Favorite Book Couple(s) of the Year

I found this totally awesome contest from a tweet, and after reading through the blogposts related to the Christmas Countdown? Totally. Awesome. And I started thinking about the couples in the books I've read this year ... Turns out, there have been several whose stories I adored. Sometimes they started out rocky (or worse!), sometimes you could tell there was an intense, very-real connection between them, and sometimes ... it was just one of those things that catches your heart. And so, without further ado, my favorite book couples of the year (listed in order of the books read, not in a hiearchical sense):

1: Laura Ingalls & AlmanzoWilder
So these are 'old' books, but I reread them for the first time in ten years back in January, and realized so much about myself in the rereading. I have a better understanding of who I am now, how I came to be the girl I am. And I fell head-over-heels in love with Almanzo 'Manly' Wilder. Looking back, theirs was the first romance I ever read, at the sweetly innocent age of 5 and 6. The sweet simplicity of their growing romance made a lasting impact on me, which I didn't see until rereading. But seriously, what girl wouldn't want the boy who gentles wild horses with a whisper and has dark, bluest-blue eyes? Sa-woon.

2: Cassie & Bear
I am an absolute sucker for a polar bear. Now that we have that out in the open, I'm also mesmerized by the Norse fairy tale/legend "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" and try to read every variation of it I can get my hands on. Sarah Beth Durst's Ice is an amazing contemporary retelling that had me holding my breath. For a chapter or two, I was convinced it was all going to fall apart - even though I *know* how the story has to end. It's a beautiful story, friends becoming lovers ... a bit of Beauty & the Beast feel, but with a twist. I liked Cassie, I liked how stubborn she was, and how her stubbornness is what re-won her Bear. (Plus, how amazingly gorgeous is this cover?!)

3: Malva & Orpheus
This is one of those romances you see coming, but also don't. Malva is the runaway Princetta, and Orpheus is the young sea captain searching to bring her home to an arranged marriage. But he doesn't. Things change, people change. There's an insane adventure, with lots of trials and tests and moments of revelation. But Malva and Orpheus find each other through it all, and theirs is an Ultimate Love. Definitely unexpected, The Princetta (also listed as The Princess and the Captain) is one of those books you have to read for yourself.

4: Ellen & Marek
The romance between Ellen and the mysterious Marek is complicated but beautiful, as it should be - WWII looming on the horizon, and then fully ravages Europe. There's mystery and confusion, heartbreak and heartachingly-beautiful twists. A Song for Summer was definitely a surprise for me, in that I became deeply attached and connected to the characters. It's a romance that reflects humanity, with all its flaws and beauties.

5: Selene & Juba
I hesitated including this couple in my list, because I hate to give anything up when I talk about Michelle Moran's amazing Cleopatra's Daughter. But I can't leave them off, because theirs is a story that stuck with me for a while ... I won't say a lot, because I really do believe everyone should read this for themselves - it's THAT good, people! - but I loved watching this one.

6: Jane & Nico
I have loved Jane Eyre since I first read it in high school. And April Linder's new retelling Jane is just as engrossing: a quiet student working as a nanny + a badboy rockstar with a mystery ... Oh yeah, it's good. It's real good. Their romance obviously follows the pattern of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester's from the original, but that makes it no less powerful or breathtaking. If anything, having it so very contemporary makes it real-er, more identifiable. Definitely a memorable couple.

7: Slyvi & Ebon
Okay, so this one isn't really a romantic couple, but it's a powerful, powerful bonded relationship. (Literally). This one has been fascinating me, it's a girl and her pegasus. And they are closer than anyone ever thought they would be - or should be. In a sense, it's a forbidden relationship. Yet, it's so very, very right. I love Robin McKinley's ability to spin a story, and Pegasus is an amazing, engrossing, surprising read, with Slyvi and Ebon right at the very heart of it all. Personally, I'd love to have my own pegasus ...

I still have a few weeks left in 2010, and a tantalizing pile of books to read, so chances are good I may discover another amazing couple. But I think this list is a pretty good start.

[Everything Austen II] I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend

Everything Austen II is a challenge hosted by Stephanie over at Stephanie's Written Word.
The goal: To read 6 Austen-themed works between July 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011.
The progress so far:
1: Persuasion (Jane Austen)
2: Emma (Jane Austen)
3: Mr. Knightley's Diary (Amanda Grange)
4: The Darcys Give a Ball (Elizabeth Newark)
5: I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend (Cora Harrison)
6:

United States cover

I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend
Cora Harrison
Delacorte Books, 2010

I first learned about this back in the spring, when it was still months and months from releasing in the US. I was so excited about it though, I made plans to buy the UK edition since it was already out (plus, that cover is so incredibly cute! LOVE it!). Those plans never materialized, but my library bought a copy and I managed to snag it first. (Love-love-love when that happens).



UK cover



Going into the reading, I really wasn't sure what I'd get - the basic premise is that this is the diary of Jane Austen's cousin/best friend Jenny Cooper, and tells the story of how Jane helped Jenny with matters of the heart. I was expecting a light, fun read - and got that, but also got more. Harrison crafted a lovely story that offered a glimpse at what it must have been like to grow up with Jane Austen. In the adventures (and misadventures) Jenny and Jane share, you can see the beginnings of the stories and characters that would go on to become Jane's contribution to the literary world. Jenny's take on the Austen family is enough of an 'outsider' to be able to see things Jane cannot, but she's still very much a part of that close circle. It is in this circle that she becomes better acquainted with herself, and discovers what it means to fall in love.

I enjoyed the book, it was cute and fun, but also had a lot of interesting little details. Harrison, in her author's note, states that she drew heavily from surviving letters of Mrs. Austen and Jenny Cooper (who was actually also called "Jane"). I was amused by comparing what was going on in the book, and the characters, with what occured in Becoming Jane -- some interesting overlap.

Book provided by my local library.

[Everything Austen II] The Darcys Give a Ball

Everything Austen II is a challenge hosted by Stephanie over at Stephanie's Written Word.
The goal: To read 6 Austen-themed works between July 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011.
The progress so far:
1: Persuasion (Jane Austen)
2: Emma (Jane Austen)
3: Mr. Knightley's Diary (Amanda Grange)
4: The Darcys Give a Ball (Elizabeth Newark)
5:
6:

The Darcys Give a Ball
Elizabeth Newark
Sourcebooks, 2008

I saw this on the shelf when I was wandering the stacks one day, and knew I *had* to read it. So very glad I did! I loved it. Seriously loved it. A quick, easy read, I was hooked from the beginning. (Truthfully, hooked by the title). Imagine a world, 20ish years after Pride & Prejudice ends, where Lizzie and Darcy and Jane and Bingley have children. Oh, and don't forget Charlotte and Mr Collins and their children. Now, take a deep breath and imagine the children of all the other Austen couplings ... Yes, all of them. Emma and Knightley; Elinor and Edward; Marianne and Col. Brandon; Anne and Capt. Wentworth ... and, of course, the rest of 'em too. They all have children. And all the parents and children know each other. And they all come together at one ball - held at Pemberley and hosted by the Darcys. What happens is sheer delight. I absolutely loved seeing all the characters come together and coexist and interact across the novel borders. I loved getting a peek at what Lizzie and Jane felt and thought about the other great Austen figures. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the children of the matches - there is much to be said for having good parents, let me tell you. And the ending? Lovely. As lovely as a dance on a moonlit night. Now ... I just need to get my hands on Newark's mouse-version of Pride & Prejudice -- 'twas mentioned in the 'About the Author', and I have begun a quest to find it!

Book provided by my local library.

Chronicle Books: Happy Haul-idays, indeed!

 The holiday season is upon us, and Chronicle Books is having an AMAZING giveaway! They are having a "Haul-idays" giveaway, with up to $1000 in prizes! No lie. Here's how it works ... I went through and made my wish-list of up to $500 worth of goodies available from Chronicle Books. If I am selected as the winner, I get my wish list. But that's not all. One lucky commenter on this blogpost will ALSO WIN THE WISH-LIST! That's right. WE BOTH GET BOOKS! There are a lot of bloggers participating, so if you want to go check out their lists, head over here ... It won't hurt my feelings if you comment on multiple wish-lists. ((I'm doing it too!)) So here's my list, and I'm hoping it's a sweet haul-iday season!!!

Gingerbread 
By Jennifer Lindner McGlinn
Photographs by Béatrice Peltre
Who says gingerbread is just for the holidays? This unique cookbook shows how gingerbread can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert year-round...

Deep Dark Chocolate
By Sara Perry
Photographs by France Ruffenach
Dark chocolate lovers will fall head over heels for each of the more than 60 indulgent recipes in Deep Dark Chocolate...

Sweet Tooth Pack
The Cupcake Deck AND The Chocolate Deck
By Elinor Klivans
There are two things that we can't resist: cupcakes and chocolate. So why fight it? We're throwing in the towel and succumbing to our cravings with the sweetest gift pack on our list.

Luscious Lemon Desserts
By Lori Longbotham
Photographs by Alison Miksch
Lemon sweets are the divas of desserts. Assertive and bold, lemons can be flamboyant, tart, and tangy as in the Lemon Granita or sweet, mellow, and velvety like the creamy Lemon Panna Cotta. Over 70 recipes--from the classics to lip-smacking new favorites--are all enticingly presented in Luscious Lemon Desserts...

Sweet Miniatures
By Flo Braker
Photographs by Michael Lamotte
Award-winning author and acclaimed baking expert Flo Braker knows the best things come in small packages. Now this acclaimed author is back with a revised and expanded edition of her beloved Sweet Miniatures. Winner of the IACP Single-Subject Cookbook Award, Sweet Miniatures offers rich, all-new color photography, a whimsically appealing design, and step-by-step instructions for making all kinds of delectable desserts scaled down to an irresistible one-bite size...

Wookiee Cookies
By Robin Davis
Boba Fett-Uccine and Princess Leia Danish Dos are just the beginning when the Force is with you in the kitchen. Wookiee Cookies is your invitation to fine culinary experiences in the Star Wars frame of mind...

The Big Book of Soups and Stews
By Maryana Vollstedt
Where the best-selling Big Book of Casseroles brought bubbling cheese and golden bread crumbs, The Big Book of Soups and Stews brings succulent meats, tender vegetables, and creamy, savory goodness with 262 comforting recipes for soups, chowders, and stews...

The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy
By Domenica Marchetti
Photographs by William Meppem
Italian cooks are masters of the art of preparing simmering soups and stews that showcase seasonal ingredients at their very best. Domenica Marchetti reveals their secrets with The Glorious Soups and Stews of Italy, a collection of more than 60 exceptional, authentic recipes that celebrate each season in the Italian tradition...

Delicious Dips
By Diane Morgan
Photographs by Joyce Oudkerk Pool
Diane Morgan -- the diva of dips and champion of chips -- has created more than 50 recipes for everyone's dipping and dunking party favorites...

Pestos, Tapenades & Spreads
By Stacey Printz
Photographs by Mark Lund
With little fuss and enormous flavor, transform everyday meals with simple yet creative toppings, dips, and spreads. Forty recipes are paired with multiple serving suggestions for producing yummy (and healthy!) dishes, from appetizers to dinners...

The Big Book of Appetizers
By Meredith Deeds and Carla Snyder
Everyone is always looking for new and interesting recipes for appetizers, and in this book you'll find hundreds of dips, nuts, nibbles, salsas, spreads, soups, dumplings, tarts, wraps, and so much more!...

Classic Horse Stories
Compiled by Christina Darling
From Black Beauty to Pegasus, few animals inspire as much devotion and delight as horses. This collection has something for the horse-lover in everyone, including favorite horses in fiction, true stories of real horses, and a guide to grooming them...

Classic Western Stories
Compiled by Cooper Edens
For more than a hundred years, the vivid stories of the American West have thrilled and enthralled audiences both young and old, and captured the imaginations of generations. Here are the adventures of outlaws and gunslingers, explorers and settlers, lumberjacks and cowboys. Here are legends—Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, Calamity Jane—and trailblazers—Lewis and Clark, Daniel Boone...

Eric Carle Decorative Prints
By Eric Carle
This exciting collection features 12 ready-to-frame stunning posters celebrating the art of Eric Carle. The perfect gift for new parents decorating a nursery, or a delightful addition to any classroom, these posters feature colorful and kid-friendly images, including character favorites such as the Hungry Caterpillar...

Prisoners in the Palace
By Michaela MacColl
London, 1838. Sixteen-year-old Liza's dreams of her society debut are dashed when her parents are killed in an accident. Penniless, she accepts the position of lady's maid to young Princess Victoria and steps unwittingly into the gossipy intrigue of the servant's world below-stairs as well as the trickery above. Is it possible that her changing circumstances may offer Liza the chance to determine her own fate, find true love, and secure the throne for her future queen?...

Romeow and Drooliet
By Nina Laden
Author-artist Nina Laden has taken her trademark wit and applied it to one of Shakespeare's best-loved plays. Adults familiar with the classic love story will delight in the many references to the original play, all of which make this a rarity: a children's book they want to read again and again...

The Hanukkah Mice
By Ronne Randall
Illustrated by Maggie Kneen
This adorable pocket-size tale of three mischievous mice makes an ideal Hanukkah gift. Sweet illustrations and flaps hiding shiny foil surprises keep readers turning the pages until they reach the special ending—a gatefold illustration of a beautiful menorah, with all eight candles burning bright.

Spot the Plot
By J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Thirteen witty and wacky poems pose riddles that challenge readers to "Name That Book." With a glass slipper here and a spiderweb there, Lynn Munsinger's adorable illustrations lead young readers to the solutions. From Goodnight Moon to Madeline, children and parents alike will delight in recognizing their most cherished stories.

Ivanhoe
By Marianna Mayer
Illustrated by John Rush
At the dawn of the Middle Ages, a gripping tale of chivalry and suspense emerges. Two distinguished knights -- one Saxon, one Norman -- have returned from the Crusades. Though they fought on the same side, they now have a score to settle. What begins as a joust between two rivals quickly escalates into clanwide mayhem and a fast-paced series of battles for revenge, honor, and love...

Bears! Bears! Bears!
By Bob Barner
Everyone's favorite bears (and some you may have never met before) fish, munch, dive, cuddle, and climb their way through this playful romp. The simple rhyming text is enhanced with fun facts about new cubs (pandas are born no bigger than a stick of butter!) and bears around the world (the spectacled bear is the only species native to South America), while Bob Barner's richly textured paper collage illustrations bring the bears of the world to life. Budding ursinologists will bearly be able to contain themselves—this book is sure to leave them roaring for more!

Noah's Ark
Adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
For 40 days and 40 nights rain poured from the heavens, enveloping the world. Only Noah had been warned by God of the great flood—and only Noah could save life on earth. This powerful story of salvation has fascinated people of all ages for centuries. Now, four-time Caldecott Honor-recipient Jerry Pinkney captures all the courage, drama, and beauty of this ancient parable in rich, glorious paintings...

Thumbelina
By Sylvia Long
From best-selling artist Sylvia Long comes an exquisite version of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale about a thumb-size girl and her larger-than-life adventures. Jewel-toned paintings depict the story's settings—from light and airy meadows to Mole's dark and dismal underground home—while whimsical details bring the classic cast of characters to life and make this storytime favorite a visual feast.

Sleeping Beauty
Illustrated by K.Y. Craft
Sleeping Beauty's enchanted slumber has captivated readers' hearts for centuries. Now brought luminously to life by K. Y. Craft's lavish paintings, this new edition of a timeless favorite is sure to enchant readers both young and old. Fairy tale lovers have been eagerly awaiting Craft's next magical romance since the release of her Cinderella. With illustrations inspired by the magnificent style of Baroque painters, the sumptuous color and exquisite detail of this breathtaking interpretation make it a dream come true.

Wild Horse Winter
By Tetsuya Honda
Based on an actual event, this suspenseful story tells the miraculous saga of a herd of beautiful wild horses and details the life of a young colt as it matures and follows the lead of its protective mother to overcome a wild, raging blizzard in the dramatic conclusion of their journey. The soft paintings combine with the simple text to bring a vanishing breed vividly to life. A wonderful book for reading aloud or for sharing, the story subtly parallels the growth of all creatures and underscores the strong bonds that exist between parent and child.

Cat Companion Journal
By Jeffrey Brown
This purr-fectly charming journal features a stamped cover and lots of really cute cat illustrations.

Cat Getting out of a Bag and OtherObservations
By Jeffrey Brown
Celebrated comic artist and graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown's collection of all-new drawings sweetly illustrates the joys of living with a cat. Featured in McSweeney's and on NPR's This American Life, and praised by comic luminaries Chris Ware and Daniel Clowes, Brown's work has always paid tribute to felines as they curl up on couches and purr on the peripheries of his autobiographical stories. Cat Getting Out of a Bag follows his cat Misty—really, any cat—as she goes about her everyday activities and adventures. In a series of drawings, Brown perfectly captures the universal charm of cats in a lovely book sure to please fans and cat lovers of any stripe.

Forests Eco-Keepsake Notecards
By Lisa Congdon
Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks, these gorgeous notecards feature the lush forest paintings of San Francisco artist Lisa Congdon. Housed in a reusable keepsake box.

Mini Notes
By Susie Ghahremani
Whether they are dropped in a friend's bag, left on a workmate's desk, or clipped to a birthday gift, mini greeting cards are sure to spread smiles and good cheer!

Masha & Friends
By Suzy Ultman
This adorable collection of die-cut notecards recalls the glorious colors and themes of Russian folk art. ...

Total: $491.99

Don't forget: Leave a comment, with an email address/some way to contact you, and you may win a set of these goodies too!

[Everything Austen II] Mr. Knightley's Diary

Everything Austen II is a challenge hosted by Stephanie over at Stephanie's Written Word.
The goal: To read 6 Austen-themed works between July 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011.
The progress so far:
1: Persuasion (Jane Austen)
2: Emma (Jane Austen)
3: Mr. Knightley's Diary (Amanda Grange)
4:
5:
6:

Mr. Knightley's Diary
Amanda Grange
Berkley Trade, 2006

I happily timed the reading of this to coincide with the finishing of Emma. I liked the juxtaposition of having just finished reading the 'full-fledged' version with seeing everything unfold from Mr. Knightley's point of view. Having read Grange's Mr. Darcy's Diary when it first came out, I knew to expect good things of Knightley - and was not disappointed! Everything that I loved about Mr. Knightley in Austen's original comes through - and is gracefully and carefully fleshed out - in Grange's. Here is a Mr. Knightley who feels, and who battles with his own understanding. Watching his words reflect his so-very-obvious preference for Miss Emma Woodhouse above all others, before he realized he was in actually rather in love with said young lady, was delightfully amusing. I smiled often, chuckled a little, and fell even more in love with the gentle Mr. Knightley. Grange is very careful in her writing to stay true to Austen's original characters, even while giving them more 'body' and story. There are faithful accounts of the actions that take place in Emma recorded in Knightley's diary - whole conversations have even been recorded for posterity! A lovely read, and most definitely a wonderful accompaniment for Emma.

Book provided by my local library.

[Everything Austen II] Emma

Everything Austen II is a challenge hosted by Stephanie over at Stephanie's Written Word.
The goal: To read 6 Austen-themed works between July 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011.
The progress so far:
1: Persuasion (Jane Austen)
2: Emma (Jane Austen)
3:
4:
5:
6:

Emma
Jane Austen
Bantam Classics, 1984 (original publication 1815)

I read Emma ages ago, back in early high school. Probably sophomore year? I remember liking the story at the time, but at 15 there was no way I could possibly appreciate it the way I did now, rereading at the ripe old age of 25. This go-round, I was able to not only delight in the writing itself -- this may be the best written of Austen's novels, in my opinion -- but to lose my heart to the story, the characters, the whole shebang.

Perhaps one of the reasons I got so much more out of the novel this time was because for the first time in my life, I can actually relate to Emma Woodhouse. (I've watched the movies a dozen times, so I'm intimately acquainted with the story itself, if not as familiar with reading the words). I keep hearing that people do not like Emma as a character, and I'm not sure why. She's no Lizzie Bennett, but I find Emma refreshingly human. So she's spoiled and vain - she has every reason to be, and there is a good heart underneath the silliness. I found her a bit flippant at times, but attributed it to her youth and comparative isolation from society. What I did get a wee bit frustrated with was her inability to see Mr. Knightley. I fell in love with Mr. Knightley, really and truly, and found him to be a rival of Mr. Darcy for the title of "Perfect Romantic Hero".

Emma has much to offer the ready reader: a love story of aching sweetness and possibility; a host of characters that reflect all the best and worst of humanity; moments of dialogue that could be overheard in any college hall or coffee shop; and that special flavor that Jane gives to her best work. A delightful experience, and I shall revisit Emma again before another 10 years passes.

Book provided by my personal library.

*Breaking News* Melissa Walker's New Cover Revealed!

So I am totally psyched to be able to help Melissa Walker reveal the cover of her new, upcoming book! The book, Small Town Sinners, doesn't come out until *July*, but the cover has just been unveiled ... and I must say, I am definitely intrigued! Can't wait to see it in real-life and read it!

Without further ado ...

Lacey Anne Byer is a perennial good girl and lifelong member of the House of Enlightenment, the Evangelical church in her small town. With her driver's license in hand and the chance to try out for a lead role in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, Lacey's junior year is looking promising. But when a cute new stranger comes to town, something begins to stir inside her. Ty Davis doesn't know the sweet, shy Lacey Anne Byer everyone else does. With Ty, Lacey could reinvent herself. As her feelings for him make Lacey test her boundaries, events surrounding Hell House make her question her religion. Does falling in love mean falling out of faith?

Mini Shopaholic

Mini Shopaholic
Sophie Kinsella
Dial Press, 2010

There's a new Shopaholic novel! My little sister and I were so very excited when we found out this was coming out, and when I got my hands on a copy before she did ... Well, let's just say there was a little jealousy. I had toyed with the idea of rereading all the others before reading this latest installment, since I haven't read them in several years, but I just didn't have the time. Turns out it would have been a totally unnecessary endeavor - this edition of Becky Brandon (nee` Bloomwood)'s life can stand alone easily. Yes, it helps to have some idea of who (and what) Becky is, and the nature of her hilarious life with Luke and Co. But this is a new phase of Becky's life, and seems to be a much more concentrated focus too -- dealing with a few months' time and a massive project. I liked it. It was different than the other Shopaholic novels, and so different from what I was expecting. But I did like it -- I had to find out if everything turned out alright. I had to see what on earth Becky would end up doing (or not doing) as the story progressed. It was an easy read, enjoyable and satisfyingly fluffy. And I really, really hope Sophie Kinsella picks up where she leaves off and gives us a seventh Shopaholic novel in a little while!

Book provided by my local library.

New Books!

Okay ... It's been a while since I posted New Books! happiness. So here's a glimpse of what I've acquired in the last ... month and a half or so:

The Moon Looked Down (Dorothy Garlock)

Whisper on the Wind (Maureen Lang - signed!)

The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte (Syrie James)

To Conquer Mr Darcy (Abigail Reynolds - signed!)

 Queen's Daughter (Susan Coventry - signed and with Queen's Daughter sticky notes!)

Love on a Dime (Cara Lynn James)

All of them are very beautiful. I hardly know what to read first! I think I may end up closing my eyes, shuffling the stack, and randomly picking one. Or write the titles on slips of paper and put 'em in a tea cup or something and draw my next selection.

Keep your eyes peeled for reviews to come!

Stars in the Night

Stars in the Night
Cara C. Putnam
Summerside, 2010

I won this from a weekly giveaway over at Favorite PASTimes, and Ms. Putman signed it with a wonderful message I needed the day it came: "Dreams do come true!" Even though I don't normally read mysteries, this book called and beckoned and I had to answer ... Yes, there is a mystery to it, but the story itself is so much more than trying to figure out "whodunit". The characters are real - I recognized much of myself in Audra - their feelings are familiar, their conversation believable. I knew I'd like the story based solely on it being about the Homefront effort during WWII - especially since it focuses on glamorous old Hollywood. I did not expect to get so 'sucked in' to the story -- I devoured it once I was able to sit down and read it. I had to find out what was going to happen next, how everything would turn out in the end. I didn't expect everything to resolve as it did - I was truly surprised by the twists and turns in the mystery part of the telling. I don't want to give anything away, but this is definitely a book I'd recommend for someone wanting an involving, satisfying read that has more weight than chick lit, but isn't really heavy.

Book provided by my personal library.

Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom

Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom
Susan Nielsen
Tundra Books, 2010

As promised in a previous post, a review of Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom! I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into when I started to read -- I haven't read about middleschoolers in years -- but the premise was just too good to pass up. How could I resist a story about a girl trying to set her mom up with George Clooney?! You just can't do that. Resist, I mean. Although chances are it'd be a bit difficult to set up someone with Clooney. But I digress ... Back to the review: The characters are younger than what I've read in a while, but that did not detract from either the story nor the characters themselves. Violet is not too growny, and while once or twice I felt like she was acting a little 'beyond her age', within the context of the story it made sense and worked. Then too, I stopped to think about my little cousin and her friends - all 13-14 - and how they behave ... Violet was very convincing as a character, and I enjoyed her escapades.

For all the fun and humor of the title, there is some serious real-life stuff going on in Violet's life. Nothing is over-dramatized or played up for emotional shock value, everything is presented as "this is reality". I think there are probably a lot of readers who can relate to Violet and her experiences and emotions. It's a real book, that will make you think about real things, but in a super cute and very enjoyable, fun read. Definitely glad I gave it a go - thanks, Amanda, for making it possible!

Book provided by my personal library.

The Cookbook Collector

The Cookbook Collector
Allegra Goodman
Dial Press, 2010

What caught my attention initially was the title - my mum and I collect cookbooks, so to see a novel entitled "The Cookbook Collector" was attention-getting to say the least. Then I saw where people are calling Allegra Goodman "the modern-day Jane Austen". And at that point, I knew I needed to give in and read the book. Thankfully, I lucked out and the library had it available and ready for check out!

I'm not sure I'd go so far as to call Goodman the new Jane Austen, but I can understand why people draw the comparison: Just as Jane knew humanity and was able to demonstrate the ridiculous and the admirable in her characters, Goodman is a keen observer of human nature and draws very believable, real figures. So while I can understand it, I don't entirely agree. The Cookbook Collector has a LOT of characters. And almost all of them get a chance to 'speak'/ be in the spotlight. While that creates a very developed, detailed and dimensional story, it was also rather confusing until I got everyone sorted out in my head.

Actually, that's kind of my overall feeling about the book: I was confused until I got it all organized. There are a lot of storylines, and figuring out how they all related - IF they were all related - took some mental attention. As the story progressed, it got easier and easier to follow. Whether that's because I was now totally engrossed in the story or because I had worked through the confusing beginning and made it into a clearer-in-general part of the story, I don't know. What I do know is this: Goodman wove an intricate tale, and took it somewhere I was not expecting. At all. Once I reached the end, I had a moment of thinking "I should've seen that coming," but then - if I had seen it coming, I wouldn't have liked the story so well. Because I did like it, a lot. Allegra Goodman may not be Jane Austen, but she can write an amazing and arresting story.

Book provided by my local library.

Simon Pulse RomCom Challenge

I saw this posted over on the YA Booknerd blog, and while I was intrigued I didn't think I would be able to get my hands on any of the books. Then I browsed the stacks of the library I am interning at, and had a momentary happy dance today! They have some Simon Pulse RomComs!!! Not the whole set, but enough to let me do the challenge. Quite exciting, let me tell you. This will be my second challenge effort (the first being Everything Austen II, which I need to get my butt in gear on), and I'm pretty excited.

I think I'm going to do this at the 'Lover' level, since I'm not sure there are 15 different titles I can get my hands on ... If I can read more, I will. But I'm shooting for 5! Yippee!

Girl in Translation

Girl in Translation
Jean Kwok
Riverhead, 2010

I have seen this listed on a lot of To-Read lists, and read several reviews, and let's be honest: the cover and title are pretty amazing. (Random sidenote: I wish my own hair would stay that nicely with a pencil stuck through it.) So when I saw it available at the library, I quickly scooped it up.

The story is straight-forward and chronological, after the initial chapter that is a little bit of a "Huh? Did I miss something?"-intro to the book. It makes sense later, after you've read the story of ah-Kim from beginning to end. Premise is simple: mother and young daughter immigrate from China to America, and do whatever it takes to survive. Ah-Kim is very smart, and quickly learns what needs to be done to rescue her mother and herself from their situation in life. Along the way, there are all sorts of 'normal' growing up adventures, and these are contrasted to the 'hidden' life of New York's Chinese.

For me, the book was just 'okay' -- it didn't have me hanging on every word, but I wasn't disgusted either. I kept reading, and was actually surprised by the ending. Did not see that one coming. At all. Kwok's ability to slip that in while leaving me, the reader, totally unawares of where the story was going earned a few points.

Book provided by my local library.

My Name is Memory

My Name is Memory
Ann Brashares
Riverhead, 2010

I am a huge fan of Ann Brashares, and have read every book she's written. So when I found out she had a new book coming out this year, I was thrilled! Until I saw the premise ... I'm definitely not a fan of paranormal, and while time travel in the sense of - well, I guess it's basically reincarnation - isn't that "paranormal" it was a little odd and not really on my reading radar. But the cover kept beckoning, and I kept seeing it popping up in places, so I gave in. Oh. Wow. I am so glad I did. The story isn't about reincarnation so much as it is about memory - and what makes a person the person they are. It's about trust and faith and love. It's about humanity. And it's a bittersweet romance.

Daniel, the one who remembers the most, gives us all the backstory, which involves a lot of flashbacks/memories. They're nicely done however, and clearly marked - both by chapter headings and a change in font. The memories are scattered in among the 'current' story, and help explain why everything is happening as it is in the now. In the process of learning about Daniel and Lucy/Sophia's past, the reader also gets to experience fun historical vignettes - Daniel has lived many times, and has many memories. This is most definitely a book that requires the willing suspension of disbelief -- it is rather fantastic at points -- but if you read the words on the page instead of trying to reconcile them with a sense of reality, the story will take you amazing places.

All things considered, I'm glad I took a chance on My Name is Memory -- it is very different from what I tend to read, but the story was everything I expect from Brashares. Sometimes risks are lesser than their rewards.

Book provided by my local library.

Summer Reading Recap

I work in a college environ, so I consider 'summer' to be May-June-July-August, therefore, here are the books read from May through August:


May
- Waiting for You: Susane Colasanti (320)
- Sweet Little Lies: Lauren Conrad (309)
- The Alpha Bet: Stephanie Hale (232)
- The Cranford Chronicles: Elizabeth Gaskell (484)
- The Cinderella Society: Kay Cassidy (322)
- Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots: Abby McDonald (293)
- The Summer I Turned Pretty: Jenny Han (276)

June
- Spoken from the Heart: Laura Bush (432)
- Wish: Alexandra Bullen (323)
- Dreaming of Dior: Charlotte Smith (292)
- Wedding Season: Darcy Cosper (340)
- Odd and the Frost Giants: Neil Gaiman (118)
- Princess Ben: Catherine Gilbert Murdock (344)
- A Song for Summer: Eva Ibbotson (397)
- Android Karenina: Leo Tolstoy & Ben Winters (538)
- Tammy: Adventure in Hollywood: Alice Wellman (214)
- It's Not Summer Without You: Jenny Han (277)
- The Bad Queen: Carolyn Meyer (420)

July
- Cleopatra's Daughter: Michelle Moran (422)
- Someday My Prince will Come: Jerramy Fine (305)
- Portion of the Sea: Christine Lemmon (422)
- After the Kiss: Terra Elan McVoy (382)
- The Cupcake Queen: Heather Hepler (242)
- Runaway: Meg Cabot (310)
- Persuasion: Jane Austen (283)
- Ice Land: Betsy Tobin (354)

August
- Everlasting: Angie Frazier (329)
- Heist Society: Ally Carter (287)
- Commencement: J. Courtney Sullivan (324)
- Lowcountry Summer: Dorothea Benton Frank (340)
- My Name is Memory: Ann Brashares (324)
- Girl in Translation (290)

Totals:  32 books, 10545 pages

Okay ... So maybe that's a lot more than I was expecting, even though I see my yearlong tally on a regular basis. It was obviously a hot-hot summer, which meant a lot of afternoons reading in the cool. And no, not all of those books have been reviewed on here - this blog is still getting up and running as a steady review-source; and, too, some of them I just frankly didn't feel inclined to review some of 'em. I'm getting better though, I really am. There are definitely some reviews in the works waiting to get fine-tuned and published. So stay tuned!

Commencement

Commencement
J. Courtney Sullivan
Knopf, 2009

I originally picked up Commencement because it looked to be one of those chick lit books I love: four girls, from different backgrounds, finding each other at the right time, and staying friends through life's adventures and misadventures. It was that, but it was also so much more! I expected fluffy, happy-go-lucky, maybe a tear but definitely some laughing out loud. I got that, but I also got a thought-provoking story that reached in deep and made me think about all kinds of 'issues'.

Logistically, the novel is written from each of the girls' perspective in turn - clearly labeled, and you always know which character is narrating which section (this is a good thing). Since the story begins with their freshman introduction and continues to the present, there is a lot of 'flashback' and time-jumping -- however, it is not confusing and transitions are introduced very well. Each girl is allowed to tell her own story, or own personal interpretation of shared events as well as her own individual journey. Because of this, there is some overlap between accounts - however, this only adds to the depth of the story, making it more real and involved.

I definitely loved this novel, even though some parts were really hard to read ((there are a lot of serious, weighty issues that are present - it's not overwhelming, but you will think)). I had no idea where the story was going, and at the end I was totally surprised -- since I tend to guess how things are going to end, this is an accomplishment on the part of the author. I'd love to know where the story is going from there -- will there be a sequel? Does it continue only in the minds and hearts of those who read it? Time will tell, I s'pose.

Book provided by my local library.

Happy happy!

I've been horrible about updating lately, oops. I have reviews to post, I just haven't ... Sigh. Bad habits are so easily acquired. However, some happy teasers:

New books are in my life muchly these days! Not only did I make an amazing haul at Goodwill a few weeks ago regarding 1950s-1970s "young adult" books, but I find myself the happy winner of several giveaways this month. That is definitely something to celebrate. So far, the only one that has been delivered is Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom, which I won from Amanda's very fun giveaway over at Books of Amanda's Land! I will post the others as they come ... and be looking for a review of Dear George coming soon. We hope.

Reviews are coming. I promise! Just not sure when ... but until then, check out some of the blogs on my blogroll for some amazing To-Read List additions.

Wowzers Giveaway!

Passages to the Past is hosting an amazing giveaway! Check it out (also on the sidebar, for easy access)!

The loot:
The entire collection of Susan Holloway Scott's novels - historical fiction, with gorgeous covers and appealing titles and storylines. Definitely very interesting ... Here's hoping!

Contest @ Breathless Books

Becky over at BreathlessBooks is having a follower-celebration contest: Win a book from her To-Be-Read list!

Check it out: http://breathlessbooks.blogspot.com/2010/08/50-follower-giveaway.html#links

Choose Your Genre Contest

Hey hey, stumbled across another amazing contest: Choose Your Genre over at Books Obsession!

There are four, yes, FOUR, different prize packs you can win from (designated by genre), and each pack features books and swag. Cool beans,  right?

Check it out: Choose your genre contest!

Amazing Contest!

Stumbled across this contest - totally amazing. Seriously. Check it out!
Best part of all? It's about sharing your reading with your sisters! Oh yeah ... This is good stuff.

http://www.facebook.com/ThereseWalsh.author?v=wall#!/notes/therese-walsh/a-big-fat-51-author-102-book-my-sister-and-me-contest-the-official-rules-the-off/143430712341519

Heist Society

Heist Society
Ally Carter
Hyperion, 2010

This is totally not my normal read, but I saw it and decided to pick it up on a whim; the cover and title are fun, and the blurb on the bookflap suggested there might be something I'd at least like to the story. I was quickly whisked away on an adventure unlike any I've been on before. Sometimes taking risks pays off - whether they are simple, like reading something out of your ordinary, or huge risks that put your life and the lives of all those you love best at work, like Kat has to make in the story.

The story was surprising well-written. Fast-paced, with enough action and drama to keep me focused and interested, but not so much as to be overwhelming. Timing was key, because the main story takes place in just two weeks' time. Some of the travel that takes place seems a little far-fetched, but this is a far-fetched story set in a global world. This was definitely a glimpse into a world I can barely even imagine, but - surprisingly - enjoyed. May have to take a few more [reading] risks in the future ...

Book provided by my local library.