tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18277945437239109922024-03-13T05:05:31.900-07:00Oh! It Is Only a Novel! - a book club.A book club formed by two friends that live 681 miles apart from each other.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-85833104233941278412009-10-04T10:13:00.000-07:002009-10-04T10:23:39.922-07:00Catching Fire - review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sp7wSNSZvtI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5NUAAHT37WA/s1600-h/catching-fire.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sp7wSNSZvtI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5NUAAHT37WA/s400/catching-fire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376999200722108114" /></a> This book was everything that I was hoping, minus a couple of things. First, I was not impressed when they had to go back into the Hunger Games I felt like it was a repeat of the first book and was hoping for something more. Second, I thought that I would be rooting for Peeta but we got to know Gale a little more in this story and I do have to say he is a MAN! I turned sides and was rooting for Gale. <br /><br />This book set it up really nicely for a great finale. It will be interesting to read how the Capitol decides to deal with all the rebellions and how or if Katniss continues to be the symbol of rebellion and what she decides to do with it. Will she end up with Gale? It does make you think that she will since she admits to loving him but you never know, we might be turned back into rooting for Peeta.<br /><br />What did you think?Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-59235531790558312192009-09-02T15:21:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:31:44.218-07:00September Book Pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sp7wSNSZvtI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5NUAAHT37WA/s1600-h/catching-fire.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sp7wSNSZvtI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5NUAAHT37WA/s400/catching-fire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376999200722108114" /></a> I know you all have been on the edge of your seats waiting for the sequel to <span style="font-style:italic;">The Hunger Games<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> to come out, right? Well.....Erin and I have been. We both finally had to order it from Amazon since our library waiting list is a mile long and we couldn't handle it. I did go to Target yesterday when it came out but..... nope! Target would not be getting it in. I was sooo bummed. <br /><br />I am dying to know if we find out if Katniss goes with Gale her hunting buddy or Peeta her "boyfriend" from the Hunger Games. I for one want to her to be with Peeta I loved that he was so sweet to her. It melted me that he took a beating from his Dad (or was it his Mom?) so that he could sneak Katniss some bread knowing that her family was starving. I guess I will have to wait since Amazon doesn't deliver my book until Thursday. I know I will read it in one day just like I did <span style="font-style:italic;">The Hunger Games<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-34412909447242644032009-08-03T13:26:00.000-07:002009-08-03T13:36:48.038-07:00August PickDarci and I have been talking and we decided that at least through the end of the year we're going to start doing 1 book pick a month instead of our normal 2. We both are HUGE readers and both sometimes read more than 2 books a month ... but with both of us being pregnant & being so busy in both of our lives we're going to cut down the book that we read for this blog to just 1 a month. We hope that you continue to read along with us! We've got some good picks coming soon .... including the sequel to the great book Hunger Games!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SndKR3JPHrI/AAAAAAAAAso/Bd1CHPCrqlQ/s1600-h/da.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SndKR3JPHrI/AAAAAAAAAso/Bd1CHPCrqlQ/s320/da.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365839151756156594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For August I picked out "Domestic Affairs" by Eileen Goudge. My mom always gives me big stacks of books, mostly crime or mystery, which I really haven't been in the mood for lately, but I spotted this romance/drama/betrayal book and it looked pretty good. I know nothing of the author but apparently she has written other books too. I'm a few chapters in so far and it's a pretty easy read - and a pretty good story so far. Nice and no-thinking reading for me - exactly what I need when I'm 3 weeks away from having this baby!<br /><br />I hope you'll read along with us ..... especially now that you have a whole month long to get the book and read it. Book review coming at the end of the month ....Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-53203945896756490362009-07-23T20:41:00.000-07:002009-07-24T09:13:27.059-07:00The Finishing Touches - review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Smkv2MR_uxI/AAAAAAAACK4/0Aw09ijZPnM/s1600-h/1416540075.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Smkv2MR_uxI/AAAAAAAACK4/0Aw09ijZPnM/s400/1416540075.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361869439417432850" /></a><br />This book was everything that I wanted it to be, almost. It was a tad light on the romance side of things, but I tend to want more romance in anything I read. The story of Betsy was a great one. I loved reading about her friendships, especially with Jamie her best friends brother, they all were rich in character. I enjoyed learning more about the proper etiquette of things, especially the English version. Sometimes what they deemed as "proper" I thought was hilarious. It is a fun book. It really makes you like the characters or atleast understand them when you don't like them. Did anyone else read it along with me? What did you think?Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-82424288478154532802009-07-01T07:45:00.000-07:002009-07-01T07:45:03.768-07:00July 1st pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SkLlS7xdzkI/AAAAAAAACKg/abVrTJcbbpQ/s1600-h/9781439163467_9781439163467_coverlarge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SkLlS7xdzkI/AAAAAAAACKg/abVrTJcbbpQ/s400/9781439163467_9781439163467_coverlarge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351091420715142722" /></a><br /><br />Hester Browne wrote a series of books that I LOVED called, <span style="font-style:italic;">The Little Lady Agency</span>. There are 3 books in this series and I just found them to be so fun, funny and very entertaining. If you want to read some great books pick them up! They reminded me a little of Bridget Jones Diary.<br /><br />I was really excited to hear that Hester was writing a new book. This one sounds completely different then <span style="font-style:italic;">The Little Lady Agency</span> series, but equally compelling. Here is a little bit of what the story is about:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Twenty-seven years ago, an infant turned up on the Academy's doorstep, with a note tacked to her blanket by an elegant golden brooch -- Please take care of my baby. I want her to grow up to be a proper lady. Loved by Lady Frances Phillimore and her kindhearted staff, Betsy grew up aspiring to be an Academy girl. But when Franny and her husband, Lord Phillimore, advise Betsy to instead hone her considerable math skills at college, she brokenheartedly leaves behind the only family she's known.</span><br /><br />Hopefully this book will fit my mood of light and funny and a book that I will want to read again and again.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-42768997713238086042009-06-26T12:31:00.000-07:002009-06-26T12:38:25.007-07:00June 15th pick & review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SkUjmPjXi9I/AAAAAAAAAsg/Vf4HSnRT_Yw/s1600-h/life.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SkUjmPjXi9I/AAAAAAAAAsg/Vf4HSnRT_Yw/s320/life.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351722872116579282" border="0" /></a>Yes it is almost the end of June but I couldn't let the month end without posting about this pick -- Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. I really liked this book. It was kind of dark and morbid - but at the same time it did give hope and showed you that people can prevail even during the most trying times.<br /><br />Just a little synopsis -- a random meteor hits the moon and causes it to be knocked off kilter a little bit. Because of this all sorts of natural disasters start happening - changes in the seasons, giant tidal waves, etc, and it is affecting mankind all over the world. We get to watch and see how one family handles the disaster and following months into winter with little heat, almost no food, sickness, death and worse.<br /><br />It's eye opening and frightening and amazing all at the same time. I'd really recommend it. It's a young adult book so it's a quick read, also, like The Hunger Games was.Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-16550592661656139792009-06-17T09:41:00.000-07:002009-06-17T09:55:58.283-07:00Handle with Care - review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SiP7GHV3VQI/AAAAAAAACKQ/r4OWdLvo448/s1600-h/hwc-157.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SiP7GHV3VQI/AAAAAAAACKQ/r4OWdLvo448/s400/hwc-157.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342389665460081922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I really don't know what to write about this book. It really disturbed me. The ending was terrible, and in my opinion just like her ending in <span style="font-style:italic;">My Sister's Keeper</span>. After I read the book all I could think of was, can she think of anything else? Even my husband, who I shared the story with, said the same thing since I had told him about <span style="font-style:italic;">My Sister's Keepe</span>r back when I read that book.<br /><br />It just seemed pointless to work hard and have all of this drama, but then right when it gets taken care of, something happens that makes it all pointless. (I am trying not to give any spoilers). Needless to say the ending really made me unhappy. <br /><br />I also did not like that Jodi Picoult did not have any "good" stories going on in this book. If you have read her books before you know that each chapter is written in first person from someone in the story and tells the story from their perspective. Everyone's story in this book was sad and depressing. Usually in Jodi's books there is a story that you really like, someones life that is finding love or happiness, but not this book. I would have liked it a whole lot more if there had been happiness in one of the stories going on.<br /><br />What did you all think???<br /><br />On another note My Sister's Keeper is coming out in the theaters on June 26, I can't wait!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sjkfb6Maf9I/AAAAAAAACKY/rJ-xccITrG0/s1600-h/my_sisters_keeper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sjkfb6Maf9I/AAAAAAAACKY/rJ-xccITrG0/s400/my_sisters_keeper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348340596817428434" /></a>Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-34903142294954211272009-06-02T12:28:00.000-07:002009-06-02T12:46:38.439-07:00The Hunger Games - review<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Soo</span> .... The Hunger Games. What did everyone think? I posted that little snippet the other day saying how much I loved it -- and then I went and read it for the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> time -- and realized I LOVED it even more! <br /><br />I think one of the reasons it's so enjoyable is that it's a very quick read and the plot of the story moves pretty quickly. You're wanting to know so badly what is going to happen to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Katniss</span> at different points in the story -- if she's going to be chosen as the representative from her District -- if she is going to even be able to survive the first days -- if she's going to be able to actually win the Hunger Games and be the last person standing -- that you literally can't put the book down and are thankful that it's such a nicely constructed book that there's not a lot of "extra fluff" bogging down the pages. <br /><br />The author really strikes a great balance of what is right and what is wrong -- all throughout the book <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Katniss</span> is presented with choices -- does she do the right thing or does she do the thing that will help ensure her survival? She knows there can only be one victor in the Games and that sometimes by being too <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">compassionate</span> she'd be putting herself in danger of being killed off. She does manage to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">allys</span> along the way, although these relationships are unfortunately short-lived, as in 12 year old Rue, that reminds <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Katniss</span> so much of her little sister. <br /><br />And of course weaved throughout the novel is the blossoming relationship of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Katniss</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Peeta</span> -- who we learn has adored <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Katniss</span> for years. But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Katniss</span> first only saw him as another opponent in the games, someone she'd have to kill. Even at the end when they're both declared the winners -- she's hesitant of him and still thinking about Gale, the boy back in her District. <br /><br />The book ends so abruptly that you're just aching to know what is going to happen next. What will happen when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Peeta</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Katniss</span> get back to District 12? How will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">their</span> lives change? How will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Katniss</span>' relationships with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Peeta</span> and Gale both develop? And most importantly - what does The Capitol have in store for them - we're left to believe that they are not happy that there are 2 winners of the Games that seem to have outsmarted them - I have a feeling they're going to have some frightening plans for our two heroes. <br /><br />Excited to hear what you all thought!Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-18574688509829517442009-06-01T08:59:00.000-07:002009-06-02T12:29:47.811-07:00June 1st pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SiP7GHV3VQI/AAAAAAAACKQ/r4OWdLvo448/s1600-h/hwc-157.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SiP7GHV3VQI/AAAAAAAACKQ/r4OWdLvo448/s400/hwc-157.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342389665460081922" border="0" /></a> Erin and I have read a lot of Jodi Picoult books and have really enjoyed them. I did learn that her older books were not my favorite, she had a different style of writing then. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Handle with Care</span> is her newest novel to come out, Erin and I each had an easy time getting it at our library's without having to wait.<br /><br />Here is a short synopsis:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When Charlotte and Sean O’Keefe’s daughter, Willow, is born with severe osteogenesis imperfecta, they are devastated – she will suffer hundreds of broken bones as she grows, a lifetime of pain. As the family struggles to make ends meet to cover Willow’s medical expenses, Charlotte thinks she has found an answer.</span><br /><br />I guess we will have to read to find out what happens. Jodi Picoult's novels always have a story that gets you thinking about the tuff choices that some people have to make and make you wonder if you would have done the same. I can't wait to see what this book makes me feel. Anyone else with us?Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-11513565162286559402009-05-27T07:35:00.000-07:002009-05-27T07:44:46.857-07:00Review + Discussion soonHave you finished the <a href="http://ohitisonlyanovel.blogspot.com/2009/05/may-pick.html">May pick</a> yet -- Hunger Games? I've got one word for it: WOW! I'll be posting the review and discussion post in a day or two so you've still got time to get yourself a copy and read it (I read it in a day - it's a quick read and very hard to put down!)Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-10573318485547035292009-05-14T18:23:00.000-07:002009-05-14T18:35:54.348-07:00May pickSo, another extended break. Hey, that's what a crazy holiday season and then both of us getting pregnant within a few months of each other will do to us! We're both now (mostly) over the first trimester exhaustion and are both ready to get in some good summer reading. <br /><br />The book we're jointly picking for May (since we're halfway through the month already) is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SgzFCbjlOtI/AAAAAAAAAr4/lx9hdDiKpEU/s1600-h/hunger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SgzFCbjlOtI/AAAAAAAAAr4/lx9hdDiKpEU/s320/hunger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335856304074603218" /></a><br /><br />I read about the book first on my friend <a href="http://xoxoerin.com/2009/04/09/ya-addiction-april-09/">Erin's blog</a>, and it sounded really good. Then reviews of it started popping up everywhere with people saying things like "better than Twilight??" and "an amazing book that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time". When I went online to put a hold on it so I could pick it up at the library, I was shocked to see that I was #98 in line - in our library system that had over 50 copies of the book! Since that was 2 weeks ago and I've only moved up a few spaces in line, I finally broke down and just ordered online. Darci has already read it (in less than 24 hours) and said it was great - so I knew I would want it eventually.<br /><br />I hope that you'll be able to find a copy and read it with us! It's the first book of a trilogy, with the next installment due to come out in September. From what I've heard most people that finish the first one are dying for the next one to be released! I can't wait to get it in the mail!Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-55713768321839129452009-03-01T21:14:00.000-08:002009-03-01T21:21:58.004-08:00March 1st pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sats0yazUKI/AAAAAAAACJw/QY9SKPbmIVA/s1600-h/SMALLLastLectureCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 283px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/Sats0yazUKI/AAAAAAAACJw/QY9SKPbmIVA/s400/SMALLLastLectureCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308456239929446562" /></a><br />My sister called me to tell me about this book, how she thought it was wonderful, and I HAD to read it. I decided to get it from the library but the waiting list was over a month long. Then I decided to go to the used bookstore close by and the owner told me that I would not find that book used, "Anyone who reads that book keeps it to read in another 6 months". Well. I guess I just better buy the darn book then. <br /><br />This book sounds sad, but really inspiring. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">On September 18, 2007, computer science professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told his audience about the cancer that is devouring his pancreas and that will claim his life in a matter of months. On the stage that day, Randy was youthful, energetic, handsome, often cheerfully, darkly funny. He seemed invincible. But this was a brief moment, as he himself acknowledged. </span><br /><br />What would you want to say as your last and final lecture???Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-32323631165463017002009-02-15T14:25:00.000-08:002009-02-15T15:45:30.215-08:00A Thousand Splendid Suns - review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SYdyMOeZijI/AAAAAAAACIQ/wpfm9YL0Q5Y/s1600-h/14264761.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 279px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SYdyMOeZijI/AAAAAAAACIQ/wpfm9YL0Q5Y/s400/14264761.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298329040994273842" /></a><br />I just finished this book. I am torn as to how I feel. In the beginning I liked the book. I loved reading about Laila and Tariq, they were so sweet together. I loved that Tariq beat the boys that threw pee on Laila, that is my kind of man!!! Then in the middle of the book I was ready to throw the book across the room and never speak to it again! It was very frustrating and maddening.<br /><br />The hardships these two girls, Mariam and Laila, had to endure got to be to much sometimes. The life they had to live in the Middle East during the war was CRAZY! Most of the war talk was hard to take in, it was confusing and hard to understand. I can't imagine having a husband like they did, let alone the rules that they had to follow. The lack of so many things that we take for granted just because you were a women. No medical treatment, a prisoner in your own home, no make-up, no laughing, etc, sounded crazy to my American ears. It really made me upset and disturbed. I am so glad that I live where I do and I can live how I want. <br /><br />The ending did make up for some of the book, it made me happy (I won't give anything away). Still a sad book, but it had moments of sweetness. It opened up my eyes to others hardships and a way of life that is totally different from my own.<br /><br />What did you guys think?Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-16847266749153136032009-02-02T14:17:00.000-08:002009-02-02T14:30:23.333-08:00February 1st Pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SYdyMOeZijI/AAAAAAAACIQ/wpfm9YL0Q5Y/s1600-h/14264761.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 185px; height: 279px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SYdyMOeZijI/AAAAAAAACIQ/wpfm9YL0Q5Y/s400/14264761.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298329040994273842" /></a><br /><br />A Thousand Splendid Suns is my pick and I know what you are all thinking, this is not a typical pick of Darci's! It is so true, but I have heard such great things about this book and many people talking about it being the best book they have ever read. It made me curious and willing to give it a try. So here we go.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"> It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives -- the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness -- are inextricable from the history playing out around them.<br /><br />A Thousand Splendid Suns is at once a remarkable chronicle of three decades of Afghan history and a deeply moving account of family and friendship. It is a striking, heart-wrenching novel of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and an indestructible love -- a stunning accomplishment. </span><br /><br />It sounds very interesting and very moving to. I just hope there isn't alot to do with the war in it, that is my one draw back, but I have heard it is mainly about 3 girls and there lives and loves.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-9114184506824779202009-01-14T20:14:00.000-08:002009-01-14T20:22:30.159-08:00January 15th Pick... and we're back!<br /><br />We took an extended break because of the holidays and new year ... but I don't know about you - I am READY to get back into reading some good books. The first book of 2009 is my pick - and I chose "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls. It's a memoir by the author about her childhood growing up with an alcoholic father and mentally ill mother. I've read that it's as haunting as it is humorous - as delightful as it is sad. I can't wait to get started!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SW65vUYQ4KI/AAAAAAAAAlo/EB40-tdcDL8/s1600-h/Castle+Cover2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SW65vUYQ4KI/AAAAAAAAAlo/EB40-tdcDL8/s320/Castle+Cover2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291370834782380194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've also got some older reviews I need to post to get caught up to date ... so if we read a book that you're dying to discuss (I know you are, Jill!) then I should have them all posted in a few days! :)Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-26379964027541376362008-12-23T18:09:00.000-08:002008-12-23T18:12:35.218-08:00The Holiday'sDear Readers,<br /><br />We just wanted to say that we have not forgotten about you all, but we are taking a break because of the Holiday's. We are busy! We will be back on January 15th with Erin's pick. Merry Christmas and have a Great New Year.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />The OH! girls.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-65343857922926196932008-12-23T17:59:00.000-08:002008-12-23T18:05:49.846-08:00Someone to Love - review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SVGY8AZvlfI/AAAAAAAACBk/dRr6lLleHbU/s1600-h/3103-1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SVGY8AZvlfI/AAAAAAAACBk/dRr6lLleHbU/s400/3103-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283171994549851634" /></a><br /><br /><br />This book did not live up to my hype. It was a fine and easy read, but it lacked the sexual tension. The main characters just did not have any and I was not rooting for them. I was sad that it did not grip me like <span style="font-style:italic;">A Knight in Shinning Armor<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> did. So sad, that was such an awesome book, defiantly lots of sexual tension.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-53979650860332059932008-12-01T17:13:00.000-08:002008-12-01T17:22:45.178-08:00December 1st pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/STSMQYSTyWI/AAAAAAAAB2g/rZo6OD2qCKI/s1600-h/3103-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/STSMQYSTyWI/AAAAAAAAB2g/rZo6OD2qCKI/s400/3103-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274995276582734178" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I thought it was time that we read one of MY books. I love the romance novels, what can I say I am a total romantic. Jude Deveraux wrote one of my all time favorite books, A Knight in Shinning Armor, don't let the title dissuade you it is such a great book. I have not read one of Jude's books in a long time so I thought it was time.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jace Montgomery is sad over is fiance's death and finds a picture of a house in her things with an inscription on the back, "Ours again. Together forever. See you there." It makes him want to find out where this house is to find out more about his fiance. The house is haunted by a headstrong and feisty ghost, Ann Stuart, whom he must tangle with if he's ever to solve the mystery.</span><br /><br />Sounds so good! Who is ready for an all out romance, hopefully with some spicy scenes??? I know I am.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-11469855544242798792008-11-17T16:23:00.000-08:002008-11-17T17:07:41.977-08:00The Secret Life of Bee's - review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SSILaeAsv7I/AAAAAAAAB1o/Rs2qdSGMx8A/s1600-h/beespaper.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 197px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SSILaeAsv7I/AAAAAAAAB1o/Rs2qdSGMx8A/s400/beespaper.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269787063337402290" /></a><br />This book was really cute and sweet. An easy read. This was about Lily who ran away from her Dad with her housekeeper a black women in 1964. Lily was only 14 and wanted to find out all that she could about her mother that died when Lily was 4 years old. It was interesting to be taken back to the 60's when blacks were being persecuted, so when Lily went to live with a house full of black women people did not know what to think about it. I loved that Lily found the "Women of Mary" women and learned all that she could about being a bee keeper. She found her first love, which was really sweet, as a first love should be. At the end of the book I really wanted to know more. I wanted to know what she is doing now that she is all grown up. Does she still live with the women? Is she a bee keeper or did she take up writing? I guess we will never know. Atleast I can go and see the movie now and see how that turned out. What did you think?Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-38985081093697625732008-11-15T08:00:00.000-08:002008-11-15T08:00:00.358-08:00November 15th pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SRyVjvPro7I/AAAAAAAAAhE/IluLGi_EtS4/s1600-h/fortune.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SRyVjvPro7I/AAAAAAAAAhE/IluLGi_EtS4/s200/fortune.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268250105326838706" border="0" /></a><br />Since Darci and I have been on a little quilting frenzy lately (see <a href="http://www.twomoreseconds.com/2008/11/for-me.html">here</a> and <a href="http://darcibrett.blogspot.com/2008/11/for-me_10.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.twomoreseconds.com/2008/11/inspiration.html">here</a> and <a href="http://darcibrett.blogspot.com/2008/11/animals-great-bargain.html">here</a>) I kind of had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to pick a quilting/crafting type fiction novel for this months pick. I wasn't sure how big of a genre that was ... after all how many quilting/knitting/crafting novels could there really be? So I was so excited when I saw the book "The Fortune Quilt" on a little end cap at the library. The word "quilt" and the cute little illustration on the cover just jumped out at me so I checked it out wanting to bring it home and do a little more research on it. Turns out, it's supposedly a pretty good book. It seems a little "lighter" than what we've been reading (since I'm still plodding through The Gargoyle) but that's exactly what I'm in the mood for. So, I'm not going to post any plot points or online reviews - just go pick it up, tell us you're going to read along with us, and enjoy the no-brainer novel!Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-83929383197215963952008-11-02T15:23:00.000-08:002008-11-02T15:38:19.350-08:00November 1st pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SQ43wAWJOvI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/wx8ZI78g9iI/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 89px; height: 140px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SQ43wAWJOvI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/wx8ZI78g9iI/s400/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264206312308816626" /></a><br />I choose The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd book because it sounded like a good story. I have always thought the 1960's were an interesting time in our history. "The search for a mother, and the need to mother oneself, are crucial elements in this well-written coming-of-age story set in the early 1960s against a background of racial violence and unrest." <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SQ43wFIrOPI/AAAAAAAAB0g/QoLFIkasYpI/s1600-h/imagesa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 128px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SQ43wFIrOPI/AAAAAAAAB0g/QoLFIkasYpI/s400/imagesa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264206313594501362" /></a><br /><br />After I choose it and put it up on the blog I saw previews for the movie. I had heard nothing about it. Hopefully alot of you will read the book along with us before you go and see the movie.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am still reading the Gargoyle, it is a "heavy" book so hopefully I will finish it soon so that I can start this book.Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-47706024802481298362008-10-17T15:23:00.000-07:002008-10-19T09:21:49.866-07:00October 15th pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SPkQ3aEny6I/AAAAAAAABcw/eLPvoA8p4Cs/s1600-h/gargoyle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SPkQ3aEny6I/AAAAAAAABcw/eLPvoA8p4Cs/s400/gargoyle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258252584009321378" /></a><br /> I found this book and told Erin about it and it sounded interesting. She read some reviews of it and we got a little scared when they were saying "The Gargoyle is an Inferno for our time." But then her "other mom" Nicole sent her an email about it - <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I am about to jump into a book by Andrew Dickenson called "The Gargoyle" have you heard of it? Apparently it's a first book by the author and he's added an interesting twist to it. It's a love/hate relationship between critics so I thought I would send it to the BEST critics, you know, those hot chicks from the "It's Only A Novel" site. Anyway - let me know if I should read it or color in it.</span><br /><br />So after that Erin and I decided it was fate we HAD to read it. It does sound really different. I love me some romance, as you well know. Here is alittle snip it from the synopsis:<br /><br />"A beautiful and compelling, but clearly unhinged, sculptress of gargoyles by the name of Marianne Engel appears at the foot of his bed and insists that they were once lovers in medieval Germany. In her telling, he was a badly injured mercenary and she was a nun and scribe in the famed monastery of Engelthal who nursed him back to health."<br /><br />Sounds good, huh? Who is with us?Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-92232026207381647922008-10-17T15:10:00.001-07:002008-10-17T15:17:07.785-07:00One Shot - review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SPkNeYoerVI/AAAAAAAABco/ArmAlHW0IJ8/s1600-h/0440241022.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SPkNeYoerVI/AAAAAAAABco/ArmAlHW0IJ8/s400/0440241022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258248855591234898" /></a> I thought this was a good mystery and enjoyed reading it. I got a little caught up in the abrupt sentences and all the details. Lee Child just went on and on in the details, things that we really didn't need to know and I ended up skimming through alot of pages because of it. I think it would have been a better book if it had been shorter. I could not make up my mind on Jack Reacher, he doesn't seem to be the typical hero. Most of the time I was deciding if I liked him as a person. A point in his favor is that he is very thorough. What did you think?Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-21486860034618416722008-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:002008-09-29T10:01:07.462-07:00On The Side Erin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SOD6RHFWuEI/AAAAAAAAAbc/zSyxqxcezMA/s1600-h/dishwasher_cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SOD6RHFWuEI/AAAAAAAAAbc/zSyxqxcezMA/s200/dishwasher_cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251472337380227138" border="0" /></a>For my neighborhood book club pick this past month we read "Dishwasher" by Pete Jordan. It was a great book that I probably never would have picked up and read had it not been for the fact that it was picked out for me. It is about a guy who really doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, so he kind of makes the joke-goal that he wants to wash dishes in all 50 states. The book is non-fiction, and is about all the people he meets and things he does while traveling around the country. The book is fun and lighthearted -- I mean what type of guy really has a life's ambition to be a dish washer -- but his stories are great and it's interesting to see how he gets around and picks up different jobs and then just leaves and moves on to a different state when he gets bored.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SOD6RM8GUqI/AAAAAAAAAbk/-Odz_-J4xI8/s1600-h/littleheathens.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XdiJtuRrZNg/SOD6RM8GUqI/AAAAAAAAAbk/-Odz_-J4xI8/s200/littleheathens.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251472338952016546" border="0" /></a>The next book we have picked is "Little Heathens, Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression" by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. It's another non-fiction book about, like the tagline leads you to believe, growing up on an Iowa farm during the Great Depression. I'm excited to read this book - the New York Times picked it as one of the 10 best books of 2007.<br /><br />I've got a lot to read - better get reading!Erin @ Two More Secondshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351126458126177296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1827794543723910992.post-16238166174133306562008-09-28T20:58:00.001-07:002008-10-06T12:25:05.227-07:00October 1st Pick<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SOBTifYPp2I/AAAAAAAABcA/QQP9Axa0xQg/s1600-h/0440241022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Kj2wITEeqxY/SOBTifYPp2I/AAAAAAAABcA/QQP9Axa0xQg/s400/0440241022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251289017517844322" /></a><br /><br />I thought it was time to read a mystery. It also helps that it is the month for scariness, Halloween is here. I wanted a change of pace, to read a book that is not usually on a book club list. I had no idea what writer to choose from and wanted to try someone new, so I asked around at the used book store that I go to and this was the majority choice. One Shot is a Jack Reacher novel and I was told that you do not need to read them in order, they all stand alone. I chose this one and from the synopsis it sounds really good: <br /><br />One heartland city thrown into a state of terror. But within hours the cops have it solved: a slam-dunk case. Except for one thing. The accused man says: You got the wrong guy. Then he says: Get Reacher for me.<br /><br />Sounds good. Anyone else want to read this mystery with us??Darcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02852767603937706621noreply@blogger.com3