22 in 2010

I have read 22 books in 2010. My goal was 24, so not too far off. However I would really like to nail that goal for 2011. I thank those that are reading my book blog and people who stop in for a glimpse of what I have read.
Please feel free recommend anything that you think I should take a look at in 2011.

All I Need is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans

After seeing post about this book on a Facebook status, I wanted to give it a try. Aughtmon is a mother of 3 and a Pastors wife. This book is a faith based book and each paged is about finding Jesus with in you, and learning how to live in Jesus's name.

I find my self to be a religious person but the style of writing did not appeal to me. The book focused on the idea of a woman being a "supergirl" and the idea of battling "villains" through the word of the bible. I think that the message of being able to live and love through stories int the bible is great. There are a lot of people who do not believe in the bible or Jesus. However- reading this book made me roll my eyes as the author talked about "Miss you deserve it", "Mr. Substitution", "The Diva", "the Judge" and more. 

I did get a lot from the book, and it made me think about some aspects of my daily life. I just had trouble with the the light hearted names with in the book. I think I would still recommend this book for someone looking for some inspiration.

Read November 2010

Mockingjay

This is the third book in the trilogy of Hunger Games. You can read the reviews on the first two books here  and here. I must start off by saying that this book was a let down for me. I found it tough to get through, unlike the previous book which I flew through and could not wait to read what was next.
In Mockingjay we saw Katniss as a broken and disturbed girl. The relationships around her were stressed. We learn more about Gale and how much different he is then what was first shown in Catching Fire. Peeta is not in most of the book. When he does come back it is as another Mutt from the capital and totally different from the previous books.
We learn at the end that Katniss and Peeta do have a happily ever after. That is given to the reader in a rushed epilogue. I was disappointed there wasn't more growth of characters. Instead it is a book centered around anger and a war. I liked the book, but feel like the ending was rushed and very choppy.
Read October 2010

My Book List Recaps

Back in January I posted the list below. I was planning on reading these books during the year. Now that it is October, I realize that I have only read a handful of these titles, although I have read many more other books this year-

The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Commencement - J. Courtney Sullivan
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Running with Scissors - Augusten Burroughs
Dry - Augusten Burroughs
Quickie - James Patterson
The Harry Potter Series - J. K Rowling  (Read 1st book only)
The True Blood Series - Charlene Harris  (Read the 3 so far)
Pride & Prejudice - Jane Austen
Memory Keepers Daughter - Kim Edwards
Last Chance Saloon - Marian Keyes
The Reader - Bernard Schlink
Are you there Vodka? It's Me Chelsea - Chelsea Handler
Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs
Bitter Is The New Black - Jen Lancaster

Then this Summer I made a new list of what I wanted to read and I only read 1 of these titles.
Barefoot - Elin Hilderbrand
Second Chance - Jane Green
5 Angry Fat Girls - Frances Kueffel
My Fair Lazy - Jen Lancaster
The Dexter Series - Jeff Lindsay
True Colors - Kristin Hannah
Summer People - Elin Hilderbrand
The Bride Quartet - Nora Roberts
The Other Woman - Jane Green
The Guy Not Taken - Jennifer Weiner
A Salty Piece of Land - Jimmy Buffett

Now it seems my reading list is getting longer and longer. Think I need to cozy up this winter and catch up.

Nantucket Nights

This is the third book from Hilderbrand that I have read and this book was not nearly as well written as the previous two that I have read and reviewed previously. 
Nantucket Nights once again centers around well off women on the island of Nantucket. The 3 main characters (known as the Night Swimmers), go for their annual swim and one goes missing. There in starts the 'murder mystery'. Unlike Castaways or Barefoot by Hilderbrand the plot and character development was rushed and the ending was absurd.
Not a book that I would suggest. However I do think Hilderbrand is (in general) a great Author. Take the books for what they are; great summer reads.

Read September 2010

Castaways

I read 'Barefoot" by Hilderbrand a month ago and was eager to read another book by this author. Castaways was another well written book. This time the focus is on a group of married friends and what happens when one couple suddenly dies.
Infidelity, lies and truths come out through the voice of each character. I loved the style of writing. It was easy to read and hear the point of view of each character telling their story. The book made me question the friendships that were in the book. It makes the reader take a real close look at what a marriage means to an individual couple, as well as friendships with other couples. I think that there are characters in the book that are easily to relate to one's own lives. Some of those characters in this book were, the wealthier friends, the mother-like figure, the goody two shoes, and the partier.
This is a great summer read! I loved it and think it is worth picking up for anyone who has a close group of friends.
Read August 2010

Eat, Pray, Love

I read this book a few years ago, but my Book Club picked it for this month. I did not like it the first time, and I didn't like it again. I thought I would give it a second chance and start fresh. I could not get into it and it just annoyed me to no end.
I think the idea of a woman who took a self indulgent year off to travel whines way too much. I think the book is interesting, however I found many phrases repeated. I think many women who have gone through a divorce would love some time off and travel. But I think for this to be a 'true' story there are too many lucky breaks and coincidences in it. I feel like Liz's marriage to her husband was 'the next step', she made a bad choice getting married and knew it. Her husband had his heart broken and wanted ALL of the money they had. I can understand her wanting out, but I can understand his wanting the money.
Liz herself says that she is taking a year off from men. Then ends the book in a relationship. It seems to me that the author doesn't like to be alone.
The best part of the book for me was Italy. Liz's description of Loneliness and Depression was great. Her time in the Ashram was repetitive but it was interesting to an extent. I wouldn't say that I would not recommend the book, but it would not be something I would be suggesting people read.
August 2010

The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud

This was a quick read. I was really into the story of Charlie right from the start. I loved the layout of the book as well as the 'twist' that is involved. This book reminded me a tiny bit of the movie "The 6th Sense". Although this book focused on an accident and death it was not a dark story. It was hopeful and well written. I enjoyed Sherwood's character development and attention to detail.
I read this book because I heard about it when the movie was released. I am hesitant to see the movie, being that I did like the book so much. I almost feel like the book was too brief, however when I sat back and thought about it- it is just the right about of information. The book didn't drag out the plot and hit you with ideas that really make you think about later on. It was an easy read, and worth picking up.
Read August 2010

Amagansett

This book satisfied my inner 'geek'. Being from Long Island, I loved all the references to locations and history. The story is mainly based on the East End and gives a lot of insight to the historic past of the island.
Mills crafted a beautifully written story that focuses around the death of a beautiful young woman and the Fisherman that finds her body. I loved the back history given to all the characters and how they came to the East End. The book shows us the rivalry between locals and City people who come to the area.
This book read like it was a movie. I could see the scenes coming to life by the careful way that Mills wrote the story. It was a great read
Read August 2010

The Great Gatsby

A lot of people read The Great Gatsby in High School. I did not. I wanted to read it because many people have told me it is an interesting book, and I wanted to know what the "fuss" was about.
The story of Jay Gatsby is tragic to say the least. I found his desire to have people around sad, after you learn that he was just a man in love who could not have what he wanted. Daisy and her husband, Tom are some of the worst kind of people you could know. Unfortunate for Gatsby he loved Daisy. Gatsby's closest real friend Nick (whom the story is narrated by) tried to be open minded of all involved and believed that there was something worth while in everyone. Nick wanted to make money and live a good life. He wasn't looking to hurt anyone and was truly sad for Gatsby at the end of the book.
The story told in this book seems rather tame compared to the world we live in today and the way that stories are portrayed in the news and literature. I liked this book. I could see myself reading it again.
Read July 2010

Promises to Keep

This book was a pick for my Book Club, but I wanted to read it on my own also.
The book had me sobbing at one point and laughing at another. Green revolved the book around 2 sisters and their family. Callie is married and living in a nice house with her husband and 2 kids. Steffi is a girl on the move, who is unsure of where life is taking her. These sisters have a beautiful relationship despite their differences.
In the book one sister becomes very sick and we see how her family and friends pull together for each other. The book touches on what marriage is to different people and what would you do if illness came to your family.
I really enjoyed the book. I think that some parts were a bit predictable. However it is a fun read and really touching. I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to other people.
Read July 2010

Barefoot

This was a chick lit summer read and it was good. I would say that since this is the first book by Hilderbrand, that I will be reading another.
The story revolves around the island of Nantuket in the summer time. It starts off with 3 secrets that the main characters- all women, are hiding. Each character's 'voice' is heard in the book. Then into the mix is a young man who also gets insight into their world. I did have a few laughs and I did cry at one point. The characters felt authentic.
I found the book to be very detailed and interesting. I think that Hilderbrand really did a great job of telling their stories in their words. It felt almost like it could have been different authors. This is not a short book at over 400 pages, but it was a quick read. I would recommend this!
Read June 2010

Club Dead

As I have stated before I did not like the first book in this series. The second, I found to be better. This one I loved!
This story brings us away from Sookie and Bill and more into the life of Sookie trying to get to Bill. Bill is off and doing some 'business' out of town and he gets into some trouble. Eric seems to be a bigger part of Sookie's life in this book, as well as a new character Alcide.
The story is great and it was nice to see some new characters and story line. I think that this book is a quick read and very entertaining.
Read June 2010

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I tried to get into this book, I really did! However after 45 pages and me not wanting to read one more- I gave up.
I don't like to put down a book after I start it. Especially if I have no intention of ever reading it again. I feel like I should just make myself finish it. But, this time it was not happening. I am not sure if it is because I have not read the original "Pride and Prejudice" that I could not get into this book. Either way. It was not for me!

NOT read June 2010

Summer Reading 2010

Once again it is summer! I have checked out the "Summer Reading" tables in the local book stores. I have made a list of things that look good to me and what I would like to read if I can be ambitious enough!
5 Angry Fat Girls - Frances Kueffel
My Fair Lazy - Jen Lancaster
The Dexter Series - Jeff Lindsay
True Colors - Kristin Hannah
Summer People - Elin Hilderbrand
The Bride Quartet - Nora Roberts
The Other Woman - Jane Green
The Guy Not Taken - Jennifer Weiner
A Salty Piece of Land - Jimmy Buffett

The Help

What an amazing book! I loved this story as well as all the characters. Stockett did a great job of telling this story through many voices.
I felt like the story ended abruptly. The story made me want to learn more. I read this book for my book club and we all agreed it would be amazing to hear the story through the children that are represented in the book. Aibileen and Minny are two of the maids, who tell the story of this book. They show how different life is for a "Niggra" maid compared to Skeeter the young white woman that wants to write about their lives.
The book has a lot great historical references of the times. I loved these books and it was really a wonderful read.

Read May 2010

Best Friends Forever

This was a fun light read. It had some really funny parts, and some sad insight into the social working of High Schools friendships through adulthood.
This book touched on the dynamic of a family and what it means to be a friend. I loved the character Addie. She was a fighter and didn't know it. She bounced back from a few awful situations in her life. Her friendship with Valerie was so important through out her childhood to high school; Addie was crushed when it 'ended'.
There were a few unnecessary characters in the book, but it was interesting to see 'where are they now' in their High School class.

Read May 2010

Have a Little Faith

This book took me a month to read, but it was only 250 pages. I struggled to read it and I analyze it. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it! However, it makes the reader really reach with in to see what their faith entails. Mitch Albom showed 2 completely different congregations and faiths and how it is all intertwined. Some congregations are small some are large but they are all special in their own way. They all believe in a higher being, who wants them to see the good in people and do wonderful things for the world they live in.
I was touched by the stories of the 2 “Rebs” and cried at the end. I really think this is a great book for anyone of any Faith. This true story will make you think about your own faith and purpose and if you are doing what’s best for the world that you live in.

Read April 2010

Dear John

Every now and again, I like romantic, tear-jerker books. This book was a great read for that category. This is the second book I have read by Nicholas Sparks. I have heard great things about his work from one of my really good friends, but haven't really gotten into his work.
This book was recently made into a movie which is why I really picked it up. I wanted to read it, before I saw the movie adaptation. The book focuses on love story across the miles between a solider overseas and a young woman in college. We learn that these characters John and Savannah have only been physically in the same place a handful of times but they fell deep in love and wanted to make it work. John who is a solider overseas before the events of 9/11 decides to re-enlist which puts more of a strain on their relationship. We learn a lot about the workings of two completely different people and their families.
I found parts of the book predictable, but very enjoyable. It was a story that I really liked and would recommend. Sparks really has a gift for words and wrote a beautiful story.
Read March 2010

Dune Road

This was not as good as I hoped, or expected.
The book was VERY predictable. The characters had a lot of potential but they fell short of making me interested in their lives. I think that Green tried to cram too many story lines into one book, where this could have been 2 distinct stories.
This book follows a newly divorced woman who is trying to navigate living as a single mom in a ritzy beach town. We meet quirky neighbors, a yoga studio owner, owners of a hot restaurant in town, a couple whom she is friends with that might lose it all due to the economy, a hot novel writer, her ex-husband... the list goes on and on. The main character finds out about family members she didn't know she has. It is all too much for one book.
I think I might have enjoyed it, if I was looking for a book to read on a vacation. It was not the best book I have read by Green, but I do plan on reading more of her work.
Read March 2010

Brava, Valentine

I have read I believe 6 (or more) of Adriana Trigiani's books. I have once again fallen in love with her story of an Italian - American Family. This book is the second of the series. The first book was Very Valentine. You can read more about that book here - http://kimsbookblog614.blogspot.com/2009/02/very-valentine.html. The character of Valentine finds herself having to deal with now being the head of the family business and finding a way to work with her brother who is almost her complete opposite.

Brava, Valentine starts off in Italy and crosses back to the United States and then to another old world country. We see Valentine take the reins of the company and really make some great things happen in her own life, along with growing as a person.

I love the aspects of friends and family in this book. It shows that the relationships may not always be good, but family is family and will always be there for you.

Trigiani knows how to describe in beautiful details the characters and places in her books that you feel that you are a part of them. I love this book and would highly recommend reading both Very Valentine and Brava, Valentine. There will be a third book in this series coming out, hopefully next February.

Read February 2010

Commencement

I enjoyed this book. For the most part it was an interesting read. I did find parts of the book to be predictable. The four main characters had very distinct personalities and were well defined by Sullivan. As the book was narrated by these characters you could see the care that was put into the writing. All of the emotions with in the characters and friendship were well placed, and made the story more appealing and real for me.

I think that the friendship between the girls was very true to the author. Sullivan showed the ups and downs of the friendship and how it can endure through many trials. Being that I personally have three best girlfriends could be why I found parts of the book predictable. One line that I found in the book really hit home for me, "But what had once seemed like genuine care and concern had now turned ugly- they could not stop judging, comparing".

I was a little disappointed with the end of the book. I would have like to seen it go in a different direction then how it ended. The ending seemed wrong in comparison to the character's life with in the book.

Read February 2010

Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone

It seems like I should have read these books already, but nope I started this month!

I have only read Book 1 of Harry Potter thus far and I loved it. It was a quick and entertaining read. I can understand why so many people love the books as well as the movies ( I have not seen the movies either). This book almost feels like it is in it's own language. Understand spells, characters and also the world of Wizards / Witches versus Muggles came very quickly to me.

This was a fun read and I can not wait to read the rest of the series.

Read January 2010

Home To Big Stone Gap

There isn't much more praise I can give then to say that I would want to live in Ave Marie's world. Home to Big Stone Gap, is the last in the series by Adriana Trigiani. These books are so well written that you want to fall into place with in the characters lives and places that are visited.

There were parts of the story and information that was given that made me unsure of where the story was heading. Then I realized it was the pure development of these characters lives and the Blue Ridge Mountain world. This book felt as if it was written differently then the previous books, however the characters and story lines have changed with the years. In this book we learn more about the people who are closet friends of Ave Marie's, including Fleeta, Theodore and Iva Lou. We also learn what marriage for two people is like after more than 20 years. I t was nice to see the growth and love still developing between Jack and Ave Marie.

I have enjoyed the entire series. All of these books are worth reading and will take you to somewhere you might have never been, like Cracker's Nest.

Read January 2010

2010 Reading List

Last year I didn't get through my "Must Read" list. I have taken some books from that list and added them to the books that I would like to read this year. These books are besides what is decided for the Book Club that I am in. They are in no particular order-
The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Commencement - J. Courtney Sullivan
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Running with Sissors - Augusten Burroughs
Dry - Augusten Burroughs
Quickie - James Patterson
The Harry Potter Series - J. K Rowling
The True Blood Series - Charlene Harris (finish it)
Pride & Prejudice - Jane Austen
Memory Keepers Daughter - Kim Edwards
Last Chance Saloon - Marian Keyes
The Reader - Bernard Schlink
Are you there Vodka? It's Me Chelsea - Chelsea Handler
Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs
Bitter Is The New Black - Jen Lancaster

Catching Fire

I truly have enjoyed this book as much, if not more than the first one in the series. Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games series by Suzzane Collins.

The first book I read back in July as a pick for Book Club. This time around, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Collins picks right up where the last book ended. This time around we get to see more of Katniss and Peeta's relationship develop as most of their worlds crumble around them. With speculation of an uprising in the other districts and the Government becoming even more controlling, Katniss and Peeta are sent back into the Hunger Games.

I found the story well written and easy to read. It was interesting and still edgy. I think that this is a great read, even though it is meant as Young Adult literature.

Read January 2010

Missing in Action!

Nope. Not the title of a book I have read, but it is what I have been for a few months now. I have had a busy fall and winter (so far). My reading was on the back burner. I have missed reading and have a list of books that I would like to get started on for the new year!
I would love any suggestions on books that you have read or are reading.