|
|
|
|
 |
 |
The Opposite of Me (5 out of 5 stars) Sigh. It’s so so satisfying to get so caught up in a book that I can’t put it down, stay up past my bedtime to finish it and then tell people all about it. The Opposite of Me, had me from page one and although it’s not perfect, it’s a fantastic read. It would be easy to pinpoint it into the category of chick-lit but I feel that it doesn’t do this book (and so many others) justice. It’s about twin sisters: Lindsey, who is the super-successful serious workaholic ad exec and Alex, the stunningly beautiful model. Lindsey finds herself making a huge boo-boo (which I found really didn’t fall into her character, one of the few things that irked me in the book) and having to move home where she reconnects with the twin she has been jealous of all her life. Sounds like the set-up for a boo k you’ve read a million times, right? BUT—Pekkanen keeps this one so fresh and original with plot twists I wasn’t expecting (and at this stage in the game it’s hard to surprise me). The ending does seem rushed and there are a couple of plot blips but they are so easy to forgive. This is one I’ll be recommending whole-heartedly to anyone who likes a great story. Can’t wait to read whatever Pekkanen comes out with next. No pressure! |
I Can't Wait For... Angelina by Andrew Morton This is the dude who has written some excellent biographies (all unauthorized). True, the Tom Cruise one was a bit of a dud, but you can't help but hope for some serious smut here. I'm counting down to August...
|
Angelology (3 out of 5 stars) What do you say when the concept of a book is hindered by its execution? Nice try? Better luck next time? Angelology by Danielle Trussoni has a great idea—angels walk among us and they have for thousands of years and a nun and some other guy are given a mystery that could make that come to light and expose them but they’re not so crazy about that idea. The book is split into three parts and through the entire first part I was happy. I was introduced to the characters and to the mystery and I was very much enjoying myself. The second part started to leave my cold though but I pressed on since I’d already committed (you know what that’s like). But then—the third part was just so not great and rushed and seemed like it was just trying to wrap sh—up and cash in on some angel-loving book buffs. The marketing behind this one was some kind of impressive, I must say. So overall, I will read Trussoni’s next one because she is talented and imaginative but I’m not highly recommending Angelology. Try it from the library first. |
Are you a fan of True Blood? Charlaine Harris, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, debuts in the #1 position on the latest New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists with Dead in the Family the 10th book in the series. Following a major Q&A in the New York Times Magazine and two solid days of media in New York City, Charlaine kicked off her two-week tour at Barnes & Noble Union Square on May 4th. More than 800 people lined up to hear her speak, ask questions and have their books signed. As Charlaine entered the room the crowd jumped to their feet like they were at a concert - cheering and clapping for their favorite author. Many of the fans were wearing t-shirts from "True Blood," HBO's runaway hit series based on Charlaine's books, and asking tons of questions about the new book and what they can expect to see on the new season of the show. |
I’m reviewing these two together because they happened to arrive around the same time so I read them in tandem and ended up with a comparison. Are You There, Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea was written by the freaking hilarious Chelsea Handler when she wasn’t very well-known. She was sort of a cult figure on late night cable and comedy clubs. Her style of comedy is pretty biting and loaded with rude language and sarcasm. In other words, right up my alley. Chelsea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang is her most recent title—now that she’s a famous figure who was dating the CEO of the network that airs her show (E!) I read the Vodka book first and loved it. While I wasn’t constantly laughing out loud, it had a few moments, but I was genuinely amused by Handler’s stories. They focused on her childhood and then a young, carefree (and often intoxicated) twenty-something. Stories ranged from her embarrassing and preposterous fake celebrity elementary school tale, a birthday party for a friendless girl full of re-gifting, and pretending to be honeymooning with her father in order to upgrade to first class. There are some parts that sort of fell flat, but for the most part this one was a winner. Then I turned to her newest. And it all felt like she was trying waaaay too hard. From the very first So bottom verdict? Check out My Horizontal Life (her first) and Are You There Vodka, if you’re a fan. I wasn’t crazy about Bang, Bang and would suggest not bothering or at least waiting and getting it from the library or something. But I will still faithfully YouTube her nightly show. |
He has a new book coming out called The Red Pyramid and will be doing a book signing at the Yorkdale location of Indigo on May 9, 2010 at 4pm. Here is some info on the new book: Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near Sounds great and I can’t wait to get my copy (it’s in mail!) I’ll be sure to post a review when I get it. |
I really think my husband wishes I hadn’t read this book. It’s the memoir of Stacy Morrison, editor of Redbook, whose husband, then years into their marriage and with a five-month-old baby in the house, tells her he is done. Just like that. He is done. So as I’m reading, I keep turning to look at my husband and ask him all kinds of questions: are you happy? Would you ever do this? Are you cheating on me? Poor guy—I think he much preferred it when I was reading the Chelsea Handler books and quietly giggling to myself. Still, when presented with someone else’s situation, you can’t help but tie it into your won. Which is what Morrison discusses in part in the book --the fact that people would ask her questions about her divorce that weren’t about her but about them. I was worried the story would be depressing. At times, it was certainly sad and difficult. I couldn’t imagine doing what she did (raising a baby and getting an editor-in-chief job while trying to work through the end of a marriage). She is incredibly strong. But the nice thing is that the book ultimately is a story of her finding peace in her life. Morrison is a great writer, and unflinchingly honest. I really felt myself relating to her even though I’d never experienced what she had. This is the book I will be choosing for my book club. It’s one that every woman in a relationship of some sort should experience—especially if they have a child. Because ultimately, that’s what it’s about—her relationship with her son and how much she tried to protect him and make his life as happy and normal as possible. The book is full of humour and wit, and amazing observations. It made me step back and take a look at my life, my marriage and my relationship with those around me. It’s also a book of friends and family. Loved it and highly, highly recommend. |
Quickies!!
Sophie Kinsella’s latest, Twenties Girl, is out in paperback format. It was a really fun and intriguing read. A real departure from her usual fare, this one has a ghost story! Oooooooh….don’t worry—this is the boy-crazy bratty kind of ghost that makes you do fun things. |
Lunch In Paris: A Love Story with Recipes (4 out of 5 stars) What’s with all of the recipe/memoir books out lately? It’s definitely trendy, and therefore difficult to keep fresh. Lunch in Paris is the memoir of Elizabeth Bard, a young woman who moves to Paris from London (although originally American) to be with her soon to be fiancé. It’s a good read. Bard has a winning sense of humour and her depictions of France are beautifully written. I always long to go to Paris when I read books like these and this one certainly had me daydreaming on what it would be like. She doesn’t hold back on the critiques either which is refreshing. Still, there are moments that are a little too self-indulgent (yes, I know it’s a memoir but it’s possible). Some of the chapters seem like filler, but so horrible that it made me put down the book. The recipes sound delicious but I admit I have yet to try and of them. If you’re into memoirs and especially foodie ones, this will be a welcome addition to your bedside table. |
The Book of Tomorrow (3 out of 5 stars) Cecelia Ahern has been a tricky one for me. I loved P.S. I Love You. Then I read A Place Called Here and really did not enjoy it. Now with The Book of Tomorrow, I really find myself in a pickle. On the one hand, I flew through the book and there was enough here to keep me interested and the pages turning. On the other hand, I felt pretty ambivalent toward the heroine, a sixteen-year-old girl name Tamara Goodwin who finds herself living on a farm with a mystery after her father dies. Ahern likes to add an element of magic to her books which I don’t mind in small doses. And it’s a small dose here. Tamara finds a blank diary that starts to write entries in her handwriting for the next day. Do she always knows what’s going to happen. Thankfully though, that’s a small part of the story. I found the mystery built up rather well. I was dying of curiosity by the time I got to the end of the book. But then I felt disappointed. With all the build up, you really hope for something spectacular but the resolution felt like a bit of a copout. Ahern has a great deal of talent as a writer and a wonderful imagination, but I’m still waiting for her to really hit a home-run like she did with her first novel. But I do enjoy them enough to keep reading as I wait for it. |
What I’m Looking Forward To:
When Laura Munson's essay, "Those Aren't Fighting Words, Dear," appeared in The New York Times "Modern Love" column in August 2009, it was the #1-read and emailed article of the day, and the paper had to temporarily shut down the comments section because of the overwhelming number of reader responses. There was much more to the story than could be contained in the essay, however, and Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam will publish the full story, titled This Is Not The Story You Think It Is: A Season of Unlikely Happiness on April 1st. |
Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea (5 out of 5 stars)
chapter about her constant masturbation as a child, down to her boyfriend almost landing his helicopter in the middle of someone’s wedding, I just couldn’t get into the groove. I couldn’t help but feel like the book was just pushed out because the others had done so well but Handler was really grasping for stories. It a couple of moments that filled me with glee but the rest just filled me with ennui (and that rhymes, yo).
We all know as an English teacher, I’m constantly looking for books to recommend to students. While a ton of them would have seen the movie already, Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief (Book 1) Percy Jackson and the Olympians, is a fantastic book for the 9-12 set (and some lower-level high schoolers). It’s funny and educational which is my favourite combo and the kids I’ve suggested it to have all loved it.
strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane.
Falling Apart in One Piece (5 out of 5 stars)
In preparation for the release of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest in May (woo-hoo!), Penguin is releasing The Girl Who Played with Fire in pocket paperback. This is series is a hit for a reason people—and it has a kick-ass female heroine. If you haven’t read these, you must.
