Archive for 2015

Plum Kettle is ready to start living her life and is counting down the days until her weight-loss surgery. She has patiently been preparing for the surgery and life after surgery and that includes buying clothes that "Alicia" (her real name) will wear. Plum's life up to now has been pretty stark. She has no friends, she doesn't go anywhere, she doesn't do anything, and she even has a telecommuting job working for a posh teen magazine. Her whole existence is planning for her life after the surgery. She stumbles across a book that sets her on a new course. The book, Adventures in Dietland, is written by the daughter of the late weight-loss guru and soon Plum is pulled into a world where strong women have strong ideas on body image, what defines beauty, and are set on changing Plum's mind about surgery. They promise Plum $20,000 if she agrees to complete a set of tasks that is meant to change her own perspective on beauty. It doesn't take long for Plum to feel accepted and part of something greater than herself, but then she realizes that there might be more to this little group of misfits. Could they be part of a vigilante group that is making men pay for their transgressions?

Dietland was one of the most unique books I have read this year. Body-image has been a theme for me recently and I was thrilled to find such a great read. I could see a little bit of myself in Plum Kettle, but I also found her a bit irritating in the way she was hiding from the world. As an overweight woman, I get the desire for anonymity, but she took it to an extreme. The weight loss groups mentioned in the book were very similar to groups that exist today. Waist Watchers? The Baptist Diet Plan? Millions of people, mostly women, have given hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to diet plans just like them. The women Plum meets along the way are also among the most unique characters of the year. Marlowe, Verena, and Leeta are all so unique they felt almost cartoonish. There was a part of the book towards the end that was a bit over the top, a certain room in the basement. That whole scene was a bit weird for me, almost out of place. That didn't stop me from enjoying Dietland and it's message.

Bottom line - Dietland is a delectable book about one woman's quest for beauty and in the end she found self-acceptance. Definitely a great selection if you are hoping to make a change in 2016.

Details:

Dietland by Sarai Walker
On Twitter
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 5/26/2015
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Buy it Here!

Wayne and Kelly Maines always knew they wanted children so, when they were unable to have their own they adopted identical twin boys, Wyatt and Jonas. From a very young age it was evident that Wyatt was different than his brother. Wyatt preferred to play with barbie dolls, wear clothes from the girl section, and walk around the house pretending he had long hair using a bath towel. He was practically a toddler when he declared that he hated his penis. At first Kelly and Wayne are at a loss of how to handle Wyatt, but his insistence that he is a girl will not end and all they know is that he is their baby and they will do anything for him. Kelly starts to research and starts to believe that Wyatt is transgendered. While Kelly researches, advocates, and buys clothes from the girls section, Wayne keeps his head down and struggles with how to process the fact that his son wants to be his daughter. Around the fifth grade Wyatt changes his name to Nicole and wears his first dress to school and that is when the real fight begins Together the family faces challenge after challenge to get equality for Nicole. Together the family faces bullies of all ages. Together the family will stand in courtrooms and at conferences to help one and all to understand that all Nicole wants to be is a normal girl.

Becoming Nicole is the story of one American family told by Amy Ellis Nutt. From the very beginning I could relate to Kelly and even empathize with Wayne. They are a middle class, conservative family and their beliefs were being challenged by their child. I have nothing but mad respect for the way Wayne and Kelly handled raising Nicole. It may have taken Wayne longer to process and accept, but he was the one to dance with his daughter at the school's Father/Daughter dance. He was the one to stand in court and defend his daughter. He was the one invited, with Nicole, to go to the White House. The family, including Jonas, made great sacrifices for Nicole, but they would have it any other way. To say that the author did a great job telling the Maine's story is an understatement, she doesn't just tell you Nicole's personal story, but he covers history, science, and more in her effort to help people understand exactly what it means to be transgendered.

Bottom line - people fear what they don't know or understand and I believe statements of ignorance come from a place of fear. I am sure we have all seen the hateful things said about Caitlyn Jenner over the last few months and I believe the majority of them come from people who just don't understand. But Nicole is not Caitlyn, Nicole is a beautiful young woman who knew who she was from a very tender age. If just one person comes away from reading Becoming Nicole with a changed perspective, then Amy Ellis Nutt and the Maines family have done their job.

Details:

Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt
On Twitter
Pages:304
Publisher: Random House Publishing
Publication Date: 10/20/2015
Buy it Here!

Simon Connolly is a Stay-At-Home-Dad going about his ordinary day when he receives a text from his kid's school. There has been a shooting and then provides a location for parents to go to get more information. Soon Simon's wife, Rachel, meets him at the church. Then their daughter walks in to the church - shaken and scared. As kid after kid arrives at the church into the arms of their waiting parents, Simon anxiously keeps looking for his son, Jake. As the agonizing afternoon passes the whispers start and then the police are standing before him asking questions. Thirteen kids are dead and Jake's blood was found on a door one of the gunmen was had run through, but Jake is nowhere to be found. The police believe that Jake was working with the other gunman and soon even Simon is questioning his son's innocence. The race is on and Simon will stop at nothing to find Jake.

Finding Jake is the story of one parent's nightmare. Simon wants to believe his son's innocence, but the building evidence is quite damning. Rachel is furious in Simon's wavering support and just wants her baby to come home. The police, the reporters, the angry parents and the stress of it all is taking a toll on their relationship in just a few short days. The book is told in alternating time periods, present and at different intervals in Jake's life. It gives the reader a chance to really get to know Simon, Jake and the whole family. The author gives the reader just enough information for you to draw your own conclusion, but when the truth is revealed there is no way it is going to be a happy ending. You just don't know which bad road you are going to go down. That is what makes Finding Jake so thrilling. The story is racing to a conclusion like a runaway train towards a cliff, and you will find your pulse racing and heart pounding.

Bottom line - Finding Jake is the kind of book that may give you nightmares, but it is sure going to make for a great discussion at your next book club meeting.

Details:

Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon
On Facebook
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 11/17/2015 (Paperback)
Pages: 288
Buy it Here!

It is that time of year again and we are back in Nantucket catching up with the Quinn family. Kelley starts the book out with his annual Christmas letter and it is obvious that the past year has not been easy for the Quinn family. Bart is still missing, Patrick is in prison, Kelley and Mitzi have divorced and Kelley is not enjoying single life. Ava is still dating Scott, but is torn between two men. The one bright spot is Kevin and Isabelle's beautiful baby girl, Genevieve. The family has gathered in Nantucket for baby Genevieve's baptism, which should be a joyous occasion, but the stress of the past year has taken it's toll. Depression and addiction are taking it's toll on the respected Nantucket family, will they be able to put all of their concerns aside to celebrate together as a family?

I first met the Quinn last year when I read Winter Street. The characters are comfortable and familiar and at different stages in their life. Once again we get to read the story through all of the character's eyes. Kevin appears to have grown up and his whole world revolves around his baby daughter. When Nathaniel reappears in Ava's life she is torn between the two men. Mitzi and Jennifer are complete train-wrecks and it is concerning to see they way they lean on their addictions. What is more concerning is that everybody in the family is so wrapped up in their own problems they don't see the danger right under their noses. I think my favorite couple in a story full of couples is Margaret and Drake. Their relationship took a nice step in the right direction. At the end there is some light at the end of tunnel, but we are left not knowing how things turn out. Obviously the author set it up for a third book coming next holiday season, I am sure.

Bottom line - I was a little late to the party with Christmas stories this year, but I was sure to start with one of my favorite authors. Winter Stroll lacks the Christmas "magic" I tend to love in my stories, but I know the author is building to a great conclusion to the trilogy. I am willing to wait her out.

Details:

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
On Facebook
Pages: 272
Publisher: Little, Brown, & Company
Publication Date: 10/13/2015
Buy it Here!

Rachel Jenner and her eight year old son, Ben, are going for a walk in the woods. This is not unusual for the pair and their dog. It was a normal Sunday afternoon until Ben vanishes without a trace. Rachel becomes wild with fear when they find the dog injured and Ben's clothes in a bag. The police get involved, but time is ticking away and with each day that passes Rachel feels her sanity slipping away. After her divorce, Ben became her entire world and she knows that her life is not worth living without him in her life. When the police start digging around in Rachel's life and history Rachel herself is shocked by the truths that come out, but is it enough to prove guilt and is it enough to bring Ben home?

What She Knew is a thrilling suspense novel about a favored subject when it comes to suspense novels, a missing child. Told in alternating chapters we get a look at the story through both the eyes of Rachel and of Jim, the lead detective on the case. The tone of the story gets more and more urgent with each day that passes. The burden of finding Ben falls on Jim and he is determined to find him. But the job is not easy, especially after his girlfriend makes an epic mistake in judgement. The stress of it all is also weighing heavy on Rachel, she feels her grasp on reality slipping away. And that is where the author hooks you. You become attached both to Rachel, but also Jim. They are both good people focused on one thing - finding Ben. The author was clever in the way she unraveled the story and I found myself caught off guard. My imagination got away from me and I thought I had figured out what had happened to Ben more than once only to have the author take me down another path towards the truth. It truly kept me on my toes and I was shocked at the revelation at the end.

Bottom line - What She Knew is an enthralling suspense novel about every parent's worst nightmare. A missing child. A guaranteed way to get your heart racing!

Details:

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan
On Twittter
Pages: 496
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 12/1/2015
Buy it Here!

The Rockwell sisters have not lived a conventional life. They grew up with their eccentric mother who told them their father was an international spy. Their unconventional life impacted the three sisters in different ways. Liv is an addict whose is addicted to both drugs and men. Always seeking the next bigger and better thrill. Esme, the only sister who has been living a relatively stable life, is now navigating her own divorce with her fifteen year old daughter. And Ru has been running from her family and her past ever since she was old enough to run. She is also the only sister who knows the truth. The three sisters are not close at all, but Hurricane Sandy revealed a lost box of letters that brings them all home. The three realize that their mother's claims about their father were true and even though they didn't know it, he has been a part of their lives all along. Will the Rockwell sisters be willing to let their father back into their lives in a more permanent way? And will the Rockwell sisters be able to heal their own relationships with each other?

All of Us and Everything was an intriguing read about an intriguing family. Augusta is a unique matriarch, always seeking the next great cause, but she was not the find of matriarch that fostered the relationships of her daughters. I think that is the part I found most interesting, that the three sisters were so distant. There wasn't any one reason for that, just their cumulative experiences as a Rockwell took them in different directions. I think Ru was my favorite sister. She was the one who wasn't willing to take everything their mother said as truth. She is the one who set out on her own to find the truth about their father. And then kept it a secret from her sisters, not because she was secretive, but because they didn't really ask. The story came to it's natural conclusion and I was pleased with the end.

Bottom line - All of Us and Everything is the story of one unique family and their journey to truth and acceptance. A fun and compelling read.

Details:

All of Us and Everything by Bridget Asher
Pages: 352
Publish Date: 11/24/2015
Publisher: Random House
Buy it Here!

For many being fat is a shameful fact worthy of embarrassment. For Jes Baker her weight is just a fact that does not define her. She is proud of who she is, rolls and all. And Jes should be proud, her blog The Militant Baker is a destination site for women of a certain size. Jes doesn't have a "woe is me" attitude about her weight like some with a similar platform. No, Jes is an empowered, intelligent woman on a mission to help millions of women feel positive about their body. In her book Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls sets out to empower women of all sizes with her sage advice. With chapters about taking ownership of your health (including ways to find a doctor who is "fat friendly"), finding people to follow in your social media feeds that will empower you (diversify your social media), and of course fat-fashion Jes Baker shows no fear. Her call to action for women include sitting in a booth the next time they go to a restaurant, fly without fear, and go to the nearest park to swing make Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is a manifesto for women all over the world.

The thing that surprised me about Jes Baker and Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is just how damned smart she is and how well she shared that intelligence with her readers. Now, maybe that sounds like I stereotyped Jes Baker, and that is not true. I had no doubt she was intelligent, but I was expecting more of a memoir-type of book. Not a book that was thoroughly researched and is full of facts and stats, like only five percent of women naturally possess the body type often portrayed by Americans in the media. Her advice is thoughtful, researched, and sound. She doesn't tip-toe around the fact that some fat women need seat belt extenders while flying or even the word "fat" itself. It is a fact. Like her shoes are black, there is no reason to use terms like "fluffy" or "curvy" because the word is fat. You do need to know that Jes is not one to hide her personality and that means f-bombs galore. It just adds to her authenticity, but some might find it offensive. I think my favorite part was when she took on Abercrombie & Fitch for the double-standard of having XL & XXL clothing for men, but only going up to L for women. I wanted to wave my book in the air and say "You Go Girl!"

Bottom line - Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls is truly one of the most empowering books I have ever read. The advice in the book is certainly advice all fat women should read. The message of body-positive acceptance is a message that all women need to hear, no matter what their size.

Details:

Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls by Jess Baker
On Facebook
Pages: 256
Publisher: Avalon Publishing Group
Publication Date: November 17, 2015
Buy it Here!

It has been two years since "The Day" of the EMP that changed the world. John Matherson and the good people of Black Mountain have been living life in their new normal; archaic dentistry, trading books, and standing guard against bands of roving thieves. John has taken on a leadership role in the community and his military history has served the community well when it comes to keeping their community safe. There is a disturbance in their unique tranquility when the little community receives word that the makeshift government ruling the Eastern seaboard has implemented a draft. Along with over a hundred other young community members, John's own daughter, has received a draft notice. Now John and his community must decide what to do about the draft and determine if the new government in power is coming down on the right side of the law or are they creating their own twisted version of the law?

One Second After was one of my favorite books of 2012 and I was excited to find out that the author had finally written a sequel. Some time has passed and the people of Black Mountain have settled into a cautious routine of sorts. I found it interesting how they tried to return some normalcy to their community. Like the trading library and the archaic form of dentistry. They had even gotten telephones working again and it was all disrupted by the draft. One Year After seemed to be much more military driven than One Second After and I admittedly found myself getting a little bored with all of the lingo. John Matherson is still the honorable character that I loved from the first book and that honor is featured many times in the second book. It was clear to the reader and eventually to the ANR that John took his responsibility as a community leader very seriously. That sense of responsibility got him in serious trouble a couple of times, but he always found a way out of trouble. The book finished in a manner that leave you anticipating a third book.

Bottom line - One Year After is an action packed sequel to a novel that was a hit with many people, myself included. While it is fun to see how things have evolved since the EMP I did not enjoy One Year After as much as I had hoped, but it is still worth the read.

Details:

One Year After by William R. Forstchen
Pages: 304
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Publication Date: 9/15/2015
Buy it Here!

Julia Ansdell is in Rome for a gig as a violinist when she wanders into a picturesque antique shop. She finds a piece of music that just speaks to her and she cannot leave the Incendio waltz behind. The weird things start to happen once she returns home to her husband and young daughter, Lily. Her precious three year old reacts violently when Julia plays the Incendio Waltz and kills the family cat. When Lily gets progressively more dangerous Julia knows that her behavior is somehow tied to the dark piece of music, but she cannot seem to convince her husband. Julia decides to seek out the history of the musical masterpiece and against her husband's wishes she is off across the pond. The composition's origins take her back to Europe where she discovers the piece's roots are tied to horrific events that took place during World War II. But does that prove the Incedio waltz is haunted? Can a piece of music even be haunted? Julia isn't sure, but she is sure of one thing. She needs to find out the truth before her daughter's life is ruined forever.

In Playing with Fire author Tess Gerritsen takes a break from her faithful duo, Rizzoli and Isles. There are two stories being told in Playing with Fire; Julia's story in present day and Lorenzo Todesco's story during World War II. Todesco is the Italian Jew who wrote the Incedio Waltz. The back and forth in the decades gave us the complete story, but I found myself losing interest. Of the two, I found Julia to be an interesting character , the kind that enjoys walking through dusty old shops in Rome. But, I knew something wasn't right when her daughter starts behaving all crazy-like, but I wasn't sure how far it would go. Her frustrations with her husband and aunt were palpable and completely understandable. I started to suspect something was off when she took off for Europe against her husband's wishes. There is a "plot twist" at the end that may leave you speechless. I am still not sure if was pure genius or pure cop-out. Either way it still has me thinking about the end.

Bottom line - Tess Gerritsen has built such a loyal following with Rizzoli & Isles that her fans are willing to read anything she writes. Playing with Fire may be a deviation from her beloved characters, but it is a high quality mystery novel that is guaranteed to hook you.

Details:

Playing with Fire by Tess Gerritsen
On Facebook
Pages: 272
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication Date: 10/27/2015
Buy it Here!

Bennie Rosato has taken on a new client who has been accused of murder, Jason Lefkavik. Jason really isn't a new client, though. Thirteen years ago Jason's father hired Bennie to help his son when he was thrown into Juvenile Detention for getting into a lunchroom fight in middle school. Jason had been sentenced to ninety days and his aggressor, Richie, was sentenced to just sixty days. As Bennie starts digging into Jason's story she realizes the story runs much deeper and the corruption is so deep it may never be fully exposed. Bennie finds herself teaming up with Richie's handsome uncle, Declan to help free the boys. Her relationship with Declan crosses lines and soon the tough talking lawyer finds herself in love. But when Jason's father finds out that Bennie is working with the "enemy" he fires her, leaving Bennie feeling unfulfilled both personally and professionally. Now it is thirteen years later and Richie has been murdered and Jason is charged with his murder. Will Bennie be able to help Jason in ways she was unable to help all those years ago? And what will happen when Bennie will inevitably cross paths with Declan?

Corrupted was a great legal thriller. The story starts present day and then flashes back to thirteen years ago and you get the backstory of Jason and Richie and Bennie and Declan. I didn't really feel the chemistry between Bennie & Declan, mostly I think because I felt that Declan was kind of an ass thirteen years ago and even a bit of an ass in the present when he tries to convince Bennie to dump Jason. But Bennie was carrying a lot of guilt over the way things went down thirteen years ago which was completely understandable, getting fired caused a lot of problems for Jason. For me things started to get really good when the trial started. That is when the real Bennie gets to shine. From her jury observations to her cross-examinations it was just completely intriguing. There is a plot twist that I did not see coming, but it worked and things worked out the way they were supposed to work out.

Bottom line - Lisa Scottoline is a genius when it comes to legal thrillers and that has been no more evident than with Corrupted.

Details:

Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline
On Facebook
Pages: 432
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 10/27/2015
Buy it Here!

Astronaut Mark Watney is the first person to inhabit Mars. His crew left him on the desolate planet after a dust storm caused major damage and put them all at risk. They were sure there was no way that Watney could have survived the accident that was a result of the dust storm and evacuated the Red Planet leaving him behind. Only Watney didn't die, despite the fact that his survival was a complete fluke, Watney is determined to survive the harsh existence that is Mars. In a manner that puts McGuyver to shame, Watney puts his skills to the test in order to survive. He has to figure out a way to eat, so he figures out how to grow potatoes on Mars. He has to figure out a way to communicate with NASA so he takes a bit of a road trip. The Martian is a story of one man's ingenuity in the face of extreme hardship, but is it enough? Will The Martian survive long enough to catch a ride home?

I always plan on reading the book before watching the movie. I don't always succeed, but I am glad I did read The Martian. Because it was awesome!! Mark Watney is one of the more intriguing characters I have read this year. He was the kind of character that you want to invite over for a BBQ, but also hope that he is your neighbor during in a post-apocalyptic world. Because Mark Watney is the kinda guy who could generate electricity from an empty soda can, chicken wire, and duct tape. While there is a lot of science and engineering in The Martian, it is written in a way that is engaging and interesting and even a little bit exciting. Listening to The Martian in audio-book went even one step further at solidifying my admiration for Mark Watney. I found myself cracking up pretty consistently at his one-liners and dry sense of humor. As time passes on Mars the urgency builds and you can picture the crowd in the movie theater on the edge of their seats. Having read the book, I totally understand why they made a movie and why it is getting all of the accolades.

Bottom line - The Martian is one of those rare books that could appeal to all readers. It is thrilling, it is exciting, it will make you laugh and cry. It will make you want to rush out and see the movie. Have you read The Martian? What did you think?

Details:

The Martian by Andy Weir
On Facebook
Pages:400
Publisher: Crown
Publication Date: 10/28/2014
Buy it Here!

Charlotte's Web of Books

About Me

Popular Posts

Facebook

Labels Cloud

Labels List Numbered

Video of the day

Instagram