Yes, I realize that Dumbo is an animation elephant, but he still has those deep, soulful eyes that seem to be so characteristic of elephants. And Rosie absolutely stole the show.

I give this movie 4-stars!

eReader Review: Nook vs. Kindle

2011-08-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

by Abha (aka Aragorn)

Happy Birthday to me!! After fighting the ereader world, I went from 0 to 2! I bought a Nook using saved B&N gift cards over the past year as a birthday gift to myself. A few days later, I got the Kindle as a gift from my brother. Initially I thought to return one of them, but then I decided against it since I've been reading Kindle and Nook books via my laptop for a little over a year.

So which is better: Nook Simple Touch Reader or the Kindle 3? Here are some features on both products. These are early reviews since I've had both less than a week.

Nook Simple Touch Reader

Easy to read. Very easy on the eyes. It feels like reading a book, definitely better than older, more worn out books. It uses the "latest" e-ink technology.
I love the touch screen! It makes the ereader more compact and nicer to look at. Looks exactly like a small picture frame. It's easy to hold and grip with the rubber grip. The Nook allows you to change pages by pressing an invisible button on the frame, touching the screen or slide your finger on the screen. I personally like touching the screen if I hold it with my right hand and click on the button if I hold with my left hand.
Compatible files are .epub and .pdf.
It allows you to change the size of the text on .epub and .pdf files. You have a choice of 6 or so fonts for .epub files.
The LendMe option on the Nook is super easy. Not all books are lendable, but there is a "LendMe" tag on books that you can lend. The loan is for a 14-day period and during that time you can't read the book.
There is a slot for a micro SD card on the side. I can't wait to buy it so I can upload .pdf files or other books and documents that I haven't directly downloaded through B&N. You can also connect the Nook to your computer using a USB, but I'm looking forward to using the SD card. The number of books and files you can hold are limitless depending on the side of your card.
Battery life is great!! I got the Nook on 5 days ago. I've read 2+ books. Downloaded numerous things, played around on the Nook. My battery life is at 81%. The B&N people say 2 months, but that depends on how much reading the user does. I won't complain about charging monthly.
I have yet to use this feature, but you can borrow from some libraries. I'm hoping to use this soon!

The Kindle 3

Very easy to read and easy on the eyes. See no difference from the Nook.
Compatible files are Amazon's version and .pdf.
The Kindle has a keyboard at the bottom. It does allow you to choose the layout. When reading .pdfs I prefer wide layout since the text is larger.
On Kindle files, it allows you to change the size of the text and a choice between two fonts.
You can lend files to friends for a 14-day period. This option must be done through your Amazon Kindle account on the computer. I have yet to find a way to do it through the Kindle.
Another fun option is emailing your kindle account files by using youraccountname@free.kindle.com. It works flawlessly and quick via Whispernet. I haven't seen any charges occur for this as well. If don't want to go this route and have multiple files you want to add, you can always connect the Kindle to our computer via USB.
The Kindle can store up to 3500 titles. No loss for space there.
Battery life is great!! I've read 2 books and played around with it and the little battery hasn't gotten less, so I'm assuming there's more than 75% battery life so far.

So after all of that. Which do I prefer?
I love the Nook! The touch screen makes it a more easy, efficient and enjoyable to move around on over the buttons on the Kindle (I'm sure Amazon will come out with a touch screen soon). The LendMe option right from the Nook is great as well. I also like having the micro SD chip option for uploading books. I'm so used to uploading pictures via SD card and it's a much preferred method than an USB chord. Also, the ability to read .epub books is really great!! Once I get the hang of borrowing library books, it'll be another great addition. To be honest, it just looks nicer!!!

They are both lightweight and easy to read off of. I'm glad I have both options since the cost of books vary between B&N and Amazon. Amazon doesn't charge you tax, which is nice. You can't go wrong with either!

Star Rating: Nook 4 1/2 and Kindle 4 stars
there is always room for improvement!

Library Challenge

2011-06-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

I joined the Library Reading Challenge last year and decided to go for it again this year. It's simple - read a minimum of 25 books from your local library and you've done it!

Here's my list so far:

7. The Undomestic Goddess
6. Garden Spells
5. The Dark Higlander
4. American On Purpose
3. The Fire Kimono

2. How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents

1. The Christmas List

Guest Author: Melissa Foster & eBook Giveaway

2011-06-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have had the absolute pleasure to review two of author, Melissa Foster's books. The first was Megan's Way in 2009, and now Chasing Amanda in 2011. We've had the honor of having Melissa Foster give us her insight into writing Megan's Way, and she does so again as her book blog tour continues for Chasing Amanda.

Check out what she has to say about how Chasing Amanda came about and her plans for Molly Tanner and her family. You'll also get a sneak peak into her next release, Come Back to Me.

Read all the way to the end and find out how to win a FREE eBOOK of Chasing Amanda.

Behind The Scenes of Chasing Amanda, by Melissa Foster

Readers have been curious about how I came up with the concept for Chasing Amanda, and if I have future plans to write a follow-up story. I’m going to try to answer these questions without revealing too many spoilers for those who have yet to read the book.

I tend to write about things that scare me. Chasing Amanda was born out of fear. Early one morning, I was running down White Ground Road (a secluded rustic road that is mentioned in the book), and my mind began to wander. White Ground runs between two hundred acres of woods, with very few houses and even fewer cars that travel its path. I find deep woods to be creepy in any setting, whether they’re out in the open, like the woods described by the Adventure Park in Chasing Amanda, or in a secluded area, such as White Ground Road.

As I ran, I began to creep myself out. I thought about how easily a person could be brought into the woods and simply disappear. That thought took me to the next, which I won’t reveal, but which led to Tracey being abducted, and where she is taken. It was a small skip from there to thinking up hidden personas for my characters. Small towns are ideal settings for secrets. You never know what goes on behind closed doors, even in towns where everyone believes they “know” everyone else.

I prefer to write from a personal standpoint, from character’s perspectives that I can relate to, which is why I made Molly a mother, and gave her the history of having seen a kidnapping without realizing it’s what she’d seen until it was too late. As a mother, I wanted to explore the haunting of the lost child, and how it might impact a woman/mother in that position. Chasing Amanda blossomed from those dark thoughts.

I am toying with a second Molly Tanner novel, where she might work with the police to solve other cases. If I decide to write another Molly Tanner novel, then I would likely be able to explore Erik’s abilities in a deeper fashion, and allow him to grow into a man right before the reader’s eyes.

I find Erik to be a very unique character, a boy on the cusp of manhood, though not quite ready to relinquish the umbilical chord. At that age, boys want to separate themselves from their parents. In Erik’s case, he’s finding impossible to do. He tries desperately to hold onto the belief that he can escape his DNA—the Knowing (the paranormal ability his mother has dealt with her whole life). His abilities are too strong to ignore, and he must confide in and rely on his mother, if for no other reason then to understand what he has seen. I’d love to delve into his character and see how he handles his gift.

Right now, however, I’m completing my next novel, Come Back to Me (working title). Come Back to Me is a tragic International love story—don’t think romance, though. Although there is romance in the book, I believe it will fall into the commercial women’s fiction genre.

Below is a sneak peek at Come Back to Me. I hope you enjoy reading it, and, as always, I love to chat with readers, so feel free to contact me to visit your book club or discuss my books with you.

Tess Johnson has it all, Beau, her handsome photographer husband, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.

As Tess struggles to put her life back together and deal with the pregnancy she can no longer hide, a new client appears, offering more than just a new project.

Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing Honor Killings find Beau alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.

What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

Mary, thank you for having me on as a guest today. As always, it’s a pleasure to work with you, and I appreciate your support.

Thank you again, Melissa, for your wonderful generosity and commitment to your readers. I look forward to reading more of your future work!!!

To read our reviews and interview of Melissa's work, click on the links below:

You can also purchase the works of Melissa Foster from our MBB bookstore. Click on any of the images below to order your copy today! OR you can WIN a free copy of Melissa Foster's eBook, Chasing Amanda, by entering our random drawing. You enter multiple times by:

Leaving a comment on the Chasing Amanda Book Review or Interview post
Join the MyBookBuddies network. Click on "Follow this Blog" on our home page
Follow @mybookbuds on Twitter and tweet "Win a copy of Chasing Amanda on @mybookbuds"
Like our Facebook page and leave a comment on our Wall

The winner will be chosen on July 1st!

Book Review: Chasing Amanda

2011-06-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Nine years ago, Molly Tanner witnessed a young girl’s abduction in the busy city of Philadelphia, shifting her occasional clairvoyance into overdrive. Two days later, the girl’s body was found, and Molly’s life fell apart. Consumed by guilt for not acting upon her visions, and on the brink of losing her family, Molly escaped the torturous reminders in the city, fleeing to the safety of the close-knit rural community of Boyds, Maryland.

Molly’s life is back on track, her son has begun college, and she and her husband have finally rekindled their relationship. Their fresh start is shattered when a seven-year-old girl disappears from a local park near Molly’s home. Unable to turn her back on another child and troubled by memories of the past, Molly sets out to find her, jeopardizing the marriage she’d fought so hard to hold together. While unearthing clues and struggling to decipher her visions, Molly discovers another side of Boyds, where the residents--and the land itself--hold potentially lethal secrets, and exposes another side of her husband, one that threatens to tear them apart.

Book review by Mary S
ARC provided by author, Melissa Foster

Minor Spoilers mentioned

After reading Megan's Way in 2009 and enjoying an interview with author, Melissa Foster, I was looking forward to receiving an advanced copy of her latest release Chasing Amanda. In this book, we are pulled into the presumed content and secure life of Molly Tanner as she finally re-establishes her life from the big city and the crime that haunted her. In the idealic countryside of fresh air and nature hikes, it's not long before we are introduced to the inner turmoil of Molly's mind, fueled by guilt, fear and a desire to bring justice to the hurts that she's witnessed.

It was only a matter of pages before I was drawn into Molly's story. Melissa Foster does a wonderful job of weaving an intricate mystery with dynamic characters and compelling relationships. Throughout the story, I always felt like I was on the cusp of a great discovery, only to be lead in a different direction. And in the end, the truth was still not completely what I was expecting.

I especially loved her relationship with her son, who we later learn holds a very unique bond with his mother. At a time when her husband couldn't let go of scientific rationality, where the authorities were desperate enough to eye her as a suspect, and living in a town filled with it's own secrets and intrigue, it was natural to feel sympathetic towards Molly's plight and to help her finally find redemption in saving this little girl. And despite the tragedies and secrets that ran throughout the novel, I walked away feeling the bonds of family, friendship and love. The author does a great job of building bonds between the characters, breathing realistic lives into them with their honesty, mistakes and unfailing love.

Kudos to the author on another great read! I gave this book 4 stars

If you enjoyed this review, please check in tomorrow for a special guest blogger - author MELISSA FOSTER! You can also purchase any of her books from our MBB store by clicking on any of the images below:

To learn more about Melissa, find her online at:
www.melissafoster.com | Facebook | Twitter

Book Review: The Stormchasers by Jenna Blum

2011-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

In Those Who Save Us, Jenna Blum proved herself a master storyteller with brilliant insight into the spectrum of human emotion. Now, Blum turns her sights to the most intimate and mysterious of family relationships-that between twins-in her powerful and provocative second novel.

As a teenager, Karena Jorge had always been the one to look out for her twin brother Charles, who suffers from bipolar disorder. But as Charles begins to refuse medication and his manic tendencies worsen, Karena finds herself caught between her loyalty to her brother and her fear for his life. Always obsessed with the weather-enraptured by its magical unpredictability that seemed to mirror his own impulses- Charles starts chasing storms, and his behavior grows increasingly erratic . . . until a terrifying storm chase with Karena ends with deadly consequences, tearing the twins apart and changing both of their lives forever.

Two decades later, Karena gets a call from a psychiatric ward in Wichita, Kansas, to come pick up her brother, whom she hasn't seen or spoken to for twenty years. She soon discovers that Charles has lied to the doctors, taken medication that could make him dangerously manic, and disappeared again. Having exhausted every resource to try and track him down, Karena realizes she has only one last chance of finding him: the storms. Wherever the tornadoes are, that's where he'll be. Karena joins a team of professional stormchasers-passionate adventurers who will transform her life and give her a chance at love and redemption- and embarks on an odyssey to find her brother before he reveals the violent secret from their past and does more damage to himself . . . or to someone else

Book review by: Mary S
Copy obtained at the Solano County Library

Minor Spoilers Mentioned

I really got pulled into this book by Jenna Blum. The first part of the book was thrilling, fast paced and filled with great detail about life as a storm chaser through tornado alley. Karena's story weaved in well with the action and kept me turning the page. The relationships she established were entertaining, if not a little bit intrusive. I guess that happens when you're racing through tornado alley in a van.

The chaos of the storms served as an appropriate backdrop for what the reader learns about Charles and his sickness. The book went on to describe Charles and Karena's lives as they were growing up. The chaos in his mind didn't move as swiftly as the first segment of the book, but it did make me think of what it would be like to be a spectator in his life. The author did a wonderful job of having Karena walk that fine line between helping and enabling. The mind is such a complex entity. I honestly don't know what I could have done if I were in Karena's shoes.

Unfortunately, the end wasn't much to my liking. I felt it lacked accountability. I found Karena's support system failing when she needed it most - from Kevin to Tiff. She was left to fend for herself despite the risk it posed to herself.

Overall, a very good read. I rated it 3 stars.

You can purchase a copy of this book (and help My Book Buddies) HERE

Library Finds

2011-04-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

I swung by the Solano Library this morning to pick up my copy of the May Book of the Month, and decided to check out the books for sale again. C'mon, can't beat $0.50 and $1.00 books! I tend to look at the books that aren't former library copies and found two novels to add to my library.

Looks like I've expanded my already stacked up "to-read" list. Thanks again Solano Library for the great deals!

Reading in Denver

2011-04-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

During my visit to Denver, Colorado I came across a great bookstore, Tattered Cover, while walking down the 16th Street Mall.

Adorable.

This had to be one of the best bookstores I've been in! The vintage, comfy decor throughout the entire store was inviting and had me browsing throughout the store far more than I would have.

I had my camera on hand and I wish I had the courage to snap away at the different people who were curled up on a couch reading books, or standing in line for the meet and greet taking place. There was one patron in particular that was lounging on a velvet chaise, enjoying an afternoon of reading. A great candid shot but I didn't want to be intrusive or creepy. LOL!

I was hoping to make it back to the store later on in my visit, just to hang out and catch up on my reading. But no luck. Hopefully I can swing by here again during my next visit to Denver.

You can find them online at:

http://www.tatteredcover.com/ | Twitter | Facebook

Book Review: The Undomestic Goddess

2011-04-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Samantha Sweeting, the 29-year-old heroine of Kinsella's latest confection (after Shopaholic Sister), is on the verge of partnership at the prestigious London law firm Carter Spink—the Holy Grail of her entire workaholic life. But when she finds she has made a terrible, costly mistake just before the partnership decision, she's terrified of being fired.

In a fog, she stumbles out of the building and onto the nearest train, which drops her in the countryside, where she wanders to a stately home. The nouveau riche lady of the house mistakes her for the new housekeeper—and Samantha is too astonished to correct her. Numb and unable to face returning to London, Samantha tries to master the finer points of laundry, cooking and cleaning. She discovers that the slow life, her pompous but good-hearted employers and the attentions of the handsome gardener, Nathaniel, suit her just fine.

But her past is hard to escape, and when she discovers a terrible secret about her firm—and when the media learns that the former legal star is scrubbing toilets for a living—her life becomes more complicated than ever. If readers can swallow the implausible scenario, then Kinsella's genuine charm and sweet wit may continue to win her fans.

Book reviewed by MaryS
Copy obtained at the Solano County Library

I picked up a copy of the audio book from my local library to entertain me on my commutes to and from work. What an entertainment this book turned out to be! I will speak primarily for the audio book. The reader made this story great for me. The accent, the voice she gave to each character brought this book to life.

Like the description says, the story is a bit on the implausable side but I still found myself smiling and laughing at Samantha's adjustment to domestic life. I appreciated her honest attempts to make the best of the situation she found herself in, despite the fact that it took her only a couple of weekends to master the kitchen. I've spent time in the kitchen, with some knowledge of cooking, but no way could I make a gourmet meal for every meal.

{{SPOILERS!}}
I could appreciate the dilemma Samantha found herself in at the end. Devoted to a career, but discovering life? How often do people today lose out on life trying to further their careers? When Guy confronted her about her decision, I applauded him. I like to think that my friends and family would make me realize my gifts and talent, and insure they're not wasted. In the end, I'm not sure I'm happy with where Samantha ended. Despite finding joy in the kitchen, she was incredibly intelligent, respected and talented. Being a lawyer doesn't have to be the end game, but I like to think that her path lead her to something that nurtured her talent and brains, and was driven by her own dreams and desires - not just love, or fear. I don't believe that life should come at the cost of finding your passion or your career. In the end, I couldn't decide if Samantha decision was truly right for her.

Overall, 3 stars for the story, add another for the audio version of the book.

You can purchase this book by clicking HERE, or on any of the images in this post.

Movie Adaptation: Water For Elephants

2011-04-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm just one of the many females who is in love with Robert Pattinson. So, I'm excited to see him in the movie adaptation of Water for Elephants.

My Book Buddies read this book in 2008 as our book of the month selection for August. What a great read! I'm hoping the movie will do it justice.

Looks like I'm due for a Girl's Night at the movies! Will you be checking out this film?

Library Finds

2011-04-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

I visit my local library every couple of weeks and occassionally will browse their sales shelves for some nice finds. At $0.50 and $1.00, you can't beat that deal.

My last visit I grabbed myself 3 paperback books. I can't wait to sink into them!

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2011-03-08T15:39:00.000-08:00

Spoilers contained in the recap and review. Please do not read ahead if you have not completed the book.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

The third installment of the series started slow following the aftermath of Katniss being rescued from her 2nd Hunger Games. The first half of the book, Katniss and Peeta are separated when the Rebels were unable to rescue him with Katniss. Katniss finds out that District 12 has been destroyed and the survivors have taken refuge in District 13. The Rebels under the leadership of the District 13 leader Coin need Katniss to be the Mockingjay, the face of rebellion against the Capitol. It takes some time, but Katniss finally decides to take on being Mockingjay that she created not knowing if Peeta is alive or dead, while Gale is by her side.

The Rebels find out that Peeta is alive, but brainwashed and under the influence of the Capitol. They finally decide to rescue those that have been kidnapped by the Capitol. However, they find a Peeta that loathes Katniss and wants to kill her. What will Katniss do? The one person who has unconditionally loved her now hates her.

While they work on fixing what the Capitol have done to Peeta, the Rebels plan on how they're going to attack the Capitol. Katniss has her eye on President Snow no matter what the plan is. The attack doesn't go as planned. They overtake the Capitol, but not without big losses on their side including Katniss' sister Prim. As Katniss is recovering, she has new hatred for President Coin. She end up shooting her down on a whim during their victory 'celebration'.

Katniss is sent to District 12 with Haymitch and Peeta joins her there. The future ends with Peeta and Katniss getting married and having kids.

Reviewed by Abha (aka Aragorn)
obtained by Amazon.com

A lot occurred in this book. Somethings too fast and others too slow. I haven't made it a secret that I preferred Katniss with Gale over Peeta. I cheated for the 2nd time in my life and read the last few pages when I was halfway through the book because I was not happy with the direction of the book. I was letdown with Katniss and Peeta ending up together. That being said, after a few days off from the book and realizing that the story is more than the love triangle, I picked up the book and enjoyed it some more. So I'll write about what was written instead of what I wanted.

The beginning dragged more me since Katniss was getting over District 12 being blown up, Peeta being taken and now living in District 13. I found it ironic that they were living in a place (District 13) that is as regimental as the Capitol. Their daily schedules were 'tattooed' on them. Food was being rationed out by body weight and the amount of energy they would intake and burn. Yes, everyone got food, but did that make the living conditions better in District 13 than District 12? They weren't under the direct influence of President Snow (I still believe he's one of the creepiest and vile villains), but now they had Coin to deal with. Whom also ruled with an iron fist and had her own agenda.

It took a while for Katniss to step up and be the Mockingjay. I found Coin, Haymitch and others in the book to be harsh towards Katniss in their critique in that regards. Yes, I would have also liked Katniss to step up right away, but she's still so young. Katniss has never been comfortable playing a role and saying the right thing. That was Peeta. She was lost without the one person, Peeta, that loved and accepted her no matter what. Her actions in the first Hunger Games were done out of her own morals on right and wrong. She gave Rue a beautiful send off because she cared for her and Rue reminded Katniss of Prim. She threatened to eat the berries because the Capitol changed the rule and she didn't want Peeta to die. None of rebellious actions were staged. It made sense that Katniss finally decides to be the Mockingjay after she sees the hospital with the patients being blown up.

It was heartbreaking to read the first scene between Katniss and Peeta. The pure hatred that Peeta had for Katniss was something that she would have never expected. This allowed to Katniss to be solely focused on her agenda to kill President Snow. I found the most beautiful part of the book was Finnick and Annie's love. He was initially perceived as a selfish and shallow person who was just a pretty face in Catching Fire. I loved finding out that all his actions were done in order to keep the Capitol from finding out his true feelings for Annie, and keeping her safe. His care for Annie was truly heartwarming. Was happy to see them getting married, regardless of how short-lived it was.

Why must the best characters have to die?! In Catching Fire, my favorite character was killed off in Cinna. I get it, it's Snow, so he's going to kill anyone that gives him a leg up on Katniss. Why oh why must Prim be killed off?! Her death was not needed! It just seemed like it was the easy way out for Katniss to get rid of Coin. And did Finnick really have to die? He was finally happily married to Annie. I also disliked that Katniss and Haymitch were sent to Disctrict 12 as a consequence of killing Coin. It's not like the girl hasn't done enough to take down Snow and the Capitol. The incredibly slow ending with Peeta and Katniss living their future out and having children was a bore. Yay! Katniss lived and had her own happy ending, but it was still boring.

Note on the love 'triangle': I seriously don't think there was one, especially after reading Mockingjay. I never got the impression that Katniss was ever going to choose Gale. Seemed like Collins had Peeta turn against Katniss only to show how hard he worked to come back to Katniss. My biggest pet peeve with Peeta's character is that Katniss was so far above all, including his family. Gale was about taking care of his family, just like Katniss. Gale became so one note in this book: destruction. I don't believe the Gale we knew in Hunger Games would have ever thought to kill all of those people in the mountains. As Mary states in her review of Catching Fire, Gale's character never develops completely.

All in all, Suzanne Collins gave us brutal world with an intense story of hope in the darkest of times.

I'll give this book 3 stars. I liked it, but it didn't nearly live up to it's preceding books. However, I wholeheartedly recommend the whole Hunger Games trilogy.

March Book of the Month: Garden Spells

2011-03-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

Join us for the March Book of the Month selection, Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders even in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation, famous for its feisty apple tree that bears prophetic fruit, and its edible flowers, imbued with special powers. Generations of Waverleys tended this garden. Their history was in the soil. But so were their futures.

A successful caterer, Claire Waverley prepares dishes made with her mystical plants—from the nasturtiums that aid in keeping secrets and the pansies that make children thoughtful, to the snapdragons intended to discourage the attentions of her amorous neighbor. Meanwhile, her elderly cousin, Evanelle, is known for distributing unexpected gifts whose uses become uncannily clear. They are the last of the Waverleys—except for Claire’s rebellious sister, Sydney, who fled Bascom the moment she could, abandoning Claire, as their own mother had years before.

When Sydney suddenly returns home with a young daughter of her own, Claire’s quiet life is turned upside down—along with the protective boundary she has so carefully constructed around her heart. Together again in the house they grew up in, Sydney takes stock of all she left behind, as Claire struggles to heal the wounds of the past. And soon the sisters realize they must deal with their common legacy—if they are ever to feel at home in Bascom—or with each other.

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2011-02-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

Every year in Panem, the dystopic nation that exists where the U.S. used to be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome battle to the death. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive.

In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and Katniss’s fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games themselves.

Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader. Though more of the story takes place outside the arena than within, this sequel has enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment.

Reviewed by Mary S
Copy obtained through Amazon.com

Please note that this review contains spoilers. Do not read if you have not finished the book and do not want to know what happens.

And the games continue.

I would love to say that the story got better in this installment. But I'd be lying.

Most of what I loved in Book #1 seemed to diminish in the second book. The biggest disappointment came from the book's heroine, Katniss. Oh how I loved her courage and tenacity in the first book. She was a young girl, thrown into a horrific situation, who managed to think and battle her way through the Hunger Games practically on her own. Not only did she win it, she saved her companion and lit the fire that sparked the revolution.

So going into Catching Fire, I was expecting to see this young girl transform into an intelligent, brave and inspirational young woman. Alas, for me, it fell short. While we caught rare glimpses of that original spirit in this story, it wasn't enough for me. Katniss is destined to be the Mockingjay, the very symbol of the new revolution. Yet, she spends half the book trying to pass that on to someone else. Let Peeta be her voice. Let Haymitch be her presence. How about taking 2 steps forward instead of 2 steps back and being the voice and presence that the districts want and need? For me, she spent the better part of the story waiting for direction instead of taking the lead.

How disappointing.

Now, don't get me wrong. I can sympathize with the horrors that she's faced and her confusion with her identity. In real life, I could understand her desire to pull away. But for a fictional story, I wanted more substance from her. I would like to see her overcome those horrors and be our heroine. I think back to Hermione Granger from The Harry Potter Series. There was a young girl with incredible intellect, rational smarts and a grounding presence. She watched people die around her and used those losses to come back stronger. She plunged into battle with a determination and integrity that made her character so root worthy. I would have liked to have seen more of that from Katniss in this book and hope that she redeems herself in the final installment.

However, my feelings for Peeta have certainly changed since my review of Hunger Games. He was put in the ringer just as badly as Katniss, and he came out stronger than ever. I thoroughly enjoyed him in this book. I understood his motivations - his love for Katniss, his appreciation for life. His character remained intact for me even with the changes going on around him, and the heartache of loving (still) from afar.

As for the love triangle that's developed in this book - disappointing and poorly, poorly developed. Both men, essentially, are the same. Courageous, honorable and honest - vying for the opportunity to express themselves to a girl who can't seem to figure it out! And much like the revolution, I feel like Katniss is waiting for the decision to be made for her instead of biting the bullet and standing by HER own decision. Even Bella (Twilight) knew that Edward was her soul mate and made a choice. Pick one and stick to it!

All right, I'm still bitter because it really does look like Gale's going to get the crappy end of the stick. And regardless of the improvement to Peeta, Gale was already reliable and heroic well before the Hunger Games took Katniss away. While Peeta was pining away for Katniss from a distance, Gale forged a relationship and partnership with her that brought purpose and direction to their lives. Gale's love is probably the most honest thing in this triangle and yet his character isn't getting the recognition or development it deserves. He didn't sit back and pine away for the girl at school. He took care of and looked out for her. Oh yes, it's with him that I stand.

The main storyline continues to entertain me and is written with that same easy flow - with a little more horrors. My gosh, my animosity towards Snow couldn't be any higher. What an awful villain! I really hope redemption comes for those who have suffered.

And on a final note.....this better NOT be the last I've seen of Cinna! I will be furious!

I still give this book 4 stars because it was a page turner for me. Plus the new characters were very entertaining.

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2011-02-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Reviewed by: Mary S
Book obtained at Amazon.com (e-book)

A unique, heartbreaking story that made me think of Roman times when Gladiators would fight in the arena as entertainment for the masses. Gory, violent and inhumane. The Hunger Games didn't have that same kind of graphic intensity, but it certainly hovered just under the surface.

Almost immediately, I sympathized and championed the book's heroine, Katniss Everdeen. As a young teenager with a mother and younger sister to care for, she matured well beyond her years and provides the reader with a glimpse of her courage and spirit. My kind of gal! Illegally hunting to survive, she defied rules and found a way to exist under a powerful regime.

It was no surprise to see her volunteer to take her sister's place when selected for the Hunger Games. With almost certainty of death, Katniss easily sacrificed herself to save her sister. And as her district rallied around her in support (and defiance), so did I.

The book flows easily through the dangers in the arena, and our heroine's efforts to survive. The author leads the reader through the maze of dangers in the arena, keeping you locked in trying to understand the players' strategies and the inevitable encounters - and embracing some of them as more than just pieces on a chess set.

My only problem with the story was its hero, Peeta. But to be fair, he had very little chance once I met Gale - a young man with a spirit and courage that closely matches that of Katniss. It took me one chapter to like both Gale and Katniss, so from the get go, I wanted both of them together and Peeta's stomping around the arena just annoyed me. Ha ha! I like my silent, gentle heroes.

I gave this book 4 stars for its easy flow and great entertainment value.

Stay tuned for my review of book #2, Catching Fire