Bringing Up BeBe

Bringing up BeBe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman

I felt that this would be an interesting book about parenting in different cultures, but I found it very flat. Instead of a balanced book about the differences she observed between French parents and American parents, Druckerman straight out assaults all things American. And she's an American!!

The gross generalizations made by the author had me fuming from the beginning. I found the book entirely superficial. I kept thinking surely it would get better, but no, it never did. At most, she offers a tiny bit of common sense parenting advice.

If you are a parent, with precious time to read, don't choose this one! In my opinion, completely useless.

Cutie Pies

Cutie Pies by Dani Cone

I have this detailed fantasy about living on a farm, being an artist and cooking/baking. In this fantasy life I make jam, bake bread and make a lot of yummy desserts.

This fantasy life is not remotely close to my current life, and truthfully, not compatible with my particular talents!

My alter ego immensely enjoys cookbooks. Most aren't really notable, but this one is adorable! While I didn't actually MAKE anything from the book, I loved it.

A must see for the baker (or the wish-I-could actually bake) crowd.

Life As I Blow It

Life As I Blow It by Sarah Colonna

If you are a fan of Chelsea Handler, try this book. Colonna shares her comedic relationship woes in this memoir.

A light, funny read.

Prompt and Utter Destruction

Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs Against Japan by J. Samuel Walker

The decision to use atomic bombs against Japan in WWII is a divisive subject amongst historians. Usually you find this as a small segment in recounts of the entire war. I appreciated that Walker wrote only about this decision and nothing else. This book is short enough not to be boring. Walker examines the reasoning behind the decision to use the bombs in a concise, straight forward manner.

A recommend for the history reader.

Ketchup is a Vegetable

Ketchup is a Vegetable by Robin O’Bryant

I don’t often laugh uncontrollably while reading, but there were parts of this book that had me giggling to the point of tears. I brought this as a light read for my lunch break at work. I was laughing so hard that I started snorting and crying. Hot mess!

Mommy blogger, Robin O’Bryant speaks directly to frazzled Moms everywhere. I could completely relate to her kids antics. Makes me want to write a book to share my kid crazies!

Light and fun pick for my Mommy friends.

The Presidents Club

The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy

This book had me from the introduction. I read this during the 2012 election season and the intro quoted Theodore Roosevelt: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is not effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory or defeat." I was nodding my head and saying "Exactly!" as I read this quote. I have the utmost respect for the office of President and the history and the men who have filled the role fascinate me.

This book was just amazing. It follows the relationships built amongst former Presidents; beginning with Truman and Hoover on the day of Eisenhower's inauguration. Told in intimate fashion, the book humanizes these great men. I learned something about each President featured in the book that I didn't already know. I saw sides of them I hadn't considered.

I don't remember the earlier Presidents in this book. But in my lifetime, I have had the most admiration for past presidents George Bush (the first one) and Bill Clinton. Reading about the relationship they have built  was really refreshing to me. It gives me a sliver of hope for the future of our country that is so torn right now.

This book was not political, at all. The authors were straight-forward and unbiased. If you enjoy presidential or American history I definitely recommend this one. I loved it!

Year of Wonders

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

 

For the historical fiction lovers Geraldine Brooks brings to life a village suffering through the plague. 

 

Historical fiction isn't usually a favorite genre of mine. But I found this book interesting. Now I want to read more about the plague (non-fiction, instead).

 

The characters are intriguing and the plot horrific. Makes you wonder what you would do in that situation. 

Van Gogh

Van Gogh: The Life by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith

This biography took a long time to read, but was worth the time investment. Vincent Van Gogh lived a fascinating life. The authors were able to create a detailed account which, even though it is 800 pages, is not boring. The writing pulls the reader in with masterful language and invokes strong emotion.

Van Gogh is one of the most discussed artists in history. I was familiar with his life, as I dabbled in art history in college. However, I had never read that he most likely did not commit suicide. The authors convinced me that he was killed. I found the facts around this very interesting.

I recommend you read this if you are into biographies and have a bit of time on your hands!

The Kid

The Kid by Dan Savage

Dan Savage offers his experience of adopting a baby boy with his boyfriend. I liked parts of the book, but I felt Savage was a bit too flippant at times. He minimized the reasons for wanting a family and I felt he wanted politicize a little too much. After reading the book I realize that the flippancy is his shtick in his day job, but it still rubbed me the wrong way.

Adoption stories are always so emotional for me. I cried for the woman giving up her child and I also cried for the new parents accepting such an enormous gift. 

Overall, a quirky adoption story that is about more than just adoption. I liked it, but thought it could have been done with more class. I hope the child never reads it!!!

Queenbees and Wannabees

Queen Bees & Wannabees: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends and the New Realities of Girl World by Rosalind Wiseman

Girls can be really mean. I remember this well from my own childhood. Unfortunately, for several years, I was one of those mean girls. As an adult it is hard to remember the reason for my behavior. I think I was just self-absorbed and didn't realize how my actions impacted others at that age. I wanted to be in control and I didn't know how to be diplomatic. I shudder to think of some of the things I said/did to other girls. Now, with my own daughter, I worry about how mean girls might affect her in the coming years.

Wiseman's book is a good read for parents of girls. I would say the pertinent age range is 10+. Since my daughter is only 8, I didn't feel like most of the book pertained to us.

While the information is good, you can clearly see where Wiseman inserts her personal beliefs and sometimes comes across as sanctimonious. Also, some of the advice seems overly simplistic.

Overall, I got some good information here. I need to re-read in a few years!

Getting Rid of Bradley

Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie

Jennifer Crusie is a favorite of mine for romantic comedies. She creates adorable characters that engage the character.

In "Getting Rid of Bradley" the plot is somewhat unbelievable but the characters and funny circumstances keep it light.

I recommend Crusie to anyone who enjoys light romance with strong characters and comedic value.

Plan B

Plan B by Jonathan Tropper

Jonathan Tropper earned a spot on my favorite author list with “This is Where I Leave You.” I started at the beginning of his career and this is his debut novel.

"Plan B" is good. It is sometimes a bit choppy, and I felt that some of the subplots could have been nixed, but overall I enjoyed it.

The theme of turning 30 resonated with me. Where are you in life, where are you going? That is a pivotal moment. 

 

Tropper has a true talent to show the reader the story. As I read, I can picture a movie with clear characters and scenes. Trooper has the ability to really draw strong scenes and complex characters. As a bonus, I vastly enjoy his sarcastic humor. 

Here is a quote from the book that resembles me: it is about Kurt Vonnegut (who I also adore) “When a visitor expressed surprise at his rather untidy office, he pointed to his head and said, ‘You think that’s messy, you should see what it’s like in here.” Those of you who have seen my desk at work or my "book area" at home...think of what's inside my brain!!!!

The Search

The Search by Iris Johansen

Loved "The Search"--the next installment of the Eve Duncan series. This book takes two characters that I really engaged with in the previous book and gives them their own story. I was so happy to see Logan and Sarah get their own story. Johanson never fails to give emotional depth and good suspense.

Great series!

Falling Leaves

Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah

I liked this memoir. When I picked it out, I thought it would be about China's cultural issues with baby girls. That isn't what it is about. It's more a memoir of an unhappy childhood. It could be in any country, not just China. 

Yen Mah felt abused and unwanted by her family. I felt sad for her childhood. I wanted a happy ending for her, but I don't feel like it has a happy ending. I wished she could have broken away from the ties of her family in her adulthood, but she doesn't seem to have done that. The damage to her self-esteem has left her bitter and still a victim.

Loving Frank

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Beautifully written. I am not usually a fan of fiction based on real events, but I did enjoy this one.

People familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright know the premise of this story. He and Mamah Borthwick had an affair that effectively ended both of their marriages. This resulted in quite a scandal, as Wright was well-known and respected. Horan does an excellent job of portraying the emotions that could have been driving both of these people.

I could understand the emotions of falling in love with someone when you shouldn't. The part that I find so incomprehensible is when a Mother leaves her children, for any reason, but especially for a man. Mamah basically abandons her children to chase after a dream of being with Wright.

While I was familiar on the basics of the affair, I did not know how it ended. Horan describes this perfectly, playing upon the many emotions I was already feeling.

A good, dramatic book for the reader who enjoys historic fiction.

Make Your Own Rules

Make Your Own Rules: A Renegade Guide to Unconventional Success by Wayne Rogers

The title of this book intrigued me. I heartily dislike "rules." The title led me to believe the book would have creative ideas on being successful in business.

I was not familiar with Wayne Rogers. Apparently he was an actor on MASH? I think that is why he got a publisher to print this book. Obviously, he has also become successful as a businessman, but, he is not like the "ordinary" businessman. He started some advantages (money, fame, recognition, etc).

I did stay engaged through the book, but I would say it is more a memoir. Rogers talks mostly about his own successes and how he accomplished them. Although I enjoyed the anecdotes, it wasn't what I had expected.

The book was too long, could have kept the same content and been half the size. And the "advice" is not really "advice." 

I wouldn't recommend this to a reader looking for business insight. But if you liked MASH you might enjoy hearing about Rogers success after his acting career ended.