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.

The Beach House

This is a great summer time beach read!

The story had depth, but easy to follow. I enjoy the multiple character and story that this book has. You learn about a lot of characters with important information, not just a bunch of fluff. I feel that Green was able to give all the readers someone that they can share their point of view with. I did not especially hate the plot twist, and I did find it a bit predictable. I would not fault the author for this, being that it is a light summer read. The description on Nantucket and the world that Nan lives in, is beautifully described. I could see all the scene's play out in my mind perfectly. The character of Nan is just perfectly written and someone who I wish would invite me for Tea or Martini's. I really would recommend this book for a light read. The reader comes away with a great out look on the future for these characters.

Read September 2009

Milk Glass Moon

What a fantastic book! This is truly the best of the series so far!

This book is spread over a number of years and shows the main characters developing and learning more about themselves and others. Ave Marie's daughter Etta is a main focus of this book. We learn so much about the mother daughter relationship. We see how important the role of each of her parents play. Adriana Trigiani takes the readers on another trip through Italy. We read about the family and their surroundings. Also the times have changed in Big Stone Gap. There is a lot going on in the lives of the characters in BSG. I really have loved this entire series and think it is beautifully written. There are many things in the series I have related to and can appreciate the details that Trigiani has give the reader in these stories. A must read!

Read August 2009

Welcome to Shirley...

Being that I lived very close (walking distance) to BNL, I found this book very relevant and well written.
McMasters explains a lot about the lab, what is done behind the thick walls and forest. I have family members who have worked there for over 20 years. Hearing her stories from her neighbors and family is very enlightening. McMasters does cut into BNL and their practices a lot. However being from the area- I believe it is more than justified or fair. Although the book is full of numbers, and scientific facts, I enjoyed the book. The author adds personal history of the founders of the town and also her own family. It was very interesting.
Anyone from the area would like the quirks of the small towns that surround the lab. I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for a story about a home town.
Read August 2009