Pick-a-Shelf discussion

I decided to share one of my favorite genres with everyone for the month of June. Happy Reading:)

Water for Elephants**** I actually read this for the bookshelf challenge and not for this months shelf but I'll review it here.
I really enjoyed this, it is a quick and easy read and I couldn't put it down.
However I would argue with the newspaper quote on the cover which describes it as fabulous escapist entertainment, which it is if you ignore the domestic violence, animal cruelty and murders.

Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot. **** stars. Had all the elements of a chick lit--romance, comedy, humor, plot complication, and chocolate, BUT most importantly, it made for a a quick, enjoyable read that didn't require much thought.

Karen and Tina... I love both of those books. I am glad you enjoyed them too.

Tina... there are two other books in that series: Size 14 Is Not Fat Either and Big Boned... Both are equally fun and quick. I love Meg Cabot for a fun and quick read.

Blarneygod wrote: "Karen and Tina... I love both of those books. I am glad you enjoyed them too.

Tina... there are two other books in that series: Size 14 Is Not Fat Either and Big Boned... Both are equally fun and ..."

Thanks for letting me know :)

This Lullaby Sarah Dessen. *** I really debated, even slept a night on it, before adding this book and reviewing it. I'm conflicted. I like that Dessen put in a non lily-white main female character with flaws. I like that you could see her growth. BUT, I felt the growth that the character accomplished was way beyond the plot. Even the growth of the minor characters was a reach for me. If it hadn't have been in my field (adolescent psy/counseling) I might have been a little lighter on it, but as it was, I had to mark it down on believability. Even though I knew it was fiction, I couldn't convince myself to buy it. With that being said, it was still well written, well developed, and I would still read more of Dessen's books. How's that for a mixed review? :)

Yep, Tina.That ranks as one of the most conflicted reviews so far.....

Read Baby Proof it was an ok book not great and not the worst thing i have read. It bothered me that this tough editor did cowardly actions all the time. The ending was a nice surprise though.

I just finished this book the other day (still in May), but it is on this shelf and I enjoyed it so here is my review. Summer On Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
This is the continuing story of the characters found on Blossom Street. The latest story introduces new characters who are taking the "Knit to Quit" class at the yarn shop. I enjoy following the lives of the continuing characters in this "slice of life" series.

This morning I finished Hush: A Novel by Kate White. I definitely enjoyed this one and am giving it 4 stars. The thing is, I am not sure how to classify it. It was part murder mystery, part thriller, and part chick-lit. It wasn't as edge on your seat as some of the thrillers I've read, but the story did capture and hold my interest, and the ending was good. In addition, I liked the way that the author handled the characters and especially found the female protagonist enjoyable.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg***

This book is kind of a Southern Lake Wobegon Days. The story revolves around two pairs of female friends. Evelyn Couch, who is suffering from a severe case of menopause, finds a friend and mentor in the elderly Ninny (Virginia) Threadgoode. During their weekly visits at the nursing home, Ninny tells tales of her life in the tiny Alabama hamlet of Whistle Stop, mostly in the 1930s through 1950s. The heart of the book is the relationship between Ninny’s tough-as-nails tomboy sister-in-law Idgie (Imogene) Threadgoode and her beautiful and demure companion and business partner Ruth Jamison, who together run the Whistle Stop Cafe. Idgie and Ruth are a lesbian couple, though the word never appears in the book. It’s surprising that everyone in this conservative Southern town seems to understand and accept their relationship without a problem or hint of scandal.

Fannie Flagg is an excellent storyteller and her book will make you laugh out loud one minute and then have you crying the next. It’s definitely worth reading, though the constant flashbacks and time travel gave me motion sickness and the whimsical news clippings throughout the book were gimmicky and distracting.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower**

I liked the way this was written in the form of letters to some unknown. As for the actual story, maybe the fact that it has been twenty years since I left school is what made it difficult for me to relate to the characters although I suspect the fact that they were all so blah has a lot more to do with it.
There was nothing special or different about these kids they could have been any of the kids I went to school with.

I enjoyed A Walk to Remember. I give it 4 stars. I really enjoy the way Nicholas Sparks writes. It was a quick and sometimes sad story about a young man's first love.

Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell. 3 stars.

Reading this book felt much like reading a blog of someone I don't know. Parts of it were extremely interesting, but it kept veering off into details of her life that didn't particularly interest me - such as all the details of her friends' lives. I can forgive this in a blog, but in a book I like it to stay more focused. I was very interested in the cooking bits and Julie's take on Julia Child. I would have enjoyed the book MUCH more if she would have kept the focus mostly on her actual project of cooking all of the recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking in just one year.

Several other things kept cropping up that made this feel very blog-like and somewhat unprofessional. Most of the time, Julia Child was "JC" and Mastering the Art of French Cooking was "MtAoFC." Also, Powell is very proud of her "sailor's mouth," as she calls it, and seemed to delight in littering the text with cursing. Since the roots of this book are from a blog, these things are understandable but as I said, somewhat unprofessional in a printed book.

Despite the issues above, for the most part I really did enjoy Julie Powell's writing style. And hey, she's a Buffy fan! But overall, this is one of the few cases where the movie is better than the book. At least this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the Julia Child book her part of the movie was based on, My Life in France.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. 4 stars.

Laurie Halse Anderson takes us right into the head of Lia, a girl who is starving herself to death, cutting, and attempting to hide it all from her family. Being inside Lia's head made me sympathize with her and understand her thought processes more than I ever would have if the story were told from a different point of view. Poor Lia! I also very much sympathized with her parents, and wanted her to just get over it already and eat! Although I know it's never that simple in these cases. I was worried about the ending, but I think Anderson made the right choice there. This isn't an easy book or in any way cheerful, but it is very well written and well worth reading.

Luann wrote: "Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. 4 stars.

Laurie Halse Anderson takes us right into the head of Lia, a girl who is starving herself to death, cutting, and attemp..."

Wow! Sounds like a book I should read, thanks for the review--I've added it to my tbr pile :)

Cool, Tina! You'll have to let me know how you like it.

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian 4*

I'm so glad Lyn M recommended this. Not what I'd call hard-core chick-lit at all, so I'd really suggest it for those of you who, like me, are having a hard time stretching into this genre.

Told in the first person from the point of view of her teenage daughter, this is the story of a midwife who is charged with murder for something that happened in the course of a delivery. It is gripping and so realistic that I found myself wondering whether it was, at least in part, autobiographical -- until I remembered that the author is male. Duh! There's something in the style a little reminiscent of the best of Jodi Picoult's work (e.g., My Sister's Keeper).

Susan wrote: "Midwives by Chris Bohjalian 4*

I'm so glad Lyn M recommended this. Not what I'd call hard-core chick-lit at all, so I'd really suggest it for those of you who, like me, a..."

Glad you liked it Susan. I really love Chris Bohjalian's writing!

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich3*


This is the beginning of the series, and I can see why the books are popular. Evanovich writes with a wry, sarcastic wit, and her characters are well crafted. The story line in the book, though, was thoroughly predictable. By halfway through the book, I could tell where the story was going, even if I could not yet supply the details. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you are looking for a nice easy read where you know what to expect. If you are, this is the book (and probably the series) for you. I, myself, am looking forward to the rest of the series and seeing what trouble Stephanie can get herself into.

Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik. 3*

While I was waiting to get the books on my list, I ran across this one. I do knit and have read many stories around knitting, but the addition of copious amounts of alcohol was a new twist.

It was definitely typical chick lit with girlfriends, humor, love, and silliness. The story revolves around three young friends that stick with each other through everything, learn about themselves, and find love through lots of laughter and a few tears.

I thought the book was a bit predictable, but the characters were entertaining and I got to laugh without having to think a whole lot. It was fun and relaxing after a long day at work.

Her Fearful Symmetry*

I was really looking forward to reading this as I loved The Time Traveler's Wife but I wish I hadn't bothered.
The characters are annoying with no redeeming features, the only thing that stopped me from throwing this across the room is that it was on my ereader and I would be very upset if something happened to that.

Karen wrote: "Her Fearful Symmetry*

I was really looking forward to reading this as I loved The Time Traveler's Wife but I wish I hadn't bothered.
The characters are annoying with..."

OH no! I had this one picked out for my bookshelf challenge!

Whew! Just checked, haven't bought it yet, so there's still time to pick a different one. Thanks for taking one for the team, Karen, and saving me 12.99 + the amount of a new kindle after I wouldn't be as strong as you at resisting throwing it across the room.

Sorry you got a lemon, maybe the next one will be better :(

The Princess Bride by William Goldman I gave this one **** stars--and another conflicted review. I liked it, but didn't love it. I think my timing was off when reading it--after reading two chick-lits in only a few short days, it was hard to read a third. Perhaps if it was a stand-alone, I would have raved more about it. As it was, I could appreciate the cleverness about it; from the writing, the plot, to the asides, the author displayed some talent to say the least!

The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale4*

I really enjoy Shannon Hale's books so I was excited when I found out she had a new one I hadn't read. Two different people recommended it to me and I wasn't disappointed. There were laughs galore. Some thinking was required, but not too much for a rainy summer day.

The storyline was twisty and intriguing with a housewife and movie star becoming best friends though they are both quite happily married.

It is a splendid romantic comedy though is not exactly typical chick lit.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter
4 stars

This is a book I've been meaning to read but probably wouldn't have without the incentive of this month's shelf.

This is the story of what happens after a doctor's wife gives birth to twins. The boy Paul is healthy but the girl Pheobe has Down's Syndrome. In a moment which changes half a dozen lives forever the doctor decides to send Pheobe to an institution and tells his wife that she died. The nurse who helped with the birth decides to keep the little girl and raises her as her own.
The secret of the girl's birth, instead of preventing unhappiness which is what he intended, slowly tears them apart. The differences between the two women drives the story although I would have liked to spend more time with Pheobe and her struggle to be accepted for who she was.

Thanks Sarah for the review... I will have to put The Memory Keeper's Daughter higher on my list.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. 4 stars.

I can see why this has been so popular for book groups. There are a lot of different topics that could be discussed: broken families, racial tensions, historical perspectives, life in the South, strong women, and bees - just to name a few. I really enjoyed how bees and honey were integrated into the story, and the facts about bees that were at the beginning of each chapter. And there is a great cast of characters! I particularly liked Lily. She is a very likeable 14-year-old girl who simply wants to know that she is loved. She hasn't felt much love in her life. Her mom was killed when she was four, and her father can't seem to show any love. I really felt for her.

Now I need to see the movie. I've been waiting because I wanted to read the book first.

Note: Even though this book has a young protagonist, it feels more like a book for adults or possibly older YA. It does have some language and violence.

Luann wrote: "Cool, Tina! You'll have to let me know how you like it."

Thanks for recommending Wintergirls Luann--I loved it. Like you said, well written and well worth reading. I thought that the issues were very realistic (outside of seeing ghosts) and something that many adolescents struggle with (eg broken families, parental discord, comorbity with eating disorders and cutting). I'm so glad I didn't miss out on this one!

Luann, I am looking forward to hearing about what you thought of the movie. I liked the book better:)

Tina wrote: "Karen wrote: "Her Fearful Symmetry*

I was really looking forward to reading this as I loved The Time Traveler's Wife but I wish I hadn't bothered.
The characters are an..."

Next up is The Thirteenth Tale which I've heard lots of good things about, so fingers crossed

Crystal wrote: "The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale4*

I really enjoy Shannon Hale's books so I was excited when I found out she had a new one I hadn't read. Two different pe..."

I have copy of this book, and it comes highly recommended. I am looking forward to reading it.

Karen wrote: "Tina wrote: "Karen wrote: "Her Fearful Symmetry*

I was really looking forward to reading this as I loved The Time Traveler's Wife but I wish I hadn't bothered.
The c..."

Karen - That is one of my faves. Hope you like it.

Karen wrote: "Next up is The Thirteenth Tale which I've heard lots of good things about, so fingers crossed. "

Karen, I just read that for the "Mystery/Thriller" shelf of the challenge, and I really enjoyed it. Hope you do, too!

Blarneygod wrote: "Luann, I am looking forward to hearing about what you thought of the movie. I liked the book better:)"

K. I'll try to remember to post something here when I watch it.

Alphabet Weekends: Love on the Road from A to Z by Elizabeth Noble***

I found the format a little confusing. Within the chapters it switches around from different couples. I probably wasn't reading closely enough so sometimes I was confused about the connections between the characters.

The gimmick of 26 dates relating to the alphabet was fun and I enjoyed the romance. The author included several couples though and not all of them were on a smooth path so it isn't all sweetness and light. That is what made it more interesting though.

Karen wrote: "Her Fearful Symmetry*

I was really looking forward to reading this as I loved The Time Traveler's Wife but I wish I hadn't bothered.
The characters are annoying with..."

Karen, I am sorry to hear you didn't like Her Fearful Symmetry because I was looking forward to reading it. I still plan to someday read it because I loved The Time Travelr's Wife, but I plan to push it much farther down on my list now. Thanks for the review.

Karen wrote: "Her Fearful Symmetry*

I was really looking forward to reading this as I loved The Time Traveler's Wife but I wish I hadn't bothered.
The characters are annoying with..."

This book definitely hasn't gotten the rave reviews that her first book did, but most of the people I read with have actually liked it. I'm sorry that you found it so bad. I hate when I am really looking forward to a book and it turns out to be such a disappointment. I would be temmpted to throw it across the room also.

Tina wrote: "Thanks for recommending Wintergirls Luann--I loved it. Like you said, well written and well worth reading. I thought that t..."

Yay!! I'm glad you loved it!

The Thirteenth Tale***** I have just finished this and it was brilliant. I loved the characters and I really wanted to know what had happened to them.

Tina wrote: "The Princess Bride by William Goldman I gave this one **** stars--and another conflicted review. I liked it, but didn't love it. I think my timing was off when reading it--after read..."

The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies, so I read this with some trepidation a while ago, and ended up loving it, enjoying reading some of the favorite parts from the movie, and getting more of the backstory on the secondary characters. Then I rewarded myself by watching the movie again!

Just finished Dead as a Doornail - it isn't on my posted list of books I planned on reading, but I've found that my lists often change! I picked this up at the library when I got The Girl Who Chased the Moon, which IS on my list.

I like the Sookie books- they're easy and quick reads, but I have to be honest and say that I don't feel deprived if I can't get the next one. This one focuses on the shapeshifters - Sam shifts into a bloodhound in this one instead of the cuddly breeds he prefers - but her description of the rituals in the community of weres got a bit more descriptive than I would have preferred.

Blarneygod wrote: "Karen wrote: "Her Fearful Symmetry*

I was really looking forward to reading this as I loved The Time Traveler's Wife but I wish I hadn't bothered.
The characters are an..."

While i would agree that it isn't as good as Time Traveller's Wife I wouldn't dismiss it completely - I found it an enjoyable and compelling read with a little bit of spookiness

I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl Who Chased the Moon. I love books with a light touch of magic, especially when it's a new twist, like wallpaper that changes with your mood - from lilacs to fluttering butterflies to phases of the moon, etc. This is the 2nd Sarah Addison Allen, and I loved both of them. The emotional conflicts in which she puts her characters are poignant and believable, and I enjoy the ways she has them work them out.

Pigs in Heaven 3 stars
I would have enjoyed this book more if the conflict hadn't arisen from something that I would never ever have done.

The Last Time They Met: A Novel 2 stars
I had serious issues with this book until I read the ending, which turned everything around. Now all is forgiven.

The Land of Mango Sunsets 2 stars
This book reminded me of an Enid Blyton story where the characters are shown how horrible they are, then imediately become all cured and wonderful.

I just finished Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris and enjoyed it (***1/2). It definitely left a lot of loose ends, but it moved along at a rapid clip and left me wanting to read the next book in the Sookie series.

I read Life on the Refrigerator Door 3 stars and a super quick read. The premise is a mother and daughter who both live busy lives and primarily communicate through notes left on the refrigerator door. To me it really emphasizes that all too often we get caught up on the little details in life rather than focusing on the important issues.

I read The Icing on the Cupcake: A Novel. This was delightful quick read. At the end of every chapter is a unique cupcake recipe along with a recipe for the frosting that compliments the cupcake. The novel was a light read about a southern sorority girl who's finance dumps her. She moves to NYC to live with her estranged grandmother while doing some self discovery.

I read The Carrie Diaries. This was a great read for any Sex and the City fans. The novel gives us insight as to what Carrie Bradshaw was like as a teenager as she comes into her own as a writer. It was definitely a quick read since it was written for the young adult audience. But it was fun since Bushnell did take us back to the teen years during the early 80's.

Becky Bloomwood, a financial journalist, has an extreme addiction to high-end shopping that plunges her into debt. Confessions of a Shopaholic is the story of her many attempts to get her life together. She tries to be good, but is a habitual liar to herself and others: denying the severity of her circumstances and using fibs to wheedle her way out of sticky situations. After the many failed efforts to bandage her financial wounds Becky always reverts to retail therapy, thus feeding a vicious cycle.

This was a fun “fluff” book, so the quality of writing was not superb. The author, Sophie Kinsella, tried to connect overarching themes too blatantly, repeating phrases almost word-for-word throughout the story. I usually would not like the first person stream of consciousness writing style, however this British fashionista’s logic and ideas were so funny, I could not help enjoying it. Confessions of a Shopaholic is upbeat and enjoyable, but not a literary masterpiece. A good beach read for the summer.