Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Review: The Guy Not Taken - Jennifer Weiner

The Guy Not Taken: StoriesRelease Date: 9/5/06
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 292
Source: Purchased
Challenge100 Books in a Year 
Jennifer Weiner's talent shines like never before in this collection of short stories, following the tender, often hilarious, progress of love and relationships over the course of a lifetime.  We meet Marlie Davidow, home alone with her new baby late one night, when she wanders onto her ex's online wedding registry and wonders what if she had wound up with the guy not taken.  We find Jessica Norton listing her beloved river-view apartment in the hope of winning her broker's heart.  And we follow an unlikely friendship between two very different new mothers, and the choices that bring them together-and pull them apart.  The Guy Not Taken demonstrate Weiner's amazing ability to create characters who "feel like they could be your best friend" and to find hope and humor, longing and love in the hidden corners of our common experiences.
My Thoughts
I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book.  I've read other books by Jennifer Weiner before, and I enjoyed those.  This book was a compilation of short stories, and I didn't know if I would like that.  I'm not a big fan of short stories being in one big book because I feel like it is so disconnected.  I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  While they were all separate short stories, they all had the same theme and I really like the way they were organized.  They started off with the youngest woman, and ended with the oldest woman's story. 
After I finished this book I kept trying to figure out which short story was my favorite, and I just couldn't decide.  I really liked all of the stories, even though some of them were definitely better than others. 
It is somewhat hard to review this book for a couple different reasons.  First, I am so OCD that I sort of feel like each story is its own, and it wouldn't be fair if I didn't write a little bit about each story...but I also don't want to give away too much...so I won't actually do that.  Second, I finished this book about a week ago, and I'm still having mixed feelings on it.  I really liked the book, and I would absolutely recommend it, however it hasn't completely changed my mind on short stories.  I'm not 100 percent sold yet.

Ratings
Likes: The speed at which I could read this -- with it being a bunch of short stories I didn't feel swamped down with a long, drawn out story.
Dislikes:  Still not really sure I like that there were just a bunch of seemingly (somewhat) disconnected stories. 
Cover: 4/5 
Characters: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5


Happy Reading!




Friday, March 25, 2011

Book Blogger Hop (19)

Book Blogger Hop

I love love, love, love the Book Blogger Hop that is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books. The rules are simple, and this is am awesome opportunity to get your blog out there! Post the hop on your blog, then make sure to include a link in the Mr. Linky on Crazy For Books's blog...and then -- GET TO HOPPING!

RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List at Crazy For Books
          (In your link, please state the main genre that you review: eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc.)
2. Post about the Hop on your blog. Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!). 

This week's question comes from Mina who blogs at Mina Burrows:

If you could physically put yourself in to a book or series...which one would it be and why?

Great question!  I would have to say that I would love to be a character in the Sookie Stackhouse books.  I love these books, but I also love all of the characters.  I think it would be a ton of fun to be one of Sookie's best friends, and get to go around on all of her crazy adventures.  Plus, honestly . . . two words:  ERIC NORTHMAN. 

Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood)[LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS]Living Dead in Dallas By Harris, Charlaine(Author)Mass Market paperback On 26 Mar 2002)Club Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 3)Dead to the World (Original MM Art): A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood)Dead as a Doornail (Original MM Art): A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood)Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 6)All Together Dead (Original MM Art): A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood)From Dead to Worse (Original MM Art) (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood)Charlaine Harris's Dead and Gone: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) (Mass Market Paperback)(2010)Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10)Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 11)

What book or series would you like to be in?

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you are having a great week!  A very warm welcome to my new followers, and a huge thanks to my old followers for sticking around! 

Happy Reading!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Review: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

BumpedRelease Date: 4/28/11
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Format: e-Galley
SourceNetGalley
Challenge100 Books in a Year


When a virus makes everyone over the age of 18 infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and had never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody's doorstep.  Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths.  Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens.  While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in religious Goodside, preparing to be a wife and mother.  She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that "pregging" for profit is a sin.  But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls' lives are changed forever.  A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.


First Sentences
"I'm sixteen.  Pregnant.  And the most important person on the planet."

My Thoughts
I still don't know how I really feel about this book.  I mean at first it was kind of slow going and I didn't really understand what was going on...but then it was like BAM, done...book over.  I was left with my jaw on the floor and my eyebrow cocked.  What just happened!?
Anyway, the main character is Melody, and her twin sister's name is Harmony (a little cliche, don't you think?)  I found it very hard to differentiate between the two, because the chapters went back and forth between the two and I would forget which was which.  I saw a review this morning that named Melody "futuristic twin" and Harmony "religious twin".  I like that because I can actually remember who is who now.  
The story is set in the future, and basically there is a disease that causes people to become infertile around their 18th birthday.  I know this is supposed to be futuristic, but I have two problems with that.  There wasn't a lot of explanation about the disease, and if there was it was probably written in the futuristic lingo that Melody spoke in, which half of I didn't really get.  So, the real question is how do you get the disease?  On your birthday do you wake up infertile?  Because later in the book there are mentions of how even though some of the characters are going to be 18 in a few months, they still might be able to procreate for a little while after.  The second problem for me is that it just doesn't really make a whole lot of sense.  I don't want 13 and 14 year old girls walking around my town knocked up...maybe that's just me?  I also don't really understand how someone that young would be okay with something so incredibly drastic like having a baby and giving it away.  I don't know, I also know that in the beginning Harmony mentions that there are plenty of twenty and thirty year olds that are still being impregnated -- how is that possible?
Enough on that rant...so Melody, or "futuristic twin" goes to high school in Otherside (side note: not only did the names Melody and Harmony kind of annoy me...but the names of the town were a little much too..."Goodside" = religious town, "Otherside" = bad, naughty naughty bumping side), and is in this pro-preggy-bumping club.  Now that she signed a contract with a family they will be paying her tons of money to basically buy her baby.  She is supposed to be paired up with a genetically awesome match that her agent has to find.  While waiting for this perfect match, Melody's twin sister, Harmony, or "religious twin" shows up on her doorstep.  
Now that the two girls are together, the whole thing takes a turn for the worst.  Harmony and her futuristic lingo annoy the heck out of me - mostly because half the time she was all neggy and bumpy and whatever other crazy words that have no meaning to me.  I should have had urban dictionary pulled up while reading this -- it was harder to understand than the books I read for Brit Lit (that's a stretch, but I'm trying to make a point here...).  If the futuristic speak wasn't enough to drive you to insanity --- wait for the uber religious speak.  For serious, it kills me.  I'm from the Bible Belt...I know how religious people talk, but never in my life have I heard someone say "oh my grace".  If Harmony had said that one more time, I would have put the book down.  
So, Harmony shows up on Melody's doorstep...they are twins that were separated at birth, and could not be more different.  Harmony is hoping that she can "save" Melody and bring her back to Goodside to become a wife and a mother.  Did I mention these girls are 16?  Yep, so Melody is not very happy to see Harmony on her doorstep -- they had MiChatted a few times back and forth, but it was a shocker for Melody to be looking at someone else and see herself staring back.  
So the first half of the book is filled with all this backwards information.  It is like all these crazy words and procedures and things that I just didn't know what they were.  I'm not super high-tech but I did feel like an old fart not knowing what these words meant.  Everything was basically dumped on in the beginning, and then somewhat explained later in the book.  
I had a hard time following the story with all of the for seriously awkward lingo going on (except for "for serious, as that is probably my new favorite phrase).  Then, as I felt like I was finally understanding what was going on, the story ended.  I'm pretty sure I understand what was going on, but I'm not sure I liked it.  The pace was extremely staggered, and odd, while the flow of going from one character to another was not smooth.  
I think that the premise for this book was a good one, I just don't think the plan was executed as well as it could have been.  The cover is incredibly cute, and I think it would have definitely grabbed my attention in a book store.  If you like dystopian books, you might like this as well...and I recommend it based on the length and (somewhat awkward at times) speed.  


Favorite Quotes
"The United States of America once ranked above all industrialized nations in the realm of teen pregnancy.  We were the undisputed queens of precious procreation!  We were number one before, and we can be number one again! - Presidential State of the Union Address"


"I know the Bible.  Very well.  I know it as a curious reader who loves words with little to no access to any other reading material.  The Bible contains some of the most inspirational and miraculous stories ever put to paper, but also some of the most vicious and vile acts imaginable.  Mass murder!  Human sacrifice!  Inappropriate affections with livestock!  I know the verses that the preachers don't like to talk about on Sunday's.  I also know that you can find a verse to support just about any argument, and another verse to shut it down.  If it's all the Word of God, how can we simply ignore the parts that don't fit our beliefs?"


"For serious."


"DELETE MY BRAIN CACHE, PLEASE."


Ratings

Likes: The cover, and the idea behind the story.
Dislikes: Melody/Harmony names.  Otherside/Goodside names.  The frequent, overbearing use of the futuristic lingo.
Favorite Character: Zen
Least Favorite Character: Harmony
Cover: 5/5 
Characters: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
Ending: 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5


Happy Reading!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  This in no way affected my review.


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday (1)


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature over at The Broke and The Bookish, they love lists...and so do I!  So, each week they will feature a new Top Ten List from a reader and we get to make our own lists!  

Top Ten Bookish Pet Peeves

1.  Smudge marks or finger prints on the pages.
I am so particular about my books.  They are organized specially, and each have their own little homes.  I don't like for them to be disturbed, and I hate when they get dirty.  This is probably why I have a hard time lending books out.
2.  When you open a paperback book, to find that the page has not been aligned properly, and now you are missing the last few words of each sentence on that page.
This has happened recently with two different books.  I was already halfway through one of them and noticed that for about ten pages the printing machine (or maybe it was a binding machine...I don't know) didn't align the pages right, and I couldn't make out the last few words on the pages.  While for the first page it was kind of funny, and I felt like I was playing a mad libs game...it started to get old, very quickly.
3.  Spelling and grammatical errors.
There is just no excuse for this, and it absolutely kills me.  It takes a lot for me to want to stop reading a book, but this is one of the things that it doesn't matter who you are you need to have had the book proofread.  I've heard the argument before that if it is a self-published work you should cut the author some slack...but I completely disagree.  If I am going to spend all that time working on a novel, I'm not going to let it get out until I know that it looks good.  ((Biggest spelling error that peeves me = not using the words there, their and they're properly...did you go to elementary school?  Did ya?))
4. Underdeveloped characters.
I can't stand when characters are flat - it is boring and doesn't keep me hooked.  I don't mind when it is just a character that you only meet for a minute, but when it is one of the main characters it drives me nuts.  Give your characters some spunk people!
5.  When people don't use bookmarks.
I cannot stand when people fold the top corner of a page to hold their place.  Please, use a bookmark.  It doesn't even have to be a super-fancy metal bookmark with an inspirational quote...there are many alternatives: an old receipt, the outside wrapper from a stick of gum, sticky notes...you get the point, one man's trash is another man's bookmark.
6.  Ugly covers.
I know this is very subjective -- but I promise I have examples.  First off, I tend to get very turned off by authors who feel that their name is more important than the book title, so they make sure their name is in metallic, shiny, raised 50 point font, while the title is just a 20 point font in black.  Secondly, I can't stand when book covers are changed so that they look like, or match the movie adaptation.  (More to come on movies, promise).  Lastly, I don't understand the point of using HUGE ANNOYING STICKERS on the front of the book.  Not only do I want people to know that I was able to save 30% because I'm in the rewards program, but I also hate the fact that they are usually so hard to get off.  Once you finally do get them off you are left with this horrible sticky residue, and like I mentioned before I don't like for my books to get dirty.
7.  Movie adaptations of books.
I cannot think of even ONE movie that was made from a book that was better than the book.  Honestly, one of my favorite books is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, so I was WAYYY excited when the movie was going to be made.  I thought that the actors casted for each roll were perfect, and I couldn't wait until the movie came out.  We went to see the movie and it was an utter disappointment.  The ending had been changed, which in turn changed everything.  I couldn't believe it.  I actually got home and in a very agitated state I wrote Jodi Picoult an email asking her why they would let her ruin her book like that.  She wrote me back letting me know that unfortunately once you sell your rights away for the book, producers and such can change whatever they want.  I was annoyed!  But, furthermore, when I attended the book signing last night with Jodi Picoult someone in the audience asked about this as well.  I was shocked to hear the full version of the story.  Jodi said that when she sold the rights to the book, the director read the book and said it was phenomenal and he didn't want to change a single thing.  He promised Jodi that if even the tiniest thing needed to be changed, he would make sure that he contacted her first.  Well, ends up, he didn't contact her, completely changed the ending, and wouldn't return her phone calls when she found out.  
8. Bloggers that give every book 5 stars, or claim that every book they read is "AMAZING".
It is completely okay if you don't like a book, you just have to be honest about it.  I know that there has been quite a lot of controversy over the last few months with authors getting their feelings hurt when their book is reviewed negatively, but that is just silly.  Not everyone is going to like the story for one reason or another, and I think as long as the blogger is honest and able to support what they have to say, then it works out.  As a blogger, you shouldn't feel like every book you blog about has to be positive and great.  If the book didn't catch you, or you weren't feeling the characters, let us know.  Wouldn't you rather let someone know that a book wasn't all it was cracked up to be, then have them spend all that time reading a book that is awful?  So many books, so little time.
9.  Library books with plastic covers.
When reading books that have this awful plastic protection sleeve on them, I feel like I am reading something that belonged to my great grandmother.  Everything in her house was covered in plastic, and the simple task of sitting on the couch made more noise than a stampede.  Come on, when I turn the page my next door neighbor doesn't need to hear about it. 
10. Books that receive way too much hype.
I'm all about reading a great book.  I'm all about reading a great book that millions of other readers enjoyed.  I'm all about reading books that are NY Times Bestsellers.  But, I'm not all about reading a book that has been so hyped up that no matter how good it is, when I finally read it I feel let down.  

What are your bookish pet peeves?  Head back over to The Broke and The Bookish Blog to find out what everyone else had to say!

Happy Reading!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Book Blogger Hop (18)

Book Blogger Hop

Wow, this has been the CRAZIEST week ever!!  So sorry I haven't had a chance to update, hopefully things will be calming down within the next few days...we will see!

Anyway, as you know this is my favorite weekly event!!   I love love, love, love the Book Blogger Hop that is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books. The rules are simple, and this is am awesome opportunity to get your blog out there! Post the hop on your blog, then make sure to include a link in the Mr. Linky on Crazy For Books's blog...and then -- GET TO HOPPING!

RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List at Crazy For Books
          (In your link, please state the main genre that you review: eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc.)
2. Post about the Hop on your blog. Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!). 

This week's question comes from Somer at A Bird's Eye Review:
Do you read only one book at a time or do you have several going at once?

Honestly, I am way too ADD to read more than one book at a time.  I would start mixing story lines and characters and just not know what is going on.  I read somewhat quickly though (when I have time), so usually I'm okay with just sticking to one book at a time.  There have been a few times where the book I was reading was slow and boring me, so I would put it aside for a minute and start a different book, but I would come back to the original boring book in the end.  So not only am I completely ADD, I'm also completely OCD -- if I start a book, I have to finish it...

How many books do you read at a time?

Thank you so much for stopping by!  I hope you are having a great week!  A very warm welcome to my new followers, and a huge thanks to my old followers for sticking around! 

Happy Reading!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Book Blogger Hop (17)

Book Blogger Hop

I love love, love, love the Book Blogger Hop that is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books. The rules are simple, and this is am awesome opportunity to get your blog out there! Post the hop on your blog, then make sure to include a link in the Mr. Linky on Crazy For Books's blog...and then -- GET TO HOPPING!

RULES:

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List at Crazy For Books
          (In your link, please state the main genre that you review: eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc.)
2. Post about the Hop on your blog. Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!). 


This week's question comes from Ellie who blogs at Musings of a Bookshop Girl:
 "If I gave you £50 (or $80) and sent you into a bookshop right now, what would be in your basket when you finally staggered to the till?"
OOOh, this is a tough one!  Let's see...
Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 11)Room: A Novel
The DUFF: (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)Chelsea Chelsea Bang BangCommitted: A Love StorySafe Haven

According to Amazon.com that would bring me to $78, so close enough!  

What would be in your basket?

A very warm welcome to my new followers, and thanks for sticking around to my oldie but goodies!
Happy Reading!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Review: My Stolen Son by Susan Markowitz

My Stolen Son: The Nick Markowitz Story (Berkley True Crime)Release Date: 9/7/10
Publisher: Penguin Group
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 288
Source: Borrowed from MIL
Challenge100 Books in a Year

On the morning of August 6, 2000, fifteen-year-old Nicholas Markowitz - knowing he was in trouble with his parents - snuck out of his house.  He never came home.

One week later, authorities arrived on Susan Markowitz's doorstep with devastating news: her son had been found dead.  Days earlier, a twenty-year-old drug dealer named Jesse James Hollywood, and three of his accomplices, had kidnapped the teenager in broad daylight as revenge for a drug-related debt owed by Nick's half brother.  They later murdered him in a shallow grave.  Hollywood fled to Brazil as a fugitive and became the youngest man ever on the FBI's top ten "Most Wanted" list.  It would be nearly a decade before he was brought to justice.

Initially, Susan had thought only about getting justice for her son.  But along the way, she rediscovered her own will to live, and promised to honor her beloved son's memory by making sure something positive came from the pain he had to endure.  My Stolen Son is the gripping account of one mother's relentless nine-year fight to bring her son's killer to justice, and to rebuild a family shattered by an unconscionable crime. 


First Sentences
"Well, it wasn't a Mercedes, but it would have to do.  He was driving a 1976 Volkswagen Beetle and moving from apartment to apartment near Rio de Janeiro."

My Thoughts
I honestly cannot imagine the pain and suffering that the Markowitz family had to go through.  Their story was an unbelievably sad story, and I'm glad that Susan decided that she needed to make it known.  I've not seen the movie Alpha Dog but now I really want to.  
All Susan ever wanted was a child, and after two failed marriages, she was finally getting what she wanted.  She fell in love with Jeff Markowitz, who already had two children that he had joint custody of.  Susan was happy to be a step-mother, but still wanted a child of her own.  She was finally blessed with a boy, whom she cherished and loved.  Things started getting tough for the family when Jeff's first son, Ben, hit puberty.  He was an angry child, and just could not stay out of trouble.  Susan knew that her son, Nick, looked up to Ben, but she also knew that this could be very dangerous.  Ben was soon hanging out with the wrong crowd and had been kicked out of every school imaginable.  He was hard into drugs and often committed crimes with his new friends, the gang that had recently initiated him.  Ben was soon sent to juvenile jail, where he stayed in touch through letters.  Promising that he was changed and a new man, he wanted to be the big brother he needed to be for Nick.  
Of course, once released, Ben was right back to his old ways.  Susan was willing to do anything to make sure that Nick didn't follow in Ben's footsteps.  She was very protective of her son, but also let him have some freedom so he could learn and grow.  Soon, Nick was hanging out with Ben more frequently and getting into drugs.  Nick had an argument with his parents when he got home early one night, as they suspected that he was high.  The next morning he left and never returned.  
The events that led up to Nick's death are completely crazy.  It seems as though Hollywood really didn't intend for things to end the way that he did, when he first kidnapped Nick, but over the course of a few days, he obviously thought about what was going on.  
Susan was obviously distraught, as her only son had just been murdered. She spent many days and nights drinking and taking prescription pills, just to ease the pain.  Susan is a strong women, as I don't know if I would have been able to keep myself alive had this happened to me.  I'm glad that things worked out the way they did, and that justice was finally served.  I just hate that it took so long to happen.  Susan says that she is thankful it took so long, because had it been quick, she probably would have ended up just killing herself.  She said that the lengthy trials and all that was involved with bringing her sons killers to justice helped her realize that she needed to stay on this Earth so that she could spread his word.
This was a touching, sad and very emotional story.  I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to check out the movie.  I am so sorry for the Markowitz's loss, but I hope that each day finds them a little easier.

Ratings
Cover: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.75/5

((I found this a hard book to rate as it was a true story, and I couldn't judge the characters on being well developed, or the plot being a "good one" or not.  So, hopefully you will understand why I rated it the way I did.))

Happy Reading!

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