Kiss the Girls

Book of Choice

Kiss the Girls

By: James Patterson

Background:

I was searching for a new book to read and a friend at work suggested Kiss the Girls. I have read some James Patterson before and enjoyed it so I thought I'd go for it. I also love me some Morgan Freeman so it worked out.

First Thoughts:

This book tells the story of 2 serial killers who are kidnapping and murdering young women along the east and west coast. Detective Alex Cross (a character in several James Patterson books) joins the search when his niece goes missing. Lots of drama ensues!

Final Thoughts:

Crime thrillers are a favortie genre of mine but no one told me how creepy this book would be! It was not a deal breaker or anything but there were some parts that made me cringe. Great story, but I would never be able to watch this movie. The book is a must!

Little Bee

Side note: since I haven't posted in months (literally), I have a lot of catching up to do! When I think about it, I get overwhelmed so I just quit. Soooo, I am going to start with the easy stuff that does not require my camera (since I left it at a friend's house) and does not require a lot of thought. Here we go!

Book of Choice

Little Bee

By: Chris Cleave

Background:
My friend Elizabeth posted this book on her blog and I was intrigued. When you look it up on Amazon, it says something to the effect of "we do not want to tell you what this book is about because it will give it away." Obviously, that made me want to read it more.
First Thoughts:
Without telling you the BIG part of the book that "gives it all away," I'll describe the book as follows:  The story starts off with a young African girl (Little Bee) immigrating to England to meet back up with a couple she met while they were vacationing in her country. Something happened on their trip that changed all of their lives forever.
Final Thoughts:
I loved this story! I do not want to talk any more about it BUT I will say that the ending leaves you hanging which I was slightly disappointed in. Remember in "The Break Up" when Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn just say Hi and walk away in the end? Not OK. I want to know how everyone ends up! However, I totally recommend this book.

Dark Places

Book of Choice

Dark Places

By: Gillian Flynn

Background:

Gillian Flynn is a new author who wrote my favorite book of all time: Sharp Objects. It is so creepy and demented. My friend at work has her second book, Dark Places, and gave it to me to read. After loving her first book so much, I knew I had to read this one as well.

First Thoughts:

Dark Places is a story of a young woman whose family was killed when she was a child. Her brother was convicted of the murders of their mother and two sisters but maintains his innocence. Some crime junkies convince Libby that they need to look deeper into the murders when the evidence does not point to the brother. The book's layout is different in that it is told from several different view points

1. Libby Day (the living sister) in present day

2. Ben Day (convicted murderer) in the days leading up to the murders

3. Mommy Day (forgot her name, obvi the murdered mother) in the days leading up to the murders

So interesting!

Final Thoughts: 

This book did not disappoint. It was just as dark (pun intended) as the first with a great twist in the end. I still love Sharp Objects the most, but this is a great follow up! 

The Shack

Book of Choice

The Shack

By: William P. Young

Background:
All of my family has read this book and said it was amazing. I only read the first paragraph of the summary so I had NO idea what was about to happen to me. I thought the story was going to be a murder-mystery... it is acutally a religious book. Shocker! It tells the tale of a father whose daughter is kidnapped and murdered and the trouble he has with his relationship with God afterward. He has a spiritual experience in which he meets God (well, the Holy Trinity, really) and is able to ask the hard questions.


First Thoughts:
I was almost scared of the book. How can God answer the hard questions the father had? How can He let something like that happen to a child? I didn't think the book would be able to answer these questions and I did not want to be disappointed. My mom kept saying, "It will work out, just keep reading."


Final Thoughts: 
I was talking to my friend Elizabeth about the book and it's meaning. She summed it up pretty well: "He loves us and He gave us free will, which some people abuse and do horrible things with." Well that still doesn't make it ok, right? I did feel a little more at peace after finishing the book, but not 100%. I guess that will have to do for now. I think I will need to re-read the book when something devastating happens and see how I feel. I also ear-marked some good points of the book that I will share later. Overall, a good spiritual book to read that is not too in-your-face.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Series

I have about 10 blogs to do about my trip so I'll start with the shortest! The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Series. It would be redundant for me to blog about each book so I'll do one quickie one. I started book #1 before the trip and finished the final book the day I got back. We had some down-time in Spain while Abbey was working so Jennifer and I spent that time reading. 

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl Who Played With Fire

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nets

All by: Stieg Larsson

Background:

I had heard lots about this series. I heard the first book could be hard to get into and that the characters could be confusing. BUT, I heard it was worth it. 

First Thoughts:

Everyone was right about it being hard to get into. The first book focuses a lot on Swedish economy and random stuff that I had no clue about. Once I hit page #150 or so, I breezed through all three books. The characters all had Swedish names so I was a big lost. Even after reading all of the books, I still don't think I know all of them!

Final Thoughts:

I loved this series. It focuses on 2 characters that carry though all three of the books. Mikael is a reporter who finds himself researching a 50 year old crime with the help of a young anti-social girl named Lisbeth. It can be a little intense (I heard the movies were even more so) but it was great. I highly recommend!

The Overnight Socialite

Book of Choice

The Overnight Socialite 

By: Bridie Clark

Background: 

This book was recommended to me from Kindle. It looked like a girlie/fun book so I took the chance and bought it. I am not one to read reviews so the only clue I had to the book was the title. I was intrigued. 

First Thoughts:

This book was like the movie She's All That on steroids. The characters live on the Upper East Side and have a crazy life of parties, money, and drama. When a nobody from middle America comes in and rises to the top of the social scene (thanks to her mentor), their stable society gets shaken up. Throw in a few love stories, and you have The Overnight Socialite. 

Final Thoughts:

This book was a quick, fun read. It's not going to change your life, but it was a good time! 

Room

Book of Choice

Room 

By: Emma Donoghue

Background:
This book was, again, recommended me to me by someone at work. Room is a story told by a 5 year old boy who is held captive with his mother by a bad guy. His mother was kidnapped as an 18 year old and little Jack was born 2 years later. His whole life has been lived in a small room in the back of the guy's house. 

First Thoughts:
I had heard it may get annoying to read the 5 year old's verbiage but I thought the author did a really good job showing the point of view of the young boy and adding adult conversation to break it up. 

Final Thoughts:
I loved this book. I read it in 2 days! Highly recommend.

PS This was my first "real" book to read since I got my Kindle. It was a nice change!

Addendum: I forgot to add this sooner... My only dislike of the book was the way it ended. It was one of those endings where I thought it was really just the end of a chapter and turned the page to read more.

Misery Loves Cabernet

Book of Choice

Misery Loves Cabernet

By: Kim Gruenenfelder

Background: This was a book that was recommended to me by Amazon when I bought Last Night at Chateau Marmont. It seemed like another cute girly book I would love. I have this new thing of not reading the synopsis of books because I hate when they give away the first 25% of a book. I had no idea what to expect: I had never heard of it and I did not know of anyone who had read it.

First Thoughts: Misery Loves Cabernet is about a young LA girl named Charlie trying to find her way in the world. This book covers her job, her family, and most prominently her love life. Every girl can relate to Charlie in at least one way.

Final Thoughts: This book was not my fave. I feel like there was not a lot of depth to it and when it was over I kept thinking, "Is that it?" My opinion: pass it up.

Last Night at Chateau Marmont

Book of Choice

Last Night at Chateau Marmont

By: Lauren Weisberger

Background: I have been a huge fan of this author. Of her books, I have read The Devil Wears Prada, Everyone Worth Knowing, and Chasing Harry Winston. Her books are super girly, funny and generally light. I recommend them all!

First Thoughts: The basic premise of the book is as follows: Young New York couple Brooke and Julian are thrust into super-stardom when Julian gets his big break in music. The two are thrilled at first. As the reality of travel, tours, and committments at home hits the two, their relationship goes into a downward spiral. 

Final Thoughts: I think this was the most serious of all of her books. The relationship between Brooke and Julian was very real. This book is a quick read a "must" if you have enjoyed her other stories.

Julie & Julia

Book of Choice

Julie & Julia

By: Julie Powell

Background: I am sure you know of this movie (based on a book, based on a blog) from the Meryl Streep/Amy Adams on-screen performance. My mom had it DVRed at her house and we watched it together. Because we never had 2 hours at one time to sit and watch, it was broken into about 6 different parts, but I loved it! I decided to read the book during one of our movie breaks. 


First Thoughts: The book and the movie are completely different. Usually, when I watch a movie after reading a book (or vice versa), I feel like the two stories are pretty much the same. The movie spends about 1/2 the time covering the lives of Julie Powell and Julia Child. The book really doesn't get into Julia Child very much except for a few letters written by her husband. 


Final Thoughts: Mmmm I actually liked the movie better so maybe stick to that.

I have Issues

My love of my Kindle has grown substantially. From my first post about it, to today, I have found joy that I can not explain. I know this sounds dramatic and over-the-top, but it's true. 


The one issue I have with Kindle and Amazon is their sneaky little trick to get me to buy more eBooks. Whenever you buy a book, a new screen opens with "recommendations" of more books you can buy. "Recommendations"=brain washing. I can't help myself and Amazon is the only one to blame. You know when you walk into a book store and there are all of these beautiful, glossy covers just calling out to you? Is is just me? Yes? No? Well that is how it is on Amazon, except they go one step further. Since I am already logged in, they have my credit card on file and kindly give me the "Buy in 1-click!" feature. That is just wrong! Today, I bought 4 extra books I didn't initially intend to buy. Example below:

When I am broke from all of these eBooks, living on the street and eating out of the garbage can, I am coming after you, Amazon.

Shopaholic and Baby

Book of Choice

Shopaholic and Baby

By: Sophie Kinsella

Background: I have read all of the Shopaholics and have loved each and every one. They are light-hearted, fun, and an easy read. I was so excited to see this new addition while searching Amazon! FYI: These books are based in London. That tidbit will come in handy at the end of this post.

First Thoughts: Becky Bloomwood Brandon (the main character) can be the most frustrating character in the world! But, she's funny and makes for a good read. This particular Shopaholic is about Becky getting pregnant and her incessant baby shopping. She has a scare when she thinks Luke is having an affair and does some funny investigation. 

Final Thoughts: After getting used to the words "nappy" (diaper) and "pram" (stroller), I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It probably took 4 days to read. I'm really excited about Mini Shopaholic!

Heart of the Matter

Book of Choice

Heart of the Matter

By: Emily Giffin

Background: I have read several of Emily Giffin's books: Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof, and Love the One You're With. When my friend, Elizabeth, suggested Heart of the Matter, I was totally down. It was purchased and sent to my Kindle in 0.85 seconds.

First Thoughts: Heart of the Matter focuses on these two ladies: 1. Tessa, who is married to an important pediatric plastic surgeon and 2. Valerie, who is the mother to a 6 year old little boy named Charlie. The two women live in the same Boston suburb but do not know each other. I do not want to give anything away so all I can say is as follows: The book is about these two women and how their lives are smashed together after an accident one night.

Final Thoughts: This book was slightly addicting and, luckily, a quick read. I maybe cried once or twice. The book dives deep into these women's lives and shares their thoughts and feelings really well. It is really moving and makes you think twice about a couple of issues. Let's chat after you read this. I highly recommend.

Redeeming Love

Book of Choice

Redeeming Love

By: Francine Rivers

Background: I had always heard this book was amazing but had never gotten around to reading it. I knew it was long but I bit the bullet and got it on my Kindle.

First Thoughts: This book is based on the biblical tale of Gomer and Hosea. Don't worry, I didn't recall that tale from Sunday School either. The story is set during the California Gold Rush in the 1850's. Angel (Gomer?) is a woman sold into prostitution during her childhood. She is angry and bitter and does not trust men. Michael (Hosea) comes into her life and takes her out of prostitution. She resists the new life Michael is trying to make for them. Michael persists: he speaks to God constantly and tries to follow his word. Angel is scared of a love like his: true and Godly.

Final Thoughts: In a way, this book was a devotional. Scripture and prayer were placed throughout the book showing Angel and Michael's communication with God. I think this was my first book to read from the "Christian fiction" genre and I loved it. It was long, and slow at times, but beautiful.

The Poisonwood Bible

Book of Choice:

 The Poisonwood Bible

By: Barbara Kingsolver

Background: Poisonwood Bible was another book chosen by one of the girls in my book club. This is one of those "smart-people books" I was telling you about. To give you a clue, the girl who chose this book said it was her favorite work by this author. She is the type who refuses to read the Twilight series out of prinicple. That should give you some insite!


First Thoughts: TPB is about a southern baptist missionary family who sets out to the Congo to convert the natives to Christianity. They meet tremendous obstacles from many different facets: the people, their conflicting religious and cultural beliefs, the political turmoil in the Congo, the children. The book is told from the view point of all of the children, alternating chapters.


Final Thoughts: This was a loooonnnggg book. I read it on my Kindle so I never really knew how long. It takes awhile to get into. I could see some people getting bored after the first 100 pages and quitting. It was interesting but certainly not fast-paced. In the "Author's note", she says something about how she wrote the book when she was finally "mature" enough. If that is the case, I guess you could said I never really got the point of the story. Unless you are looking for some deep reading, you can skip this one.

The Glass Castle

Book of Choice: 

The Glass Castle 

By: Jeannette Walls

Background: This was a book chosen by my book club. I had heard some girls at work talk about it too so I was intrigued. The first few pages of the book set the stage and tone for the story: a woman is being chauffered from her Park Avenue apartment in NYC to a charity event and sees her homeless mother rifling through the garbage.


First Thoughts: Glass Castle is the true story of a girl who is raised in extreme poverty by idealistic parents who see nothing wrong with living in a car, a rotting house, or on the streets. The author tells the book as a flashback and goes into detail about the neglect and poverty the author and her 3 siblings have to endure. What makes the book so interesting is that her parents choose this lifestyle willingly and enjoy it!


Final Thoughts: I really loved the book. It was amazing to hear how at this girl and her siblings were raised and how they ended up. Brooke and I read it at the same time while on our trip to DC. She didn't like how most of the book was told in the past but I did not mind. Highly recommend!

Book Club Dinner Party

As I have mentioned before, I am in a book club with my sister and some friends. This month's book was Water for Elephants and the meeting was held at my house. I read Water for Elephants last summer at the suggestion of a work friend. My friends and I have a movie-going date night planned for next weekend when we are all off. It looks so good! I will not ruin the movie by telling you about the book, so let us just talk about the food.


Just so you know: 1. Our "book club meetings" consist of getting together for dinner, drinking wine, and talking about everything other than the book. 2. That pretty much sums it up. 


I made Emeril's Tex-Mex Gooey Casserole. Read on!


Appetizers: chips, guacamole, salsa, Texas caviar (all store-bought, I might add)

The Main Dish (I put my additions and suggestions). Sorry about the blurry pics, it happens when I turn the flash off.
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions (about 1 large onion, chopped)
• 1 lb ground beef (I used ground turkey)
• 1 pound diced stew meat (could have lived without it)
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons chili powder (didn't have it)
• 2 teaspoons cumin (I used 1 large tablespoon to make up for the lack of chili powder)
• S&P
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 4 cups peeled, seeded, chopped tomatoes (I used 1-28oz can diced tomatoes, drained)
• 3 cups beef stock
• 10 flour tortillas (I used wheat)
• 2 cups grated medium Cheddar cheese (I used 2% milk cheese)
• 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (again, 2%)

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and saute for 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the ground beef (turkey) and continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the stew beef and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Looking back, I would have drained the meat at this point.  

3. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Season with S&P. 

4. Stir in the tomato paste. Stir in the tomatoes and stock.

5. Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will really thicken up at this point.

6. Remove from the heat and let cool.

7. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the mixture on the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Place a layer of tortillas on top. Scatter the tortillas with some of both of the cheeses. Repeat this process until you reach the top!

8. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted. 

I served with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. Enjoy!

Bright Young Things

New series alert! My sister, Dawn, as previously mentioned, has introduced me to another wonderful series. 

Bright Young Things

By: Anna Godbersen

Background: This author has another series (The Luxe) that I have also read. They are both time-period series about a group of young girls and their adventures. The Luxe is set during the turn of the century featuring Manhattan upper society. Bright Young Things is set during the roaring twenties. 

First Thoughts: I loved The Luxe series! The books are written so that you feel like you are there. They are very descriptive of the girls, their houses, their clothes, etc. So obvi I was very excited to read Bright Young Things. This book, specifically, is about two young girls who move from the mid-west to chase their dreams in Manhattan. One girl searches for her long-lost father, while her BFF tries her hand as a showgirl. 

Final Thoughts: These books have a very Gossip Girl feel, and I dig that. The book has a lot of life. There is fun, drama, love, murder, and lots of twists and turns. They are fun to read, nothing too deep. I am so excited for the next book in the series!  

My New Love

We have been super busy at work and so I have picked up a few overtime shifts, thanks TCH! I wanted to treat myself to something I have been eye for awhile. A Kindle! I got the white one because I thought it was so pretty. I also splurged and bought the Kindle that has 3G and Wi-fi so I can download books anywhere and at any time.

My entire family has some sort of e-reader and I was getting serious jealousy. I did some asking around about different types of e-readers and decided the Kindle was for me. Here is my reasoning:
Pro: Not back lit=easy on the eyes
Con: You cannot read in the dark
Solution: Kindle Lighted Cover
When you are not near light, just pull out the retractable light built in the cover. The cover uses the battery from your kindle to gently illuminate the screen. Amaze.

Pro: It is the coolest thing ever

Con: Nothing else

When I opened my delivery from Amazon, I had a feeling of joy I have never felt before. This little thing is the most beautiful little thing I have ever seen. One time, I hugged it. I know this is sounding a little dramatic, but it really is that cool. I started buying books right away. You can set up categories on your home page so it is easy to search for your cooks. I have: Emily's Choices (books I read for fun), Book Club (books chosen by my book club), and Kindle Stuff (the give you a Kindle guide and dictionary when you buy it). If you're a reader, this is a must! The Kindle makes reading more fun so look forward to lots more book reviews. 

They Did It With Love

Book of choice:

They Did It With Love by Kate Morgenroth

Background: This was a choice of the book club I am in. Now, when I told my friend Evan that I was in a book club, she laughed. Rude! I, however, think it's cool to be in a book club, especially since our meetings are at someone's house where we eat dinner, drink wine, and talk about everything BUT the book. So shut it.

First Thoughts: The back of the book basically says, "A group of women, in suburban Connecticut, are in a book club and one of them is murdered. This murder reveals a lot of bad/secret stuff that goes on in their small town." I like drama so this seemed right up my alley.

Final Thoughts: This book was much better than expected! It is told from a bunch of character's viewpoints so you get the whole picture of the case. It has a bunch of neat twists that are totally unexpected. I let a girl at work borrow the book and she loved it too. Highly recommend!