The Library Card Chronicles

This is a pretty cool site.

2007-07-26T16:51:00.001-07:00

Check it out! I love being a bzzagent. Ask me about it.

oopsie

2005-02-28T00:14:00.000-08:00

I've had these drafted since..ohh... February? With moving and all that entails and then being offline for a few months since getting wireless out here was FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS (ARGGHHH), I've been doing a lot of reading but haven't been posting. But, thankfully, everything is pretty much settled down now and I can get back into the swing of things. Even if no one reads this, I've found it a handy reference for myself. I'm always saying to myself "Self, who wrote that really good book that you read a while back and do they have any new books out?". With a log of them, I can answer that question. From now on, I am going to try to link to the author's website, rather than amazon or barnes and noble or some other corporate giant. Have I mentioned how much I love the library and resale shops? I spent $15 on a book today at booksamillion. Eek! It so better be worth it! I'm also only going to get back into posting whether I enjoyed the book or not. The ones I've posted in the last few posts were only good ones, I didn't mention the baddies. And there have been some really bad ones. I should have written them down just to serve as a warning. I've been reading a lot of paperback romances lately because, hey, my dad gets them by the sack or box full, they're free and they don't take up a lot of time. If I get into a longer, really good book I don't want to put it down and do what I am supposed to be doing. heh Yeah, many a sleepless night, unwashed dish and other neglected things due to my literary addiction. Can ya relate?

Texas Cooking - Lisa Wingate
Lone Star Cafe - Lisa Wingate
Mouth to Mouth - Erin McCarthy
The Same Sweet Girls - Cassandra King
The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen
Lay That Trumpet In Our Hands - Susan Carol McCarthy
prep - Curtis Sittenfeld
Wedding Ring - Emilie Richards

So many books, so little time

2005-02-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - Mark Haddon

Light on Snow - Anita Shreve

The Three Miss Margarets - Louise Shaffer

A Piece of Heaven - Barbara Samuel
This woman has fantastic style.

Blue Plate Special - Frances Norris

St. Dale - Sharyn McCrumb
This book is so unlike her usual type of novel that I didn't know if I would like it or not. I LOVED it.

The Second Coming of Lucy Hatch - Marsha Moyer

Rosie Dunne - Cecelia Ahern
I still find it hard to believe this girl is only 23! She's a highly intuitive writer with a firm grasp of life, humor and her craft.

The Rock Orchard - Paula Wall
This is a must read!

The Dead of Midnight - Catherine Hunter
I felt that this book moved a little too slow, at times I was like just come on already! But the ending will surprise you.

Daughter's Keeper - Ayelet Waldman
Excellent, one of the best I've read lately.

Running with the Reservoir Pups - Colin Bateman
Really well-written, funny adolescent book that adults can enjoy as well.

Keeping the Moon - Sarah Dessen

Oops, I did it again

2004-12-04T23:01:00.000-08:00

What with the holidays, moving and just general stress, I've had little time to read, much less to blog about it. These are some books that I put here and then saved as a draft for the last month or two. The ones to the bottom are more recently read. I didn't bother to put the crap ones here, so if it is on this list suffice it to say I recommend reading it. The great ones are *'d.

Any Place I Hang My Hat - Susan Isaacs

Key of Light, Key of Valor, Key of Knowledge - Nora Roberts

Haunted Ground and Lake of Sorrows - Erin Hart ***

Olive, My Love - Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold **

English as a Second Language - Megan Crane **

An Unfinished Life - Mark Spragg ****

Hunting Fear - Kay Hooper

The Spiderwick Chronicles - Tony di Terlizzi and Holly Black ****

The Dirty Cowboy - Amy Timberlake and Adam Rex ***

Horseplay - Judy Reene Singer ***

Hissy Fit - Mary Kay Andrews ***

Sunshine - Robin McKinley

A Dry Spell - Susie Moloney

Citizen Girl - Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

Lu and the Swamp Ghost - James Carville, Patricia C. McKissack, David Catrow ***

Whispering to Witches - Anna Dale ****

sMothering - Wendy French ****

Come Summer - Sandra Steffen ***

Pale as The Dead - Fiona Mountain ****

The Garden Angel - Mindy Friddle *****

Some I forgot, some new ones

2004-11-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

Northern Lights - Nora Roberts
I don't know how she does it, but it's another page turner.

On Thin Ice - Cherry Adair
Great action and a good plot. There were a couple of scenes that could have been written better, but overall a great read.

Metro Girl - Janet Evanovich
Ohmigosh, this is the best one yet! This book is hilarious. I have to say I think it's even better than the Stephanie Plum series (and while I lurve me some Steph, she's been getting a bit stale in the last few books). I hope she comes up with more adventures for Barney and NASCAR Guy!

Incubus Dreams - Laurell K. Hamilton
Ok, I still love these books, but I think she's spreading herself a bit too thin with all the different characters and two different series going on. And Anita is getting a little bit annoying, with all this "I can't do this" and "I'm blank, I'm a killer and I feel bad that I don't feel bad about it blah blah blah" crap. She's acting like Richard. Regardless, still good reading.

Another books are due back update

2004-10-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Secret Life of Bryan - Lori Foster
Another good enough for fluff.

Cassandra French's Finishing School for Boys - Eric Garcia
This book was hysterical. Very satirical and witty.

Summer People - Elin Hilderbrand
Good book, somewhat depressing and annoying at times due to subject matter.

Farmer Brown Goes Round and Round and The Thing That Bothered Farmer Brown - Teri Sloat, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
The Lady with the Alligator Purse - Nadine Bernard Westcott
If you have kids (and even if you don't) go get these books ASAP.

Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris
Although I wasn't able to read the first books in this series, I really enjoyed this one. It isn't necessary to have read the others to be able to follow along. And she left the ending set up for another one. I look forward to it coming out. Really playful, yet also full of action and intrigue.

The Sunday Philosophy Club - Alexander McCall Smith
This is a good book, I just can't seem to get into it. It is well-written and has a good plot, it's just... dreadfully dull.

Confessions of a Shopaholic, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Shopaholic Ties the Knot, and Shopaholic & Sister - Sophie Kinsella
I read Confessions some time ago and have not been able to lay my hands on the rest of the series until my library finally got them in recently. I love Sophie Kinsella (who also wrote Can You Keep a Secret?). Becky Bloomwood Brandon just can't stay out of the shops and just can't stay out of trouble. Her wacky schemes and utter irresponsiblity should be off-putting but instead she is certainly endearing. I can't wait until the next one comes out. Who knows what she will get up to with a baby!

2004-10-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I've updated. Come to find out I've been drafting posts and forgetting about them. So, this one's gonna be fairly long.

A Taint in the Blood - Dana Stabenow
This series is fantastic, although she has changed the way the main character acts in this book and it just isn't the same.

Little Earthquakes - Jennifer Weiner
Was so glad this was finally out! It was worth the wait. Funny, heartwarming, charming as usual.

Under Cover - MaryJanice Davidson
Good enough fluff.

Hot Pink - Susan Johnson
More good enough fluff.

Beach Girls Luanne Rice
I always enjoy her novels. This one was no exception.

Shem Creek: A Lowcountry tale - Dorothea Benton Frank
I haven't been able to finish any of her books since Sullivan's Island. This one was great, I think she is growing as an author and has refined her craft.

August Frost Monique Roffey
Go get this book now! This was such a fantastic, almost fairy-tale like novel.

Mrs. Hollingsworths Men Padgett Powell
I loved the style of this novel. A must read.

Falling for April Lisa Plumley
Good enough for fluff.

Big City Junk; Garden Junk; American Junk Mary Randolph Carter
These are so cool. If you're into junk, which I obviously am. I've checked these out several times just to admire the stuff. She is coming out with a new one soon.

The Snow Bride - Debbie Macomber
This is a Christmas romance novel but it is still cute.

Shop till You Drop - Elaine Viets
Very witty.

Here Kitty Kitty - Jardine Libaire
The writing style in this book really appealed to me, I loved the way she put words together.

The Rivals - Joan Johnston
Sometimes I wanted to slap people in this book. Or the author.

Maggie Without a Clue - Kasey Michaels
This is a cute, fun series.

What to Keep - Rachel Cline
This book was rather stiff until the end.

Star - Pamela Anderson
Ok, I got this one for the curiosity factor. I knew it would be crap, and a so-called "thinly veiled autobiography". It's not so thin, that veil. It wasn't horribly bad, mostly due to the ghost writer, I'm sure. It ended rather abruptly, so I am sure they have a sequel in the works. I'll probably skip that one.

Books I couldnt finish for one reason or another:

Miss Julia Meets Her Match Ann B. Ross
I've read all of these, but the tone in this one was just too annoyingly goody-goody.

Id Kill for That: a serial novel Marcia Talley et al
While this novel had many of my favorite authors, I just couldn't get into it as it was far too phony.

Murder List Julie Garwood
Again, the tone of this book was off. Her writing seems to be declining instead of improving.

The Jasmine Moon Murder Laura Childs
Just wasn't in the mood. Good novel though.

In the Gloaming: stories Alice Elliott Dark
It is rare that I find a book of short stories that I like all of. I liked most of these, especially the first one.

Slowly but Surely

2004-09-13T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Children's Hour - Marcia Willett
A++

The Lost Girls - Laurie Fox
Try as I might, I could NOT finish this book.

Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim - David Sedaris
If you haven't read David Sedaris, do so!

Secret Smile - Nicci French
This wasn't a horrible book, overall, but I absolutely hated her family. And the ending wasn't very well thought out.

Shoot the Moon - Billie Letts
Billie Letts is a phenomenal author and this is another gem.

Never Look Back - Linda Lael Miller
Eh, I don't think I'll read any more of her "mysteries". They are just too stiff.

Sammy's Hill - Kristin Gore
This would make a great movie. Excellent read.

Fire Along The Sky - Sara Donati
Again, this series is outstanding. I can't wait for the next one.

oops

2004-09-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

It was just brought to my attention that my last post was repeated FIVE times! Blogger was acting retarded when I made that post so I should have followed my usual procedure and actually looked at the finished product when I was through, but I was being lazy and didn't. That'll teach me!

Quick update

2004-09-01T20:11:00.002-07:00

Bad Boy in Black Tie - Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Morgan Leigh
Good fluff, has some steamy sex scenes

The Mango Season - Amulya Malladi
Amazing novel. I am fascinated by all things Indian (check out Monsoon Wedding sometime) and this is a very realistic novel.

Bet Your Bottom Dollar - Karin Gillespie
Like the blurb on the back of the book says, " Use your very last bottom dollar, if you have to. Just BUY THIS BOOK. You will laugh yourself sick and love every minute of it. (Jill Conner Browne) I am awaiting the next one!

Night Swimming - Robin Schwarz
This is another must read. Very far-fetched plot, yet so endearing that you are caught up in it.

A Kiss of Fate - Mary Jo Putney
Sort of a historical fiction/romance. Sort of being that the characters all have "superpowers" so to speak. Great book nonetheless.

Lake in the Clouds - Sara Donati
3rd novel in the "Into the Wilderness" series about the Bonner family. I've read all of these and while they are long, they still leave you wanting more. It's one of those stories that you don't ever want to end, along the lines of Diana Gabaldon's work.

Long time, no read

2004-08-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Have been busy busy busy lately and haven't had time to read or post. These are books I read weeks ago and haven't had time to put down. I am out of reading material, so hopefully once school starts Monday I will have time to both stock up and catch up.

Coffee and Kung Fu - Karen Brichoux
I found this book online somewhere and had my library get it through the ILL. I am so glad I did. It was a really fantastic book. So many of the books you read have characters that I can't identify with in ways, this one was really down to earth and seemed very real. Loved the plot.

Flabbergasted - Ray Blackston
I usually don't read the Christian fiction, but this one caught my eye and I liked what the jacket had to say. I'm also really glad I picked this one up. Excellent, excellent book. It was funny and charming and very realistic and not a bit preachy or goody-goody. I just saw on his site where he has a new one out so I will definitely be hunting it down.

Call Waiting - Dianne Blacklock
This was a decent book. It was one of those where the characters tended to tick me off, as in get over it already. It is an Australian book, so I don't know about its availability, so if you have to go out of your way to get it... don't.

Wow.. one book!

2004-07-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

R is for Ricochet - Sue Grafton
I think this is my favorite Kinsey Millhone novel so far. There were a few there that I wasn't too fond of the plot or the writing. They had became kind of lackluster. But this one was much improved.

No excuses this time

2004-07-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'm just laaazzyy.

Judith Van Gieson - Land of Burning Heat and The Shadow of Venus
The more I read of Judith Van Gieson, the more I like her. I love books where you can be entertained and learn things at the same time. And this series of full of history, art and the character of humans.

The Second Assistant: A tale from the bottom of the Hollywood ladder. - Clare Naylor & Mimi Hare
This was another one of those lucky finds. I absolutely loved this book.

Flashpoint - Suzanne Brockmann
This was good reading. The situation was a little unbelievable, but was still a good story.

Bergdorf Blondes - Plum Sykes
I had read some bad press about this book so I was very interested in reading it. Usually the worse things I hear about something, the more I like it. At first, I thought that they were all right and it was not going to be that great, but after a few chapters it really got going and I loved it.

Pad Parties: The Guide to Ultra-Entertaining - Matt Maranian
I was looking for his first book, Pad: The Guide to Ultra-Living but this was all our library had. Fabu!

Pilates for Wimps - Jennifer DeLuca
My new favorite book. I've already check this out for the library like three times, and I've considered telling them I've lost it and just paying for it so I can keep it. I love Pilates and this is the best how-to book I've found so far.

I've been on an interior decorating book kick really bad lately. Here are a few of them I've read. All good, but the style is only to some people's liking. I like a mix of vintage, country and modern.
Country Chic - Country Living
Southern Accents on Color
Flea Market Finds: Before & After Home Decorating with Makeover Miracles (another one I want to "lose")

There seems to be a recurring theme here

2004-07-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

As I was getting ready to post this I realized that most of the books I have read lately seem to have a common theme. Death. It certainly wasn't planned that way. And with the recent death of my grandmother and a few other deaths in the family, I think I've had enough of this theme. Good books, but not something I want to be reading about constantly.

The Color of Death - Elizabeth Lowell
Lowell delivers another gem of a book. (ha, I'm so punny)

On A Night Like This - Ellen Sussman
This was a great book, if a little farfetched for my tastes.

Finally

2004-07-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

This is turning into like the monthly update blog. Ugh. I had to go back home unexpectedly (well, not so much unexpectedly as expected just not knowing when) when my Mom called and said my Mamaw was dying. She's been in poor health for quite some time, and it rapidly declined over about a week and a half. So, when she called, I threw everything in the car and hauled it up there. So, what being with her until she passed on, the funeral, and all the stuff after the funeral I was there over a week. And needless to say, I didn't get much reading done. I've been too tired to do that much more reading since I've been home. But, a bunch of the books I've really been looking forward to came in while I was gone, so I've been doing some. So, enough with the story, on with the books.

Vanishing Point and Confidence Woman - Judith van Gieson
These are the second and third novels in the Claire Reynier mystery series. The Stolen Blue was the first, which I read a few years ago and then forgot about. I'm glad I remembered it and went searching for any following novels. Van Gieson has a great style. I'm on the hold list for the other two. Will post when I read them.

How to Meet Cute Boys - Deanna Kizis I just happened to spot this on the new books shelf while in the checkout at the library and added it to the pile. I'm glad I did. Very entertaining "chick lit".

Tallulahland - Lynn Messina
It was really hard to read this book and not think "Lady, just STOP!". I was kind of tired of her attitude towards her father by the end of the book, but I finally forgave her. All in all, it was a fair read.

Ten Big Ones - Janet Evanovich
#10 (duh) in the Stephanie Plum series, and fabulous as always. It's hard to believe Steph's been at it for 10 books now. And, of course!, the ending leaves you waiting for the next installment. Hurry up, already!

The Goodbye Summer - Patricia Gaffney
I just finished this one, and it hit pretty close to home in many ways. There were also a few of those "Lady, come on!" moments in this one, but this is a great novel.

Three sides to the story!

2004-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Other Side of the Story - Marian Keyes
I just love Marian Keyes. As with all authors I like (and there are plenty), I've read all of her books. This one isn't my new favorite, but it's a great book. I highly recommend this one.

There are two sides to every friendship

2004-06-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Best Enemies - Jane Heller
With friends like this, who needs enemies? But all's well that ends well. And some more trite sayings. Cute book, but a little cliche in parts.

Past Due

2004-06-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

So, since I've been back I've been doing more reading than posting. I have a fairly long list of books I've finished. I guess I better get them on here, huh?

Under the Boardwalk - Carly Phillips
Cute as always, good summer read.

The Shop on Blossom Street - Debbie Macomber
The writing in this books seemed kind of, I don't know, stilted? It was a great story, great characters; but, the telling of it was just off.

Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination - Helen Fielding
Helen has turned out another one that is destined to make a great film. This book was hilarious. I can't wait to see if they make it into a movie.

To Have and To Hold - Jane Green
I haven't been too impressed with Jane's books lately; but, she redeemed herself with this one. Very well written, funny, poignant.

My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Once again, Jodi has taken a tough subject and make it real for us readers. This is a heartrending book. As usual, she put one of those "Oh no she DI'INT" moments in it, that I could have done without, but it's a fantastic novel.

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: The Fab 5's Guide to Looking Better, Cooking Better, Dressing Better, Behaving Better and Living Better
These guys are so funny, and they really know there stuff. If you have a straight guy in your life, go buy him this book.

Sweet & Crazy - Patty Dann
Exactly what this book is.

Fat Chance - Deborah Blumenthal
I've been trying to get my hands on this book for ages. It was well worth the wait.

The Ocean Between Us - Susan Wiggs
A must-read. Susan Wiggs is always a sure thing.

Dumping Billy - Olivia Goldsmith
Hilarious, as usual. I cannot believe Olivia is gone and we will only have one more of her books. It's tragic.

Monday Mourning - Kathy Reichs
Kathy Reichs is another sure thing. I've read all of her novels and they are the ones that you can't put down until they are through.

Back from Quasi-vacation

2004-06-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

I went back home to Graham for about a week, so I didn't have access to the internet. I only took a couple of library books with me as I didn't want to have many to keep up with and/or lose. I read a bushel of Harlequin and Silhouette romance novels. They aren't bad for occupying the mind for an hour, that's about how long it takes me to read one. I won't even attempt to list any of them. So, here are the "real" books I read this last week.

Men in Kilts - Katie MacAlister
Cute enough, I didn't hurl it across the room in disgust at least.

The Song Reader - Lisa Tucker
Not at ALL what I expected it to be, but VERY good reading.

Good Grief - Lolly Winston
I wasn't thinking I would like this book when I first started it, but after I got a chapter or so in and I was snickering aloud, I was hooked until the finish. Superb read.

Goodbye Earl - Jo-Ann Mapson

2004-06-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Earl is the latest installment in the Bad Girl Creek novels. This is another series that if you haven't read it, do so. They are fantastic. All of her books are. Hank & Chloe was the first one I read, and I've been hooked since. I think she just gets better with time.

Quick update

2004-05-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

What with the broken car, strep throat, pink eye and numerous other lovely things going on around here, I haven't had time or the inclination for doing much reading. It's times like this that unless the book is superb, it won't hold my attention and give me the satisfaction I want. After all, isn't that what reading is all about?
My reading list here is going a few weeks back and is very scant.

Scarecrow - Robin Hathaway
Despite the wholly unoriginal title, this book is great.

Full Blast - Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes
This one went back to the library unfinished (among others I am just tired of listing the failures but this one was too bad to pass up). I love Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, but I haven't liked this collaboration much from the start. This one was just too cheesy and out there for me to go along with. I hope her Plum series doesn't start going downhill.

Sunset Over Chocolate Mountains - Susan Elderkin
Very interesting and different novel.

Sunshine and Shadow; Broken Dishes - Earlene Fowler
These two made it all worthwhile. Earlene Fowler and the Benni Harper series are my absolute favorites. If you are a lover of mystery, quilts, history and art you should definitely check this series out.

I won't go into details on these today as I am a bit feverish and might not be coherent.

I have read one!

2004-05-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

I ordered The Dim Sum of All Things by Kim Wong Keltner through the library's ILL service. It was a really good chick lit read. Lindsey is an ABC (American Born Chinese) living in San Francisco and struggling to find herself (basic premise of most of these novels) while working as a receptionist at a vegan mag and wondering what to do with her degree. Her take on the single life was dead-on regardless of background and I found her take on "Hoarders of All Things Asian" hysterical. Greige is my new word. Living with her grandmother presents some dating challenges, not to mention sensory ones what with all the Tiger Balm and food aromas mingling. After a trip to China with her grandmother, things start to fall together for Lindsey and there is the usual happy ending.

Did a little redecorating

2004-05-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

How sweet is blogger now? We have a bunch of new templates to chose from and comments! Yay! I'm grooving on the pink right now and hopefully I won't get tired of it soon since you still lose all of your mods when you change templates. I've added a blogroll over to the side with some literary linkies. I hope everyone enjoys the new look and I'm going to try to keep my posts less sporadic.

Drat

2004-04-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

So... I had this nice long informative post all written up the other night when all of a sudden the power went out and I lost it. Don't you love it when that happens? I shall now attempt to recreate it in short form.

The Saints and Sinners of Okay County - Dayna Dunbar
This is a great retro novel (set in 1976 or so) in small town Oklahoma. Aletta Honor is pregnant with her fourth child and has no idea where her husband is at the moment. With a stack of bills to pay, she is getting desperate. She attempts to set up a kolache stand during the annual Czech Festival but she burns them all and has to settle for peddling lemonade. After she uses her long hidden psychic powers to save the life of a customer, she decides to put a sign up in the front yard and offer psychic readings from her home. Town and husbandly drama ensues, but Aletta knows she is doing what she should be doing. This was a great novel.

Nostalgia rules. I've been on a teen novel kick lately. These are all good ones.
Gingerbread - Rachel Cohn
All American Girl - Meg Cabot
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

Filthy Rich - Dorothy Samuels
Not a teen novel although I did find it in the Young Adult section. If 34 is now considered young adult... yay! This was a cute read.

Meely LaBauve - Ken Wells
I found this book in the Young Adult section at the library but I wouldn't really consider it that genre. The main character is a 15 year old boy but the subject matter is a little mature. Of course, it isn't anything I wasn't reading (or doing for that matter) at that age. It is touted as the Cajun Huck Finn, but I have to disagree there as well. It is much better! This is a must read or any age, male or female.

Can You Keep A Secret - Sophie Kinsella
Yet another gem. I've been anxiously awaiting her next novel, and this one was well worth the wait. Funny, charming, witty. Everything it should be. I was hooked. And I have read where the movie rights have already been scooped up. Although Kate Hudson is set to play the main character and I don't really see her as fitting the part, not that I don't like her but it just isn't her.

The Breathtaker - Alice Blanchard
This was one wild ride of a book. Set in Tornado Alley (which is where I live) this murder mystery is an experience. I love it when a book is in familiar settings, you can learn something from it, and it keeps you hooked. It took me much longer than usual to figure out whodunit in this one. I definitely recommend this one.

The Solace of Leaving Early and Neil Gaiman

2004-04-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Finally finished The Solace of Leaving Early. It started off incredibly slow and I really didn't think I would get past it. That and I was not liking the main character at all. About halfway through it started getting better, and by the end of the book I was loving it. I'm glad it didn't turn out to be a waste of time and effort to read. It's funny how some authors get better with time and some get worse.
I re-read Neil Gaiman's The Wolves in the Walls and Coraline. He is amazing. A friend has loaned me Stardust to re-read. I need to scour the used book stores as his are books I need to keep. I don't often re-read books, so I like to have the ones I love around when the urge strikes.

i'm a slacker

2004-04-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

I haven't been doing a whole lot of reading lately due to pursuing other pleasurable pastimes. Maybe I should just start listing the books with a rating system as lazy as I am! ha!

So 5 Minutes Ago - Hilary DeVries
This was not as good as it was hyped to be, or as good as I was anticipating it to be. It wasn't bad by any means, it was just a little too fake at times for me. But then, we are talking Hollywood here....

Scottish Girls About Town - 16 Scottish Women
Scottish Girls wasn't as bad as Irish Girls About Town, but neither was I very impressed with it.

Lucky Stars - Jane Heller
Overall, a cute, entertaining read.

And now.. the good stuff! Ta-da!

Blessed Are The Cheesemakers - Sarah-Kate Lynch
Do yourself a favor and RUN - don't walk- out and get this book! It is one of the best reads I've had in a while, yet not weighty or depressing. I wanted to hang out at Coolarney House and soak up the magic. Lynch's writing made me feel as if I were.

Something Rising (Light and Swift) - Haven Kimmel
This IS the best read I've had in a long while. It was more "wordy" than I normally like, but in Haven Kimmel's style it made the story. Pick this one up when you are out getting The Cheesemakers. You won't be disappointed.
I picked up The Solace of Leaving Early, Kimmel's second novel, yet couldn't really get into it. I am going to give it another try now. I'll also have to look for her first one, A Girl Named Zippy.

I had a whole pile of other books that were such crap that I won't even go into them.

win some, lose some

2004-04-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

It seems to be the trend lately to read a while and then catch up on updating. Better late than never, eh? I got a huge stack of books at the library last week, but only a few of them have been able to hold my interest. The others I have been vacillating back and forth on, a chapter here... a chapter there. Hopefully the next batch will hold more goodies.

Emma's Secret - Barbara Taylor Bradford
This was another one that went back unread. Barbara's books are always very well written, but they are usually too... staid... I guess is the word. I may check it out again when I am in a different frame of mind.

Straight Talking - Jane Green
Okay, this book annoyed the hell out of me for the most part. It was a good book, but it was just too rambling, wishy-washy, whiny and I could not sympathize with the main character at times. I could in theory on the subject, but I suppose it was just that the other stuff got in the way. Maybe it was my mood, I don't know, because here lately all of her books have annoyed me on some level. Bookends was the first novel of hers that I read and it was amazing, and I've been somewhat disappointed by all of the others.

Luck of the Draw - Carolina Garcia-Aguilera
This book was indeed the luck of the draw. It was outstanding! Very well written, very engaging. I shall be checking out all of her other novels ASAP.

The Cure for Death by Lightning - Gail Anderson-Dargatz
I've seen this book many times at the library but had never checked it out. I finally picked it up and am glad that I did. It has some subject matter in it that I am not too fond of reading about (but then who wants to read about horrible reality?) but it was such a great read, and it left the indelible reminder that life happens, it isn't always pretty, but it does go on and you can make it the best it can be. I loved the realism of the book even if it was harsh. It was very evocative of the time yet not stuff that is written about a lot.

Found another pile

2004-04-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

I have so many stacks of books sitting around that I sometimes lose track of what is where. I found two more that I have read in the last couple of weeks that got buried. Both of them are from Red Dress Ink. The first one is Speechless by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout. There were parts of this book where I didn't really like it but overall it was a good read. Second up is Engaging Men by Lynda Curnyn. Again, it was just an average book. Both weren't horrible, but they weren't the best I've ever read. Speaking of Red Dress Ink, I can't wait to order Fat Chance by Deborah Blumenthal and Inappropriate Men by Stacey Ballis!

My how time flies when you don't know what you're doing!

2004-03-31T23:57:00.000-08:00

I have still been trying to keep up with life here. I'm reading enough, just haven't had time to be online and post what I'm reading. So, gonna play catch up and keep it short and sweet.

Die In Plain Sight - Elizabeth Lowell This is another of the Rarities Unlimited series and as usual is a great read.

Coastliners - Joanne Harris Her books are great. This one was not as good as Holy Fools, but it was an enjoyable read.

Ain't She Sweet - Susan Elizabeth Phillips I LOVED this book. Sugar Beth and all of the other characters draw you in to their world and makes you laugh and want to cry along with them.

Something Real - J.J. Murray This book went back unread. I don't know if it was just the mood I was in or I didn't like the writing style, or the character or what.

Whew

2004-03-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Today has been kah-ray-zee! That's what I get for being gone for a week. So, quick run down of these books I got piled here so I can get them back to the library and pick up my other holds!

P S, I Love You - Cecelia Ahern
This book is SOOO good! I've lucked out lately and have been getting some goodies. This one was both heart-wrenching and funny. Very moving. I can't believe that the author is the 22-year-old daughter of the Prime Minister of Ireland. Very mature writing. I guess that is the mark of a true novelist, when you can't define them by age. Anyway, go get this book and read it! Now!

What She Wants - Cathy Kelly Another excellent read. And another Irish read. I really enjoyed this one and in a way it was surprising because of the way the point of view keeps switching from one character to another. Normally I can't stand that because with most authors you aren't ever clear for a bit who is doing the story telling unless it is explicitly noted. I can't recall if she noted or not who was doing said chapter or whatnot, but I immediately knew which character it was from the tone. It's a fairly thick book, but moves along quickly.

Ahh.. must take break.

And now that I've had a break I am dead tired.
Quick list so I can take them back tomorrow.

The Goddesses of Kitchen Avenue - Barbara Samuel
Excellent

Wurst Case Scenario and Frozen Rodeo - Catherine Clark
I was in the Young Adult section looking for some Judy Blume to re-read and found these two and liked the titles so I thought what the heck. Very cute books that really portray teen angst. Takes me back a few!

We'll Always Have Parrots - Donna Andrews
I could NOT finish this book. Maybe if I had nothing at all left to read I would, but otherwise it hasn't held my interest and I've been trying for over a week. It's going back unfinished.

Spitting Feathers - Kelly Harte
Cute enough book. Don't know that it was worth the $11 I paid for it, so either get it at the library or get it second-hand.

Lucy's Launderette - Betsy Burke
Very much worth the $11! Outstanding book. It's great because I've always wanted to open up something similiar to what they have done, except with books. I'll keep on dreamin'.

The Feng Shui Detective - Nury Vittachi
I haven't got past page 9 on this one, but I suspect it's going back unread. I'm not liking it at all.

Pretending the Bed is a Raft - Nanci Kincaid
So-so. I sent it back without finishing it. Most short story books don't interest me.

Oh, and I read through Trading Spaces: Color! and Martha's Vineyard Houses and Gardens. The Trading Spaces one was ok, was kind of complicated and some of the pictures weren't that great. The Martha's Vineyard one was beautiful and very informative. I've always wanted to go there.

Long time no blog

2004-03-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

I've been out of town for the last week and haven't had internet access so I am way behind on my posting! I've got a stack of books sitting here that I've read, a stack waiting to be read and I just picked up 3 more out of the mailbox on the way in! So, tomorrow I will get busy and get them put up here.

Dance With Me - Luanne Rice

2004-03-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

Luanne Rice is another author who I have read every single novel she has written, and I am never disappointed. Dance With Me is no exception.

Bet Me - Jennifer Crusie

2004-03-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

I absolutely LOVE Jennifer Crusie. I've read all of her books. And I think this one has been my favorite so far. I did not want this book to end. I literally want to live the book! How insane is that? But seriously this book rocks.

Min Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man like Cal Morrisey, who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Cal Morrisey knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it's not long before Min and Cal are dealing with meddling friends, wedding cake, a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kremes, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a frantic bride, Chicken Marsala, a mutant cat, snow globes, two Mothers-from-Hell, great shoes, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of including the biggest gamble of all--unconditional love.
(synopsis from Jennifer Crusie's awesome website)

Phooey

2004-03-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

So, remember the jackpot? Well, most of them are going back. I read Lost & Found, Cooking for Harry, and am slogging through We'll Always Have Parrots. I started Jackie by Josie and couldn't get into it. Come to find out I have already read Lucy Crocker 2.0 and it wasn't that great the first time. The others I just don't have interest in now. I hate it when this happens. Ah well, c'est la vie. Of course, a lot of it probably has to do with the fact that I did get some new books I had on hold in. And they were SO GOOD that they spoiled me. I finished both of them in hours. I tend to gobble the good ones up. I'll post their reviews next. And hope the library has some goodies in for me soon!

Cooking for Harry: a low carbohydrate novel - Kay-Marie James

2004-03-09T20:28:00.000-08:00

In Cooking for Harry, fabulous cook Harry learns that he is going to have to lose the weight he has put on over the years of learning to be the gourmand he is. His wife, Francie, convinces him to let her take over the cooking and for him to join a weight-loss club. Soon, Harry is on the road to a slimmer self but between taking more initiative at work and spending more time working out and with his weight loss group, not only is he no longer in the kitchen, he is never home! Francie is confused by the dynamics of this new relationship, and is worried about the attention her newly svelte husband is getting. Were they ever truly in love or did they just become comfortable in their routine? Is the Atkins diet going to ruin their relationship? This novel brings up some real-life issues in a heartwarming way.

Lost & Found - Jane Sigaloff

2004-03-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

Lost & Found was well worth the wait. I really enjoyed it. But then I love all of the Red Dress Ink books. In this novel by Jane Sigaloff, Sam Washington is a control freak lawyer. On a business trip to New York, her precious diary somehow gets left behind. What follows is the story of the angst Sam goes through until it is returned, the angst caused by who returns it and the chaos that ensues and how she learns to let go of some of that control.

To Die For

2004-03-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago, I read both Savannah Blues and Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews. Both books were excellent. I recommended them to my Mom and she loved them as well. We were both commenting on the Beyond the Grave Chicken Salad that features in the plot of Little Bitty Lies. It sounded really good. So, she was here last week and we decided to whip up a batch. Oh my goodness, it is soooooo good. I couldn't stop eating it. It was bar none the best chicken salad I've ever had. And I've had a lot! So, first chance you get go get both of the books and the make you up some of that chicken salad! (Tip: We only used 4 pounds of chicken and I thought it could use more dressing. So, next time I will either use 3 pounds of chicken or if I am making it for a crowd make up some more dressing. We also left out the nuts and stuff, and divided the salad and only put water chestnuts in half since there is no way I am puttin those nasty things in my mouth!)

Library Jackpot

2004-03-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

That's what I hit yesterday evening when I went to get some new books to read. Some days I go in and am lucky to walk out with one or two books. Some days it's 10 or 12. And when it's one or two it really sucks because I read fast, like a book a day (sometimes two or three if they are short and I am bored). I am really thankful for the new online access to the card catalog that our library has because it enables me to seek out books before I even step foot in the library. That and the hold function allows me to get on the list for new books and not have to wait eons for them. Yesterday I was able to go to the library all by me onesies since Mom was here to watch the kiddos so I got to do it the old-fashioned way. I do love wandering the rows. So, yay me, I have books to read for a while. I hope they are all good. I hate when I get books and end up tossing it after a few pages or the first chapter. At any rate, here is the list:

Lost and Found - Jane Sigaloff (I have been waiting months for this one, I had to get it through the interlibrary loan system and it went through 15 before it found it. They usually come from Dallas since it is the closest "big" library. This one is from Phoenix. Maybe I should move there. Great climate and great books!)

We'll Always Have Parrots - Donna Andrews (This is a cute series.)

The Good Wife Strikes Back - Elizabeth Buchan (From the author of Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman, which I loved.)

Jackie by Josie and Lucy Crocker 2.0 - Caroline Preston (These just sounded good, don't know anything about them.)

Lilies That Fester and Reap a Wicked Harvest - Janis Harrison (I saw Reap a Wicked Harvest in the new book section and it caught my eye as I LOVE mysteries and gardening and unfortunately the library only had one other of the series. I prefer to read the entire series in order.)

Cooking for Harry: a low-carbohydrate novel - Kay-Marie James (I saw this one online somewhere and thought it sounded funny. Everything is low-carb now, even our books!)

And Now You Can Go - Vendela Vida (another one on the new book shelves that sounded good)

Lunch at the Piccadilly - Clyde Edgerton (Know nothing, the jacket caught my eye)

A Love Noire - Erica Simone Turnipseed (Another new one that I had seen something about online and thought I would check out. Don't know anything yet except the pages I scanned sounded good.)

Murder Walks the Plank - Carolyn Hart

2004-03-05T01:37:00.000-08:00

I had stopped reading the Death on Demand Mysteries because after the first few they got so ungodly boring I couldn't finish them. But, the title of this 15th installment and the plot caught my eye (and I didn't have anything else to read today) so I thought I'd give it a whirl. And I finished it and I actually liked it. I won't go into details but it was a good book.

High Country - Nevada Barr

2004-03-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

High Country is the 12th Anna Pigeon novel. Anna is pulled from her current station in Mississippi to go undercover in Yosemite National Park's historic Ahwahnee Hotel. Four young seasonal park workers have turned up missing and extensive searching has returned nothing and Anna is brought in undercover to see what she can learn from her fellow employees. She finds plenty to be suspicious about from her twenty-something roommates and the irritable head chef in the restaurant where Anna is waitressing in the place of one of the missing girls. An overheard conversation leads her on an expedition alone into the high country where she finds the source of the mystery and almost loses her life to some city-slicker goons. But, her will to live and to obtain justice lead her back to the main part of the park where she finds more clues and more trouble and her survival skills are pushed to the limits. Once again, Nevada Barr has delivered a suspenseful, thought-provoking novel set among beautiful scenery and corrupted people.

Don't Tempt Me - Julie Ortolon

2004-03-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Don't Tempt Me is the final book in the Pearl Island Trilogy, and I am kind of sad to see it come to an end. The characters are all distinct and the setting and the history are great. Adrian St. Claire is the sexy chef at the Pearl Island B&B, which he and his sisters run. He is the descendent of the woman whose husband owned the house and her and her lover's ghost can't go on until the treasure that was lost in the cove is recovered. But, to find the treasure they need help. Jackie Taylor is the descendent of the lover. She owns her own "pirate" ship and is more interested in running cruises along the Texas coast than chasing lost booty. That and she would rather her past not be dredged up. Finally, Jackie is enticed into helping and soon not only do they have something other than treasure hunts and casual flirtation in mind, but they learn the most important lesson of all.

The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger

2004-03-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

The Time Traveler's Wife was an incredibly thick book, yet the story was so compelling that I read it in one day. It moved so smoothly, and the concept and characters were so interesting that I could not put it down. Henry is a Chrono-Displaced Person (CDP), who travels through time involuntarily, usually when very stressed. Clare first meets him when she is six and he is 36. He returns regularly throughout her childhood from different times in their shared future. At last, when Clare is twenty and Henry twenty-eight, they meet in his present, and the relationship begins in earnest. His constant disappearing and reappearing is hard on both of them, yet they are destined to be together and they persevere.

Holy Fools - Joanne Harris

2004-02-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

I found Holy Fools to be hard to read at times due to the phrasing and language at times, yet the story kept me engrossed. Once I was used to the writing style, the details took me in and I could almost imagine myself there with the heroine. It is set mostly in the early 1600s and is the story of a young "gypsy" woman who finds herself pregnant with nowhere else to turn. Being very resourceful and a thespian by trade, she portrays herself as a young widow and seeks refuge in a convent. The Abbey that she comes to is comprised of quite irregular nuns. More of a home for the troubled women than a convent. Five years later, following the death of the kindly Reverend Mother, she is confronted with her past. The leader of the troupe that she was in and the father of her daughter has concocted a new scheme to seek revenge on a bishop. Before long suspicion, betrayal and debauchery are rampant in the convent, fueled by rumors of witchcraft and demonic possessions. To save the convent and her daughter, she must match wits with her former lover and divert his plans.

Charming Grace - Deborah Smith

2004-02-26T23:03:00.000-08:00

I have loved all of Deborah Smith's books and Charming Grace was no exception. Grace Vance Bagshaw is a classic character - a 34 year old ex-beauty queen and former talk show host, she now spends her days grieving the death of her husband, Harp Bagshaw. Grace was the only one who ever truly believed in Harp until he sacrificed his life on the roof of a hospital to a mad bomber bent on blowing up the hospital and every one in it. Now aging action-movie superstar turned director Stone Senterra invades Dahlonega, Georgia to film the story of Harp Vance’s heroism – over Grace Bagshaw Vance’s dead body. But to get to Stone, Grace must bypass Boone Noleen, Stone’s sexy Cajun ex-con bodyguard. And Stone's muscle-bound half-sister, Diamond. Think pro-wrestler turned movie star. With a little help from her family, Grace is determined to keep Harp's private life, just that. But, her family doesn't see it that way and soon the alliances are flying. Grace and Boone, Boone and Grace's G. Helen (as her grandmother insists on being referred to), Harp's long-lost sister's daughter and Stone's son and a host of other characters. With plenty of "bless his/her hearts" thrown in this book is the perfect combination of drama and comedy.

Seduced by Moonlight - Laurell K. Hamilton

2004-02-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

Seduced by Moonlight is the third book in the Merry Gentry series. Merry is a mortal Faerie princess who has been hiding in L.A. Her aunt, the Queen of Air and Darkness, has ordered her to compete in a contest with her cousin, Cel (who is in the torture hall for trying to have her killed) in making a baby. Whoever produces a child first wins the throne. The only qualifier is that Merry can only bed her royal guards and whoever gets her pregnant is to be her king. But, not being able to get pregnant is one of the least of her worries. There are those who are still trying to assassinate her, and she is also trying to form an alliance with the Goblin King and there are those who do not wish that to work. I call Laurell Hamilton's books supernatural porn. There is a lot of sex and it is fairly graphic and always out of the ordinary. Combine that with the intrigue and violence and you have a perfect book.

Maggie Darling: A modern romance - James Howard Kunstler

2004-02-26T22:15:00.000-08:00

Maggie Darling is very funny and satirical in a low-key sort of way. Maggie is a Martha Stewart-type goddess of hearth and home where everything is perfect except her picture-perfect life suddenly goes awry. She is suddenly embroiled in a life of ex-husbands, thieving best friends, flings with younger men, and a son who is haning out with a gansta rap crew - among other such unrefined quandries. It is delightful the tale of how she has it all, loses it all, and learns how to carry on brilliantly in her strange new situations.

Cereal Killer - G.A. McKevett

2004-02-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

Cereal Killer is the ninth book in the Savannah Reid mystery series. I love her books because they are all light-hearted and fun, with murder and intrigue thrown in. Savannah is a Southern transplant to California and there are always cute Southernisms thrown in. I am looking forward to the next one.

Testing, testing

2004-02-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this blog is mostly for my reference, but hopefully if anyone stumbles across it, it will give them some ideas for good books to read.