This book is the third installment in this series. I saw it on the new books shelf and I had to grab it, despite having a ton of other books that I "need" to read. I had to know what happens next. That's just how I am. The previous book was left off at such a big cliffhanger...
I know that Lizzie is referred to as the Queen of Babble but I just do not see as so. I understand she does say things sometimes when she's not supposed to. I mean, who doesn't? I just feel that she is not as bad as her title makes her sound. Her heart is in the right place even though her mouth isn't.
We left off in Queen of Babble in the Big City with Luke just having proposed to Lizzie. And Lizzie accepting even though she has a sleeping Chaz upstairs in her apartment?!??! Okay, her New Year's Eve wedding date with Chaz was purely platonic. Mostly, anyway. But Lizzie has discovered that there is potential in their relationship. But not if she is going to marry Luke, Chaz's best friend.
Chaos ensues. Lizzie is the talk of the town, since her restored gown has been publicly deemed a hit. Everyone wants her to do their gown. Her shop, or rather her boss' shop is busier than ever. However, Henri suffers from a heart attack, leaving his beloved shop in Lizzie's....er...um....capable hands while he recovers.
Tiffany, the receptionist, from Chad's dad's firm comes to the aid as Lizzie gets bombarded with calls. And a high profile celebrity, Ava, becomes a client. Lizzie takes her on, not only to create a gown but to also turn her into a class act.
With all that's going on, Lizzie has little time to prepare for her own wedding. Everything time she thinks about her own wedding preparations, Lizzie breaks into hives. Not a good sign. And to make matters worse, Luke has taken on a "temporary" position with his uncle's firm in France. Luke wants Lizzie to go with him but she can't. She has her own business to contend with. And his job is supposed to be temporary, isn't it?
So Lizzie is supposed to plan her wedding on her own with Luke across the Atlantic Ocean, run Chez Henri and play Professor Higgins to Ava. Not to mention avoiding her feelings for Chad.
Luke's temporary position with his uncle's firm turns into a more permanent one. He never really did want to fulfill the fantasy of medical school. Lizzie realized that she was in love of what Luke was supposed to represent as opposed to the actual man and ended the engagement.
Ava and her fiance mutually decided not to go ahead with the wedding on the day of.
Lizzie happily continues with bridal gown business and begins a relationship with Chad, with the blessings of Shari. She no longer feels that marriage is where all roads lead to.
All's well that ends well. Ava gets dates, gets pregnant and marries the DJ she was enamored with. While at the marriage license bureau, Lizzie and Chad decide "why not?" No pomp and circumstance, no big to-do. Just the two of them, as it well should be.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Firestorm by Iris Johansen
Firestorm is another spinoff of the Eve Duncan series. Various characters have been introduced to have special psychic powers in other Iris Johansen books.
In Firestorm, Kerry Murphy is able to detect fires. She hides her ability by being an arson investigator with an "amazing" arson dog. Kerry "discovered" her ability after she woke up from a two year coma that was a result of being hit by an unknown man at the scene of a house fire that killed her mother. She continues to have nightmares about that night but is never able to "see" the man's face.
Brad Silver is a controller who knows her secret and needs her help. He, under the orders of the President, is after a pyromaniac. However, Brad also has a personal agenda. This pyromaniac, James Trask, is also responsible for the death of his brother, a US Senator, and his sister in law. Brad witnessed them being burned alive.
The US government needs to locate the unstable Trask. Trask had been in charge of a secret scientific project funded by the government. When the funding was pulled and the project terminated, Trask began targeting his enemies, those behind the end of his pet project.
Brad draws Kerry in to help to find Trask before he kills more people. As a controller, Brad is able to help Kerry with her nightmares and along the way, also teaches Kerry how to manipulate minds.
However in the meanwhile, Trask gets personal and targets Kerry's brother and his pregnant wife. Kerry's brother is burned and her sister in law loses her baby.
Not only does this not scare off Kerry, it motivates her even more to go after Trask. When Trask kidnaps Kerry's brother and father as an attempt to bring her to him, Kerry is ready for him. Kerry is able to use mind control to manipulate Trask into position so that Brad could take him out.
Kerry also learns the extent of her father's love for her brother when her father was willing to give up his life and hers for her brother. She had always known that her brother was the favored child and that there was a lack of a father daughter relationship. She did not begrudge her brother because she loved her brother as well.
Kerry finally gets a breakthrough and realizes that the unknown man and cause of the fire that killed her mother was her brother. Her father knew the fact and covered the fact. Knowing something was wrong her brother, her father spent his life trying to make it up by being a better father to him. Unfortunately, he did not have enough love to go around.
I have a little bit of trouble with the direction that Iris Johansen has taken this series. I think the main reason is that the Eve Duncan series starts out without any of these paranormal abilities. So I think I have difficulty transitioning from a normal forensic storyline to a paranormal one. Once I get past it, I begin to enjoy the story. I really enjoy the Iris Johansen books. I have to admit at first it did take a little bit getting used to the idea that Iris Johansen the romance writer was also a wonderful suspense writer.
In Firestorm, Kerry Murphy is able to detect fires. She hides her ability by being an arson investigator with an "amazing" arson dog. Kerry "discovered" her ability after she woke up from a two year coma that was a result of being hit by an unknown man at the scene of a house fire that killed her mother. She continues to have nightmares about that night but is never able to "see" the man's face.
Brad Silver is a controller who knows her secret and needs her help. He, under the orders of the President, is after a pyromaniac. However, Brad also has a personal agenda. This pyromaniac, James Trask, is also responsible for the death of his brother, a US Senator, and his sister in law. Brad witnessed them being burned alive.
The US government needs to locate the unstable Trask. Trask had been in charge of a secret scientific project funded by the government. When the funding was pulled and the project terminated, Trask began targeting his enemies, those behind the end of his pet project.
Brad draws Kerry in to help to find Trask before he kills more people. As a controller, Brad is able to help Kerry with her nightmares and along the way, also teaches Kerry how to manipulate minds.
However in the meanwhile, Trask gets personal and targets Kerry's brother and his pregnant wife. Kerry's brother is burned and her sister in law loses her baby.
Not only does this not scare off Kerry, it motivates her even more to go after Trask. When Trask kidnaps Kerry's brother and father as an attempt to bring her to him, Kerry is ready for him. Kerry is able to use mind control to manipulate Trask into position so that Brad could take him out.
Kerry also learns the extent of her father's love for her brother when her father was willing to give up his life and hers for her brother. She had always known that her brother was the favored child and that there was a lack of a father daughter relationship. She did not begrudge her brother because she loved her brother as well.
Kerry finally gets a breakthrough and realizes that the unknown man and cause of the fire that killed her mother was her brother. Her father knew the fact and covered the fact. Knowing something was wrong her brother, her father spent his life trying to make it up by being a better father to him. Unfortunately, he did not have enough love to go around.
I have a little bit of trouble with the direction that Iris Johansen has taken this series. I think the main reason is that the Eve Duncan series starts out without any of these paranormal abilities. So I think I have difficulty transitioning from a normal forensic storyline to a paranormal one. Once I get past it, I begin to enjoy the story. I really enjoy the Iris Johansen books. I have to admit at first it did take a little bit getting used to the idea that Iris Johansen the romance writer was also a wonderful suspense writer.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
I vaguely remember seeing the movie, Practical Magic, with Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, ages ago. So while reading the book, I kept trying to reconcile my memories with what I was reading right before me. It wasn't working too well. I didn't remember a whole lot. I think I just kept confusing myself. However, that didn't stop me from continuing to picture Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as Gillian and Sally Owens.
Two young girls are orphaned and come to be raised by their elderly witch aunts. Gillian, the wild and vivacious one, embraces her differences. Whereas Sally just wants to be normal. Gillian who falls in love at the blink of an eye, runs away to elope and escape. Sally who has always shied away from love, believing that her family is cursed when it comes to love, stays behind, falls in love, marries and has two little girls.
Then tragedy strikes and Sally's husband dies. Devastated, Sally leaves with her two girls to start a new, normal life, to be as far away as possible from her aunts. She continues to correspond with Gillian who has a wanderlust life with numerous husbands.
One day, Gillian shows up at her doorstep with a dead body, her current beau. She really did nothing do with his death but they did not want to be linked with the dead body. The two sisters bury the man in Sally's backyard. Mysterious things begin to happen. And a detective, Gary, shows up, investigating the disappearance of a man he was tracking.
The aunts come to help Sally and Gillian with the spirit that is now haunting. Sally and Gillian convince Gary that they had nothing to do with the disappearance of the missing man. Sally and Gillian are in the clear for the missing man.
This is what I get for not keeping up with posting. I cannot remember the ending. Funny thing though, just the other night, Practical Magic just happened to be on cable....
Two young girls are orphaned and come to be raised by their elderly witch aunts. Gillian, the wild and vivacious one, embraces her differences. Whereas Sally just wants to be normal. Gillian who falls in love at the blink of an eye, runs away to elope and escape. Sally who has always shied away from love, believing that her family is cursed when it comes to love, stays behind, falls in love, marries and has two little girls.
Then tragedy strikes and Sally's husband dies. Devastated, Sally leaves with her two girls to start a new, normal life, to be as far away as possible from her aunts. She continues to correspond with Gillian who has a wanderlust life with numerous husbands.
One day, Gillian shows up at her doorstep with a dead body, her current beau. She really did nothing do with his death but they did not want to be linked with the dead body. The two sisters bury the man in Sally's backyard. Mysterious things begin to happen. And a detective, Gary, shows up, investigating the disappearance of a man he was tracking.
The aunts come to help Sally and Gillian with the spirit that is now haunting. Sally and Gillian convince Gary that they had nothing to do with the disappearance of the missing man. Sally and Gillian are in the clear for the missing man.
This is what I get for not keeping up with posting. I cannot remember the ending. Funny thing though, just the other night, Practical Magic just happened to be on cable....
Friday, August 7, 2009
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
This is another heartstring tugging book from Jodi Picoult. And I expect no less from her. I love her books because they make you think. I like to describe her as an author who writes about social issues. That's not totally accurate but it gives you a gist of what her stories are about. Without a doubt, after reading one of her books there will always be discussion and controversy. Change of Heart is no different.
June is the sole survivor of a fatal car accident that takes her husband and leaves her to care for their baby girl, Elizabeth, on her own. She eventually falls in love with and marries the police officer, Kurt, that rescues her. While heavily pregnant with her second daughter, June hires an itinerant, Shay Bourne, to help with some badly needed repairs. June returns one day from an ob-gyn appointment to find her husband, Kurt, and her daughter, Elizabeth, killed. Presumably by Shay. Shay is sent to death row, the first in over half a century. The jury deliberations were tough. There was one holdout by a young man, Michael. Michael's guilt in his part in this case leads him to a life in priesthood.
June, again, becomes a single parent to a baby girl, Claire. Under the circumstances, one can understand why June is very protective of her daughter. June is much more so with Claire due to a serious heart defect that requires a heart transplant for survival.
Years later, as Shay is facing execution, he sees a television segment showing a girl in need of a heart transplant and wants to donate his heart. June is ecstatic that someone wants to donate their heart. Moral dilemma, it belongs to the man that murdered her daughter and husband. June wants very much to deny the heart, hoping against all hope that there will be another donor. When she meets Shay face to face during a well supervised meeting, he tells her that Elizabeth was "better off dead." (My jaw dropped during this heart wrenching scene.)
Michael comes to the prison to befriend Shay and be his confessor. Michael and the other prisoners witness things that cannot be understood. Wine flows through the pipes of Shay's quadrant instead of water. A bird miraculously revives after Shay holds it. Shay pinpoints the cause of a guard's baby's severe illness to the peanut filling in her stuffed animal in her crib. Shay is able to share his one piece of gum with everyone in his ward. His HIV positive neighbor is seemingly cured the next day. A guard is fatally attacked by a prisoner and pronounced dead. While being removed by EMT, the guard revives, as Shay is seen huddled in a corner in prayer.
June refuses the heart but circumstances and time is not on Claire's side. June changes her mind when Claire ends up in the hospital. She accepts Shay's heart out of spite.
A trial is underway to determine whether Shay can donate his heart. A chamber has already been built to give him the lethal injection. Shay's lawyer helps him fight for the right to hang instead so that he can donate his heart.
Father Michael searches for ways to soothe Shay's soul, so that he may die in peace. Father Michael seeks out Shay's sister, Grace. He tries to convince her to forgive Shay for setting the fire that disfigures her face.
Shay admits to Father Michael that on the night of the murders, he discovered Kurt molesting his stepdaughter Elizabeth and in the struggle for the gun, Elizabeth was accidentally killed. Shay in turn killed Kurt for what he did. Although he finally admitted the truth, Shay refused to allow his lawyer to use the information to delay the trial. Shay wants to donate his heart. And time is running out.
When Claire finds out about the upcoming transplant, she convinces her mother to let her die.
Grace comes to visit June and shares the story of abuse from her foster father. She also tells June how she set the fire that killed her stepfather and how Shay took the blame. Grace plants the seed that Kurt might have been abusing Elizabeth. June decides that she will accept Shay's heart for Claire. The transplant is a success.
A few weeks later, while at home, Claire sees that her dog, Dudley has died. As she holds him in her arms, his heart starts beating again.
June is the sole survivor of a fatal car accident that takes her husband and leaves her to care for their baby girl, Elizabeth, on her own. She eventually falls in love with and marries the police officer, Kurt, that rescues her. While heavily pregnant with her second daughter, June hires an itinerant, Shay Bourne, to help with some badly needed repairs. June returns one day from an ob-gyn appointment to find her husband, Kurt, and her daughter, Elizabeth, killed. Presumably by Shay. Shay is sent to death row, the first in over half a century. The jury deliberations were tough. There was one holdout by a young man, Michael. Michael's guilt in his part in this case leads him to a life in priesthood.
June, again, becomes a single parent to a baby girl, Claire. Under the circumstances, one can understand why June is very protective of her daughter. June is much more so with Claire due to a serious heart defect that requires a heart transplant for survival.
Years later, as Shay is facing execution, he sees a television segment showing a girl in need of a heart transplant and wants to donate his heart. June is ecstatic that someone wants to donate their heart. Moral dilemma, it belongs to the man that murdered her daughter and husband. June wants very much to deny the heart, hoping against all hope that there will be another donor. When she meets Shay face to face during a well supervised meeting, he tells her that Elizabeth was "better off dead." (My jaw dropped during this heart wrenching scene.)
Michael comes to the prison to befriend Shay and be his confessor. Michael and the other prisoners witness things that cannot be understood. Wine flows through the pipes of Shay's quadrant instead of water. A bird miraculously revives after Shay holds it. Shay pinpoints the cause of a guard's baby's severe illness to the peanut filling in her stuffed animal in her crib. Shay is able to share his one piece of gum with everyone in his ward. His HIV positive neighbor is seemingly cured the next day. A guard is fatally attacked by a prisoner and pronounced dead. While being removed by EMT, the guard revives, as Shay is seen huddled in a corner in prayer.
June refuses the heart but circumstances and time is not on Claire's side. June changes her mind when Claire ends up in the hospital. She accepts Shay's heart out of spite.
A trial is underway to determine whether Shay can donate his heart. A chamber has already been built to give him the lethal injection. Shay's lawyer helps him fight for the right to hang instead so that he can donate his heart.
Father Michael searches for ways to soothe Shay's soul, so that he may die in peace. Father Michael seeks out Shay's sister, Grace. He tries to convince her to forgive Shay for setting the fire that disfigures her face.
Shay admits to Father Michael that on the night of the murders, he discovered Kurt molesting his stepdaughter Elizabeth and in the struggle for the gun, Elizabeth was accidentally killed. Shay in turn killed Kurt for what he did. Although he finally admitted the truth, Shay refused to allow his lawyer to use the information to delay the trial. Shay wants to donate his heart. And time is running out.
When Claire finds out about the upcoming transplant, she convinces her mother to let her die.
Grace comes to visit June and shares the story of abuse from her foster father. She also tells June how she set the fire that killed her stepfather and how Shay took the blame. Grace plants the seed that Kurt might have been abusing Elizabeth. June decides that she will accept Shay's heart for Claire. The transplant is a success.
A few weeks later, while at home, Claire sees that her dog, Dudley has died. As she holds him in her arms, his heart starts beating again.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Laced by Carol Higgins Clark
Laced is another in the Regan Reilly series. I think it's cute how Carol Higgins Clark gives her books one word titles that are verbs reflecting some aspect of the storyline. I can usually tell it is one of her books when I see them on shelf.
We follow Regan and Jack Reilly on their honeymoon in Ireland. They are staying at a castle that is reputed to be haunted by a ghost. The ghost is supposedly haunting the castle because she was never paid for the special lace tablecloth which is on display. On their first night at the castle, the fire alarm goes off in the wee hours of the morning. The disgruntled guests find out that the kitchen will be out of commission due to a fire and the antique lace is missing. And a note is left, taunting Jack. It is from notorious thieves that have eluded him. The hunt is on.
Add in a bumbling couple who are trying to score some extra money by selling the artwork of a housekeeper who works at the castle without telling her how valuable her paintings are worth, and we've got a Carol Higgins Clark mystery here.
I enjoy reading Carol Higgins Clark's books. Don't forget I love mystery/suspense books. Laced was an enjoyable, quick summer read.
We follow Regan and Jack Reilly on their honeymoon in Ireland. They are staying at a castle that is reputed to be haunted by a ghost. The ghost is supposedly haunting the castle because she was never paid for the special lace tablecloth which is on display. On their first night at the castle, the fire alarm goes off in the wee hours of the morning. The disgruntled guests find out that the kitchen will be out of commission due to a fire and the antique lace is missing. And a note is left, taunting Jack. It is from notorious thieves that have eluded him. The hunt is on.
Add in a bumbling couple who are trying to score some extra money by selling the artwork of a housekeeper who works at the castle without telling her how valuable her paintings are worth, and we've got a Carol Higgins Clark mystery here.
I enjoy reading Carol Higgins Clark's books. Don't forget I love mystery/suspense books. Laced was an enjoyable, quick summer read.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Reading the last book in a series is always bittersweet. At the same time, I was really looking forward to it. Stephenie Meyer tells an engaging tale. From the first book, Twilight, I wanted know what was going to happen. I wanted to know if Bella and Edward were going to get together. I wanted to know if Belle was going to become a vampire. And it's finally here. The end to the journey. Now here's the problem. When I get excited and want to find out what's going to happen, I tend to skim. I read super fast and of course, lose things. In this, I mean, I lose text, nuances, even bits and pieces of the storyline because I read so fast. All just to find out what is going to happen. However this is not a problem with Stephenie Meyer's books. The writing is simple and simplistic so it is easy to read, easy to follow.
Now onto the story. Bella and Edward must fulfill their promise to each other. Bella begins to plan their wedding, or rather Alice begins to plan their wedding and Edward will make Bella a vampire after they are married. Jacob returns have a dance with Belle at the reception as a sign of his reluctant acceptance. Then Edward takes Bella on an elaborate honeymoon on Rene's island. They consummate their marriage with much reluctance on Edward's part. Not because he does not love Bella. On the contrary, he is reluctant because he loves her too much. Edward is afraid that in his passion, he will crush and hurt Bella. They wake up the following morning to find the bed mangled. Bella wakes up completely ecstatic but to Edward's horror, Bella is completely bruised. He swears to not touch Bella again, to Bella's dismay, and tries to distract with all the wonders of the island. Bella is distracted and not feeling well. She quickly comes to the conclusion that she is pregnant. Bella is overjoyed. Edward is not. Vampires apparently are unable to reproduce. And legend says that those that do, do not fare well. Legend has it that the "babies" are monsters, so Edward's initial is less than positive. His immediate call to Carlisle spurs him to get Bella back home to Forks to get rid of the "spawn." Bella immediately forms an alliance with Rosalie, who she has never gotten along with, to protect the baby. Rosalie who longs for her former, normal life where she could have grown up, married and had a family has a second chance with Bella's baby.
Although Bella is newly pregnant, her stages of pregnancy is advancing at a rapid pace. By the time she returns to Fork, she is clearly showing, feels the baby kicking and is having difficulty walking. Bella refuses to allow anyone to harm the baby despite the damage the baby is doing to her. She is unable to move, breathe or eat. The baby even ends up breaking her ribs with its kicks. But nothing can convince her the baby is evil. She continues to have beautiful dreams about the baby boy she thinks she is going to have.
Jacob returns to this "horror," and remains because it makes Bella happy. And Edward will put up with anything, even Jacob, to keep Bella happy. For once Jacob and Edward are truly on the same side in wanting Bella to end this horror of a pregnancy because they know it will kill Belle.
There are unknown dangers of a vampire child. The werewolves are "obligated" to kill the it and in doing so, its mother. Jacob, an alpha in his own right because he is a direct descendent of the first werewolf, leaves his pack and forms his own. At first he meant to be a lone pack but two others join him - Leah and Seth. Seth had formed a bond with Edward after fighting the vampires in Eclipse. And as an alpha, Jacob gives Edward permission to break the Convenant formed by years ago by the werewolves and the vampires, in order to save Bella's life. So the werewolves will no longer go after the vampires after Bella is made into a vampire.
A couple realizations are made. Since Bella is unable to keep any food down, the idea that because she is carrying a vampire child, perhaps it is blood that she is craving. And it actually works. Edward also realizes that he is able to read the baby's mind and has a conversation with the baby to let the baby know that all the movements have been hurting Mommy. And that works, too. The baby actually relays to Edward how much Mommy is loved. This now endears Edward to the child and they have made the step towards being a loving family. Jacob has lost his ally in Edward. The baby tries its best to not hurt Mommy but soon cannot help it. The time has come for Bella to give birth. Bella may die. Or will she?
Giving birth is killing her. It is literally tearing Bella apart. It is then that Edward chooses to make Belle a vampire by injecting her with his vampire blood. Rosalie escapes with the baby. Clearly, the baby is her first priority. The baby is a little girl, not the baby boy that Bella dreamed she was carrying. She names her Renesmee, after her mother and Edward's mother.
The transformation begins. Bella feels the burn searing through her veins throughout her body, along with a rapid heartbeat. This accelerates and accelerates for what seems like an eternity until it comes to a sudden stop. The transformation is complete. Belle is now a vampire.
Bella jumps up with the kind of agility and grace that she most definitely never had. Edward is wary. Everyone knows how dangerous and strong a newborn vampire is. Bella feels a bit a wariness of her own as she feels the tension in the air emanating from the other vampires. But Bella can only think of her baby. The circumstances under which Bella finally sees her baby girl is strange. Everyone is afraid of Bella's new abilities. As a newborn vampire, she is stronger than everyone else there. They are afraid not for themselves, but for her newborn who is half human and has human blood flowing in her veins. Bella shows amazing self control. Jasper who has had much experience with newborn vampires is astonished by Bella.
Surprisingly, the most protective over Renesmee is not Edward, not Rosalie or any of the other vampires. The one who hovers over the most is Jacob. Jacob has imprinted on Renesmee. Renesmee is Jacob's true mate. Bella is not happy.
Renesmee is a very special baby. It only takes one look at her to figure that out. She is unlike any other newborn. Yes, she is half human and half vampire, but there is more to it. Renesmee is very alert and aware, much more than a newborn should be at a few days old. We soon discover that Renesmee is aging at rapid pace, which explains the advanced pregnancy that caused Bella to give birth at a few months. This is a cause for concern. Carlisle is pooling all his resources to figure out what may or may not happen to Renesmee. Renesmee's growth is monitored and she appears to be toddler size before long. Thankfully, the rapid pace of growth as slowed down a little. She is not aging as quickly as she did at birth.
Renesmee also has her own abilities, not unlike her very special parents. With a touch, Renesmee is able to project her thoughts onto other people. It is the mirror image of Edward's abilities. She is able to "speak" to people and let people know her thoughts and desires despite being a newborn.
It is against vampire creed to make vampire children because they are dangerous and uncontrollable. So when Renesmee is seen by a lurking vampire and is mistaken to be one, the Volturi are informed. The Volturi begin to make their way to Forks to destroy Renesmee and the Cullens.
The Cullens gather their fellow vampires from around the world to stand as their witnesses as to Renesmee being a special human vampire child, in hopes that the Volturi will at least pause long enough to listen to their case. There is resistance for fear that Volturi will destroy them or the Cullens will expect them to fight. The Cullens only want witnesses.
In the meanwhile, Alice and Jasper disappear to places unknown. Speculation is that Alice was running away from what she know who spell doom for the Cullens. However, Alice did leave an innocuous clue for Bella, and only Bella. The page from a book leads Bella to a forger of all people. Bella deduces and determines that if all fails and Volturi destroys the Cullens, Renesmee will escape and start a new life as someone else. Bella has to be the one who sets this plan in motion because her mind is protected from Edward and the Volturi.
By the time the Volturi arrive with their entourage, the Cullens and many of their witnesses have formed a bond. Bella has also learned to finesse her special abilities. Her barrier that protects her thoughts from Edward has been honed to be a physical shield which she has been working on to protect not only herself but those around her.
The Volturi is taken aback by huge show of support for the Cullens. They destroy Irina for her mistake of leading them there. However, the Volturi still feel that Renesmee must not be allowed to live because they do not know the consequences of her existence. The Volturi make a show of deliberating while making hidden attempts to pick off some of the Cullens and their friends. If not for Bella's expanded abilities to formulate an invisible shield, the Volturi would have won.
Alice and Jasper arrive to save the day. They return from South America with an existing 150 year old human vampire that looks like a teenager. This first gives hope to Bella and Edward that Renesmee will live a long life and not prematurely die. This also shows the Volturi that Renesmee will not be a danger to vampire's secret existence.
The Volturi leave. And Bella, Edward and Renesmee can begin to enjoy their life together. The end.
I read that there was a lot of backlash for Breaking Dawn. I know that Breaking Dawn did not have many fans. But I actually liked this book. I liked Breaking Dawn better than Eclipse which I knew was a favorite of many. I felt that something was finally happening in this book. Things were finally going somewhere. The previous books were in stasis and things were finally happening in Breaking Dawn. Bella's little secret spy mission was a little weird and seemed to be a bit of a simplistic solution to the problem. But it's not like I can think of one better. It was a departure of the direction of the storyline that we were used to Twilight. But it made sense, sort of. Bella holding the key to Renesmee's safety in case all else fails. Bella is the one with the mind who noone can read.
Now Breaking Dawn isn't my favorite of the Twilight series. My favorite of the Twilight series is actually one that Stephenie Meyer has not written yet. Yes, I am referring to Midnight Sun, the companion book to Twilight. It is the first book that is from Edward's point of view. Supposedly a copy of one of the initial drafts of Midnight Sun was leaked on the internet. Now Stephenie Meyer feels violated and will not finish writing the book. At least not yet. She has released the draft on her website. So of course I had to read it. I know there are many Twilight devotees who vow not to read Midnight Sun until it is published but I am not one of them. I had to read it once I found out about it. I loved the concept of Midnight Sun. I've always wanted to know what someone was thinking both in real life and in stories. I want to know what is going through their head. Maybe I'm just a nosy person, but that's just how I am. The idea that Midnight Sun is the counterpart to Twilight which is from Bella's perspective is awesome. I was reading Midnight Sun thinking, oh, that's why he did that. So that explains why he said that. I loved it. I really do hope that Stephenie Meyer decides to complete Midnight Sun.
Now onto the story. Bella and Edward must fulfill their promise to each other. Bella begins to plan their wedding, or rather Alice begins to plan their wedding and Edward will make Bella a vampire after they are married. Jacob returns have a dance with Belle at the reception as a sign of his reluctant acceptance. Then Edward takes Bella on an elaborate honeymoon on Rene's island. They consummate their marriage with much reluctance on Edward's part. Not because he does not love Bella. On the contrary, he is reluctant because he loves her too much. Edward is afraid that in his passion, he will crush and hurt Bella. They wake up the following morning to find the bed mangled. Bella wakes up completely ecstatic but to Edward's horror, Bella is completely bruised. He swears to not touch Bella again, to Bella's dismay, and tries to distract with all the wonders of the island. Bella is distracted and not feeling well. She quickly comes to the conclusion that she is pregnant. Bella is overjoyed. Edward is not. Vampires apparently are unable to reproduce. And legend says that those that do, do not fare well. Legend has it that the "babies" are monsters, so Edward's initial is less than positive. His immediate call to Carlisle spurs him to get Bella back home to Forks to get rid of the "spawn." Bella immediately forms an alliance with Rosalie, who she has never gotten along with, to protect the baby. Rosalie who longs for her former, normal life where she could have grown up, married and had a family has a second chance with Bella's baby.
Although Bella is newly pregnant, her stages of pregnancy is advancing at a rapid pace. By the time she returns to Fork, she is clearly showing, feels the baby kicking and is having difficulty walking. Bella refuses to allow anyone to harm the baby despite the damage the baby is doing to her. She is unable to move, breathe or eat. The baby even ends up breaking her ribs with its kicks. But nothing can convince her the baby is evil. She continues to have beautiful dreams about the baby boy she thinks she is going to have.
Jacob returns to this "horror," and remains because it makes Bella happy. And Edward will put up with anything, even Jacob, to keep Bella happy. For once Jacob and Edward are truly on the same side in wanting Bella to end this horror of a pregnancy because they know it will kill Belle.
There are unknown dangers of a vampire child. The werewolves are "obligated" to kill the it and in doing so, its mother. Jacob, an alpha in his own right because he is a direct descendent of the first werewolf, leaves his pack and forms his own. At first he meant to be a lone pack but two others join him - Leah and Seth. Seth had formed a bond with Edward after fighting the vampires in Eclipse. And as an alpha, Jacob gives Edward permission to break the Convenant formed by years ago by the werewolves and the vampires, in order to save Bella's life. So the werewolves will no longer go after the vampires after Bella is made into a vampire.
A couple realizations are made. Since Bella is unable to keep any food down, the idea that because she is carrying a vampire child, perhaps it is blood that she is craving. And it actually works. Edward also realizes that he is able to read the baby's mind and has a conversation with the baby to let the baby know that all the movements have been hurting Mommy. And that works, too. The baby actually relays to Edward how much Mommy is loved. This now endears Edward to the child and they have made the step towards being a loving family. Jacob has lost his ally in Edward. The baby tries its best to not hurt Mommy but soon cannot help it. The time has come for Bella to give birth. Bella may die. Or will she?
Giving birth is killing her. It is literally tearing Bella apart. It is then that Edward chooses to make Belle a vampire by injecting her with his vampire blood. Rosalie escapes with the baby. Clearly, the baby is her first priority. The baby is a little girl, not the baby boy that Bella dreamed she was carrying. She names her Renesmee, after her mother and Edward's mother.
The transformation begins. Bella feels the burn searing through her veins throughout her body, along with a rapid heartbeat. This accelerates and accelerates for what seems like an eternity until it comes to a sudden stop. The transformation is complete. Belle is now a vampire.
Bella jumps up with the kind of agility and grace that she most definitely never had. Edward is wary. Everyone knows how dangerous and strong a newborn vampire is. Bella feels a bit a wariness of her own as she feels the tension in the air emanating from the other vampires. But Bella can only think of her baby. The circumstances under which Bella finally sees her baby girl is strange. Everyone is afraid of Bella's new abilities. As a newborn vampire, she is stronger than everyone else there. They are afraid not for themselves, but for her newborn who is half human and has human blood flowing in her veins. Bella shows amazing self control. Jasper who has had much experience with newborn vampires is astonished by Bella.
Surprisingly, the most protective over Renesmee is not Edward, not Rosalie or any of the other vampires. The one who hovers over the most is Jacob. Jacob has imprinted on Renesmee. Renesmee is Jacob's true mate. Bella is not happy.
Renesmee is a very special baby. It only takes one look at her to figure that out. She is unlike any other newborn. Yes, she is half human and half vampire, but there is more to it. Renesmee is very alert and aware, much more than a newborn should be at a few days old. We soon discover that Renesmee is aging at rapid pace, which explains the advanced pregnancy that caused Bella to give birth at a few months. This is a cause for concern. Carlisle is pooling all his resources to figure out what may or may not happen to Renesmee. Renesmee's growth is monitored and she appears to be toddler size before long. Thankfully, the rapid pace of growth as slowed down a little. She is not aging as quickly as she did at birth.
Renesmee also has her own abilities, not unlike her very special parents. With a touch, Renesmee is able to project her thoughts onto other people. It is the mirror image of Edward's abilities. She is able to "speak" to people and let people know her thoughts and desires despite being a newborn.
It is against vampire creed to make vampire children because they are dangerous and uncontrollable. So when Renesmee is seen by a lurking vampire and is mistaken to be one, the Volturi are informed. The Volturi begin to make their way to Forks to destroy Renesmee and the Cullens.
The Cullens gather their fellow vampires from around the world to stand as their witnesses as to Renesmee being a special human vampire child, in hopes that the Volturi will at least pause long enough to listen to their case. There is resistance for fear that Volturi will destroy them or the Cullens will expect them to fight. The Cullens only want witnesses.
In the meanwhile, Alice and Jasper disappear to places unknown. Speculation is that Alice was running away from what she know who spell doom for the Cullens. However, Alice did leave an innocuous clue for Bella, and only Bella. The page from a book leads Bella to a forger of all people. Bella deduces and determines that if all fails and Volturi destroys the Cullens, Renesmee will escape and start a new life as someone else. Bella has to be the one who sets this plan in motion because her mind is protected from Edward and the Volturi.
By the time the Volturi arrive with their entourage, the Cullens and many of their witnesses have formed a bond. Bella has also learned to finesse her special abilities. Her barrier that protects her thoughts from Edward has been honed to be a physical shield which she has been working on to protect not only herself but those around her.
The Volturi is taken aback by huge show of support for the Cullens. They destroy Irina for her mistake of leading them there. However, the Volturi still feel that Renesmee must not be allowed to live because they do not know the consequences of her existence. The Volturi make a show of deliberating while making hidden attempts to pick off some of the Cullens and their friends. If not for Bella's expanded abilities to formulate an invisible shield, the Volturi would have won.
Alice and Jasper arrive to save the day. They return from South America with an existing 150 year old human vampire that looks like a teenager. This first gives hope to Bella and Edward that Renesmee will live a long life and not prematurely die. This also shows the Volturi that Renesmee will not be a danger to vampire's secret existence.
The Volturi leave. And Bella, Edward and Renesmee can begin to enjoy their life together. The end.
I read that there was a lot of backlash for Breaking Dawn. I know that Breaking Dawn did not have many fans. But I actually liked this book. I liked Breaking Dawn better than Eclipse which I knew was a favorite of many. I felt that something was finally happening in this book. Things were finally going somewhere. The previous books were in stasis and things were finally happening in Breaking Dawn. Bella's little secret spy mission was a little weird and seemed to be a bit of a simplistic solution to the problem. But it's not like I can think of one better. It was a departure of the direction of the storyline that we were used to Twilight. But it made sense, sort of. Bella holding the key to Renesmee's safety in case all else fails. Bella is the one with the mind who noone can read.
Now Breaking Dawn isn't my favorite of the Twilight series. My favorite of the Twilight series is actually one that Stephenie Meyer has not written yet. Yes, I am referring to Midnight Sun, the companion book to Twilight. It is the first book that is from Edward's point of view. Supposedly a copy of one of the initial drafts of Midnight Sun was leaked on the internet. Now Stephenie Meyer feels violated and will not finish writing the book. At least not yet. She has released the draft on her website. So of course I had to read it. I know there are many Twilight devotees who vow not to read Midnight Sun until it is published but I am not one of them. I had to read it once I found out about it. I loved the concept of Midnight Sun. I've always wanted to know what someone was thinking both in real life and in stories. I want to know what is going through their head. Maybe I'm just a nosy person, but that's just how I am. The idea that Midnight Sun is the counterpart to Twilight which is from Bella's perspective is awesome. I was reading Midnight Sun thinking, oh, that's why he did that. So that explains why he said that. I loved it. I really do hope that Stephenie Meyer decides to complete Midnight Sun.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Rose Madder by Stephen King
So I combed the recommendations from an online book club for promising horror books to fulfill my horror genre. I used to be a huge fan of horror books and movies. I think I have lost my nerve as I've gotten older. So I was looking for a milder horror book, one that wouldn't give me nightmares. I know that Stephen King is the "King of Horror." He earns his title well. That man has a very sick mind. One really has to have one in order to come up with the stories he does. A book club friend tells me that he came up with The Shining and the character of Jack because "there are times when I felt very angry toward my children and have even felt as though I could hurt them." Okay. But the recommendation said that Rose Madder was not one of those scary horror books, so I went with that.
Basically the story begins on a surprising note. And not in a good way. Rose, pregnant, is beaten up by her husband for reading what he considers trash. Needless to say, Rose has a miscarriage and Norman covers it up. Rose feels that noone would take her word against the word of her husband, a cop. Rose suffers in silence for years, until one day a spot of blood on the sheets pushes her to run away. It was a hard road for Rose to take because for over a decade, Rose had meekly followed and taken Norman's abuse. But somehow she did it. Rose managed to escape by bus to a town that she thought would be far away enough. And luckily, she met a man at the bus depot who directed her to home for abused women. In this new place, Rose thrives and learns to be independent for the first time in a long, long time.
Meanwhile, Norman has not forgotten her. He considers Rose his possession and will never let go. He is just temporarily detained because he is being honored as a "hero" for a big case he has just solved.
Rose decides to pawn her engagement and wedding rings because they no longer hold any significance for her, only to find out that the diamond engagement ring that Norman told her was worth a lot of money was not real. This really brought to home how little Norman thought of and valued her even in the beginning. As she leaves the pawn shop in utter embarrassment, Rose finds herself mesmerized by a painting. The painting is of a woman standing in the middle of a field with her back to the viewer. Rose has to have this painting. She trades her two rings for the painting. As Rose leaves the pawn shop with her prize, another patron of the pawn shop stops her and offers her a job. He is owns an audio book company and thought that Rose had a wonderful voice that would tape beautifully. So things are slowly falling into place for Rose. She has found a safe haven away from Norman. She has a job for the first time. She has her own apartment. And she meets a man. Bill is the clerk at the pawn shop. Rose thinks she is safe since it has been a while since she has escaped from Norman. Meanwhile, Norman is finishing up business and begins to slowly follow leads to track Rose. He is in no hurry because he "knows" he will find what belongs to him.
In the meanwhile, the haunting painting that Rose found at the pawn shop holds much significance. The title of the painting is Rose Madder who Rose assumes is the female figure in the painting. Rose begins to notice subtle changes in the painting. Rose also begins to have dreams about the painting where she seems to enter the painting and finds that there is more to the painting than what she first sees. Apparently there is a monster that is similar to the Minotaur in the Greek myths.
Norman succeeds in tracking Rose to the town she now calls her home. He tortures and kills the man who first directed Rose to the women's shelter. He tries to stalk her at a fair sponsored by the women's shelter and almost succeeds in getting her. He injures two of her friends. Norman escapes after donning a mask that interestingly enough makes him look like the Minotaur. During his escape, Norman begins to have conversations with the mask and it begins to "influence" his actions.
Now things start getting intense. The police are now actively involved. Norman goes back to the women's shelter to find out where Rose lives. There he takes the life of the director of the shelter. Rose and Bill go back to her apartment, knowing that the police believe her claims of her husband's cruelty and have sent police patrol to guard her apartment. Unfortunately, Norman had gotten there first. Norman, having killed the two patrolmen, was disguised as one of the officers in the patrol car to give Rose the peace of mind to unlock the front door of her building. Rose and Bill just barely manage to make it up to her apartment by pure luck and the skin of their teeth. To escape the madman, Rose and Bill enter the Rose Madder painting. Rose will get help if she follows direction which is to lead the monster/Norman to a certain destination. And it is there that Rose Madder of the painting attacks and destroys the monster/Norman.
Hereafter, Rose and Bill leave the painting and one would think there would be a happily ever after. Rose and Bill marry and have a child but Rose has periods of rage and actually has abuse tendencies. She was warned by Rose Madder it would happen. Rose Madder had foreseen Rose's rage and had given her seeds and the warning "to remember the tree." This is the tree at the lake that Bill had brought her to. The seeds grow into a beautiful but deadly tree, I believe representing the poison that caused her rage.
Basically the story begins on a surprising note. And not in a good way. Rose, pregnant, is beaten up by her husband for reading what he considers trash. Needless to say, Rose has a miscarriage and Norman covers it up. Rose feels that noone would take her word against the word of her husband, a cop. Rose suffers in silence for years, until one day a spot of blood on the sheets pushes her to run away. It was a hard road for Rose to take because for over a decade, Rose had meekly followed and taken Norman's abuse. But somehow she did it. Rose managed to escape by bus to a town that she thought would be far away enough. And luckily, she met a man at the bus depot who directed her to home for abused women. In this new place, Rose thrives and learns to be independent for the first time in a long, long time.
Meanwhile, Norman has not forgotten her. He considers Rose his possession and will never let go. He is just temporarily detained because he is being honored as a "hero" for a big case he has just solved.
Rose decides to pawn her engagement and wedding rings because they no longer hold any significance for her, only to find out that the diamond engagement ring that Norman told her was worth a lot of money was not real. This really brought to home how little Norman thought of and valued her even in the beginning. As she leaves the pawn shop in utter embarrassment, Rose finds herself mesmerized by a painting. The painting is of a woman standing in the middle of a field with her back to the viewer. Rose has to have this painting. She trades her two rings for the painting. As Rose leaves the pawn shop with her prize, another patron of the pawn shop stops her and offers her a job. He is owns an audio book company and thought that Rose had a wonderful voice that would tape beautifully. So things are slowly falling into place for Rose. She has found a safe haven away from Norman. She has a job for the first time. She has her own apartment. And she meets a man. Bill is the clerk at the pawn shop. Rose thinks she is safe since it has been a while since she has escaped from Norman. Meanwhile, Norman is finishing up business and begins to slowly follow leads to track Rose. He is in no hurry because he "knows" he will find what belongs to him.
In the meanwhile, the haunting painting that Rose found at the pawn shop holds much significance. The title of the painting is Rose Madder who Rose assumes is the female figure in the painting. Rose begins to notice subtle changes in the painting. Rose also begins to have dreams about the painting where she seems to enter the painting and finds that there is more to the painting than what she first sees. Apparently there is a monster that is similar to the Minotaur in the Greek myths.
Norman succeeds in tracking Rose to the town she now calls her home. He tortures and kills the man who first directed Rose to the women's shelter. He tries to stalk her at a fair sponsored by the women's shelter and almost succeeds in getting her. He injures two of her friends. Norman escapes after donning a mask that interestingly enough makes him look like the Minotaur. During his escape, Norman begins to have conversations with the mask and it begins to "influence" his actions.
Now things start getting intense. The police are now actively involved. Norman goes back to the women's shelter to find out where Rose lives. There he takes the life of the director of the shelter. Rose and Bill go back to her apartment, knowing that the police believe her claims of her husband's cruelty and have sent police patrol to guard her apartment. Unfortunately, Norman had gotten there first. Norman, having killed the two patrolmen, was disguised as one of the officers in the patrol car to give Rose the peace of mind to unlock the front door of her building. Rose and Bill just barely manage to make it up to her apartment by pure luck and the skin of their teeth. To escape the madman, Rose and Bill enter the Rose Madder painting. Rose will get help if she follows direction which is to lead the monster/Norman to a certain destination. And it is there that Rose Madder of the painting attacks and destroys the monster/Norman.
Hereafter, Rose and Bill leave the painting and one would think there would be a happily ever after. Rose and Bill marry and have a child but Rose has periods of rage and actually has abuse tendencies. She was warned by Rose Madder it would happen. Rose Madder had foreseen Rose's rage and had given her seeds and the warning "to remember the tree." This is the tree at the lake that Bill had brought her to. The seeds grow into a beautiful but deadly tree, I believe representing the poison that caused her rage.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
I have wanted to read the classics for a while, books I have never had the chance to read. I never had to read the classics in high school. I was never in regular classes where the classics where a part of the curriculum like my friends were. So I've been wanting to make up for past times. Yet at the same time, I was avoiding reading Rebecca. I kind of wanted to keep on reading my easy reading books. I knew that reading Rebecca would take time and require me to think. And I just don't want to do that. My brain can't handle it. My biggest motivation in finally picking up the book to read was that it was due at the library soon.
It took me a while to get into the book, Rebecca. I think I kept on re-reading the first few pages because it wouldn't quite sink in. But once I overcame that obstacle, I was captivated. I came to see how it was considered a classic. It is well written. The story flowed. I wanted to keep on reading to find out what happened.
We meet a young woman, a quiet and demure sort of girl, who is working as a companion to a lady abroad. While in Monte Carlo, she meets and is "romanced" by a Maxim de Winter. Maxim de Winter is supposedly a grieving widower whose wife was lost at sea. He proposes and after a short honeymoon, the newlyweds return to Manderlay. Manderlay is the family home of the Maxim de Winter. The new Mrs. de Winter finds that Rebecca, the first Mrs. de Winter, still has a strong presence at Manderlay. This is evident with Mrs. Danvers - the housekeeper who is devoted to the first Mrs. de Winter, her untouched bedroom, her sitting room among other things. Mrs. de Winter finds it difficult to overcome the ghost of Rebecca and fears that she will never live up to Rebecca in the eyes of the staff, Maxim or his family. When the de Winters are pressured to throw their annual costume ball, things come to a head. Mrs. Danvers subtly convinces Mrs. de Winter to wear a costume based on a painting in the house. Unbeknowst to Mrs. de Winters that it was the same costume that Rebecca wore at her last costume ball. Maxim is horrified and demands that his wife removes the costume. They spend the remainder of the ball under a facade of marital bliss. Mrs. de Winter is completely convinced that it was a mistake to have married Maxim and that Maxim is still in love with his first wife, Rebecca. The next morning, Mrs. Danvers shows her true colors and nearly drives Mrs. de Winter to suicide by jumping out the window. But a shipwreck at the nearby beach gets in the way. It is a good thing, in more ways than one. Maxim reveals that the true nature of his first marriage. He opens up about how Rebecca was a manipulator, an adulterer and just plain cruel. Maxim dealt with it because she was abolutely wonderful with Manderlay. Basically Maxim made a deal with the devil in exchange for a proper mistress for his family home. The last straw was when Rebecca flaunts the 'fact' that she was pregnant with her lover's baby. Maxim loses it and shoots her dead. He sinks her and her boat. She is presumed lost at sea. The rescue of the shipwreck leads to the location of the sunken boat. An investigation unearths Rebecca's secret visit to a doctor who reveals that she was terminal, not pregnant. Rebecca intentionally provoked Maxim to cause her death and his perpetual guilt. The de Winters return to Manderlay guilt free, only to find Manderlay in flames - all likely at the hands of Mrs. Danvers.
It took me a while to get into the book, Rebecca. I think I kept on re-reading the first few pages because it wouldn't quite sink in. But once I overcame that obstacle, I was captivated. I came to see how it was considered a classic. It is well written. The story flowed. I wanted to keep on reading to find out what happened.
We meet a young woman, a quiet and demure sort of girl, who is working as a companion to a lady abroad. While in Monte Carlo, she meets and is "romanced" by a Maxim de Winter. Maxim de Winter is supposedly a grieving widower whose wife was lost at sea. He proposes and after a short honeymoon, the newlyweds return to Manderlay. Manderlay is the family home of the Maxim de Winter. The new Mrs. de Winter finds that Rebecca, the first Mrs. de Winter, still has a strong presence at Manderlay. This is evident with Mrs. Danvers - the housekeeper who is devoted to the first Mrs. de Winter, her untouched bedroom, her sitting room among other things. Mrs. de Winter finds it difficult to overcome the ghost of Rebecca and fears that she will never live up to Rebecca in the eyes of the staff, Maxim or his family. When the de Winters are pressured to throw their annual costume ball, things come to a head. Mrs. Danvers subtly convinces Mrs. de Winter to wear a costume based on a painting in the house. Unbeknowst to Mrs. de Winters that it was the same costume that Rebecca wore at her last costume ball. Maxim is horrified and demands that his wife removes the costume. They spend the remainder of the ball under a facade of marital bliss. Mrs. de Winter is completely convinced that it was a mistake to have married Maxim and that Maxim is still in love with his first wife, Rebecca. The next morning, Mrs. Danvers shows her true colors and nearly drives Mrs. de Winter to suicide by jumping out the window. But a shipwreck at the nearby beach gets in the way. It is a good thing, in more ways than one. Maxim reveals that the true nature of his first marriage. He opens up about how Rebecca was a manipulator, an adulterer and just plain cruel. Maxim dealt with it because she was abolutely wonderful with Manderlay. Basically Maxim made a deal with the devil in exchange for a proper mistress for his family home. The last straw was when Rebecca flaunts the 'fact' that she was pregnant with her lover's baby. Maxim loses it and shoots her dead. He sinks her and her boat. She is presumed lost at sea. The rescue of the shipwreck leads to the location of the sunken boat. An investigation unearths Rebecca's secret visit to a doctor who reveals that she was terminal, not pregnant. Rebecca intentionally provoked Maxim to cause her death and his perpetual guilt. The de Winters return to Manderlay guilt free, only to find Manderlay in flames - all likely at the hands of Mrs. Danvers.
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
I was excited to read the next installment of the Twilight series. I was lucky and was able to get Eclipse rather quickly from the library. But I had wanted to pace myself. I had a bunch of other books waiting on the sidelines. I did not want to bypass them in order to satisfy my selfish need to find out what happens in this series. I did not want to seem too obsessive. Plus time was running out with me having to return the books to the library. So there was space between my reading Book 2, New Moon, and Book 3, Eclipse. I explain all this because I did not enjoy reading Eclipse. At least not in the beginning. I guess I was in a good mind frame - a teenage mind set - when I started reading Twilight. I read New Moon right afterward, so I was still "in the zone." I don't know if it was because I read Rebecca right before Eclipse. Rebecca is a literary classic. So honestly, I found myself a bit annoyed with the writing. I really had little patience for it. It affected how I thought of the book and it is my least favorite. I find this odd because I've read lots of comments about how people love Eclipse . I think it is directly connected to the fact that I read a very good piece of literature directly before reading Stephenie Meyers again. I guess that was a big mistake. I still like her story a lot. I think she is a great storyteller but I wish she were a better writer. I can totally see how the teens love the Twilight series. It took a hundred or so pages before I got into reading the book again without being annoyed. Then I was immersed in the Bella/Edward saga again.
In Eclipse, the Cullen family is back in Forks, and Bella and Edward are together again. All would be fine in the world, except now Bella's best friend in the world, Jacob, will not or cannot be anywhere near her when Edward is around. Vampires and werewolves do not get along. Oh, and the fact that there is a vampire, Victoria, who is after Bella. And the Volturi may come around anytime to check on whether Bella has become a vampire as promised. It's just another day in the life of Bella and Edward.
With Bella's life still in danger from Victoria, Edward and Jacob form an alliance. They put aside their dislike for each other in order to protect the girl they both love. Edward will do anything, anything at all, to keep Bella from being hurt or sad again after he had hurt her so much. Even if it means letting her be friends with Jacob. The vampires and the werewolves take turns monitoring Forks and protecting Bella.
Bella continues to push to become a vampire. Edward agrees to be the one who will make Bella a vampire, on one condition - that Bella agrees to marry him. Bella wants it done as soon as possible because she does not want to get any older.
There appears to be a band of newborn vampires on the loose in Seattle. And they seem to be making their way to Forks. The vampires and the werewolves further their alliance and band together to destroy the newborns. They plan a trap with Bella as bait. When Jacob threatens to sacrifice himself during the battle when he finds out about Bella's and Edward's engagement, Bella kisses him to give him false hope. Only it isn't. In that kiss, Bella realizes that she loves Jacob, too.
Everyone gets ready for the attack while Edward and Seth, a young werewolf, protect Bella at a separate location. Since the werewolves are in tune with each other and of course, Edward can read minds, they are all in full contact with each other and are aware of what is going on. Edward soon comes to the realization that it is a trap. While everyone else is preoccupied with the newborns, Victoria is coming in for an attack. Edward is forced to fight anyway, despite Bella's machinations to keep him safe with her. Edward and Seth together destroy Victoria.
After the battle, Bella explains to Jacob that despite loving both Edward and Jacob, her love for Edward is much greater. As the wedding plans proceed, Jacob runs away in pain. He lives as a wolf to escape the pain.
In Eclipse, the Cullen family is back in Forks, and Bella and Edward are together again. All would be fine in the world, except now Bella's best friend in the world, Jacob, will not or cannot be anywhere near her when Edward is around. Vampires and werewolves do not get along. Oh, and the fact that there is a vampire, Victoria, who is after Bella. And the Volturi may come around anytime to check on whether Bella has become a vampire as promised. It's just another day in the life of Bella and Edward.
With Bella's life still in danger from Victoria, Edward and Jacob form an alliance. They put aside their dislike for each other in order to protect the girl they both love. Edward will do anything, anything at all, to keep Bella from being hurt or sad again after he had hurt her so much. Even if it means letting her be friends with Jacob. The vampires and the werewolves take turns monitoring Forks and protecting Bella.
Bella continues to push to become a vampire. Edward agrees to be the one who will make Bella a vampire, on one condition - that Bella agrees to marry him. Bella wants it done as soon as possible because she does not want to get any older.
There appears to be a band of newborn vampires on the loose in Seattle. And they seem to be making their way to Forks. The vampires and the werewolves further their alliance and band together to destroy the newborns. They plan a trap with Bella as bait. When Jacob threatens to sacrifice himself during the battle when he finds out about Bella's and Edward's engagement, Bella kisses him to give him false hope. Only it isn't. In that kiss, Bella realizes that she loves Jacob, too.
Everyone gets ready for the attack while Edward and Seth, a young werewolf, protect Bella at a separate location. Since the werewolves are in tune with each other and of course, Edward can read minds, they are all in full contact with each other and are aware of what is going on. Edward soon comes to the realization that it is a trap. While everyone else is preoccupied with the newborns, Victoria is coming in for an attack. Edward is forced to fight anyway, despite Bella's machinations to keep him safe with her. Edward and Seth together destroy Victoria.
After the battle, Bella explains to Jacob that despite loving both Edward and Jacob, her love for Edward is much greater. As the wedding plans proceed, Jacob runs away in pain. He lives as a wolf to escape the pain.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli
As I was reading this book, I couldn't quite figure out how Melissa Anelli got to where she was. I couldn't quite figure out how a "normal" person got to be such a bigwig in the Harry Potter world. There were/are so many huge Harry Potter fans. I wonder how Melissa Anelli got to be the one to run a Harry Potter fansite, to be at premieres, to meet JK Rowling... How lucky can a girl get? She wasn't exactly with the Harry Potter craze from the beginning. Could it have to do with her persistence? Her maintenance of Potter fansite integrity? Her journalism know how? I was in awe because Melissa Anelli appears to be a normal person who got to be a part of things that any Potter fan would have loved, loved, loved to be a part of.
When Melissa Anelli first begins the Harry Potter series, she is interested but not obsessed. She is in college, so other things do come first. When Melissa is finally back home and job seeking, she falls back into Harry Potter and discovers the world of fansites. She ultimately relates the most with the Leaky Cauldron site. It is the world of Harry Potter that helps her through that terrible day on September 11, 2001. It is my impression that that day was a turning point for her. Even when Melissa secures a job, the Leaky Cauldron remains of utmost importance to her.
Melissa Anelli walks us through the different fansites, fanfiction, premieres, interviews with Jo Rowling, a Potter film set, podcasts and so much more. Reading this book was like re-living the Potter craze. I loved being to able to get a sneak peek at being an insider.
This is a great book for any Potter fan!
When Melissa Anelli first begins the Harry Potter series, she is interested but not obsessed. She is in college, so other things do come first. When Melissa is finally back home and job seeking, she falls back into Harry Potter and discovers the world of fansites. She ultimately relates the most with the Leaky Cauldron site. It is the world of Harry Potter that helps her through that terrible day on September 11, 2001. It is my impression that that day was a turning point for her. Even when Melissa secures a job, the Leaky Cauldron remains of utmost importance to her.
Melissa Anelli walks us through the different fansites, fanfiction, premieres, interviews with Jo Rowling, a Potter film set, podcasts and so much more. Reading this book was like re-living the Potter craze. I loved being to able to get a sneak peek at being an insider.
This is a great book for any Potter fan!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sneak Peak at Books!
Guess what? I got a book today! I got a book today! Okay, so what's so exciting about that? I have books all around me all the time. Well, this one came from the Barnes & Nobles First Look program. I found out about it through the BBC Book Club. Well, I did know about Harper Collins First Look program. I signed up for it a while ago, but never really did anything about it. None of the books really interested me - mostly nonfiction. I also signed T for the Harper Collins First Look Kid's program and he's actually gotten a few books. We have one right now that I have to read to him.
Let me backtrack - what is the First Look program? It is the opportunity to get an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) for free to review. An Advance Reading Copy, or ARC, is an uncorrected paperback edition created by publishers for distribution to booksellers and the media a few months before the actual publication of a new book. You get to check out new books before they are even on the shelves!
With Barnes & Nobles, it's easier to get an Advanced Reading Copy. You check to see if there is an offering of a First Look Book Club selection. Then all you have to do is enroll. Once there are no more books, enrollment will close. This makes it easier to figure out whether or not you will get a book or not. The number of books are limited and it's a first come first serve basis. So you should check to see if there are new selections each month, since you need to enroll each time. This month's selection The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe. I'm excited to read it. Also with Barnes & Nobles, you get to have a private discussion with the author and chat with other readers about the book online.
With Harper Collins, there will be a list of Books on Offer of their Advanced Reading Editions (ARE). You select the ones you are interested in. Here you simply briefly write why you would like to review the book. Then you wait to see if you will be selected. A random drawing is held. This past month was the first time I saw a book that appealed to me and chose a book to review. So I will have to wait to see if I am chosen. I think I requested to review 4 different times for T and we received the last 3 books. Perhaps there are better odds for the kids. Then if and when you get the book, you read and write a brief review in the time slot given. It's as simple as that.
Happy reviewing!
Let me backtrack - what is the First Look program? It is the opportunity to get an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) for free to review. An Advance Reading Copy, or ARC, is an uncorrected paperback edition created by publishers for distribution to booksellers and the media a few months before the actual publication of a new book. You get to check out new books before they are even on the shelves!
With Barnes & Nobles, it's easier to get an Advanced Reading Copy. You check to see if there is an offering of a First Look Book Club selection. Then all you have to do is enroll. Once there are no more books, enrollment will close. This makes it easier to figure out whether or not you will get a book or not. The number of books are limited and it's a first come first serve basis. So you should check to see if there are new selections each month, since you need to enroll each time. This month's selection The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe. I'm excited to read it. Also with Barnes & Nobles, you get to have a private discussion with the author and chat with other readers about the book online.
With Harper Collins, there will be a list of Books on Offer of their Advanced Reading Editions (ARE). You select the ones you are interested in. Here you simply briefly write why you would like to review the book. Then you wait to see if you will be selected. A random drawing is held. This past month was the first time I saw a book that appealed to me and chose a book to review. So I will have to wait to see if I am chosen. I think I requested to review 4 different times for T and we received the last 3 books. Perhaps there are better odds for the kids. Then if and when you get the book, you read and write a brief review in the time slot given. It's as simple as that.
Happy reviewing!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
I only knew about this book because the movie came out last summer. As I was looking for a YA book to meet my book challenge,I thought this would be a neat book to read. I haven't seen the movie but I have seen commercials so I had a rough idea of the actresses that had been cast. So while reading the book, I did have mental images of the characters. I don't know if that helped with the story or not.
This book follows four girls and their friendship one summer when they are apart. They are tied together by a magical pair of pants that travels between them. These pants are magical because somehow even though the girls are all different shapes and sizes, the pants fit them all beautifully.
Carmen, who originally found the pants, is going to visit her father where he lives for the first time. Carmen is all ready for some father daughter bonding when she learns that her father is getting married to a ready made family. Where does she fit into all this?
Lena and her family are visiting her grandparents in Greece. Through a big misunderstanding with a boy, Lena causes her grandparents to fight with good friends. Lena doesn't have the courage to right a wrong.
Bridget is off to soccer camp where she is learning about life, love and when to hold back.
Tibby is stuck at home for the summer. She's making a documentary while working at a local store. She meets a little girl who teaches her there are worse things in life.
The pants travel to each of the girls and gives them the courage to do what's right.
This book follows four girls and their friendship one summer when they are apart. They are tied together by a magical pair of pants that travels between them. These pants are magical because somehow even though the girls are all different shapes and sizes, the pants fit them all beautifully.
Carmen, who originally found the pants, is going to visit her father where he lives for the first time. Carmen is all ready for some father daughter bonding when she learns that her father is getting married to a ready made family. Where does she fit into all this?
Lena and her family are visiting her grandparents in Greece. Through a big misunderstanding with a boy, Lena causes her grandparents to fight with good friends. Lena doesn't have the courage to right a wrong.
Bridget is off to soccer camp where she is learning about life, love and when to hold back.
Tibby is stuck at home for the summer. She's making a documentary while working at a local store. She meets a little girl who teaches her there are worse things in life.
The pants travel to each of the girls and gives them the courage to do what's right.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Nature of Monsters by Clare Clark
It took me a while to get into The Nature of Monsters. I wasn't quite sure where the book was going. I think the title of the book was in the back of my head while I was reading and I kept waiting for the "monster" to appear.
We meet Eliza Tally who is unwed and pregnant. Her mother sends her to be an apothecary's maid in London, where she thinks she is going to avoid disgrace and get help in getting rid of the baby. Eliza's new master, Grayson Black, is a mystery. He hides his face under a veil. He studies her as her body grows big with the baby. Eliza slowly finds there is something wrong in this household. She stays only with the thought that her master will eventually be doing something to help rid of the unwanted child. When Eliza gives birth, she realizes that she does want the child, only to find out that the baby is stillborn.
We learn with horror that the nature of the Grayson Black's studies. He is in the belief that the experiences of a pregnant woman affects her unborn child, maternal impression. For example, if a pregnant woman has horrific nightmares or visions during her pregnancy, she will give birth to a 'monster.' I think this comes from his own disfigurement.
Things get worse when Eliza finds that Mary, the dimwitted maid she works with, is pregnant. Presumably by Grayson Black, although Eliza mistakenly believes it was Mr. Jewkes, an associate of Mr. Black. Eliza tries to get them both away by selling potions, possibly marrying a local bookseller who has taken a fancy to her and then finally running away.
Eventually we learn that Mr. Jewkes is Mary's father, not her lover, but his aid comes too late. Mary dies shortly after childbirth. With Mr. Jewkes' help, Eliza raises Mary's baby.
We meet Eliza Tally who is unwed and pregnant. Her mother sends her to be an apothecary's maid in London, where she thinks she is going to avoid disgrace and get help in getting rid of the baby. Eliza's new master, Grayson Black, is a mystery. He hides his face under a veil. He studies her as her body grows big with the baby. Eliza slowly finds there is something wrong in this household. She stays only with the thought that her master will eventually be doing something to help rid of the unwanted child. When Eliza gives birth, she realizes that she does want the child, only to find out that the baby is stillborn.
We learn with horror that the nature of the Grayson Black's studies. He is in the belief that the experiences of a pregnant woman affects her unborn child, maternal impression. For example, if a pregnant woman has horrific nightmares or visions during her pregnancy, she will give birth to a 'monster.' I think this comes from his own disfigurement.
Things get worse when Eliza finds that Mary, the dimwitted maid she works with, is pregnant. Presumably by Grayson Black, although Eliza mistakenly believes it was Mr. Jewkes, an associate of Mr. Black. Eliza tries to get them both away by selling potions, possibly marrying a local bookseller who has taken a fancy to her and then finally running away.
Eventually we learn that Mr. Jewkes is Mary's father, not her lover, but his aid comes too late. Mary dies shortly after childbirth. With Mr. Jewkes' help, Eliza raises Mary's baby.
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
I grabbed Case Histories by Kate Atkinson off the library shelf because I thought I remembered it being recommended by someone. It was interesting and not what I expected it to be. The summary tells of private investigator who comes across three cold cases that apparently have a connection. Throughout the book, I look for that connection and expect to at least see it at the end of the story. I don't. So I don't quite understand what was hinted. The only connection that I saw was the private investigator.
Cold Case #1 - On a hot summer day, we meet a stressed mother of three girls, pregnant with her fourth child. She allows her two younger daughters to sleep in a tent in their backyard one night. The next morning, the youngest is missing.
Cold Case #2 - A widower father who dotes on his younger daughter, gets her a job at his law firm. On her first day, the daughter is fatally stabbed to death by a stranger after he asks for her father by name.
Cold Case #3 - A young new mom and wife seems overwhelmed by her new life. One night, apparently she snaps and murders her husband when he wakes up the baby.
Private investigator Jackson Brodie is first called upon by two sisters who have discovered something disturbing upon their father's death. After a long estrangement from their father, the women had returned to their family home to take care of the business and clear up the property. In their father's locked desk, they discover a stuffed animal that never left the side of their missing baby sister. This drives the sisters to try to discover what had happened to their sister - if their father had anything to do with it.
The retired lawyer makes yet another one of his endless attempts to discover the identity of the man who murdered his beloved daughter by having Brodie try to seek out clues.
A woman comes to Brodie to find out what happened to her niece after her sister was sent to prison for killing her own husband.
We follow Brodie as he goes back and traces the steps and tries to uncover what happened so long ago. There are subtle links between the cases, but none that really stand out as to being obviously connected. But as Brodie researches each particular case, he finds out relevant information to these three cold cases plus a couple of cases he is currently working on.
Cold Case #1 - On a hot summer day, we meet a stressed mother of three girls, pregnant with her fourth child. She allows her two younger daughters to sleep in a tent in their backyard one night. The next morning, the youngest is missing.
Cold Case #2 - A widower father who dotes on his younger daughter, gets her a job at his law firm. On her first day, the daughter is fatally stabbed to death by a stranger after he asks for her father by name.
Cold Case #3 - A young new mom and wife seems overwhelmed by her new life. One night, apparently she snaps and murders her husband when he wakes up the baby.
Private investigator Jackson Brodie is first called upon by two sisters who have discovered something disturbing upon their father's death. After a long estrangement from their father, the women had returned to their family home to take care of the business and clear up the property. In their father's locked desk, they discover a stuffed animal that never left the side of their missing baby sister. This drives the sisters to try to discover what had happened to their sister - if their father had anything to do with it.
The retired lawyer makes yet another one of his endless attempts to discover the identity of the man who murdered his beloved daughter by having Brodie try to seek out clues.
A woman comes to Brodie to find out what happened to her niece after her sister was sent to prison for killing her own husband.
We follow Brodie as he goes back and traces the steps and tries to uncover what happened so long ago. There are subtle links between the cases, but none that really stand out as to being obviously connected. But as Brodie researches each particular case, he finds out relevant information to these three cold cases plus a couple of cases he is currently working on.
The Wise Woman by Philippa Gregory
Since I'm playing catch up with my book reviews, I am simply going to cut and paste my comments in the group book discussion on The Wise Woman by Philippa Gregory. I read The Wise Woman so many books ago, that I cannot remember much in detail anymore.
I don't know if I pinpointed an ultimate villain. It seemed that many of the characters had villainous characteristics in some shape or form. My sympathies with Alys came and went. I certainly did not have any for her when the book began with the fire at the abbey. Then I felt sympathy for Alys when I read about her childhood. I also had sympathy for Alys when she was told that they would take her baby from her.
Despite knowing what that time period was like for women, I felt bad for Catherine knowing she had a husband who would sleep around the way young lord Hugo did. And what her pregnancy resulted in was horrible.
I don't know if I had any sympathy for Lord Hugo. I want to clarify this statement to say that I didn't feel either which way for Lord Hugo - good or bad. To me, he was simply a man, or rather a Lord, who was trying to maintain his realm. I definitely did not for young Lord Hugo. I did not like him. I did feel a tinge bad for young Lord Hugo when Alys was giving him the earthroot, esp after Morach said that anyone who took it for a prolonged period on a regular basis would die.
Alys is a woman with no loyalty. Alys' disloyalty "saves" her throughout the story. She is disloyal to Tom to go to the abbey. She is disloyal to the abbey when she leaves them in the fire. She is disloyal to Morach when she accuses Morach of witchcraft. I think she ends up losing everything by being selfish.
The Wise Woman is definitely not one of my favorites of Philippa Gregory. Interestingly enough, someone commented that in Philippa Gregory's earlier books, there are characters you love to hate and that it takes a lot of talents to create believability. I have to agree. It must be why I keep going back for more.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer is the second book in the Twilight series. The book begins with Bella celebrating her birthday with the Cullen family. Through a series of unfortunate events, Bella ends up with a severe cut that almost gets her attacked by Jasper - who is relatively new at being a 'vegetarian' - and sorely tempts the rest of the family. Edward sees this as a sign of their relationship is not meant to be. Edward promises to remove himself from Bella's life in order to keep her safe, against Bella's wishes. The entire Cullen family abruptly leave Forks. Literally, the next day.
Bella is devastated beyond belief. This is where I think Stephenie Meyer employed a very cute tactic. She proceeds to title chapters by months. However, these chapters have no words. Basically, it is implied that those months passed by like a blur. I have to admit that when I saw those pages, I gasped with foreboding. When Bella finally wakes up, she realizes that she lived those months like a zombie, trudging through life, completely in despair.
Bella makes an attempt to re-enter life, but has trouble. Bella is driven to do risky things because when she does, Bella "hears" Edward admonishing her. In order to hear his voice more, she gets the bright idea of riding a motorcycle when she spots two run down motorcycles for sale. Having not a clue of how to fix a motorcycle, she goes to Jacob Black who is a handy mechanic. Bella finds that the more time she spends with Jacob, the less she is distraught about Edward's absence. Jacob is her sun that keeps away the darkness and shadows. This is not to mean that she is falling in love with Jacob. Although Jacob would love her to do so.
Bella pushes to do more dangerous things. When Bella sees some guys cliff jumping into the water, she wants to do it, too. Jacob is able to hold her off, promising to take her.
Meanwhile other things are happening in Jacob's world. One of his best friends has joined with a cult-like group of young men. Jacob's hates the leader, Sam, for isolating his friend from him. Then suddenly, seemingly overnight, Jacob joins this group. Bella is left confused and in the dark. We soon discover that Jacob, along with his 'pack' of new friends, is a werewolf. Probem - vampires and werewolves are mortal enemies or should I say, immortal enemies.
Anyway, without Jacob to hold her back, Bella attempts the cliff jumping on her own. Fortunately, Jacob is there is rescue her from the water. She is fine but not for long. She gets a surprise visit from Alice Cullen - who has arrived to comfort Bella's dad, Charlie. From what? From her vision of Bella's death. Unfortunately, Edward has mistakenly thought the same. He rushes to Italy to ask for death from the Volturi. Because he cannot live in a world without Bella. Alice and Bella rush to save Edward from his foolish mission. Though the Volturi refuse Edward's request, Edward still plans on provoking them to kill him by exposing himself to the Italian public. The Volturi police the vampire world and they make sure that the secrets of vampires is not compromised. Of course, Alice and Bella arrive just in time. But not early enough to escape the notice of the Volturi.
In the presence of the Volturi, we find that Bella is also immune to the special powers of the minions of the Volturi. We also find that the Volturi had taken notice of the special powers of Alice and Edward. Edward, Alice and Bella only manage to escape, with the promise of making Bella a vampire soon.
This is the least of their problems. Due to a series of mysterious murders that has been occurring in the metro area, the vampires and the werewolves deduce that there is are vampires on the loose. It is determined that Victoria, James' mate, is out for revenge. She is after Bella, Edward's mate for killing her mate (in book #1, Twilight.)
Edward and Bella work through some misunderstandings and the Cullen family return to Forks. Edward promises to never leave or hurt Bella again. And they focus on the threat of Victoria. Bella continues to push Edward on her desire to become a vampire.
New Moon left me wanting more. Not getting sucked into the Twilight until now is a good thing. It's a good thing because now I do not have to wait for each book to be published. I can read one book after another. But I will not. I will not. I will not. I will restrain myself. I do not want to get too obsessive. Although, one easily can...
Bella is devastated beyond belief. This is where I think Stephenie Meyer employed a very cute tactic. She proceeds to title chapters by months. However, these chapters have no words. Basically, it is implied that those months passed by like a blur. I have to admit that when I saw those pages, I gasped with foreboding. When Bella finally wakes up, she realizes that she lived those months like a zombie, trudging through life, completely in despair.
Bella makes an attempt to re-enter life, but has trouble. Bella is driven to do risky things because when she does, Bella "hears" Edward admonishing her. In order to hear his voice more, she gets the bright idea of riding a motorcycle when she spots two run down motorcycles for sale. Having not a clue of how to fix a motorcycle, she goes to Jacob Black who is a handy mechanic. Bella finds that the more time she spends with Jacob, the less she is distraught about Edward's absence. Jacob is her sun that keeps away the darkness and shadows. This is not to mean that she is falling in love with Jacob. Although Jacob would love her to do so.
Bella pushes to do more dangerous things. When Bella sees some guys cliff jumping into the water, she wants to do it, too. Jacob is able to hold her off, promising to take her.
Meanwhile other things are happening in Jacob's world. One of his best friends has joined with a cult-like group of young men. Jacob's hates the leader, Sam, for isolating his friend from him. Then suddenly, seemingly overnight, Jacob joins this group. Bella is left confused and in the dark. We soon discover that Jacob, along with his 'pack' of new friends, is a werewolf. Probem - vampires and werewolves are mortal enemies or should I say, immortal enemies.
Anyway, without Jacob to hold her back, Bella attempts the cliff jumping on her own. Fortunately, Jacob is there is rescue her from the water. She is fine but not for long. She gets a surprise visit from Alice Cullen - who has arrived to comfort Bella's dad, Charlie. From what? From her vision of Bella's death. Unfortunately, Edward has mistakenly thought the same. He rushes to Italy to ask for death from the Volturi. Because he cannot live in a world without Bella. Alice and Bella rush to save Edward from his foolish mission. Though the Volturi refuse Edward's request, Edward still plans on provoking them to kill him by exposing himself to the Italian public. The Volturi police the vampire world and they make sure that the secrets of vampires is not compromised. Of course, Alice and Bella arrive just in time. But not early enough to escape the notice of the Volturi.
In the presence of the Volturi, we find that Bella is also immune to the special powers of the minions of the Volturi. We also find that the Volturi had taken notice of the special powers of Alice and Edward. Edward, Alice and Bella only manage to escape, with the promise of making Bella a vampire soon.
This is the least of their problems. Due to a series of mysterious murders that has been occurring in the metro area, the vampires and the werewolves deduce that there is are vampires on the loose. It is determined that Victoria, James' mate, is out for revenge. She is after Bella, Edward's mate for killing her mate (in book #1, Twilight.)
Edward and Bella work through some misunderstandings and the Cullen family return to Forks. Edward promises to never leave or hurt Bella again. And they focus on the threat of Victoria. Bella continues to push Edward on her desire to become a vampire.
New Moon left me wanting more. Not getting sucked into the Twilight until now is a good thing. It's a good thing because now I do not have to wait for each book to be published. I can read one book after another. But I will not. I will not. I will not. I will restrain myself. I do not want to get too obsessive. Although, one easily can...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I actually started to write a review a week or so ago but somehow it was lost! I thought I was rather witty, but now I will attempt to start again - and not be as witty, as I cannot recall a thing I wrote. That's what lack of sleep will do to you.
ETA: I actually found it. I've added it in. The text in blue is my original beginning.
I added Twilight to our book club selection choices on a lark and it actually won. So I had to succumb to the Twilight craze. Seriously, Stephenie Meyer has written a very captivating story. It made me feel like a teenager again. Understandable as it is a young adult book. Not that I felt and thought the way the characters did in the story, but more the writing style of Stephenie Meyer made me think of being a teenager. The growling, the sighing, the smoldering...
But it is a typical story of star crossed lovers with a twist. The twist being one of them is a vampire. Hmmm... you're thinking that vampires like to suck the blood of humans? Yes, quite a dilemma. Not only that, somehow Bella, that's our girl, has a scent that is irresistible to our guy, Edward. Yes, girl meets guy. Girl falls for guy. Guy actually wants drink girl's blood. Because guy is a vampire. Guy falls for girl instead. Which is great and all, but don't forget, guy is a vampire!
We first meet Bella Swan when she moves up to Forks, Washington to live with her father, so that her mother can spend time with her new husband. Forks is known to be the rainiest place in the US. Interesting, huh? Anyway,....
I added Twilight by Stephenie Meyer to our list of book club suggestions on a lark, and lo and behold, it was selected. So I got to join in on the Twilight craze. Twilight is a typical girl meets guy book with a twist. It's girl meets guy, girl falls for guy, guy falls for girl, guy wants to eat girl. Yes, eat or if you want to be technical, drink her blood. You see, guy is a vampire. Yes, a vampire.
Let's meet Isabella (please call me,Bella) Swan. We are first introduced to Bella as she moves to live with her father in small town, Forks, Washington. Forks is known to be one of the rainiest places in the United States. This is important to know for later on. Bella is making this self sacrificing move to give her mother time with her new husband. At her new high school where Bella is the source of much attention being the new girl in town - the new pretty girl in town. She is drawn to a group of beautiful and aloof teenagers - the Cullens family, Edward, Jasper, Emmett, Alice and Rosalie.
On Bella's first encounter with Edward, he looks at her with absolute hatred. After disappearing for a few days, Edward returns to Forks and tries to make friends with Bella. Bella is inexplicably drawn to Edward despite his weird behavior. Edward even saves her life while seeming to act like he doesn't like her. Through stories told by her new friend, Jacob, Bella guesses that Edward might be a vampire. Rather than be repulsed, Bella is intrigued. Then seemingly by chance, Bella and Edward get together after Edward saves her yet again. They are inseparable after that.
Bella learns that her blood is irresistible to Edward - despite being a "vegetarian" - but he is able to stave off his natural desire for her blood. On a side note, Edward and his family are "vegetarians." In their case, these vampires do not drink human blood but survive on animal blood.
Bella also learns that a few of her new vampire friends have special talents. Edward is able to read minds, although not hers. Alice is able to see the future once someone has made a decision. And Jasper is able to manipulate moods. A very formidable group.
During a date watching Edward and his vampire family play baseball, another coven appears. This new trio of vampires have eyes on Bella, the only human in the group. Due to the Cullen family protectiveness, the leader of the coven, James, set his sights on Bella. The Cullen family vow to protect Bella and plan to move her back to safety with her mother in Phoenix. However, through trickery, James lures Bella away from her vampire protectors by preying on her love for her family. James is thisclose to killing Bella when the Cullen family arrive to her rescue. Bella might have been lost forever or succumbed to becoming a vampire had Edward not sucked James' venom out of Bella.
This experience only serves to reinforce Bella's and Edward's love for each other. Aaahh... true love....
The books ends with Edward intent on giving Bella real life experiences. Unlike what she has had to deal with thus far since having met him. He unpleasantly surprises her by bringing her to the prom. This is unpleasant to Bella because she is the ultimate klutz.
I liked this story. I just had to put myself in the proper mind frame in order to read the books. I think Stephenie Meyer tells a good story. For most of the story, I really wanted to know what happened. And I was intrigued to find out what happens next. Reading Twilight made me feel like a teenager again. Re-living teenage angst and all. Not that I know what it's like to fall for a vampire or be the attraction of many boys in school. But it makes me remember or think of days when emotions were worn on our sleeves and we were quick to feel. I guess that's what makes YA books different. However, the writing itself left much to be desired. Lots of sighing, growling, hissing, scowling, eye rolling... You know, typical teenage stuff....
ETA: I actually found it. I've added it in. The text in blue is my original beginning.
I added Twilight to our book club selection choices on a lark and it actually won. So I had to succumb to the Twilight craze. Seriously, Stephenie Meyer has written a very captivating story. It made me feel like a teenager again. Understandable as it is a young adult book. Not that I felt and thought the way the characters did in the story, but more the writing style of Stephenie Meyer made me think of being a teenager. The growling, the sighing, the smoldering...
But it is a typical story of star crossed lovers with a twist. The twist being one of them is a vampire. Hmmm... you're thinking that vampires like to suck the blood of humans? Yes, quite a dilemma. Not only that, somehow Bella, that's our girl, has a scent that is irresistible to our guy, Edward. Yes, girl meets guy. Girl falls for guy. Guy actually wants drink girl's blood. Because guy is a vampire. Guy falls for girl instead. Which is great and all, but don't forget, guy is a vampire!
We first meet Bella Swan when she moves up to Forks, Washington to live with her father, so that her mother can spend time with her new husband. Forks is known to be the rainiest place in the US. Interesting, huh? Anyway,....
I added Twilight by Stephenie Meyer to our list of book club suggestions on a lark, and lo and behold, it was selected. So I got to join in on the Twilight craze. Twilight is a typical girl meets guy book with a twist. It's girl meets guy, girl falls for guy, guy falls for girl, guy wants to eat girl. Yes, eat or if you want to be technical, drink her blood. You see, guy is a vampire. Yes, a vampire.
Let's meet Isabella (please call me,Bella) Swan. We are first introduced to Bella as she moves to live with her father in small town, Forks, Washington. Forks is known to be one of the rainiest places in the United States. This is important to know for later on. Bella is making this self sacrificing move to give her mother time with her new husband. At her new high school where Bella is the source of much attention being the new girl in town - the new pretty girl in town. She is drawn to a group of beautiful and aloof teenagers - the Cullens family, Edward, Jasper, Emmett, Alice and Rosalie.
On Bella's first encounter with Edward, he looks at her with absolute hatred. After disappearing for a few days, Edward returns to Forks and tries to make friends with Bella. Bella is inexplicably drawn to Edward despite his weird behavior. Edward even saves her life while seeming to act like he doesn't like her. Through stories told by her new friend, Jacob, Bella guesses that Edward might be a vampire. Rather than be repulsed, Bella is intrigued. Then seemingly by chance, Bella and Edward get together after Edward saves her yet again. They are inseparable after that.
Bella learns that her blood is irresistible to Edward - despite being a "vegetarian" - but he is able to stave off his natural desire for her blood. On a side note, Edward and his family are "vegetarians." In their case, these vampires do not drink human blood but survive on animal blood.
Bella also learns that a few of her new vampire friends have special talents. Edward is able to read minds, although not hers. Alice is able to see the future once someone has made a decision. And Jasper is able to manipulate moods. A very formidable group.
During a date watching Edward and his vampire family play baseball, another coven appears. This new trio of vampires have eyes on Bella, the only human in the group. Due to the Cullen family protectiveness, the leader of the coven, James, set his sights on Bella. The Cullen family vow to protect Bella and plan to move her back to safety with her mother in Phoenix. However, through trickery, James lures Bella away from her vampire protectors by preying on her love for her family. James is thisclose to killing Bella when the Cullen family arrive to her rescue. Bella might have been lost forever or succumbed to becoming a vampire had Edward not sucked James' venom out of Bella.
This experience only serves to reinforce Bella's and Edward's love for each other. Aaahh... true love....
The books ends with Edward intent on giving Bella real life experiences. Unlike what she has had to deal with thus far since having met him. He unpleasantly surprises her by bringing her to the prom. This is unpleasant to Bella because she is the ultimate klutz.
I liked this story. I just had to put myself in the proper mind frame in order to read the books. I think Stephenie Meyer tells a good story. For most of the story, I really wanted to know what happened. And I was intrigued to find out what happens next. Reading Twilight made me feel like a teenager again. Re-living teenage angst and all. Not that I know what it's like to fall for a vampire or be the attraction of many boys in school. But it makes me remember or think of days when emotions were worn on our sleeves and we were quick to feel. I guess that's what makes YA books different. However, the writing itself left much to be desired. Lots of sighing, growling, hissing, scowling, eye rolling... You know, typical teenage stuff....
2009 Challenges
Ooh, it's been a while. I promise that I've been reading! lol I've just been pretty lazy about writing up the books. I'm trying to get my reading done now while I can. I fear that the reading blitz that I've had going on is slowly coming to an end. My reading time is slowly becoming more an more limited. I hope I haven't bitten more than I can chew with the challenges.
As a reminder, I am participating in a few reading challenges this year: Author ABC challenge (26), Genre challenge (24), New York Bestseller's challenge (10). The first two combine to be the 50 book challenge. None of the books will overlap on the lists. And as a personal challenge, the books on the Author ABC challenge are new authors to me. I am also trying my best to keep up with book club books on OB moms, BBC, Cafemom and the groups on Shelfari.
As a reminder, I am participating in a few reading challenges this year: Author ABC challenge (26), Genre challenge (24), New York Bestseller's challenge (10). The first two combine to be the 50 book challenge. None of the books will overlap on the lists. And as a personal challenge, the books on the Author ABC challenge are new authors to me. I am also trying my best to keep up with book club books on OB moms, BBC, Cafemom and the groups on Shelfari.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
I absolutely love reading culinary mysteries. Once upon a time, I didn't even know there was such a thing. Imagine my surprise the first time I opened one of my beloved mysteries and found RECIPES in it! I love mysteries. I've always loved mysteries ever since I read my first Encyclopedia Brown! lol And I love collecting recipes. I don't cook a whole lot, but I love collecting those recipes! I think it was a Diane Davidson Mott book. Don't quote me on it! Thereafter, I sought out all her books and started noting other books that would have recipes - books that would have food in the title. Then I started looking up other authors that would have books with recipes. I didn't know that there would be a whole genre of culinary mysteries. Ingenious! lol Joanne Fluke was one of those authors that I have discovered. Love her! Probaby because she has recipes. Not that I make any of them. Anyway, Joanne Fluke is the author of the Hannah Swenson mysteries. I have since read ALL her books.
Hannah Swenson is a owner of the Cookie Jar and has a penchant for finding dead bodies. In Carrot Cake Murder, a murder puts a damper on her partner's big family reunion. A long lost uncle, who apparently was not sorely missed, meets his demise while eating Hannah's carrot cake. Hannah is called upon to help solve the murder before it totally ruins the reunion. There are a bunch of suspects, of course. Those who were jilted by him, those who gyped by him, those who hated him when he left town thirty years before. Hannah solves the mystery with the help of her sisters, Andrea and Michelle, and boyfriend, Norman. One of her boyfriends, anyway. Hannah is caught between the affections of two men, Norman and Mike. Joanne Fluke throws us for a loop when at the end of the book, yet another man, a former flame, enters the picture.
Speaking of too many men, this is an seemingly unending love triangle - what is it now? a rectangle? - is a bit ridiculous. I was reminded of this as I read reviews complaining about it. Readers were having difficulty believing that this woman was able to have these two men vying for her love, and apparently get along so well. I guess I can see their point. Hmmm... I guess I'd say I'm rooting for Norman. He's my kind of guy.
Hannah Swenson is a owner of the Cookie Jar and has a penchant for finding dead bodies. In Carrot Cake Murder, a murder puts a damper on her partner's big family reunion. A long lost uncle, who apparently was not sorely missed, meets his demise while eating Hannah's carrot cake. Hannah is called upon to help solve the murder before it totally ruins the reunion. There are a bunch of suspects, of course. Those who were jilted by him, those who gyped by him, those who hated him when he left town thirty years before. Hannah solves the mystery with the help of her sisters, Andrea and Michelle, and boyfriend, Norman. One of her boyfriends, anyway. Hannah is caught between the affections of two men, Norman and Mike. Joanne Fluke throws us for a loop when at the end of the book, yet another man, a former flame, enters the picture.
Speaking of too many men, this is an seemingly unending love triangle - what is it now? a rectangle? - is a bit ridiculous. I was reminded of this as I read reviews complaining about it. Readers were having difficulty believing that this woman was able to have these two men vying for her love, and apparently get along so well. I guess I can see their point. Hmmm... I guess I'd say I'm rooting for Norman. He's my kind of guy.
Foul Play by Janet Evanovich
Aah... my feel good books... lol Janet Evanovich is one of the those authors who I turn to when I just want to read for the sake of reading, to enjoy reading and not have to think at all. Foul Play, along with a host of other funny romances, has been re-released under Janet Evanovich's name. It was originally published under a pen name - which I cannot remember. Foul Play is a fun light read. Most of Janet Evanovich's books are. And Foul Play does not disappoint.
In Foul Play, Amy aka Lulu the Clown just lost her job as a children's television host to a rooster! As she is fuming, she catches the eye of the local hottie and good guy veternarian, Jake. Jake offers her a job as a receptionist and a soft spot in his heart. When the job stealing rooster is brought to Jake's office and suddenly disappears overnight, Amy is under suspicion and tailed by reporters. While they are playing detective, Jake romances Amy.
I was a little confused at the end where Amy suddenly feels the need to run away. And ends up being a weather girl, no less. It didn't make sense.
But Janet Evanovich never fails in her entertainment value. =)
In Foul Play, Amy aka Lulu the Clown just lost her job as a children's television host to a rooster! As she is fuming, she catches the eye of the local hottie and good guy veternarian, Jake. Jake offers her a job as a receptionist and a soft spot in his heart. When the job stealing rooster is brought to Jake's office and suddenly disappears overnight, Amy is under suspicion and tailed by reporters. While they are playing detective, Jake romances Amy.
I was a little confused at the end where Amy suddenly feels the need to run away. And ends up being a weather girl, no less. It didn't make sense.
But Janet Evanovich never fails in her entertainment value. =)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I had trouble with the ending. I understand that we didn't want to Wanderer to die. Of course not. I generally am not fond of having the main character die for whatever reason. Not after you've gotten to know them. But to take over another body just didn't seem right to me. It was just extending a wrong. The humans hated the souls because the souls took over their planet but yet, in this instance it was okay because they wanted it this time? Doesn't work with me. I was very uncomfortable with the idea.
As good as these souls were supposed to be, I would hope that they would eventually see that it was wrong to take over the human race or any race for that matter. But it was very different when they took over in the other planets. The Flowers, Spiders, etc didn't have a problem with begin taken over. Humans did. Okay, I didn't really know that but those "species" were vegetation or animals. Not people with intelligence and free will.
Could souls and humans co-exist? Yes. But at what cost? Someone would have to give up their body.
Jeb's and Jamie's intial reactions were believable. Jeb's kindness goes in line with his taking in all these strangers into his "home." I felt Jamie's quick love was just his love for his sister. I also felt that because Jamie was so young, he was more resilient and acceptable than the adults; therefore more able to accept Wanderer. I had a tough time with Jared's reactions. No matter if a soul had taken over Melanie's body, I just don't understand how he could have attacked her. It was still Melanie's body no matter what. He could have hated her, but to strike her just seemed wrong. How could you hit the woman you love even if it wasn't her inside anymore??
Despite being The Host touted as Stephenie Meyer's first adult book, I still felt like it was a YA book. It was the style of writing, her style of writing that made me think that. I think that Stephenie Meyer should stick to her YA genre where she really captures her audience.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Queen of Babble In the Big City by Meg Cabot
Another frivolous, fluff book by Meg Cabot, that you just can't help reading. lol This is a follow up to Queen of Babble where we first meet Lizzie. Lizzie earns her name honestly.
In the Queen of Babble in the Big City, Lizzie is now living with her "prince" of a boyfriend, Luke in New York City. She also makes headway in her career of rehabilitating vintage wedding gowns while also working as a receptionist at a prestigious law firm.
These two worlds collide when Lizzie inadvertently befriends a client of the firm while trying to help her with her wedding gown. The publicity that Lizzie brings to the firm that is known for their discretion costs Lizzie her job. Lizzie also realizes that the fantasy future she has in her head will not come to fruition as Luke gets her a sewing machine, of all things, for their first Christmas together and as they spend New Year's Eve on two different continents.
Lizzie learns to stand up for herself and gets herself her dream job and learns the man she is meant to be with is not who she thinks it is supposed to be.
In the Queen of Babble in the Big City, Lizzie is now living with her "prince" of a boyfriend, Luke in New York City. She also makes headway in her career of rehabilitating vintage wedding gowns while also working as a receptionist at a prestigious law firm.
These two worlds collide when Lizzie inadvertently befriends a client of the firm while trying to help her with her wedding gown. The publicity that Lizzie brings to the firm that is known for their discretion costs Lizzie her job. Lizzie also realizes that the fantasy future she has in her head will not come to fruition as Luke gets her a sewing machine, of all things, for their first Christmas together and as they spend New Year's Eve on two different continents.
Lizzie learns to stand up for herself and gets herself her dream job and learns the man she is meant to be with is not who she thinks it is supposed to be.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus
One Thousand White Women was a book club selection for BBC. It wasn't quite what I expected. I guess I wasn't sure I would like the book. I was open to anything. I enjoyed the book much better than I thought I would.
One Thousand White Women is based on a historical event where there was an attempt at negotiations between the Native Americans and the United States. The Native Americans came up with a proposal asking for one thousand white women for brides in exchange for one thousand horses. The Native Americans considered this a viable possibility because in their culture, babies are considered a member of their mother's tribe. Therefore, any babies that resulted would be assimilated into Caucasian culture, or so they thought. This proposal was met with outrage by the American public. However, in One Thousand White Women, Fergus suggests as the premise of his story that this plan was secretly given a go ahead.
One Thousand White Women was written in journal form. It is supposedly the journal of May Dodd who was against her will placed in an asylum by her parents. She volunteers for the bride program just to get her freedom. She is joined by a number of other brides who come from various backgrounds, asylums, prisons, poor and differing backgrounds. On their way to Cheyenne tribe of Little Wolf, there are a number of stops at forts. At one of which we meet Captain Bourke who May Dodd really bonded with. Their "friendship" leads to a one night affair the night before the brides join their new family. The Cheyenne men pick their brides and Little Wolf, the chief of the tribe, selects May. The women learn the way of the Cheyenne as they teach them Christian ways. We follow as the women bond with their new families and with each other.
One Thousand White Women is based on a historical event where there was an attempt at negotiations between the Native Americans and the United States. The Native Americans came up with a proposal asking for one thousand white women for brides in exchange for one thousand horses. The Native Americans considered this a viable possibility because in their culture, babies are considered a member of their mother's tribe. Therefore, any babies that resulted would be assimilated into Caucasian culture, or so they thought. This proposal was met with outrage by the American public. However, in One Thousand White Women, Fergus suggests as the premise of his story that this plan was secretly given a go ahead.
One Thousand White Women was written in journal form. It is supposedly the journal of May Dodd who was against her will placed in an asylum by her parents. She volunteers for the bride program just to get her freedom. She is joined by a number of other brides who come from various backgrounds, asylums, prisons, poor and differing backgrounds. On their way to Cheyenne tribe of Little Wolf, there are a number of stops at forts. At one of which we meet Captain Bourke who May Dodd really bonded with. Their "friendship" leads to a one night affair the night before the brides join their new family. The Cheyenne men pick their brides and Little Wolf, the chief of the tribe, selects May. The women learn the way of the Cheyenne as they teach them Christian ways. We follow as the women bond with their new families and with each other.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: a fable by John Boyne
Wow. What a book. I picked up this book because it was a BBC book club selection. I had no idea what it was about. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked it up from the library that it was a Young Adult book. I thought 'okay, it will be an easy book to read.' I was wrong. Well, yes, it was a simple book to read wordwise, but the subject matter was not. I did what I usually do and read the book flap. But the book flap said nothing. Yes, nothing. What was written was that it was intentional not to give a summary of the book. That should have told me something. So I started reading the unknown.
It begins with a little boy named Bruno. While things were told from an 8 yr old's perspective, meaning a child's point of view, I was able to quickly deduce when the story took place and what it was about. I guessed that the 'Fury' he was referring to was the Fuhrer and where he lived 'Out With' was Auschwitz. The story was about Nazi Germany, Hitler and Auschwitz. Not exactly a pleasant storyline. I knew it was going somewhere, I just didn't know where.
I kept thinking that Bruno's father was a good man. That he had to be because Bruno was a good boy, at least I was under the impression he was. I don't know why I thought Bruno was a good boy, but he just had to be. Besides throughout the story, Bruno did appear to be a good boy. But if I really had to think about it, the Fuhrer would hardly promote someone to be the Commandant of Auschwitz unless he was very capable and aligned with his vision - Nazi Germany vision which I equate with not good. I kept on thinking that Bruno's father was just a good man who fell into the Nazi army. But Bruno's memories of conversations between his grandparents and his father give hints as to what a patriot Bruno's father is. Also things that were said to Lieutenent Kotler about his father leaving Germany also hinted to Brunos' father's loyalty to the German cause. And comments to Bruno about how wrongs are being righted with the Germans in reference to the concentration camps definitely did not make him sound like a good guy anymore.
To Bruno's father's credit, Bruno was not aware of what Auschwitz really was about. Perhaps he wanted Bruno oblivious and innocent or assumed Bruno knew that Jews were the "scum of the earth." Bruno was just a spoiled little boy who just wanted to be a little boy. And living right next to a concentration camp is not the life for a little boy. Therefore, when Bruno made friends with Schmael, the boy in the striped pajamas, Bruno didn't realize that he had done anything wrong. Bruno had the wits not to tell anyone in his family. Although in the end, that was not the wisest idea.
I just don't understand why punish the little boy who actually done the right thing. Why not punish the adults? My jaw dropped when I realized what had happened. It's not like the parents, or rather the father really knew what happened. I mean, I guess, he could have probably deduced what had happened, but he would never have concrete proof. It was all circumstantial. The clothes by the fence. The gap in the fence. I thought that when Bruno donned the striped pajamas, he would be trapped with the other Jews and not be allowed to go back home, that no one would listen to the fact that he was indeed German. I never, never thought that he would inadvertantly be trapped in a group headed for the gas chamber....
I just realized that you have to know some background before reading this book to make an impact. I think it would be a really great book when learning about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. I will definitely keep this book in mind for T when the time comes.
It begins with a little boy named Bruno. While things were told from an 8 yr old's perspective, meaning a child's point of view, I was able to quickly deduce when the story took place and what it was about. I guessed that the 'Fury' he was referring to was the Fuhrer and where he lived 'Out With' was Auschwitz. The story was about Nazi Germany, Hitler and Auschwitz. Not exactly a pleasant storyline. I knew it was going somewhere, I just didn't know where.
I kept thinking that Bruno's father was a good man. That he had to be because Bruno was a good boy, at least I was under the impression he was. I don't know why I thought Bruno was a good boy, but he just had to be. Besides throughout the story, Bruno did appear to be a good boy. But if I really had to think about it, the Fuhrer would hardly promote someone to be the Commandant of Auschwitz unless he was very capable and aligned with his vision - Nazi Germany vision which I equate with not good. I kept on thinking that Bruno's father was just a good man who fell into the Nazi army. But Bruno's memories of conversations between his grandparents and his father give hints as to what a patriot Bruno's father is. Also things that were said to Lieutenent Kotler about his father leaving Germany also hinted to Brunos' father's loyalty to the German cause. And comments to Bruno about how wrongs are being righted with the Germans in reference to the concentration camps definitely did not make him sound like a good guy anymore.
To Bruno's father's credit, Bruno was not aware of what Auschwitz really was about. Perhaps he wanted Bruno oblivious and innocent or assumed Bruno knew that Jews were the "scum of the earth." Bruno was just a spoiled little boy who just wanted to be a little boy. And living right next to a concentration camp is not the life for a little boy. Therefore, when Bruno made friends with Schmael, the boy in the striped pajamas, Bruno didn't realize that he had done anything wrong. Bruno had the wits not to tell anyone in his family. Although in the end, that was not the wisest idea.
I just don't understand why punish the little boy who actually done the right thing. Why not punish the adults? My jaw dropped when I realized what had happened. It's not like the parents, or rather the father really knew what happened. I mean, I guess, he could have probably deduced what had happened, but he would never have concrete proof. It was all circumstantial. The clothes by the fence. The gap in the fence. I thought that when Bruno donned the striped pajamas, he would be trapped with the other Jews and not be allowed to go back home, that no one would listen to the fact that he was indeed German. I never, never thought that he would inadvertantly be trapped in a group headed for the gas chamber....
I just realized that you have to know some background before reading this book to make an impact. I think it would be a really great book when learning about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. I will definitely keep this book in mind for T when the time comes.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Okay, this was one weird book. I guess I had expectations going into this book. I've read comments about people laughing out and peeing in their pants. I just didn't get it. And was not laughing out loud. I must be lacking a funny bone. I chuckled once and maybe smiled another time. Not my idea of hilarious, but it will still go under my comedy genre.
I am trying to figure out why this guy is so popular. If these books are memoirs and these are actually "stories" from his life, I do not see what is worthwhile about his life to write about. I guess what he has going for him is that he is a good writer? Because he makes himself sound like a degenerate.
I am trying to figure out why this guy is so popular. If these books are memoirs and these are actually "stories" from his life, I do not see what is worthwhile about his life to write about. I guess what he has going for him is that he is a good writer? Because he makes himself sound like a degenerate.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Shopaholic and a Baby by Sophie Kinsella
Becky Brandon is at it again. But this time around I find the story a bit more heartwarming. She and Luke are expecting. And I suppose I can relate. When you're expecting, you can't help but want to get anything and everything for the baby. But you do realize the reality of things and restrain yourself to an extent. Not so with Becky. She is a shopaholic, you know. She also wants the celebrity obstetrician that she overhears a fellow shopper talking about. Unfortunately this new celeb ob-gyn happens to be an ex of Luke's. But that doesn't stop Becky b/c she wants to go where the celebs go. We follow Becky as she shops in the name of the baby. Becky goes through a lot in this book that I'll blame on hormones. ;) As does everyone else in the book. What is not hormonal is the ex trying to sabotage Becky and Luke's marriage. As Becky goes into false and then real labor, we find out why and how Luke falls in love with Becky - well, we know b/c we've been with them since the beginning... And now there is a new little being to join them. Now you don't think I'm going to give it away, do you?
Now I'm wondering if I should read Confessions of a Shopaholic. Not that I'm ever going to see the movie. I'm pretty sure that the book is based on the movie. Then that would be a condensed version of the the first few books, I think. Eh, not really interested.
Now I'm wondering if I should read Confessions of a Shopaholic. Not that I'm ever going to see the movie. I'm pretty sure that the book is based on the movie. Then that would be a condensed version of the the first few books, I think. Eh, not really interested.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory
As with the other books I've read from Philippa Gregory, I am so tempted to run out and read factual books on the lives of Henry the VIII and Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots and all the others. I want to find out what actually happened and what didn't. I want to see how true to life is the story that Philippa Gregory has woven. She really is a wonderful storyteller. It's amazing how she is able to weave and fill in gaps of history. I mean, what would happen if she fabricated everything. It is a piece of fiction, isn't it? But it's based on facts. There really was a Mary Queen of Scots. There was a Queen Elizabeth. Speaking of which, I want to re-read The Virgin's Lover and compare notes. lol Anyway, it's not like someone is going to come and say Philippa Gregory is a liar and made up stuff.
In this book we follow Mary Queen of Scots during her days in England. She is the "other Queen" that is supposedly the rightful Tudor heir to the throne. As repeatedly said, Mary Queen of Scots is a queen three ways: she was married to the prince of France, she is daughter of the Queen of Scotland and she is the grandniece of Henry the VIII. She is held prisoner for conspiring to murder her husband, the Scottish prince, in order to marry her current husband, Lord Bothwell. Inquiries are made in the Elizabethan court and she is put under the 'house arrest' under Lord George Talbot, a man loyal to the throne. George Talbot, eventually loses his heart, his wife and much of his fortune in caring for this young queen as she plots to regain her freedom.
In this book we follow Mary Queen of Scots during her days in England. She is the "other Queen" that is supposedly the rightful Tudor heir to the throne. As repeatedly said, Mary Queen of Scots is a queen three ways: she was married to the prince of France, she is daughter of the Queen of Scotland and she is the grandniece of Henry the VIII. She is held prisoner for conspiring to murder her husband, the Scottish prince, in order to marry her current husband, Lord Bothwell. Inquiries are made in the Elizabethan court and she is put under the 'house arrest' under Lord George Talbot, a man loyal to the throne. George Talbot, eventually loses his heart, his wife and much of his fortune in caring for this young queen as she plots to regain her freedom.
2008 Book Challenges
I'm pretty proud of myself for completing both the books challenges. And actually keeping track of the books. We all know I am not the most organized. hehe But I actually did it! Woohoo! Of course it did take me a while to transfer the list here. Since obviously I didn't remember to log my books here. I may even be missing a book. But now that it's been almost a month, I forgotten what that books is. Gee, how typical....
So here are the lists of books that I've read for 2008! Happy Reading for 2009! Believe it or not, I'm doing alright!
Title Challenge
A - Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer
B - Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier
C - Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
D - Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs
E - Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
F - Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier
G - The Good Guy by Dean Koontz
H - Holy Guacamole by Nancy Fairbanks
I - If Cooks Could Kill by Joanne Pence
J - Jessica Z by Shawn Klomparens
K - Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
L - The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
M - Murder on the Menu by Miranda Bliss
N - Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
O - On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle
P - Paint it Black by Janet Fitch
Q - Quicksand by Iris Johannsen
R - The Snow Empress by Laura Joh Rowland
S - Step on a Crack by James Patterson
T - Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle
U - Until the Day You Die by Tina Wainscott
V - Vanishing Point by Marcia Muller
W - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
X - The Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton
Y - You've Been Warned by James Patterson
Z - Zapped! by Carolyn Higgins Clark
Author Challenge
A - Air Apparent by Piers Anthony
Two to the Fifth by Piers Antrhony
B - Cooking up Murder by Miranda Bliss
Dead Men Don't Have Munchies by Miranda Bliss
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett
C - Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle
Decaffeinated Corpse by Cleo Coyle
Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs
Echo Park by Michael Connelly
Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle
Y - The highly effective detective goes to the dogs by Richard Yancey
Z - The Book Thief by Mark Zusak
So here are the lists of books that I've read for 2008! Happy Reading for 2009! Believe it or not, I'm doing alright!
Title Challenge
A - Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer
B - Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier
C - Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
D - Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs
E - Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
F - Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier
G - The Good Guy by Dean Koontz
H - Holy Guacamole by Nancy Fairbanks
I - If Cooks Could Kill by Joanne Pence
J - Jessica Z by Shawn Klomparens
K - Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
L - The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
M - Murder on the Menu by Miranda Bliss
N - Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
O - On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle
P - Paint it Black by Janet Fitch
Q - Quicksand by Iris Johannsen
R - The Snow Empress by Laura Joh Rowland
S - Step on a Crack by James Patterson
T - Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle
U - Until the Day You Die by Tina Wainscott
V - Vanishing Point by Marcia Muller
W - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
X - The Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton
Y - You've Been Warned by James Patterson
Z - Zapped! by Carolyn Higgins Clark
Author Challenge
A - Air Apparent by Piers Anthony
Two to the Fifth by Piers Antrhony
B - Cooking up Murder by Miranda Bliss
Dead Men Don't Have Munchies by Miranda Bliss
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett
C - Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle
Decaffeinated Corpse by Cleo Coyle
Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs
Echo Park by Michael Connelly
Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle
Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark
Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark
The English Breakfast Murder by Laura Childs
Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot
Unpredictable by Eileen Cook
D - The Sleeping Doll by Jeffrey Deaver
E - Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich
F - Cold Mountain by Charles Fraizer
Death a l'Orange by Nancy Fairbanks
Chocolate Quake by Nancy Fairbanks
Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein
Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke
Mozzarella Most Murderous by Nancy Fairbanks
Turkey Flambe by Nancy Fairbanks
French Fried by Nancy Fairbanks
Sympathy for the Devil by Jerrilyn Farmer
Dim sum dead : a Madeline Bean catering mystery by Jerrilyn Farmer
Mumbo Gumbo by Jerrilyn Farmer
Bridget Jones' diary by Helen Fielding
G - The Appeal by John Grisham
The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerristen
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
H - Prior Bad Acts by Tami Hoag
April Fool Dead by Carolyn Hart
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I - Third Degree by Greg Iles
J - Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen
The Golden Valkyrie by Iris Johansen
K - Rage by Jonathan Kellerman
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella
Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury
The dim sum of all things by Kim Wong Keltner
Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
L - Made in the USA by Billie Letts
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
M - Saturday by Ian McEwan
N - Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble
O - The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
P - Double Cross by James Patterson
7th Heaven by James Patterson
The Sixth Target by James Patterson
Stranger in Paradise by Robert Parker
Two Cooks A-Killing by Joanne Pence
The Lake House by James Patterson
Red Hot Murder by Joanne Pence
Sundays by Tiffany's by James Patterson
Courting Disaster by Joanne Pence
Q - Behind Closed Doors by Tara Taylor Quinn
Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark
The English Breakfast Murder by Laura Childs
Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot
Unpredictable by Eileen Cook
D - The Sleeping Doll by Jeffrey Deaver
E - Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich
F - Cold Mountain by Charles Fraizer
Death a l'Orange by Nancy Fairbanks
Chocolate Quake by Nancy Fairbanks
Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein
Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke
Mozzarella Most Murderous by Nancy Fairbanks
Turkey Flambe by Nancy Fairbanks
French Fried by Nancy Fairbanks
Sympathy for the Devil by Jerrilyn Farmer
Dim sum dead : a Madeline Bean catering mystery by Jerrilyn Farmer
Mumbo Gumbo by Jerrilyn Farmer
Bridget Jones' diary by Helen Fielding
G - The Appeal by John Grisham
The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerristen
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
H - Prior Bad Acts by Tami Hoag
April Fool Dead by Carolyn Hart
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I - Third Degree by Greg Iles
J - Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen
The Golden Valkyrie by Iris Johansen
K - Rage by Jonathan Kellerman
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella
Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury
The dim sum of all things by Kim Wong Keltner
Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
L - Made in the USA by Billie Letts
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
M - Saturday by Ian McEwan
N - Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble
O - The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
P - Double Cross by James Patterson
7th Heaven by James Patterson
The Sixth Target by James Patterson
Stranger in Paradise by Robert Parker
Two Cooks A-Killing by Joanne Pence
The Lake House by James Patterson
Red Hot Murder by Joanne Pence
Sundays by Tiffany's by James Patterson
Courting Disaster by Joanne Pence
Q - Behind Closed Doors by Tara Taylor Quinn
R - Witch Hunt by Ian Rankin
The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte by Laura Joh Rowland
S - Bungalow 2 by Danielle Steele
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline
Sisters by Danielle Steele
T - Midori by Moonlight by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga
U - Black out : a novel by Lisa Unger
Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger
V - Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland
W - Dead Time by Stephen White
Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner
Killer Mousse by Melinda Wells
Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner
The guy not taken : stories by Jennifer Weiner
Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
What Lies in Shadow by Tina Wainscott
X - A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu GuoThe Secret Adventures of Charlotte Bronte by Laura Joh Rowland
S - Bungalow 2 by Danielle Steele
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline
Sisters by Danielle Steele
T - Midori by Moonlight by Wendy Nelson Tokunaga
U - Black out : a novel by Lisa Unger
Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger
V - Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland
W - Dead Time by Stephen White
Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner
Killer Mousse by Melinda Wells
Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner
The guy not taken : stories by Jennifer Weiner
Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
What Lies in Shadow by Tina Wainscott
Y - The highly effective detective goes to the dogs by Richard Yancey
Z - The Book Thief by Mark Zusak
The Baby Chronicles by Judy Baer
I chose this book blindly. First off, I knew it was chick lit but I didn't realize it was Christian chick lit. Secondly, apparently it is a part of a series. I didn't realize that til I finished the book. I saw a comment on the back cover about The Whitney Chronicles. Bummer. I prefer not to read books out of order. Oh well.
As far as the Christian chick lit is concerned, I didn't feel as though it was overtly religious. It wasn't til the end that religion is mentioned more. So that didn't really bother me.
It was a nice cozy book about 3 women who want to have babies. Whitney, who decides to have a baby after 2 years of marriage, and is pleasantly surprised by one. Mitzi, who has been on fertility treatments after trying for a long time and is surprised with triplets. Kim, who is adopting due to health issues - breast cancer and depression - which would make a pregnancy an unwise decision. We go through their trials and tribulations as they talk, laugh, play and work. Towards the end of her pregnancy, Whitney's faith is tested she almost loses her husband. It is Mitzi who helps her see her way back.
And of course there is a fairy tale ending where their amazing boss restructures and renovates their office so that the 3 women can make their own hours and bring their babies into work with them. Where can I find a job like that?
As far as the Christian chick lit is concerned, I didn't feel as though it was overtly religious. It wasn't til the end that religion is mentioned more. So that didn't really bother me.
It was a nice cozy book about 3 women who want to have babies. Whitney, who decides to have a baby after 2 years of marriage, and is pleasantly surprised by one. Mitzi, who has been on fertility treatments after trying for a long time and is surprised with triplets. Kim, who is adopting due to health issues - breast cancer and depression - which would make a pregnancy an unwise decision. We go through their trials and tribulations as they talk, laugh, play and work. Towards the end of her pregnancy, Whitney's faith is tested she almost loses her husband. It is Mitzi who helps her see her way back.
And of course there is a fairy tale ending where their amazing boss restructures and renovates their office so that the 3 women can make their own hours and bring their babies into work with them. Where can I find a job like that?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
STori Telling by Tori Spelling
Here are some thoughts that I had shared with my IRL book club. Please excuse the choppiness of the incoherent thoughts. lol Then I added some more to flesh it out.
I agree, I did get the feeling that I was reading fiction rather than a real story. It didn't seem real. The outrageousness of what her life just doesn't seem possible. But what do I know? I'm just a girl from a lower middle class working family. Her life could be the lives of all those celebrity children and they do not think twice about it.
I never thought of her much and when I did, it was like she said, Tori Spelling, oh, Aaron Spelling's daughter. Truthfully, I didn't think much of her either. I didn't think she was that pretty. I know, very catty of me. And now that she says in her book that she was constantly trying to make comedic gestures to stand out in the crowd, I simply thought she wasn't that good an actress. That she got her roles (apparently like everyone else thought) b/c of her daddy. Tori says that she didn't get her roles b/c of her dad. That she got it on her own, based on her ability. Maybe. I'm not really buying it. Maybe I'm being a little hard. Maybe her dad's name got in her foot in the door and she is the one who kept it open. But the thing is, even according to her, she hasn't done so well. So maybe she isn't that good? She tells about these movie roles that keeps getting cut, pilots that keep being shot down. She's doing a show now that's not really a show. It doesn't require acting ability. People just want to look into her life. That's not acting. I actually think it's kind of sad that someone would allow cameras to monitor their life. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm a nosy one, too. I totally want to peek into their lives. Yes, I'm a total perv. lol But are they so desperate for attention. That's my take on it.
I didn't realize she did that many TV movies. I think I've seen a few movies that starred her. Well, I didn't actually watch them. You have to love the info button on the remote control. lol Come to think of it, I thought Shannon Doherty and Jennie Garth were the queens of TV movies. Why not Tori Spelling, too?
Her relationship with her mom was just weird. There had to be something more. Since it was Tori Spelling writing her own memoirs, I doubt that she would portray herself in a terrible light. While I will believe that she is a nice person, I think it highly unlikely it was a totally hangup on her mom's part. There had to be something else going on. Like Michele had said, that I'm sure her dad had something to do with the poor relationship between mother and daughter. Saying that they were Hansel and Gretel while the mom was the witch. A little weird, don't you think? And it makes sense that there would be a jealously issue btwn her and her mom. I'm sure that her mom had a bloated sense of self, too. So when Tori came into herself, became her own person, there was someone to compete with.
I think it was Michele who said that her mom didn't train her for real life. But she didn't really have a "real" life by any standards, normal standards anyhow. Having designer Halloween costumes is not real life. Having a 10,000 sq ft house is not just a large house. Based on what BBC moms have said, 3000 sq ft is a big house. Then D tells me that my cousin's ginormous mansion like house is 5000 sq ft. You can bowl in her bedroom! A 10,000 sq ft house must be super gigantic! That is not real life or realistic. Okay, it's real life to her, but seriously, not realistic. I have to laugh at her reminder that the house Aaron Spelling is known for (I can't believe it has 100 rooms and is an acre big!) is not the house she grew up in. That it was simply a large house, but not as large as the Manor. Even having a 10,000 sq ft home is not real life. Getting a BMW for your 16th birthday is not real life. Having a beyond luxury condo when you're 22 and simply paying $1000 is not real life. Oh, I could go on.
As far as that inheritance, I can see how being left $800,000 out of so many millions can seem not right. Especially in light of how her father could buy a million dollar piece of jewelry at the drop of a hat. I mean, I do not expect my parents to leave me anything. I wouldn't expect it, but it just seems different in her case. I guess simply because they had so much money. That said, I totally agree with Rebecca in what she (Tori) thought about being a SAHM and wife. Maybe if Tori Spelling wasn't hundreds of thousands in debt, the inheritance or therelackof wouldn't matter. I guess the $800,000 seemed like a slap in the face. Kind of like 'leaving a nickel for the waiter for poor service' philosophy. But I wouldn't mind that kind of slap in the face. lol $800,000, that's a pretty penny. I could do a lot of damage with that kind of money. :P But when one continuously builds up debt without forethought, I guess $800,000 is piddly. I think she says that it would have been nice if her dad gave her enough money to cover her debts. What good would that have done? She would have just gotten into debt again. More on that in the next set of thoughts....
I had to chuckle about her being satisfied with spending $25 at Forever 21. I've caught a couple of episodes of Tori & Dean Inn Love last year when I still had time to watch television. ;) I am reminded of the planning for her son's first birthday. Ummm.... that is not how someone thinks or throws a party when they have "no money." Not by a long shot. She is so not a normal person no matter how she thinks she is now. One does not have to have a customized cake. One does not have to have monkeys even if the theme is monkeys. One does not have to have the party at someone else's house when one's own backyard will suffice. One does not have to invite everyone under the sun. One does not have to have a circus at a one year old's birthday party. And that's all I caught. I think I must have missed a lot more since Michele says the party must have cost $10k. I guess I think her a little frivilous and self-entitled. Okay, I'm being a little hard. But it wouldn't have mattered how much money her father left her, even if just to cover her debts, she would have continued to have debts and still not be able to be a stay home mom and wife that she seems to think she could be.
So instead, she decides to air out all her secrets by writing a tell all book and having a reality show. Well, obviously, she doesn't consider them secrets since she's telling everyone. I remember catching another episode where she goes to off to do a talk show shortly after the baby is born. How is that putting the baby first? It wasn't like she was doing it for the money. It was to promote her career. To me, despite what she says, it doesn't seem like she wants to simply be a stay at home mom and wife.
Wow. So, okay, I had a lot to say.... lol
I agree, I did get the feeling that I was reading fiction rather than a real story. It didn't seem real. The outrageousness of what her life just doesn't seem possible. But what do I know? I'm just a girl from a lower middle class working family. Her life could be the lives of all those celebrity children and they do not think twice about it.
I never thought of her much and when I did, it was like she said, Tori Spelling, oh, Aaron Spelling's daughter. Truthfully, I didn't think much of her either. I didn't think she was that pretty. I know, very catty of me. And now that she says in her book that she was constantly trying to make comedic gestures to stand out in the crowd, I simply thought she wasn't that good an actress. That she got her roles (apparently like everyone else thought) b/c of her daddy. Tori says that she didn't get her roles b/c of her dad. That she got it on her own, based on her ability. Maybe. I'm not really buying it. Maybe I'm being a little hard. Maybe her dad's name got in her foot in the door and she is the one who kept it open. But the thing is, even according to her, she hasn't done so well. So maybe she isn't that good? She tells about these movie roles that keeps getting cut, pilots that keep being shot down. She's doing a show now that's not really a show. It doesn't require acting ability. People just want to look into her life. That's not acting. I actually think it's kind of sad that someone would allow cameras to monitor their life. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm a nosy one, too. I totally want to peek into their lives. Yes, I'm a total perv. lol But are they so desperate for attention. That's my take on it.
I didn't realize she did that many TV movies. I think I've seen a few movies that starred her. Well, I didn't actually watch them. You have to love the info button on the remote control. lol Come to think of it, I thought Shannon Doherty and Jennie Garth were the queens of TV movies. Why not Tori Spelling, too?
Her relationship with her mom was just weird. There had to be something more. Since it was Tori Spelling writing her own memoirs, I doubt that she would portray herself in a terrible light. While I will believe that she is a nice person, I think it highly unlikely it was a totally hangup on her mom's part. There had to be something else going on. Like Michele had said, that I'm sure her dad had something to do with the poor relationship between mother and daughter. Saying that they were Hansel and Gretel while the mom was the witch. A little weird, don't you think? And it makes sense that there would be a jealously issue btwn her and her mom. I'm sure that her mom had a bloated sense of self, too. So when Tori came into herself, became her own person, there was someone to compete with.
I think it was Michele who said that her mom didn't train her for real life. But she didn't really have a "real" life by any standards, normal standards anyhow. Having designer Halloween costumes is not real life. Having a 10,000 sq ft house is not just a large house. Based on what BBC moms have said, 3000 sq ft is a big house. Then D tells me that my cousin's ginormous mansion like house is 5000 sq ft. You can bowl in her bedroom! A 10,000 sq ft house must be super gigantic! That is not real life or realistic. Okay, it's real life to her, but seriously, not realistic. I have to laugh at her reminder that the house Aaron Spelling is known for (I can't believe it has 100 rooms and is an acre big!) is not the house she grew up in. That it was simply a large house, but not as large as the Manor. Even having a 10,000 sq ft home is not real life. Getting a BMW for your 16th birthday is not real life. Having a beyond luxury condo when you're 22 and simply paying $1000 is not real life. Oh, I could go on.
As far as that inheritance, I can see how being left $800,000 out of so many millions can seem not right. Especially in light of how her father could buy a million dollar piece of jewelry at the drop of a hat. I mean, I do not expect my parents to leave me anything. I wouldn't expect it, but it just seems different in her case. I guess simply because they had so much money. That said, I totally agree with Rebecca in what she (Tori) thought about being a SAHM and wife. Maybe if Tori Spelling wasn't hundreds of thousands in debt, the inheritance or therelackof wouldn't matter. I guess the $800,000 seemed like a slap in the face. Kind of like 'leaving a nickel for the waiter for poor service' philosophy. But I wouldn't mind that kind of slap in the face. lol $800,000, that's a pretty penny. I could do a lot of damage with that kind of money. :P But when one continuously builds up debt without forethought, I guess $800,000 is piddly. I think she says that it would have been nice if her dad gave her enough money to cover her debts. What good would that have done? She would have just gotten into debt again. More on that in the next set of thoughts....
I had to chuckle about her being satisfied with spending $25 at Forever 21. I've caught a couple of episodes of Tori & Dean Inn Love last year when I still had time to watch television. ;) I am reminded of the planning for her son's first birthday. Ummm.... that is not how someone thinks or throws a party when they have "no money." Not by a long shot. She is so not a normal person no matter how she thinks she is now. One does not have to have a customized cake. One does not have to have monkeys even if the theme is monkeys. One does not have to have the party at someone else's house when one's own backyard will suffice. One does not have to invite everyone under the sun. One does not have to have a circus at a one year old's birthday party. And that's all I caught. I think I must have missed a lot more since Michele says the party must have cost $10k. I guess I think her a little frivilous and self-entitled. Okay, I'm being a little hard. But it wouldn't have mattered how much money her father left her, even if just to cover her debts, she would have continued to have debts and still not be able to be a stay home mom and wife that she seems to think she could be.
So instead, she decides to air out all her secrets by writing a tell all book and having a reality show. Well, obviously, she doesn't consider them secrets since she's telling everyone. I remember catching another episode where she goes to off to do a talk show shortly after the baby is born. How is that putting the baby first? It wasn't like she was doing it for the money. It was to promote her career. To me, despite what she says, it doesn't seem like she wants to simply be a stay at home mom and wife.
Wow. So, okay, I had a lot to say.... lol
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