Top Ten Books I Wish Santa Would Bring!

8 Comments

Posted on December 24, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke & the Bookish. It’s awesome. Every Tuesday, the lovely ladies over there give us book bloggers wonderful and fun topics to create our lists! Check out what others have posted by going over there! http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas everyone!!! I hope you are all well- here is a list of the top ten Classics I would like as I am still planning on joining The Classics Club soon! These are books I haven’t read yet- most of the Classics that come straight to mind will have to be rereads for me.

1. East of Eden

2. And Then There Were None

3. The Bell Jar

4. 1984

5. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

6. Animal Farm

7. My Cousin Rachel

8. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

9. Dracula

10. The Divine Comedy

The Dinner- a review

8 Comments

Posted on December 23, 2013

The Dinner

by Herman Koch

published by Hogarth

2009

Summary
A summer’s evening in Amsterdam and two couples meet at a fashionable restaurant. Between mouthfuls of food and over the polite scrapings of cutlery, the conversation remains a gentle hum of polite discourse – the banality of work, the triviality of holidays. But behind the empty words, terrible things need to be said, and with every forced smile and every new course, the knives are being sharpened. Each couple has a fifteen year old son. The two boys are united by their accountability for a single horrific act; an act that has triggered a police investigation and shattered the comfortable insulated worlds of their families. As the dinner reaches its culinary climax, the conversation finally touches on their children, and as civility and friendship disintegrates, each couple show just how far they are prepared to go to protect those they love. (from Goodreads)

My Review

This is a book that (it seems) you either love or you hate. I can not say either.

The story starts simple enough- a two brother meeting for dinner with their wives. One brother is important and the other resentful. No one seems to be having a good time depute the obsequious efforts of the wait staff and the manager in particular. I started out liking the one brother-Paul-and his wife, until you realize he is an unreliable narrator. Halfway through the book, I felt like I was watching a train wreck in slow motion- the kind where you cannot look away. By the end, I honestly felt a bit ill. I don’t want to spoil the ending for anyone who has not read it, but just want to say that I don’t have to like the characters, but when i feel like I loathe all of them, it is hard for me to enjoy a book. This was well written and has gotten many great reviews.

Have you read this book? What did you think?

My rating

3 out of 5- well written and satirical, but that is all i can give it.

Review of “The Dinner” by Herman Koch (rhapsodyinbooks.wordpress.com)
Cleopatra Love Books

The Bone Season- a review

6 Comments

Posted on December 20, 2013

The Bone Season

by Samantha Shannon

published by

2013

I borrowed a copy of this book from my library.

Summary

It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.

But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.

Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.

The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine—a young woman learning to harness her powers in a world where everything has been taken from her. It also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.

My Review

I had heard many good reviews about this, but i hate eating for sequels, so I hesitated. I saw it on the shelf in the library last wee, and decided to give it a shot. After the first two chapters, I was considering putting it aside- it was a bit “out there” for me. I am not a huge fan of fantasy, but I kept going. I was soon caught up in this amazing world of Sheol 1, where Paige has been held captive by the Raphaite, and ancient race that controls the penal colony and also the main city of Scion, the former London. Paige is a dream walker, a rare clairvoyant.

Whew- I had to stop for a minute or else I would have gotten all wrapped up in this world again. I loved this book. The story pulls you and and will not let you go. I read this in 24 hours-and immediately searched the internet for when the sequel is coming- Does anyone know???

I definitely recommend this book- a must read.

My Rating

4.5 out of 5

(I took .5 off, because at time it seems a little too complicated and I had to go back a few times- also not the best writing ever, but that gets overlooked when you are turning the pages so quickly)

“Knowledge is dangerous. Once you know something, you can’t get rid of it. You have to carry it. Always.”

Bookish (& Not So Bookish) Thoughts

9 Comments

Posted on December 19, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought

is a weekly meme hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

1. I did a good amount of shopping at Target over this past month, so when I woke up and saw the news, I was all-WTF!!! Nice way to start the holidays.

2. Over the last week and a half, we have had 4 winter storms. 4! There have been snow days and delayed openings galore. My son’s school actually called a “at home school day”, where from 10-3, the teacher posted work online and the kids did it and submitted it. That wasn’t so bad.

But seriously, the wrapping needed to be done. Remember I told you I am the sole holiday worker in this household?

3. I have been in such an awesome groove reading wise lately! I actually read a book (Reconstructing Amelia) in less than 11 hours yesterday. I simply could not put it down, ignoring all others until I finished. (Please, at 13 and 15, they were thrilled). I can’t wait to review it, but I need to give myself a few days. It made such an impression, that I kept having dreams about it last night!

4. Last week, I was dreading getting back out on the slopes- well, I did it!

This is what I looked like- yeah right.

No broken bones or anything though, but now hubby is trying to convince me I can move onto the next level slopes. I don’t think so.

5. I hate it when you think you are totally done with the shopping for gifts, only to realize after you have wrapped, that you forgot something. Guess I am hitting Marshall’s tomorrow.

6. Getting very excited for the holidays! We have a pretty cool tradition. We stay home on Christmas Eve, decorate our tree, and have a fancy dinner. This year my daughter insisted on lamb chops. Then we exchange one gift, usually a jokey gift, then watch Scrooged in front of the fire. Do you have any fun holiday traditions?

Please leave a comment- I love hearing from you!

Top Ten New to Me Authors I Read in 2013

14 Comments

Posted on December 17, 2013

1. Stephen King

The Shining & Doctor Sleep

I finally gave in and read The Shining and I loved it. Doctor Sleep was just as good. Now I have to get myself another but this amazing author.

2. Rita Leganski

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow

The first book I read for the She Reads book club and it was amazing!

3. Christina Baker Kline

Orphan Train

Another She Reads selection.

4. Matthew Quick

Silver Linings Playbook

I want to reread this- the mark of a very good book!

5. Liane Moriarty

The Husband’s Secret

I can’t wait to read her new one.

6. Samantha Shannon

The Bone Season

I just finished this a few days ago and I am already itching for the next in the series- hurry it up Ms. Shannon!

7. Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina

One of the first books I read in 2013- beautiful.

8. Kathleen Tesaro

The Perfume Collector

I loved the dual narrative.

9. Charlie Lovette

The Bookman’s Tale

I love books about people who love books.

10. Alyson Richman

The Lost Wife

I thought the author did a wonderful job with this story.

The End of the Affair- a review

4 Comments

Posted on December 16, 2013

The End of the Affair

by Graham Greene

published by Penguin Books

1951

Summary

The love affair between Maurice Bendix and Sarah, flourishing in the turbulent times of the London Blitz, ends when she suddenly and without explanation breaks it off. Two years later, after a chance meeting, Bendix hires a private detective to follow Sarah, and slowly his love for her turns into an obsession.

(from Goodreads)

My Review

The End of the Affair is a story about lost love, jealousy, resentment, and faith. It is a lot in a short story. We meet the bitter writer and narrator Maurice Bendrix, who has loved and inexplicably lost the married Sarah Wells. Through Sarah’s journal, we slowly discover why she ended the affair with Bendrix. As I say, this is a rather short novel, but it is filled with such strong emotions that I could not read it very quickly. I was pulled into the story of Sarah and how strongly she affected people. I was surprised by the amount of Catholic dogma in the later part of the book, and am not sure how I really feel about the ending. It seems I have been reading a few books lately that were very well written good books, that featured characters that I just didn’t like (this book), and even actually despised (review to come next week). I thought Bendrix was quite awful. Even when he was with Sarah, he usually wound up acting like a jerk. I did believe they loved each other, and can understand how crushing jealousy can be to a relationship, but he was a bit too much. I did like the writing very much, and am looking forward to trying another Greene novel.

Did you read this book? What did you think?

Rating

3.5 out of 5

loved these quotes-

“The sense of unhappiness is so much easier to convey than that of happiness. In misery we seem aware of our own existence, even though it may be in the form of a monstrous egotism: this pain of mine is individual, this nerve that winces belongs to me and to no other. But happiness annihilates us: we lose our identity.”

“It’s a strange thing to discover and to believe that you are loved when you know that there is nothing in you for anybody but a parent or a God to love.”

and my favorite-

“I had to touch you with my hands, I had to taste you with my tongue; one can’t love and do nothing.”

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thoughts…

11 Comments

Posted on December 12, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought

is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

I am crazy busy, so I am not sure how many actual thoughts I will be able to string together.

1. With less than 2 weeks till Christmas, I am getting run down. Somehow, I am responsible for buying ALL the gifts- my extended family, his extended family, our children. Poor hubby? He has to wrack his brain to buy for me. Nevermind all the wrapping, baking and cooking. Now add to that a snow day this Tuesday, and going away this weekend and next for some skiing, and I am thinking that I am screwed. If I don’t watch out I am going to be grumpy mess for the holidays.

2. I gave in and borrowed a copy of The Bone Season from my library. I had heard many good things, but wasn’t sure if I wanted to start a new series-this is supposed to be the first of 7. Well, I read it. And loved it. Now I have to wait for the darn author to write the next 6! Hurry up already, I want to know what happens!!!

3. As I mentioned above, it snowed and there was no school for the kids. I actually sat in my chair with a lovely wool blanket as the snow started falling aground 7 am, and read as the snow fell. It was probably the best 2 hours of my week.

4. I started skiing last year, at the age of 40+. I survived. I’m supposed to go back and do it again this weekend. I know I probably won’t die, but the thought has entered my head. Often. I am afraid of breaking something or worse. This is why you should teach these sorts of things while people are really young. I have to start thinking positive. I will not fall. I will not fall. By the way, I tend to stick to the greens- the easiest slopes-with all the little kids and beginners.

5. My blogging and reviewing has slowed down a bit, but at the same time, I am read a lot and loving it. Plus, I have taken a step back from accepting ARCS for a while and I am only reading books that I am choosing. It’s all going pretty nicely. I am hoping to get back into more blogging after the holidays, but for now I am just going with the flow.

6. I am so looking forward to joining Leah at Books Speak Volumes in a few weeks for Jazz Age January! She has invited bloggers to join along in “reading books related to the Jazz Age- novels, written by Jazz Age authors, non fiction about the 20’s and contemporary fiction set during this time period.” I wrote my thesis in History in this time period, and have always loved the literature that came out of it. Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Stein, and then all the books that have been written about them and the decade.

Stop by if you are interested and sign up!

7. Last January, I signed up for the Goodreads 2013 challenge, and I set out to read 100 books in the year. I am at 94, and I think I am going to make it (fingers crossed).

8. This is all I want for Christmas- Jane Austen’s Persuasion Scarf. Or Pride & Prejudice. I’ll take either. But I will probably get pajamas.

And maybe a sweater.

Top Ten Books on my Winter TBR Pile

13 Comments

Posted on December 10, 2013

WOW- What a day! Both kids are home because of the snow in NJ_ can you believe we are using a snow day already??

Aside from the fact that I was already up (my son too) by the time they actually called and cancelled, it’s been a pretty cool morning. I sat in my reading chair with a cozy blanket as the snow began falling before 7 am, and read for two hours. I started The Bone Season yesterday and cannot wait to finish!

I have been very slow to post/review lately, but I have been lucky enough to be reading lots! Here is a list of what I hope to read over the winter. I don’t know about you, but I tend to choose a little deeper reading in the winter months, mixed in with some fun stuff for a change of pace. I am still planning to join up with The Classics Club…yeah yeah I know I keep saying it, but I really am! So here are some lighter things (and 1-2 not so light) to pull me through the dreary months ahead.

1. The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu

I heard this was a good book, and now has a sequel, so it’s on the list.

2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

This has been on my TBR for a while now, and I found that I read a good amount of the books I listed for my Fall TBR post, so maybe I will finally get to it!

3. After Her by Joyce Maynard

4. Sycamore Row by John Grisham

I have been waiting for this through my library for almost a month.

5. The Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

a little lighter for the in betweens

6. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarity

I am loving this author. Her book The Husband’s Secret was great and I have heard this is just as good!

7. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simison

I have seen some great review- looks like a fun book- maybe after skiing?

8-14. Harry Potter Reread!!

I am inspired by Leah at Books Speak Volumes– she had such a great time doing her reread, and I want to do another also!

I usually find lots of time to read in the winter, and eat, now that I think about it.

What about you? What are you hoping to read?

Please leave a comment-I love to hear from you!

The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure- a review

5 Comments

Posted on December 9, 2013

The Paris Architect

by Charles Belfoure

published by Sourcebooks Landmarks

2013

I received this book as a digital ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in return for an honest review.

Summary

Like most gentiles in Nazi-occupied Paris, architect Lucien Bernard has little empathy for the Jews. So when a wealthy industrialist offers him a large sum of money to devise secret hiding places for Jews, Lucien struggles with the choice of risking his life for a cause he doesn’t really believe in. Ultimately he can’t resist the challenge and begins designing expertly concealed hiding spaces—behind a painting, within a column, or inside a drainpipe—detecting possibilities invisible to the average eye. But when one of his clever hiding spaces fails horribly and the immense suffering of Jews becomes incredibly personal, he can no longer deny reality.

Written by an expert whose knowledge imbues every page, this story becomes more gripping with every life the architect tries to save. (from Goodreads)

My Review

It seems like I have read many well written books recently that centered on WWII, such as The Storyteller, The Girl You Left Behind, The Light in the Ruins, and The Perfume Collector. I had heard good things about The Paris Architect, so I decided to give it a try, though I hated to compare it to the previous books I loved. When I began this book, I admit I didn’t like it much.. The writing was very good, but I didn’t like the main character, Lucien. He was a bit smug, shallow, and obnoxious. This quickly changed as I read further. In the end, I loved this book. It was well written and moved very fast for me. I read it in 1 1/2 days. The only thing I would change is I would have liked to have known more about the people Lucien was helping. There was some background given, but it left me wanting to know more about them. I guess this is a good sign! If you enjoyed any of the books I mentioned before, I would definitely recommend this book to you.

rating

4 out of 5

Bookish ( & Not So Bookish) Thoughts

12 Comments

Posted on December 5, 2013

Bookish & Not So Bookish Thought

is a weekly men hosted by Christine over at Bookishly Boisterous, where we post things that are on our minds.

1. Hello! I feel like I have been away from blogging for a while now. We hosted Thanksgiving here and all went well (it’s over!) This is probably the 10th time we have hosted in the past 12 years, and I think I need next year off. Everything went fine, but it is a lot of work. Plus, the 3 year old nephew made it necessary to replace 4- count em,4- tablecloths. Why did it seem like a good idea to a. give the kid glass after glass of cider? and b. to encourage the game of “throw the stuffed animals at people”? Moving forward, I think I would like to be skiing next year-Lake Placid, maybe?

2. I just finished The Dinner by Herman Koch. Have any of you read this? What did you think? I am going to write a review, but I gotta say, I felt awful after I read it. Like I needed to shower. I am actually sorry that I read it, which is very unlike me.

3. This is me every night.

Actually, it used to be. Now that I have a nice little reading chair, the dog comes up and puts his head on my leg. And stares.

4. Do you have little kids? I miss having little ones around this time of year SO much! The wonder and excitement was so much fun! I taped A Charlie Brown Christmas, and we still haven’t watched it because the kids have too much HW at night. My daughter is very excited for Christmas, helping with the lights, etc. But I miss the days when she would scream her head off if she came anywhere near Santa. Yup, she was THAT kid.

5. I know this isn’t really in keeping with the spirit of the season, but it’s true.

6. I am writing this when I should be starting baking my eggnog cookies. I am going to a “Cookie Exchange”. Ever heard of it? You all bring cookies, then you get to go home with a little of each kind. I have only two problems with this.

1. I have to bake 6 DOZEN freaking cookies.

2. What if other people’s cookies suck?

There had better be wine.

7. I am so looking forward to it getting cold and snowy soon. When it is cold and snowy I can sit whit a blanket and read and not feel like I should be doing other things.

All right, fine, I have to go and bake damn it!

Leave a comment- I love to hear from you!