Jodi Picoult never fails to bring amazing characters, plot twists and turns, and a "No way!" moment to each and every book she writes. Salem Falls was no different. I read 434 pages in a day and a half because I could not put this book down. I was delighted with each and every page and event (even though some were a bit odd, the plot was compelling) until the last paragraph of the book which left me with such a bad taste in my mouth that I can not in good conscience recommend this book to anyone. Even if you can handle witches and spells and a story that reminds us all of the Salem Witch Trials with a modern day spin, I doubt you will be able to stomach that last paragraph. But, I suppose it's writing paragraphs like the last one of this book that makes Jodi Picoult such an amazing author. She doesn't sugar coat anything and she makes us look at the world from a different angle. I'm not sure that there were any angles at all in this last paragraph, though. Unless you count head-on as an angle.
For fear of sounding like one of the main characters of Salem Falls...read this book, IF YOU DARE...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
#22: The Knitting Diaries: Macomber, Mallery, and Skye
Well...I am not sure what to say about this one except that perhaps I should've saved it for the beach. The stories were very light and I was tempted to skip over the descriptions in order to get to the dialogue, which I did too often I am afraid. The stories were good, don't get me wrong, but after reading The Walk and Miles to Go and some of the other hard-hitters I've read so far this year, this one did not mentally challenge me. Good grief, did I just type that?
The book was composed of 3 stories, the first by one of my favorite author's Debbie Macomber. She's a knitter and got together with two other knitter/authors to create this book. Each story centered around a knitter and, of course, romance. Macomber's story, always a light and easy read, reintroduced some of my favorite characters from Blossom Street and got me excited about a new full-length hardcover book that comes out on Tuesday. Mission accomplished.
The second story was by Susuan Mallery, who is also a favorite author of mine. Her story was not as steamy as her books, which was appropriate for this collection, and it was my favorite of the three, but that could very well be because of my affinity for Texas Cowboys. Couple one of those with a knitting store and I am hooked!
The last story was kind of sad and was written by an author with whom I am not familiar: Christina Skye. It is also the only story about which I have a criticism. It's not a fully developed story, in my opinion. The plot was developing nicely and steadily when I realized I had 10 pages left in the story to read. It was nicely and neatly wrapped up in those last 10 pages, but I think there could've been a lot more to it. Maybe this story should've been in the middle and balanced out by the other 2. Unfortunately, because I read this one last, it made me not think so highly of the book overall.
So, after reading 2 consecutive Nook books, my next one is coming off of the good old-fashioned bookshelf. It's a Jodi Picoult called Salem Falls. Her books are never light, I'd never consider her to be a beach bag author, and her books definitely challenge me. Here I go.
The book was composed of 3 stories, the first by one of my favorite author's Debbie Macomber. She's a knitter and got together with two other knitter/authors to create this book. Each story centered around a knitter and, of course, romance. Macomber's story, always a light and easy read, reintroduced some of my favorite characters from Blossom Street and got me excited about a new full-length hardcover book that comes out on Tuesday. Mission accomplished.
The second story was by Susuan Mallery, who is also a favorite author of mine. Her story was not as steamy as her books, which was appropriate for this collection, and it was my favorite of the three, but that could very well be because of my affinity for Texas Cowboys. Couple one of those with a knitting store and I am hooked!
The last story was kind of sad and was written by an author with whom I am not familiar: Christina Skye. It is also the only story about which I have a criticism. It's not a fully developed story, in my opinion. The plot was developing nicely and steadily when I realized I had 10 pages left in the story to read. It was nicely and neatly wrapped up in those last 10 pages, but I think there could've been a lot more to it. Maybe this story should've been in the middle and balanced out by the other 2. Unfortunately, because I read this one last, it made me not think so highly of the book overall.
So, after reading 2 consecutive Nook books, my next one is coming off of the good old-fashioned bookshelf. It's a Jodi Picoult called Salem Falls. Her books are never light, I'd never consider her to be a beach bag author, and her books definitely challenge me. Here I go.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
#21: Miles to Go, Richard Paul Evans
I now have MILES TO WAIT as I will not be able to read the next installment of this book until April 2012. And, of course, Mr. Evans left me hanging from a cliff in the last two sentences of Miles to Go. That man is good at his work.
Miles to Go was AMAZING! For those of you who were inspired by The Walk, you need to read on. The Walk introduced readers to several main characters and a lot of characters who Alan met as he was walking. Miles to Go has a bit of a different focus due to the stabbing that occurred at the end of The Walk. In Miles to Go, we meet "Angel," Bill, and Christine, and Kailamai (who tells the FUNNIEST jokes!) and we get to know them all quite well. As I have said before, I would love to know these people. They are the sort of people who just might only exist in books, but we hope are real and really hope are our neighbors.
I'm not quite sure what else to say about Miles to Go. The lessons I learned from this book are too numerous to list. Here are the ones that stand out... Be kind to others, stick your neck out when it's important, and if you think you might be able to help someone in a way that no one ever has done before, you should try. Even if your help is shot down, give it a try. The effort sometimes is all a person might need.
It's a long time until April 2012. I guess maybe this is RPE's attempt at getting us to feel what Alan is feeling. He's walking from Washington State to Key West Florida. If he has to wait to achieve his goal, I guess the least I can do is wait to read about it. So off I go to wait and to read a bunch of other books in the meantime.
Miles to Go was AMAZING! For those of you who were inspired by The Walk, you need to read on. The Walk introduced readers to several main characters and a lot of characters who Alan met as he was walking. Miles to Go has a bit of a different focus due to the stabbing that occurred at the end of The Walk. In Miles to Go, we meet "Angel," Bill, and Christine, and Kailamai (who tells the FUNNIEST jokes!) and we get to know them all quite well. As I have said before, I would love to know these people. They are the sort of people who just might only exist in books, but we hope are real and really hope are our neighbors.
I'm not quite sure what else to say about Miles to Go. The lessons I learned from this book are too numerous to list. Here are the ones that stand out... Be kind to others, stick your neck out when it's important, and if you think you might be able to help someone in a way that no one ever has done before, you should try. Even if your help is shot down, give it a try. The effort sometimes is all a person might need.
It's a long time until April 2012. I guess maybe this is RPE's attempt at getting us to feel what Alan is feeling. He's walking from Washington State to Key West Florida. If he has to wait to achieve his goal, I guess the least I can do is wait to read about it. So off I go to wait and to read a bunch of other books in the meantime.
Monday, April 18, 2011
#20: The Walk--Richard Paul Evans
It took me 3 weeks to read Guernsey and it took me 2 days to read The Walk (all 305 pages). I could not put this one down. It also reads fast, which I think accounts for part of the quickness in reading this book. I was also reading in a quiet hotel room with a husband who wanted to nap. During his 2 hour nap, I read more than half of this amazing book. So, at dinner last night, I shared the highlights with Rob, who had actually heard of this book (imagine my surprise) and shared with me that he thought it was one of a series of books. Upon hearing this I began to panic. I am a fan of sequels, but I generally am not a fan of waiting for the sequel. I had not heard anything about this story other than that it was amazing and that I had to read it. So, again, I bought it and started to read it. I guess I should've realized that a man's walk from Washington State to Key West Florida couldn't really be covered in 305 pages. Especially when he only began his walk on page 155. But, I naively assumed that the story would be wrapped up by page 305 and then I could read another romance novel. How wrong I was. The Walk tells the story of Alan's walk through Washington State ONLY and is, in fact, one in a series of books. So, when I got to the end of page 305 this afternoon, I downloaded the next book in the series Miles to Go and am already reading it.
I am hesitant to relate any of the specifics of the book, because they really are crucial to the story and I feel like telling you even one small part of the plot might give things away. But, suffice to say, The Walk is about one man's journey when he feels that all he has left in the world is his ability to walk. His voice is clear (I would like to know Alan, too), he is a kind and gentle soul with a heart bigger than most, and he has been hurt in a way I hope I never know. The book, at times, is like a train wreck--you want to look away, but you can't help but watch. This book is also unfinished and is, therefore, my worst nightmare. But, since it has been out for so long, the second part is already on the shelves so I was able to access it in less than 5 minutes (I do so love my Nook!).
I am hoping that as Alan walks, his stories of the real people of the world will continue and as a result, I will learn from them. I have already been reminded that things aren't always what they seem, that most people in the world are generally good, and that love is the real reason why the world continues to go around and around. Alan also reminded me that I really should get back into the habit of keeping a journal. His mother gave him his first journal when he was 8 and told him that "it doesn't matter what [he] write[s] and if [he]waits to write just the important things then [he'll] probably never write anything, because important things just look like everything else except when you look back on them." I think this is why I stopped keeping a journal. Life just didn't seem too terribly important. And, in the 16 years since I stopped writing, look at what has happened---marriage, 2 houses, 2 kids, and a career where I've met some pretty cool people along the way. It all could be documented, but I didn't do it because I didn't think life was important enough. I think that tomorrow, after I sit and wait for my car to be serviced, I am finding a new journal and will begin to write again.
Read The Walk, and then read Miles to Go, and then we can chat about how mad we are that we have to wait for the 3rd book to be released.
I am hesitant to relate any of the specifics of the book, because they really are crucial to the story and I feel like telling you even one small part of the plot might give things away. But, suffice to say, The Walk is about one man's journey when he feels that all he has left in the world is his ability to walk. His voice is clear (I would like to know Alan, too), he is a kind and gentle soul with a heart bigger than most, and he has been hurt in a way I hope I never know. The book, at times, is like a train wreck--you want to look away, but you can't help but watch. This book is also unfinished and is, therefore, my worst nightmare. But, since it has been out for so long, the second part is already on the shelves so I was able to access it in less than 5 minutes (I do so love my Nook!).
I am hoping that as Alan walks, his stories of the real people of the world will continue and as a result, I will learn from them. I have already been reminded that things aren't always what they seem, that most people in the world are generally good, and that love is the real reason why the world continues to go around and around. Alan also reminded me that I really should get back into the habit of keeping a journal. His mother gave him his first journal when he was 8 and told him that "it doesn't matter what [he] write[s] and if [he]waits to write just the important things then [he'll] probably never write anything, because important things just look like everything else except when you look back on them." I think this is why I stopped keeping a journal. Life just didn't seem too terribly important. And, in the 16 years since I stopped writing, look at what has happened---marriage, 2 houses, 2 kids, and a career where I've met some pretty cool people along the way. It all could be documented, but I didn't do it because I didn't think life was important enough. I think that tomorrow, after I sit and wait for my car to be serviced, I am finding a new journal and will begin to write again.
Read The Walk, and then read Miles to Go, and then we can chat about how mad we are that we have to wait for the 3rd book to be released.
#19: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
I can't believe how long it took me to read this book. It makes no sense to me at all that a book 274 pages in length could take me 3 weeks to read. The only reason I can come up with is that because of the way the story was told--in letter form--lended itself to reading a few pages and then being bookmarked. Unfortunately, I also read this book during the weeks leading up to Spring Break, which meant all sorts of chaos in my house and little time to read. But, I was able to finish it this weekend while visiting The Greenbrier (in between gambling and eating) and am so glad that I took the 3 weeks to read this book.
I have been told for about 2 years now that this is a book I should read. But, honestly, the subject of WW2 and the Occupation did not seem like something I wanted to read about. But, in the historical spirit of reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, I picked the book up for a steal at Costco and read it. Am I so glad that I did! Not only do I want to be part of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, I want to know these people. Rob always laughs at me when I say things like that and then gently reminds me that I was reading a book and the characters (not people) aren't real. He can be a real bummer sometimes.
When I first starting reading this book, I would post some of my favorite quotes on Facebook, but then I became overwhelmed by all of the great lines from this book and quit keeping track. I guess I can look them up if I am ever so inclined. As I am with many books, this one made me want to know more and I so hope that these two amazing authors continue the story. I want to know what happens next. It's no surprise that I am a HUGE fan of sequels.
Anyway, to all of my friends out there who told me that I just HAD to read this book, you were right! And, to anyone out there who hasn't read it yet--you just HAVE to read this book. It is sad in parts, but hopeful in ways that outnumber the sadness. Do yourself a favor and read it. You will not be disappointed if you do!
I have been told for about 2 years now that this is a book I should read. But, honestly, the subject of WW2 and the Occupation did not seem like something I wanted to read about. But, in the historical spirit of reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, I picked the book up for a steal at Costco and read it. Am I so glad that I did! Not only do I want to be part of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, I want to know these people. Rob always laughs at me when I say things like that and then gently reminds me that I was reading a book and the characters (not people) aren't real. He can be a real bummer sometimes.
When I first starting reading this book, I would post some of my favorite quotes on Facebook, but then I became overwhelmed by all of the great lines from this book and quit keeping track. I guess I can look them up if I am ever so inclined. As I am with many books, this one made me want to know more and I so hope that these two amazing authors continue the story. I want to know what happens next. It's no surprise that I am a HUGE fan of sequels.
Anyway, to all of my friends out there who told me that I just HAD to read this book, you were right! And, to anyone out there who hasn't read it yet--you just HAVE to read this book. It is sad in parts, but hopeful in ways that outnumber the sadness. Do yourself a favor and read it. You will not be disappointed if you do!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
#18: Born in a Small Town
This book is actually a collection of three stories from two different authors: Debbie Macomber, Janice Kay Johnson, and Judith Bowen. I bought this book for my Nook because I love reading books by Debbie Macomber. But, I did not realize that I had already read the story of hers that was included in this collection. This did not stop me, however, from reading the other two stories. They were good, short reads and very worth my time.
I have to admit that Debbie Macomber's story which is included in this book is a bit over-the-top far fetched. Honestly, a small town in Alaska that is short on women adverstises for them in the paper and actually gets women to move there? Really? I wouldn't go. The story was funny and, believe it or not, there's an entire collection of these Hard Luck Alaska stories. And, yes, I have read them all.
The Glory Girl is the second story and it's about Jack and Hannah. I could TOTALLY relate to Hannah--the good girl no one elver really wants to date who loves her job as a librarian (my DREAM) and who thinks that no one could possibly love her or be attracted to her. It sounds like high school and college all over again! The story turns out well and is, as I said, a good, short read.
Promise Me Picket Fences by Janice Kay Johnson was my favorite story in the collection. I just loved the characters of Kevin and Melanie. Their story was a sweet one. I do so love when men open their hearts and spill out their thoughts. It only seems to happen in books, so I take it when I can get it!
This is the PERFECT book to take to the pool or to the beach. Too bad I can't loan you my copy.
I have to admit that Debbie Macomber's story which is included in this book is a bit over-the-top far fetched. Honestly, a small town in Alaska that is short on women adverstises for them in the paper and actually gets women to move there? Really? I wouldn't go. The story was funny and, believe it or not, there's an entire collection of these Hard Luck Alaska stories. And, yes, I have read them all.
The Glory Girl is the second story and it's about Jack and Hannah. I could TOTALLY relate to Hannah--the good girl no one elver really wants to date who loves her job as a librarian (my DREAM) and who thinks that no one could possibly love her or be attracted to her. It sounds like high school and college all over again! The story turns out well and is, as I said, a good, short read.
Promise Me Picket Fences by Janice Kay Johnson was my favorite story in the collection. I just loved the characters of Kevin and Melanie. Their story was a sweet one. I do so love when men open their hearts and spill out their thoughts. It only seems to happen in books, so I take it when I can get it!
This is the PERFECT book to take to the pool or to the beach. Too bad I can't loan you my copy.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
#17 The Calhouns by Nora Roberts
I just love Nora Roberts' books. I love how she can make a romance story an interesting one to read, where something else is going on other than events in the bedroom. Honestly, I would even venture out on a limb to say that this book was more of a mystery novel at times than a romance. In fact, I am still on the edge of my seat as I await the second book in this installment to arrive so that I can finally figure out where the missing Calhoun emeralds are hidden! It's making me crazy that I don't know AND that I have to wait several weeks for the new book to arrive (but I have laready pre-ordered it so that I don't have to wait quite as long).
The Calhouns was a fairly long book (571 pages), containing three "stories" that Nora Roberts had actually published back in 1991: Courting Catherine, A Man for Amanda, and For the Love of Lilah. Each story tells not only a love story, but tells the story of The Towers--the impressive childhood home of the sisters--and the original owners, Fergus and Biana Calhoun (the sister's grandparents). Again, I loved that there was more to the story than just sex (and even when there was, it was demure, respectful, and left a lot to the imagination) and am finding it harder than I thought to wait for the new book to arrive. The second part of the story (and I think the final part but I can't quite recall that detail) tells the stories of the final sister, Suzanna, and Megan, the sister of one of the new brother-in-laws. And, it better tell me the details of the emeralds or I will be horribly disappointed!
I can't believe that I have already read 17 books. I am way ahead of schedule, and that's a good thing. I needed to have read 16 books by the middle/end of April. I am well on my way to 52!
The Calhouns was a fairly long book (571 pages), containing three "stories" that Nora Roberts had actually published back in 1991: Courting Catherine, A Man for Amanda, and For the Love of Lilah. Each story tells not only a love story, but tells the story of The Towers--the impressive childhood home of the sisters--and the original owners, Fergus and Biana Calhoun (the sister's grandparents). Again, I loved that there was more to the story than just sex (and even when there was, it was demure, respectful, and left a lot to the imagination) and am finding it harder than I thought to wait for the new book to arrive. The second part of the story (and I think the final part but I can't quite recall that detail) tells the stories of the final sister, Suzanna, and Megan, the sister of one of the new brother-in-laws. And, it better tell me the details of the emeralds or I will be horribly disappointed!
I can't believe that I have already read 17 books. I am way ahead of schedule, and that's a good thing. I needed to have read 16 books by the middle/end of April. I am well on my way to 52!
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