Burglar in the Library

Title: The Burglar in the Library

Author: Lawrence Block

Date Finished: January 29, 2009

Personal Book Count: 8 out of 100

Rating: 4 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: Mystery

First Line: At three in the afternoon on the first Thursday in March, I got Barnegat Books settled in for the weekend.

Summery: Bernie Rhodenbarr and his friend Carolyn go out of town for the weekend to a New England Inn. He has deduced there is a first edition copy of The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler there, and he plans to steal it. That is before his fellow guests start turning up dead, and his attention is diverted to solve the mystery.

Why did I pick this book? : I am reading through all the burglar series.

Review: Not my favorite in the series, but an enjoyable read none the less. I had a friend who started with this one, and although it’s ok, I’m glad it wasn’t my first. It had the same cozy feel, with the comfortable wit of Bernie’s that I have grown used to. I am really gonna hate it when I get to the end of the series. They have a sort of ‘good guy wins’ vibe (except of course for the dead guys) to it that I have really grown to like. This one was no exception. I think I’m even going to miss Carolyn and Raffles the cat. Gotta say the ending wasn’t as satisfactory on this one as I liked. I like nice neat ends.

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D

4 Day Diet

Has anyone tried the 4 Day Diet by Dr. Ian Smith? I was thinking about starting it next week (need to finish reading it first), but was wondering what others thought... I did his Fat Smash Diet a few years ago, and it was effective and easy to stick with, but I always like different opinions when trying something new. Has anyone tried this, or know someone who did? thx =D

Title: Twilight

Author: Stephanie Meyer

Date Finished: January 24, 2009

Personal Book Count: 7 out of 100

Rating: 4 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: Young adult/ Science Fantasy

First Line: I’d never given much though to how I would die- though I’d had reason enough in the last few months- but even if I had, I would not have imagined it like this.

Summery: Teenagers, vampires, cool fast cars, young love, and good winning over evil.

Why did I pick this book? : Cheap at Costco, felt left out of hype ;)

Review: *May Contain Spoilers* Is there much more to be said, that hasn’t already? I think I am the last person to read this book. It didn’t take me long when I started though. I was sucked in (no vampire joke intended) by the writing, if not by the story, at first. It had a good rhythm to it, and the story keeps moving. On Bella’s part there is a teenage single mindedness over Edward (but it is a YA book.) I do get the appeal of his character. He is the bad boy, with a hint of occasional humanity. He is protective, and makes her feel special. I did question as I read, if he loved her, or if it was just flattery. I think that was well answered by the end. At the end of my edition, in the discussion questions, I saw where she compared Edward to Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I can see that. In my mind, he has the same kind of draw. Or even of Ranger from the Stephanie Plum books (but that could be because I just finished one.) And really, is he THAT much different from early Angel or early Spike in the Buffy series? Over all, even as an adult, I enjoyed this fun read, and look forward to New Moon.

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D

The Alchemist

Title: The Alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho

Date Finished: January 23, 2009

Personal Book Count: 6 out of 100

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: fiction

First Line: The Alchemist picked u pa book that someone in the caravan had brought. Leafing through the pages, he found a story about Narcissus.

Summery: Santiago is a shepherd who has a couple of dreams and is called on his personal quest. The story follows him on his quest, and the lessons he learns along the way.

Why did I pick this book? : I was working in an eighth grade class room a few years back, and was luck enough to be in English a couple of the days where the teacher was reading from this book a loud. I have be fascinated by the bits I heard ever since, and promised myself I would read the book one day. Not sure why it took me this long to get around to it.

Review: I liked this book. I’m glad I read it. This book contains lots of little stories with morals in one big story, also with a moral at the end. Many of it is advice we know, but good to be reminded of. This may be different if I had read it as a teen, but I think a good read either way. Although it is an easy read that one could shot straight through, I found myself slowing down to read every word, so as not to miss anything. I think this is one of those books that can be read on 2 levels. You and read it very simply, or it can be way more complicated, and you can get much more out of it. It also taught me the meaning to things I had heard of, but didn’t really know the meaning of (elixir of life, philosophers stone, and a Bedouin (am I the only one who though these were a fictitious Star Wars creature?)) Not an earth shattering read, but pleasant none the less.

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D

Plum Spooky

Title: Plum Spooky

Author: Janet Evanovich

Date Finished: January 21, 2009

Personal Book Count: 5 out of 100

Rating: 5 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: mystery

First Line: Sometimes you get up in the morning and you know it’s going to be one of those days.

Summery: Stephanie and Diesel join forces again, as there individual assignments cross, and it proves in their mutual interest to work together as a team.

Why did I pick this book? : Are you kidding? 2 words: Ranger and Joe.

Review: LOVE it! My first 5 of the year (and I don’t give many of those out. Only if it’s so good, I read it in less then 24 hours. (Note to self: don’t forget to put rating scale in the side margin)) What can I say? It was the first full length Between-the-Numbers book, and it almost lived up to the numbers books. This one was my favorite of the BTN, as it actually had Ranger and Joe. A lot. I really enjoyed many of the subplots in this one. And although Lula still drives me nuts, it is much less so with Tank. And there was Diesel. Now he is not Ranger or Morelli, but not bad in addition to them. Throw in a monkey, and good times ensue. Can’t go wrong with a monkey sidekick. I love the way Diesel teases Stephanie, you are never quite sure if he is serious or not. Maybe I’m an addict, but the worst thing I can say about these books, is there isn’t enough of them. And what can I say? Every girl should have a Ranger and a Joe (why choose?) in her life. =D

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D

I've been tagged by Pabast of Reading Mama

So here are the rules:
Link to the person who has tagged you.
Write down six things that make you happy.
Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did it.
Then tell the person when your entry is complete.

Six Things That Make Me Happy:


1. cuddling on the couch watching movies with DH and dog
2. knitting
3. reading
4. a GOOD cup of coffee
5. blogging/ facebook/ twitter
6. finding a well sought after book

I'm going to break the rules and tag no one. Unless you want to. It's kinda fun. If you haven't done it yet, dive on in.

If you participate link back here. I can't wait to read everyone's answers. =D

Lost Books Challenge

I know I said I was done finding and signing up for more challenges, but this came up and I couldn't resist. I have been a lost addict since the first time I saw Jack open his eyes, so I am so in for this...

Here are the rules:

) Round two of the LOST books challenge will launch Wednesday January 21st and continue until the series finale in 2010. Participants can join at any time.

2) Participants are asked to choose at least five books off the list of books alluded to or mentioned on the show to complete by the time the series concludes in 2010. If participants did not complete the first challenge, they can use those same books again. Find books here, here, or here.

3) The LOST books challenge will have its own blog. Participants can cross post their reviews directly onto the blog. But to add to the fun, participants can post about anything related to LOST (except for spoilers)...recaps of the episodes, theories, etc. It will be sort of a fun place for book blogging Losties.

4) I promise to try to keep it fresh and interesting with mini-challenges and contests.

5) To sign up, write a post with the books you intend to read and link back to this sign-up post to invite others along for the fun. Then come and drop the permalink to your post in the Mister Linky.

6) If you want to post to this blog, send me an email at lostbookschallengeATgmailDOTcom If you just want me to post a link to your review with a short excerpt, send the link to lostbookschallengeATgmailDOTcom

If you want to join us, click on the title or HERE.

I chose 5 I want to try:

1. Lord of the Flies- William Golding

2. Catch-22- Joseph Heller

3. Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret- Judy Blume

4. Watership Down- Richard Adams

5. The Dark Horse- Tami Hoag

Alternate- Slaughterhouse- Five- Kurt Vonnegut

Thirteen Reasons Why

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Date Finished: January 18, 2009.

Personal Book Count: 4/100

Rating: 4/5

Genre/ Subject: Young Adult

First Line: “Sir?” she repeats. “How soon do you want it to get there?”

Summery: You can’t stop the future. You can’t rewind the past. The only way to learn the secret… is to press play.

Clay Jensen doesn’t want anything to do with the tapes Hannah Baker made. Hannah is dead, he reasons. Her secrets should be buried with her. Then Hannah’s voice tells Clay that his name is on her tapes- and that he is, in some way, responsible for her death. All through the night, Clay keeps listening. He follows Hannah’s recorded words throughout his small town… and what he discovers changes his life forever.

Why did I pick this book? : I saw some positive review on other blogs, and it looked riveting. When enough people like something, you have to try it, right?

Review: This was one of those books that once you picked up, it was impossible to put down. The story started right way, and the characters were gripping. It was a fast read (even for a YA), and I found that I was on the edge of my seat the entire way. Couldn’t stop flipping pages even to eat or sleep. It takes place from one evening after school, to the next morning when school starts. It was fast paced and an emotional ride. At one point, I just needed to put the book down and walk away. I couldn’t go on any further until I calmed down. It’s one of those books that have several layers that click together as you read. The ‘snow ball effect’ was believable. The only thing I wouldn’t have found believable, was I’m not sure if I would have made many of the decisions that were made though the book (his or hers) as a teen. But that could be because it’s now a while ago that I was a teen, or that I’m just a different person then these two. Still, I never found it hard to suspend my disbelief and just go along for the ride. Great way to spend a weekend =D

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D

Widows of Eastwick

Title: The Widows of Eastwick

Author: John Updike

Date Finished: January 17, 2009

Personal Book Count: 3 out of 100

Rating: 3 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: fiction

First Line: Those of us acquainted with their sorted and scandalous story were not surprised to hear, by the way of rumor from the various localities where the sorceresses had settled after fleeing our pleasant town of Eastwick, Rhode Island, that the husbands whom the three Godforsaken women had by their dark arts concocted for themselves did not prove durable.

Summery: This is the sequel to The Witches of Eastwick. Alexandra, Jane and Sukie are back, but they are now all widowed from the husbands they married after fleeing Eastwick. They reunite and agree to spend a summer together in the old town none have visited for 30 years,

Why did I pick this book? : I received it as an ARC off of librarything. I thought the summery looked interesting, and I remember watching the movie (from the first book) as a teen.

Review: First of all let me say, I never read the first book, although I did see the movie. This book is nothing like the movie, but then again, I have heard the first book is nothing like the movie either. In my mind, I kept seeing the actresses (Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer.) As much as I enjoyed the writing, it took a while to get into, as it sometimes had long sentences, and even longer paragraphs. Once I picked up the flow, it wasn’t too bad. I found it to be well researched, but sometimes the details bogged down the story, and I found them distracting without adding much (the history, science, and even the romance novel at the end…) I thought sometimes these felt like filler. And in the end, it just seemed to stop. I never felt much wrap up, or conclusion. Maybe he was leaving it open for more, but I’m not sure how much room there is to continue the story, as I believe the ladies to be in their 80’s. And without spoiling anything, I felt the ending should have been all or nothing, and it was half way (you’ll have to read the book to understand that, or if you have, tell me if you agree.)

Now with that said, I really enjoyed the language of the piece. It was an amusing little story to follow along, and very much had the same feeling I expected (sense of humor, ect.) Though I could not necessarily relate to these women, it was an interesting journey to take with them, and there were enough side stories to keep me engrossed. And I feel the author did a good job, keeping me up with what was going on, despite the fact that I never read the first, I never felt lost. All in all, despite the little things that got under my skin (I know, my own personal pet peeves) I found this story a fairly pleasant way to spend my time. I may even have to go back and pick up the first one day. =D

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D

Non-fiction Amazon order…

(This will be my last for a while dear, I promise ;D)

So, this last batch from Amazon contained:

The 4 Day Diet- Ian Smith (I have high hopes, after doing his fat smash diet. Course, if it had worked, I wouldn’t need this one, would I?)

Audition- Barbara Walters (I have been into famous peoples biographies lately)

Still Growing- Kirk Cameron (ditto)

The Year of Living Biblically- A.J. Jacobs (looked funny, and something different. We’ll see if it lives up to expectations)

The Last Lecture- Randy Pausch (heard good things on TV and online. We’ll see. Without reading it, it strikes me as something Mitch Albom would write.)

Sundays at Tiffany’s- James Patterson (I know, not non-fiction… shh!)

Also I have a guilt pleasure. I love NASCAR romance books. I received 5 in the mail this week from bookmooch. Also got a Henry Miller (a first for me). Very good book week around here. Now if you will excuse me, I have some reading to do. =D

I always like recommendations for what to read. So tell me, what will you be reading this weekend?

I know I have been a little MIA (on blogging personal stuff, if not book stuff). I have been reading a lot, but not finishing much, knitting a lot and making some progress, and catching up of after Christmas cleaning, laundry and other stuff I let slide (ie work). Even seen a couple movies (on DVD of course, who had time to leave the house? =P)

So instead of doing a post of what I have finished, I’m going to do one on what I’ve been doing…

The Departed- only watched fist half, never got it at all

Shrek the Third- cute buy not what expected. Not as good as the first 2

Cars- re-watch for me. cute

Ironman- a little disappointing for a super hero movie, but OK.

Escape to Which Mountain- old and cheesy. But good to watch it again ;)

Dark Crystal- had never seen all of it. Disturbing, dark puppets

Sex in the City- funny. Just like the TV show, but more…

Sweater-have about 6 more inches to go on the hood one the first half of Arwen (click, then scroll down). If truth be told, we are still having a bit of a love hate thing...

Socks- working on a sock club kit (link in sidebar)

Twilight- about half way. I can see why all the teens are going wild for it…

The Alchemist- easy read, waiting for moral, although, hole thing could be moral

A Horse and His Boy- yes, still, I enjoy it, but it always seems to be the one that is pushed aside

How I Write- Evanovich is always entertaining, even in NF

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist- only 2 chapters in not sure yet

True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters- ditto

Watership Down- yes, ditto on still. But I’m still persevering. Until I finally quit all together :P

Widows of Eastwick- this is my ARC from yesterday. About 1/3 done, and so far, enjoying it

I’m debating watching Lost tonight. On one hand, it’s one of my fav’s, and will refresh my memory from last season. On the other hand, it’s on for 3 hours, between 9 and midnight, and I’m not sure if I can make it that long… we’ll see. There is something very appealing right now with crawling in bed with one of my books and a hot cup of tea… =D

Today is a big first for me. I got my first book from Librarything's Early Reviewer program. SO EXCITED! So the book is The Widows of Eastwick by John Updike (from Random House Canada). I was so thrilled when it arrived (and the mail was even early!) I sat down and started reading. I am about 50 pages in, and suspecting this might be one I will enjoy. (Now if I can only get Cher out of my head, lol). Anyhow, if you will excuse me, I have reading to do... I'll let you know how it goes when I am done. =D

Names My Sisters Call Me

Title: Names My Sisters Call Me

Author: Megan Crane

Date Finished: January 8, 2009.

Personal Book Count: 2 out of 100

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: Fiction

First Line: When Lucas went down, right there on the sidewalk outside my sister’s place in Chestnut Hill, my first thought was: ice.

Summery: When Courtney’s boyfriend proposes, she wants to reunite her family, and the sister who has been living in San Francisco for 6 years ago, after ruining her older sisters wedding. Along the way, she deals with a lot of family drama, an ex-boyfriend who has returned, feeling comfortable with who she is now, and how she relates to her present boyfriend.

Why did I pick this book? : Saw a positive review for it on the internet. I am the youngest of 3 as well, so I wanted to see what kind of angst they got into.

Review: I found this book to be eerily similar, in some ways, to my own family. I am the youngest of 3 girls. They are much older then I am (11 and 12 years in my case, but they are really half-sisters). Even down to many of the personality traits of the oldest, middle and youngest siblings aligned very well. That is about where our similarities stopped. I do still have both my parents, and have no musical ability whatsoever. I had a hard time believing some on the not-thought-out decisions Courtney made. I had trouble seeing the humor in a lot of the situations with her and her sisters (too close to home, maybe?). But it was a light, easy read, and quick to get through, and passed the time nicely.

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. =D

Everybody Loves Me!

Everybody loves me! Well, mostly me an Amazon. I am convinced my mail lady HATES me, but that is another post. :P

I love me because shortly after Christmas I bought myself a ‘few’ books from Amazon.

Amazon loves me cause just when I was crawling the walls, they delivered them to me on a Sunday.

This is what I treated my self to… some I had been looking for a while, some were cheaper, and some I just couldn’t wait any longer for…

Persuasion- Jane Austin
A Passion for Books: A Book Lover's Treasury of Stories, Essays, Humor, Lore, and Lists on Collecting, Reading, Borrowing, Lending, Caring for, and Appreciating Books- Rob Kaplan
Hopscotch - Julio Cortazar
Great Books Of The 20th Century Adventures Of Augie March- Saul Bellow
Fight Club- Chuck Palahniuk

So today, I feel like a very rich woman... now the question is, what to read first? ;D

What Kind of Reader Are You?

OK, so yes, I'm a joiner ;)

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

P.S. I Love You

Title: P.S. I Love You

Author: Cecelia Ahern

Date Finished: January 3, 2009

Personal Book Count: 1 out of 100

Rating: 4 out of 5

Genre/ Subject: fiction

First Line: Holly held the blue cotton sweater to her face and the familiar smell immediately struck her, and overwhelming grief knotting her stomach and pulling at her heart.

Summery: Holly’s husband dies, but helps her move on through notes he wrote her before he died, one a month for a year.

Why did I pick this book? : The movie looked great, and I always wanted to try an Ahern book.

Review: I loved this book up until the end. It felt like there was a huge build up for 500 pages and then it took a turn. It felt, I don’t know, like a let down? Unfinished? Unsatisfying?

It was what I would call a comfort read. It was a bit predictable at times, had some laugh-out-loud moments, and was one that is just kind fun to go with the flow. A nice story, but not earth shattering or deep. I enjoyed most of the characters, and am interested to see how they transfer to the big screen. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Would recommend to anyone who likes a nice quick, light read, having romantic tones, but not really a romance.


Edited for Vagueness: So, hopefully in trying to undo my vague first attempt, I don't post any spoilers. That is the balance isn't it? Fine line. So the book was set in Ireland (I don't know if the movie was or not), but in my mind, I kept picturing it in the states. Maybe cause I know who is in the movie, and most of those actors are American? As I read through the book, I found myself anticipating the notes along with the characters, although I found many of them to be the logical next step for the character, so no huge surprises. I liked the fact there were many characters, and it explored many relationships in her life, from mother, to brother, to different kinds of friends, to bosses and co-workers to thinking about dating again. The ending was disappointing in that it wasn't comfortable or predictable. It wasn't what it had been built up to be. With that said, I like the independence of it all, and I that it more or less circled around. without any spoilers if you haven't read it, I was never happy with the way that one section ended. So, I think that is all I want to say, and thank you for your patience with my rambling. I feel a little better now that it's 'fixed'. =D

Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. =D

Summery of December Reads

It’s that time of month again. Here is my reading list for December. 7 isn’t bad I guess. It isn’t as many as I would like, but we were VERY busy this month, so if I take into account the number of other things I did, I can be happy with this number =D.

Losing It- Valerie Bertinelli 4/5
Paper Towns- John Green 3/5
A Christmas Carol- Charles Dickens 4/5
Santa Baby-Jackson, Coffman, Adams and Plumley 3.5/5
The School for Husbands- Wendy Holden 3/5
The Last Summer (of You and Me)- Ann Brashares 3.5/5
Tell No One- Harlan Coben 4/5

Click on title to take you to my review. Let’s hope January picks up a bit. I’m not setting goals or resolutions or whatever, but I am hoping to read 8 and a half books a month, so I can hit 100 this year (for the first time ever).

I think I'm going to go curl up with Cooper, and start my reading for the year. Happy New Year Everyone! =D