My Sister's Keeper

I can honestly say this book was heart breaking. Picoult seems to really understand how a family works and thrives off of each other. I did not know what to expect next. I love the view points from all the character's involved in the book. I was trying to read this before I saw the movie, and I have accomplished that. I wasn't expecting to use so many tissues reading this book. Although it is not a 'light read' because of the material, it is an interesting and dynamic book.

I can not say I was thrilled with the ending. However there are so many ways that you could end this book. I think that, that is what makes this book so interesting.

Read June 2009

Summer Books

I was strolling through Barnes & Nobles during my lunch break today. As I looked around there was a Summer Beach Reads table. I immediately wanted to pick them up and read them! The table was packed with books. The covers that caught my attention are above.

I took a few minutes to write down some of the books that they were recommending, those are listed below:

A Summer Affair - Elin Hilderbrand

The Beach Club - Elin Hilderbrand

The Scenic Route - Binnie Kirshenbaum

Summer Blowout - Claire Cook

The Beach House - Georgia Bockoven

Angels - Marian Keyes

Body Surfing - Anita Shreve

Jemima J

This book is a great light summer read. I found it to be a bit predictable, however there is a few surprises along the way. The character JJ is very self conscious and unsure of her place in not only her home and office, but in her skin too. She battles with her relationship with dieting and with food. I wasn't to please with the story line making the character change so much for a man she meets via the Internet. It was fun to see the idea of the beginning of the Internet and how people were getting used to the new 'fad'.

Read - summer 2006

Big Stone Gap

This book is much different and also very similar to the other books that I have read by Trigiani. There are many classic elements of an Italian up bringing which I personally LOVE in her work.

Ave Maria is the main character in this book that has developed into a series of books. Ave Maria is considered to be a town spinster as she is in her mid thirties and un-wed in a small Virginia town in the 70's.

The book explores what it means to actually find yourself through pieces of your family that you never understood, or even knew about. It touches on the emotions of a woman and how she is perceived for expressing and doing as she pleases. The characters portrayed in the story from the Blue Ridge mountains in this small town are very interesting.

I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to finishing the series. There is a movie currently being adapted from this book.

Read May 2009

The Secret

I think that everyone has heard about this book. It was made into a TV special and has been published in many languages.
I have read this book at least 4 times and also have it on my Ipod. It is about positive thinking and also the idea of the universe connecting you to what you are looking for in your life. The book focuses on thinking and achieving. The Secret also believes in the Law of Attraction. It is about having images of what you want in your mind and putting it into the universe with positive thoughts as if you have already achieved it.
It is a great book. People either love or hate it and I love it. I have written notes all through mine and think that it is fantastic. It immediately makes me change my thinking and be more positive and brings me a lot of happiness.

19 Minutes

Read August 2008

I read this book rather quickly. It wasn't an easy read due to the content of the material. This was the first Jodi Picoult book that I have read. I loved the story line. Unfortunately it is very reminiscent of the story of what happen at Columbine High School.

The book revolves around a High School shooting in a small town. It gives you the point of view of many people in that town. From parents of a child who has died as a result of the shooting, to the Judge of the trial who's daughter survived the shooting. The parents of the shooter are very realistic and well written. They are heart broken for their family as well as their town.

I found the story to some what predictable, however I would have never guessed the ending. I think it is a great read.

Water For Elephants

Book Club selection for May 2009

I heard from a lot of people about how great this book was and I would love it. I took that with a grain of salt. I must say for being a book about a Circus, this really captivated my attention.
The idea of growing old in a Nursing Home and remembering your life really can hit home for almost anyone. Having my husbands grandfather currently in one, and my great grandmother who passed away years ago living in one of these homes, I was thinking about what goes (went) on in their minds. I loved the fact that the nurses in the home weren't perfect, but there is always one who really is a Gem.
It is rare to see such a prospective about a Circus. There are people that you love for their 'glamour' in being performers, and others that are just awful human beings. The animals are given characteristic qualities and become part of the book.
I really did like this book. I was impressed with the way the story was told. For a book with a lot of heart ache- It made me smile and appreciate the story more.