Title: Frog Music
Author: Emma Donoghue
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Summary: It's the summer of 1876 and San Francisco is going through a heat wave and a small pox epidemic. Blanche is a French burlesque dancer. Blanche had a baby a little over a year ago but the baby is being taken care by somebody else. After all, a baby doesn't really fit into a burlesque dancer's lifestyle. Her new friend Jenny is outspoken, wears pants at a time when it's illegal for women to wear pants, and mysterious, among other things. She also challenges Blanche to rethink her life and some of the decisions she's made.
Jenny's murdered one night but was the bullet meant for Blanche instead? Blanche makes it her mission to figure out who killed her friend and discovers that she didn't really know that much about her new friend.
Review: I really wanted to like this book. I think I even put it first on my hold list because I wanted to read it sooner rather than later. But then I unintentionally requested the large print version of the book. I hate reading the large print versions. They're so much bigger and you read and read and read but don't feel like you're getting anywhere. So I think that was hanging over me the whole time I read it.
There were so many promising elements to this story--it was based on a real unsolved murder, it had elements of women breaking boundaries and seeking redemption. It had elements of women empowering themselves. It took place in San Francisco. Yet, none of these things really came together for me in this book.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Book review: I Heart My Little A-Holes
Title: I Heart My Little A-Holes
Author: Karen Alpert
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: Karen is the author of the Baby Sideburns blog. This book is a collection of essays on why children are a-holes.
Review: This is a book only a mother could truly appreciate. Or moms will appreciate it the most. This is one of those books that I don't remember where I heard about it but I requested it from the library and shortly thereafter got an email about it that it was being held for me.
I ended up getting this book right before I went on vacation. While I haven't blogged about it on my other blog (yet), we were going to California. On a plane. There's a whole chapter on traveling with children. I wouldn't recommend bringing this book on the plane if you're traveling with children.
Needless to say, I found this book a lot funnier after our trip was over. There were truly moments that I was doubled-over in laughter. I don't know if Karen will notice links to her blog from this blog, but in the event that she does, I thought I'd provide answers to some of the book club questions she posed at the end of the book. You're going to have to check out the book :
Author: Karen Alpert
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: Karen is the author of the Baby Sideburns blog. This book is a collection of essays on why children are a-holes.
Review: This is a book only a mother could truly appreciate. Or moms will appreciate it the most. This is one of those books that I don't remember where I heard about it but I requested it from the library and shortly thereafter got an email about it that it was being held for me.
I ended up getting this book right before I went on vacation. While I haven't blogged about it on my other blog (yet), we were going to California. On a plane. There's a whole chapter on traveling with children. I wouldn't recommend bringing this book on the plane if you're traveling with children.
Needless to say, I found this book a lot funnier after our trip was over. There were truly moments that I was doubled-over in laughter. I don't know if Karen will notice links to her blog from this blog, but in the event that she does, I thought I'd provide answers to some of the book club questions she posed at the end of the book. You're going to have to check out the book :
- Karen is!
- Bits (for both), toots and poop.
- I'd say normal. I currently have a 2 YO lying on her back screaming for her Daddy.
- Who am I to judge? Am I a good mom? Some days I'm not so sure.
- Another Holiday? Are You F'ing Kidding Me? Also, the section on homeschoolers.
- I started reading it on our vacation and couldn't get into it because I was so stressed out about not being "that family" on the plane.
- While I don't think I'm cut out to be a stay-at-home mom, I still secretly hate stay-at-home moms because they get to spend way more time with their kids than I do. So it's mainly spite. If by some miracle the author actually reads this review--sorry.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Book review: Five Star Billionaire
Title: Five Star Billionaire
Author: Tash Aw
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: This is the story of five people living in Shanghai--Phoebe, Gary, Justin, Yinghui and Walter Chao. Their lives intersect in many ways--Phoebe works for Yinghui, Justin has had a long-standing crush on Yinghui, who is also his brother's ex-girlfriend. Yinghui is exploring a business venture with Walter, the Five Star Billionaire. This story rotates through each of these character's lives with Shanghai as the backdrop.
Review: I should have written this review before I went on vacation because now my brain is fuzzy. I might not remember all of the reasons I liked this book, but remember my review on Crazy Rich Asians? Most of the people in Five Star Billionaire are wealthy but this book is so much better than Crazy Rich Asians.
I enjoy books that rotate through different characters. Aaron and I went to Shanghai in 2007 and I loved that trip, so that was part of the initial appeal for me. While I enjoyed the book, the primary reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is I didn't feel like there was enough character development. The book's less than 400 pages, which means only about 76 pages are written from each character's perspective. Also, some characters didn't really develop at all. Gary is a former pop star who starts over and has minimal involvement with other characters in the book. Perhaps he started over on his terms, but I wonder if his book space would have been better allocated to providing more depth to the other characters.
Author: Tash Aw
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: This is the story of five people living in Shanghai--Phoebe, Gary, Justin, Yinghui and Walter Chao. Their lives intersect in many ways--Phoebe works for Yinghui, Justin has had a long-standing crush on Yinghui, who is also his brother's ex-girlfriend. Yinghui is exploring a business venture with Walter, the Five Star Billionaire. This story rotates through each of these character's lives with Shanghai as the backdrop.
Review: I should have written this review before I went on vacation because now my brain is fuzzy. I might not remember all of the reasons I liked this book, but remember my review on Crazy Rich Asians? Most of the people in Five Star Billionaire are wealthy but this book is so much better than Crazy Rich Asians.
I enjoy books that rotate through different characters. Aaron and I went to Shanghai in 2007 and I loved that trip, so that was part of the initial appeal for me. While I enjoyed the book, the primary reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is I didn't feel like there was enough character development. The book's less than 400 pages, which means only about 76 pages are written from each character's perspective. Also, some characters didn't really develop at all. Gary is a former pop star who starts over and has minimal involvement with other characters in the book. Perhaps he started over on his terms, but I wonder if his book space would have been better allocated to providing more depth to the other characters.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Book review: The Silver Star
Title: The Silver Star
Author: Jeannette Walls
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Summary: This book introduces us to two sisters--12-year-old Jean "Bean" and her fifteen-year-old sister Liz. It's 1970 and Liz, Bean and their mom Charlotte are living in Southern California. Charlotte is an aspiring actress and singer who occasionally leaves her girls to "find herself". The girls are used to taking care of themselves, but Charlotte typically returns after a few days. Now Charlotte has been gone for over two weeks and people are starting to ask questions. Nervous about getting separated or their mom in trouble, they take off for Virginia, where Charlotte grew up and where Charlotte's brother still lives.
When Bean and Liz get to Virginia, they move in with their Uncle Tinsley. What starts out as temporary begins to feel more permanent. Bean's dad died before she was born and she gets to know her dad's family. To make some extra money, the girls begin working for Jerry Maddox, the foreman of the mill in town and eventually start the school year in Virginia. Their job with Maddox doesn't end well but what transpires from this becomes a true David vs. Goliath story and how two young girls can stand up to a bully and win.
Review: Well, that was a longer than usual Summary. I'm not sure why, but one reason could be because of how much I liked the book, it was hard to cull it down to my usual paragraph.
Books about flaky moms are always interesting, as are books about the daughters of flaky moms. I liked the independence of the sisters and their connection. I don't want to give away what happens, but I was so proud of Liz for standing up to Maddox, the town bully. What transpired from her decision wasn't easy and she was certainly a reluctant heroine. Without the support of Bean and the eventual support of her uncle, I don't think she would have had the strength to make it. For awhile you're not sure she will, but justice is eventually served. I don't think I've read other books by Jeanette Walls but I certainly will now.
Author: Jeannette Walls
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Summary: This book introduces us to two sisters--12-year-old Jean "Bean" and her fifteen-year-old sister Liz. It's 1970 and Liz, Bean and their mom Charlotte are living in Southern California. Charlotte is an aspiring actress and singer who occasionally leaves her girls to "find herself". The girls are used to taking care of themselves, but Charlotte typically returns after a few days. Now Charlotte has been gone for over two weeks and people are starting to ask questions. Nervous about getting separated or their mom in trouble, they take off for Virginia, where Charlotte grew up and where Charlotte's brother still lives.
When Bean and Liz get to Virginia, they move in with their Uncle Tinsley. What starts out as temporary begins to feel more permanent. Bean's dad died before she was born and she gets to know her dad's family. To make some extra money, the girls begin working for Jerry Maddox, the foreman of the mill in town and eventually start the school year in Virginia. Their job with Maddox doesn't end well but what transpires from this becomes a true David vs. Goliath story and how two young girls can stand up to a bully and win.
Review: Well, that was a longer than usual Summary. I'm not sure why, but one reason could be because of how much I liked the book, it was hard to cull it down to my usual paragraph.
Books about flaky moms are always interesting, as are books about the daughters of flaky moms. I liked the independence of the sisters and their connection. I don't want to give away what happens, but I was so proud of Liz for standing up to Maddox, the town bully. What transpired from her decision wasn't easy and she was certainly a reluctant heroine. Without the support of Bean and the eventual support of her uncle, I don't think she would have had the strength to make it. For awhile you're not sure she will, but justice is eventually served. I don't think I've read other books by Jeanette Walls but I certainly will now.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Book review: The Interestings
Title: The Interestings
Author: Meg Wolitzer
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: This book follows the lives of five friends that meet at camp one summer during high school. As their lives transition from high school to college to "adulthood", lives and relationships change.
My review: This book is right up my alley. I think I was surprised that I didn't read it soon enough. The book starts out with six friends but one disappears relatively early in the story and there are three in particular that dominate--Jules, Ethan, and Ash. Ethan's been in love with Jules since that first summer but try as she might, Jules just doesn't feel the same about Ethan. He eventually moves on, sort of.
I wasn't sure at first how interesting these people were. I got more into the story once they were out of college. That's really the only reason I didn't give it five stars--it just took a while for me to get into. I don't want to give away too much, but I did enjoy the Goodman story arc and how that blew up. I was saddened by Ethan but I also liked how his story resolved too.
Author: Meg Wolitzer
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: This book follows the lives of five friends that meet at camp one summer during high school. As their lives transition from high school to college to "adulthood", lives and relationships change.
My review: This book is right up my alley. I think I was surprised that I didn't read it soon enough. The book starts out with six friends but one disappears relatively early in the story and there are three in particular that dominate--Jules, Ethan, and Ash. Ethan's been in love with Jules since that first summer but try as she might, Jules just doesn't feel the same about Ethan. He eventually moves on, sort of.
I wasn't sure at first how interesting these people were. I got more into the story once they were out of college. That's really the only reason I didn't give it five stars--it just took a while for me to get into. I don't want to give away too much, but I did enjoy the Goodman story arc and how that blew up. I was saddened by Ethan but I also liked how his story resolved too.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Book review: Escape from Camp 14
Title: Escape from Camp 14
Author: Blaine Harden
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Summary: An amazing (and true) story of a North Korean man's escape from a prison camp to the United States. Shin Dong-hyuk was born in one of North Korea's prison camps. He's the first known person that was born and raised in one of these camps that escaped and lived to tell about it.
My review: I think this is my first review of a non-fiction book on this blog. I'm not averse to non-fiction at all, I think I just have a perception that they require more concentration and so I'm hesitant to commit to them because I don't have a lot of energy or concentration by the end of the day. But I read this based on a recommendation from a friend and I couldn't resist at least trying it.
This book was fascinating for some many reasons. One, it shows the strength of the human spirit. Two, I knew that North Korea was hardly Shangri-La, but I don't think I was truly aware of the atrocities and the terrible camps.
This book is not upbeat to say the least. I had to switch between this and The Last Anniversary at times. That being said, it was still great, if only for the description of life within the camp. The details on his life in America were a little vague, but the rest was fascinating. Highly recommended.
Author: Blaine Harden
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Summary: An amazing (and true) story of a North Korean man's escape from a prison camp to the United States. Shin Dong-hyuk was born in one of North Korea's prison camps. He's the first known person that was born and raised in one of these camps that escaped and lived to tell about it.
My review: I think this is my first review of a non-fiction book on this blog. I'm not averse to non-fiction at all, I think I just have a perception that they require more concentration and so I'm hesitant to commit to them because I don't have a lot of energy or concentration by the end of the day. But I read this based on a recommendation from a friend and I couldn't resist at least trying it.
This book was fascinating for some many reasons. One, it shows the strength of the human spirit. Two, I knew that North Korea was hardly Shangri-La, but I don't think I was truly aware of the atrocities and the terrible camps.
This book is not upbeat to say the least. I had to switch between this and The Last Anniversary at times. That being said, it was still great, if only for the description of life within the camp. The details on his life in America were a little vague, but the rest was fascinating. Highly recommended.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Book review: The Last Anniversary
Title: The Last Anniversary
Author: Liane Moriarity
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: Sophie has always wondered if she'd made a mistake breaking up with Thomas just when he was going to propose. Three years later she was still single while Thomas was now married with a baby. When Thomas' Aunt Connie dies, she leaves her house on Scribbly Gum Island to Sophie. Sophie had only met Aunt Connie a few times, but this event changes Sophie's life in ways she didn't expect and reconnects her with Thomas and his extended family. Various family members are dealing with personal issues and this book rotates through the personal lens of the different family members.
My review: This is one of Moriarity's older books. I had read her most recent book, The Husband's Secret, prior to starting this new blog. I liked that book, so I thought I'd read some more of her work. I'd definitely characterize her books as chick lit, for any male readers of this blog (who may or may not like chick lit). It also takes place in Australia, which allows me to dream about going or even living there someday. This is a light, fluffy book and a nice counter to the next book that I'll be reviewing. Stay tuned.
Author: Liane Moriarity
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary: Sophie has always wondered if she'd made a mistake breaking up with Thomas just when he was going to propose. Three years later she was still single while Thomas was now married with a baby. When Thomas' Aunt Connie dies, she leaves her house on Scribbly Gum Island to Sophie. Sophie had only met Aunt Connie a few times, but this event changes Sophie's life in ways she didn't expect and reconnects her with Thomas and his extended family. Various family members are dealing with personal issues and this book rotates through the personal lens of the different family members.
My review: This is one of Moriarity's older books. I had read her most recent book, The Husband's Secret, prior to starting this new blog. I liked that book, so I thought I'd read some more of her work. I'd definitely characterize her books as chick lit, for any male readers of this blog (who may or may not like chick lit). It also takes place in Australia, which allows me to dream about going or even living there someday. This is a light, fluffy book and a nice counter to the next book that I'll be reviewing. Stay tuned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)