Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: REWIND


I Love Rewinds, because I do sometimes miss out on a Top 10 that I want to participate in. In This Case I am going to rewind back to last month with the topic: Books I Recommend Most

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And I'm Cheating But Also,







Monday, February 11, 2013

Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)

Summary:
" Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other."


Born Wicked was not exactly what I thought... For some reason the cover made me think it was a book that took place in the south. However, the New England / Salem Witch Trial esque setting worked nicely too. The thing is I just wasn't entirely moved by the plot line and I felt it dragged on. As for the romantic interests, I like both equally but felt no strong loyalties or pull to one or the other. Overall, I won't make reading the rest of the series a priority.








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Saturday, December 1, 2012

Seasons Giving!

Hello!

I have decided that I would like to raise some money this month for charity. All you have to do is buy merchandise from my Online Store powered through Cafe Press. I have an assortment of bookish related merchandise, perfect for us book lovers and authors a like. (More Merch. To Be Added)


 How It Works..

When You Buy Something From My Store, %10 of What I Earn From Your Purchase Will Be Donated To A Charity of  "Your Choice"

What I Mean By Your Choice Is I have Selected 6 Charities That We Can Possibly Donate To. All You Have To Do Is Place Your Vote In The Poll In The Upper Right Column, You Have Until Dec. 8th to Vote For Your Favorite Until it is narrowed to the top 4 and then top 2. The Purchasing for the Charity will end on Dec. 31st.

Voting Dates
Top 6 - Now to December 8th
Top 4 - December 9th to December 22nd
Top 2 - December 23rd to December 31st

The Charities 

World Wildlife Fund- "Our Vision for the FutureWe seek to save a planet, a world of life. Reconciling the needs of human beings and the needs of others that share the Earth, we seek to practice conservation that is humane in the broadest sense. We seek to instill in people everywhere a discriminating, yet unabashed, reverence for nature and to balance that reverence with a profound belief in human possibilities. From the smallest community to the largest multinational organization, we seek to inspire others who can advance the cause of conservation.We seek to be the voice for those creatures who have no voice. We speak for their future. We seek to apply the wealth of our talents, knowledge, and passion to making the world wealthier in life, in spirit, and in living wonder of nature.Goal and StrategiesBy 2020, WWF will conserve 15 of the world’s most ecologically important regions by working in partnership with others to:
  • Protect and restore species and their habitats
  • Strengthen local communities' ability to conserve the natural resources they depend upon
  • Transform markets and policies to reduce the impact of the production and consumption of commodities
  • Ensure that the value of nature is reflected in decisions made by individuals, communities, governments and businesses
  • Mobilize hundreds of millions of people to support conservation"
Autism Speaks- "Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We are proud of what we've been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead."
Smithsonian Institute- "Our MissionThe increase and diffusion of knowledge
Our VisionShaping the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world"
Wounded Warrior Project- "To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.
  • To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.
  • To help injured service members aid and assist each other.
  • To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members."





Save The Children- "

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation.
When disaster strikes around the world, Save the Children is there to save lives with food, medical care and education and remains to help communities rebuild through long-term recovery programs. As quickly and as effectively as Save the Children responds to tsunamis and civil conflict, it works to resolve the ongoing struggles children face every day — poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease — and replaces them with hope for the future."

St.Jude Children's Research Hospital- "The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay."


Please Please Please Help Me Get This On A ROLL... Spread the Word and The Joy = )
Thank You! 




Monday, April 9, 2012

Flight For Control

Summary:
"After a ten-year leave, Kathryn Jacobs has been invited back to the N.T.S.B to investigate a series of unexplained airline crashes. But her husband, Captain Bill Jacobs, has his concerns. While her twin daughters are off at camp, and Bill is actively campaigning for the Pilot Union Presidency, Kathryn secretly begins her investigation. What she learns will shock the nation. 
Flight For Control is a thriller that reads like a mystery. But to Kathryn, there is no mystery on the condition of the airline industry—it’s broken. Planes are crashing. Pensions are lost. Pilots are financially and emotionally bankrupt due to fatigue, furloughs, and loss of seniority. It’s time that someone takes control before it’s too late—unless it already is. 
Your life is in your pilot’s hands. Do you know who’s flying your plane?"

Plot: This book is very plot driven, which is really good. Since the plot is well written and suspenseful, there may be moments where you think that it is an easy,simple plot, but you will be wrong. By the end of the book, my jaw had dropped.

Characters: The thing with the book being plot driven is, there isn't a lot of work on the characters. You know who they are and you know their backgrounds, but there is not much to really emotionally connect you to them. The only Character I really liked and had some emotional connection to was Greg. However, the most well written character is Bill. She nailed it on what kind of person he is and the things they are capable of doing in real life.

Pros: Well Written, Great Plot, Worth Rreading.

Cons: Animal Violence (this is just a personal Con, you all know I can't stand innocent animals dying). Some things feel like they flowed together too easily. Like when she would find or figure something out.

Final Thoughts: This book was by far WAY WAY WAY better then I expected and can definitely cause a fear for flying. Since, it portrays issues that are happening in the industry right now. Overall, I felt the book was a great thriller and reminds me of an Aviation Version of Kathy Riechs, Temperance Brennan Novels and Tess Gerritsen's, Rizzoli and Isles Series. If you are a fan of these, you will love Flight for Control. Also, there is quite a bit of sexy time is this book.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

VLog Review: The Book Thief



You Can Also Head over To My New YouTube and watch the longer less sleepier version of this review... YouTube Glitched and I didn't know that, that version had actually uploaded to later this morning.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Elizabeth:Struggle For The Throne


This will be a quick and easy review, because there isn't much to say about this book. If you are interested in a History, and an accurate account of History, but don't want to read a typical Historical book, then this is the book for you. I personally already knew a lot about Elizabeth's time before she was Queen, so most of this book was not news to me, although I did learn some new facts. However, I wish there was more on when she was Queen, since this is something I don't really know about her. Overall, Starkey does a great job at writing a historically accurate story.

Monday, March 19, 2012

I'm So Happy For You

Summary:
"What if your best friend, whom you've always counted on to flounder in life and love (making your own modest accomplishments look not so bad), suddenly starts to surpass you in every way? 
Wendy's best friend, Daphne, has always been dependably prone to catastrophe. And Wendy has always been there to help. If Daphne veers from suicidal to madly in love, Wendy offers encouragement. But when Daphne is suddenly engaged, pregnant, and decorating a fabulous town house in no time at all, Wendy is...not so happy for her. Caught between wanting to be the best friend she prides herself on being and crippling jealousy of flighty Daphne, Wendy takes things to the extreme, waging a full-scale attack on her best friend-all the while wearing her best, I'm-so-happy-for-you smile-and ends up in way over her head. 
Rosenfeld has a knack for exposing the not-always-pretty side of being best friends--in writing that is glittering and diamond-sharp. I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU is a smart, darkly humorous, and uncannily dead-on novel about female friendship. "

Plot: I think the plot was suppose to be sarcastic, but really it was petty and annoying.
Characters: The main character Wendy is an aggravating main character, I could find no redeeming qualities in her, and the other characters are not any better, I feel they were made in an attempt to make Wendy not look as bad, which didn't work.
Pros: None
Cons: Too Many
Final Thoughts: I would LOVE to say something nice about this book, but I can't find anything nice to say about it. I was hoping for a funny interpretation on friendship and this was just BAD. I mean why would anyone be friends with someone like that? The things Wendy does are ridiculously childish and not even close to being justified. I couldn't even feel bad for her, when bad things happened to her, because she was that obnoxious of a character. This book had so much potential and did not deliver at all. I was also annoyed for the unnecessary political discussions.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Hunger Games

Summary:
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love"

Plot: Well, I can see why this book is a best seller, the plot is dark,creepy and slightly surprising. I would say this plot is more on the Adult side of Young Adult, due to some of the darker elements. Overall, the plot is a great and unique, major props to Suzanne Collins, for being able to create such a wonderful story.

Characters: We really on focus on Katniss. Who is a very serious and masculine, girl. Although, she still maintains femininity. Peeta is so easy to like too, because he is genuinely a nice guy.

Pros: The whole book is just well written.

Cons: CREEPY

Final Thoughts:  I held back on reading The Hunger Games, besides it being a best seller, it just wasn't my style I don't really do well with Post Apocalyptic, Dystopian type books. And there were some moments that definitely reminded me why, I don't like them. Moments, that really creeped me out and made me thankful, that we don't live in that world. Overall, though I am glad I read the book, it isn't something I have read before, and the writing really moves you. I want to read the rest of the series, but due to how freaked out some parts made me, I won't be rushing to read them.

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Name of the Star

Summary:
"The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London, it's the start of a new life at a boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago."

Plot: I love the plot, it is paranormal, without being over done and whole Jack the Ripper concept is beyond brilliant. The plot stayed at a pretty steady pace with nice build up, there was nothing done too quickly and nothing drawn out and boring. It was creepy when it needed to be but funny at the the right moments. For this story it was the perfect balance.

Characters: I like Rory, she is basically average, they don't make her overly special. I didn't feel a big connection with her and Jerome though. There are a few characters who I wouldn't miss, if they don't come back in book 2, even though they may be mentioned a lot. Overall, though Johnson gave every character enough depth in the story.. very Rowling-esque.

Pros: Unique plot, like-able characters, nice pace, some funny quips that are very Maureen Johnson, generally like-able book.

Cons: Not any romance that I could connect to.

Final Thoughts: I find this book to be brilliant, and I cannot wait to read Book 2. Johnson did not disappoint at all. I have huge soft spots for Stephen and Alistair and hope to see them more. I loved that she didn't attempt to re-write history and made the explanations for things rather simple, while still being creative.  The only thing I didn't like was how Boo came in the middle,  I know it makes sense, but she really ruined the whole Jazza/Rory vibe. I love everything about the cover.. except I don't understand why the girl on the cover has red hair, besides it being more visually appealing and I TOTALLY think I can explain the ending.. But I won't in case it is a spoiler..

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Lola and The Boy Next Door

Summary:
"Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door."

Plot: The plot was pretty standard, with a nice slow and genuine build up to romance.

Characters: I liked Lola a lot, although there were definitely times she pissed me off. Overall thought Lola was a a very unique and quirky character. I absolutely adored Cricket Bell and his oddball inventor like appearance. Both Memorable Characters for sure.

Pros: Fun and cute love story, realistic progression, quirky, and Anna and St. Clair both make a huge appearance in this book.

Cons: Nothing that is really a Con to the book besides Lola getting on my nerves at times.

Final Thoughts: Personally, I think I liked Lola and The Boy Next Door better then Anna and The French Kiss. I just felt Lola had a bigger personality that stood out. I think both books are great books especially for  summer time reading. On a side note though, I don't particularly find these books as special, as everyone else has. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from reading them, since they are entertaining for sure, but I won't go out of my way to recommend them either. The one thing I will say is as far as Fictional Crushes go, Cricket Bell is definitely Top 5.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Brother/Sister

Summary:
"Will and Asheley have a troubled past. Their father left them when they were little, and their mother has just been carted off to an alcohol treatment center. Now, they have the house to themselves, and an endless California summer stretching out before them. Through alternating perspectives, they tell the story of how and why their lives spun violently out of control - right up to the impossibly shocking conclusion you'll have to read for yourself to believe."
Plot: The plot is quite straight forward, the story altars between Will and Asheley's story and is told as if they are talking to you. It is a Semi psychological thriller and the ending is unexpected.
Characters: Will and Asheley are siblings, who have a close relationship. They are written very distinctly. Asheley the nice, sweet girl and Will the misunderstood, struggling man of the house.
Pros: quick read, very straight forward plot, and a little creepy. (but you expect that with this book)
Cons: There may have been some inaccuracies on minor details.
Final Thoughts:  I originally thought this book was about incest, but it isn't although there is a slighty inappropriate relationship going on. When I think about the events and personalities of and in the characters lives, it makes sense to me why some of these things happened. Although, I was shocked at some of them Epsecially the ending. I would LOVE to talk to someone who has read the book about the ending. Overall, there are not too many YA Psychological Thrillers out there, that are age appropriate. I mean this is like mini psychological  thriller, but still., an entertaining read.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Summary:
"Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"
Plot: Uhm, can this book receive the MOST Unique Book Plot of 2011 Award?!  Enough Said. 
Characters: I absolutely adored Karou's Character, and Madrigal's grew on me and I just liked Akiva. I did and I didn't understand Zuzana's Character though (she is Karou's best friend) Unless, in the next book.. (there will be a next book right?) she is like Madrigal's sister Chiro. That is  a thought that just hit me. Brimstone and the other Chimeara are written well, that you feel the same way towards them as Karou does.. you like them, there is this sense of home and family, but you know there is secrets and darkness too.
Pros: beyond unique plot, fast chapters
Cons: For me I felt a lack of connection between Karou and Akiva.. I just couldn't BELIEVE it. 
Final Thoughts:  I began reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone and I was a little disappointed cause I wasn't as sucked in as everyone has been claiming to be with this book, but the books chapters are so short and story moves along so quickly that soon I was caught up in Karou's Story. Which is why when it switches to Madrigal's story I was a little thrown off, I wanted more of Karou. Madrigal's story gets more intriguing and hearing her story is absolute key to the story, but I think it was a combo of me only getting to read her story in bits and pieces since I have been busy and just wanting Karou's Story. Over all though, I beyond enjoyed the book, especially the last 20 pages! This is a must read for the YA community. It isn't your normal paranormal.. I can't even say it is Paranormal... it is almost fantasy. Oh, I don't know.. it is just plain AWESOME. I guarantee you haven't read this story yet.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Ruby Red

Summary:
"Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust."
Plot: I LOVE this plot! I love  the unique-ness, the time traveling, the history! I just love it, and this was just a build up plot, yet it managed to still be slightly thrilling. While leaving SO much up to the next books in the series! Obsessed!
Characters: I really like these characters a lot. Gwenyth comes of as a normal girl, who has some special qualities about her, but other then that she is typical, then she has he best friend Lesley, whose personalities compliment each other well. Gideon is slighty older and completely swoon-worthy, with a touch of arrogance to him, but not that makes you dislike him in the slightest.
Pros: Time Traveling!, Hard To Put Down, mysterious,
Cons: Wish it was just a tad bit longer, but I understand why it ended where it did.
Final Thoughts: I was surprised with how little action this book had, but being able to still keep me enthralled in the story. I just can't even begin where to start on this book. It would make a great movie/movies. Gier writes in a total relate-able fashion, that had me laughing and just wanting to know more about the mystery. I did like that this was the build up book. Usually, authors will put a lot of effort into the 1st book to make it action packed and thrilling, so that you will want to read the series and then they make the next books in the series the slower paced books, that explain why all the action happened in the first book and will be happening in the next books. I call them build up books. But this book, took the time to explain all that now, while still remaining entertaining.  I am interested in seeing if some of the things Gier mentioned in the book were irrelevant to the story or will be brought back up in the series. She seems to me to be someone who would make every detail count... I would recommend this book to the mystery,history, time travel lover. It is that perfect different book.

Monday, October 31, 2011

The Hangman's Daughter

Summary:
"Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at play. So begins The Hangman's Daughter--the chillingly detailed, fast-paced historical thriller from German television screenwriter Oliver Pötzsch, a descendant of the Kuisls, a famous Bavarian executioner clan.
Magdalena, the clever and headstrong daughter of Bavarian hangman Jakob Kuisl, lives with her father outside the village walls and is destined to be married off to another hangman’s son—except that the town physician’s son is hopelessly in love with her. And her father’s wisdom and empathy are as unusual as his despised profession. It is 1659, the Thirty Years’ War has finally ended, and there hasn’t been a witchcraft mania in decades. But now, a drowning and gruesomely injured boy, tattooed with the mark of a witch, is pulled from a river and the villagers suspect the local midwife, Martha Stechlin."


Plot: The plot is complicated yet simple, there are moments when you don't know what it going to happen, and then there are moments, where you can predict exactly what is going to happen. The plot is based on the author's relative and combines folklore, to make his fictional story with family as characters. The setting and the characters  are original, but the story is pretty much a mystery who dun it. It is also one of those stories, where you can't miss a sentence, otherwise you will miss an important piece of the puzzle.
Characters: I liked that main character Jokab The Hangman and Simon The Physician, although different in many ways they make a great team. Other characters come through clearly and every person mentioned has a part, they aren't just scenery or fillers.
Pros: Original Casting, Awesome translation, told well.
Cons: Could have been edited down a little, maybe too long, not enough romance!
Final Thoughts: The second I saw this book at San Jose airport I knew, I had to have it and it is a great addition to my book collection. The whole story takes place in  a matter of a week and begins fairly quickly. I liked that we jumped into the story really quick, but as usual this leads to me curious what the next 400 pages are going to hold then. Is it going to be this crazy hard to put down story, or is it just going to be long, and repetitive. The Hangman's Daughter was both. Towards the end you could really figure out what was going on and they just kind of dragged it on. Although, the mystery was interesting, the solution was too simple. Also, Although the title of The Hangman's Daughter sounds really cool, she wasn't THAT big of a character. She was in the book, but didn't contribute enough to be the title (In My Opinion) and I would preferred a deeper love connection between her and Simon. I liked that although the book took place in the 1600's the narrative was very modernized. Which at times did bother me, but I think it was smart. It helps from dating the book, as well as opening the book up from being strictly Historical Fiction.  My other thing I liked was calling the main bad guy The Devil. It had so many layers. Since the book dealt with the possibility of Witchcraft and conjuring the Devil and there was a truly evil man actually committing the crimes. Referring to him as the Devil most the time was smart. However, it got confusing when they would refer to something as the actual Devil and I would have to re read the sentence to determine if the meant the Character or figuratively.  The Hangman's Daughter is a good book, and a decent Historical Fiction read. I don't adore this books story as much as I adore the cover though.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Bright Young Things

Summary:
"The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star…Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Luxe comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age"

Plot: The plot is intriguing, fun and a little more mature. Although Godbersen shows a fondness for building her characters up, to see them fall, like she did in the Luxe Series. Right now it is working, and creates a page turning plot, that is not overplayed.

Characters: I really love these characters, there personalities are so vivid and the girls are all so likeable (so far) I mean Letty is a little annoying, but it's cause she is still naive. One thing I do like about Godbersen is her male characters are equally as well written. Although, I have yet to find a swoon-worthy male character.

Pros: fun, hard to put down, glamorous.

Cons: shows tendencies of writing like The Luxe Series.

Final Thoughts: I have been waiting to read this book forever! I had a few worries about reading this book though, one reason being I ended up not liking The Luxe Series written by Godbersen. Which was at times really good, but Godbersen's sense of justice was just twisted. Also, I had read Vixen which is another 20's themes book with 4 girls. So, I was afraid of similarities. As for my first worry, this book has the potential to go that way , but as far as being like Vixen the books do a good job at being very different. And I prefer Bright Young Things more. Being that this was Book 1 though, it was definitely a book that was just building up the whole story line for the series.
I also like that the book takes place in  1929 and in New York. As opposed to early prohibition and in Chicago. Which would be cool too, but it is always nice to  read a different point of view.  I don't know what else to say besides I can totally see why this book is a big hit.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Heart of The Matter

Summary:
"Tessa Russo is a stay-at-home mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie—a boy who has never known his father. Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, they are strangers to one another and have little in common, aside from a fierce love for their children. But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined.
This is the moving, luminous story of good people caught in untenable circumstances. Each being tested in ways they never thought possible. Each questioning everything they once believed. And each ultimately discovering what truly matters most."

Plot: The plot itself isn't actually original, yet Giffin amazingly makes it seem like it is the most original plot ever, I just couldn't stop reading it! The compassion and heart ache and Giffin's outstanding ability to make the situation real and honest. It isn't sugar coated or Hollywood. 

Characters: As I have always said and hope to always say is Giffin's characters are not characters they are real people, they are you, me, you neighbor, your loved one... etc. She does human psychology and pathology unbelievably well. I felt a connection to every character in this book.

Pros: Truthful, hard to put down, great characters.

Cons: slightly predictable, lost momentum towards the end.

Final Thoughts:  I find it hard that Emily Giffin will ever write a book I don't like. Her writing is so real and so true. There is always a character for someone. I can relate toTessa cause I have things in common with her, but I can relate to Valerie too. Just like other women can. The book was not what I expected at first and was not yet predictable until you hit that turning point in the book. But even with the predictable ending the book was still a good read. The other thing I like about this book is like many other books Giffin gives her characters from previous books Cameos. Usually small, but this time it is a lot bigger a cameo since Tessa's brother is Dex... So yes,Rachel and Dexter from Something Borrowed. Are in this book as well. Which iscool cause it is an look at their life after.. Over all Giffin did not disappoint so if you are a fan you will enjoy it and if you are a chick lit reader who likes a little more realism then fluff you will love this book.