Chewin' on some Chick Lit...

OK – this great summer weather has made it tough to sit down and write reviews.... but I have no excuses... here are two reviews for the price of one blog entry. I took about a week and a half to read Emily Giffin’s Something Borrowed and Something Blue. Yes everyone, I read what is commonly referred to “Chick Lit.” And, brace yourselves...... I enjoyed the books for what they are. These books are quick, easy to read books, with an interesting enough dilemma that keeps you reading. You may not necessarily be able to relate to the story (wow, I sure hope not), but I think these are very quick, light natured reads that could easily be accompanied by a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea; and even EASIER accompanied by something a little stronger...... a nice crisp white wine perhaps?

Am I rushing to the shelves to pick up more “Chick Lit?” No. Not for a while. The truth is however, Emily Giffin does write well, and her quick wit will cause you to read more of her books as they come out.
Now... as a result of the G20 I didn’t take the train in... and with this week being a short one, I drove as well. I look forward to getting back into the grind next week and polishing off a few books over the next couple of weeks. Have a great week or so.......... enjoy the sunshine!! AND..... if you haven’t already... check out Something Borrowed (first)... and then Something Blue.

My Life in France... makes me wanna eat baguette!

There is a certain romance that one associates with France; especially with Paris. There is also the food, the richness, the shopping, the beautiful and smug culture... when we think of France, we think of all of these things; OK at least I do. It is one destination I wish to explore with my husband and our little girl. I feel like the food, the culture and the scenery will be like no other. And, Julia's book, My Life in France really and truly describes Paris, French food, and of course her love for her husband Paul.

The entire book is so amazing; you also need to remind yourself of when this all took place. I read through this book and couldn't believe that it is an autobiography; it reads like a fictional story. Julia and Paul were two love birds. They built an entire life together; sometimes however I wonder if they were not in love like lovers, but rather companions and soul mates. I know, you ask, what is the difference? I just didn't get the same level of romantic love that I did as a friendship love. I believed they were perfect for each other.

If you want a feel good story, with amazing descriptions about food, friendship and wine... this is one you will want to pick up. Bon Apetit!

Better late than never... It's been a while...

The Gargoyle

When you first read the back cover of the Gargoyle, you initially think that you are going to get into a dark book, one that is quite sad and very serious. While I agree there are elements that are a little sad or dark, I really felt that the book itself was very uplifting. The main story is interesting, but the amazing tales that Marianne tells within this story are truly remarkable. They appear so real. These stories all seem like they are about true love and survival. These stories don’t leave you feeling sad, dark or serious... they make you want to read more and more.

I was sad when the story was over; and not because of the content... but because I would have loved to hear more stories from Marianne.

If you are looking for a love story, that isn’t your typical love story... this is a great read. It is well written, it has a wonderful story line, and you start to feel like the all the characters are people you know.

With my limited GO Train & TTC Travel these last few weeks, I read the book and never forgot where I left off. When given the chance... I was reading it. If you are looking for a nice summer read, this isn’t a true feel good story, but it is an interesting story about love and belief in others.

Women Food & God

Take a pile of common sense; translate it into how women feel about food and their self image; and yes... you have a book that will be featured on Oprah too! OK... maybe it’s not THAT easy. I am not a tall, slim, “shoulda been on America’s Next Top Model” gal... and I have spent my share of time on Weight Watchers and other food plans, so this was a good book for me to read! Here’s the scoop (not of ice cream, alas... I digress) on this book.

It’s a well written book that focuses on the retreats the author runs. She too was heavy in her lifetime. And, let’s face it... us “bigger gals” hate hearing skinny people talk about how successful their weight loss program was... especially when they started out at the top end of their BMI and are now at the lower end. I’m not a hater... but I do tend to listen to my “stretch mark soul sisters’” success stories with a motivated ear, easier than those skinny biatches out there – no offence you hotties!! I digress... let’s just say... she talks about accepting yourself, and accepting who you are, and accepting the requests of your BODY and not your mind. We feel like having macaroni and cheese for comfort, not because we are hungry and our body is in a cheese and pasta deficit. She also talks about wanting what you can’t have. Can I get an “AMEN!” Yes!! Lots of women want what they can’t have... and apparently, once you acknowledge that if you want ice cream, it’s always gonna be there... you get thin.

Fun time over. This is an interesting and very quick read. The author does plug a number of the other books she has written, but there are definitely “A-Ha” moments where you will nod in agreement with her writing. The moral of the story is, getting thin won’t guarantee happiness. Being happy and listening to your body should eventually lead to a healthy self.
I liked this book and it was a good distraction from my typical fictional repertoire. Hmmm... is that a French language reference? You’ll never guess what I am reading next.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Say that 5 times fast!

or...

... they're the same book!

No. I am not becoming obsessive and only reading books about Autism. It just so happened that a colleague at work lent me House Rules and now, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. It was an interesting little story; wow did I have a hard time keeping up with young Christopher Boone! This was a super quick read, and was VERY different from House Rules. If I were to compare the two main characters, Jacob in House Rules had Asperger's, while Christopher was a high functioning Autistic boy. What is interesting is how far literature has come in the last decade. I think the only time I had seen Autism in the "arts" was Rain Man. And, although I think that Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman did a heck of a job in showing us what (a form of) Autism was, these two books do show that clearly Autism is different for each person who has it. Hence, it being referred to as a Spectrum Disorder.

What each book does show is that family and loved ones are also affected. Now, let's not go out there and pity people with Autism in their families. Let's understand that when we see families dealing with children in public places who are having a tantrum, dealing with children who will only eat red food, dealing with their families period... we need to give them space and not stare or huff or judge. Know that the parents of this child are doing the best they can.


What did I learn from this book? Well, I learned that this young Autistic boy could remember details like a video camera. I learned that people in general are not as observant as they could be; nor are we very helpful when we aren't specifically asked to be. And lastly, I learned that "maths" are not my forte! Oh yes... you will understand what I mean after you read the book... but when you think that trivial things like the weather will affect whether you have a good day or not, ask yourself if this is logical. If your answer is yes, consider this... YOU and YOUR ACTIONS will control your day; not the colour of the car in front of you. Trust me... it will make sense after you read the book!!!


This was a clever story. A quick read and very enjoyable. It's about a boy, his pet rat, his love of dogs and his search for the truth! Because no matter what, the truth seems to be very important.


I promise, my next book is completely unrelated to the last two. And, it in fact has been borrowed by my "professional" friend, the Librarian... is promises not to disappoint.

House Rules leave me wanting more.........

Dear Jodi,

Why do you insist on writing compelling stories and stickin' us with these flat endings?! Yes. I am fully aware that life doesn't always provide closure, and that life doesn't have peachy keen endings; THIS IS WHY I READ FICTION!!! I am starting to rethink picking up another Picoult read... please HELP... make me read something that leaves me fulfilled!!

Sincerely,

Chatty Cathy

OK... while House Rules deals with a young man who follows rules to a "T," I broke my regular rules of only reading on the Train and found myself reading a few pages here and there while at home. Needless to say, my husband wasn't pleased to see me reading a page here and a page there; especially when I would read while he was talking to me. Oops!

House Rules is a well written book. The story is so believable; Jodi has really done her research. I wasn't just amazed by Jacob (the young man with Asperger's) perspective, but it is amazing to read this story from the perspective of those around him. Life isn't easy. His mom doesn't want pity and she doesn't seem to want to change Jacob for the world. His younger brother Theo (which is a name I LOVE!), doesn't sugarcoat his perspective either. I like that he has bad thoughts about his brother. I found the story to be very realistic.

If and when you read this one... do me a favour? Tell me if you liked the book and whether or not you found that the ending was appropriate? Fulfilling? Satisfying? OK for you? And... for the Jodi Picoult groupies who think all her books are the best thing since sliced bread - I dare you... recommend a book that isn't super depressing and has a great ending!

Wait for it......... House Rules

Jodi Picoult is known for writing about topics that make us all wonder what we would do? I have only read one of her books, My Sister's Keeper. I read that book, cover to cover, and while I was kept captive for the entire thing, I was a little disappointed with the end. Then I thought, "Is that the point?" Was the point of her book to make us think of a topic that would have us in knots over what we would do, versus what "that" mother did... only for the ending to.... well....... I don't want to spoil it? Point of the matter is this...... I am now reading House Rules. It's a relatively "thick" book, and so far I am less than 100 pages in. Here is what I know.

The story is centred around an autistic young adult, Jacob. He is 18 and living with Asperger's. Similar to My Sister's Keeper, the "chapters" are basically each character in the book's perspective on what is happening at the moment. A quick side track - I thought that I didn't like this style, but I do. In fact, I REALLY appreciate it. It's very interesting how each person has such differing perspectives; Bravo Jodi! Jacob has a younger brother, Theo who is truly affected by his brother. Mom (Emma) is a single mom after her husband decided he couldn't’t deal with their family’s situation. More to come I promise!

This story seems near to my heart. I personally have a great friend with a young son who is autistic. She is brave and she is amazing with her son. I recently attended a gala in support of this cause; so little funding is available for research and to assist families with autistic children. Perhaps this book will help raise some awareness.

I find the story quite compelling so far... stay tuned... I think this book may just be a winner!!

Eat ~Zzzzzzz~ Pray ~Zzzzzzzz~ Love ~Zzzzzzzzz~

Eating in Italy; praying in India; and loving in Indonesia. This is exactly what the book was about. And, although my “Zzzzzzzzzzz” are not about the author herself, or really about the writing, I had a hard time whipping through this book. Yes, there was some deeper meaning behind some of the words, but I think that it didn’t necessarily have me wondering what was going to happen next. I applaud Liz’s ability to overcome everything she was struggling with, and I certainly admire her ability to take a huge leap of faith in herself and away from her pain and poisons back home, but I didn’t necessarily think that all the hoopla for this book was appropriate. If I were going to judge a book by its cover, then I would have been guilty of buying this one for those reasons. Great cover, good content. I found myself reading certain passages and finding them most profound; her revelation about the true meaning of soulmate in this book is truly an amazing thought! That being said, there were many times that I either lost track of what I was reading, or just shut my book and caught some “Zzzzzzzzzzzzz” on the train instead. I can’t say that I am looking forward to watching the movie when it comes out... even Oprah is having a show dedicated to this book where she is inviting book clubs to come to her audience (well, I think there is a selection panel lined up for which book clubs are Oprah-worthy); I will pass.

This book simply explores eating, praying and loving. Perhaps the title and the content are meant to make us believe that we can control our own life and our own destiny through simple means. Perhaps the book is meant to tell us that we all need to take a moment of tranquil and relaxed prayer, or meditation in our lives. Perhaps the book is meant to tell us that we can’t all be perfect at everything, not even when we find our inner self. What the book will do is open your mind. Would I recommend you run out and pick this up for a read? Not really... borrow a friend’s copy... so many were sold, you must know one person who has read it. I was a good read. Good. Reading. Finished.