Sunday, November 1, 2020

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center



When Covid first hit and we believed we might be stuck at home for three weeks (hahahaha) I thought I would get a ton of reading done.  I have stacks that I thought I'd get through.  At first I did read a lot.  But then I watched the news a lot.  Then somehow I just couldn't get in to reading which is a BIG deal for me.  

Things You Save in a Fire took me waaaaay to long to read.  This is a great book.  The kind of book I could usually read in a few days.  I was excited to start it but somehow the world's problems held my attention instead.

This week I tried to shut things off for a bit and put real effort into finishing this book and I'm really happy I did.  Once I really started reading I couldn't stop.  I needed to know what was going to happen.

It was Cassie's 16th birthday when her mom left.  Her mom went to live with some other man - not her dad.  Her mom abandoned her and her father.  Worst day ever.  But then this boy she had a crush on invited her to a party.  Suddenly things felt a bit better.  The night ended as the worst night in her life.  Her 16th birthday became a day that would haunt her forever.

But years later Cassie is tough.  Fire fighter tough.  She's worked hard to get there.  She can do the firefighter fitness course faster than any of the guys.  She's also got a hard shell around her heart and no one is coming in.

A sudden event has her switching fire halls.  New crew.  New guys.  She's also moved in with her mother that she's barely spoken to in years.  What is she thinking?  But she knows if she works hard and keeps that shell around her heart she will be ok.

This is the second Katherine Center book I've read this year and I've really enjoyed both Things You Save in a Fire and What You Wish For.  I will be definitely checking out more of her books.  So if you are in a reading rut kick start your reading and pick up this book!

 

Saturday, October 31, 2020

The End of the Day by Bill Clegg

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There are secrets that have been buried for decades.  Friendships that have been broken over these secrets.  Now Dana Goss is in her 60's and thinks the air should be cleared but maybe things should be left unsaid.  Maybe no one wants to hear the truth anymore.

Dana has grown up incredibly rich.  She lives in the big house with Mexican immigrants taking care of the families every whim.  Dana is used to people agreeing with her.  If she says a horse is a girl named Cindy then most don't argue.  But Jackie, the girl next door, will let her know that horse is clearly a boy.

Although Jackie doesn't come close to the same financial status as Dana's family, her honesty binds the girls in an inseparable friendship.  When Jackie is close to getting the man of her dreams But can a friendship withstand someone like Dana who knows no boundaries?

Hap is a proud new father.  Hap has been raised by his single mother.  His father swoops in from his job in journalism full of stories and excitement.  Now he hasn't seen his father in years but he's in town and wants to meet his new granddaughter and connect with his son.

The End of the Day is full of good people that each made decisions that they question as years go on.  How would things have been different if they'd chosen the other fork in the road but at the end of the day they've got to live with the choices they've made.

Bill Clegg is also the author of Did You Ever Have a Family which I reviewed previously on my blog.  I really enjoyed both Clegg's books and look forward to reading more from him.

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

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Note: I am writing this review without having finished the book.

I am a fiction reader and very rarely do a read non-fiction.  I picked up Think Like a Monk because I have a friend who really enjoys Jay Shetty on social media.  Also, like most people these last few months of Covid haven't been easy for me.  

I began reading Think Like a Monk as I do all books - flipping pages and reading chapter after chapter in one sitting.  Until one day I realized I might not be absorbing some of the wisdom Shetty was imparting.  I decided to slow down my reading.  Going back and rereading chapters.  Really thinking about what was being said and how I could apply some of his messages in my daily life.  This is why I haven't finished the book.  Yet.

I wanted to share my review now though because his book is being released this week.  The book is easy to read and applicable to I would say almost everyone.  This book is written pre-covid but I'm wondering if as I read on there may be an after word or last chapter that references the times we are going through.

I have never tried meditation and I'm not quite sure it's for me.  But I have tried a breathing exercise that Shetty walks us through and I did find it calming.  Also, my kids broke into an argument as I was reading that if you think/say a negative comment about someone follow it with 10 positive.  I quickly put that into practice in the middle of the fight.  Although it didn't work exactly as planned, it did end the argument and had them both forgetting their argument and looking at me like 'really Mom?!?'.

Haven't heard of Jay Shetty?  He studied business in University in England.  While all his classmates were going to parties and getting jobs in big businesses, Jay was taking every spare moment and spending it in a monastery.  When school ended he spent 3 years as a Monk.  Now he his a motivational speaker appearing on tv talk shows.  This is his first book.

Although I don't believe Jay Shetty planned the timing of his book I do believe it could be a lifeline for those struggling with life right now.  Think Like a Monk may not have all the answers but a few strategies that may help.  My advise - don't power through this book.  Take your time.  Also, check out Jay Shetty on Instagram for ongoing interviews and words of wisdom.

Friday, August 21, 2020

Here and Now by Santa Montefiore

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Marigold is accustomed to helping those around her.  She works in the village shop/postal office helping everyone find what they need and send parcels.  At home she takes care of her husband, her elderly mother and her adult daughter Suze.  Now Marigold is happy that her oldest daughter, Daisy, is returning home from 6 years in Italy.  Daisy's nursing a broken heart and Marigold is happy to help her too.

But lately Daisy has caught herself forgetting things.  She's always been super organized.  But now if she doesn't write it down she just might forget.  A quick trip to the doctor tells her that at 60 these things happen - don't worry.

It doesn't take long for her family to realize that she is more forgetful than most.  Maybe it's time for them to start picking up some slack and helping their mother out.

I picked Here and Now to read because I thought the description sounded nice.  But quickly I realized that I had picked up one of her books before and couldn't finish it - it seemed overly descriptive.  I have to admit I almost put the book down and not picked it up again.  But I did pick it up again and I'm glad I did.  I thought Here and Now was a beautiful story.  I loved reading the details of Marigold's beautiful village.  Now I'm begining to think that the last Santa Montefiore book I picked up just caught me on the wrong day and I need to give it another try.

Monday, August 10, 2020

Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn

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Bear Necessity is about a father named Danny.  He lost is his wife in a car accident nearly a year ago.  He almost lost his son, Will, also but fortunately he pulled through.  Since the accident nothing much has gone right.  Will won't speak - literally not a word to anyone.  His landlord raised his rent and his breathing down his neck.  He's also got a real jerk for a boss down at the construction site.

In a desperate move Danny buys a used panda costume.  He scrapes together a plan to start making money again and maybe get his rent paid before his knee caps get broken by his shady landlord's thug.  But time is running out and he's not sure the plan will be enough.

I thought Bear Necessity was a good story line but although it's not a long book there were parts that I thought dragged a bit.  There was a lot of swearing in the book that I didn't really think was necessary.  Although the cover accurately represents the book, I think it's a little too cute for the story.

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

The Kids are Gonna Ask by Gretchen Anthony

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Savannah and Thomas McClair are twins that lost their mom in an accident when they were 13 years old.  They've known their dad but they've got a grandmother, Maggie, that loves and cares for them.  Maggie likes to be surrounded by people and hear their stories so every Friday night she invites a guest for dinner.  When Savannah needs a project at school their podcast is born and it's based on the Friday night dinner guests.  

Thomas has been wondering about his dad for a while so when a Friday night dinner conversation sways that way he gets an idea.  Why not try and do a podcast and see if they can find their dad.  After a few reservations from Savannah and Maggie they podcast begins.

The podcast turns out to be equally loved and hated by listeners but it's definitely gaining a lot of popularity.  The McClair's have teamed up with an agency and attention is getting out of hand.

I found The Kids are Gonna Ask intriguing to begin with but I did find it dragged on a bit too long.  When I found the book it was listed as General Fiction - Adult but I think it might be more appropriate in Young Adult.  Aside from some excessive drinking I think it would be appropriate.  I don't believe there were any curse words.  Perhaps the more appropriate age would be 17 - the age of the McClair twins.  Overall though I did enjoy the plot and I was invested to discover whoever the father is.


Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

Dear Emmie Blue

Poor Emmie Blue has had a rough life.  Her mom is hardly a caring mother.  She knows very few details about her father.  Certainly not enough to find him - she's definitely tried.  She's been on her own as long as she can remember.  When she was younger she had a great friend who's family always included her but after the father, who is also a teacher at her school, sexually assaulted her she's lost her best friend, any security she may have had.  Plus, she's become an outcast at school.

In an act of loneliness she writes her story and attaches it to a balloon.  Never did she suspect that Lucas was a lonely boy in France looking for a friend too.  After many emails and visits the two become the closest of best friends.  Lucas's older brother Elliot used to hang out with them all the time too until one night Elliot betrays Emmie Blue and they haven't talked much since.

Now they are older and Lucas is getting married.  Emmie was always certain that they would end up together and now she has to put a smile on her face and help her friend get ready for his big day.  It also seems she's not going to be able to get through this wedding without confronting her issues with Elliot.  Poor Emmie has never felt lonelier.

On top of the wedding stuff to deal with she's lives in her bedroom that she rents from an older lady and they barely share a few words with each other.  She's working in a job that makes next to nothing and she's barely scraping by for money.  Everyone around her seems to have it all together love; money; a home.

Emmie Blue is certainly a character to be pitied.  I found myself just hoping someone would love her and give her a hug.  Her poor self-esteem is rock bottom and you wish you could just sit down with her and tell her it's going to be ok.

I really enjoyed Dear Emmie Blue.  It was a fun book to read that had me wanting to see how things would end for her.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Grown Ups by Marian Keyes

Grown Ups

The Casey family are a close knit family.  There's always a get together happening, a birthday celebration or a vacation.  First there's Johnny and his wife Jessie.  They got together when Jessie's first husband - Johnny's best friend - passed away.  Not right away, after an appropriate amount time.  They've had 3 children together.  They've been together for years.  Time for some people to get over it.

Then there's Ed.  Him and his wife Cara seem to have life figured out.  Two great kids.  They're clearly in love.  On the outside it seems they have no problems.  Ed likes to keep his head in the sand and pretend that's everything is great.  But is that really true?

Liam - the youngest brother.  He's had one failed marriage already.  Two kids he never sees.  He's been floating around living a bachelor life when he very quickly settled down and married Nell.  There's seem a relationship of passion.  But with how quickly they got married do they even know each other.

Grown Ups begins with the dinner that unravels it all.  Then the story goes back in time to explain how they got to this disastrous dinner.  Is there any way this can all have a happy ending?  

Sounds like a lot of characters and for a few chapters it was but very quickly you figure out who's with who and how they connect together.  Quickly you'll fall in love with all the characters despite their flaws.  Except for the one or two you are intended to dislike.

I've always loved Marian Keyes.  I'm sure I've read everything she's written.  I first picked up one of her books based on the size - I love a long story.  Even after 656 pages I wasn't ready to let go of these characters and have the story end.

Grown Ups is available at Chapters starting later this week on June 30th.

Saturday, May 30, 2020

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

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It seems these days I'm only reading historical fiction; as if I'm trying to make up for all the years I refused to pick up a book not set in modern day.  But how could I resist a story about a library, the dewey decimal system, it's patrons and set in Paris.

The Paris Library begins in 1939 with Odile; a young woman excited by books and the possibility of love.  Odile's father, a police office, brings home an officer from work every Sunday for dinner in attempt to have his daughter married.  Odile and her twin brother Remy laugh and joke about each potential suitor.  

Against her father's wishes, Odile follows her dream of working in a library.  Things begin to change when Odile finds one of the Sunday suitors quickens her heart and takes her breath away.  Remy is also finding love with one of Odile's co-workers at the library.

The can only ignore the looming war for so long though and soon Remy is prepared to be a soldier and headed off to fight for his country.  Odile remains in Paris and is slow to realize there is a war happening in Paris as well.

Told in alternate chapters is the story of young Lily, growing up in 1980's Montana with lot of challenges thrown her way.  One day she decides to write a school project on France and who better to help then her neighbour Odile.  A unlikely friendship is born between the two but Lily wants to know what is the real story about her neighbour and why is living in Montana and not Paris?

At first I found The Paris Library hard to keep keep track of all the characters but like all good novels by then end I knew them all well.  This story is perfectly suited for those that love their libraries and a good book.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Big Summer: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner


Daphne had it rough as a kid.  She was always the bigger girl.  She went to a fancy school but only because her dad was a teacher there and she got in for free.  Her parents were the type to cover the entire lawn with blow up characters at Christmas.  Which Daphne thought the Christmas decorations were amazing until it wasn't cool.  It was tough making friends.  Good friends especially.  

Drue was the cool girl.  She was the girl everyone wanted to be with.  She was the rich girl and her family owned the school.  She got away with everything - including bullying everyone who crossed her path.

Daphne kept up her friendship with Drue after school ended.  Sure, she knew she was being used.  But with Drue as a friend, life was an adventure.  Something was always about to happen.  One night the girls come back from their separate colleges and everyone meets up to go to the club.  Everything is great until she finds out that Drue just feels sorry for her because she's the poor, fat girl.

This moment changes everything for Daphne.  She starts learning to love herself - at least trying.  She starts a plus size blog and becomes Instagram famous.  Life becomes good without Drue in her life.

Years later Drue is getting married.  She has no friends.  She's been mean and bullied everyone until there was no one left.  But she's turning life around.  She'd do anything for Daphne to be her bridesmaid.  Daphne is stronger - what could it hurt?  A weekend in Cape Cod.  A fancy wedding - maybe celebrities.  It might help her social profile.

Big Summer sounds like a story about friendship and forgiveness right?  Well it is, but there's so much more!  There's murder!  There's mystery!  There's sexy love scenes!  I've been a fan of Jennifer Weiner for a long time.  She's a talented writer.  Some of my other favourite books from her are Then Came You and Mrs. Everything.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin

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Claire was part of an upcoming band but when she decides to take a night she finds herself quickly replaced by someone prettier and maybe, if she's honest with herself, a better singer.  Now the band is skyrocketing and she's plummeting.  In a desperate attempt to save herself from heading back to her mega church town and living in her parents basement she takes a a job doing musical entertainment for some wealthy mommy group.

These women seem to have it all figured out.  They've got beautiful babies with gorgeous husbands.  They're wealthy and privileged.  These new mom's don't seem to be tired, they've all got their figures back.  These women also have the friendship of each other.  What's their secret?

Claire struggles to figure out how she fits in.  She's a paid employee but she seems to be becoming a friend and she's enjoying the feeling of belonging with the group.

Until one night when Claire is babysitting for one of the group moms and she's pretending to be one of the wealthy, put together moms.  Claire accidentally uncovers the secret that keeps these women going and it changes the way she sees them.

Now she's not certain she can continue her friendship and performing for the group knowing what she knows.  As more secrets unravel the group seems doomed.  Well it was fun while it lasted.

Happy and You Know It would be great for any new mother, thinking about becoming a mother or even well past that baby stage.  I think often mothers compare themselves and this book is for those that need to know that they aren't alone and often there's a secret behind those that look like they've got it all figured out.  Although not a new mother myself, I still really enjoyed the story.

In CanadaHappy and You Know It comes out May 19th which seems unfortunate as it would make a great Mother's Day gift.  Maybe pre-order it for an extra surprise or I recommend buying it for yourself.

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster

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Life has never been easy for Heddy.  She's never met her dad and her mom has struggled to make ends meet while working two jobs.  But Heddy is a bookworm and her studying pays off with a scholarship to Wellesley.  Until an unfortunate night with a boy threatens to end her scholarship and her days at school.

Thanks to Heddy's roommate she's secured a great job babysitting on Martha's Vineyard.  The summer is full of promise and excitement as she meets the islands rich and famous.  Heddy hopes the answers to her problems can be found on the island in the form of love or money to finish her senior year.

Heddy soon realizes money and fame don't bring happiness.  Behind the smiles and parties the island folk aren't all that they appear.  She's got two potential island guys but which one will be the answer to her problems.

At times Summer Darlings seemed predictable and then quickly it wasn't.  There were lots of exciting twists and an ending that I never saw coming.  I really enjoyed reading Summer Darlings.  I read it March during week 1 of self-isolation and it provided a great escape to the beaches of Martha's Vineyard.


Thursday, April 23, 2020

What you Wish For by Katherine Center

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What You Wish For almost felt like a book written for me.  There are two good reasons I picked up this book to read.  1. It takes place in Galveston, Texas which is one of my most favourite places to be.  My husband I went there for our 20th wedding anniversary.  It is a beautiful island.  I talk all the time about when I can go back again.  If you go - check out the San Luis resort - AMAZING!  2. I'm a school librarian and so is Sam, the main character.  Well, a supply now, but still, I can relate.  Sam is the librarian I strive to be.  She is a super star librarian.

Sam is an 'Islander by Choice' in Galveston.  She moved to the island 4 years ago after a love that was not reciprocated.  Now she's established a great group of friends and a great job at a school she loves.  That is until her beloved principal passes suddenly leaving the whole community shook up.

When it's announced that her old love will be the principal, Sam makes a plan to quit and start over somewhere new.  There's no way she can handle that heartache again.  But when Duncan Carpenter walks in to the cafeteria it's like he's a totally different man.  No longer fun loving, he's become a man in a grey suit that wants to change everything that is loved about their school.  Worse he wants to lock it up like a jail.  Sam blames the changes on his new wife.

Despite all the changes Duncan has made Sam still finds her heartstrings pulling.  Perhaps it's time for her to walk away. 

I really enjoyed What You Wish For.  I loved the characters and the setting was described just as I remembered it.  During this Covid-19 isolation I was happy to head back to Galveston for a few pages.  Grab this book and read it pool side at the San Luis with a plate of their yummy food and a cocktail.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

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When someone asks you 'How are you today?', how often do you give an honest answer?  Have you caught yourself politely asking someone how they are doing, but then not listening to their answer?  What would happen if you told the truth?  If you shared your true authentic self?

The Authenticy Project begins with an old, lonely man, Julian.  He spends days in bed, eats all his meals alone, sometimes out of a can in bed.  He used to have a life full of friends and fun.  He used to be an artist.  Now he is none of those things.  One day Julian writes his authentic truth in a notebook.  After his story he challenges whoever finds the book to share their truth.  He leaves the notebook in his local coffee shop.

Monica owns the coffee shop and finds the notebook while cleaning up.  What's Monica's truth?  She wants to get married and have a baby.  Certainly 79 year old Julian isn't the match for her but she can help with his loneliness.  She posts a flyer in the coffee shop window trying to entice Julian to come teach an art class.

With a little help from the next recipient of the project book a new group of friends is formed over an art class in the coffee shop.  But is telling your authentic truth to strangers a good idea?  Does life stay the same or is it life changing?

I really enjoyed The Authenticity Project.  I loved all the characters and wanted to find out all their truths and how they were changed for sharing them.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

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The Nightingale is a book that I feel like everyone has read but me.  It came out in 2015 when I was still saying "No, I don't read historical, especially not war."  I have to thank some former co-workers for pushing me to just try one.  Over holidays I read The Great Alone which left me wanting more Kristin Hannah books.

The Nightingale is based during World War II.  Vianne and Isabelle are sisters that life had already been struck by World War I.  Their father fought in World War I and then after the sisters mother died the dad just couldn't cope with raising two young girls.

Isabelle, now 19, has grown into an impulsive young woman looking for love, while Vianne has sought out a safe life and is married with a daughter when war strikes again.  Vianne's husband leaves for war and her world is upset even more when a German soldier decides her home is a great place to billet.  Isabelle wants to fight.  She isn't willing to just sit and watch the men fight this battle.  But what can a pretty young woman do to save France?

The Nightingale tells the painful story of life in France during World War II.  It is also the story of the bravery of the women who risked it all to save a few.  It is hard to imagine the risks, suffering and loss that was World War II.

Kristin Hannah is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her novels.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West

Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes

I picked up this book because it reminded me of Where'd You Go Bernadette?  which I enjoyed.  Where'd you Go Bernadette? has now been made in to a movie that I must still see.  

Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes revolves around the parents, students and teachers at a privileged school.  Isobel Johnson is trying to make a difference teaching grade 9 English.  She encourages her students to look at other perspectives in their novel studies.  The story begins with an anonymous phone message suggesting Isobel stop teaching anti-American ideas.  The message is a little worrisome but Isobel is accustomed to the controlling parents in the school community.

Julia is a parent to two children at the school.  For years she's been hoping her son will make it to a leading role in the school play.  She has generously donated a costume room.  She has worked on the board helping to fund raise for the productions.  Her son deserves this role and to be certain she's made a strong suggestion to the principal that the lead is the role for her son.

Things begin to unravel for Julia and Isobel and it's all being displayed and discussed on the parent's Facebook gossip page.  But who is the person that owns and mediates the page?  Why are they constantly stirring things up?  How do they have know so much?