Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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.

Monday, May 7, 2012

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.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

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.