Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arts. Show all posts

Monday, October 22, 2012

Book Review | And One Last Thing ...By Molly Harper


Book review | And One Last Thing ... By Molly Harper
can’t begin to tell you how much I laughed when I read the first sentence of this book, And One Last Thing ... By Molly Harper. It has to be my ultimate laugh out loud and “NO she didn't just write that” best first sentence. But you can be the judge:
"If Singletree’s only florist didn’t deliver her posies half-drunk, I might still be married to that floor-licking, scum-sucking, receptionist-nailing hack-accountant, Mike Terwilliger."
Now you want to read more right! Don’t get all judgmental I am not always reading chick lit books and really took this recommendation from one of the book clubs I joined on goodreads.com. I had no idea what the book was about but really wanted that quick train read. And reading a nice relationship book can put you in the right frame of mind when things get a bit crazy in your own kitchen.

Share a Book Rating | 4 - Great book, but hey you tell me is it a 5!! Read below will have details about the story so here is your warning ** SPOILER ALERT **

Book Review | Setting & Characters


The main theme of the book does center on the main characters behavior after she sent the email that we would all want to send at the end of a very bad relationship but it does not over power the story. With this act she discovers her true desires in life as an individual, lover and family member. Set in the isolated woods of a family cabin, a place to retreat to in the hysteria of a push of the ENTER button, she finds comfort in her own discoveries. The author does a brilliant job focusing on the main characters discovery with the entire additional sub characters each playing a voice in her head. The strength of family, new friends and losing it all can lead to a self-discovery.

I have to say the lake setting and day turning into night writing was a favorite scene for me as I wish I could trade places with that peacefulness. And the pursuit of being an author kept me wanting more for this girl!

Book Review | A little research

Goodreads.com has an author review of Molly Harper. On her blog she states that she was “A former newspaper reporter and church secretary, I write paranormal romance and romance novels. This blog is where I shamelessly promote them.”

I found this great video. Love when I can see the author and learn more about them. Check it out


Product Description from Amazon 
"If Singletree’s only florist didn’t deliver her posies half-drunk, I might still be married to that floor-licking, scum-sucking, receptionist-nailing hack-accountant, Mike Terwilliger."
Lacey Terwilliger’s shock and humiliation over her husband’s philandering prompt her to add some bonus material to Mike’s company newsletter: stunning Technicolor descriptions of the special brand of "administrative support" his receptionist gives him. The detailed mass e-mail to Mike’s family, friends, and clients blows up in her face, and before one can say "instant urban legend," Lacey has become the pariah of her small Kentucky town, a media punch line, and the defendant in Mike’s defamation lawsuit.
Her seemingly perfect life up in flames, Lacey retreats to her family’s lakeside cabin, only to encounter an aggravating neighbor named Monroe. A hunky crime novelist with a low tolerance for drama, Monroe is not thrilled about a newly divorced woman moving in next door. But with time, beer, and a screen door to the nose, a cautious friendship develops into something infinitely more satisfying.
Lacey has to make a decision about her long-term living arrangements, though. Should she take a job writing caustic divorce newsletters for paying clients, or move on with her own life, pursuing more literary aspirations? Can she find happiness with a man who tells her what he thinks and not what she wants to hear? And will she ever be able to resist saying one . . . last . . . thing?
Other links to Molly Harper


Conclusion| My thoughts 

Like I said I really enjoyed this book and the first sentence might be my 2012 Best first sentence, laugh out loud award. Molly Harper brought us into a family situation that many of us shy away from. The author leads us through a relationship that ended in turmoil and shows that a second chance can happen for each person. Although, these signs might have been there through out the relationship it can lead to drastic measures on both sides when these two people aren't  meant to be together. No matter if the buzzed florist delivers the wrong package or that voice in your head leads you to change. It is a good thing and over time bitterness aside a new beginning will come to you once you accept.

So I say read it pick it up at the library (like I did) share it with a girlfriend and laugh, enjoy her new experiences and remember all in time things move forward. 


Question| what would you do if you got the wrong flowers? Please share.


Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer



p.s. While you are reading this, I am reading Enchanted Inc. I'll post a full review in an upcoming post. Be sure to subscribe to A Reading Journal so you don't miss it!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Whats the deal | Procrastination


Procrastination Tick Tock
The days go by so fast and the nights don't fade into a moonlit darkness at a slow pace now that the fall season is upon us in my neck of the woods. Which does not help with the list of projects I am working on. Or could it be the signs of procrastination filtering into my days. I am thinking instead of writing this lovely blog or reading another wonderful book to share with you peeps. I am looking at images playing with quotes and just letting the project list slide.

Procrastination | Signs

I really get into this when I have a ton of projects on the calendar. I notice so many tell tale signs.
  • putting off projects
  • leaving a critical task until last minute
  • becoming counterproductive and keeping "busy" on needless work - yep I will just wander into the internet abyss

Procrastination | What they say

My favorite from Ellen - She cracks my up! And yes a little more procrastination but so much FUN! researching and finding this gem. 



Other famous quotes on the subject
"Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week." ~Spanish Proverb
"What may be done at any time will be done at no time." ~Scottish Proverb
"You may delay, but time will not." ~Benjamin Franklin
"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow." ~Mark Twain

Procrastination | My thoughts

Is it a just writers block or pure boredom. Do I need a recharge? step back take a glance at the big picture. Maybe, will be worth a try. So for now at least this post is complete. I am going to step back listen to some music, finish this book I just picked up from my library. And tomorrow will get on that task list (yup just a little more procrastination :)))))

What are your tell tale signs when you are procrastinating? Please share.

Keep Turning those pages!
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer

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

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

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

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

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Book Review Dedication - Happy Birthday :: Mom


I
Happy Birthday Momn honor of Mom's Birthday. I wanted to document her wonderful 64th birthday. She is an earth shaker in education - shaping and inspiring high school and college students. She is a poet by her own talents and shares with her local community.

She is a mom that created a lifetime of learning and thrill of reading for her children.


So I did some searching online I added this book to my list and dedicate the review to my Mom once finished.

She Walks in Beauty: A Woman's Journey Through PoemsREAD :: She Walks in Beauty: A Woman's Journey Through Poems Caroline Kennedy (Author)


Share a Book Rating ::  Stay Tuned!!

If you read this book send me a note. DO you think Mom would like?





Keep Turning those pages
Happy Reading,

 Jennifer





Monday, June 11, 2012

About the Author :: Cathy Lamb

I love reading books and drift into a new world or part of a tale that takes me on a journey. But most of all I enjoy learning about the authors. A few months ago I read First day of the Rest of My LifeBy Cathy Lamb.

I couldn't put the book down. (I bet all Authors aim for that in their readers :) What made me want to keep reading was my feeling of at home in the setting. I love Oregon. Not just because my favorite girl lives there but for the beauty of the country and the people. As a NYer we are use to the quick pace and never a good morning smile to a passer by but in OR its a norm. And I love it, so Ms Lambs books was a nice reminder of how beautiful that part of the country is to live in.

Cathy Lamb is a lovely storyteller. I was engaged in all of the characters and her twist in the plot were very alluring. Who knew I would end up in Israel??? Or be so intrigued by all the smaller characters - those Mob sisters were a HOOT and I just fell in love with her coaching style in her main character. And the scenes from the characters childhood - heartbreaking. Like I said a MUST READ. In my Share a Book rating it is a 5 - Loved it! Can't wait to share with you!!

Below are some details about the Author.
Beach Season
by 
3.85 of 5 stars 3.85 avg rating — 13 ratings — published 2012



A Different Kind of Normal
by 
4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 avg rating — 3 ratings — expected publica
Check out her books - let me know what you think.

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer

Friday, June 8, 2012

Friday Reads :: Firefly Lane By Kristin Hannah

T his book has been on my night stand for some time. Teasing me every night before I lay my head to rest, well not so much a tease but a clear reminder that the days are getting to short and the night approaches to soon.

Too bad my eyes kept closing before I was able to pick up the book last month so it will roll over to my June books. Cheers to all you weekend readers. Hip Hip Hooray! It's Friday ~ here is to a weekend of reading.

What book are you reading this weekend? Go a head you can let me know. Enjoy!!

 Keep turning those pages....
 Happy Reading,
 Jennifer



Product Description (from Amazon)

From the New York Times bestselling author of On Mystic Lake comes a powerful novel of love, loss, and the magic of friendship. . . .

In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the “coolest girl in the world” moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all---beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer’s end they’ve become TullyandKate. Inseparable.

So begins Kristin Hannah’s magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives.

From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success . . . and loneliness.

Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn’t know is how being a wife and mother will change her . . . how she’ll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she’ll envy her famous best friend. . . .

For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they’ve survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart . . . and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget . . . one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.

Monday, May 21, 2012

June Books :: One on everyone's secret list and more...

It seems I am about to read some books that EVERYONE has been talking about and I have to say I hope the hype wins hahah

This month we are reading a favorite author of mine Ms. Judy Blume and one that has made me laugh on the Chelsea Lately show, Ms. Sarah Colonna but the one everyone is talking about and hiding on their kindles is Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty... by E L James. And finally, magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure in A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)By George R.R. Martin.

I hope you are able to join me and pick up one or all four of these books at the local library, book store, online at our store or join our Share A Book program and receive a FREE copy.

Keep turning those pages....
Happy Reading,
Jennifer




Life As I Blow It: Tales of Love, Life & Sex . . . Not Necessarily in That OrderA Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy
Life As I Blow It: Tales of Love, Life &...
by Sarah Colonna
$10.20
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, ...
by George R.R. Martin
$10.36
Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty...
by E L James
$9.57
Summer Sisters: A Novel
Summer Sisters: A Novel
by Judy Blume
$10.24

Monday, February 13, 2012

Classics for 2012 a little late but added to list!

I wanted to include a list of Classics to be read this year. Currently trying to decide which list to read so I did a quick search and decided  on the Wikipedia List. I created a table in my excel sheet and entered my handy dandy RAND formula and presto :: No decision needed technology made the selection. Below is the list for 2012. I hope you enjoy.

CLASSICS 2012


- The Princess and Curdie George MacDonald
- The Moonstone Wilkie Collins
- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and  Mr. Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Deerslayer James Fenimore Cooper
- Gulliver's Travels Jonathan Swift
- The Napoleon of Notting Hill G.K. Chesterton
- Othello, The Moor of Venice William Shakespeare
- Middlemarch George Eliot
- The Princess and Curdie George MacDonald
- The Count of Monte Cristo Alexandre Dumas
- Kidnapped Robert Louis Stevenson
- Tanglewood Tales for Girls and Boys Nathaniel Hawthorne
 

I am looking forward to turning these pages.

Much Love,

Jennifer


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