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.

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.

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/

Bull Fighter By Roddy Doyle

First of all, this isn't one novel, it is a collection of short stories. This made it easier for me to read. I read a few, took a break, and then got back to it. I usually read one per lunch break. I had to speed it up a little when I realised it was overdue and I'd renewed it as many times as I'm allowed.

The theme was the same (kind of) through all of the stories. Each one was a different story about a man. Usually an older man (50 plus, maybe). Most times they remembered their pasts, sometimes stayed in the present, and occasionally looked to the future.

They were good. I'm sure somebody male and in that age range would relate more than I did. Some stories were funny, some were morbid, and some (one in particular) were a bit disturbing.

I've read Roddy Doyle before. Once again, if I could read it with an Irish accent, all would be perfect in my world.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

I've said this before, but I'm not sure if I've said it in any of my entries on this blog. I LOVED My Sister's Keeper. Unfortunately, I read it first, and haven't fallen in love with another Jodi Picoult book in quite the same way. She's a good writer, and chooses topics that are wonderful.

I guess I just had really high expectations for all the books after My Sister's Keeper, and found myself disappointed.

This book -House Rules -was great. It was about a family -a mother and brothers. One of the brothers has Aspergers. It's a popular subject, but I'm not sure if it's popular because people are just finding out more about it, or it's a subject matter people are just interested in. I'll admit I am quite interested in this syndrome. Especially about Aspergers. It seems like probably more people have Aspergers than we probably think.

Off subject, if anybody has a chance to watch Mozart and the Whale -do. It's about the same subject. Although, I'm not certain anybody reads this particular blog.

I enjoyed House Rules -although, I figured out what was going on quicker than I would have liked. It seemed obvious to me what the end would be. I actually wondered if I'd read it before.

Anyway, I'm back on the loving Jodi Picoult books.

The Other Woman by Joy Fielding

Another Joy Fielding book; like I said, I went to the library and saw Joy Fielding books and Sandra Brown books. I couldn't resist either. Especially these ones because it feels like there are so many I haven't read.

This one didn't disappoint. It was frustrating at times because you could see this completely strong woman who was in a bad situation, and it really seemed like she was doing nothing to make it better. In other words, I was basically waiting for the end of the book. The part where she realises she has to take care of herself first.

I'm sure you can guess what this book was about by the title, but it's sometimes unclear who The Other Woman is referring to. The main character was married to a man that she has basically taken from another woman. She broke up a marriage and a family. After years of marriage, she meets a younger woman who wants the same thing -to break up her marriage. This seemed like only a tiny part of the plot, which is good because there was so much to the story. It does basically go with the theme of 'once a cheater, always a cheater.' I don't know if that's true, and frankly, hope I never have to be in that sort of situation to find out.

E