Book of Choice

From now until Jan 1st, lets all share a book of choice. Read any book you want and tell us about it. Post anytime or email me and I will post it for you.
I can't wait to hear about your book!

The Time Traveler's Wife: Reviewed

The time has come to tell all about the "Time Traveler's Wife". What did you think? I don't have time to write a lot so if someone else would like to write a response, that would be great!

I enjoyed the story very much. I thought it was unique and definitely drew me in. I could have done without the F-word and detailed sex scenes, but overall I liked the book.

I really liked Clare. I don't know what it was, but she seemed like a good person. I loved how she described her baby. The detailed descriptions made me think the author must be a mother. The things that she went through were heart-wrenching and I think she handled everything pretty gracefully. I was a little confused during the last miscarriage. I read a review that was saying something about time traveling fetuses and now I think I missed something. Anyone understand that?

I was intrigued by the thought of time travel. It would be amazing to be able to go back in time and revisit things, but I would hate it if I couldn't change anything. Plus the parts about being naked, losing feet, getting shot, etc. those are all downsides :). I can't wait to see the movie that is coming out next year!

The Time Traveler's Wife... and Beyond

I have this book now (finally) but I haven't read it. I'm not sure if any one else has read it either (knock knock, is anyone there?). I've decided to extend this until Thanksgiving.

After Thanksgiving I think we should all read a book of choice and tell about it. If anyone wants to become a blog author, email me at jenmlowryATgmailDotcom. Or if you don't want to do that, but still have a book you would like to share, email me your info and I will post it for you. Then starting January 1st, we will start a new book, which I will reveal sometime in December. Happy Reading.

New Book...Sorry So Late!

For this months book, lets read

The Time Travelers Wife By Audrey Niffenegger.

I don't much about this book other than it has amazing reviews, so read it and tell us what you think!

Eat, Pray, Love

Anyone read this book? I did, amazingly. It is the only book I have read in months. I thought it was pretty good. It was inspiring although I don't necessarily agree with her on all points.
I thought it was sad that she had to go through a terrible divorce (by her choice) just to find herself.
The part I liked the most was when she was in Italy. She made me want to go there and eat my heart out.
The part in the Ashram was a little slow for me, I found myself wanting to skip through some of it (but I didn't). I did think it was interesting how so many religions really actually believe the same things, they just call it something different.
I couldn't believe how her friend wouldn't buy a house. It really was unbelievable that she could want more money! She should have been grateful for the money that she had already received. I guess that is the nature of a third world country though. Very sad.
The way she described the beaches in Indonesia made me want to go there as well. I even went online to look at pictures. Looks like a beautiful place.

Sorry this is short and scattered, I didn't have time to write an in depth review.

What did you think?

My Antonia

I haven't finished reading this so I will have to comment about it later. What about you? What did you think?

I've decided for next months book will be "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have heard many great things about this book and it seems like a quick read (which is always good when you have kids running around).

The Birth of Venus

I really liked this book. I thought it was a good picture of what life was like for women in Florence during the fifteenth century. Dunant is very skilled at painting great word pictures and making things come alive off the page.

I thought the relationship between Alessandra and Cristoforo was very unusual. It seemed to me that they were perfectly matched, but I knew there was something wrong with the whole scenario. However, Alessandra's ability to hold her head up was something that impressed me a lot. I think if I had been given the news she was on my wedding night, I would have curled up in a ball and not left my room for a few weeks. Alessandra was a great strong character. She really was passionate about things that interested her. I cheered her on through the whole book.

The relationship between Alessandra and the painter was wonderful. I knew as soon as she saw him that they were going to fall in love. I loved how they were portrayed as so different, but yet so right for each other. The only thing that bothered me was that we never learned the painter's name. However, when the painter finds Alessandra at the convent and tells her that she has no idea how long he has been looking for her, I cried. It was such a beautiful moment that attested to their true love.

Overall, this was a great book with really developed characters. I enjoyed reading it a great deal and will probably read it again.

New Book

I have to admit that I didn't read the book for last month. I was so busy, although there is never a good excuse for not reading. So, did anyone read? I love to hear your thoughts.

As for this month, Sara H. suggested that we read "My Antonia" by Willa Cather. This one has been around for a while, so I'm sure your local library will have it. Check it out and then get on here and share!

Zippy

I love this book. It is one of my favorites. The writing style is so simple and beautiful. Haven Kimmel is a talented author and I would recommend all of her books to you all. I pull this book out whenever I need a good laugh, or a happy cry for that matter.

My favorite part of this book is Zippy's relationship with her father. You can tell that they had an extremely special bond. The chapter where she gives him the dog for Father's Day always makes me cry; so does the letter at the end. The story seems really kind of choppy, but it works together well too. I really appreciate that this book is a memoir of a happy childhood, instead of a recounting of really tragic circumstances.

Although Zippy seems self centered, she really is just a kid trying to figure out her place in the world. I think it is hard for her to see other people's perspective, but she is constantly trying to figure out how she fits into their lives. She has a good heart and really takes care of those she loves.

The Birth of Venus- JULY BOOK

Hello readers! For July we are going to read the novel The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. The reviews for this book have been favorable and it was a New York Times Bestseller, so I have hopes for it. My name is Heather and Jen was kind enough to let me select the book for this month and I hope we all enjoy it! Happy reading everyone.

Zip

I finished this today. I am the third person to mention it...now has anyone else read it? Don't be shy, add your comments!

I had a hard time getting into it at first. I thought it was just a bunch of rambling, as if she just threw some memories in here and there. As I read on, I realized that there really was structure to it. Things connected and I think more than anything, past just the stories, each chapter revealed more and more about her personality and her families. I loved reading about her adventures in the small town, but I think the points she was trying to get across were much deeper than just a short book of memories.

She was what I would describe the typical youngest child. I liked how she made herself seem like a selfish child who never did any good deeds, but she really did help people. One of my favorite parts was when she stayed after with her friend for private band lessons. She didn't know why her friend needed her, but she had this mature instinct. I saw that a few times, she was very in tune with people's feelings. Another example of this was when she got the dog for her dad that he loved for 14 years or whatever. She may not have been typical, but I bet she has made and kept a lot of friends.

A Girl Named Zippy

I finished the book today. Anyone else finished? I really liked this book. I actually listened to the book and The author read the book so that was even more fun. What I didn't like was how it jumped around a lot I know that it was just a bunch of her childhood stories, but she jumped around so much with her age and grade in school, sometimes it would take me a second to understand what was going on. I also wish we could know more about some of her reaccuring characters and friends. I would have liked to know what happened to some of them... Like Rose and Julie (I think those were her friends names:)? I listened to the book on my MP3 Player and I am really bad with remembering names so I can't remember some of the character names.) I also would like to know who she is as an adult, like what has she done with her life? Does she still live there? Etc. I actually think that my sister Jen could write a book like this and it would be so fun to read. I Really like this book and she is a great writter she made me want to know more. What did everyone else think?

A Girl Named Zippy

This month, Sara, has chosen a great book for us to read.

It is called "A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland, Indiana. By Haven Kimmel

I've heard this is a fantastic book and I am excited to read it.

It was a New York Times Bestseller and it was one of "The Today Show" book club books.

Let's start the summer off right and read!




Did You Read?

Because I didn't. I am so sorry that I am the most horrible book club member. This month flew by and now it is June. When did that happen? I did rent the movie last week so I would at least know the story, here's what I thought.

I thought it was a cute story, very predictable. My favorite character was definitely the dad. He treated the women well. I liked his humor and that he was always nice to Edith, even though she was a servant. My least favorite character was...Edith. I know you thought I was going to say the cousin. The cousin was a wicked girl, but again very predictable. I hated how Edith wouldn't stand up for herself. She let other people influence almost every decision she made. That drove me crazy. This is just what I got from the cheesy "Made For TV" movie. Anyone actually read the book? I'd like to hear more.

The Inheritance

I hate to admit it, but I didn't recently read last month's book. I have read it before, but I couldn't find my copy and excuse, excuses... What did you all think?

This month, Amanda is going to choose the book. She gave me a few options, but her #1 pick was The Inheritance, By Louisa May Alcott. So, that is what we will read. Have fun!

The Secret Life of Bees

I am so excited that I finally read the book for Book Club. I always have good intentions, but never finish the books. I did read The Secret Life of Bees. I really liked this book. I would recommend this to other people. I felt like it took a long time for Lily to finally tell August who she was and for her to find out August's connection to her mother. I know a lot of things were happening in that time, but I was just so anxious to find out how and if August knew her mother. Then I thought when she did find out the book ended very quickly. I wish we could have read more and been able to see more of her life living with August after T. Ray let her go and she didn't have any more secrets. I was so happy that Lily ended up with a better life though and even though things didn't change with how her mother died and I felt bad that she was still the reason her mom died. She was able to have "closure" I guess and she was able to move forward in life without T. Ray holding her back. The whole story over all was great. It was fun. I am so excited for the movie to come out. I was told it comes out in October. I can't wait to see who they picked to play the characters and see how well they portray them and how similar it was to my imagination.

You Choose

Hope you are all enjoying "The Secret Life of Bees," by, Sue Monk Kidd.
I was thinking that it would be a good idea to rotate who chooses the book. That way we get a variety of different types of books and everyone gets to add some input. Comment here if you are interested in selecting a book to read and I will add your name to the rotation. Thanks!

Book of the Month: April

Let's read The Secret Life of Bees. I haven't read it in a while and I think it is a good one. Thank you, Sara, for the suggestion. Now go to the library right now and start reading!

Meh... It was okay

This is hilarious! I was seriously trying to remember why this book showed up on hold for me at the library! Well, now I know. I did read it. Honestly, not my favorite. I did like the author's writing style, but I agree that she took too long explaining/dwelling on non-important ideas. I thought both Dr. Henry & Norah had some serious issues that reflected onto Paul. I really feel sorry for the kid. Makes me want to be a good parent (although David really thought he was being good) so that my kids don't have to deal with all of my baggage.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

I'll have to admit that I didn't finish the book, although, I have read it before not too long ago so I still remember the story. That being said, here's what I thought:

The people in this book were seriously emotionally bogged down. Dr. Henry couldn't even come to terms with his past (granted not always an easy thing), and so he destroyed his marriage and his family. His way of "protecting" Nora destroyed everything he had worked so hard to achieve. I really didn't like Dr. Henry in this book. His idea that tossing his daughter aside and then lying to his wife that she died would save everything really made me upset.

Nora suffered a terrible grief. When I first read this book, I was appalled at her behavior. But now, since I've had a child, I can't imagine how she made it through the day. Still though, she was pretty selfish and took some serious risks to feel better, ie driving drunk with her son in the car.

Overall, this is a very thought provoking book. I always wonder what I would do if my child were born with Down Syndrome or another mental handicap. I agree with Jen that Phoebe was better off with Caroline. I think Caroline took care of her in a way that the Henry's wouldn't have been able to. She had the most stable mind to deal with child that needed so much attention.

I like this book, but it is a little depressing. My favorite part is at the end when Paul and Phoebe are at David's grave. I think that seen really shows how one decision can affect the lives of all the people you love.

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Any thoughts on The Memory Keeper's Daughter?

I thought it was a pretty good read. It seemed a little long at times. I enjoyed her writing, but I kind of got sick of how descriptive she was, such as taking a whole page to describe a leaf or something. Moving on, about the story: I thought it was interesting how David gave Phoebe away to avoid having his wife feel the grief of having a child who could possibly die young and yet she still felt grief. I think as a woman, whether your child dies at birth or ten years later, it still hurts and will always be a part of you. Something the good doctor just didn't understand. To be honest, I think Phoebe was better off with Caroline anyway. I think she was a good mom, a little overbearing, but who wouldn't be? The Henry's had too much baggage even before the babies came, they wouldn't have put the time into Phoebe's schooling as Caroline did (if they even kept her). What do you think?

Any requests for next month?

Dear John II

I got the book yesterday and was able to read it today. I know it is already March 1st , but close enough right? Are all of Sparks books the same? I've only read this one and "The Notebook", but both seemed similar. It wasn't a terrible book, but I agree that I won't be adding it to my list of favorites.

My favorite character was probably Tim. He was sincere, mature and understanding. I don't have any idea why he married Savannah when he knew she was so desperately in love with John. I think that what John did for Tim was noble, but it made me sad that he sold all of his dad's precious coins.

What should have happened is that Tim should have died, John should have left the army in 2007 only to come back and find out that Alan has also suddenly died as well. Then John and Savannah get married and make passionate love for the rest of their lives. The end.

Next Month

I haven't read the book. I am still waiting for my copy, hopefully I will get it read by the 29th. Sounds like it is an easy cheesy read. I think next month we should read "Memory Keepers Daughter". What do you think? Let me know if this book is too hard to find and we will read another one.

Dear John

So, I read the book. I'm not sure that I liked it. Of course, I was mostly mad that first John reupped his enlistment, but I understood it. Then I was really mad that Savannah didn't wait for him. I wanted it to work out so badly, so I was disappointed with the end.

The major thing that bothered me was that Savannah couldn't just be happy with her decision. She made her choice to marry Tim, but then as soon as she saw John, it was like oh? I'm married? I forgot. I was a little perturbed that she couldn't let it go. I was impressed by John's willingness to let her go, it was very impressive. And Tim was so nice about everything. It was almost as if he expected Savannah to cheat on him with John if John ever came back (even though nothing happened really)...I really couldn't understand that character. The ending was really sad, I was so heart broken for John because he lost the two most important people to him in the space of two weeks. His dad was a really interesting character. He was probably my favorite character in the book because he was just so good and constant.

Overall, it was a good fast read, but it won't make it onto my favorite book list. What did you think?

February

I hope you are well on your way to reading Dear John by Nicholas Sparks.

I really enjoyed Kite Runner and hope you all read it. If you haven't, then you should!

I liked the first part of the book because it seemed very believable. I was very mad, of course, about the attack and his reaction to it, but I understood that he was young and scared. I started feeling like the book was a little bit cheesy when he went back to Afghanistan. All of the events that transpired from that point until the end of the book seemed a little over the top. The irony was too much, especially the part with the sling shot. The fact that there really wasn't American parents waiting to adopt and how it just so happened that his wife couldn't conceive, etc. It just fit together a little too well. I just need to remember that it is fiction, just a story for entertainment purposes. All in all I really loved the book and I am excited to read A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Did you read? What did you think?

New Book: Kite Runner

Sorry I am a day late. Since there was a lack in voting(one person voted twice) and there was such a close number of votes. I am just going to choose the book for the next couple of months. I decided to start this year off with "Kite Runner". I have heard great things and they just came out with the movie. Next month we will read "Dear John" and go from there. Have fun reading...all 3 of you.