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