Sunday, December 30, 2012

Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

I recently reread this book. I bought the book one day, a few years ago, and read it right away. It's a quick read -anybody who has seen it will know why. Basically each page is a new note left on the refrigerator between mother and daughter.

Although, I loved the book, and was impressed the author was able to make me feel the way I did with essentially 'notes' and no actual dialogue or action. The situation in the book was heart breaking, and I hope never to experience it. Although, I also hope to never have to live in a house with somebody and never have an actual conversation with them other than notes on a fridge. Saying that, I do have to remember that they talked, I just didn't see it. I was only shown certain glimpses of their lives.

I'm sure I'll read it again. As I said, it's easy to get through. It's kind of like watching a sad movie. When I feel like I need a cry, I can read it.

I've already read something else by her as well, so she's won me over. So far, it looks like she just writes for young adults. I'd be interested in reading something for adults.

Just some trivia, she also writes from Saskatchewan, and I'm pretty sure she's married to Yann Martel. What an interesting household that would be to grow up in. Almost magical.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I read this a while ago. It's pretty terrible that I procrastinate from writing about books I write. It's my own blog, and I shouldn't have to procrastinate something I choose to do.

So... Life of Pi.  I've been hearing about this book for a while, and thought it was finally time to read it. I especially wanted to read it before the movie came out. (Which it now has.)

It took me a while to get into it, but from what I've heard, I'm not the only person to feel like that. I was intrigued from the start, but still didn't get to the point where I couldn't put it down until half way through. I was a bit disappointed by the end of the book, but that's because of the way I think.

I would like to read other books by him, just to learn more about his writing. I also, will admit, I want to see the movie. There were some moments in the book, that I couldn't imagine, but I'd like to see how somebody else saw it. I'm not really looking forward to the goriness in the movie, I'm sure there will be some, as there was in the book. I different kind of gore than I'm used to... animals against animals. Somehow, I'm more immune to human violence, but not so much to animals hurting each other or getting hurt.

Anyway, I don't know if I'll read it again, but I'll read others by him, I'm sure. Plus, he's a Saskatchewan author, and that's awesome!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Lost by Joy Fielding

This is another one of those books that I could read over and over again... and I have.

Joy Fielding has this amazing ability to present female characters, that are in bad situations, and seem weak, but when faced with these situations, they fight back, and will do anything to improve their situations, and fight for happiness for themselves and people around them.

This seems like a common theme in all her books.

I am not a mother, so a book about somebody with two daughters (one young adult and one teenager) that has been through a divorce, isn't something I have experience with. It's not really needed when I read her books though. I experience things through the characters. I don't always agree with the way things are handled, but I pretty much know things will be better in the end. It's a nice feeling some days.

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

I am behind on my book blogging.

I read this one in summer. The most interesting part about this book was the back of the book. I really thought I was in for a wonderful read.

It personally wasn't my kind of book. I can't remember it all exactly now, but I won't be giving it a second chance. I think the phrase 'ohmygod' was used too many times. Exactly like that. I know that's a silly thing to judge a book about, but I am anyway. Believe me, if that was the only thing, I could probably deal with it.

It was about three teenage girls who decided to get pregnant. A pregnancy pact. I think that actually did happen somewhere. To be honest, the idea of the novel sounded good to me. I just didn't like how it played out. I thought at times it was preachy. I also was really annoyed by the teenagers. Possibly because I'm not a teenager anymore, and I can't put myself in that selfish mind set, but I hope not all teenagers are like those girls, and it was over exaggerated.

It was a quick read, and I did finish it. Mostly because I hate quitting things when I've started them. Even bad books.

I'm pretty sure I've read something else by that author and enjoyed it, but I wouldn't read this one again. I actually feel bad writing that, but it's true.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I have finally read the third and final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy. It was starting to get to me. I didn't mind waiting, but really wanted to find out what happened to the characters. I'll admit it, I wanted to know who Katniss chooses to be with as well. (If any were to survive).

This last book made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me angry. I also couldn't put it down. I read it on a weekend, which was good because work didn't interrupt.

I know part of the point of this novel is loss of life, and the unfairness of the situation, but one of my favourite characters was killed, and I am still a little upset about it. This isn't really a spoiler, as characters continued to die or be killed through the entire series.

I'm not going to go on about this one. You'll either read it or not. Chances are, if you were going to, you have already. I really enjoyed them. I'm looking forward to the movies, even though I know they won't be as good. I actually don't think I'll read them again. I'm not sure why, I just don't see it happening. Who knows though.

So, that's it. Finally finished the series, and I'm happy I did. I'll admit, I wasn't sure about reading any of them because of how popular they were. Glad I didn't make my decision based on my snobbery.

Monday, July 30, 2012

twenty fragments of a ravenous youth by xiaolu guo

The story follows Fenfang Wang during some of her years in Beijing. She moved there from an isolated village.

It was an interesting read... also an easy read. I read it on a walk (stopping to read one fragmented chapter at a time). It was bits and pieces of her 'youth'. Starting at age 21. Each chapter focused on something new, but still connected to the rest in some way or another.

I feel like she was pretty isolated in Beijing as well as her small town. It was interesting. I know nothing about life in China, and enjoy reading books that explain more about what people are going through or have gone through. Even if it's not about a 'real' character, that doesn't take away from the true history in the book. It was translated from Chinese to English.

I've usually read books about people who end up in other countries, so this one was a nice to change. I'll definitely save it for another read.

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

I can't remember if I've read any books by him or not. I quite enjoy lawyer novels (or shows or movies).

This one didn't disappoint. Although, by the time I got to the end, I felt like I had read it before (or watched the movie, but I've since found out that the movie ending isn't the same as the book ending, so I didn't see the movie). I just seemed like a plot line that maybe had been used before. I'm not sure. I'm still confused as to how it was so familiar. I borrowed the book from my dad, so it's not even like I picked up a book that I own to read over.

I guess there are more than one books about the Lincoln Lawyer. I actually wouldn't mind reading a couple others just to see how he evolves as a character -and a human being. The main character is one of those characters that you probably love to hate. Like a 'bad-ass' soap opera character. You don't trust them, and know they'll make a bad decision, but they still have heart, and feel guilt for things.

Anyway, I don't think I'll read it again, but would read more by the same author. I can't read it again, if I felt like I had already read it, it would really get to me if I re-read it.

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

I'm really taking my time reading these. There are a lot to go through. I've now read two. It took a while to get through this one. Not because it wasn't good, but because I kept picking up other books. It seemed easy to just pick up and start where I left off even if I read a book in between.

This one was less like the movie. I know I should have been expecting that, but the first one followed pretty closely (the movie followed closely). Maybe the third book will have ties to the sequel as well. I think it will have to. I just have to say that Gilbert Blithe is the most patient man on earth, and I would be very excited to actually see a Gilbert Blithe type man someday. Unfortunately, the jaded part of me, doesn't believe he exists. Oh well.

The book introduced all new characters that I've actually never heard of. I enjoyed that. It's nice reading a book for the first time, and not knowing everything that happens before hand. (harder to imagine these new characters though).

I don't really have a lot to say about it. Just another book to add to the pile to read to my imaginary kids someday. I'll read the rest this year, but I have a lot of books on my list to read, so they'll come when I'm ready. As usual though, Anne takes me into her world, and makes me wish I had an imagination like her.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

First of all, I liked the first one better. This one was gripping, and impossible to put down, but the first was more gripping, and harder to put down. Also, the first one was sad and what these kids had to go through was terrible. In the second one, it was even worse, but almost at an unbeleviable level. Maybe I'm seeing things wrong.

I still enjoyed it. I just enjoyed the first more. The first also ended better. As in, it left me hanging, but not to the extent that made me rush out to buy the next one. This one actually made me a little angry when I put it down because I didn't have the next one with me. That's probably a good point. Also a good selling feature.

I'm not sure when I'll read the third. I'm waiting on my friend to finish it first.

I can honestly admit, I've never read any of the Twilight books, and I never will. However, the whole which guy should she end up with is something everybody knows about. (I know from the movie).

I think the same kind of thing is going on here, and since I haven't read the third, I don't know who she'll end up with -if anybody. Romance is in this book, but it's not the main thing. If it became the main thing, it would be a pretty sad situation, and I wouldn't like it as much. That being said, I am curious to know who she'll be with. I kind of feel like it will have a happy ending (or as happy as it can be).

Anyway, as always, I'm quite enjoying my teen novels. Between this and Anne of Green Gables, I'm not really sure the last 'adult' book I've read. Oh well. Next book will probably be 50 Shades of Grey. I'll admit it... all the talk about it has me interested. As much as I'd like to resist the urge to read it, I know I will.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

My mom read me these books when I was younger. I don't remember them, I just remember her reading them to me. I do remember the movies (first and second). I loved them. I still do love them.

I've wanted to read the book for a while, and finally did. I loved it as well. First of all, it was hilarious, and L.M. Montgomery is a genius. The page long run on sentences from Anne are classic. It was similar to the movie, but had differences. The movie had the important moments, but I found that the book was from different view points than I had expected.

I am now onto Anne of Avonlea. I plan to read them all. There's quite a few, but I cannot imagine any of them not being great.

Basically, anybody who loved the movie, will love the books. And vise versa. I can't wait to read them to my kids. (or in my case, I should hope my friends have little girls to read to).

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have managed to resist getting a lot of these series that have turned into movies. I wasn't in the slightest interested in reading Twilight (although I'm sure the books were way better than watching the movies). I can honestly admit I only got through one Harry Potter. I know it's good and everybody loves them. I didn't get through the movies either, and I'm sure they were much better than Twilight.

The Hunger Games I know is not the same, but it's still a teen series that has gotten so huge because people love the book, and the movie. I haven't seen the movie yet, and decided to buy the first in the series to see what all the fuss is about. Now I know.

I loved it. I couldn't put it down. I was SO invested in the story, and in the characters. I think I'll probably love the movie as well. It won't be as good, but I think it'll still be okay.

It also left me wanting more. The last two books are still being offered in hard cover, and I don't quite want to pay for them. I never thought I'd say this, but I wish I had an electronic reading device! I've the books are quite a bit cheaper.

I'm not going to get into the plot because it's all over the place. I loved it. I loved the idea of it, and would love to talk to the author. There wasn't a lot about her at the back of a book.

On to my next book. I'm not buying the new one of this series quite yet. I'll make it a gift to myself after going to the gym for a month. I'll stick to the books I have in my room for now that I haven't read yet.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

One False Move by Harlan Coben

I wanted an easy yet enjoyable read after the last book so I chose one I'd never read before by an author I enjoy.

The book was a nice quick read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed his others. It may be because it was an earlier book. I've noticed with some authors that I've read more than one novel, the books just continue to improve and get better.

This one, although interesting, didn't grab me like others I'd read. I didn't feel quite an attachment to the characters that I had wanted to. That being said, it appears the main character in this novel is in more than one novel, so I'll probably look into those. I may borrow them from the library.

I don't really feel like going through a plot on this one. I think I found that there were one too many plot twists in it, and I ended it not really trusting anybody (except the main character).

So. On to the next book.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

I finished reading this about a week ago, but haven't made time to write about it. Possibly because after a week, I'm still processing what I've read.

I bought this book hard cover on sale, years ago. I loved the idea. A novel written from the viewpoint from a family member of somebody who has done something terrible. In this case, murdered class mates. For some reason, I didn't read it though until now. The reason I read it is because the movie is coming out. Or it is out, and I wanted to read the book first.

Now that I've read the book, I don't think I will ever be prepared to watch the movie. I also don't know if I would recommend the book. Although, I'd love somebody to read it so I can discuss with them. I guess the book had a purpose with me. It's been a while since I've read a book that left me thinking about it for so long.

So all in all, I guess I would want others to read it. Not parents though. Too scary. Not make you jump scary, but reality scary.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Cool Water by Dianne Warren

I almost didn't write about this one. I returned it to my mom so didn't have it around to remind me.

First of all, Dianne Warren is from Saskatchewan. I love reading Saskatchewan writers, and more than that, I love reading books by Saskatchewan writers that I enjoy. I enjoyed this one.

It was completely different than many books. It was about 4 or 5 different people in a small Saskatchewan town. They stories being told aren't really connected to the others. They all know each other (because it's a small town), and they make mention of one other at times. It's not really a mystery, or a romance, or anything really. It's basically following the people around in the small town for a day (maybe a day and a half).

I did really like it. My mom wasn't as much of a fan, but I thought it was quite interesting. Possibly, I was thinking about the small town I grew up in, and the characters that could be in a book. They don't have to be dramatic characters. Everybody is interesting, and I guess this book showed that.

Anyway, I'll be looking for more of her writing.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

I've written about Jodi Picoult books before. I still haven't liked any as much as the first one I read by her. My Sister's Keeper was the first. It spoiled all the rest because I loved it so much.

Jodi Picoult reminds me of a writer I loved growing up. Lurlene McDaniel (I hope I spelt her name correctly). She wrote fiction for young adults. She wrote about social issues and health issues. Jodi Picoult does the same thing, but adult fiction.

This one had definitely had social issues. It was basically a custody battle over an unborn child. Some would say custody, some wouldn't. The ex-wife wanted the fertilized eggs for herself and her wife. Her ex husband, had recently found faith and god. He didn't want her to have them. I already feel like I've said too much. It was good. At times, I was so frustrated at the thick headedness of people. While reading it, I knew how I wanted it to end. I also knew I'd be pretty upset if it didn't end the way I expected.

It ended in a good way.

Now I have to go finish my next book.

How to Survive the Loss of a Love by Melba Colgrove, PH.D., Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D. & Peter McWilliams

This book was sent to me by a friend who had read it. She said somebody going through a divorce suggested it to her.

I wonder if it would have helped for my break up with Cameron? Although it is for all kinds of losses, I felt it was meant for break ups. Sad break ups. The loss of somebody you really loved, but by choice.... whether his/her choice or yours.

While it touched on death, it didn't really. I'm sure it is all similar. Except for one thing. I was still friends with Cameron after the break up. Now he's died, and I don't get to see him or talk to him again. Nobody's choice.

While reading it, I thought I would give it a reread... but I don't think I will. Believe me when I say, I wish it had helped.

It's an easy read. It has poems. It has nice and realistic thoughts about life and about love.

That's it. I'm sure I will be talking about more than one self help books. I will try anything to help my soul/self.

Friday, January 13, 2012

No Time To Wave Goodbye by Jacquelyn Mitchard

First of all, I'm writing this post to prep me for my next blog. This is the easy one. Also, I broke my rule for this book. The rule I haven't said out loud... I have a lot of unread books in my life. I'm not planning to buy a new one until I read them. However, I saw this one in a book store for sale.

This book is a continuation of a book I read SO long ago. It was either in 99 or the early 2000s. I can't remember, but I can picture where I lived when I watched the move (out from the book). It's the continuation from the book The Deep End of The Ocean. But set about 10 to 15 years later. The older son is almost 30 (for anybody who has read the first book).

I enjoyed reading this book, and I'm so glad I found it. It was a quick read, which says a lot to me. If I'm able to read it quick... that means I can't put it down. I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the first book before hand. I've read it, but not in many years. I needed a catch up, and I skipped it because I wanted to read this one so much. I might have liked this more if I had read the book. I recently watched the movie, and that's all I had to go on... which doesn't really tell me anything.

The book I most recently read was great. I enjoyed it, I liked the ending, I liked the main characters. There were characters I didn't really get. Like Ben/Sam... but maybe it's because I don't get it... I've never been in that situation, and I can't put myself in that situation. It's not very often that I can't imagine myself in a situation though.

Anyway. If you've read the first one -the second one's probably something to read/