Showing posts with label Literature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Literature. 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

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

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

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

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, May 14, 2012

Author Notes :: Paula McLain

Let's get to know Paula McLain. I searched the web and this is what I found on the Random House author page. "Paula McLain received an MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan and has been a resident of Yaddo and the MacDowell Colony. She is the author of two collections of poetry, as well as a memoir, Like Family, and a first novel, A Ticket to Ride. She lives in Cleveland with her family."

For Book Clubs - Check out these Questions for The Paris Wife  READER'S GROUP GUIDE 

  • In many ways, Hadley's girlhood in St. Louis was a difficult and repressive experience. How do her early years prepare her to meet and fall in love with Ernest? What does life with Ernest offer her that she hasn't encountered before? What are the risks? 
  • Hadley and Ernest don't get a lot of encouragement from their friends and family when they decided to marry. What seems to draw the two together? What are some of the strengths of their initial attraction and partnership? The challenges? 
  • The Ernest Hemingway we meet in THE PARIS WIFE—through Hadley's eyes—is in many ways different from the ways we imagine him when faced with the largeness of his later persona. What do you see as his character strengths? Can you see what Hadley saw in hiM?


A book review with the Author (from YouTube))

About this author (from Goodreads.com)
Paula McLain has published two collections of poetry, “Less of Her” and “Stumble, Gorgeous,” both from New Issues Poetry Press, and a memoir entitled “Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses” (Little, Brown, 2003). “A Ticket to Ride,” is her debut novel from Ecco/HarperCollins. She received her MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan in 1996, and has since been a writer-in-residence at Yaddo, The MacDowell Colony, and The Ucross Foundation Residency Program, and received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council. Individual poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals, including the Gettysburg Review, Antioch Review, and The New York Times Sunday Magazine. As well as teaching part-time at John Carroll University, she is a core faculty member in the low-residency MFA Program in Poetry at New England College.

Looking forward to checking out her other stories.

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



Other Books :: 

  
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