Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Book Review

Book: Forever, Interrupted

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Fiction, Chick-Lit 

Publisher/Publish Date: Washington Square Press / July 9, 2013

Source: ARC courtesy of publisher

Pages: 352

Rating: 4/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

“Have you ever heard of supernovas? They shine brighter than anything else in the sky and then fade out really quickly, a short burst of extraordinary energy. I like to think you and Ben were like that . . . in that short time, you had more passion than some people have in a lifetime.”

On a rainy New Year's Day, Elsie Porter heads out to pick up a pizza, and meets the charming Ben Ross. Their instant chemistry leads to a date that week, and an elopement by May. Nine days later, when Ben heads out to get cereal for Elsie, he is hit by a truck and killed on impact. At the hospital she has an unfortunate first introduction with her new mother-in-law Susan, who had never heard of Elsie.

As Taylor Jenkins Reid's first novel, this is very impressive. She interweaves Ben and Elsie's relationship with Elsie and Susan's grieving and healing. It's a beautiful story of love and loss, and learning to open yourself up to what the world has brought you.

This book had been on my shelf for a few months and I am glad I finally decided to read it. It's emotional, heart touching, book, dealing with romanic and friend relationships. The main character, Elsie Porter is wonderfully writer and relatable. I took this book on a trip, and it was the perfect one to pass a few hours on a plane and on layover. I'm a fan of light-hearted, silly chick-lit, but enjoyed that this had more depth to it, but wasn't overly sad or depressing.

If you have reviewed this book, please leave a link to the review in the comments and I will add your review to the main post. All I ask is for you to do the same to mine — thanks! 

A Dangerous Fiction by Barbara Rogan - Book Review

Book: A Dangerous Fiction: A Mystery

Author: Barbara Rogan

Genre: Mystery 

Publisher/Publish Date: Viking Adult / July 25, 2013

Source: ARC courtesy of publisher

Pages: 336

Rating: 4.5/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but it in no way effects my review of the book.

So good! But an understated good, if that makes sense. I read quite a few ARC's, so it's always great when I get to read one I enjoy so much. And this one was published in July, so if you like a good mystery novel, go buy this or get it from your library.

The tone of the novel harkens back to classic crime novels, i.e.: "It was a dark and storm night," from Paul Clifford. Literary Agent Jo Donovan has lead a tough life, but she's a fighter and has come out on top. She runs on of the best literary agencies, although widowed, had a wonderful relationship with a renowned author, and has some great close friends.

But an ambitious writer threatens to ruin it all, when he starts stalking her and attacking those around her. At the same time, and ambitious author working on a biography of her late husband, starts digging around, causing Jo to question if her memory is as accurate as she thinks.

And of course there needs to be a little romance, as an old fame who is now a NYPD detective takes her case, and tries to help her track down who her stalker is.

As I said above, I really enjoyed it and it was hard to put down (which is my favorite type of book). The plot is neat, and ties up loose ends, which I appreciate. And the characters are complex and true to life.

The author's page on GoodReads mentions this is the "first in a new mystery series set in the high-stakes world of big publishing," so I'm excited to hear there may be more. I could see this becoming a really great movie. A triller with heart.

*Please note that we receive affiliate income from any books purchased at Amazon.

If you have reviewed this book, please leave a link to the review in the comments and I will add your review to the main post. All I ask is for you to do the same to mine — thanks! 

July - What I Read

After a really slow reading month in June (only 3 books), I kicked it up a notch in July. Though it helped that one is a photo book, another I only read part of, and yet another was short stories.

Coyote Lost at Sea, by Julia Plant 

I really enjoy adventure books and this was no exception. It's a look at the life of Mike Plant, seen through the eyes of his younger sister Julia. He's a solo sailer, willing to risk his life for the sport he loved. [my review]

Kneading to Die, by Liz Mugavero
A good beach read with a bit of heart. Luckily the pet parts didn't over power the other good qualities of the book. [my review]

Vanishing Portland, by Ray Bottenberg
A photography book, showing historical architecture in Portland Oregon, along side a bit of info. Fun way to see and read about the history of this city.

Portland in Three Centuries, by Carl Abbott
Another history book about Portland Oregon, but with a lot more words. I only made it through half of it. It found it interesting, but it had a lot of details and I felt ready to move onto another book.

The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan, by Jonathan Kirsch
While I really liked this book and learned a lot from it, it wasn't the most fun book to read. I powered through it and was glad I did. [my review]

Seaside Harmony, by Evangeline Kelley
Another good beach read or summer read. Lighthearted and made me wish I could take a trip to where the book was set.

Accidental Time Traveller, by Janis Mackay
A pretty decent Middle Grade book about a young girl who travels and gets stuck in time.

A Dangerous Fiction, by Barbara Rogan
A really great mystery novel. Well written with a plot that is layer though not too complicated to get confusing. Expect a review for this soon.

The Winds of Marble Arch and Other Stories, by Connie Willis
A collection of short stories. I read four of them, and really enjoyed them. Mostly I am not a huge fan of short stories though, would rather have something around 300-400 pages with a good story I can get lost in.

The Last Summer of the Camperdown - Book Review

Book: The Last Summer of the Camperdowns: A Novel

Author: Elizabeth Kelly

Genre: Drama

Publisher/Publish Date: Liveright / June 3, 2013

Source: ARC courtesy and GoodReads First Reads 

Pages: 400

Rating: 4.5/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

Such a great book! Set in the summer of 1972, 12 year old Riddle Camperdown (named after Jimmy Hoffa) is daughter of a retired actress, Greer and an up and coming politician, Camp.

In a small, picturesque town on Cape Cod, the Camperdown's live across the road from Gin, the local gossip hound, horse breeder, and his mysterious stable manager Gula.

The long gone "international playboy and renowned horseman" Michael Devlin and his sons return to Cape Cod, bringing with them secrets and tragedy.

Riddle spends her summer riding horses, reading alone in her room, making friends with the dashing Devlin boy, and debating the price of truth. Living as the only child of two strong-willed, eclectic parents is a daily challenge, but when she witnesses a crime, her life starts into a spiral she struggles to escape from. 

I don't want to give away anymore, but if you like mysteries, and books set it the idealistic 70's, run out and get this. The characters are engaging, with witty, smart conversation. This is a book I'd enjoy seeing as a play or movie.

A beautifully written and gripping story. I was hooked from the first chapter.
(And I love the cover design.)

Archipelago: A Novel - Book Review

Book: Archipelago: A Novel

Author: Monique Roffey

Genre: Fiction Travel 

Publisher/Publish Date: Penguin Books / May 28, 2013

Source: ARC courtesy and GoodReads First Reads

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

A father and daughter on the voyage of a lifetime.

After a horrific flash flood that left their life shattered, Gavin takes his daughter, Ocean, and dog, Suzy, and leaves their home in Trinidad, and sets sail on a Caribbean adventure. This book is a mixture of hope, heartbreak, healing, and travel, looking at how people deal with the grief of lost loved ones.

They journey though the local archipelagos, make new friends, sail through the Panama Canal, and visit the Galapagos Islands. They work on coming to terms with the natural world, both the danger and the beauty it contains, and what God's role is in all of it.

Ocean, the six-year-old daughter, is adorable, and it's easy to relate to and want to give a big hug. Gavin is a lost and grieving husband, who is a likable, and a very empathetic character. The author, Roffey, writes a beautiful, heart touching story, that I think most people could find something to relate to.

I loved this book, and shed a couple tears. Good if you are feeling a bit melancholy, and perfect to read on a rainy day under a warm blanket.

Absent by Katie Williams - Book Review

Book: Absent

Author: Katie Williams 

Genre: YA

Publisher/Publish Date: Chronicle Books / May 21, 2013

Source: ARC eBook courtesy of publisher and Net Galley

Pages: 184

Rating: 3.5/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

After dying from an accidental fall from the roof during a high-school scinece class, seventeen-year-old Paige is trapped as a ghost on the school grounds. She meets two other students that died at her school, and she learns how to deal with the grief and rumors that surround her own death.

Williams presents an interesting view of what it would mean to be a ghost, as well as what limitations and special abilities one would have. For example, they are able to move freely around the school grounds, but once they reach the property line, they are transported back to the place where they died. Also, they don't tend to stand well on floors, but sink to the ground (ie: the basement), but are able to learn how to levitate so they can walk around the different levels of the school.

This book pleasantly surprised me and it's a short book, perfect for a trip or lying on the beach. There were deep, touching moments, and was never cheesy. I'd recommend it for ages 14 and up. 

Williams is a talented writer and I am looking forward to reading more books from her. The Space Between Trees looks intriguing.

Storybound - book review

Book: Storybound (Storybound #1)

Author: Marissa Burt

Genre: Middle School, Fantasy 

Publisher/Publish Date: Harper Collins Children's / February 5, 2013

Source: ARC eBook courtesy of publisher and NetGalley

Pages: 416

Rating: 2.5/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

Imagine, while reading a fairytale one day, you suddenly become part of the story. That's what happens to Una Fairchild when she gets sucked into the land of Story. There kids go to school to learn to be Heros, Ladies, and Villains. As the story develops she learns the reason she is there, and it's a lot more complex than she ever would have though.

While I really liked the concept and idea of the book, there were lots of plot holes and poor writing. Maybe I am holding it up to Harry Potter standards (which it is really similar too) and it just isn't as good as that, but what can be?

I don't think I'll be reading the other books in the series when they come out, but elementary, and middle school kids may really enjoy them.

May - What I Read

Thanks to a cold and a lot of time spent sick in bed, I plowed through a lot of books this month. I feel very accomplished:) Working on some longer reviews of some of these, so expect those soon.

Requiem (Delirium #3), by Lauren Oliver
[my review]

What Good Is God?: In Search of a Faith That Matters, by Philip Yancey
I listend to this as an audiobook, read by the author. And since much of the book is based on his sermons, it was an enjoyable and inspiring listen.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain
So good! Everyone should read this. [my review]

The Mystery of Mercy Close (Walsh Family #5), by Marian Keyes
[my review]

Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus, by Dean N. Jensen
Thanks to the publishers who were kind enough to send me an Advanced Copy of this book. I really, really enjoyed it. This book will be available June 11. [my review]

Screwed, by Laurie Plissner
Also got an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher. I may not be the right audience for this book (I'd recommend for high school and college age), and I had some issues with the writing, but the story was interesting.

Absent, by Katie Williams
Thank you Chronicle Books & NetGalley for the ARC, I really enjoyed this. [my review]

The Last Summer of the Camperdowns, by Elizabeth Kelly
Such a great book! Was so glad yo get it as an ARC. I often value books based on how much I like the cover, and this one held up to my high standard. [my review]

Storybound (Storybound #1), by Marissa Burt
Cute story about a normal girl who is reading one day, and is sucked into Storyland. Sometimes felt that it was trying too hard to be a great series like Harry Potter, but I'd recommend for elementary and middle school kids. (I got an ARC from NetGalley)

Queen of the Air, by Dean Jensen - Book Review

Book: Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus

Author: Dean N. Jensen

Genre: Historical, NonFiction 

Publisher/Publish Date: Crown / June 11, 2013

Source: ARC curtsey of publisher

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/5

GoodReads  •  Amazon

(**spoilers ahead**)

As the most famous woman in the world at the turn of the 20th century, Leitzel lived a life of glamor and celebrity as a trapeze artist and circus performer. Much like her mother, she started performing young, and by the age of 17 was the princess of the bigtop with top billing in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Greatest Show on Earth.

This is the story of those who came before her, her rise to fame, many suitors (and three husbands), and her one true love. Leitzel's tale is told along side that of Alfredo Codona, who fell in love with her at the age of 16, when they were both performing in the Barnum & Bailey Circus. After 18 years apart, their paths cross again while employed by the same circus... and I won't give any more of their story away. You'll just have to read the book.

I was interested in reading this book after reading and loving Water for Elephants, and this true life circus story was fascinating. The author, Dean Jensen, who originally began work on this book in the 1970's, includes an impressive selection of interviews with people who knew Leitzel, many who have since passed away. I enjoyed the back story of how the circus was big business in the first part of the 20th century, and the lives of those who ran it and were it's biggest stars.

ARC Teaser

I have gotten some great ARC's in the last few weeks and looking forward to sharing them with you in the next few months. Here's what you can look forward to...

Last Summer of the Camperdowns, by Elizabeth Kelly

Screwed, by Laurie Plissner

Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus, by Dean N. Jensen

Loki's Wolves: The Blackwell Pages

Book: Loki's Wolves (The Blackwell Pages Series)
Author: K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr
Genre: Middle Grade, Mythological 
Publisher/Publish Date: Little, Brown / May 7, 2013
Source: ARC curtesy of publisher
Pages: 358
Rating: 4/5
GoodReads  •  Amazon

The son of the local sheriff, Matt, knew he was a descendent of the Norse God Thor, but until he was chosen as the living representative of Thor it was never a big deal. Being chosen as the champion means he must fight in Ragnarök, the final battle, and he over hears his family saying they don't expect him to survive.

Matt decided to go off on his own, and find the other characters from the myths who were also foretold to fight in the final battle. He wants to prove his family wrong, and return a true champion.

When I got this book in the mail and saw the cover, I wasn't sure what to think about it. But once I got to reading I found I really enjoyed it. In many ways it reminds me of Harry Potter: kids having an adventure without their parents, serpent attacks, friends banding together to battle mythological creatures. While the writing isn't quite on par with J.K. Rowling, I could see this series really taking off, especially with grade school and middle school kids—much like the first Harry Potter book.

It ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you have any young kids on your christmas shopping list, this would be a great gift for them.

Thank you Little, Brown and GoodReads for the ARC! I received it by entering a contest on GoodReads, First Reads. It's open to anyone so head on over and see what other books you can enter to win; they have some really great giveaways.

March - What I Read

Welcome to April everyone. The rain here in SF has arrived right on schedule, but I hope it leaves soon. March was a busy month for me, so I'm happy to have made it through 6 books. None of them were audio books and two of them were pretty large books.

What are your thoughts on the recent announcement of GoodReads being bought by Amazon? I really love everything about GoodReads, so I hope none of that goes away. Crossing my fingers.

Red Carpet Burns, by Georgia Cassimatis
I blogged about it here.

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, by Trenton Lee Stewart

Enjoyed this book and love the world that Stewart has created in these books. I blogged about it here.

Off Balance, by Dominique Moceanu

It was nice to have a shorter book I could finish in a couple days. I have a review of this book coming out in a couple days.

Insurgent, by Veronica Roth
I blogged about it here.

Legacy of Rescue, by Marta Fuchs
Blogged about it here.

Loki's Wolves, by K.L. Armstrong, M.A. Marr

This is a book I got as an ARC and really enjoyed it. It's coming out May 7, and I'll be posting a review of later this wee.

Red Carpet Burns - Book Review

Book: Red Carpet Burns
Author: Georgia Cassimatis
Genre: Memoir
Publisher/Publish Date: Harlequin Enterprises Australia / February 1, 2013
Source: ARC ebook review copy from Publisher
Pages: 289
Rating: 2/5 (but fun!)
Other books from author: While she has written for Australian Cosmopolitan, US Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire & Harper's Bazaar, this is her first book.
GoodReads  •  Amazon

What if "The One"...Isn't? 

After meeting the gorgeous and charismatic Simon, Georgia Cassimatis swaps her fabulous life in Sydney for Los Angeles, risking it all for a chance at love. Georgia soon finds out, however, that Simon is not the man he seemed to be, and she has left her entire world behind for a loveless marriage with a man who is intent on making her miserable. 

LA is a tough town — especially for a girl with no friends, no money and no job — but Georgia finds her way through the liars, fakes and cheats to become a successful celebrity journalist and soon realises she’s fallen in love again — this time with her new home town…LA.

Description from Publisher's site

A story of love gained, and lost, and psychics and celebrities. This memoirist bravely opens her heart to share with us the ups and downs of her time in LA.

Reading this book felt a lot like reading US Weekly. Some juicy gossip, short chapters, not much depth, but... a lot of fun. One thing is author was successful at, which lots of authors aren't, is being likable. Especially important in memoirs. Even though she was talking about her adventures in dating in LA, and trip and great dinners, she still came across as down to earth and with a good head on her shoulders. This was like reading a friend's journal.

Pick this up on the way to the beach.

February - What I Read

Boy did March sneak up on me, but I think I did a pretty good job this month considering it's a short month.

At the beginning of the year I made a goal to read 50 books this year, which I though was a conservative goal. I may have underestimated myself. So far I've read 13, and according to GoodReads I am six books, 11% ahead of schedule. Maybe I can get that percentage up for next month.

More Or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity, by Jeff Shinabarger
A recently published boom and my first ARC review. My review (FYI: I really loved it!)

Disco Bloodbath, by James St. James
I blogged about it last week.

Prodigy, by Marie Lu
I have a review of this coming out later this month.

Forgotten God, by Francis Chan
A book I've been wanting to read for awhile, and I got my hands on the audio book at the library. While I don't love listening to audio books that often, it's great how quick it is to get through a book. This book focuses on the neglect of the Holy Spirit in today's church. How it's the true true source of the church's power and calls for us to refocus on the forgotten God.

Cinder, by Marissa Meyer
Loosely based on the story of Cinderella, though in this story she's a cyborg. As crazy as that may sound, this was actually a really great book. And unlike most other dystopian novels, this wasn't based in North America, but in New Beijing. Scarlet, the second book in this series (Lunar Chronicles) was published February 5th and I am looking forward to reading that soon.

Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West, by Blaine Harden
I have a review of this coming out later this month. I highly recommend reading this.

This Book is Not Good For You, by Pseudonymous Bosch
How can you not love a title like that. This is the third book (out of five) in the New York Times bestselling Secret Series. Two adventurous 11-year olds, Cass and Max-Ernest head off to track the Midnight Sun organization, after they kidnap Cass' mother. While I enjoy this series, the plot tends to be pretty shallow and repetitive, but I really enjoy the characters. And they are easy and fun to read, so I think I'll stick with the series. Recommended for 3rd - 5th graders (or thirty-somthing adults).

In process...
Infinite Jest: going to work on this book a little at a time. Only 51 pages in so far, but I am really enjoying it.
Red Carpet Burns: a memoir about moving to LA for love.
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict: one of my favorite contemporary series which I consider a cross between J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl.

More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity - Book Review

Book: More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity
Author: Jeff Shinabarger
Genre: Christian, Religion & Spirituality
Publisher/Publish Date: David C. Cook / March 1, 2013
Source: ARC ebook review copy from Publisher
Pages: 224
Rating: 5/5
Other books from author: Author's first book. He is the creative director at Catalyst and founder of GiftCardGiver.com and Plywood People.
Website: moreorlessbook.com
GoodReads  •  Amazon

In More or Less, Jeff Shinabarger calls readers to create their own social experiments to answer the question, “What is enough?” 

It all started with one idea: What would happen if we created a culture in which we gave away whatever was more than enough for us? How would our habits change if we shed the excess of money, clutter, and food in our lives? In More or Less, readers will learn how to draw a line of “enough” in their consumer choices, how to see generosity as a chance to experience freedom in a greedy world, and how to make small changes now that will help others forever. As Shinabarger reminds them, defining “enough” is more than a responsibility—it is an opportunity to give hope.

Book description via GoodReads

Do you have more than enough? Want to make a different in your life and others, and don't know where to start?

Jeff Shinabarger is a man full of ideas. And gratefully he has some pretty great ideas on how to be more generous in our daily lives. He inspires generosity by looking at our lives, and finding excess. By giving up that excess to help someone with less.

"Excess is the think I can give away today and it wouldn't change a single aspect of our tomorrow."

This book sort of reads like a how-to book. Each chapter focus on a specific topic: presents, clothes, time, etc. With stories throughout the book of ways his friends and neighbors have made a difference in their community. They looked for what they had more than enough of and then found a way to use it to help others.

The book forces you to reconsider what you have. What can you share with other? How can you rearrange your life to help those in your neighborhood who have less? How do you form stronger community ties? What can you give up that will help you better understand those that make do with less?

The book ends by challenging the reader to do the same. A plan of action. A guide to live a life of generosity.

It was easy to read, conversational in tone, and I really enjoyed reading his personal stories. They helped me relate to him, and feel this is something I can do with him. He never hit me over the head with his message.

While the book is written from a Christian perspective, it's not central to the book, and I think can be enjoyed and appreciated by anyone. I highly really recommend this to anyone and everyone to read.

"I am me. And because no other person can be me, I am good enough."