Friday, September 28, 2012

Book Review | Drowned By Therese Bohman


Struggling to finish this review. I am not sure why??? But I do have to say Oprah - what happened? I love your recommendations but this was not the page turner I expected . I am not saying it wasn't a good read but I did find it boring yeah a couple of peeks of tension and then the main thought going through my head was "this is it??? Read below will have details about the story so here is your warning ** SPOILER ALERT **

Book Review | Theme, Characters & Setting 

This book is written in the first person from Marina's perspective. Marina, an art history student in Stockholm, takes a train to the country to visit her sister Stella, who is living with an older man, a novelist named Gabriel. As I read the book I did feel like I was brought into the life in the little village and the loneliness of the house from the kitchen to the bedrooms. Feelings I did get from the setting were chilling, the loneliness of the walks and the property.

Book Review | A little Research

Therese Bohman is an editor of the magazine Axess and a columnist for Expressen and Tidningen Vi, writing about literature, art, culture, and fashion. She lives in Sweden. (from goodreads.com profile)

From Amazon Drowned Product Description
Drowned, set in the idyllic countryside during a short-lived Swedish summer, gets under one’s skin from the first page, creating an atmosphere of foreboding in which even the perfume of freshly picked vegetables roasting in the kitchen becomes ominous.
On the surface, the story couldn’t be simpler. A single young woman visits her older sister, who is married to a writer as charismatic as he is violent. As the young woman falls under her brother-in-law’s spell, the plot unfolds in a series of precisely rendered turns. Meanwhile the reader, anticipating the worst, hopes against hope that disaster can be averted.
More than a mere thriller, this debut novel delves deep into the feminine soul and at the same time exposes the continuing oppression of women in Sweden’s supposedly enlightened society. Mixing hothouse sensuality with ice-cold fear on every page, Drowned heralds the emergence of a major new talent on the international scene.

Book Review | What I have to say

So basically, Oprah over hyped it on her list of must read page turners for me the author descriptive details of the dinners and outdoor settings were excellent and she doesn't go overboard. There is some drama but not what I really expected from the first part of the story I was getting prepared for this thriller and then nothing. The amazing part was all of a sudden after Marina has a quickie affair with Gabriel and then second part of the book starts the sister is dead. What? I swear I had to turn back and do a double check. I don’t like the unresolved way of ending the story. I guess it is poetic but as I began to feel the fear of Gabriel I felt more of a pathetic sadness for Marina.
Did you read the book? Please share.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Book Collage :: Drowned By Therese Bohman

Monday, September 24, 2012

Did you recall? | author reviews


In the past I wrote some post on Authors I have read. This post is just a recap on some post you might have missed. I enjoyed learning about them and I hope you do to!


Author | Tom Franklin 

Author Notes :: Tom Franklin | A Reading Journal

Author Notes :: Tom Franklin. W e read this book in the begininng of the year. This is a brilliant story between two men, a town and a murderer. The best part was the secret at the end. Here is my review of the book.

Author | Sarah Addison Allen

Author Notes :: Sarah Addison Allen | A Reading Journal

Author Notes :: Sarah Addison Allen. L The Girl Who Chased the Moon et's get to know Ms.Sarah Addison Allen. A few months ago I read her book The Girl Who Chased the Moon: A Novel. I gave the book a 4 rating. Share a ..

Author | Kathryn White 

Author Notes | Kathryn White | A Reading Journal

Author Profile | Kathryn White. Below is a list of books she has written over the years. She states on her site that her first book was written when her daughter was one. Now that is amazing. What a great gift to her child. :). Will It Snow Again? The Nutty Nut Chase; Click Clack Crocodile's Back. Here is a list from goodreads.com for her full selection. .... J


I am reading some great books this month. I look forward to finding more about the author in this months selection. I will be sure to share with you!

Can you recommend another Author? Please share.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

inspiration | beauty in words - poems


Poetry is a favorite - maybe because sometimes a simple phrase or words could mean so much in few words or many. My mom is a poet and I adore her energy in writing to her inner spirit. Imagine those words taking you to a place of complete expression. Brining your spirit to the top and letting the beauty soar.

Poems | Poets

We all know the great poets like Walt Whitman, John Donne, Emily Dickinson, William Butler Yeats andWallace Stevens.

“What is that you express in your eyes? It seems to me more than all the print I have read in my life. ” ― Walt Whitman

Poems | Links

The 10 Greatest Poets: My List
Amazons list of greatest Poets (not sure about this one but hey to each there own I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats)
The 10 best American poems

from Goodreads Poetry Genre New Releases Tagged "Poetry"

Poems | A Favorite

"Bright Star, Would I Were Steadfast as Thou Art
Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art 
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night, 
And watching, with eternal lids apart, 
Like nature's patient sleepless eremite, 
The moving waters at their priestlike task 
Of pure ablution round earth's human shores, 
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask 
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors; 
No yet still steadfast, still unchangeable, 
Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell, 
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest, 
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, 
And so live ever or else swoon to death. 
~ John Keats


Do you have a favorite poem? Please share.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Friday, September 14, 2012

a little idea | share a book for FREE



Everyone know I am crazy about books. And I just want everyone to experience that FUN of reading. So I came up with a silly idea called SHARE A BOOK. I was thinking just to get everyone interested in reading why not share my books. Yes, I donate them to the library, or preschools etc. But its always nice to really know someone that has read the book you are about to read. I am also happy to say my first SHARE A BOOK was with a new friend from Valdivia, Chile, South America, she received my copy of Unbearable Lightness and a friend from Australia author Helen McKenna sent a copy of The Beach House to be part of the SHARE a BOOK program.


Share a Book| Book of the Month

This month I have a copy of the Paris Wife By Paula McLain ready to be shipped as part of the SHARE A BOOK program on my site.

Share a Book | My Review

Hemingway one of my favorites but WOW I loved him and hated him in this book. It was a nice read and a wonderful insight to how the first wife of Hemingway fell in love with a writer. Yes, I know it is fiction but the story brought me right into their small apartment, the cafes with friends and enemies, the beaches of Spain and the mountains in Europe.... read more!

Share a Book | Join Us

Click here and enter your name and email. We will have a monthly drawing WHO doesn't like FREE gifts and especially a book.

If you are part of this community its simply three steps:
  1. Receive a book, 
  2. Read it, enjoy it and then 
  3. Share it!
Fill out the Share a Book - library card - let the next reader know your comments then share with the next owner of the book.
  I look forward to sharing more stories with you.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

thought | writing inspiration


Today I was thinking about my favorite authors and the books they have written that have made me dream about becoming a writer. But I am wondering what was their inspiration. What made them say today I am writing?

Writing | Inspiration - Authors

Below are a few authors that inspired me through there works a variety of genres.

to

Writing | Inspiration - Links

Next, I wondered how they stayed focused below are some links for writers needing that extra push of inspiration.

Writing | Inspiration - for me

Well, its kind of like I need the challenge. It is not going to go into the computer unless someone is watching me. Kind of like losing that 10 lbs without the "weigh in" its not going to happen. So what do I use for inspiration and motivation...

  • A great day
  • a memory
  • a dream of what the story could be
  • a clear mind 
  • silence
What inspires you to write? Authors please share.


Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

news feature | Patriots Day 9/11


Somber day yesterday and everyone keeps asking, where were you? do you remember.

Patriots Day | I remember

  • going to work 
  • news on computer 
  • walking down stairs
  • heading to boyfriends office
  • car
  • traffic
  • worried about dying
  • worried about family
  • SILENCE
  • SILENCE
  • dark clouds
  • darkness


That is it for today!

peace and friendship to all xoxoox


Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Monday, September 10, 2012

Social issues | children reading and higher success!


Sometimes we have to pay attention, sit back and think how can you help a social issues. Of course one that is dear to me involves children reading. It is amazing that according to NEA facts about children literacy "Children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school." 
  • count to 20, or higher than those who were not (60% vs. 44%) 
  • write their own names (54% vs. 40%) 
  • read or pretend to read (77% vs. 57%)
Then why don't more parents take a minute and spend 30minutes of quiet time and open a book. BUT I get it - time goes by, the days fall into evenings, the weekdays get gobbled up into weekends and life gets busy. So here are just some tips I searched for and crammed into one post up for you!

I love these tips from NEA Below are a few to share and I hope you can share with a friend, new parents anyone. 
  • Carry books to read to your child wherever you go - at the doctor's office, in line at the store, or on a long car ride. (You can also listen to stories on tape.) 
  • Visit your local library often. Get your children their own library cards. Try a story hour or other free event at the library. 
  • Let your child see you reading, whether it's the newspaper, a magazine, or the latest bestseller.

Children Reading | Comprehension Concerns

"Detecting problems early, in order to avoid other problems later on, is the most practical course." And the detailed information supplied at  Reading Rockets is a great source of information for a parent and educator. http://www.readingrockets.org/helping/

Reading Rockets provides more information http://www.readingrockets.org/helping/target/ on the difficulties listed below:

Children Reading | Levels & Tips

It seems the standard testing in most schools is the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)
a  useful tool because it provides the teachers with a wealth of information about how each of the students is developing as a reader. And  Fountas & Pinnell, Lexile and Reading Recovery are part of many reading level charts. 

Reading tips from Healthy Children.org

The following are a few tips to keep in mind as your child learns to read:
  • Set aside time every day to read together. Many children like to have stories read to them at bedtime. This is a great way to wind down after a busy day and get ready for sleep.
  • Leave books in your child's room for her to enjoy on her own. Make sure her room is reading-friendly with a comfortable bed or chair, bookshelf, and reading lamp.
  • Read books that your child enjoys. After a while, your child may learn the words to her favorite book. When this happens, let your child complete the sentences or take turns reciting the words.
  • Do not drill your child on letters, numbers, colors, shapes, or words. Instead, make a game out of it and find ways to encourage your child's curiosity and interests.

Children Reading | Books & Links 

Books


I hope you found this information useful. I know it definitely made me more aware about the importance of reading to our children. And I am glad to share with you all my little research on reading to children.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Author Profile | Author :: Kathryn White


Children books are one of my favorites, not only are the stories fun to read with my son but each book is a subtle reminder to keep things simple and the message becomes very clear. In my home we are getting ready for our BACK TO SCHOOL day on Monday. So this week we read one of Kathryn White books, Ruby's School Walk, engages us on a wonderful adventure that happens on her way to school. No crocodiles on our way to school but you never know!

Author Profile | Books

Below is a list of books she has written over the years. She states on her site that her first book was written when her daughter was one. Now that is amazing. What a great gift to her child. :)
  • Will It Snow Again?
  • The Nutty Nut Chase
  • Click Clack Crocodile's Back
Here is a list from goodreads.com for her full selection. 

Author Profile | About

Kathryn White is a children's author from Wells, Somerset

"Her first children's picture book; When They Fight was selected as a Notable Social Studies Book by the US Librarians Association. Her second picture book; Here Comes The Crocodile was shortlisted for the Sheffield and Nottingham Children's Book Awards. Ruby's School Walk is her latest picture book, published by Barefoot Books in the US and UK. Kathryn has published 30 titles." from Amazon. 

Author Profile | Links


Do you have a favorite children's author? Please share.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Writing Styles | Short stories - Can I do this?


S
hort stories is subject matter I have been thinking about as a writing project. During some research online I found some sources that I would like to share. According to Wikipedia, "A short story is a work of fiction that is usually written in prose, often in narrative format. A short story usually deals with a few characters and often concentrates on the creation of the mood rather than the plot." and a "short story focuses on one incident; has a single plot, a single setting, and a small number of characters; and covers a short period of time."

Getting Started | short story

So my thinking is this could be a great way to brainstorm and get the writing juices going to create the base of the larger story in my mind and heart. So the mission is to find out the basics of a short story. This is what I learned so far... Number 1 - READ short stories (hmmmm good idea) and more from wiki-how (How to write a short story) and down to number 14 DON'T GIVE UP!

Short Story | Authors

    And below are some AUTHORS from goodreads.com

Laments by Michael Embry
Still Life with Plums by Marie Manilla
Laments: Short Stories
by Michael Embry

Still Life with Plums: Short Stories
by Marie Manilla




Short Story | Links to Books


I really enjoyed reading about all of these authors and learning some basic tips on how to get started writing a short story. I know there are many sources and I only touched the surface. I do plan on getting to my local library for the writing class starting this month.

Do you have a favorite short story? Please share.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

Friday, September 7, 2012

A quick recap | Top 5 summer reads


W
ith the summer over I figured I could share with you my top stories we cherished during our summer holiday. I had a couple and my son picked some fun stories from our local library. Some took us on a far away adventure and a few made me think about how wonderful it is to have family and friends though out our lives supporting and loving throughout the years.

Below is my book collage for a few of the summer books that we loved to read.

Summer Books 2012


Now the school year has started we are off to a new set of books. Although I loved to keep reading a few books at a time this month I am aiming for two books and plenty of bedtime stories.

Keep Turning those pages
Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

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