Read This Book!

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
There are so few books that I can literally not put down but this tale of the afterlife and reincarnation was definitely one that I couldn't let go of.

Liz wakes up one morning in a strange bet on the S.S. Nile which delivers her to Elsewhere. Elsewhere is the place Gabrielle Zevin has created for souls to go when they leave this earth.

On the S.S. Nile she encounters several people that will shaper her afterlife, among them is former rocker Curtis Jest. When she arrives in Elsewhere she's greeted by the grandmother she never knew, who looks to be the same age as her mom Olivia, but who died at 50 of breast cancer.

Why does she look so young?

In Elsewhere you age backwards, until you are 7 days old and then you are released back to earth to start a new life.

Elsewhere deals with Liz's struggles to deal with her own death and loss as well as acceptance of life on Elsewhere.

Zevin writes for young adults but anyone who reads this is bound to find Lizzie's story uplifting.

The book's message is such a simple one...live your life and your death to the fullest.

Go seek out this book now, you won't regret it.
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A Dog Called Christmas

A Dog Named Christmas by Greg Kincaid

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Dog Named Christmas is one of those books that you know before you even start reading it, that by the time you reach the final page you'll be sniffling.

At least this book makes the tears happy ones. Unlike Marley and Me that has you sobbing at the end, because that was a memoir of a dog. This is a novel about how one dog changed the lives of a family that took him in for a shelter project at Christmas.

The characters are all very real and lovable though you'll be hard pressed not to want to pop, dad, George in the head many times throughout the story, but then again, he was only portrayed the way so many fathers would be in similar situation.

It was a short quick read that was definitely worth the time and a truly heartwarming story that expressed how an animal can change your life and how many animals are in shelters waiting for the family whose life they can change.
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Book Review: Anne Rice - Christ The Lord: Out Of Egypt

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt: A Novel by Anne Rice

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Out of Egypt is a portrait of Jesus as a young boy, and a wonderful tale Anne Rice weaves.

Many fans are disappointed that she's gone away from Vampires and Mummies to The Holy Ghost, so to speak, but I found the book beautifully written and an enlightening read.

Why?

Because these are the years of Jesus' life that no one really knows about.

Anne doesn't create a superhero or supernatural being here, she creates a boy that's different, a boy that will someday change the world. She makes Jesus a human child and in doing so I came to love him just a little more. What is even more wonderful is how she brings to life Mary and Joseph.

Be you a believer or not, this tale of Jesus' early life is one not to be missed. Its one to be savored and enjoyed and perhaps even read again.

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Book Review: Let It Snow

Let It Snow by Debbie Macomber

My review

+rating: 5 of 5 stars


I almost forgot how much I loved these short novellas that Harlequin used to send to their subscribers at Christmas. I just recently found this one on a shelf and picked it up to read it.

Its only about 90 pages long, but the story is really sweet. Just the type of story you want to read around the holidays. It definitely keeps your hopes up for happy endings, in this world that's so full of gloom and doom. Debbie Macomber always delivers that kind of story, and I love her for it. Her characters are real and likable.

Sure I'm a sucker for romance novels. I openly admit it. But hey, everyone needs a little fantasy in their lives and this is my vice of choice.


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Book Review: The Empath

The Empath by Bonnie Vanak

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars


A werewolf that doesn't know she's a werewolf and the lone wolf that loves her and needs her to help save the pack from the evil Morphs. Sound unrealistic? Perhaps, but that's the point of the Nocturne series of romances and boy are they great.

Maggie and Nicholas are great characters that you can't help but come to love, especially Maggie's devotion to her dog Misha. And the chemistry between the hero and the heroine is electric! Definitely worth the read, if you like darker tales of love.

Spooky and steamy. A great combination.

This one was a great read, perfect for a dark and stormy night.


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Book Review - Restless Hearts

Restless Hearts by Marta Perry

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I seldom like Christian Romances as they usually seem too wholesome for real life, but because this one was set in PA Amish country, I gave it a shot and I'm glad I did.

The book opened my eyes to the Amish lifestyle a little more than they had been and the love that blossomed between the two characters, well it wasn't really love it was a realization that they were attracted to one another beyond the friendship they had throughout.

Marta's story is fast-paced and an easy enjoyable read for women and girls. Definitely one of the best works of romantic fiction I've read this year, and without the smut.

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Happiness Is A Good Book

I just finished reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. I can only say one thing. Go out and buy this novel. It is worth every penny. I usually don't enjoy my friend's book club selections, but this one was incredible.



Snow Flower is the laotong (old same) of Lilly a poor Chinese girl in the 19th century. The tale is spun by an 81 year old Lilly now Lady Lu, looking back on her life and her regrets.

In reading this, you catch a glimpse into a strange culture. You read of the girl's foot binding, which results in the death of one sister. You truly see how poorly women were treated, "useless branches" is how they are described over and over. You will also learn about the secret writing of nu shu that women used to communicate with away from the influence of men.

As you see the two girls grow into women you also see the two women switch statures. Lily marries well, but because Snow Flower's father had taken to the pipe, she marries as low as any Chinese girl could marry, a butcher. It is because of this life changing event that their long friendship begins to disintegrate and it almost dies altogether.

You will love both of the characters and share their joys and sorrows. I truly believe that you'll understand what motivates Lily towards the end of the novel when her relationship with Snow Flower is shaken. You will love with these two women. You will cry with them and you will give your forgiveness when the story is done.

A Long Way Down

I just finished this novel yesterday. First let me say I read whatever Nick Hornby books I can get my hands on. Oddly High Fidelity is the only one I haven't read. But back to A Long Way Down.

On the top of a tower block are 4 people, all prepared to jump, but somehow because the were all there at the same time, they don't do it and their lives become entangled, for the better.

Martin is the former breakfast show host on the slide because he got caught shagging a 15 year old.

Maureen is the fiftysomething catholic mother of a vegetable son.

JJ is a musician whose band broke up and his girlfriend dumped him.

Jess is the 18 year old girl, who kinda does the whole poor little rich girl gone wrong thing.

In the space of 320 pages you come to love all three of them for all their quirks and for the fact that in sharing their troubles they come to care just a little bit for each other and help each other away from the desire to take to the roof of Topper's House.

I always find something personal about Hornby's writing. In this book he describes "music rage" In the book Hornby describe's it as like road rage only more righteous. With road rage a part of you knows you're being a jerk, but when you get music rage, you're carrying out the will of God and God wants those people dead.

God bless Nick Hornby for writing those words, because when I get into a musical argument I get music rage and I get it bad. Just ask anyone who has ever argued music with me.

If you've read any of his other books, you'll enjoy this one. If you haven't read any of his books, try this one. It's good. Hornby's writing is easy to digest and entertaining. It's the perfect companion on a wet dreary winter day.

Dead In The Water

Here's a crime novel that really held my attention. A gorgeous blonde (how typical) stands accused of murdering her husband at sea and is about to collect on a multi-million dollar insurance policy.

Stone Barrington is a New York, cop turned attorney who by bad luck just happens to attend her inquest at the small island of St. Marks where the legal system is far from fair.

So sets a strange string of events. Ex-wives appear as well as old acquaintances and at least one other person ends up dead and it casts a poor light on the heroine, who from the looks of things will hang.

Its a worthy read, entertaining and fast paced. Even I was surprised by the ending. It took all my willpower not to read the end first, as I often do when I'm reading mysteries.

If you go to the library or a book store and you need something for a cold winter's night, this book is a good choice, and that's saying something, since I usually prefer romance novels to myseteries

A Spooktacular Read

If you're looking for a creepy book to curl up to this Halloween, allow me to recommend , Leanna: Possession Of A Woman by Marie Kiraly.



It's the story of a writer who ends up residing in a room in New Orleans were a murder and suicide occurred. The heroine, Hailey, becomes so intrigued by the story of the two lovers and their demise that she decides to write their story. Of course, things are made more interesting when "Leanna" decides to inhabit Hailey's body as well as telling her, her life story through vivid dreams.

It's a tale of voodoo, abuse, incest and every other nasty thing you can possibly imagine. It's also a good read. It's one of the very few novels of its kind that doesn't feel contrived or cliched.

The revelations that are uncovered as the book progresses are unexpected. This book definitely keeps you on your toes and the edge of your seat as you wait for the ending.

So if you are after a good creepy, haunting read, find a copy of this one and settle down to be surprised at how the story plays out over the backdrop of New Orleans.

Marley And Me

Anyone that's ever owned a dog should read this book. Actually, anyone that has ever had a pet should read this book.

It's 289 pages of reflection on a wonderful love that only a family and a dog can have. I laughed my way through the first 200-250 pages. Marley's antics reminded me so much of a lovable mutt we had in my teen years. There were times when I could see Snickers again. His white body with his little brown patch over his one eye. His lovable look. He was just like Marley.

As a puppy Snickers got on the kitchen table and devoured a whole box of donuts and he collapsed there with his little belly swollen from his stolen treats. That's the kind of dog Marley was too. It was a little bit like reading bits of my dog's life too.

The sad part was, it was like reading about his death as well. Marley's stomach flipped as he grew older, compounded with problems with his hips, which seem to be a common problem in bigger dogs like Labs and German Shepherds.

Reading about Marley's failing health reminded me again of Snickers. Only Snickers didn't live long enough to have problems with his hips. His stomach flipped (or so we assumed because his death was sudden).

The last 40 pages had me crying for the Mr. Grogan and his family and for myself for the dog that I lost that was a big lovable mutt.

But even though the ending is sad, as is the end of any life, Marley's life was a joy and an inspiration, and his story should be read by anyone and everyone. It's a funny beautiful tail..erm tale of pet ownership, and one that shouldn't be missed.

You Should Read This

Jessamyn West's book is about how she learned to say yes to life and how she helped her sister Carmen say yes to death.

The subject matter is depressing but the story is anything but. It's inspiring and thought provoking both from the standpoint of the writer who we see suffering from what should have been a fatal case of tuberculosis and later how she helps her sister deal with cancer.

You also see the unconventional mother whose own family history helps her want to live, or rather helps her to make the choice to live. The mother that also reminds us that the dying is easy....it's living that takes work....in these words

"Dying is a short horse, soon curried. Living is a horse of a different color and bigger."

This book is hard to put down even in the moments when your eyes fill with tears for the struggles the women are facing. You'll not waste a moment to wipe your eyes, because Jessamyn writes of her life with such eloquence and emotion that you feel your right there with her as she tells her story. To move or become distracted would be an insult.

Take the journey with her. It will be one that you won't forget and you might even find you take away a bit of her family's wisdom when you finally turn the last page.

Wonderful Tonight?

After 2 days of intense reading I finished the 300 odd page autobiography written by the ex-wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton.

My initial thoughts now that I've put the book down run on the lines of, "Someone paid this woman to write this?"

It's not bad, in the sense that it was poorly written, but it was poorly organized. In so many parts of the book, especially after she became involved with The Beatles her narrative seemed to jump across the years, which left me rather bewildered at times.

The other thing that bothered me was how little she elaborated on her life with the Beatles. Everything is mentioned briefly with very little detail. There were no little tidbits about any of the other members of the band or their wives and children.

How can you spent that much of your life involved with these people and not mention them except almost in passing?

It seems like its almost random things that get slightly more detail, buying Friar Park and George's infidelity with Ringo's wife, though that seemed to be such a catalyst to her leaving him, that one would think it would get more than a page or so, are among a few of the highlights in the book.

If you are looking to learn anything new about the Beatles...don't bother. I'm not even sure if you want to gain insight on the life of one of the most well-known rock wives that this is a book that will impress.

In so many parts it read like..George was ignoring me...Whine...Whine...George was having affairs...Whine...Whine...Whine. And with Eric it was. Drink...drugs...other women....And Pattie? What did she do about all of this? NOTHING!

I groaned through most of the book thinking, "Lady you are worse than any Harlequin romance novel."

Yet, in the end she's a strong woman. She survived 2 marriages that were destructive emotionally. She lived through the drugs and alcohol and is still here to tell her story, even if its a rather bland one.

My advice to anyone out there that want to read this, check it out from the library. It's not worth purchasing, at least not in hardback.

I did learn a few interesting things about her sister though.

Jenny Boyd was married to Mick Fleetwood twice. She was also the inspiration for Donovan's song, Jennifer Juniper. (Blergh) I won't listen to that song in the same light now.

I think I may have to acquire George's I Me Mine now for clarity.