2009 Everything Austen Challenge Wrap Up

So, the end of 2009 is upon us and the first challenge I ever signed up for has officially come to an end. The Everything Austen Challenge felt custom tailored for me, so I was happy to try my hand at it. I had previously been in the dark about what reading challenges consisted of, so I want to extend a big thank you to everyone that helped me sort out what I was supposed to do. A special thank you goes to Stephanie of Stephanie’s Written Word for hosting the challenge. You made it entertaining all the way through. I can appreciate all the work you must have put in to it!

My original sign up post consisted of:


#1: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Written by: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith
#2: The Watsons & Emma Watson - Written by: Jane Austen / Completed by: Joan Aiken
#3: Darcy's Passions - Written by: Regina Jeffers
#4: Mr. Darcy's Dream - Written by: Elizabeth Aston
#5: Jane Austen - The World of Her Novels - Written by: Deirdre Le Faye
#6: Persuasion - Written by: Jane Austen
_______________________________________________

What I actually accomplished during the challenge is as follows:

#1: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Written by: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith
#2: The Watsons & Emma Watson - Written by: Jane Austen / Completed by: Joan Aiken
#3: Prada & Prejudice – Written by: Mandy Hubbard
#4: According to Jane – Written by: Marilyn Brant
#5: Mr. Darcy's Dream - Written by: Elizabeth Aston
#6: 2005 movie version of Pride & Prejudice -- (I did not “review” for my blog)


Looking forward to another Austen Challenge for 2010!!

2009 Everything Austen Challenge Wrap Up

So, the end of 2009 is upon us and the first challenge I ever signed up for has officially come to an end. The Everything Austen Challenge felt custom tailored for me, so I was happy to try my hand at it. I had previously been in the dark about what reading challenges consisted of, so I want to extend a big thank you to everyone that helped me sort out what I was supposed to do. A special thank you goes to Stephanie of Stephanie’s Written Word for hosting the challenge. You made it entertaining all the way through. I can appreciate all the work you must have put in to it!

My original sign up post consisted of:


#1: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Written by: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith
#2: The Watsons & Emma Watson - Written by: Jane Austen / Completed by: Joan Aiken
#3: Darcy's Passions - Written by: Regina Jeffers
#4: Mr. Darcy's Dream - Written by: Elizabeth Aston
#5: Jane Austen - The World of Her Novels - Written by: Deirdre Le Faye
#6: Persuasion - Written by: Jane Austen
_______________________________________________

What I actually accomplished during the challenge is as follows:

#1: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - Written by: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith
#2: The Watsons & Emma Watson - Written by: Jane Austen / Completed by: Joan Aiken
#3: Prada & Prejudice – Written by: Mandy Hubbard
#4: According to Jane – Written by: Marilyn Brant
#5: Mr. Darcy's Dream - Written by: Elizabeth Aston
#6: 2005 movie version of Pride & Prejudice -- (I did not “review” for my blog)


Looking forward to another Austen Challenge for 2010!!

2010 Reading Challenges

This is the year for book challenges! I’m diving in to broaden my reading horizon and have decided enter a whole host of challenges. Here they are in no particular order:

2010 Chick Lit Challenge

Host: The Twiga Blog

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read at least 8 Chick Lit Fiction books








2010 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Host: Royal Reviews

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Obsessed Level by reading 20 books

2010 What’s in a Name-3 Challenge

Host: Beth F

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read one book in each of the following categories—

1 book with a food in the title
1 book with a body of water in the title
1 book with a title in the title
1 book with a plant in the title
1 book with a place name in the title
1 book with a music term in the title

2010 100+ Reading Challenge

Host: J. Kaye’s Book Blog

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: To read 100 or more books

TwentyTen Reading Challenge

Host: Bart’s Bookshelf

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: To read 2 books from each of the following categories for a total of 20 books-

Young Adult / T.B.R. / Shiny & New / Bad Blogger’s *** (Hosted by Chris of Stuff as Dreams are Made on) / Charity / New in 2010 / Older Than You / Win! Win! / Who Are You Again? / Up to You!



Year of the Historical Challenge – A 2010 Reading Challenge

Host: Lurv A La Mode
Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read 12 historical fiction books

2010 Jane Austen Reading Challenge
Host: The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object
Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Fanatic Level by reading at least 6 books by J. Austen & 5 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

Typically British Reading Challenge 2010

Host: Book Chick City

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve “Cream Crackered” Level by reading 8 books by British authors

Romance Reading Challenge 2010
Host: The Bookworm
Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read at least 5 romance novels of any sub-genre

Audio Book Challenge 2010

Host: Royal Reviews

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Addicted Level by listening to 12 audio books

E-Book Challenge 2010
Host: Royal Reviews

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Addicted Level by reading 12 E-books

2010 Reading Challenges

This is the year for book challenges! I’m diving in to broaden my reading horizon and have decided enter a whole host of challenges. Here they are in no particular order:

2010 Chick Lit Challenge

Host: The Twiga Blog

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read at least 8 Chick Lit Fiction books








2010 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Host: Royal Reviews

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Obsessed Level by reading 20 books

2010 What’s in a Name-3 Challenge

Host: Beth F

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read one book in each of the following categories—

1 book with a food in the title
1 book with a body of water in the title
1 book with a title in the title
1 book with a plant in the title
1 book with a place name in the title
1 book with a music term in the title

2010 100+ Reading Challenge

Host: J. Kaye’s Book Blog

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: To read 100 or more books

TwentyTen Reading Challenge

Host: Bart’s Bookshelf

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: To read 2 books from each of the following categories for a total of 20 books-

Young Adult / T.B.R. / Shiny & New / Bad Blogger’s *** (Hosted by Chris of Stuff as Dreams are Made on) / Charity / New in 2010 / Older Than You / Win! Win! / Who Are You Again? / Up to You!



Year of the Historical Challenge – A 2010 Reading Challenge

Host: Lurv A La Mode
Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read 12 historical fiction books

2010 Jane Austen Reading Challenge
Host: The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object
Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Fanatic Level by reading at least 6 books by J. Austen & 5 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

Typically British Reading Challenge 2010

Host: Book Chick City

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve “Cream Crackered” Level by reading 8 books by British authors

Romance Reading Challenge 2010
Host: The Bookworm
Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Read at least 5 romance novels of any sub-genre

Audio Book Challenge 2010

Host: Royal Reviews

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Addicted Level by listening to 12 audio books

E-Book Challenge 2010
Host: Royal Reviews

Contest Time: January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

The Goal: Achieve Addicted Level by reading 12 E-books

My Thoughts on Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Title: Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles

ISBN-10: 0802798225

ISBN-13: 978- 0802798220

Publication Date: January, 2008

Acquired by Me: Borrowed

From Goodreads:

“A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. --- When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.”

My Thoughts

My teenage niece twisted my arm to read this book. “OMG, Auntie, it’s my favorite book in the world!” was her plea. So, I read it. And, it was a fair read. A timeless story about the misunderstood bad boy and the beautiful (but really deep beneath the surface) “prom queen.”

This was an interesting version, a little hard to swallow that love conquers all, especially when it comes to the gang culture portion of the story—but then again it is a fictional book and anything is possible, particularly for teenage girls. Brittany and Alex each have their own set of troubled reality to contend with and finding acceptance in one another seems to be the expected outcome.

The only things that I found difficult to read were the scenes involving sex and drinking.. I knew they might be there, because many young adult fiction books cover these issues—but the idea of my niece reading it just bugs me. I know, I know…she’s exposed to much more in the real world, but it’s just the “thought of it” that gets under my skin. Can’t we just live in a perfect world where all this stuff mysteriously happens after they reach the ripe old age of eighteen?? Eek, I feel like a prude now! At least the writing was done tastefully and it was covered delicately. Thank you for that Simone Elkeles!

My Thoughts on Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Title: Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles

ISBN-10: 0802798225

ISBN-13: 978- 0802798220

Publication Date: January, 2008

Acquired by Me: Borrowed

From Goodreads:

“A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. --- When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.”

My Thoughts

My teenage niece twisted my arm to read this book. “OMG, Auntie, it’s my favorite book in the world!” was her plea. So, I read it. And, it was a fair read. A timeless story about the misunderstood bad boy and the beautiful (but really deep beneath the surface) “prom queen.”

This was an interesting version, a little hard to swallow that love conquers all, especially when it comes to the gang culture portion of the story—but then again it is a fictional book and anything is possible, particularly for teenage girls. Brittany and Alex each have their own set of troubled reality to contend with and finding acceptance in one another seems to be the expected outcome.

The only things that I found difficult to read were the scenes involving sex and drinking.. I knew they might be there, because many young adult fiction books cover these issues—but the idea of my niece reading it just bugs me. I know, I know…she’s exposed to much more in the real world, but it’s just the “thought of it” that gets under my skin. Can’t we just live in a perfect world where all this stuff mysteriously happens after they reach the ripe old age of eighteen?? Eek, I feel like a prude now! At least the writing was done tastefully and it was covered delicately. Thank you for that Simone Elkeles!

My Thoughts on A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

Title: A Year in Provence

Author: Peter Mayle

ISBN-10: 0679731148

ISBN-13: 978-0679731146

Publication Date: June, 1991
Acquired by Me: Bookstore Purchase



From Goodreads:


“A funny--and often hilarious--month-by-month account of the charms and frustrations of moving into an old French farmhouse in Provence and adapting to a very different way of life.”





My Thoughts

A Year in Provence was is the first Peter Mayle book that I have ever read (he has written several--FYI). I really did enjoy it. I stumbled across the book on a discount shelf at a major bookseller store. It was the cover that attracted me—pale yellow with two absurd looking men, one of which is drinking wine while the other holds a meat cleaver in his hand. How bizarre!

Upon reading Mayle’s experience as a newly transplanted ex-pat in the south of France, I found myself chuckling (as opposed to outright laughing) over the circumstances he and his wife found themselves in during their first year of residence. A different language and set of customs can reek havoc on your mental well being to be sure!

If one already had an interest in reading travel stories, or were keen on the French, then I think they would find this an enjoyable read. It’s simple and pleasant. The book seems to roll along as gently as the months of the year that Mayle describes. This read feels a bit older and mature, nothing really hair-raising--but I liked that quality about it. Just sit back with (optional of course) a glass of wine and perhaps some cheese and crackers to nibble on while you dive in and you’ve just set up a perfect leisurely afternoon delight!

My Thoughts on A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle

Title: A Year in Provence

Author: Peter Mayle

ISBN-10: 0679731148

ISBN-13: 978-0679731146

Publication Date: June, 1991
Acquired by Me: Bookstore Purchase



From Goodreads:


“A funny--and often hilarious--month-by-month account of the charms and frustrations of moving into an old French farmhouse in Provence and adapting to a very different way of life.”





My Thoughts

A Year in Provence was is the first Peter Mayle book that I have ever read (he has written several--FYI). I really did enjoy it. I stumbled across the book on a discount shelf at a major bookseller store. It was the cover that attracted me—pale yellow with two absurd looking men, one of which is drinking wine while the other holds a meat cleaver in his hand. How bizarre!

Upon reading Mayle’s experience as a newly transplanted ex-pat in the south of France, I found myself chuckling (as opposed to outright laughing) over the circumstances he and his wife found themselves in during their first year of residence. A different language and set of customs can reek havoc on your mental well being to be sure!

If one already had an interest in reading travel stories, or were keen on the French, then I think they would find this an enjoyable read. It’s simple and pleasant. The book seems to roll along as gently as the months of the year that Mayle describes. This read feels a bit older and mature, nothing really hair-raising--but I liked that quality about it. Just sit back with (optional of course) a glass of wine and perhaps some cheese and crackers to nibble on while you dive in and you’ve just set up a perfect leisurely afternoon delight!

My Thoughts on Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Title: Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book #4)

Author: Richelle Mead

ISBN-10: 1595141987

ISBN-13: 978-1595141989

Publication Date: August 2009

Acquired by Me: Bookstore Purchase

Product Description from Amazon:

How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

My Thoughts

Richelle Mead’s books are tailor fit for those that enjoy young adult vampire fiction. If you liked Twilight or The Vampire Diaries, chances are that you’ll like this book. Blood Promise is the 4th book in The Vampire Academy Series by Mead. I thought I read somewhere that there are going to be seven books in total, but don’t hold me to that. To enjoy Blood Promise you really need to have read the first three books…after all, how else are you really going to know and understand the characters? In my opinion, it’s a must and I don’t think this book stands alone very well, even though Mead makes several references to past events. There’s just too much ground covered at this point!

If you are wondering how this book measures up to the first three…I believe it meets all expectations. Mead has an exceptional imagination that allows her to conjure up a few twists and turns in the story that ultimately make you wish the story wouldn’t end just quite yet. I read this book relatively fast, because I was anxious to see what would happen between Rose & Dimitri…and I was quite pleased with the answer…but to know what it was, you’ll just have to read to find out…

My Thoughts on Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Title: Blood Promise (Vampire Academy, Book #4)

Author: Richelle Mead

ISBN-10: 1595141987

ISBN-13: 978-1595141989

Publication Date: August 2009

Acquired by Me: Bookstore Purchase

Product Description from Amazon:

How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

My Thoughts

Richelle Mead’s books are tailor fit for those that enjoy young adult vampire fiction. If you liked Twilight or The Vampire Diaries, chances are that you’ll like this book. Blood Promise is the 4th book in The Vampire Academy Series by Mead. I thought I read somewhere that there are going to be seven books in total, but don’t hold me to that. To enjoy Blood Promise you really need to have read the first three books…after all, how else are you really going to know and understand the characters? In my opinion, it’s a must and I don’t think this book stands alone very well, even though Mead makes several references to past events. There’s just too much ground covered at this point!

If you are wondering how this book measures up to the first three…I believe it meets all expectations. Mead has an exceptional imagination that allows her to conjure up a few twists and turns in the story that ultimately make you wish the story wouldn’t end just quite yet. I read this book relatively fast, because I was anxious to see what would happen between Rose & Dimitri…and I was quite pleased with the answer…but to know what it was, you’ll just have to read to find out…

My Thoughts on Mr. Darcy's Dream by Elizabeth Aston

Title: Mr. Darcy’s Dream

Author: Elizabeth Aston

ISBN-10: 1416547266

ISBN-13: 978-1416547266

Publication Date: February 2009

Acquired by Me: Bookstore Purchase

From Simon & Schuster:

Description

From the author of Mr. Darcy's Daughters, the delightful escapades of the Darcy family continue with an enchanting story set at Pride and Prejudice's Pemberley.

When Phoebe, a young niece of Pride and Prejudice's Mr. Darcy, is shattered by an unhappy romance, she retreats to Pemberley and is joined by kind-hearted Louisa Bingley, unmarried after three London seasons. Once the young ladies are situated in the house, several handsome strangers also arrive -- all hopeful of winning the girls' hearts. As preparations for the ball which Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are to give at Pemberley gain momentum, mischief and love triangles abound, making life as difficult as possible for anyone connected with the Darcy family.

Populated with authentic characters firmly rooted in Jane Austen's mores and stylistic traditions, Mr. Darcy's Dream has an unforgettable combination of romance, societal scandals, friendship, family, and marriage.

My Thoughts

Admittedly, I’ll read pretty much any Austen related book. I love them. I derive a lot of pleasure in reading how inspired authors share their imagination in what happens after the “story” has ended. Of course, the most often “sequeled” Austen story is, with little surprise, doubt, Pride & Prejudice. There is something about Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy’s relationship that is timeless. After all, Miss Jane captured its perfection to start with….and it remains up to all modern day fans to carry on the legacy.

Elizabeth Aston is once such fan worthy of reading. She has written a series of books based on Pride & Prejudice, the first one of which I read years ago was Mr. Darcy’s Daughters (written in 2003, I believe). For some unknown reason, I failed to read Aston’s subsequent books…that is until a couple of months ago.

On a corner of a bookshelf in a bookstore, I saw the cover for Mr. Darcy’s Dream. It looked very interesting and I bought it on the spot. I then promptly set it on my own bookshelf and passed it over for a while until I was in the “proper mood” to read it. I’d been reading Darcy’s Passions by Regina Jeffers, with little luck, so wasn’t sure if I could do Mr. Darcy’s Dream justice. Needless to say, I was happily surprised!

The story is a typical regency style romance, with strong willed young women who find themselves in a variety of situations with dashing hero-like men. There are no great plot surprises. You see most of the story coming; however, I don’t feel like that detracted from the book at all. It was an easy storyline that kept me interested and entertained.

What I enjoyed most was the idea of the Bingley & Darcy cousins maintaining a close relationship--keeping the family a strong, close-knit group. I also liked that a Warren is kept around to…well, to keep things interesting. To know that one of the main characters, Phoebe, is Georgiana’s daughter was a special treat--a small branch in the family tree that is now fleshed out in my imagination!

I look forward to catching up on other Aston novels that I previously neglected, as well anticipate future stories that she may conjure up to keep the fire for Pride & Prejudice fueled.

My Thoughts on Mr. Darcy's Dream by Elizabeth Aston

Title: Mr. Darcy’s Dream

Author: Elizabeth Aston

ISBN-10: 1416547266

ISBN-13: 978-1416547266

Publication Date: February 2009

Acquired by Me: Bookstore Purchase

From Simon & Schuster:

Description

From the author of Mr. Darcy's Daughters, the delightful escapades of the Darcy family continue with an enchanting story set at Pride and Prejudice's Pemberley.

When Phoebe, a young niece of Pride and Prejudice's Mr. Darcy, is shattered by an unhappy romance, she retreats to Pemberley and is joined by kind-hearted Louisa Bingley, unmarried after three London seasons. Once the young ladies are situated in the house, several handsome strangers also arrive -- all hopeful of winning the girls' hearts. As preparations for the ball which Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are to give at Pemberley gain momentum, mischief and love triangles abound, making life as difficult as possible for anyone connected with the Darcy family.

Populated with authentic characters firmly rooted in Jane Austen's mores and stylistic traditions, Mr. Darcy's Dream has an unforgettable combination of romance, societal scandals, friendship, family, and marriage.

My Thoughts

Admittedly, I’ll read pretty much any Austen related book. I love them. I derive a lot of pleasure in reading how inspired authors share their imagination in what happens after the “story” has ended. Of course, the most often “sequeled” Austen story is, with little surprise, doubt, Pride & Prejudice. There is something about Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy’s relationship that is timeless. After all, Miss Jane captured its perfection to start with….and it remains up to all modern day fans to carry on the legacy.

Elizabeth Aston is once such fan worthy of reading. She has written a series of books based on Pride & Prejudice, the first one of which I read years ago was Mr. Darcy’s Daughters (written in 2003, I believe). For some unknown reason, I failed to read Aston’s subsequent books…that is until a couple of months ago.

On a corner of a bookshelf in a bookstore, I saw the cover for Mr. Darcy’s Dream. It looked very interesting and I bought it on the spot. I then promptly set it on my own bookshelf and passed it over for a while until I was in the “proper mood” to read it. I’d been reading Darcy’s Passions by Regina Jeffers, with little luck, so wasn’t sure if I could do Mr. Darcy’s Dream justice. Needless to say, I was happily surprised!

The story is a typical regency style romance, with strong willed young women who find themselves in a variety of situations with dashing hero-like men. There are no great plot surprises. You see most of the story coming; however, I don’t feel like that detracted from the book at all. It was an easy storyline that kept me interested and entertained.

What I enjoyed most was the idea of the Bingley & Darcy cousins maintaining a close relationship--keeping the family a strong, close-knit group. I also liked that a Warren is kept around to…well, to keep things interesting. To know that one of the main characters, Phoebe, is Georgiana’s daughter was a special treat--a small branch in the family tree that is now fleshed out in my imagination!

I look forward to catching up on other Aston novels that I previously neglected, as well anticipate future stories that she may conjure up to keep the fire for Pride & Prejudice fueled.

My Thoughts on Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

Title: Can You Keep a Secret?

Author: Sophie Kinsella

ISBN-10: 0440241901

ISBN-13: 978-0440241904

Publication Date: December 2005
Acquired by Me: A Gift from a Friend



From Random House, Inc.:

Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: Secrets from her boyfriend: I’ve always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her...

My Thoughts

I must preface these thoughts with the fact that I am a huge fan of Brit Chick Lit and I absolutely love Sophie Kinsella books. I’ve read them all with the exception of one (The Undomestic Goddess).

Having said that, of course I got the giddy, gee I love this girl feeling, after reading Emma’s story in Can You Keep a Secret? Kinsella’s lead women are always the kind of women that you want as a best friend. At times, they drive you to distraction, but never let you down. You root for them to win their guy—even when they take a few bumps along the way. Always entertaining, always a chum, always there. In Can You Keep a Secret, Emma follows this pattern to the tee. She’s lovable, trouble, well intentioned, the good girl who’s a little quirky. She finds herself in some of the most impossible situations…the kind that make you want to hang your head and hide behind the nearest potted palm. But that’s when you love Emma the best, because how she handles herself is to be envied!

When I was reading Can You Keep a Secret?, Bridget Jones (my absolute fav chick lit character of all time) keep creeping into my head. I think that’s a key part to why I enjoyed the book so much. I could identify Emma with Bridget. J But then again, most of Kinsella’s books do that for me. ~wink & sigh~ I’m really looking forward to her next one!

My Thoughts on Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

Title: Can You Keep a Secret?

Author: Sophie Kinsella

ISBN-10: 0440241901

ISBN-13: 978-0440241904

Publication Date: December 2005
Acquired by Me: A Gift from a Friend



From Random House, Inc.:

Meet Emma Corrigan, a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few little secrets: Secrets from her boyfriend: I’ve always thought Connor looks a bit like Ken. As in Barbie and Ken. Secrets from her mother: I lost my virginity in the spare bedroom with Danny Nussbaum while Mum and Dad were downstairs watching Ben-Hur. Secrets she wouldn’t share with anyone in the world: I have no idea what NATO stands for. Or even what it is. Until she spills them all to a handsome stranger on a plane. At least, she thought he was a stranger.…Until Emma comes face-to-face with Jack Harper, the company’s elusive CEO, a man who knows every single humiliating detail about her...

My Thoughts

I must preface these thoughts with the fact that I am a huge fan of Brit Chick Lit and I absolutely love Sophie Kinsella books. I’ve read them all with the exception of one (The Undomestic Goddess).

Having said that, of course I got the giddy, gee I love this girl feeling, after reading Emma’s story in Can You Keep a Secret? Kinsella’s lead women are always the kind of women that you want as a best friend. At times, they drive you to distraction, but never let you down. You root for them to win their guy—even when they take a few bumps along the way. Always entertaining, always a chum, always there. In Can You Keep a Secret, Emma follows this pattern to the tee. She’s lovable, trouble, well intentioned, the good girl who’s a little quirky. She finds herself in some of the most impossible situations…the kind that make you want to hang your head and hide behind the nearest potted palm. But that’s when you love Emma the best, because how she handles herself is to be envied!

When I was reading Can You Keep a Secret?, Bridget Jones (my absolute fav chick lit character of all time) keep creeping into my head. I think that’s a key part to why I enjoyed the book so much. I could identify Emma with Bridget. J But then again, most of Kinsella’s books do that for me. ~wink & sigh~ I’m really looking forward to her next one!

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser from Lucan by Susan Kearney, p. 224:

"Dragonshapers can live for several centuries. But since you weren’t born of the blood----“

 
 

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser from Lucan by Susan Kearney, p. 224:

"Dragonshapers can live for several centuries. But since you weren’t born of the blood----“

 
 

My Thoughts on Baghdad Without a Map by Tony Horwitz

Title: Baghdad Without a Map

Author: Tony Horwitz
ISBN-10: 0452267455
ISBN-13: 978-0452267459
Publication Date: January 1992
Acquired by Me: Borrowed from a Friend




A Great Description From Library Journal found on Amazon:

Horwitz ( One for the Road , Random, 1988), now a Wall Street Journal reporter, covered the Middle East in the late 1980s and returned to Baghdad in August 1990 following the invasion of Kuwait. With a sense of humor and eye for detail, he presents the turbulent Middle East from the vantage point of the "man in the street," whom we meet in traditional Yemeni villages, sophisticated Cairo, regimented Libya, disintegrating Sudan, a luxury hotel in the United Arab Emirates, and a seedy Baghdad nightclub. Among other adventures, the author attends the funeral of the Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran. A Jewish American, he shows empathy for Arabs in the Middle East. The Kuwait crisis will focus attention on the two chapters on Iraq. In comparison with Christopher Dickey's Ex pats ( LJ 6/15/90) and Charles Glass's Tribes with Flags ( LJ 4/1/90), Horwitz's book better captures the point of view of the average person and covers more territory, omitting only Syria from his itinerary. A valuable and timely acquisition for public libraries.

- James Rhodes, Luther Coll . , Decorah, Ia.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.



My Thoughts on Baghdad Without a Map

I first began reading Baghdad Without a Map well over a year ago. For some reason, I ended up setting the book down with about a quarter of it left to read. Not really sure why I did that and for the longest time, I was convinced that the book was a bad read and I wasn’t able to finish it. Thus, it sat neglected on my TO FINISH shelf until the last read-a-thon came long. I was determined to get that book off my back once and for all.

Having said all that….consider my surprise when I picked it up again and found myself once again enjoying the stories hidden inside!

Baghdad Without a Map was written right up to the beginning of the first war in Iraq. Without a doubt, it’s an interesting perspective on how Tony Horwitz saw the Middle East before it changed into how we know/see it today. Over the past few years, I’ve developed an interest in books focusing on the Middle East/Asia regions, particularly now that they have figured so profoundly in all of our lives here in the US.

Horwitz is very descriptive of his encounters in a variety of situations. I felt like he led me through each country on a roller coaster ride, holding my breath that he would come out unscathed in each adventure. To have the opportunity to have lived such a life! I’m terribly envious of him!! Also very wistful that I will probably never get the chance (given current events –can we say safety?) to see this part of the world as he was able to see it.

If you enjoy travel adventure, I would certainly suggest giving this book a try. Even though it now stands somewhat dated, there is more than enough there to still identify with.

 

My Thoughts on Baghdad Without a Map by Tony Horwitz

Title: Baghdad Without a Map

Author: Tony Horwitz
ISBN-10: 0452267455
ISBN-13: 978-0452267459
Publication Date: January 1992
Acquired by Me: Borrowed from a Friend




A Great Description From Library Journal found on Amazon:

Horwitz ( One for the Road , Random, 1988), now a Wall Street Journal reporter, covered the Middle East in the late 1980s and returned to Baghdad in August 1990 following the invasion of Kuwait. With a sense of humor and eye for detail, he presents the turbulent Middle East from the vantage point of the "man in the street," whom we meet in traditional Yemeni villages, sophisticated Cairo, regimented Libya, disintegrating Sudan, a luxury hotel in the United Arab Emirates, and a seedy Baghdad nightclub. Among other adventures, the author attends the funeral of the Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran. A Jewish American, he shows empathy for Arabs in the Middle East. The Kuwait crisis will focus attention on the two chapters on Iraq. In comparison with Christopher Dickey's Ex pats ( LJ 6/15/90) and Charles Glass's Tribes with Flags ( LJ 4/1/90), Horwitz's book better captures the point of view of the average person and covers more territory, omitting only Syria from his itinerary. A valuable and timely acquisition for public libraries.

- James Rhodes, Luther Coll . , Decorah, Ia.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.



My Thoughts on Baghdad Without a Map

I first began reading Baghdad Without a Map well over a year ago. For some reason, I ended up setting the book down with about a quarter of it left to read. Not really sure why I did that and for the longest time, I was convinced that the book was a bad read and I wasn’t able to finish it. Thus, it sat neglected on my TO FINISH shelf until the last read-a-thon came long. I was determined to get that book off my back once and for all.

Having said all that….consider my surprise when I picked it up again and found myself once again enjoying the stories hidden inside!

Baghdad Without a Map was written right up to the beginning of the first war in Iraq. Without a doubt, it’s an interesting perspective on how Tony Horwitz saw the Middle East before it changed into how we know/see it today. Over the past few years, I’ve developed an interest in books focusing on the Middle East/Asia regions, particularly now that they have figured so profoundly in all of our lives here in the US.

Horwitz is very descriptive of his encounters in a variety of situations. I felt like he led me through each country on a roller coaster ride, holding my breath that he would come out unscathed in each adventure. To have the opportunity to have lived such a life! I’m terribly envious of him!! Also very wistful that I will probably never get the chance (given current events –can we say safety?) to see this part of the world as he was able to see it.

If you enjoy travel adventure, I would certainly suggest giving this book a try. Even though it now stands somewhat dated, there is more than enough there to still identify with.