Fifty Shades of...You Know

If you haven’t heard about “Fifty Shades of Grey” by EL James, it’s time to come out from under that rock! I usually tend to avoid books that have too much hype surrounding them, but I finally gave in and read this one to see what the massive fuss is about.

Everyone kept telling me that I would be shocked…and I was....shocked by how bad the writing is. The first third of the book is just brutal. I barely made it through. Here are my three main complaints:

• The author was so redundant. The best example I can give for redundancy is the portrayal of the food issue. It is brought up numerous times, in each chapter. Enough already! Some subtlety would have gone a long way instead of beating the reader over the head with certain issues.
• The character development of Ana was also lacking. She is incredibly cliche. I didn't like her at the beginning...and still didn't care about her at the end. I thought that this weak character contributed to the poor writing I perceived, making things seem amateur and clouded with naivete.
• I kept hearing that the love scenes were phenomenal in this book. I found some of them spicy, but most lukewarm. They are actually pretty tame compared to other novels I’ve read. I was expecting really hot material. As for it being S&M? Barely.

Redeeming qualities:

• When I got to the mid-point of the book, I did become intrigued by Christian’s character. James pulled me in and I found myself curious about what had happened in his life to make him the way he is. I will now have to read book two to see his development, if for no other reason.
• The overall question I found myself asking was: When did erotic fiction go mainstream?? And how did I miss it!?! I never thought a book like this would make such waves. Kudos for James for breaking her novel into the mainstream world.

Read it if your curious, just don't read it with high expectations. Some people love it, I am pretty ambivalent. I've heard book two is better. Stay tuned and I'll tell you what I think about that one!

The Reversal

The Reversal by Michael Connelly

Any Michael Connelly fans out there? I recently finished “The Reversal” and really liked it. I am adding Connelly to my author list!

Description: “Longtime defense attorney Mickey Haller is recruited to change stripes and prosecute the high-profile retrial of a brutal child murder. After 24 years in prison, convicted killer Jason Jessup has been exonerated by new DNA evidence. Haller is convinced Jessup is guilty, and he takes the case on the condition that he gets to choose his investigator, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch.Together, Bosch and Haller set off on a case fraught with political and personal danger. Opposing them is Jessup, now out on bail, a defense attorney who excels at manipulating the media, and a runaway eyewitness reluctant to testify after so many years.With the odds and the evidence against them, Bosch and Haller must nail a sadistic killer once and for all. If Bosch is sure of anything, it is that Jason Jessup plans to kill again.”

Connelly wrote in strong suspense that kept me turning the pages. I didn't love the ending of this one, but I would still recommend it!

Can You Keep a Secret

Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella

I haven't found a Sophie Kinsella book that really moved me.  I  would consider myself a bit of a shopaholic, but didn't engage in her "Shopaholic" series.

I recently tried “Can you Keep a Secret”. It's cute, but not something I would read again. The main character, Emma, is semi-funny, but not easy to like. And the ensuing romance is pretty unbelievable.

Looking for a quick, non-thinking read you might try this.

Husband and Wife

Husband and Wife by Leah Stewart

Sarah is 35 and she is living a stable life. Aging and motherhood have pushed her passions aside. She is in a loving marriage with Nathan. But then, suddenly, her world implodes when her husband reveals his infidelity. This revelation blows apart her perception of her perfect life/perfect family. Sarah is back to finding herself and her dreams. For the first time she is putting herself first and making happiness a reality once again.

I found this book touching, with raw emotion. I wonder how I would respond in this situation.

Dreams From My Father

Dreams from my Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama

 

This book was published nine years before Barack Obama ran for Senate. Since publication, Obama has become one of the most compelling speakers in American history.  In this memoir, Obama talks of his struggles with race—with a black father and white mother. But it goes beyond race to finding who he is as a person and how he can make an impact in the world. This is something I can strongly relate to.

 

Obama’s search to understand the heritage and the values of what shaped his history is moving and eloquently imparted. Hearing about this man’s struggle to find himself and cement his values touched me. The importance of community and helping others find their own value is something I also hold dear.

 

Love his political views or hate them, Barack Obama has admirable strength and courage. I am disenchanted with the polarization occurring in America. Reading the reviews of this book on Amazon show this disturbing trend. When did it become appropriate to disrespect the President of the United States? If you disagree with his policies you should be out in your community making a difference by sharing your own ideas. The problem is that most of the people who sit behind a computer typing defiling comments or people who paste hateful bumper stickers on their cars, have no valuable ideas to contribute to the world. They are small people hiding behind others. No matter who I support for President in 2012, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney both want to lead this country and make it a safe home for all Americans. They are both putting themselves on the line for their country. People should use their vote as their word and get out of the name calling, damaging campaigns that are going on all over the country. 

A Kingdom of Dreams

A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

Loved this historical romance!It has the perfect mix of passion, suspense and emotional engagement. I fell in love with both main characters: Jennifer and Royce. Toward the end, there is a scene that really impacted me. When a book brings me to tears, it earns a spot on my favorites list!

I can't wait to read more by McNaught.

The Fortune Hunter

The Fortune Hunter by Jasmine Haynes

The plot was a bit far-fetched, the conversation strained and the characters pretty shallow.

BUT the chemistry was sizzling! If you are looking for a steamy romance with lots of naughtiness, give this one a try.

Lady Be Good

Susan Elizabeth Phillips never fails to entertain. In "Lady Be Good," the proper Lady Emma spends 2 weeks trying to destroy her spotless reputation. She meets Kenny, a bad-boy golfer, and they find reasons to use each other. This was a hilarious story, with strong characters and plenty of sparks.  

The SuperStress Solution

"The Superstress Solution" by Roberta Lee was a refreshing read. Dr. Lee talks about how you can build up a resistance to all of the stresses of daily life. She delves into your personality type and how you react to stress. There were good recommendations provided for how to nourish your body, detox your system, sleep well, be active and quiet your mind.

Am I less stressed since reading this book? Honestly, no. But if I followed all the advice I probably would be!

Just One of the Guys

Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins

Description:

"Being one of the guys isn't all it's cracked up to be... So when journalist Chastity O'Neill returns to her hometown, she decides it's time to start working on some of those feminine wiles. Two tiny problems: #1-she's five feet eleven inches of rock-solid girl power, and #2-she's cursed with four alpha male older brothers. While doing a story on local heroes, she meets a hunky doctor and things start to look up. Now there's only one problem: Trevor Meade, her first love and the one man she's never quite gotten over although he seems to have gotten over her just fine.Yet the more time she spends with Dr. Perfect, the better Trevor looks. But even with the in-your-face competition, the irresistible Trevor just can't seem to see Chastity as anything more than just one of the guys...."

What I Thought:
Higgins produces endearing characters every time. "Just One of the Guys" was no exception. This may be my favorite Higgins novel. I strongly engaged in this story. Chastity was so lovable. The end brought tears to my eyes. Try this one!!

Bad Move

Linwood Barclay made it onto my list of authors to read from beginning book to most current. I really enjoy his writing style.

My most recent Barclay was "Bad Move.” This book was not as compelling as more recent novels. The plot was a bit contrived and the characters are only marginally interesting. It was okay, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

The Boy Next Door

The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot

A love story told through emails that is both hilarious and romantic. I found this book refreshing and cute. You will either love the email narration or hate it. I loved it!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

I found “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows next on my reading list.

I found myself discouraged, at first, by the imposing title and the fact that it has two authors. But I gave it a chance and, overall, was glad I did.

The book follows Juliet, a writer who receives a fan letter and begins to become enthralled with the island of Guernsey and a book club there. She decides to visit and write a book about the German occupation.

I loved the descriptions of the island. The authors made me want to visit. On the other hand, I disliked the portrayal of the characters. There were simply too many. And in having too many, I think they suffered. Most of them were very superficially drawn and didn’t seem real. I liked the format and the story-telling, but did not like the characters or the ending.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Description: "Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him, as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination. It's a place where your life is explained to you by five people, some of whom you knew, others who may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie's five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his "meaningless" life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: Why was I here?"

What I thought:
A thought provoking read. Albom takes us through the steps the main character, Eddie, takes after his death. The people he meets on this journey each impart a different lesson from his life. I loved the concept of this book. Albom expresses that the people that have the greatest impact, are not necessarily the people you think they are. There is a meaning for each of us and exploring the purpose of Eddie’s life was fascinating.

The Hawk

Need a new steamy romance series? I recently finished “The Hawk” by Monica Mccarty. It was a Scottish historical with a strong alpha male character. Just what I like!

I figured out this is part of a series (not the first one), so I have added Mccarty to my author list.

Rememberance

A book that gave me chills—“Rememberance” by Jude Deveraux.

I read this at a time when I was desperately searching for spiritual meaning in my life. If I picked it up today, I’m not sure it would have had the same impact. But when I first read this book, the reincarnation/soul mate theme really got to me. I alternated between chills and tears reading this one.

Honestly, it took a bit to get into and the time travel stuff is not my cup of tea. But the underlying love story was so strong and intense, it has stuck with me.

Lolita

"Lolita" is Vladimir Nabokov's most famous work. This book has been banned and discussed to such an extent that I had to read to see what the fuss was about. 

Oh dear. This book was disturbing, so very disturbing. I continued to read because I was appalled about what was happening. I wouldn't want either of my children to read this before 30!

Having a small daughter of my own, reading about a raging pedophile gave me nightmares. And to think, this book is fiction, but the idea of the obsessed pedophile is unfortunately all too real. I couldn't see the beautiful writing through the repulsive plot.

I won’t ever be picking this one up again!

Forbidden

Forbidden by Elizabeth Lowell

Description:
"They call her "Amber the Untouched" throughout the Disputed Lands -- a chaste, golden-haired beauty who fears the remarkable love that was prophesied at her birth . . . and the death that must inevitably follow. Now Duncan has come to her in darkness, as was foretold -- a wounded warrior with no memory, seared by passion's fire and irresistibly drawn to the innocent enchantress who divines truth with a touch. Their romance is legend in a time of war. But when Duncan's memory returns, he sees Amber as his enemy. Still, he cannot forsake the lover who healed his body and heart. And he will defy to the death the dread forces that have proclaimed their love . . ."

My Thoughts:
This is another favorite historical romance of mine. I have read this book at least 20 times over the years. And I have cried EVERY time! I absolutely love the characters and I am emotionally drawn into this story at a very deep level. The strength of the emotions experienced bleeds through the pages.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning

The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard

Description: "One beautiful summer afternoon, Jody Linder receives shocking news: The man convicted of murdering her father is being released from prison and returning to the small town of Rose, Kansas. It has been twenty-three years since that stormy night when her father was shot and killed and her mother disappeared, presumed dead. Neither the protective embrace of Jody’s three uncles nor the safe haven of her grandparents’ ranch could erase the pain caused by Billy Crosby on that catastrophic night.

Now Billy Crosby is free, thanks to the efforts of his son, Collin, a lawyer who has spent most of his life trying to prove his father’s innocence. Despite their long history of carefully avoiding each other in such an insular community, Jody and Collin find that they share an exclusive sense of loss.

As Jody revisits old wounds, startling truths emerge about her family’s tragic past. But even through struggle and hardship, she still dares to hope for a better future—and maybe even love."

My verdict: The description sounds promising, but the delivery is less than exciting. Skip this one. Too many characters, too much jumping from past to future, characters are poorly developed.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

I read today that Stephen Covey passed away. He was the author of inspirational books that have helped many.

One of the first books I picked up after starting my career was “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” This book presents an approach to solving both personal and professional problems. It focuses on principles that help people to grow, recognize opportunities and create positive changes in their life. I recommend it to anyone that struggles with effectiveness.

Stephen Covey literally has something for everyone. I have read several of his books and gotten at least a few useful insights for each one.

Unexpected

I’m currently reading all books written by Lori Foster. So far I’ve had spotty luck with them.

The latest was “Unexpected.” I wasn’t impressed by this book. It was okay, but the characters weren’t very engaging and the storyline was pretty unrealistic.

I’ve read a few really steamy, strong character novels by Foster, so I’ll keep going down the list.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

 “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” by Richard Carlson is a must-read.

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, unhappy, discontent? This book offers small ideas on how to put things into proper perspective.

I own this one and make it a habit to read a segment every few days. It helps keep my mind in a positive place.

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons

“Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons” by Lorna Landvik—I tried to read this book as it seemed to have a good plot. I couldn’t get through the first few chapters. Too many characters, too much jumping around. Anyone else read it? If not…don’t.

Body Double

“Body Double” is book four in the Jane Rizzoli series by Tess Gerritsen. I am still tuned into this series and enjoying each book. “Body Double” didn’t disappoint. The suspense was rich and the plot chilling.

Gerritsen is a phenomenal writer. On to the next!

The Green Mile

A favorite from the past: “The Green Mile” by Stephen King.

When I was a teenager I used to read primarily from the romance genre. My Mom was into the thriller/horror genre, Stephen King being one of her favorites. I had tried a few of his novels but never engaged. However, at one point I was out of reading material and Mom had just bought the first of six in the Green Mile series. It was short, I was bored, so I read it. I was hooked! And then I had to wait a month for the next installment! Those were six months of anticipation, waiting to see how the story would end.

"The Green Mile" was worth the wait. The character development is perfect and the suspense is high. It varies from other King novels that I've read in that it feels more realistic and is missing the "horror."

Also, if you are a writer, King's "On Writing" is an inspiring read.

The Book Thief

I recently had a rant about adults who read YA novels. I am always surprised that so many adults are drawn into YA books like “Harry Potter,” “The Hunger Games,” and “Twilight.” And now I have to eat my words.

I finished “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak and was simply amazed. Surprised that this book is coded as YA! This book is one of the best books I’ve read in the past few years.

Zusak has a talent for building complex characters and creating vivid, moving scenes. The story is narrated by “Death,” which, I wasn’t crazy about at the beginning, but came to love as the story went on. Set during WWII, this book is full of powerful relationships and moving prose.

I loved it and recommend it to everyone!

The Metamorphosis

My favorite short fiction piece is Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis.” Rarely do I read something that gives me chills and makes my mind spin; this story did both. The main character wakes up one day as a giant bug. Sounds crazy, right? If I hadn't been forced to read this story in college, I may not have fallen in love with it. I may have lost interest from the beginning. But since I was being graded and had a sheet of questions to answer I continued. It brought me to tears.

I fell in love with Kafka.He is the master of dark lit. He has a gift for rich, vivid imagery.

If you don't appreciate literature that you have to read into and analyze, don’t read this one. However, if you love classic, serious prose, this story gives you so much to enjoy and reflect upon. I have interpreted the meaning different ways at different times.

In short--Amazing.

The Prophet

Another book to share from my personal collection—"The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran.

I adore this spiritual classic. Gibran imparts philosophical and spiritual lessons using a poetic style. The language is beautiful and the content is inspiring.

If you haven’t read this one, do so!

The Devil Wears Plaid

Kidnapped by a handsome Highlander…why not? In "The Devil Wears Plaid" by Teresa Medeiros Emma and Jamie come to life on the page. If you are a historical romance fan, try this one.