Book Review: "Every Last One" by Anna Quindlen

As mothers, there are times when we focus the most on the child in our family that needs the greatest amount of  help or attention at that moment in time.  As we do this, sometimes our vision becomes clouded to see what is happening with the rest of our family members and their needs can become secondary. In this new release from New York Times best selling author Anna Quindlen, we are invited into the lives of the Latham family. A typical suburban family with three children, a beautiful and unique teenage daughter, and two twin sons just about to enter high school who could not be more different from another. Told from the perspective of the matriarch of the family Mary Beth, the story reveals the worry and struggles she faces while trying to help one of her twin boys that has become depressed and withdrawn. While all of her attention is aimed at him, a shocking and tragic event happens that completely changes every last bit of her life.

Maybe it is because I now have twin sons of my own, but this book drew me in and really tugged at my heart. I felt for Mary Beth as her and her husband walked a fine line of praising and congratulating one twin on their accomplishments, while the other struggled and felt like the misfit of the family. There is also a part of the book that focused on the older daughter and her boyfriend, and not just their relationship but the boyfriend's relationship with the family. The sympathy Mary Beth feels for her daughter's boyfriend because of his past makes the lines blur a bit on what starts to be inappropriate behavior and signs that something bad could occur. As a reader, I could see the signs and think to myself, "how as this girls mother can you not see what is happening?" But I think that is an important element of this book, that sometimes we try to see the best in people and think that we can help them when we truly can't and that we choose to see what we want to see.

Mary Beth Latham had to face every last one of the things she feared most and was forced to set out on a path that she never intended to travel to discover if there really can be happiness after tragedy strikes at the heart of everything you held dear. Can you create a new and fulfilling life? Can your heart begin to heal? Will your new life ever feel normal? Ultimately, "Every Last One" tells the story of how the effect of small and simple acts can have the ripple effect to make the most dramatic changes we never saw coming, but how with determination and hope there is a new life to discover where happiness awaits if we let it.

Overall rating:

4 out of 5 bookmarks

Kendle's Favorite Books

In Kendle's downtime, I can almost always find her reading a book. I am glad there are so many wonderful children's books out there to choose from that are not only fun to read, but also sneak in lots of educational tidbits. If you asked her who one of her favorite fictional characters is, she would tell you she loves Geronimo Stilton. The Geronimo Stilton series are all she wants to read right now and luckily for her there are a lot of them.

Geronimo Stilton is a mouse who happens to be editor in chief of The Rodent's Gazette, the most famous newspaper on Mouse Island, but his true passion is to write books which all happen to become bestsellers. He likes to read books, listen to classical music, play golf, and collect antique 18th century cheese rinds. He hates to travel because he gets sea sick, car sick, and air sick but somehow still manages to get involved (through friends and relatives) in extreme adventures and travels all around the world. The books are written as though they were autobiographical adventure stories.

The series originated in Italy and have become the most popular children's book series in that country (even besting Harry Potter). They have now been translated into more than 35 languages. Although the series credits it's title character as the author, they are actually written by Elisabetta Dami. They are intended for readers in the 9-12 year old range, but if you have an avid younger reader they would enjoy them as well  as a read along or a read together at night type of book.

The books incorporate a lot of famous world landmarks and geography which have sparked many conversations between Kendle and I as she wants to learn more about those places and countries. The stories contain mystery, adventure, comedy, and problem solving as well. I would say they could be compared to some Indiana Jones and/or National Treasure type journeys. There are also some fun holiday themed stories in the series for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. They are so cleverly written and the supporting characters are just as charming and interesting as Geronimo.

*Fun Facts:
-Geronimo Stilton must have cheese with every meal
-Geronimo loves one thing more than cheese -- books! He also loves hot showers and clean sheets.
-Geronimo prides himself on filling his books with plenty of humor and cheesy capers, but also with friendship, sincerity, love, respect, peace and hope.
-His favorite activity is reading to his nephew Benjamin.
-His younger sister is Thea Stilton, who accompanies him on many adventures. She is gutsy, adventurous, a black belt in karate, and has violet eyes. She is a special correspondent for the Rodent's Gazette. 

These are really witty, entertaining and well written books for children filled with the "cheesiest" puns ever. I highly recommend them.

Book Review: I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman

What would you do if suddenly, after years and years of trying to forget, you were contacted by the person who destroyed every sense of safety and security you ever had? The person that changed your life in such a horrible way that they altered your entire being and forced you to live in fear the rest of your life, afraid to sleep with windows open or leave doors unlocked.

This is the case with this story's main character Elizabeth (Eliza) Benedict, an ordinary suburban housewife who spends her days chauffeuring her daughter Iso to soccer practice and chasing after her young son Albie. Married to a loving husband with a successful career, her life is peaceful and fulfilling, just how she likes it. That is until she receives a letter from the last person she would ever expect or want to hear from - Walter Bowman, a Virginia death row inmate who kidnapped her and held her hostage for six weeks when she was fifteen. After seeing her picture with her husband in a magazine, Walter writes to Eliza - "There was your photo, in a magazine. Of course, you are older now. Still, I'd know you anywhere."

Now awaiting his sentence on death row for the murder of his last victim, Eliza is skeptical and horrified by his attempts to make contact with her and his desire for reconciliation with Eliza who was his only victim to live and testify against him. Why did Walter spare Eliza's life, and what psychological games is he using as his last attempt to escape the death penalty? The author Laura Lippman takes a true crime and then weaves her own tale using perspective from both the victim and the perpetrator. This story reminded me of the Elizabeth Smart case in some ways.

As I was reading the book, different circumstances would occur and I would ask myself - what would I have done? What would I do if it was my daughter or family member? Is justice served after years and years of waiting?  I wouldn't classify it necessarily as a crime drama, it reads like a novel and it was definitely thought provoking and relevant to the world we live in today.

Overall Rating:

3 1/2 out of 5 bookmarks.

Hunger Games Vs. Twilight

Entertainment Weekly online recently published an article in their book section explaining why the Hunger Games Trilogy is not the new Twilight.

Here is an excerpt:

"Could it be that people compare the two books because their heroines must choose between two men? Again, I don’t find this valid. Bella, it seems to me, never wavers in her love for Edward, despite Jacob’s devotion. In contrast,  I’m left with the feeling that Katniss may very well not know what love is at all. She may have been too badly damaged by war, by deprivation, by emotional and physical torture to ever be able to love fully and normally. Whatever she feels for Peeta or for Gale, it isn’t the headlong devotion Bella has for Edward.  More importantly, the question of whom Katniss will end up with isn’t what drives the narrative.  In other words, the question isn’t, Which one will she marry? The question is, Will she live until the end of the book?"

I thought it summed it up perfectly for me. Go here to read the full article.

Book Review: The Hollow by Jessica Verday

Summary:
The main character of "The Hollow" is Abbey Browning, a 16 year old high school student mourning the loss of her best friend who is presumed dead after vanishing by the bridge near the Sleepy Hollow cemetery. Accusations fly about her disappearance and death and amidst the turmoil, Abbey feels lost and alone until meeting an intriguing young man named Caspian from a nearby town who she instantly feels a connection with. When Abbey finds her best friends journals, she discovers a shocking secret that may leave clues to her mysterious and fatal end. These discoveries also send Abbey into a spiral of disbelief that her best friend had kept secrets from her and she feels totally betrayed. Abbey also befriends an elderly couple that help take care of the Sleepy Hollow cemetery which is one of Abbey's favorite places to visit. She finds it peaceful and beautiful and routinely pays tribute to local celebrity and author of the famous "Legend of Sleepy Hollow", Washington Irving. After finally starting to feel like her life is getting back to normal, she uncovers more unbelievable secrets about her new friends that will force her to question what is real and what isn't.
 
This story makes many references to the original "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and I would put it in the "spooky romantic" genre similar to Twilight. It is also the first in what is soon to be a trilogy, the second book "The Haunted" was just released. The writing style can be a bit "young adult" there are definitely avenues the author could have expanded on and gave more detail about as the premise and setting for the story gives so much possibility for a more in depth storyline.  I think teenage girls would really like these. All in all it was an easy enjoyable read and I will give the second book a try. This book made a good read for the autumn season.
 

Overall rating:

  3 out of 5 bookmarks 

Fall Books

With the crisp fall weather and the chilly nights that accompany it, fall is the perfect time to enjoy some good book reading. I don't know if there are many things that can top cozying up with a blanket and a new story that's waiting to be delved into. Here are a few of my picks for some cozy (and maybe a little spooky) fall reading:

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
If you haven't read them yet, what is stopping you? They are honestly some of the most genius, intriguing, and entertaining books ever written. They are the epitomy of cozy book reading and definitely not just for the younger crowd.

The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan
This book is set in Niagara Falls during the World War I era. The main character Bess experiences a family tragedy and after her father loses his job, a fall in social class. She must make decisions that will affect her life forever. Everything changes when she meets the rough and fearless Tom Cole who is a master river man and who has a mysterious connection to the falls. I enjoyed this book, it was one that I could take my time on and not feel rushed and gave me an interesting look at the social classes and domestic life of the times.

The Passage by Justin Cronin
I was ready to say goodbye to Twilight and take on this grownup vampire thriller. This story centers on a new virus testing to create a super soldier staged by the military gone horribly wrong. With the world nearly destroyed, all hope rests with a 6 year old girl who is the only chance the survivors may have of saving what's left. The story follows the aftermath and destruction of the "virals" and spans forward into many, many years into the future and the new civilization the survivors have carried on with hoping that one day the military will come to save them. It was a mix between "I am Legend" and "The Road". I could not put this book down, it's definitely one you might not want to read if you're home alone at night. There are some instances of strong language and violence, so be forewarned. This is rumored to be a trilogy and also being made into a movie.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
The first chapter or so of this book I thought, what am I reading? But after settling in and getting used to the letter writing style that makes up the meat of the book I was totally captivated and intrigued. Set on the English island of Guernsey just after World War II which was under German occupational rule, this story follows the lives of the inhabitants and a writer who is receiving letters from them about their experiences during the war and their book club they formed. I was expecting this to be a sad and dreary tale of war, but instead was pleasantly surprised at what a heartfelt and cheerful feel it had to it. This was such a sweet story and one you could recommend to friends, parents, and grandparents alike.

So there are a few of my picks.

Feel free to comment about some of your favorite reads for fall as well.

Starting This Blog

I thought it would be fun to start a new blog all about books. Since reading is one of my favorite hobbies and I devote as much time to it as I can, I figured I would never have a hard time finding things to write about and it would be better to have it on a separate blog than on my family blog. There are truthfully few other things I would rather do than curl up with a good book. Some people collect things, I collect stories and words. People are always asking me what I am reading or if I have any books I would recommend, so this is the perfect forum for me to put all that information out there for anyone interested, and also for others to share as well. I've loved to read ever since I can remember and would spend hours pouring over books even when I was too young to read the actual words. I have a family of readers and I'm glad it is something we all enjoy. I will be trying to post as often as I can good or bad, because let's face it -not all books are winners.