Little Thoughts About Books and Stuff

Amsterdam by Ian McEwan My rating: 2 of 5 stars Goodreads Summary:  On a chilly February day, two old friends meet in the throng outside a crematorium to pay their last respects to Molly Lane. Both Clive Linley and Vernon Halliday had been Molly's lovers in the days before they reached their current eminence. Clive is Britain's most successful modern composer; Vernon is editor of the quality broadsheet The Judge. Gorgeous, feisty Molly had other lovers, too, notably Julian Garmony, Foreign Secretary, a notorious right-winger tipped to be the next prime minister. In the days that follow Molly's funeral, Clive and Vernon will make a pact with consequences neither has foreseen. Each will make a disastrous moral decision, their friendship will be tested to its limits, and Julian Garmony will be fighting for his political life.A contemporary morality tale that is as profound as it is witty, this short novel is perhaps the most purely enjoyable fiction Ian McEwan has ever writt...

So besides the library book club meetings, I also was able to make it to a Meetup group book club since I hosted it!  Title:  Orphan Train Author:  Christina Baker Kline Rating:  5 of 5 stars Review:  I loved this book, even though I felt it used too many stereotypes and the ending felt rushed.  The connection between Viv and Molly was great and the idea of portaging and Viv's pack rat attic was a nice device to weave the stories together.  I also liked how with each change in her live Viv had a new name, reminded me of The Girl with Seven Names. -- Title:  The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Author:  Alexander McCall Smith Rating: 3 of 5 stars Review:  This was a bit too slow moving for me, even though it was a good reflection of the culture. I did like how the stories were about the people and not so much about the cases she was solving. I enjoyed the description of working in a mine, around the time we read thi...

Title:  Ocean Light (Psy-Changeling Trinity #2) Author:  Nalini Singh Publication Date:  June 12 Rating:  5 Stars Read:  March 9-11 (eARC) Synopsis:  Security specialist Bowen Knight has come back from the dead. But there's a ticking time bomb in his head: a chip implanted to block telepathic interference that could fail at any moment--taking his brain along with it. With no time to waste, he should be back on land helping the Human Alliance. Instead, he's at the bottom of the ocean, consumed with an enigmatic changeling... Kaia Luna may have traded in science for being a chef, but she won't hide the facts of Bo's condition from him or herself. She's suffered too much loss in her life to fall prey to the dangerous charm of a human who is a dead man walking. And she carries a devastating secret Bo could never imagine... But when Kaia is taken by those who mean her deadly harm, all bets are off. Bo will do anything to get her back--even i...

Title: Why We March Author: Artisan Press Publication Date: March 7, 2017 Rating: 4 stars Synopsis: Celebrate the Women’s March with this inspiring collection of 500 images of the most powerful, uplifting, clever, and creative protest signs carried by marchers across the United States and around the world. Organized thematically, the photographs in Why We March--featuring messages about reproductive rights and immigration, cabinet picks and police violence, climate change, and feminism--together paint a striking portrait of the hope, defiance, anger, and passion that sent more than 5 million people into the streets to protest. “Women’s Rights = Human Rights.” “Love Trumps Hate.” “Nasty Women Unite.” “Build Bridges, Not Walls.” These messages are a rallying cry for this burgeoning movement, and this collection will serve as both a valuable encapsulation of this unprecedented moment in political history and a powerful reminder of why we march. All royalties from the sal...

My Soul Called Life How does this challenge work? For this challenge, Claudia at  My Soul Called Life  has chosen six keywords associated with each month in 2017. My task is to read one book each month whose title includes one or more of the keywords for that month. Simple right? January = Fall {Falling}  Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray My rating: 2 of 5 stars So the month was starting to wind down and I realized I hadn't picked my book for January yet! I did a quick search in the library catalog and found this book. It seemed perfect, a YA novel (I can read these rather quickly) and a modern retelling of Hamlet (one of my favorite Shakespeare plays). I was sadly kind of disappointed in this novel. The story was told in 3 different ways. There was Ophelia on a talk show, that was Oprah-like, telling her story. Then there was the transcript of her interview with the police. And the main telling was Hamlet from her point of view.  I would h...

Leave Me by Gayle Forman My rating: 4 of 5 stars From the outside Maribeth would seem to have it all. She lives in NYC with her husband and two kids and has a job working with her best friend in their chosen field. Inside her life, Maribeth is busy, so busy she mistakes her heart attack as just bad Chinese food.  Maribeth has a hard time recuperating at home after her surgery because everyone still needs everything from her. They don't know how to function with out Maribeth guiding them. Knowing that she needs to focus on her recovering Maribeth hastily packs a bag, leaves a note for her husband and then runs away. Maribeth needs to heal from more than just her heart attack. She needs to heal her soul. She needs to uncover part of his past and reevaluate her current life if she's going to be happy in the future. I was torn about even picking up this book. I love Gayle Forman and was excited to read her first adult novel, but I dislike the 'run away from your life ...

Weekend Cooking is hosted by  Beth Fish Reads Book Tite: Green Smoothies: Recipes for Smoothies, Juices, Nut Milks, and Tonics to Detox, Lose Weight, and Promote Whole-Body Health  Author: Fern Green Publication Date: December 29, 2015 Description: (From Goodreads) A collection of 66 illustrated smoothies, juices, nut milks, and tonics to kick-start metabolism, fire up the mind, and promote whole-body health.  An easy-to-follow and informative guide, this book pares smoothie-making back to its essence. Each recipe is presented in a highly visual spread, and grouped ingredients are displayed opposite finished smoothies and juices, providing at-a-glace instruction. Recipes like Dandelion Tonic, Popeye's Juice, Coconut Kale, and Pineapple Twist provide a simple introduction for the new smoothies making, as well as new inspiration for the experienced blender. A seven-day detox plan with straightforward recipes energizes and invigorates.  3 Little...

Weekend Cooking is hosted by  Beth Fish Reads Book Tite:  Sara Moulton's Home Cooking 101  Author:  Sara Moulton Publication Date:  March 8, 2016 Description:  (From Goodreads) In Sara Moulton's Home Cooking 101, Sara helps answer that eternal question, "What's for dinner?" This must-have resource combines 150-plus all-new recipes with time-tested methods that elevate meals from everyday to extraordinary. Sara guides readers every step of the way, from including detailed instructions in every recipe to ensure the dish comes out perfectly every time to tips about selecting ingredients and balancing flavors. Bright color photographs and straightforward techniques show how easy it is to build flavors in a pan for a one-dish dinner, bake seafood in parchment for a quick healthy meal, and turn fresh seasonal produce into scene-stealing side dishes. Readers will find recipes to please every palate, including a whole chapter of vegetarian and ve...

Yes, Chef by Alex Cohen My rating: 4 of 5 stars Description Nothing is more important to Diego than his kitchen. He's dedicated to his job running one of the top restaurants in town and doesn't have time for relationships. Then the boss, building on the restaurant's success, brings in Ben. He's young, hot, and not nearly as unlikeable as Diego wishes. But between the distance of age and the old wounds both men are still nursing, it may be easier if Diego gives up on making something other than his kitchen the center of his world. Review I really liked this novella. It was a romance that focused on the relationship and wasn't all about sex, sex, sex. I also liked that it was in a restaurant kitchen, those are always great because it means a focus on food and some great descriptions. It was nice to see that Ben wasn't a chef in training but a pastry chef who was settled in his own chosen career path.  There were some stilted sections in this novella...

Broken Resolutions by Olivia Dade My rating: 3 of 5 stars I'm a sucker for any romance novel starring a librarian. Things I liked: 1. That the hero, Jack, was a famous author. 2. The idea of a singles night at the library and the librarian, Penny, didn't understand why they were hosting such an event. 3. That is wasn't a story where Penny had to change to win Jack. Things I didn't like: 1. That Jack brought up the stereotypical "library of the past" with the old lady librarian with a bun who shushes people. 2. The rushed feeling of the book, I would have liked a longer novel instead of a novella. 3. The location of their of nightly activities while in the library. That just didn't sit well with me. I've already got book 2 waiting for me to read and review! I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray: A Critical Appreciation of the World's Finest Actor by Robert Schnakenberg My rating: 3 of 5 stars I was looking for something along the lines of a biography or at least something that wasn't like and encyclopedia. The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray is basically an encyclopedia of his life and works, with tidbits and quotes scattered around the pages. As a fan of the man, I enjoyed flipping through the (electronic) pages and seeing references to co-stars, friends, and movies. A lot of the information can be found by doing a basic search, but it's nice to have it compiled in one place. This is the perfect book for the die-hard Bill Murray fans. I received an e-book copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Where's Karl?: A Fashion-Forward Parody by Stacey Caldwell My rating: 4 of 5 stars There are a few things I like more than reading a basic book. One is a book that engages you past your initial reading. Something that will keep you coming back time again either to reread or to find something new.  This book promises to keep you entertained through multiple 'readings'. I sat down and read the book and managed to find Karl at each stop on the journey. There is a list in the back of the book of other things to find and I only glanced at it and tried to find a few. I will be going back because - Nina Garcia fighting a pirate - eluded me and now I must find that scene! The second thing I like more than reading a basic book is fashion. I, personally, may not have the best fashion sense, but I have my own style. I love watching fashion shows and red carpets to see what everyone is wearing. I also love to see pictures from the fashion weeks and the outlandish things they se...

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith My rating: 3 of 5 stars There were two things about this book that I liked. They were also the two things I disliked about this book. 1. The majority of the book takes place over the course of like 12 hours. It was both enough and not enough time spent with these characters trying to figure out anything. You are just sucked along with the story. 2. I didn't know how everything was going to end up, were Claire and Adian staying together or breaking up before they both leave for college. I received an ebook copy for an honest review from Netgalley. 

Starlight on Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs My rating: 4 of 5 stars I love going back to Willow Lake, it really represents somewhere I wouldn't mind living if I was to ever leave my crazy suburban life. I really like that we got to see some past characters, but it wasn't forced on us to make the story fit into previous books in the series. It's a small town and you can expect for the lives of people to overlap so Faith's friendships all made sense. That said, I wish there was a family tree so I could be clear on how this branch of the Bellamy family connects to the other Bellamys we've met over the series. I enjoyed Faith and Mason's story. I like that it wasn't the typical they get together, face some hurdles, then happy ending.  There were hurdles to them even getting together and even more to face after they finally realize they belong together. It made the novel compelling and kept me hooked (but really anything set in Willow Lake has me hooked). A...

Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome: A Memoir of Humor and Healing by Reba Riley My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved this book! I think most people (at least in my circle) can claim a bit of post-traumatic church syndrome (PTCS). I wasn't brought up in the same manner as Reba Riley, but in my own way I started to question the church I was raised in and the beliefs I had followed since I was young. Unlike the author, my PTCS wasn't as severe and I have found my way back under my own terms.  And that I feel is the core of this book. Reba goes on a 30 by 30 journey.  She wanted to experience or better understand 30 religions by her 30th birthday. This journey impacts her life in more than just a religious aspect. She is battling health issues and her past religious experiences in what feels sometimes like a minute by minute battle to complete this journey.  Her journey takes her to an online chapel, a synagogue, mosque, and a number of other places of worship.  She sp...

You're Never Weird on the Internet by Felicia Day My rating: 5 of 5 stars I love Felicia Day and I loved this book. This was a great journey story of how she got to where she currently sits as the Queen of the Internet. I can’t remember how I started watching The Guild, but I know I instantly loved it, it was so true to different levels of my reality. I wasn’t a hardcore gamer, but the relationships you form online and how that becomes more of your real life than your real life, spoke true to me.  I loved learning how the characters were based on people Felicia met in her exploration around the Internet.  Knowing that the show was semi-autobiographical just makes it even more awesome. She’s done what most of us dream of doing, turning our passion into our profession. She’s doing what she loves most and in the process making stuff that we can all enjoy. If you are a familiar at all with her work and would like to know more about her this is a must read! I ...

How to Get Dressed: A Costume Designer's Secrets for Making Your Clothes Look, Fit, and Feel Amazing by Alison Freer My rating: 3 of 5 stars I thought this book was very informative but not very practical for me or other everyday women. Things like finding a good tailor, most of the ones in my area are connected to dry cleaners or are way out of my price range.  However, the guide on what to get altered and what not to get altered is useful and I know I'll refer to the list in the future. I probably will never use the vintage shopping guide, but the chapter that debunks the fashion rules was great. I always worry if I can pull off wearing black and blue or brown and black. How about mixing metals or patterns? Freer says they are dumb and gives tips to help pull the look off. A lot of times it's a personal choice and being honest about what works for your body type. I wish there had been more about how to dress different body types. I felt as if this book was directe...

On July 19th, Clueless will turn 20. Over the weekend, I finished reading  As If!: The Oral History of Clueless as told by Amy Heckerling and the Cast and Crew  by Jen Chaney Summary Acclaimed pop culture journalist Jen Chaney shares an oral history of the cult classic film Clueless in the ultimate written resource about one of the most influential, revered, and enduring movies of the 1990s—in celebration of its twentieth anniversary. Will we ever get tired of watching Cher navigate Beverly Hills high school and discover true love in the movie Clueless? As if! Written by Amy Heckerling and starring Alicia Silverstone, Clueless is an enduring comedy classic that remains one of the most streamed movies on Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes even twenty years after its release. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless is an everlasting pop culture staple. In the first book of its kind, Jen Chaney has compiled an oral history of the making of this iconic film using re...

Weekend Cooking is hosted by  Beth Fish Reads My cookbook collection rests on the foundation of two cookbooks, The Fannie Farmer Cookbook and James Beard's American Cookery.  These two books were so overused by my father that they easily open to some recipes.  These are the cookbooks I learned to cook from and ones I go back to when I want basics. As much as I love these cookbooks this version of The James Beard Cookbook feels like a simplified version of the one I own.  This book is filled with the same writing style, a conversational tone that feels like a friend teaching you a favorite recipe. The format is simply broken down into sections. He shares a basic recipe and then variations. As someone who loves pasta, I paid special attention to the pasta section in the cookbook.  He broke this section down into the pasta and then the sauces.  First you make the homemade noodles and then you can pick from a number of sauces to accompany your creation...

A Nice Little Place on the North Side: A History of Triumph, Mostly Defeat, and Incurable Hope at Wrigley Field by George F. Will My rating: 4 of 5 stars I am a baseball fan. I wouldn't say I was a Cubs fan, but they are well respected in my family. My mother is a Cubs fan.  Every Spring we hear the common anthem of "This is our year" and every Fall we hear "Next year will be our year." I feel safe saying this chant could probably be heard in the households of many members of  Cubs Nation.  The other similar trait is the love of Wrigley Field.  I have a deep love of Wrigley Field. It is one of my favorite places to watch a ball game. I was a believer in The Curse of the Billy Goat before reading this book, but now I fear the curse goes back even further. I fear the curse dates back to 1914 and the opening of Wrigley Field. The history of Wrigley is wrapped in so much more history.  This book covers the history of the team, the city, key players, owne...