Book 23, 2012 - The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

Wow - I really needed a quick-moving, super book right about now... and thanks to my fabulous book club, I got it!  This book was chosen because it is going to be released as a movie before year's end.... and it stars Bradley Cooper.  That is always going to be enough reason for me!  In any event, the book's main character is what's the right word..... slightly 'off' somehow.... and you aren't entirely sure why he is the way he is.  You get the feeling that a traumatic event has caused him to be far different than he used to be.  You spend a lot of time wondering what happened to him in his past.  He spends a lot of time with a woman who is a bit in the same boat as he, and the two develop a complicated friendship.  It would really ruin the book to give too much away, so I won't.  Let me just say I found this book tragic, heartwarming, funny, and sad all in one.  Great read.

Did I like it?  So very much.  Would I recommend?  Without a doubt.  Rating?  5 stars. Just great.

Book 22, 2012 - The Playdate by Louise Millar

I've never bothered to put a loan request at the library for a review that was so-so from People magazine book reviews, but some thing about that article intrigued me enough to want to be the very first to read this book, apparently.  Good Lord.  With so many fabulous pieces of works out there, why did I bother? 

This book is set in London, and is primarily about a couple of woman friends who have children and suffer through the often daily monotony of child rearing together.  A next door neighbor that seems "off" and quirky becomes someone the women decide should not be around their children.  Surprise, surprise, not everyone is as they seem, blah blah blah.  If this book was supposed to be some sort of psychological thriller, I must be an absolute genius because my 8 year old could've figured out the ending early on.  I read a brief acknowledgement by the author at the end that stated this book took a couple of years to write, and I couldn't help but wonder...HOW?

Not good-  no need to spend more time on this one.  Can I please read a book next that will blow me away????   I need one!

Did I like it?  Not really.  Would I recommend it?  No sir.  Rating 1.5 out of 5.

Book 21, 2012 - One Day by David Nicholls

The plot of this book intrigued me -- checking in on a couple from the night they meet in college, to what they are doing every day that year for a couple of decades.  I assumed wrongly that they planned to be together on that day going forward just as an anniversary thing.  The premise seemed great -- which is why I am not entirely sure why this book didn't do much for me.  The man of this couple, Dex, is such a turd of an individual, I didn't really care what he was up to for the majority of the book.  The female, Emma, was fine... but having a hard time letting her personality come through. 

Bottom line is I know they've already made this into a movie, (one I thought I'd want to see), but can't imagine how it could possibly be very good.  I really like Anne Hathaway who is playing Emma, which may be the reason I went back to read the book!  I guess I've learned  - that's not a good enough reason to pick it up.   This book was overall, just a really flat read for me... a bit on the boring side.

Did I like it?  Eh... it was ok.  Would I recommend it?  Not really - too many great books out there to suffer through the so-so variety.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 20, 2012 - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I am so conflicted with regards to how I feel about this book!  I finished this book several weeks ago and find myself still thinking about it... which must mean it's worth something, right?  I wanted to read this because I'm a huge sucker for books that are best-sellers or 'what everyone is reading'.  I'm surprised this is so captivating, to be honest.

This book tells the story of two very messed-up individuals who happen to marry each other.  I never blog what the story is about, because anyone can look on Amazon for that.  What I'll say about this is when the book is finished, you don't leave with that conclusion as to how things wrapped up.  I guess I sort of like that-- books that feel truly finished when I'm done reading it, unless of course, it's part of a series.  This book doesn't feel like it will become more than a stand-alone book, which begs the question, what the heck happened at the end!?!?!?  I'm not a spoiler, so I won't go into the end to bug others, but the first thing I did when finishing the book was search the internet for theories on what others believed.   I thought the pace of the book ebbed and flowed, but overall, I did like the way the author writes.  I'm not a prude, but I'll say some of the profanity got in the way of the story.  Please, Gillian Flynn... no woman I know uses those words.  You know the words I mean.  The REALLY bad ones.

Hmmmm....  Did I like it?  I think so!?  Would I recommend it?  Maybe - you have to be ready for a book that may not keep you in your 'happy place'.  Rating?   3.5 out of 5.

Book 19, 2012 - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

You're probably thinking I haven't had time to post anything since it's taken so long to add anything to this blog.  Actually, no.  This book was so incredibly tedious and dull that it actually took the bulk of me to finish it.  Could it be that it was just a long book?  Actually, no again.  It was an average sized book that took a less than average time to fall asleep every time I picked it up.  I haven't felt this lousy about a book in a long time, and this in a year where I've read a lot of garbage.  I was really excited to read the book slated to be the "next Harry Potter."  Really?  I kept thinking that this book was going to get better....  not even close.  It got worse and worse and worse.  This story is really about magic and a contest between two old rival enemies, and honestly, I have never stared at my Kindle's percentage of completion bar in the bottom so much.  Only 8% of the way through?  15%?  20%?  After that, it was just something I had to persevere to finish.  Wow, was that awful.  Do you catch my drift?

Did I like it?  Heck no.  Would I recommend it?  If you're having trouble sleeping, this is surefire.  Rating?  1 star, just for the descriptions of the circus.  BORING!

Book 18, 2012 - The Secrets She Left Behind by Diane Chamberlain

This book was the sequel to Before the Storm that I had just finished.  I actually finished this a couple of weeks ago, but realized I never posted it!  I think it says a lot about the quality of an author's writing if when a book is finished, you immediately pick up its follow-up.  (But then again, I did read the Twilight series even though I hated it.... but I digress).  Regardless, I certainly enjoyed the second book in this drama.  The book focused on some of the secondary characters from the first book and it helped piece the whole story together.  I did not like it as much, which is how I feel about most sequels, but certainly found it worthwhile, and hard to put down. 

I'm realizing I have fallen woefully behind on my 52 weeks/ 52 books challenge, but have learned that travelling baseball teams, adorable four-year-olds, and keeping my sons happy has been a far bigger challenge.  I won't meet the goal this year, but it is so much fun keeping track of what I am accomplishing in spite of my outside responsiblities.  I should probably choose some shorter books, but ....  ah... this is supposed to be fun and I don't want to think too much... (why I always choose fiction books!).   :)

Did I like it?  Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Yes -- but definitely read Before the Storm first.  Rating?  4 out of 5

Book 17 , 2012 - Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain

I just finished this book today, and I will be moving on to the sequel pronto.  I've read a couple others by Diane Chamberlain before, and this book reminded me why I like her so much.  If you like Jodi Picoult, you'll like Diane Chamberlain....  very similar style and the type of book that makes you think a bit about "What would you do?"  I never like to give the synopsis of a book because anyone can look that up, but I will say I didn't know anything about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and this educated me a bit.  There is a bit of a whodunit quality to this, and I didn't figure it out... what David Baldacci couldn't do. 

I have just started the second book which picks up where the last book left off, about 8 months later.  A great story, and I'm interested and invested in the characters enough to want to know.

Did I like it?  Finally -- YES!  Would I recommend it?  Definitely.  Rating?  4.5 out of 5.

Book 16, 2012 - The Innocent by David Baldacci

This was a book club selection for a meeting we never had.....  so I'd be lying if I said I was still glad I read it.  I'm not.  I am all for reading books a bit out of my comfort zone;  how else would I know if I liked it?  I have read a different book or two by David Baldacci and enjoyed them.  This one, however, had a government-based plot to it, which is typically something I avoid.  Since I'm not an avid reader of government crime thrillers, I surprised myself by pretty much figuring out 'who-dunnit' early on, and was annoyed by the ending, all wrapped up in a pretty bow.

 I struggled getting into this book, and found myself not caring a whole lot about what happened.  This book set me waaaayyy back on my 52 books in one year goal.  I know at this point, it's highly unlikely to reach it anyway, but all this book did was put me further behind.  I'd probably read another David Baldacci.... just not anytime soon.

Did I like it?  Eh.  Would I recommend it?  Probably not....  even the most amateur reader could figure this one out.  Rating?  2 stars.

Book 15, 2012 - Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

This book, pure and simple, made me so happy that I have three sons, (no daughters!).  This book is about a "pregnancy pact" among 3 high school seniors, and the reactions that their mothers, friends, school administrators, and city leaders have in response.  I sometimes like these girly types of books for the "pure fluff" factor, but this book didn't work for me.  The story mostly showed the reaction of the mother of one daughter in particular, and wouldn't you know it... everything works out for everyone perfectly!  Children are beautiful!  They really don't have any regrets!  They don't need to go to college!  Everything is hunky-dory! 

If this is the type of book I'm reading, I prefer something a bit more Jodi-Picoult-ish, (for lack of a better adjective)... where the ending isn't necessarily happy, and more cons may be presented than pros. 

I learned how to knit a few years ago, and this hobby has fallen away for me as of late.  In this book, all of the women knit, and if anything positive came from this book for me, I would say it gave me the knitting bug all over again. 

Did I like it?  Eh.  Would I recommend it?  Not unless you have nothing left at home to read.  Rating?  2 stars, maybe.

Book 14, 2012 - While I Was Gone by Sue Miller

I chose another dud.  Another book that's been on my shelf for a long time, with high hopes, but alas.....  not my favorite.  I didn't realize this was an Oprah Book Club choice, (my cover doesn't have the signature Oprah seal of approval), or that would've been my first clue this book wasn't going to be my favorite.  Oh well... this book was great for me for maybe the first quarter or so.... but then, I was pretty bored.  It discusses a middle-aged woman who is a new empty-nester with her husband.  She meets someone in town which brings back memories of her hippie twenty-something years many moons ago.  For me, this discussion was easily the best part of the book.  When she is back in the present, the book dragged for me.  She was sort of swept up in the past with her memories.  I always struggle when decent characters throw away a good thing without a good reason.  I know, I know, real-life people do that too....  but this one didn't make a lot of sense for me.  I did however, think Miller's style of writing was quite good.  I quite possibly could look up another by her in the future... but not anytime immediate.

Did I like it?  Sometimes.  Would I recommend it?  Maybe -- depends on the demographic.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 13, 2012 - Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

It was time for something fast-paced and engaging... something the last few books I've read haven't managed to do for me very well.   Harlan Coben never disappoints for me.  It had been literally years since I've read one, and it definitely won't be so long next time.  I enjoyed the book about teenage angst and of course, the crime drama within the book... (made me pray for strength when my 3 sons become teenagers!!).  I always read customer reviews from various sites when I finish a book and the I did agree with a few of the gripes I read about the book.  But you know what???  I don't read this kind of book for the literary value... just for the escape.  In this case, it totally served its purpose!

Did I like it?  Yes!  Would I recommend?  Of course... with all of the others he's written!  Rating?  4 stars.  Fun entertainment.

Book 12, 2012 - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I chose this book because I thought the cover looked A-Mazing... and I was in the mood for something somewhat simple after reading such a tension-filled book previously, (Unbroken).  It started out as exactly what I was looking for.  Not too hard, interesting pictures throughout.... but then the book fell apart for me.   I really really wanted to like this book.  Unfortunately, the second half of the book lost its whimsy nature for me and became an action type-- not what I wanted.  Reviews are somewhat mixed on this book, and I can understand why.  It is a great book and a so-so book all rolled into one.  It also took me a little under a week to finish, which was longer than I needed to get my book challenge back on track! 

So...  Did I like it?  Sometimes, yes.  Would I recommend it?  I don't think so... except for the photos.  They're really cool.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 11, 2012 - Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Wow.  Talk about being in the minority!  This was our book club's most recent selection and the person who chose the book stated she read the book easily in 3 days.  I thought how perfect it would be for my 52 book challenge for the year!  I put it on my Kindle and settled in, thinking I would be on to Book 12 before I knew it!  Was I wrong.... this book took me forever to read.  I really struggled with boredom, even though I knew it was a non-fiction book.  I was bored with the facts of the story--- I know I know... they are true accounts.  This story REALLY happened.  I get that.  I still wasn't inspired.  I also know I am in the huge minority as this book has received incredible accolades from reviewers and plenty of commonfolk alike.  I guess I am not one of them.... and I really don't know why!?  Just wasn't my cup of tea... or maybe not what I felt like reading just then.  The last two books have seriously set back my reading challenge.  Yikes!

Did I Like it?  It was *OK* for me... at best.  Would I recommend it?  I may have to say yes, just because everyone else seems to like it so much!  Rating?  2.5 stars.  Sorry.

Book 10, 2012 - The Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian

I've had this book on my shelf for awhile, picked up at a rummage sale solely because I dig Bojhalian's writing style.  Usually he has a big plot twist toward the end of his books, which kept my stomach in knots over the last 1/3 of the book.  That said, this was not, for me, one of my favorites.  This book took a long time to develop, and then when it did, I found I didn't really care what happened.  Hmmmm.  Regardless, I will continue to seek out his work as I do enjoy his writing, and he does write about topics I don't always know a lot about.  True statement:  I didn't know what a Buffalo Soldier was until I read this book.  So, I guess I'm more enlightened for having picked it up anyway!

Did I like it?  It was *ok*.  Would I recommend it?  Perhaps-- especially for prospective foster parents, sure.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 9, 2012 - The Girl in the Green Raincoat by Laura Lippman

Admission:  I picked a super-short read to catch up on my reading challenge.  This book was *ok*.  Apparently this author has quite the following, though, as I already mailed the book to someone on the waiting list at PaperbackSwap.com... (highly recommend this website to get some new books, and rid yourself of the old!).  But I digress, this is a short mystery that is a cross between Rear Window and something chick-lit.  Fun, but forgettable.  Sometimes, that's just what you need!

Did I like it?  Eh.  Would I recommend it?  Perhaps... sometimes shorter is better!  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 8, 2012 - The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

While I found this book pretty darn good, it is going to set me back in my reading challenge for the year!  This book was loooonnnnngggg.... but with the exception of about 100 pages in the beginning/ middle, it held my interest.  This was a book club selection, or I never would have picked this baby up.  It has historical fiction/ science fiction/ comedy aspects all rolled into one.  Definitely a great book when you're looking for a "heavier" fare... definitely not a beach read.

Did I like the book?  Yes, for the most part.  Would I recommend it?  Depends on the person.  Rating?  4 out of 5. 

Now on to something easier!

Book 7, 2012 The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

After two very funny books in a row, I went back to my standard "what-would-you-do" fare.  These are the kinds of books I typically read... chick-lit that's not too fluffy.  Without describing the plot, (which I know can be read on Amazon in no time flat), two young girls go missing for a day, and this book is about the process each family takes to find the girls.  I thought this book was ~fine~.  This was an entertaining, fast read, but I will not remember this book a couple of months from now.  That's ok with me though--  not every book has to be the BEST.  With that...

Did I like it?  It was OK.  Would I recommend it?  Probably not.  Rating?  2.5 out of 5.

Book 6, 2012 - Bossypants by Tina Fey

I thought Mindy Kaling's book was pretty funny, until I read Tina Fey's book and realized the former was just a warm up.  Tina Fey is hilarious.  I found all of it a complete laugh-fest.  Funny thing is, this is also a book club book and I've compared notes with a couple others that have already read it... (we haven't had our meeting yet)....  and I think I'm alone!  No one else finds it very funny!  I'm not sure what that says about me!  Regardless, I stand by this quasi-review.... It's funny!!!

Did I like?  YES!  Would I recommend?  Yes!  Rating?  4 out of 5.

Book 5, 2012 Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

After the disaster that the ending of the Hunger Games was for me, I needed something light.  This book certainly fit the bill.  I laughed out loud several times with this book.  I have to admit, it felt like the last 1/3 to 1/4 of the book she was reaching a bit for material.  I don't think discussing pictures taken on one's cell phone to be terribly editorial or interesting, but it's part of the book.  Oh well.. the good definitely outweighed the bad.  Fun book.... I admire people, especially women, that exceed their goals.

Did I like?  Sure.  Would I recommend?  Sure.  Rating?  3.5 out of 5.

Book 4, 2012 - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Why oh why oh why?  I didn't like this book whatsoever.  I couldn't be more disappointed with the ending of this otherwise fantastic trilogy.  I thought the over-the-top violence and gore was unnecessary.  All of the great qualities about Katniss' character went right out the window with this book.  The first two books had a lot to say, I think, politically and otherwise.... besides being highly entertaining.  This book could not have been more of a letdown.

Did I like?  Not at all.  Would I recommend?  I have already told people to steer clear.  If you want to know the ending, just ask me.... I'll tell you.  Rating?  1 out of 5.  Booooooo.

Book 3, 2012 - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

This book picks up right where the Hunger Games left off.  For me, this was definitely a sequel, in that it could never quite compare to the fantastic story that was the first novel in this series.  That said, this was still a worthy follow-up to a great story that I still am thinking about, 5 books later!  What an interesting premise.  Still a bit disturbed by the marketing to teens, as will be even more pronounced once the movie is released.  Regardless, I'm a big ole Hunger Games fan. 

Did I like?  Yes.  Would I recommend?  Yes.  Rating?  4.5 out of 5.

Book 2, 2012 -The Lost Quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini

I hadn't read anything by this author before. I love historical fiction books, and with this one being set around the Underground Railroad times, I certainly had a lot to learn.   I love to read books about topics which I really have no clue about.  The second book club I am in selected this book and it had mixed reviews.  Personally, I thought it was an interesting dynamic between the upper middle class of the South and the poor black slaves who served them during the Civil War. 

Sooo....  Did I like it?  Yes.  Would I recommend it?  Yes.  Rating?  3.5 out of 5.

Book 1, 2012 - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

What a great way to start the new year by reading a book that I truly couldn't put down.  I dreamed about it (not restful sleep, I might add!) when I wasn't finished.  It was on my mind all of the time!  I haven't read a book that grabbed me completely like this one did from the very first page.  I loved it and would recommend it to anyone.... except probably the YA group it's apparently marketed toward.  That disturbs me a bit.

In any event.... Did I like it?  Oh yeah.  Would I recommend it?  Definitely.  Rating?  5 out of 5.

Something I've always wanted to try....

I've been looking for an outlet to write in a personal way for a long time.  Did I want to go about this by doing a "blog"?  Sounds so...  much younger than I am.  Well, I happened across a reading challenge when perusing an internet search, and thought this might be the perfect excuse to create that blog that has been in the back of my mind for a couple of years. 

Can I actually read a book a week?  I'm going to try... and semi-review the book as my blog.  I say "semi-review" as I do not know how to actually review a book properly.  I do not seem to know enough about writing novels to critique and criticize books that I read.  I am always in awe of authors who can actually write --AND PUBLISH-- a book, that I don't feel I can accurately review a book like those in newspapers and magazines.  What I can do is just simply state whether I liked a book, whether or not I would recommend the book to others, and overall rate the book on a scale of 1 to 5.  Easy enough, right?

The biggest obstacle I can see is will I find the time to read 52 books in a year?  It's going to be tough, no doubt.  Will I find some shorter books to make up the slack?  Most definitely.  Regardless, I love having a reason to read, and I love having an outlet to encourage me to think about books after I close the cover, (or turn it off in this beautiful Kindle society!)

As far as the title of the blog goes, that comes from my local book club that has been together since October, 2003.  We started with ten mothers who all had small children and a love of reading in common.  We are down to seven members, but we are still going strong.  I look forward to that meeting every five weeks.  I probably should have checked with them as far as the title goes;  I'm hoping I haven't infringed on an unsaid copyright.  But then again, I haven't decided whether I am sharing this blog with anybody!