Talk of the town

A part of me is a little embarrassed to admit my love of romance novels, but they have been a part of my reading habits since I was a teen. While I enjoy the classics and YA, there is that part of me that still loves reading a good romance novel. Talk of the Town was an enjoyable read. It didn't deal with anything to heavy, but it's well written enough and covers all the typical cliches without running them through the ground. Roxie Tremayne decides to drastically change her looks after discovering that her divorce. She happened to catch her ex in bed with a man (the man was wearing her negligee). Her brother shows up and lets her know that their mother, the controlling Lilah Tremayne is ill, so they go back to their hometown of Glory, North Carolina. They bring along, Roxie's outspoken maid who may be the only one that can truly handle the ailing Lilah. On their way into town, they are stopped by Nick Sheppard (who also happens to be Roxie's ex). Nick is a former bad boy turned town sheriff. What makes this story interesting isn't the obvious romance between Nick and Roxie, but the group of oddballs that surround them. Nick's aunt clara and her murder mystery club which is really a gathering of elderly potheads. The group stumble upon what might be a legit murder. The dialogue will leave you in stitches and the murder mystery club is hilarious. There is nothing funnier than a group of elderly potheads addicted to CSI. They mystery subplot is nothing short of hilarious. The budding (or should I say continuing) romance is cute and is paralleled quite nicely by the one with the former Sheriff and Roxie's mother. Tundy is an excellent addition and the only person truly capable of handling the prickly Lilah. This is not a harlequin, but a well-written and smart romance. I definitely recommend it, if you're looking for something light to read. It's a great beach read.

I wanted to pimp a fellow blog run by two of my friends Susan and Shauna.

The Sister's Tale

They both are very witty and charming and avid readers of YA.

BBAW Day 4: Pimp That Book

I seem to be so behind my reading that it's really hard for me to pinpoint one book that hasn't already been recommended by others. I'm currently in the middle of reading Harry Potter while juggling my ever expanding list of books I want to read. So, the book I'm go to pimp is a little unusual because it's not fiction.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson.

http://www.threecupsoftea.com/

 It's basically about this man who goes to Afghanistan to help build schools, but the prose is so rich it almost feels like he's weaving a fictional tale. But, its an insight into a country and world that is so easily judged. I read this a few years ago and when I'm feeling philosophical, I pick it up and reread my favorite passages. It really is a wonder and it's the book I've chosen to pimp. The really cool thing about this book is that the there is a website devoted to this book. It's really inspiring and I'll stop now.

BBAW Day 3

Book Blogging Awareness Week Day 3: What book blogging means to me

This is a little difficult for me to explain because it's really a new experience for me. In the past, I've always talked about books with family and friends or would jot down thoughts in my personal journal. When I first got an lj I would often do quick reviews on there, but I've never had a blog or journal devoted soley to books and the act of reading until recently. It's quite a refreshing experience. I feel like I don't have to necessarily hold my tongue and can be honest about my own personal reaction to the novel/book. I've been doing this now for less than a year and honestly I love it. It's introduced me to a whole new world. The mere act of writing down my thoughts to share with other book lovers is cathartic. I've also begun to meet other bloggers or discovered that some of my friends have blogs or want to start one. It's been fun and I am hoping to keep at it.

Interview Swap

I interviewed Gina from http://mybookdragon.blogspot.com


How long have you been blogging?

Four years. Wait. What? OMG! My fifth anniversary is coming up in January! 

What is it about YA that appeals to you most?

Most of the YA I read is thick and clean with well developed worlds and characters. They're also fun and quick.

You have a really interesting url, where is it from?

A book. ;-)  A Book Dragon by Donn Dushner. A dragon shrinks when he stops eating and survives to modern time in a box with a Book of Prayers, protecting it from bugs and ends up in a modern bookstore that he protects. Fun, quick read, fighting for what is right against bullies of all kinds.

What benefits have you received from being a book blogger?

Friends! Free books! My reading tastes have been expanded because of all the challenges and reviews out there. I've picked up, and enjoyed, books I wouldn't have looked at before blogging.

What genres would you like to tackle that you haven't before?

Classics. Truly, I have several classics on my shelf but I never seem to pick them up. 

What do you like to do when you're not blogging?

Read. I'm a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) of adult children who enjoys reading and crochet. I also play volleyball, am active in my church and am trying to love the gym. I am a runner, not very fast or far yet but I move faster than a walk and both feet leave the ground at the same time.

What advice would you give to new bloggers?

Do it for you. Don't give up but take breaks when you need to. Add personality to your posts. Ask for help when you need it. 

The Next Best Thing

Next Best Thing
by Jennifer Weiner

Summary: At twenty-three, Ruth Saunders headed west with her seventy-year-old grandma in tow, hoping to be hired as a television writer. Four years later, she’s hit the jackpot when she gets The Call: the sitcom she wrote, The Next Best Thing, has gotten the green light, and Ruthie’s going to be the show-runner. But her dreams of Hollywood happiness are threatened by demanding actors, number-crunching executives, an unrequited crush on a boss, and her grandmother’s impending nuptials. 

Set against the fascinating backdrop of Los Angeles show business culture, with an insider’s ear and eye for writer’s rooms, bad behavior backstage and set politics, Jennifer Weiner’s new novel is a rollicking ride on the Hollywood rollercoaster and a heartfelt story about what it’s like for a young woman to love, and lose, in the land where dreams come true

The Next Best Thing was one of those novels that you just don't want to end. I loved every word of it. Weiner has a way of drawing her readers in and making them feel like they are a part of the story. Her characters are very real and you feel the highs and lows that each one of them goes through. Instead of being totally woeful, Ruth Saunders stands out as an incredibly likable and real heroine. She is not perfect, she has flaws and insecurities, but  she doesn't use them as an excuse to lash out at people. This novel is incredibly witty and heartfelt. I enjoyed her scathing depiction of Hollywood and it's obsession with beauty. Weiner seems to hate Josh Schwartz and as someone has watched one of his show her scathing attack on Gossip Girl, Chuck and the OC is hilarious. But, she is not just singling him out, but rather using those shows an example of what is wrong with Hollywood. You real feel for Ruth and her naive desire to deliver a product that has heart. You feel for her when she has to make compromises that she does not agree with and you want to jump at joy when she finally finds love. This is by no means high art, but it's a satisfying read and you feel  like you are hearing a friend tell you the trials and tribulations of their life. The secondary characters are just as well constructed as Ruth is. Her grandmother is nothing short of a joy. She's a complex woman who sacrificed for those she loved and only wants the best for her grand-daughter. The two Dave's have such a ying-yang approach to working together you can't help, but wish they were real. This book is missing that feeling that you are in a world that's been constructed. Instead it's like you're prying into the life of someone who could have been your classmate, your roommate, your neighbor or friend.

It's a definite must-read.