Although there were times I wondered if standing in all these lines was worth it (crazy weird trying to cut in front of me guy in line for Kunal Nayyar I’m looking at you) I had another great day at Book Expo America. Continue reading “Book Expo America 2015 Day Two Recap: Books Moving to the Top of My TBR List”
The first day of Book Expo America 2015 is officially over and, for me at least, it was a pretty good one. I made it home tired, sore, and with enough books to make my TBR list explode–and I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow! Continue reading “Book Expo America 2015 Day One Recap: A Few of My Favorite Things”
Title: 51/50: The Magical Adventures of a Single Life
Author: Kristen McGuiness
Format: Kindle
Rating: 3 stars
Read July 2014
Reviewer: Jules
Summary: Kristen McGuiness is a recovering addict who finds herself at age thirty to say phooey to fate and made a decision to find a man to be her mate by inserting herself into 51 dates in 50 days. What turns out is that every date she goes on is not just with potential marriage material; she sets dates with her mother, her father, her uncle, a spiritual advisor, even a horse. This entire plan becomes a journey of self-discovery in order to increase her perspective on life and love as a sober woman. Her con nection to men stems from her relationship to her father and his issues. Because of this, Kristen is more aware of what she is attracted to and why than some people. Now she tries to find out how to stop the cycle by improving herself and her situation while also dating men and seeing how they differ and relate to her internal struggle.
Review: Ever pick up a book and think “hmmm…” this sounds interesting? Ok. That’s a dumb question for readers. But here’s one that I found and wasn’t sure if it was the title, the cover, or the content that grabbed my attention. “Magical Adventures” and “Single Life” made me think it could relate to me and thought that perhaps it was a how-to book. The cover was cute. So I snagged it. What lay inside was an interested sort of journey for one young lady in sobriety and love with a slice of reality.
The complexity of this story is woven fairly well and I enjoyed most every moment of it. There were times I literally shook my head or groaned in disgust with her choices. But these are her choices to make and her mistakes to be made.
Admittedly, I had a difficult time getting through the book because Kristen isn’t the type of person I would associate with in real life. Her character is so shallow and pedantic that I wondered how someone like this could truly survive life on life’s terms. Maybe this is what the author was going for – a reaction like no other? I try hard not to judge others, but Kristen judges every single person she comes in contact with, but not her role in the relationship, and it made me a little bitter. Perhaps this is something I need to work on myself. Note to self.
Be warned, Kristen jumps around a lot in her text as a sort of real-time relay of her thoughts. It’s fragmented and at time difficult to follow. If you are a critical reader when it comes to formatting, you may want to pass on this book, although it’s worth a shot if you want some insight into the world of sobriety and interpersonal growth.
Title: Return To Homecoming Ranch
Author: Julia London
Format: Kindle
I received this copy from Julia London’s street team, “London’s Ladies”, via Netgalley for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Read July, 2014
Reviewer: Dottie
Summary: In the second of Julia London’s Homecoming Ranch trilogy, we return to Pine River, Colorado to get to know Libby , another of the Tyler sisters, who have recently been brought together by their father’s death. Libby, with the aid of her sisters, is trying desperately to figure out how to save their Dad’s run down ranch. While doing this, Libby is also trying to figure out how to save her own life after a humiliating breakup with Ryan, whose two children she has been raising for the past four years, and loves as though they were her own. This devotion to the children brings her nothing but trouble, and confrontation with handsome Officer Sam Winters, who is fighting his own demons. It is inevitable that an attraction is formed between these two.
Review: I’m never disappointed with Julia London’s writing, and this is no exception. She always makes me feel for the characters, whether it be positive or negative. I’ve smiled and shed a tear or two. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment in this trilogy to see what happens with not only Emma, the third sister, but also with the rest of the characters from Pine River whose back stories have yet to be completed.
Title: Now I See You
Author: Nicole C Kear
Format: Kindle/Hardcover
Rating: 4 1/2 Pairs of Sunglasses
Reviewer: Jess
Summary: Nicole Kear is just nineteen years old when suddenly she is given a life-changing diagnosis–she is going blind. Rather than falling apart, she decides on a bold course of action and makes her new motto “Carpe Diem” all while keeping her impending blindness a secret from all but her closest family. Continue reading “Book Review: Now I See You by Nicole Kear”
Here are a few pics of my Book Expo/BookCon finds. Add to this about 10 tote bags, 5 pins (Star Wars and Book of Life), A copy of Diana Bishop’s Commonplace Book (another promo from The Book of Life), a t-shirt for The Silkworm (the new Robert Galbrath/JK Rowling book), and a few posters I’d say I had a pretty good haul. It could have been about twice this much but I was trying to be more selective about books I collected this year. Continue reading “BEA/BookCon Goodies 2014”
Where should I even start? Reading Rainbow is probably the TV show I remember and cherish most from my childhood. I can still list my favorite stories and celebrity guests. I remember wanting a pet pig just so I could name him Perfect, hoping that my own paintbrushes would suddenly become magical like Liang’s, and trying to convince my father to make us fruit stew for dinner. Reading Rainbow was one of the best shows public television has ever given us and as an adult I realize that much of it has to do with the commitment of LeVar Burton himself. An advocate for literacy for more than 30 years, Mr. Burton and Reading Rainbow have launched a Kickstarter to fund a large scale attempt to improve childhood literacy rates. I’ve supported it not only because I’m a fan, but because I see this as a way to thank Mr. Burton and Reading Rainbow for all the joy they gave me and hopefully help them give that same gift to others. Maybe you can help too? I think it’s valuable–but you don’t have to take my word for it 🙂
~jess
When I saw that Ann M. Martin was going to be appearing at Book Expo America/Book Con this week the little girl in me let out a shout of excitement. When I was in elementary school these were my absolute favorite books. I read them all over and over, even when I was really just a bit to old for them. Maybe this explains my adult love for YA novels? Continue reading “Revisiting Wonderful Book Memories–The Baby-Sitters Club”
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a Janeite in possession of a paypal account must be in want of Pride and Prejudice merchandise.
Pride and Prejudice is quite possibly one of the most commercially popular and merchandised classic books today. One google search will turn up hundreds if not thousands of purchase options for fans of Austen’s work. Being quite the Austen fantatic myself, it takes something special to make me look twice at any of the offerings. I discovered Storiarts while searching Esty a few years ago and was totally taken in by their lovely book scarves. I ordered one almost instantly and still receive complements about my lovely Pride and Prejudice scarf, it gives the phrase “wrapped up in a book” a whole new meaning. I chanced upon Storiarts again just last week and happily stumbled upon my new favorite shirt (this pic is taken from the Storiarts Etsy page).
Beautifully screen printed on a lightweight black burnout tee, this shirt features a passage from Pride and Prejudice (a conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy once they come to an understanding) gently cascading down the back and a small one line quote near the base of the front. The fitted shirt is very flattering and I absolutely adore the back graphic. It’s like no Pride and Prejudice shirt I’ve seen before. On top of my love for the art, Storiarts’ customer service is impeccable. This is my third order from them and each has been filled quickly, courteously, and in a manner that has always exceeded my expectations. I don’t think I can recommend this shop highly enough. They get five stars from me in every way.
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