L.A. Candy

I am going to come right out and call this a new guilty pleasure. I did not expect to like it. I was interested in what it was about and picked it up at a garage sale for $1. This book is listed as Young Adult reading was a fast read. I found the book to be a bit slow at the start and then it picked up.
Being that I watched the author original 'reality' show Laguna Beach and some of the spin off The Hills I wondered how much of what was written about instant stardom was real or not. I found the use of the word "sweetie" to be over used. I cringed reading it so many times. The book follows Jane and Scarlett, new to LA and picked to be on a reality series with 2 other girls. Jane is made to seem like a saint through out the book, and it makes me wonder is this how the author sees herself? Scarlett on the other hand seems to have a good head on her shoulders and was not in this book enough in my opinion. Right away there is back stabbing, plotting and romance. The book ends on a cliff hanger and  in my opinion it was a fun read. I plan on reading the next two books.
Read June 2011

Julie & Julia

This book was a disappointment for me. I found it to be repetitive and felt embarrassed for the writer. Who admits to maggots in their apartment?!? Or that they served food that fell in a New York Street?
The reason I read the book was because I liked the movie. I like cooking and cooking shows. The idea of making all of the 524 recipes in Mastering The Art Of French Cooking sounds interesting. Each recipe that was described was drawn out and full of anguish. To me it sounded like she rather not be doing to project. She wouldn't quit because of the blog readers who cheered her on.
Julie herself I found annoying. She stated how much she loathe her job and apartment. She was jealous of the lives of some of her friends and family. Julie wants a baby but doesn't know if she can have one, Eric does not want a baby. So, whats is a girl to do? Get a project and that is what the Julie & Julia Project is; an attempt to get Julies head off her job and biological clock that is ticking away. I was worried that the book was going to end in a divorce being that Julie and Eric (Powell's husband) seemed to have a really rocky - sex less marriage. But nope they made it thru - for now.
There is a second book by Powell called Cleaving. I was interested in that book but I am not so sure that I will be reading it any time soon. From what I read Cleaving is has focus on the affairs of both Eric and Julie after the J&J project and their attempt to save their marriage.
I thought I would be recommending this book to all "foodies", but it just did not do it for me.

Read June 2011

Room

Heads up: This review is going to be full of spoilers!

Room is written from the point of view of a 5 year old. As most 5 yr olds are sheltered, Jack has only lived in a 12x12 room for his entire life. There is no outside world except thru the TV. He was told that everything on the TV is made up and knows no better. Jack's mother is only know through the book as "Ma". We know there has to be reasons that they live in this small space and why there is delieveries from an older man named Old Nick.
Room was hard to understand at first. The reader has to understand what Jack means when he describes objects and events. He sees things as Ma has taught him and has had no exposure to other people. He even stays in the wardrobe when Old Nick comes in to Room. Ma plays games and tries to occupy their time so that he will be an smart young man. She tries to keep her mind busy to pass the time. She does the best that she can do with the little that they have.
When they do leave Room and head out into the real world the book really picked up for me. I read most of that with in one sitting. It was interesting to see them (especially Jack) adapt and learn what the world is like. There are many family members and doctors introduced into Jack's life. He has trouble understanding how big the world is and how things work. He doesn't understand why it can not just be him and Ma all the time and has severe detachment issues. We do see Jack take some small steps into a new life but not everything always goes as planned.
I really suggest this book to anyone. It is an interesting read and hard to read at some points.

Something Blue

After reading Something Borrowed I went into it knowing that I might not like the book being that it focuses on Darcy. I was "Team Rachel" from the start. I thought it was great that Darcy was finally getting what she deserved. People turning away from her and a chance for her to see what she had.
Ethan, Darcy and Rachel's childhood friend takes in Darcy the mom to be. Ethan is quick to set her straight and point out her faults. But at the same time like any good chick lit there is a twist and sparks fly.
I found this book interesting. I liked reading how Darcy's pregnancy was coming together and seeing how reluctant she was in the situation. The Author showed a lot of character development and great writing. I would suggest reading this book especially if you read Something Borrowed. There is a quick recap in the beginning of the book if you didn't read the SB. It is a fun read and I am really hopping that the powers that be in Hollywood make this one into a movie too!
Read May 2011

Belly Laughs

As a non pregnant woman I have to say I liked this book! What a fun and quick read. McCarthy is a actress, tv host and advocate for Autism. She is not the best writter but it was an entertaining read.
This book is labled as The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth and it was very 'honest'. McCarthy can be crude and a bit over the top with some of her descriptions but it was funny and made me want to read more. The only thing about the book I did not like was the legnth, I wish it was longer!
Read May 2011

The Tenth Circle

There is a theme that I see in Picoult books: A family that seems normal but has hidden flaws that surface in times of trouble. In this book the Stone Family is facing their daughters secrets she is not the 14 year old that they thought and she is a Rape survivor. Or is she? Was she actually raped or just lied?
Picoult does a great job in her writing explaining different jobs, cultures and situations. There is a back story of Daniel Stone (father in the book) that leads us to believe that he is not the loving father we suspect. But also Laura, his wife shows us that everyone has something to hide. In all the reader see a sad tale of a young woman who has gotten off track and is having a hard time growing up. We learn of adults who ignore clues and situations they see and teenagers who are cruel and unforgiving.
I liked the book. I found it to be a bit over worded in some areas but interesting. It shines a light on to a awful situation and dives deeper into the ways that humans release their pain and suffering.
Read May 2010

Something Borrowed

What would you do if you were in Rachel's shoes? That is the question that this book makes you ask yourself. This is chick lit at it's best. The characters and plot are very predictable. You know what is going to happen but the well written tale by Giffin is what makes the book fantastic.
Darcy is the wild child and gets her way, Rachel is the good girl who follows the rules and works hard. So why are they friends? That question is haunting Rachel and she finds herself betraying her Best Friend by sleeping with her fiancee.
I read this book in 2008 and did not retain most of it. I re-read it before the movie drops this coming weekend and was SO happy that I did. I loved this book. I tore thru it finding quotes and passages that spoke to me. There is a lot of history of the girls friendship woven in this book. It brings you back to the 5th grade. I would suggest this book for the people out there who like a real chick lit, who don't mind figuring out the plot and say read it before you see the movie!
Read April 2010