22 in 2010

I have read 22 books in 2010. My goal was 24, so not too far off. However I would really like to nail that goal for 2011. I thank those that are reading my book blog and people who stop in for a glimpse of what I have read.
Please feel free recommend anything that you think I should take a look at in 2011.

All I Need is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans

After seeing post about this book on a Facebook status, I wanted to give it a try. Aughtmon is a mother of 3 and a Pastors wife. This book is a faith based book and each paged is about finding Jesus with in you, and learning how to live in Jesus's name.

I find my self to be a religious person but the style of writing did not appeal to me. The book focused on the idea of a woman being a "supergirl" and the idea of battling "villains" through the word of the bible. I think that the message of being able to live and love through stories int the bible is great. There are a lot of people who do not believe in the bible or Jesus. However- reading this book made me roll my eyes as the author talked about "Miss you deserve it", "Mr. Substitution", "The Diva", "the Judge" and more. 

I did get a lot from the book, and it made me think about some aspects of my daily life. I just had trouble with the the light hearted names with in the book. I think I would still recommend this book for someone looking for some inspiration.

Read November 2010

Mockingjay

This is the third book in the trilogy of Hunger Games. You can read the reviews on the first two books here  and here. I must start off by saying that this book was a let down for me. I found it tough to get through, unlike the previous book which I flew through and could not wait to read what was next.
In Mockingjay we saw Katniss as a broken and disturbed girl. The relationships around her were stressed. We learn more about Gale and how much different he is then what was first shown in Catching Fire. Peeta is not in most of the book. When he does come back it is as another Mutt from the capital and totally different from the previous books.
We learn at the end that Katniss and Peeta do have a happily ever after. That is given to the reader in a rushed epilogue. I was disappointed there wasn't more growth of characters. Instead it is a book centered around anger and a war. I liked the book, but feel like the ending was rushed and very choppy.
Read October 2010

My Book List Recaps

Back in January I posted the list below. I was planning on reading these books during the year. Now that it is October, I realize that I have only read a handful of these titles, although I have read many more other books this year-

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 Scissors - Augusten Burroughs
Dry - Augusten Burroughs
Quickie - James Patterson
The Harry Potter Series - J. K Rowling  (Read 1st book only)
The True Blood Series - Charlene Harris  (Read the 3 so far)
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

Then this Summer I made a new list of what I wanted to read and I only read 1 of these titles.
Barefoot - Elin Hilderbrand
Second Chance - Jane Green
5 Angry Fat Girls - Frances Kueffel
My Fair Lazy - Jen Lancaster
The Dexter Series - Jeff Lindsay
True Colors - Kristin Hannah
Summer People - Elin Hilderbrand
The Bride Quartet - Nora Roberts
The Other Woman - Jane Green
The Guy Not Taken - Jennifer Weiner
A Salty Piece of Land - Jimmy Buffett

Now it seems my reading list is getting longer and longer. Think I need to cozy up this winter and catch up.

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