The Giver by Lois Lowry

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pages: 208 pages
Published: January 2006 (first published in 1993)

How old am I to be reading The Giver by Lois Lowry? In my opinion, books really have no age limit. Of course, there are certain books that are not suitable for youngsters, but I believe once you've reached my age, you can read anything you want - no judgement. Having said all that, I will offer up this explanation. I decided to read this book because my 6th grade niece is reading it for her language arts class, and I love reading and discussing books with all people, but especially her!

The Giver is essentially the OG of dystopian. Before The Hunger Games, there was this lovely book. It's about a utopian society where everything is calm and peaceful. All people are respectful and follow orders. Each family unit can only have up to two children. Careers are decided by a group of leaders. The days are formulaic. Everything is gray, dull ... and boring. When the protagonist, Jonas, reaches the age of majority where he is given his job in the community, he begins to see things in a new light. His eyes are opened to a world beyond any he's ever known, and with this knowledge comes great responsibility.

I don't typically enjoy dystopian. Had I known that this was the genre, I probably would have gone into it with a different mindset. The reason I don't like reading dystopian is because of the few books I've read, it all seems hopeless and dire. I can't reconcile it with my reality, so I struggle. The difference with this book is that I do think it's filled with hope and promise. As I understand it, Lowry went on to write more books in the series. I don't know if I'll tackle those, (Although, I suppose my niece could convince me.) but I throughly enjoyed this one. Many other reviewers have balked at the ending; however this was my favorite part. I think most people either love it or hate it. If you've read The Giver or intend to, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the ending in the comments below.

Recommendation: This is a quick read for all ages. I recommend it as a nice escape from reality that evokes a myriad of emotions.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Length: 354 pages
Published: August 2012

People have been telling me for years that Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple is hi-larious. With the upcoming movie, starring Cate Blanchett, to release in March, I thought I'd better get on the ball and read the book before the movie - it's what true bibliophiles do - read then watch. 

The titular character in this adult fiction book suffers from agoraphobia, so when her 8th grade daughter, Bee, asks for a family trip to Antartica as a reward for her perfect grades Bernadette Fox is filled with anxiety. Bernadette initially moved to Seattle, where the story primarily takes place, so that her husband, Elgin Branch, could take a job with Microsoft. This move came after a traumatic professional experience in California that resulted in Bernadette's current condition and abandoning her career in architecture. Add to that several miscarriages and a rocky pregnancy with Bee, Bernadette understandably has some mental and emotional health issues. She doesn't fit into the Seattle community, and for all intents and purposes, has banished herself to their mansion-sized home (that used to be a school for girls - yes, really!) Her interactions with the busy body/helicopter moms (to whom she refers to as "gnats"), especially antagonist Audrey, who is Bernadette's nemesis, finally push her over the edge and she goes missing. More than half the book is Bee on a quest to find her mother. 

The book is written in an epistolary format including emails, letters, and other correspondence. I usually find this a fun format to read because, as a reader, I can be a guilt-free voyeur of the inner thoughts of the characters. However, the way in which this novel was constructed actually added confusion to the plot. It slowed me down, and I almost gave up on it a couple of times. As I stated before, several reading friends told me this book was humorous. I, however, did not find it as amusing as my peers. I actually found it a bit depressing because the protagonist clearly has some issues and her family - especially her daughter, Bee - has paid the price. But this book is not all bad. I did appreciate the resolved conclusion. Semple could have left the audience hanging, but I am glad she did not. I also took satisfaction in two of the women coming together at the end - girl power! (I'll leave it vague so as not to give any spoilers.)  

Recommendation: Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a quick read. It has clearly been enjoyable for many. It is a bestseller, and it's going to be a movie. I'll probably still go see the movie. I just don't think this book was for me. I won't dwell here too long ... on to the next read! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Length: 320 pages
Published: January 2018

In December, I read Jasmine Guillory's latest book - The Proposal with my book club. In January, The Wedding Date, Guillory's debut book was selected by another book club. It didn't make too much of a difference that I read the books out of order. They stand alone but also some of the characters crossover. I enjoyed The Proposal, and because of that I'm giving The Wedding Date 4 stars on social sites. However, my overall rating is 3.5 stars. 

The Wedding Date and The Proposal are very similar. They both fall in the chick lit genre with a young woman at the center as the protagonist who unexpectedly meets a guy and jumps in to a fast-moving relationship that is halted by some internal struggle. Guillory seems to be developing a bit of a predictable formula with her books. While The Wedding Date seemed a little redundant to me, I do appreciate the fact that the author attempts to tackle some important issues like race, body image, and the criminal justice system in a fun and light read. That certainly takes skill! 

My main criticism with both of her books is the overabundance of sex and intimate scenes. I thought it was a little much in The Proposal, almost to the point of over-sexualizing Nik. In The Wedding Date, I feel that Guillory definitely over-sexualized Alexa. The scenes are tastefully written, but there's just too many of them. I am hopeful that her next book The Wedding Party (set to publish in July) will include more character and relationship development and less bedroom scenes. (Ms. Guillory, if you are reading this, I know you know that women of color are more than sexual beings. There are many facets to us. Please don't forget to share those other facets in your literary quests.) 

This was another fun read. I can see the growth and progression of the author's craft from book 1 to 2, even though I read them in reverse. I look forward to seeing where her next adventure takes me. 

Recommendation: With Valentine's Day and Galentine's Day quickly approaching, pick up a copy of The Wedding Date. It will be a fun and quick read over a cold winter weekend. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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BOSSYPANTS BY TINA FEY

Image Credit: goodreads.com 

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

So, Ms. Fey, about that scar? ... If you think that's what this book is going to be about, it's not. Bossypants is the autobiographical account of Tina Fey's rise to fame from humble, middle class beginnings. And it's much more than her physical appearance. In the book, Fey takes us on her journey from childhood to college to her gig as a receptionist at the YMCA before getting her big break. We learn about her as a talented writer, actor, performer and loving daughter, wife, and mother. What I took from her story is that she's more than the jokes she tells, she is, indeed, a multi-faceted woman.

In my quest to consume more audiobooks, I had the pleasure of listening to Fey tell her stories and the benefit of her tone, technique, and delivery. She was just as funny in performing the personal stories of her life as she was delivering those unforgettable Sarah Palin impressions on Saturday Night Live.

I truly enjoyed some of the motivational messages Fey provided about success, motherhood, and surviving as a working woman in America. One of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Don't be fooled. You're not in competition with other women. You're in competition with everyone." 

I appreciated Fey's quick-wit and sarcasm. I think she's an excellent actress and improvisationalist. I liked that we, as readers, get to know more about her private life. (My favorite chapter is the tribute to her dad, That's Don Fey.) Having said this, I didn't quite enjoy the book as much as I thought I would, hence the rating. Maybe my expectations were too high. I can't really put my foot on it exactly, but it wasn't as laugh-out-loud funny as some other audiobooks I've enjoyed. However, I still think it's worth a listen. I mean, it is a multi-year bestselling book.

My main critique of this book would be that at times, Fey would seem to lose her place and repeat an opening line twice. I'm not sure if that was a delivery or editing flaw. Several times throughout the book she references a PDF. I wasn't really sure how to access the file until I Google'd it. (On a side note: How did we ever manage before search engines?). Here's a tip if you use Audible.com for listening, log on to your audible.com account from the desktop site, go to your book library, then the book in question, there are all kinds of goodies there including the PDF with photos. I took a look at these after I finished listening to the book as it was nearly impossible to do so while listening as I most often listen while driving or running.

Recommendation: This book was selected by my book club, Richly Read, for a lighthearted comedic read in December. If you've followed Fey's career or enjoyed any of her skits on Saturday Night Live or 30 Rock, you will probably enjoy this hilarious behind-the-scenes peek into her life. I recommend partaking the audiobook, which is read and performed by the author herself.

Until next time ... Read on!

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THE HATE U GIVE BY ANGIE THOMAS

Image Credit: goodreads.com

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a fictional account of a very real scenario that happens in the United States quite frequently. With the current state of police and race relations at the forefront and prolific rapper, the late Tupac Shakur as a backdrop, this creative take on a conflict with which people in the United States struggle was powerful and also refreshing. The author certainly took on a larger-than-life topic for her debut novel, and I certainly see why it's all the buzz for 2017. 

The main character, sixteen-year old Starr, witnesses her unarmed friend since childhood get shot and killed by a police officer after a traffic stop. Starr, who lives in a predominately African-American neighborhood but attends a private school with predominately non-African-American students is torn between two worlds. Her character struggles with two personas, the one she is at home versus assimilating while she's at school. It's a coping mechanism that many African Americans practice everyday. 

After the killing, the literary conflict tool of (wo)man versus self is employed with Starr trying to determine whether she should speak up or remain in the shadows and about who she truly is and what she saw. The storyline is somewhat predictable, but I found the true beauty in the first-person perspective from which it was told. I think the author offers readers, who may not completely understand these relevant issues from the African American perspective, another dimension from which to draw. 

We are all flawed people, so like any other, the book has some weaknesses. I do feel as though Ms. Thomas was speaking her truth, but some depictions seemed to toe the stereotypical line, which causes concern for me. My hope is that people read this book for what it is - one person's perspective of this issue. I don't want people to paint a broad brush and assume that all African Americans think, act, or feel this way. The issue is complex. The people are complex. And there's no "right" way to illustrate it, but this is Ms. Thomas' way, and I think she did a fine job. She is one woman who is using her vehicle to voice her perspective. While she may echo similar sentiments of others, this is her story. I think it's important to keep that in mind with any story, but especially hot topics such as this one. 

My other issue with the book is there were some parts that seemed to celebrate reverse racism under the guise of humor, and I didn't really feel comfortable with that. Just like I don't want people to make assumptions or generalizations about my culture, I don't want others (whether they are the majority or a minority) to experience that same judgement. In the book, Starr experiences some things in the African American community that I, as an African American, never have. So, I didn't think it was fair when some of the African American characters made sweeping statements about Caucasians. In one sense, it enhances the book because it is a reflection of life. But on the other hand, I think it could have been handled in a better way. 

The book is very real. The characters are relatable. I find myself thinking about them since I've finished the book. I do think this was a story that needed to be told in this way. The topic is heavy, and this isn't necessarily a book you will want to read to escape reality, but rather to help develop a more complete picture of your current reality. 

Recommendation: This young adult novel is almost 450 pages, but reads rather quickly. It would make for a good rainy-day weekend read. I definitely think readers should check it out. 

Until next time ... Read on!

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UNINVITED BY LYSA TERKEURST

Image Credit: goodreads.com

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you follow my reading journey, you might know that I am a follower of the Proverbs 31 Ministry, led by Lysa TerKeurst. So, when Auidble.com offered Uninvited: Living Loved When you Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely as part of its BOGO promo a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't resist taking advantage.

As I suspected, this was another book filled with wisdom by Ms. TerKeurst. The feelings she shares along with the personal narratives that will have you crying from empathy and laughter (often one right after the next) really resonated with me. While the Proverbs 31 Ministry is geared toward women, the aspects of shame, vulnerability, anxiety, and rejection are universal without respect to gender.

In her very practical, relatable way the author seems to know just how I am feeling and offers a spiritual perspective on how to cope and overcome those negative feelings. I do believe writing is TerKeurst's God-given talent, and what a blessing it is to be able to use your talent in a way to not only make a living but help others in the process.

Recommendation: I think I would like a traditional copy of this book. The audio recitation was a little fast for me. The author's words and themes deserve deeper thought a reflection than what I could gather from an audiobook.

Other Proverbs 31 Books I've Read (and Reviewed)

• 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz
• Unglued by Lysa  TerKeurst
• Wait and See: Finding Peace in God's Pauses and Plans by Wendy Pope (review)
• Listen, Love, Repeat by Karen Ehman (review)

Until next time ... Read on!

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THE GLASS CASTLE BY JEANNETTE WALLS

Image Credit: goodreads.com

Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Everyone has been raving about Jeanette Walls' The Glass Castle and the recent movie of the same title. One of my book club friends invited me to see the movie. Being the true reader that I am, I had to read the book before seeing the movie. Since I only had six days, I opted for the audiobook format that exponentially increases my reading time because it allows me to "read" while driving.

I would like to preface this review by saying I am definitely not discounting the trauma that Ms. Walls' endured growing up nor am I not acknowledging the fact that she (and her siblings), indeed, picked herself up by the bootstraps and made something of herself after growing up in a less than ideal home(s).

However, I don't enjoy the same excitement as everyone else. The book, told in a journalistic style, seems to be more of a regurgitation of facts. This is not surprising, knowing the author's career began in journalism. I really didn't find much creativity in her writing style. It was more 'this happened' then 'that happened' in chronological order, whereas when I listened to Trevor Noah's Born a Crime, I stayed engaged because his stories were more thematic rather than a basic re-telling of the facts.  There wasn't a lot of "why," and maybe because she doesn't know. There also wasn't a lot of imagery.

I felt like the book was more a window into her family's dysfunctional lives. And really, no judgement here. It is my belief that all families experience some level of dysfunction. The Walls maybe a little more than others. But why would she want to share such things? It was almost like reading (or listening to) a celebrity reality TV show. Now knowing that Walls used to be a celebrity gossip columnist, this makes sense.

I know much of society enjoys peeking into other's lives and watching the dysfunction of a celebrity's (and regular ole Joe's) families. I've never been a fan of reality television. This book seems to play into that with the author sharing all the negative details of her, her family's, and her community's daily lives. There wasn't much light in this book, and perhaps that's because there wasn't much light in Ms. Wall's life. But what I don't understand is why she thought it would be helpful to memorialize her very sad and pitiful childhood in this way.

My other issue with the book is the veracity of, not her stories I believe these things happened to her, but of how she was able to restate what happened in such great detail including dialogue. It just seems difficult to believe that in 2006 (when the book was published), she remembered what she said at 10 years old and then how her father or her schoolmate responded. I can't remember verbatim what I said to my mom yesterday much less 20 or 30 years ago. I think she could have told and illustrated her stories without the conversation filler that was probably remembered more by how she felt during the conversation and less by the word-by-word dialogue.

Recommendation: Walls had a story to tell, and she shared it with the world. It's garnered rave reviews and popularity. I know I am in the minority, but I just didn't enjoy it as much as others.

Until next time ... Read on!

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KNIGHT ON THE TEXAS PLAINS BY LINDA BRODAY

  Genre: Western / Historical / Romance

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Date of Publication: August 1, 2017

Pages: 352

• Synopsis
• Buy Now
• Praise
• About the Author
• Connect with the Author
• Giveaway
• More Blogs

Synopsis:

Duel McClain buries his wife and infant son, climbs in the saddle, and rides off. Locked in grief, he drifts from one Texas town to another as the months pass. He rides into a border town and gets in a card game in the saloon. On the last hand, the opponent across from him runs out of money. The man reaches down for a baby and plunks her in the center of the table. Whoever wins the pot, gets her too. After Duel wins with the Deadman’s Hand, he tries to give the baby back. But when the man tells him he’ll sell her, Duel keeps his prize.

On the way back to his home, he runs across a woman covered in blood. She only says her name is Jessie and the blood isn’t hers. The deep fear in her eyes touches Duel and he has to do something. He strikes a bargain—he’ll take her anywhere she wants to go in return for helping with the child.

Jessie sees honor, respect, and kindness in his eyes. And the moment she holds the baby in her arms, her heart melts. Once they reach Duel’s home, she confesses she killed her husband and tells him the law will come. Desperate to save her, he offers marriage and she accepts.

They settle in and love develops. But each day grows more tense. Lawmen are coming and they can’t stop them. Soon, she’ll face the hangman’s rope.

Buy Now:

Amazon   Barnes & Noble  Kobo  iBOOKS

Praise for Knight on the Texas Plains:

“Broday (the Men of Legend series) has a knack for capturing the hesitations of both Duel and Jessie and unfurling a twisting plot without resorting to melodrama. Through carefully deployed flashbacks, she slowly exposes the horrors of Jessie’s marriage, culminating in a truly grisly image of depravity without overwhelming the tender love story. Fans of historical romances will be pleased.”  ~~Publisher’s Weekly

"The instant a sweet baby girl, an abused woman, a stray dog, and a reluctant hero meet, readers are drawn into a tender and tough love story that touches many emotions and will have them believing in the healing power of love.”  ~~Romantic Times 4 ½ Stars Top Pick!

“Broday’s latest is a tender romance to touch the heart.”  ~~Bookpage

“This story is simply endearing, packed with powerful message of humanity and the true healing power of family and love!!” ~~Addicted to Romance  

“Throughout the well-paced story, there was suspense, tears, fear, revulsion, and no shortage of laughter and joy. I didn't want the story to end.” ~~Teresa on Goodreads

About the Author:

Linda Broday is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 8 full length historical western romance novels, with another set to release 2017 as well as 10 short stories. 

"Watching TV westerns during my youth fed my love of cowboys and the old West and they still do. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed. At times, I can feel their ghosts lurking around every corner. Texas’ rich history is one reason I set all my stories here. I love research and looking for little known tidbits to add realism to my stories. When I’m not writing, I collect old coins and I confess to being a rock hound. I’ve been accused (and quite unfairly I might add) of making a nuisance of myself at museums, libraries, and historical places. I’m also a movie buff and love sitting in a dark theater, watching the magic on the screen. As long as I’m confessing…chocolate is my best friend. It just soothes my soul."

Connect with the Author:
WEBSITE   FACEBOOK     PINTEREST    TWITTER    GOODREADS

Giveaway:  

THREE SIGNED COPIES!

(US ONLY)

  August 15-24, 2017 

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8/16/17	Review	The Librarian Talks
8/17/17	Character Interview	Books and Broomsticks
8/18/17	Review	Margie's Must Reads
8/19/17	Notable Quotable	StoreyBook Reviews
8/20/17	Author Interview	Reading by Moonlight
8/21/17	Review	CGB Blog Tours
8/22/17	Scrapbook Page	Missus Gonzo
8/23/17	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
8/24/17	Excerpt	My Book Fix Blog

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