March Reads

27. The Associate (Grisham)

28. Very Valentine (Trigiani)

29. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Chbosky)

30. Sweetheart (Cain)

31. Cut (McCormick)

32. The Night Stalker (Swain)

33. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet (Ford)

34. The City of Ember (DuPrau)

35. Child 44 (Smith)

36. The Help (Stockett)

37. Murder Runs in the Family (George)

38. The Housekeeper and the Professor (Ogawa)

39. 100 Cupboards (Wilson)

*Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

Clicking on a title will link you to "Thoughts of Joy...".

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Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Chick-Lit: 1 - 1

Fiction: 3 - 11

Mystery: 1 - 6

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Short Story Collection: 0 - 1

Thriller: 4 - 7

YA Classic: 0 - 1

YA Fiction: 2 - 4

YA Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 1

YA Science Fiction: 0 - 1

Children's Thriller: 0 - 1

Children's Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 2 - 3

Short Stories: 0 - 10

Audiobooks: 8 - 24

Books: 5 - 15

Total: 13 - 39

Best Reads: 1 - 8

Series: 7 - 19

DNF: 1 - 2

Proximidade & Sisterhood Award

Sweet Kara from World According to Books has been up to kind acts again! She has given me the above award. Her blog is a great place to visit, especially if you are interested in romance and vampire books. She has scores of reviews to gather up more ideas for your TBR lists. Please take a moment and give her blog a browse.

It looks as if the person that designed the Sisterhood Award is into scrapbooking. Isn't it cute? My thanks go to Trish from Trish's Reading Nook and Bonnie from Redlady's Reading Room for giving me this award. It means a lot and I'm honored that you both thought of me.

Here's a little bit about these two great sister-bloggers:

Trish reads a variety of genres and writes reviews that hold a lot of heart. She takes time to sift through her thoughts and posts what has touched her the most. On occasion, Trish posts about her immediate family (husband and cat) and some other random tidbits. Once, she even posted a video of herself sharing 7 random personal things. Check it out! You'll love her, just like the rest of us. :)

Bonnie's blog is blooming with book tours, guest posts, give-aways, book previews and reviews, and a host of other fun stuff. Also, she acquires many ARCs, so you can get an early peek at many books that will be published soon. I'm sure that you'll find something on her blog to entertain you, so please click on over and give her blog a gander. You won't be disappointed - I never am!

Thanks again, Ladies!

100 CUPBOARDS

Author: N. D. Wilson

Genre: Children's Fantasy, Series #1

Published: 2007

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 39

Twelve-year-old Henry is sent to stay with his relatives in Kansas due to his parents being held captive while on a traveling adventure. Henry goes on his own traveling adventures when he discovers 99 cupboards in his attic room.

I found this to be a great book until the last quarter, which happened to be the climax of the book. That's when the major fantasy components kicked into gear and I didn't care for that part. I really enjoyed Henry getting acquainted with his relatives and his environment, then of course, the discovery of the cupboards, but blah to where the plot evolved - not the whole plot, just some of it. At this point, I'm not too excited about the story line to continue with the rest in the series, but one never knows for sure. We'll see.

THE HOUSEKEEPER AND THE PROFESSOR

Author: Yoko Ogawa

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 38

This short novel is comprised of a 60-year-old professor of mathematics, a 30-something housekeeper and her 10-year-old son. The housekeeper is sent to the Professor's home for general cleaning and cooking, and discovers that he has a significant memory disability due to an accident. The Professor can only remember the proceeding 80 minutes and life prior to 1975.

The Professor is brilliant in his ability to interpret numbers and spends much of his life deciphering them. The book shares his thoughts - and I'm not just talking about simple addition or common mathematical occurrences. There's a lot of deep math thinking containing formulas and number puzzles. Fortunately for me, I love math, so that was a fun part of the book, but, most importantly, the math serves as a tool for communication.

Reading this book was an enjoyable experience, but it could have been so much more. I feel there was a lot of opportunity that was missed. Also, this is not a book for those that despise math. It could cause much distress, if every word is read. "Read at your own risk." should be printed on the cover.

*Recommended By: 3M from 1MoreChapter.com

MURDER RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Author: Anne George

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Series #3

Published: 1997

Personal Rating: 3/5

Yearly Count: 37

At a wedding, Patricia Anne and Mary Alice meet genealogist Meg Bryan (from the groom side) and decide to meet for a luncheon the following day. When the luncheon is almost over, Meg excuses herself to visit with a judge she recognizes in the restaurant. Soon after, news of somebody jumping out of a window 9 stories up is spreading through the streets. Meg has supposedly committed suicide, but the Southern Sisters aren't so sure about that.

Ehh. I grinned a few times, but I didn't care for the story line all that much. It was just okay. I really enjoy Patricia Anne, Mary Alice and Fred, though.

THE HELP

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Genre: Historical Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4.5/5

Yearly Count: 36

Just home after graduating from Ole Miss in 1962, Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is antsy to get herself a job with Harper & Row Publishers in New York. To get experience, Skeeter takes the advice from a senior editor at Harper & Row and successfully lands a job at the local newspaper writing a weekly advice column that requires her to enlist help from a friend's maid. Also, the editor suggests to Skeeter that she should continue to write - and when she does, she should write about what disturbs her. Skeeter sets out to do just that.

I had no idea this book was close to 450 pages until I picked it up from the library. I was leery about making it to the end, but once I began - there was no stopping me, and then I didn't want it to end!

The Help was filled with heart. All the characters exuded unique, but recognizable and believable qualities that had been well-defined. Several of them narrated their own story making their voice clearly heard. I was always excited to meet back up with any of the characters and ready to get back on a new roller-coaster of emotion. This was such an engaging, thought-provoking and memorable read.

Addendum: There were a few times that I felt it had a "chick lit" feel, and I would have preferred that to have been eliminated or at the very least - toned down.

CHILD 44

Author: Tom Rob Smith

Genre: Thriller, Series #1

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 35

It's Russia in the 1950s and the deaths of children have been dismissed as accidents or other mishaps, but that doesn't set well with Leo, who is a member of the State Security. Leo doesn't let the issue drop and remains steadfast in his search of a killer, not knowing who he can trust along the way.

The first two-thirds of the book was basically a set up for the last one-third, which was not what I had anticipated. That, along with not enough dialogue, produced some disappointment on my part. However, the clearly described atmosphere of Russia made it easy to envision the doom and gloom of the time period. Even though I ended up enjoying the last third, there was much implausibility that kept this book at "good".

THE CITY OF EMBER

Author: Jeanne DuPrau

Genre: Children's Science Fiction, Series #1

Published: 2003

Personal Rating: 3/5

Yearly Count: 34

In a post-apocalyptic city named Ember, the people would be living in total darkness if they didn't have the city light bulbs. The dark may be upon them soon due to supplies running out - and not only light bulbs, but food, too! With their newly assigned jobs (at age 12), Doon and Lina are concerned about the conditions of Ember and begin to search for a way out.

The narrator of this audiobook had an extremely negative affect on me. I hated the way she over-dramatized the characters. Some were even made out to be like Dr. Seuss cartoons. UGH! The only thing that kept me going was the story line. I did find it interesting and wanted to know what was going on in the city. However, it was a very light and simple book and wouldn't label it a young adult novel - juvenile fiction is a better fit.

Currently, this is the first in a series of four and was made into a movie in October, 2008.

HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER & SWEET

Author: Jamie Ford

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 33

Henry's story is told through two timeframes - 1986 and the 1940s. In the 40s, Henry is a Chinese-American boy whose parents send him to the local Seattle American school, and there he meets Keiko, a Japanese-American girl. They become fast friends. To their dismay, World War II brings the Japanese Internment and Keiko and her family are taken away. In the year 1986, as an adult, Henry reflects upon his choices as a young man after he loses his wife to cancer.

When I closed this book for the final time, I thought it was very good. Prior to that, I often just thought of it as "good". There were a few places that I felt were contrived or just plain shallow, and I did not care for the past and present style for this book. However, I did become attached to Henry and a few other characters, along with the general story line. Also, learning more about the Japanese Internment from another perspective was interesting, so . . . at the end, it earned its 4 rating.

*I was unable to obtain this ARC on my own, but my friend Bonnie at Redlady's Reading Room was extremely generous in sending me a copy. I'm so, so thankful, Bonnie! :)

THE NIGHT STALKER

Author: James Swain

Genre: Thriller, Series #2

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 32

A serial killer on death row asks Jack Carpenter, private investigator/ex-cop, to find his kidnapped grandson before his execution date, which is only a few days away. Unfortunately, the killer's own son is the prime suspect.

This second in the series had some interesting plot segues, but everything seemed perfectly set up to make the plot move along. Also, Jack acted as the know-it-all too often for it to feel authentic. Often a good guy with a chip on his shoulder or one that teeters on the bad side draws the reader in with that kind of edge, so I'm not so sure that was the problem, but something was different. I didn't dislike Jack, but he needs to be tweaked somehow. I enjoyed him in the first book, Midnight Rambler, much more and would like to see more of that Jack. I will definitely pick up the third in this series, because I'm curious to find out who will appear - Jack #1 or Jack #2.

Book Giveaway Carnival Winners

A special thanks to Tracy at Bookroom Reviews for hosting this Book Giveaway Carnival!

THE WINNERS ARE . . .

VALORIE

BOOK #1: The Crimson Petal and the White (Faber)

RAMYA

BOOK #2: Atonement (McEwan)

BERMUDAONION

BOOK #3: Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman (Buchan)

LITERARY FELINE

BOOK #4: The Edge of Winter (Rice)

All four of you have already included your e-mail address in your comment, so I will be contacting you! Please respond by midnight of Wednesday, March 11 or another name will be drawn. Thanks and . . .

CUT

Author: Patricia McCormick

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2002

Personal Rating: 3.5/5

Yearly Count: 31

Fifteen-year-old Callie experiences some intense emotions that she doesn't know how to deal with, so she begins to cut herself as a temporary measure to make herself feel better. At an inpatient facility, Callie gradually works to discover the root of her problem.

This serious issue is presented at a level that is appropriate for YA. It is handled with respect and helps the reader to understand the thoughts of a cutter through the eyes of Callie. There are other issues that are briefly touched upon due to the nature of the help Callie receives, but all are done in a light fashion. Cut gives a good and solid introduction to what cutting is about. It was well done.

LIFE SENTENCES

Author: Laura Lippman

Genre: Mystery, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: DNF #2

I have read well over 50 pages (my check point) and have not been drawn into this book. There is no dislike on my part, but nothing that is grabbing my attention. So, for now, I'm setting it aside and hoping for a return visit. My guess? It's probably just a timing issue. We'll see.

Thanks to Harper Collins for sending me this ARC. It goes on sale tomorrow, March 10, 2009.

SWEETHEART

Author: Chelsea Cain

Genre: Thriller, Series #2

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 2.25/5

Yearly Count: 30

In a continuation of Cain's fantastic debut, HeartSick, Archie Sheridan is still plagued with his connection to Gretchen Lowell and seeks to stop her in her tracks when she escapes from prison.

There are too many things I didn't like about this follow-up book, so I'm going to boil it down to one major mistake that affected me the most - casting the main character as a loser.

HeartSick = Thumbs Up, Sweetheart = Thumbs Down.

Calling All Historical Fiction Fans!

I have a dear friend that reads (and loves) almost everything I suggest to her. However, last night she asked me for historical fiction recommendations. Sadly, I couldn't deliver. I know there are some big fans of this genre out there. I need your help, please!

ANY SUGGESTIONS?

(BTW - she loved the Boleyn series by Philippa Gregory)

Thanks, in advance!

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

Author: Stephen Chbosky

Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone

Published: 1999

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 29

All of Charlie's letters begin with "Dear Friend". He writes these letters on a regular basis starting at the end of the summer before his freshman year of high school. His ups and downs of the entire year are shared with this "friend" - meaning, it's a coming-of-age story in epistolary form.

My first thought when I closed the book was that it was very good book, but pausing for a second helps me to remember that I was quite surprised, several times, at some of the content and believe it is for the very mature young adults. It contains many of the typical trappings of high school and family dynamics that create a fairly good picture of reality, but there are some way-out-there scenes, as well. And, as smart as Charlie is supposed to be, one would think he would have had a better vocabulary. Other than that, Charlie grew on me and kept me interested.

I really enjoy epistolary novels, so that alone has given this one a step up on the rating scale. It just does.

VERY VALENTINE

Author: Adriana Trigiani

Genre: Chick Lit, Trilogy #1

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 2.25/5

Yearly Count: 28

This first in a trilogy introduces Valentine and her Italian family. Valentine works and lives with her grandmother who owns an Italian shoe shop in New York named Angelini Shoe Company. Financial burdens plague the shop and Valentine strives to save her legacy.

Oh my. This was a huge disappointment for me. I have thoroughly loved Adriana Trigiani's work in the past and was so looking forward to this trilogy. Unfortunately, my lack of enthusiasm for the book started from the beginning. For me, it was bland, dull and lifeless. Either there wasn't enough conflict or the characters were just boring or maybe even this reader just wasn't in the right mood for it - I don't know, but I highly doubt I'll venture into the doldrums of the second.

Book Giveaway Carnival ~ BOOK #4

It's Book Giveaway Carnival Week at Bookroom Reviews and I'm giving away 4 books! You can find them all in individual posts.

BOOK #4:

The Edge of Winter (Luanne Rice)

Used Paperback (cracked spine, but still in very good condition)

(click on book for Amazon reviews)

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY (up to 3 entries):

1. Leave a comment that you are interested in this book. (1 entry)

2. Leave a separate comment linking to where you blog about this give-away (either a post or the sidebar). (1 entry)

3. Leave another separate comment indicating where you follow my blog (new followers welcome). (1 entry)

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, March 9, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - another name will be drawn on Thursday, March 12, 2009.

~ The give-away is open to people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada.

HAPPY ENTERING!

Book Giveaway Carnival ~ BOOK #3

It's Book Giveaway Carnival Week at Bookroom Reviews and I'm giving away 4 books. You can find them all in individual posts!

BOOK #3:

Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman (Elizabeth Buchan)

Gently Used Paperback

(click on book for Amazon reviews)

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY (up to 3 entries):

1. Leave a comment that you are interested in this book. (1 entry)

2. Leave a separate comment linking to where you blog about this give-away (either a post or the sidebar). (1 entry)

3. Leave another separate comment indicating where you follow my blog (new followers welcome). (1 entry)

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, March 9, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - another name will be drawn on Thursday, March 12, 2009.

~ The give-away is open to people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada.

HAPPY ENTERING!

Book Giveaway Carnival ~ BOOK #2

It's Book Giveaway Carnival Week at Bookroom Reviews and I'm giving away 4 books. You can find them all in individual posts!

BOOK #2:

Atonement (Ian McEwan)

Gently Used Paperback

(Click on book for Amazon reviews)

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY (up to 3 entries):

1. Leave a comment that you are interested in this book. (1 entry)

2. Leave a separate comment linking to where you blog about this give-away (either a post or the sidebar). (1 entry)

3. Leave another separate comment indicating where you follow my blog (new followers welcome). (1 entry)

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, March 9, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - another name will be drawn on Thursday, March 12, 2009.

~ The give-away is open to people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada.

HAPPY ENTERING!

Book Giveaway Carnival ~ BOOK #1

It's Book Giveaway Carnival Week at Bookroom Reviews and I'm giving away 4 books. You can find them all in individual posts!

BOOK #1:

The Crimson Petal and the White (Michel Faber)

Brand New Paperback

(Click on book for Amazon reviews)

TO BE ENTERED IN THIS GIVE-AWAY (up to 3 entries):

1. Leave a comment that you are interested in this book. (1 entry)

2. Leave a separate comment linking to where you blog about this give-away (either a post or the sidebar). (1 entry)

3. Leave another separate comment indicating where you follow my blog (new followers welcome). (1 entry)

OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:

~ Winners will be drawn and posted on Monday, March 9, 2009.

~ Winners are responsible to contact me on the post where the winners are announced, if a winner has not responded by Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - another name will be drawn on Thursday, March 12, 2009.

~ The give-away is open to people with mailing addresses from the USA and Canada.

HAPPY ENTERING!

THE ASSOCIATE

Author: John Grisham

Genre: Thriller, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 4/5

Yearly Count: 27

Five years ago, as undergrad students, Kyle and his fraternity brothers participated in behavior that was inappropriate. They all had fairly good success in forgetting about the event, until Kyle was forced to take a particular, unwanted offer at a law firm upon his graduation. He was forced by blackmail.

I have liked every Grisham book I have read. Yes, some are better than others, but I always enjoy the familiarity of his easy, but interesting law-based books. This one kept with the tradition. The characters were authentic and I believed the story line. Not only that, I was always eager to get back to it and when I did, it consistently took hold of me.