I love Sophie Kinsella books, because they always delivers an adorable and fun story, which make me smile, and The Undomestic Goddess had me grinning I love Sophie Kinsella books, because they always delivers an adorable and fun story, which make me smile, and The Undomestic Goddess had me grinning from ear to ear. This is the story of Samantha, who was working her whole life to become what she was -- one the best lawyers money can buy. When she uncovers a HUGE error she made, she flees London, knowing her career is over. While in a fugue-like state, she stumbles into a job as a housekeeper. Standing by as she adjusts to this new lifestyle had me laughing and grinning like a fool. And then, well, there's Nat. Nat was sort of perfect and amazing, and I really wanted Nat and Sam to happen.
This book is lighthearted, but has a lot of heart. Kinsella hit upon something, which factored into my own career decisions (choosing a life over money), and I really liked the way she address all this, while giving us another great chick-lit experience. ...more
I am a Sones fan, and I really appreciate her sharing such a personal story with us. She did a wonderful job showing us this family wRating: 4.5 stars
I am a Sones fan, and I really appreciate her sharing such a personal story with us. She did a wonderful job showing us this family who was dealing with a mentally ill loved one. There's this ripple effect that she captured so well too. Some parts were very heartbreaking while others were sweet. Overall, the story was hopeful.
I actually enjoyed reading a book in verse, and grew to admire young Sophie. She grew in her understanding of herself and her mother by leaps and bounI actually enjoyed reading a book in verse, and grew to admire young Sophie. She grew in her understanding of herself and her mother by leaps and bounds....more
This is such a bittersweet read, with how the author's own life ended. This book is about a teenager who is overwhelmed by life -- school, the future,This is such a bittersweet read, with how the author's own life ended. This book is about a teenager who is overwhelmed by life -- school, the future, his friendships, which are said to be based on the Vizzini's personal life. The book chronicles Craig's fall into depression and his realizations about his life's desires during his stay in a psychiatric hospital. This book is well crafted, honest, humorous and so real. Vizzini was not afraid to address topics openly and I know they struck a nerve for me. Having suffered from some of the same emotions, I appreciated how he depicted the reactions of family and friends, as well as how the other patients were respected as human beings and addressed with compassion.
Overall impression: loved it, even if it was a tough read for me at times. The ending is the best part though, made me want to go run through a field. =)
Favorite quotes "Time is a person-made concept."..."I use my time how I want, so I rule it." - I love this definition. I want to be in this mindset "Take these verbs and enjoy them. They're yours..." - A simple way to think about living life to its fullest...more
This is my fifth book by Zevin, and I have to say, she writes very thought provoking books. In Elsewhere, Zevin took me on a tour of the afterlife, orThis is my fifth book by Zevin, and I have to say, she writes very thought provoking books. In Elsewhere, Zevin took me on a tour of the afterlife, or a version of it. I marveled at the world created while also moving through the stages of grief with Liz. She was only fifteen when she died, and as you could imagine, it was a difficult thing for her to process. Her acceptance allowed her to have a fulfilling life beyond her fifteen earth years. In Elsewhere, people have avocations, not jobs. They can make friends, fall in love, and even connect with relatives who passed before them. Humorous moments were woven between some sad and beautiful ones, giving the book and overall cheery feel. Of course, there was blubbering and snotty tears, but there was so much happiness too. Elsewhere may have been marketed as a young adult book, but I believe it can appeal to a wide range of readers given the nature of the subject matter and the brilliant way Zevin explored it.
This book is divided into "before" and "after". "Before" tells the tales of our rag-tag group of boarding school kids, and is mostly light-hearted andThis book is divided into "before" and "after". "Before" tells the tales of our rag-tag group of boarding school kids, and is mostly light-hearted and very amusing. "After" is appropriately darker, as they struggle with this event that has divided their lives into a before and after.
I loved it. I love John Green. He is unpredictable with a distinct voice that speaks volumes to me. My life with John Green: "The Fault in Our Stars" -- WAAAHHHHHHHHH! "Paper Towns" -- Awwwwe. "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" -- LOL "An Abundance of Katherines" --- Awwwwe "Looking for Alaska" -- WAAAAAAHHHH!
I was stirred, I was touched, I had to stop riding my exercise bike because I was too choked up to breathe. I found myself highlighting. So many things in this novel hit me in so many ways. JGreen, you are just a great story teller with a huge heart. ...more
Having already seen the film, I appreciated how much more I learned about Nick and Norah from the book. There was so much depth to their characters. THaving already seen the film, I appreciated how much more I learned about Nick and Norah from the book. There was so much depth to their characters. The story is sweet, charming, amusing and funny. A very enjoyable read. And if nothing else, they had a Moz and Smith's reference = heaven. ...more
This is exactly what I expect when I read a Sarah Dessen book! I can depend on Dessen to deliver a heartwarming story, filled with an array of charactThis is exactly what I expect when I read a Sarah Dessen book! I can depend on Dessen to deliver a heartwarming story, filled with an array of characters with the perfect balance of angst, swoon, humor, and sadness.
The MC, Macy's life, was upended when her father died suddenly. She stopped doing things and going to places she loved, because they reminded her of her father. Macy then assumed this new guise as the perfect daughter and perfect girlfriend. It all changed when Wish came into her life. The staff of Wish, also, upended her life, but in a most positive way. They taught her to embrace the chaos, that is part of life, and to ride the crests and troughs the ocean of life brings your way. With their help, she was healing, and beginning to live again. So many life lessons in this book, and they play out in a most enjoyable way.
I would be remiss, if I did not dedicate some time to Wes. Yes, Dessen gave us a most "extraordinary" bad boy. He is another member of the Wish crew, who is definitely a catalyst for the changes Macy experiences that summer. I loved the scenes between him and Macy. They were very fun, sweet, and heartfelt. I also loved Kristy. Kristy was dealt a tough hand, but she continued to make the best of her situation, and live her life to the fullest. Sometimes you need perspective like that to appreciate what you have.
It's all in there: love, loss, beginnings, endings, but what resonated with my the most, was this idea of living in the now. I feel like we lose sight of that with all our planning, photographing, looking behind, and looking ahead. Sometimes you need to be reminded that, “the truth about forever is that it is happening right now”.
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up, because I love Sarah Dessen
I am a Dessen fan, and as always, I love the way she explores so many issues in this book. ShRating: 4.5 stars rounded up, because I love Sarah Dessen
I am a Dessen fan, and as always, I love the way she explores so many issues in this book. She touches upon: sexual assault, eating disorders, depression, anger management, toxic friendships, and family dynamics. I really adored Owen. His honesty and his ability to embrace his "program", made him one of the most interesting characters in this book. I loved when he would expound the virtues of proper communication (which was reinforced by Kirsten, Annabel's eldest sister), and also, discuss the importance of doing the best you can, day-by-day.
Dessen's books always have just the right amount of heavy drama to keep it interesting, but not to overwhelm. And, Dessen fans are always rewarded with those throwbacks to past books (hello Dexter, Remy). Another great Dessen read....more
I had no idea this book would be so heartbreaking, but it was. Salamanca suffers so much loss over the course of this story, but I have to commend CreI had no idea this book would be so heartbreaking, but it was. Salamanca suffers so much loss over the course of this story, but I have to commend Creech for giving me a some joy there at the end. There were still tears streaming down my cheeks, but that little bit did help me feel really hopeful for Salamanca and her family. Sad but beautiful.
Moriarty does it again! I read a whole book and on one of the last pages, she reveals something I never saw coming. I love when she does that. Again, Moriarty does it again! I read a whole book and on one of the last pages, she reveals something I never saw coming. I love when she does that. Again, she creates many characters that you want to hate and later, reveals a side of them that redeems them. The whole time, we have this great story, filled with these interesting characters. I am completely obsessed with this author, her ability to so deftly bring all these separate stories together, the way she can always surprise me at the end. Another great LM book. ...more
This was the final Katherine Center backlist book I had to read, and as expected, it was a delight.
This was the final Katherine CenterRating 4.5 Stars
This was the final Katherine Center backlist book I had to read, and as expected, it was a delight.
This was the final Katherine Center backlist book I had to read, and as expected, it was a delight. Dumped by her fiance, Jenny finds herself facing new motherhood on her own. Reading about Jenny’s first few months brought me back to my own time as a single mom, and Center did a beautiful job portraying all that difficult and lovely time in a new mother’s life.
It was a challenging time for Jenny, but not to fear! She was lucky enough to find support in many places. I think that was one of my favorite parts of this story. I loved this wonderful group of women who rallied for Jenny. They was critical in helping her make that transition to motherhood, and strong female friendships are always great to read about.
There was also her neighbor, John. I really liked John. He seemed to pop up at all the right moments, and he always seemed to say or do the exact right things. At first, I thought he was some sort of unicorn man, but there was more to that story. Learning about his past did nothing to sour me on him, and I was ecstatic about his growing friendship with Jenny.
Though it’s been a very long time since I gave birth, it was fun revisiting that time in my life via Jenny’s experiences. The mix of fear, frustration, and joy is something I think many moms may find relatable. I do wish I got a bit more at the ending, but overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. Packed with humor and heart, it put a smile on my face and warmed my heart.
