Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Review: The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer

The following is a summary of The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer from the Random House website.

How much do we owe the people we love? Is it a sign of strength or weakness to walk away from someone in need? These questions lie at the heart of Ann Packer’s intimate and emotionally thrilling new novel, which has won its author comparisons with Jane Hamilton and Sue Miller.

At the age of twenty-three Carrie Bell has spent her entire life in Wisconsin, with the same best friend and the same dependable, easygoing, high school sweetheart. Now to her dismay she has begun to find this life suffocating and is considering leaving it–and Mike–behind. But when Mike is paralyzed in a diving accident, leaving seems unforgivable and yet more necessary than ever. The Dive from Clausen’s Pier animates this dilemma–and Carrie’s startling response to it–with the narrative assurance, exacting realism, and moral complexity we expect from the very best fiction.

My Review:

I happened to pick this book up at a used book sale at a library a few years ago and it has been sitting on my shelf ever since. I think I opened it up a couple of times only to close it again thinking that it was going to take too long to read. Boy was I wrong...I finished this one in about a week, which is great reading for me!

There is very significant subject matter in this novel and beautiful writing to go along with it. As I indicated, I purchased this book used and I noticed that someone had underlined a very thought-provoking passage that I want to share with you. The following passage is from page 282:

It seems to me that we learn each other in stages: facts first, meanings later, like explorers who stumble on to bodies of water without knowing at first whether they've encountered fog-shrouded rivers or vast ocieans. We press on until we know, but as we go something is lost: The new becomes old, and then taken for granted, and then forgotten.

The accident happens in the very beginning of the novel, without giving much of a prelude to the current status of Mike and Carrie's relationship. It is apparent that they are engaged at the time, but it becomes more obvious as the novel goes on that the relationship was hanging by a thread. Most family and friends seem to be unaware of the conflict between the couple, so when Carrie's devotion towards Mike is swayed, the people that she has counted on for support turn away from her.

When Carrie seems to have no-one left to share her most intimate feelings with, she flees the comfortable life that she has always known in search for something more. After she leaves her life behind, she is plagued with the guilt of leaving Mike, who needed her most at this time. One might think that this part of the novel didn't make any sense, that she was just wandering without any sense or purpose. I think it's important to remember at this point that this is a young gal that recently graduated from college with her whole life ahead of her. In an instant her whole future changed, so who is to say how one would react to that?

As Carrie deals with her emotions throughout the novel, she immerses herself into sewing projects. The significance of the two large projects that she has sewn for herself becomes apparent at the end of the novel. It really was interesting how Packer had these two items of clothing fit in to the story of Carrie's journey.

A part of this book that I really enjoyed was the respect that Carrie seemed to develop for her mother throughout the book. Carrie's father left when she was very young so it was just the mother/daughter duo her whole life. When Carrie met Mike she seemed to spend more time with his family, leaving her mom to fend for herself. I think that once Carrie realized how lonely of a life her mom has lived, she had a new respect for her.

I think that this was an honest story that showed what could realistically happen in a similar situation. I really enjoyed this book and although I read this on my own I think this would make a great book club discussion that would include topics of morals, friendships, and human nature.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Teaser Tuesday-Dec 30



Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading. TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:


Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

I just finished The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer so I am taking my teaser from that one again:

She faced me with her mouth pressed into a thin line. "It's quite complicated. If you lose him for a second-"

pg 333

Winter Reading Challenge







This challenge caught my eye because I can start this one right away, rather than waiting until January 1st! I'm looking forward to adding a little bit of fun to the cold months that lie ahead!

The Winter Reading Challenge runs from December 21st, 2008 through March 20, 2009.

The rules are very flexible:

1) Choose any number of books you would like to read and post them on your blog.

2) They can be fiction and/or nonfiction including e-books and audiobooks.

3) They can overlap with other challenges.

Interested in joining this challenge? You can check out the details here.

Here is my list for the challenge:

1. The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer-- completed 12/30
2. The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates--audiobook completed 1/23
3. Peony in Love by Lisa See--completed 1/24
4. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne--Completed 2/10
5. This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury--Completed 2/18
6. Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas--Completed 2/28
7. The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman--Completed 1/11

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Sunday Salon



Well it seems that things will be getting back to normal after the busy Christmas season. I was very sad this morning as I stood in the shower thinking "Back to work tomorrow" sigh sigh.

Last week was very relaxing though and we did have a great Christmas. We stayed home for Christmas and it was nice. Not having to worry about being somewhere by a certain time, or waking up early to make yourself presentable. Looking good while relaxing at home is overrated! lol lol

We did have a busy weekend in my home though. I allowed my daughter to have a few of her friends over on Friday night and they stayed up late making gingerbread houses and playing the wii. Of course the noise levels did get a bit out of hand so sleep was off and on the whole evening. But they did have fun so I don't mind them hanging out at our home since I know that they are safe!

I must have felt like a glutton for punishment because then I allowed my son to have a few friends over last night to have one of their "lan" parties. Do you know what this is...it is crazy! There were 5 boys all together (and remember these are all college students now) that bring their entire computer systems to my home and network them so they are all linked together. Then they stay up all night long playing games together over their "network". Goodness, that can get crazy! My daughter calls it a geek party. lol lol

Well I think I am going to enjoy the rest of my final day off by going and putting my feet up and reading for awhile. Have a great week and happy reading!


Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas!


Well Merry Christmas to everyone! I took a picture of what I received from my book blogging Secret Santa. Thanks so much to Alyce for the wonderful gifts that are pictured above. I am so looking to lighting my scented candle while I kick back and read The Heretic's Daughter. I also received some pure Maple Syrup from Vermont (yummy) and some chocolates, which are always a good thing in my house! Thank you so much for these great gifts!

I also have an IPOD pictured above, but that wasn't from my Secret Santa. That was from my wonderful husband, but as you may recall I did ask for this in my letter to Santa. So I will probably be playing with that for the rest of the day.

And last but definitely not least, just a couple days after I posted my letter to Santa my sister was released from the hospital. So she is able to spend Christmas at home with her family today. Thank you all so much for your prayers and Amen!

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday!



Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Teaser Tuesday-12/23



Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!


My teaser is from The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer:

He was waiting, and I wiped the tears away with the sides of my forefingers, then dried my hands on my pants. I lowered my face but then stopped, unsure how to avoid the halo.
pg 65

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Winner of This One is Mine



And the winner of This One is Mine by Maria Semple is


I will be emailing you shortly to get your address information so the publisher can send out your book. A special thanks to Miriam from Hachette for sponsoring this giveaway!

I enjoyed this book and I hope you do too!

Friday, December 19, 2008

My Letter to Santa

Fizzy Thoughts had the great idea of writing a letter to Santa! I haven't done this in so long, but what have I got to lose? Nothing to lose because by writing my letter to Santa I am entered in a contest to win a book! Now how fun is that? She mentioned being chatty in the letter, which I definitely do not have a problem with, but I hope you don't find it too boring. I have decided to make this a realistic letter to Santa and talk about more than books.

Dear Santa,

First of all I would like to apologize for not keeping in touch over the years as I should have. I know that you are a busy guy and shouldn't be expected to keep track of everyone's wishes without them writing you to let you know what they want. Even though I may not have written you every year, my family has been faithful when it comes to leaving you a few snacks on Christmas Eve, which you always seemed to partake.

I don't have too long of a list this year, but the most important one would have to be in regards to my little sisters health. She has been very sick over the last year, in and out of the hospital and actually had to spend Christmas in the hospital last year. Shey was put back in the hospital last week so my main wish from you is that she would be able to spend Christmas home with her family.

One of the other things that I have been wanting for awhile is an IPOD. I was hoping to get one for my birthday, but since that didn't happen now I've been hoping I will get one for Christmas.

And last, but not least, there have been a couple books that have caught my interest this year. The first one would be The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, because this book is written about the area that I live in. I just love reading books that indicate places that you are familiar with. Another book that I would really enjoy is Tis the Season by Lorna Landvik. Lorna Landvik's novels have a special place in my heart since Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons inspired the start of my bookclub.

I think I can honestly say that I have been a pretty good girl this year. I even helped to run the Operation Christmas Child program at our church this year. You may want to also check their website to see if they may need some assistance delivering some of those shoe boxes to the less fortunate children out there. I'm sure your assistance would be greatly appreciated!

I wish you safe travel on Christmas Eve and don't forget to stop by my Christmas tree for a few snacks to keep you going throughout the evening! Merry Christmas to you!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Current Book Giveaways!

Here are a few contests that you may want to enter:

Hey Lady! Watcha Readin'? is giving away a copy of The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This seems like such an interesting book that I am definitely going to sign up for this one!
This contest ends 12/29.

Diary of an Eccentric and Savvy Verse and Wit are both giving away a copy of Matrimony by Joshua Henkin. Both of their contests end 12/21.

Check out Peeking Betwen the Pages to win a copy of Tomato Girl by Jayne Pupek. This contest ends 12/23.

And last, but not least, there is my contest that ends TODAY, for This One is Mine by Maria Semple. I will be drawing for a winner tomorrow.

Good luck to everyone!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Review: Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans




The following is a summary of Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans from his website:

“There are stories, Christmas stories that are stored away like boxes of garlands and frosted glass ornaments, to be brought out and cherished each year. I’ve come to believe that my story is a Christmas story. For it has forever changed the way I see Christmas.” The Christmas season is supposed to be full of joy, but not for Mark Smart. Life had dealt him one body blow after another: he lost his scholarship and had to drop out of school; his beloved mother had died in a car crash; his girlfriend dumped him, and now, late on a snowy night in November, his car had broken down. Stumbling into a coffee house, he was looking for a phone to call a tow truck. What he found was a beautiful young woman with an unusual name who, through a simple act of kindness, changed his life forever. Macy Wood had little memory of her birth parents, and memories she’d rather forget of her adopted home. A Christmas ornament inscribed with the word “Noel” was the only clue to the little sister she only vaguely remembered, a clue that would send her, and Mark on a journey to reclaim her past, and her family. From the author of the beloved classic, The Christmas Box, comes another inspiring story of the power of love and the wonder of Christmas.

My Review:

I probably would not have read this book if it was not selected for one of our book club selections. I am very glad that my group chose this book as it was a touching and sweet story. This is the first book that I have read by Richard Paul Evans and I plan on reading more of his work in the future.

One of the major themes of this book is that people are put into others lives for a reason. Macy has lived a pretty rough life by growing up with a family that admitted they didn't really want her--they essentially adopted her because their 'ideal' adoption choice was no longer available. Macy remembers having a sister but all ties to her were severed once the adoption was finalized. As a young adult Macy begins her quest of finding the sister that she has yearned for most of her life.

Mark is a young man who doesn't really know what he is searching for. His heart seems to be hardened from his string of badluck and heartbreak. When Mark's car breaks down he happens to wander to a coffee shop where Macy is working to use a phone. They immediately form a special connection and start to help each other find what is missing and needed in their lives.

As I indicated earlier, this is a sweet Christmas story. During the busy holiday season this is an easy to read novel that really doesn't make you look to deep into the story for meaning. But I think with such a simple message that this story delivers, needing to look deeper is not necessary.

I must admit that at first I didn't think I would enjoy this book because it seemed to consist of mostly dialogue. At about the halfway point that did change, and you were able to see deeper into the heart of the characters. This was an emotional story for me so I did need to keep my tissue handy...so consider this your KLEENEX ALERT.

I did enjoy this story and I can't wait to discuss it with my book club. Richard Paul Evans has a great website that you can check out here. He shares information about all of his books and also has reading group discussion guides available.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Teaser Tuesday- Dec. 16

Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading.TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

I just finished Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans so I am going take my teaser from this one:


I put the ring in my pocket. Then Stu brought out of his coat a larger packet, a brown paper lunch sack smudged with motor oil.
pg 254

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sunday Salon



Winter has arrived in Northern Wisconsin! The weather outside is definitely frightful and events for the day are cancelled all over our little town. Today was actually the first time that someone phoned to inform us that church services will not be held this morning because of the weather!

One of my favorite parts of winter is being snowed in during a snow storm. I know it sounds crazy but I just think that there is something special about being stranded in your home with your loved ones. Especially when the tv goes out and you have to think of other activities to keep you busy.

As I was looking out the window at the birds scurrying about in the blowing snow, I noticed one red cardinal. I'm sure this is the same one that has been visiting my feeders for the last few days. Since we have moved into our home three years ago I have really enjoyed birdwatching, and I have been waiting to see a cardinal. Now he has arrived and he must like us because he keeps coming back. I just love watching those birds!

My son came home from college a couple of nights ago for his Christmas break and he will be staying for at least a month. It kind of saddens me to think that this could be his last vacation staying at home with us since he is graduating in the spring and preparing for law school. But that is what life is about...raise them up to do better in the world.

I have been a real slacker with my Christmas shopping this year, but thank goodness that we finally decorated our tree yesterday! That's one thing I can cross off my list for holiday projects!

Well I think that I am going to go and bake some cookies...another of my favorite snow day activities! Maybe after that I will try to get my Christmas novel finished. Happy Sunday everyone!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Teaser Tuesday-Dec. 9



Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading.
TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:


Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

My teaser is from Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans:

She had spent the day with her father, just the two of them, on an all-day daddy-daughter date. She had asked where her Sissy was, but her father said this was a special day for just them.

pg. 42

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Review and Giveaway of This One is Mine by Maria Semple







The following is a summary of This One is Mine by Maria Semple from Hachette:

Violet Parry is living the quintessential life of luxury in the Hollywood Hills with David, her rock-and-roll manager husband, and her darling toddler, Dot. She has the perfect life--except that she's deeply unhappy. David expects the world of Violet but gives little of himself in return. When she meets Teddy, a roguish small-time bass player, Violet comes alive, and soon she's risking everything for the chance to find herself again. Also in the picture are David's hilariously high-strung sister, Sally, on the prowl for a successful husband, and Jeremy, the ESPN sportscaster savant who falls into her trap. For all their recklessness, Violet and Sally will discover that David and Jeremy have a few surprises of their own. THIS ONE IS MINE is a compassionate and wickedly funny satire about our need for more--and the often disastrous choices we make in the name of happiness.

My Review:

I was very excited to read the first novel produced by Maria Semple. Semple was actually a writer for a couple of television shows, including Mad About You and Arrested Development. When Mad About You aired on television I must admit that it was my favorite show and I looked forward to that dry, off the wall humor that it delivered every week. It really was fun having that type of humor in the pages of this book.

Considering that Maria Semple was immersed in that crazy LA lifestyle, I think she did a great job of portraying how a lifestyle can change you if you let it. If you just look at the covers of a few magazines while standing in the check-out line, you can get a sense of how quickly you can lose control of your life as you are striving to make it big, or even after becoming successful in the entertainment industry. I think that Britney Spears and Paris Hilton can attest to that!

In the beginning of this novel Violet realizes that she somehow has lost herself in the midst of her husbands successful career. She has everything that she could possibly want or need but there is still a deep void in her life. Through the mistakes that she makes in this book she somehow finds her way back and gets her life back on track.

I also enjoyed the storyline about Violet's sister-in-law Sally. Watching Sally's character change from a materialistic golddigger to a caring and giving individual was very inspiring. When Sally first moved to LA her goal was to marry a man that would eventually be very successful in the entertainment realm. Once she accomplished this goal she found out that things are not always as perfect as they appear. I enjoyed the development of Sally's relationship with Jeremy, once she was enlightened about his imperfections.

Some people may think that with Violet's picture perfect lifestyle that there is no way she would have been looking for love from Teddy Reyes, rather than with her perfect high-profile husband. But I had a close friend who I watched go through the same kind of situation. She also had everything that she needed or wanted but it still wasn't enough. I even remember sometimes I would be talking to her and all she could talk about was when 'he' was expected to call again. He was all she could think about. I guess that kind of 'need' really has a way of taking over your thoughts and producing new fears.

I enjoyed this book myself but if you consider yourself to be a more 'reserved' reader, this one may not be for you because of the sexual content. If you want a little something that shows the wild and crazy side of the high-profile LA lifestyle, then This One is For You!

Miriam from Hachette has graciously offered to give away one copy of This One is Mine by Maria Semple and some tattoos that Semple created--This you will understand once you read the book!

To enter this giveaway you must be 18 or older and live in the US or Canada.

For one entry leave me a comment below.

For an additional entry, link this contest to your blog.

Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

You will have until December 17th to enter and I will draw for a winner on December 18th.

Giveaway Closed

Winner of Names My Sisters Call Me



And the winner of my very first book giveaway is......

Carrie K.

Congratulations Carrie! I am sure you will enjoy this book. My book club actually just met last week to discuss this one and it was unanimously enjoyed by everyone...and that doesn't happen often.

I will be sending you an email shortly to get your mailing address. I want to give a special Thank You to Miriam from Hachette for sponsoring this contest!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Flirting With Forty Giveaways!





There are some great giveaways out there right now to win Flirting With Forty by Jane Porter. This seems like such a fun and flirty book that I definitely would love to win!


You can find a few of the contests at:


A Bookworm's World--Contest ends 12/18

At Home With Books--Contest ends 12/18

Book Critiques--Contest ends 12/12


My Friend Amy--Contest ends 12/15

Wendi's Book Corner--Contest ends 12/16

Thursday, December 4, 2008

War Through The Generations Challenge

Here is a challenge that Serena from Savvy Verse & Wit and Anna from Diary of an Eccentric are co-hosting for 2009. All you need to do is make a commitment to read at least five books that are themed around World War II between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. I have always loved books from this genre so I don't think that will be a problem for me. I have a few on my shelves at home to start off with that will also work with a couple of other challenges that I am doing for next year.

I am going to sign up to read 5 World War II books and here are the titles that I am going to start with:

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne--completed 2/10/2009
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas--completed 2/28/2009
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay--completed 5/17/2009
Guernica by Dave Boling--completed 11/25/2009
A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal--Completed 12/13/2009

If you are interested in signing up or to find out more information about this challenge click here.
I hope you join in!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Teaser Tuesday-Dec. 2




Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!


I am still reading This One is Mine by Maria Semple---I know....I am a slow reader!

There was the cell phone, the golf clubs, the 1980 Rickenbacker bass she'd had Geddy Lee sign and send her. The moment she'd purchase one of these lagniappes, hope and self-loathing would ricochet within, leaving her jumpy and demoralized.

pg 181

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Sunday Salon



We definitely had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend together here. My son came home from college last Wednesday evening and just left this morning. And my fater-in-law came for a visit from South Dakota on Thursday and he just left this morning also.

Thursday I must admit that I made the best turkey that I have ever made in my life! I brined the turkey, which I have never done before, and the flavor and moistness was like none I have had before. I will definitely be brining a turkey in the future and would recommend it highly!

After stuffing ourselves with turkey, sweet potatoes, and pie, I ventured out with my kids on Thursday night to Wal-Mart and we bought a wii. Boy is that a fun game and it sure is a workout! So I told my daughter that when we have a disagreement we can take our frustrations out through the wii game!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I am thankful for so many things including:

My family

My church

My home

My job, which so many are without

My bookclub friends

My blog and new blogging friends!

I am also thankful for winning a copy of Testimony from Redlady's Reading Room.

Well I am off to get some laundry done so I am ready for the week ahead. Try to get a little bit more reading in today, even though all my favorite shows are on tonight!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

2009 What's In A Name Challenge



Now this sounds like a challenge that I can handle! All you need to do is read one book in each of the 6 categories during the year. The categories are as follows:

1. A book with a "profession" in its title
The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner--Completed 5/10/2009


2. A book with a "time of day" in its title.
The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz--Completed 4/20/09


3. A book with a "relative" in its title.
Two Brothers-One North, One South by David H. Jones--Completed 6/16/2009


4. A book with a "body part" in its title.
BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker--Completed 9/15/2009


5. A book with a "building" in its title.
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin--Completed 10/3/2009


6. A book with a "medical condition" in its title.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger--Completed 12/10/2009


To join in the fun click here.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Teaser Tuesday-Nov. 25




Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading.


TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!


My teaser is from This One is Mine by Maria Semple:

"May I draw your attention to the office building across the steet."
Violet passed his car. It looked like he was taking off his shirt.

pg. 58

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Review and Giveaway: Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane





The following is a summary of Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane from Hachette:

Courtney, Norah, and Raine Cassel are as different as three sisters can be. Norah, the oldest, is a type A obsessive who hasn't forgiven Raine, the middle sister, for ruining her wedding day six years ago. Raine is Norah's opposite, a wild child/performance artist/follow-your-bliss hippie chick who ran off to California. The only thing the two have in common is their ability to drive Courtney, their youngest sister, crazy.

When her longtime boyfriend proposes, Courtney decides it's finally time to call a truce and bring the three sisters together. After all, they're grown-ups now, right? But it turns out that family ghosts aren't easily defeated--and neither are first loves. Soon Courtney finds herself reexamining every choice she has made in the past six years--including the man she's about to marry--and the value of reconnecting with the sisters she knows she needs, in spite of everything.

My Review:


When I picked up Names My Sisters Call Me I really was expecting a fun, light read. Well I certainly did get what I expected, and more! One of the big themes in this book was not wanting to let go of first loves, but then finally learning to let go and move on. The family dynamics between the sisters and their mother was also another important aspect of the book and was very realistic.


Courtney has kept a close, yet somewhat strained relationship with her older and bossy sister Norah, but has not kept in touch with Raine since she fled from her family six years earlier. As Courtney is now engaged she is hoping that her sisters will be able to set aside their differences so they can share in the happy event of Courtney's nuptuals together as a family.


As Courtney's sisters reunite in their hometown to celebrate her engagement party, Courtney is tempted by the feelings that she has or had for her first love. Luckily, this part of the novel helped to reveal some underlying family issues in Courtney's life. It helped her to realize why she let her sisters treat her the way they do.


Even though the mother had a small part in the novel, I feel she made a very important statement. Knowing how different each of her daughters were, she showed her love and support for each of them even during the most trying times. One of my favorite parts of the book was when they were having 'Family Dinner', and mom brought out three cakes, a different cake for each daughter because they all had different tastes. For me, this was a way of embracing their differences instead of trying to fix or change them.


Everything did come together nicely at the end of the book, but not too nicely that it seemed unrealistic. The three sisters obviously still had some relationship issues to work out. Personally, this book really tugged at my heart, since I grew up without a father myself. I also want to share the line in the book that really impacted me, from pg 290, "I never learned how to love something that could love me back."


This was a great book that I would suggest for a book club or for personal reading, especially if you have a sister! I just can't wait to see how the rest of my book club liked it. I will be sure to share some of their comments after we meet to discuss it.


Feel free to check out Megan Crane's website to find out what kind of sister you are.


Giveaway:


Miriam from Hachette is offering to give away one copy of Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane. To enter this giveaway you must be 18 or older and live in the US or Canada.


For one entry leave me a comment below.


For an additional entry, link this contest to your blog.


Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.


You have until December 6th to enter and I will draw for a winner on December 7th.


Thursday, November 20, 2008

I've Been Tagged for Wyn's Sunday Meme

Jessica from Living Between the Pages tagged me for Wyn’s Sunday Meme. Make sure you check out both blogs. Thank you Jessica for being the first one to tag me!

The meme:
1. What book is on the left hand side of your computer or closest to the left hand side?
2. Are you reviewing it, is it your favourite, or is it there for some other reason and specify.
3. Go to page 38 and write down from the 2nd paragraph, the first 4 sentences.
4. Tag 4 friends and pass them this avatar.

The closest book to the left of my computer at home is Gardens of Water by Alan Drew. It is there because my bookshelf is to the left of my computer and it just happens to be the last book that I put on my shelf because it was just returned to me from friends that had borrowed it. I read this book about a year ago when my entire book club won Advanced Reader's Copies from Random House. This is one of my favorite books and one of the few books that was overwhelmingly enjoyed by almost everyone within my book group. This book deals with many different themes including, first love, family obligations, and differences in cultures and religions. Two very different families are thrown together to deal with their differences after living through a natural disaster. You can see a complete synopsis of Gardens of Water here.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to suggest it to someone for a leisurely read or for a book club discussion.


pg 38

He came to finally and found himself wrapped around the twisted mess of wrought iron. His shirt had caught on the metal, and it was pulled up over his head so that when he opened his eyes he faced the darkness of the material. For a moment he thought he was dead, then the pain at his temple shocked him into consciousness. His legs dangled over the edge of the rooftop.


Now to tag 4 fellow bloggers:

Julie at Julie's Jewels
Bonnie at Redlady's Reading Room
Lisa at Books and Cooks
Betty at Betty's Books

Monday, November 17, 2008

Teaser Tuesday-Nov. 18



Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

I'm still reading Names My Sisters Call Me from Megan Crane, so here is another teaser from that book:

Their casual, and thus evidently long-term intimacy hung around them like a sepia tent.

I may have been naive, but even I could see the freaking obvious.


pg. 175

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sunday Salon





Well it has certainly been a busy weekend for us here in Northern Wisconsin. And boy has it been cold! It has been lightly snowing off and on all day, which I don't mind if I am in a nice warm house all day!


I actually started my weekend on Thursday night, when I went out for Mexican with some friends and family. We originally planned it for Friday night, but then realized that wouldn't work so we had to move it up. Boy did we have a good time with our margaritas, salsa and chips!


My daughter is a senior in high school this year, and she is in the drama club that is performing 'It's a Wonderful Life' this weekend. So we went to see the play on Friday night, which was their first performance. My daughter thought the play was horrible that night, because they had a few kinks to work out, but I think those little mistakes make it even that more endearing. We had a great time and hats off to the young man that played the role of Old Man Potter...he was just a hoot!


Saturday I spent the afternoon with some friends of mine at a baby shower. The baby was also there so that was a special afternoon. She is just a couple of weeks old but you really do forget how tiny those precious ones are when they are born!

This afternoon I have just been trying to get caught up on some paperwork. How it multiplies I will never understand. One piece of information that excited me this weekend is that I found out that The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne has been made into a movie. I received that book as a Christmas present last year, so now I will definitely have to read it soon!

Well I am off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday with a book in my recliner, before I have to start a busy week all over again.

Friday, November 14, 2008

RYOB Challenge 2009



This sounds like an interesting challenge. You just set a goal of how many of your own books you want to read during 2009. You don't even need to create a list beforehand, which works great for me since I am always changing my mind! And it will help me get through some of those books that I have been wanting to read for so long.

For more information and to sign up for this challenge click here. I am going to sign up to read 20 of my own books.

1. The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman--Completed 1/11/2009
2. Peony in Love--Completed 1/24/2009
3. The Triumph of Deborah by Eva Etzioni-Halevy--Completed 2/7/2009
4. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne--Completed 2/10/2009
5. This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury--Completed 2/18/2009
6. Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas--Completed 2/28/2009
7. Bedlam South by Mark Grisham and David Donaldson--Completed 3/10/2009
8. The View from Mount Joy by Lorna Landvik--Completed 3/23/2009
9. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See--Completed 4/5/2009
10. Keeper of Light and Dust by Natasha Mostert--Completed 4/20/2009
11. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini--Completed 4/30/2009
12. The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner--Completed 5/10/2009
13. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay--Completed 5/17/2009
14. Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons--Completed 5/20/2009
15. Two Brothers-One North, One South by David H. Jones--Completed 6/16/2009
16. Cutting Loose by Nadine Dajani--Completed 6/25/2009
17. Beach Trip by Cathy Holton--Completed 7/10/2009
18. The Circle of Friends Book III...James by L. Diane Wolfe--Completed 8/2/2009
19. Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith--Completed 8/8/2009
20. Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas--Completed 8/15/2009

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

New Author Challenge 2009

This is my first challenge so I thought I would start out with one that I think is attainable for me. In the New Author Challenge you choose the number of new authors that you want to read during the year. Literary Escapism suggests 25 or 50, but I am going for 25. The challenge runs from January 2009 to December 2009.

Check it out and join in if interested!

1. The Triumph of Deborah by Eva Etzioni-Halevy--completed 2/7/2009
2. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne--completed 2/10/2009
3. Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas--Completed 2/28/2009
4. Bedlam South by Mark Grisham and David Donaldson--completed 3/10/2009
5. Keeper of Light and Dust by Natasha Mostert--completed 4/20/2009
6. Code to Zero by Ken Follett--completed 4/22/2009
7. The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner--Completed 5/10/2009
8. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant--Completed 5/1/2009
9. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay--Completed 5/17/2009
10. Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons--Completed 5/26/2009
11. Two Brothers-One North, One South by David H. Jones Completed 6/16/2009
12. So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger--Completed 6/8/2009
13. Cutting Loose by Nadine Dajani--Completed 6/25/2009
14. Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst--Completed 7/8/2009
15. Beach Trip by Cathy Holton--Completed 7/10/2009
16. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer--Completed 7/20/2009
17. The Circle of Friends III...James by L. Diane Wolfe--Completed 8/2/2009
18. The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne--Completed 8/17/2009
19. The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan--Completed 8/30/2009
20. The Light, the Dark, and Ember Between by J.W. Nicklaus--Completed 9/12/2009
21. The BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker-Completed 9/15/2009
22. The Sari Shop Widow by Shobhan Bantwal--Completed 9/21/2009
23. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin--Completed 10/3/2009
24. The Next Thing on my List by Jill Smolinski--Completed 10/4/2009
25. The Financial Lives of the Poets by Jess Walter--Completed 10/7/2009

Teaser Tuesday



Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading.



TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:


Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!
My teaser is from Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane:
'He was bearing drinks and looked delighted to discover he was the topic of conversation. He grinned at Lucas as he handed him the beer. "What were you expecting?"'
pg 104

Monday, November 10, 2008

Book Bloggers Christmas Swap 2008





What a neat idea! A secret santa gift exchange with book blogging pals! I love it!

Check out how to get signed up in this gift exchange at Things Mean a Lot.

The Christmas season is upon us so make sure you sign up by November 18th! I have never participated in a secret santa to this extent so I am looking forward to it!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Review: The Victoria Vanishes: A Peculiar Units Crime Mystery by Christopher Fowler

The following is a summary of The Victoria Vanishes by Christopher Fowler from Random House:

It’s a case tailor-made for the Peculiar Crimes Unit. A lonely hearts killer is targeting middle-aged women at some of England’s most well-known pubs—including one torn down eighty years ago. What’s more, Arthur Bryant happened to see one of the victims only moments before her death at the pub that doesn’t exist. Indeed, this case is littered with clues that defy everything the veteran detectives know about the habits of serial killers, the methodology of crime, and the odds of making an arrest. Now, with the public on the verge of panic and their superiors determined to shut the PCU down for good, Detectives Bryant and May must rise to the occasion in defense of two great English traditions—the pub and the Peculiar Crimes Unit.

That’s easier said than done. A lost funeral urn, the eighteenth-century mystic Emanuel Swedenborg, the Knights Templars, the secret history of pubs, and the discovery of an astounding religious relic may be enough to convince one of the pair to take back his resignation letter. But with Bryant consulting a memory specialist and May encountering a brush with mortality, do the Peculiar Crimes Unit’s two living legends have enough life left to stop a murderous conspiracy…and a deadly cupid targeting one of their own.

My Review:

I do not usually read mysteries, but I figured it was time to change my habits a little bit by expanding my reading genre. I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this novel and started reading it right away. I used to read mysteries when I was younger but kind of shyed away from them when I wasn't finding them intellectually challenging. Obviously, I have learned that the substance of the novel depends upon the author that you choose to read, and Christopher Fowler did not let me down.

This book is part of the Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery series and I did not read any of the previous books in this series. I do not think that I missed anything by not reading any of the previous installments.

Bryant and May are the lead detectives of the Peculiar Crimes Unit, which is an odd division of the London police department. The government has actually been trying to abolish the unit for years. Will the government finally accomplish it's task of shutting down this unit when one of the detectives decides that he should retire?

The women of London are being preyed upon in the local pubs and it is up to the Peculiar Crimes Unit to find the perpetrator. This was the mystery part of the novel, which unfolded quite nicely, and not in an obvious way.

Another enjoyable aspect of the book is how he included historical data regarding the London pubs. The governmental conspiracy, historical pubs, the peculiar crimes, bits of comedy here and there, and some of the personal information about the main characters really enhanced this book and gave it a good solid base. I truly enjoyed this mystery and look forward to reading more of these novels in the future!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Teaser Tuesday



Check out Teaser Tuesdays from Should Be Reading at http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/.

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

My teaser is from The Victoria Vanishes:A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler

'A popular Maritime moto was "We anchor in hope", but by depicting sailors the sign-maker has misunderstood the meaning of the pub's name. You see? By decoding the tangled symbols of the past, we get close to the truths that history books miss.'

pg. 114

Open Secrets:A Memoir of Faith and Discovery






The following synopsis is from the Random House website:


In the tradition of Garrison Keillor, Open Secrets captures the friendships, rivalries, and rumors of small-town life by chronicling the lives of the citizens of a small Midwestern community through the eyes of a young minister.

Fresh out of divinity school and bursting with enthusiasm, Richard Lischer found himself assigned to a small conservative church in an economically depressed town in southern Illinois. It’s an awkward marriage at best--a young man with a Ph.D. in theology, full of ideas and ambitions, determined to improve his parish and bring it into the twenty-first century, and a community that is “as tightly sealed as a jar of home-canned pickles.” In Open Secrets, Lischer tells not only his own story but also the story of New Cana and its inhabitants. With charm, openness, and humor, Lischer brings to life the clash of cultures and personalities that marks his pastoral tenure, including his own doubts, as well as those of his parishioners, that a twenty-eight-year-old suburban-raised liberal can deal with the troubled marriages, alcoholism, teen sex, inadequate farm subsidies, and other concerns of the conservative, tightly knit community. But the inhabitants of New Cana--lovable, deeply flawed, imperfect people who stick together--open their arms to him in their own way, and the result is a colorful, poignant comedy of small-town life and all it has to offer.

My Review:


This was a very interesting book to read considering the fact that I belong to a small Christian church in a rural community. It was both bittersweet and comical at times to see the similarities between my church and the church in this memoir, which are obviously similarities in just about any small rural church out there.

The beginning of this book was very difficult for me. He really went into a lot of detail about his education to prepare for his ministry. Much of this information was very specific for a Lutheran education, so if you are not a Lutheran it may very well not hold your interest.

I did appreciate the honest assessment of how he felt when he arrived at the little church in New Cana. After receiving a theological education he had higher aspirations than ministering to the rural church that consisted of a few large families that essentially managed the community. It was evident that he was having a hard time adapting to his new church and pastoral duties. You could see him becoming more confident in his position when he had the opportunity to deliver a couple of sermons at another local church. This also gave his congretation a chance to be a little more appreciative of the gifts that he had to offer.

Our book club consists of ladies that I consider to have a very strong Christian faith. When we first looked at this book we unanimously thought that we would enjoy it. Although we enjoyed many of the little stories within the book, and his truthful assessment of himself, we really did not enjoy this memoir in general. This book was structured in a way that was difficult to read and follow along. A couple of our members our Lutherans, so I at least expected them to like it a bit more, but they did not.

This book does contain good information and I think it would be very valuable for a pastor of a small rural church, but I don't think that it is material worthy for a bookclub discussion. Our book club rates books on a scale from one to five, one being the lowest and five being the highest. This book received an average rating of a two from our club.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Nineteen Minutes


The following synopsis is from ReadingGroupGuides.com:

In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for a family of five....In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world, or you can just jump off it. In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.

Sterling is a small, ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens -- until the day its complacency is shattered by a shocking act of violence. In the aftermath, the town's residents must not only seek justice in order to begin healing but also come to terms with the role they played in the tragedy. For them, the lines between truth and fiction, right and wrong, insider and outsider have been obscured forever. Josie Cormier, the teenage daughter of the judge sitting on the case, could be the state's best witness, but she can't remember what happened in front of her own eyes. And as the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show, destroying the closest of friendships and families.

Nineteen Minutes is New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult's most raw, honest, and important novel yet. Told with the straightforward style for which she has become known, it asks simple questions that have no easy answers: Can your own child become a mystery to you? What does it mean to be different in our society? Is it ever okay for a victim to strike back? And who -- if anyone -- has the right to judge someone else?

My review:

Jodi Picoult is such a talented author! I have read a few of her books but I do consider this one my favorite to date. She always seems to take such a controversial and difficult subject and give you so many different perspectives of it.

This book is about a school shooting that helps you understand why it happened from the shooter's point of view. The human dynamics and relationships within this novel were amazing. You really come to understand why Peter was driven to commit such a violent act of revenge, even though you don't agree with it.

Another important part of the novel is the strained relationship between Josie and her mother, Alex Cormier. Alex decided to be a single parent when Josie was born and also to pursue a successful career as a judge. This choice has created a rift in the mother-daughter relationship that does not get mended until the events of the tragedy unfold. You really see their relationship strengthen as they realize they can trust each other once again.

I sometimes have a hard time reading novels where the time-line jumps around on me, so it took me a little while to get used to that with this novel. I think that type of writing really added to this story, because it allowed for more of an element of surprise.

It is not very often that everyone in my book club enjoys a book, but we all loved this one! I do believe that many schools actually use this book as part of an anti-bullying campaign. I highly recommend this book!

Who By Fire Giveaway!


Jewish Rantings is giving away 10 copies of Who By Fire by Diana Spechler. You can check out her contest at http://38thavediivareaders.blogspot.com/ and enter it until November 5th. She also gives a link to Book Club Girl's upcoming blog talk radio show with the author, Diana Spechler.


This book appears to be about a family that falls apart after one of the children are kidnapped. After years of living in discontent, one of the family members decides to try to put the pieces back together by trying to salvage the family relationships.
I am definitely going to have to add this book to my must read pile!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Book Giveaways at Booking Mama!




Booking Mama has a couple of great giveaways that you need to check out!

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleene Kent and is about a mother and daughter that must endure the hardships that come along with being accused of being witches during the Salem Witch Trials.

You can listen to an on-line interview with Kathleene Kent at Booking Mama and also leave a comment to register to win the book. This contest is open until October 29th, 2008, so act quickly! You can register at http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/.

Booking Mama also has two signed copies of The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran. This is a historical fiction novel that is based on the life of Nefertari. Nefertari goes on to become one of the most powerful queens of Egypt.

The Heretic Queen contest is open until November 15th. You just need to leave a comment at http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/ indicating why you like historical fiction for a chance to win.

Good luck everyone!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I love my book club!!!!

Have I mentioned that I just love my book club? We started out with about seven members and now we have nine members as we begin our fifth year together. We come from all walks of life and range in ages from 35 to 65. A few of us were friends or family before we started our group, but a few of us did not know each other at all until we met at one of our meetings.

Now that we have been meeting once a month for the past few years, we have developed a special friendship amongst ourselves. One might call it a secret society or sisterhood! I know that we all look forward to our time together and miss each other dearly when we do not get together quite so often in the summer.

I think it may be impossible to have a 'great' book selection month after month. I do find it interesting when we read a book that none of our members enjoyed, how we can carry such an interesting discussion about it.

Well that is what I have to share about my book club....I love my girls!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

American Wife



This is the first novel that I read by Curtis Sittenfeld, and I had actually won an advance copy of it. Although I enjoyed this book, I don't think this selection would have went over well with some of my book club members.

I must admit that I was a little nervous about reading a book about a woman that marries a man that is similar to our current president. It wasn't until after I read the novel that I found out that the main character was actually based on Laura Bush.

I am very glad that I didn't procrastinate and decided to start this book right away after I received it. I really enjoyed the story and fell in love with the characters. The only problem that I had with the book was towards the end of the novel. It seemed that she took most of the story line from the current administration, which I thought really did not require much imagination.

I enjoyed this book so much I decided to share it with another reading guru that I know. When I first told her that it is based on the life of Laura Bush she was kind of turned off. But after I reassured her that she probably will enjoy the story she persevered and read it anyway, and ended up loving it.

Sittenfeld is a very talented writer who I look forward to reading more of in the future.

Friday, October 17, 2008

New to blogging!

This blog is such a neat concept but it may take me a while to get into the groove of things! I love to read and I am very excited to share my thoughts and ideas of the books that I have read! I am in the process of reading a couple of books right now that I will share with you soon!