#50: The Grief of Others by Leah Hager Cohen

The Grief of Others by Leah Cohen is not an uplifting book.  It is the sort of story you read when you feel low and can be made to feel better knowing that there are people in the world who are worse off than you.  

If ever there was a family who is experiencing more that their share of grief in the world, it's the Ryrie Family.  Ricky and John have just lost their 3rd child 57 hours after he was born.  They can't quite figure out how to deal with the grief.  It impacts their marriage and the lives of their other two children, Biscuit (aka Elizabeth) and Paul, and yet they have no idea that their grief is causing anyone other than themselves immense pain.  And, on top of it all, they can't really even lean on each other because their marriage has has some grown pains and they seem to be falling apart at the seams. 

The story is told in alternating sections--some parts being told in the present, others in the past, others in the distant past, and all leading up to present day time when decisions are made as to how this grieving family will move on.  

Two ideas stayed with me as I closed the cover of The Grief of Others.  One, never assume that death is easy for children.  Two, never assume that when someone says they forgive you, that you are truly forgiven.  You might just spend the rest of your days trying to prove that you won't make the same mistake twice.  

Happy reading, everyone!
:) Dodie

#49: Shopaholic to the Stars

If you are a fan of the Shopaholic series of books by Sophie Kinsella, Shopaholic to the Stars is a must-read.  If you have not yet read these books, I strongly suggest that you put down Shopaholic to the Stars and that you start with Confessions of a Shopaholic, instead.  There are several books in this series that chronicle the life and times of Becky Bloomwood Brandon.  She's hilarious.  And a bit addicted to shopping and being famous (neither of which I can relate to). These books are not heavy, they are light and fluffy, and perhaps are meant to be read at the beach with a drink in your hand.

I have loved them all and have read them all, but I do think that I truly enjoyed the movie the best.  If you haven't watched it, you should.  And if you are trying to save time reading, the movie does a nice job of spinning together at least the first two books, if not the first three.

Cute story, a bit of a cliffhanger, as it leaves a big chunk of the story unfinished.  But never fear, the last page lets readers know that Becky will be back soon, IN LAS VEGAS!!!  Oh dear...Becky in Las Vegas.  Even I can get in trouble shopping there...

Happy reading everyone!
:) Dodie