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