Review: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Photo and description from Google books.

Description
Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart–he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season’s first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone–but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees.

This little girl, who calls herself Faina, seems to be a child of the woods. She hunts with a red fox at her side, skims lightly across the snow, and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they come to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent place things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform all of them.

My Thoughts
Magical, mystery, love and heartbreak rolled into one great novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this until the last 30 pages or so. I feel that I have many questions that are unanswered but I also feel it was the authors purpose. It’s a tragic fairy tale but one that will leave you thinking about it long after the book is finished.

The charter development and details were fantastic. I generally do not enjoy novels set so long ago but Eowyn wrote magically. I feel like 2 parts of the plot muddled each other, and would love clarification from the author on them. I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

This was Eowyn Ivey’s debut novel and I look forward to reading more from her.

If you’ve read this book I would love to hear your thoughts on it!

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

 

 

Photo and description from Goodreads

Description

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

 

My Thoughts

You know when you read a book that leaves a hole in your heart? You know, the kind that leaves you thinking about the characters long after the last word on the last page? The Fault in Our Stars is that book. I feel like I don’t where to go now…a book hangover some may call it. I felt in love with Hazel and Augustus, and I fell in love with their love. I knew the book was not going to be sunshine and roses, and it certainly was not. However, the story of these 2 amazing teenagers who are struggling with the cancer every day of their life is something I am thankful to have with me. It kind of makes you appreciate your own life more, in a morbid sense.

This book was chosen by one of my book club members as her month’s selection. I’ll preface this by saying my grandma has been fighting cancer for the last year, and she just won. =) When this book was chosen I told myself I was not going to read it. I did not want to cry. I did not want to experience another person’s heartache. But as the days went by I decided to read it after all. Getting to know Hazel through her witty and humorous narrative is something I am thankful for. I am thankful for the days that the characters had together; to love each other. The world is a cruel place and not everything ends with “happily ever after.”

So to keep a long story short I think you, and everyone you know, should read this book. It’s a beautifully written novel that reminds you how short life is and how to love with all you have while you’re still on the ride. 

Review: The Opposite of Maybe by Maddie Dawson

 

Photo and description from Goodreads

Book Description

 Jonathan and Rosie have been together so long they finish each other’s sentences—so when he (finally) proposes and asks her to move across the country with him, everyone is happily surprised.
   But when things suddenly unravel, Rosie sends Jonathan packing and moves back home with Soapie, the irascible, opinionated grandmother who raised her. Only now she has to figure out how to fire Soapie’s very unsuitable caregiver, a gardener named Tony who lets her drink martinis, smoke, and cheat at Scrabble.
It’s a temporary break, of course—until Rosie realizes she’s accidentally pregnant at 44, completely unequipped for motherhood, and worse, may be falling in love with the sentimental, troubled Tony, whose life is even more muddled than hers. 
   It’s not until Rosie learns the truth about her mother’s tragic story that she wonders if sometimes you have to let go of your fears, trusting that the big-hearted, messy life that awaits you may just be the one you were meant to live.

My Thoughts

Wow! This was an amazing story that I couldn’t put down. It was a roller-coaster of love–ups and downs. I was hooked from the first page and didn’t want the story to end. Rosie is in a long term relationship without marriage–finds herself separating from her boyfriend–and ends up pregnant at 44 years old. Meanwhile her grandma, who raised her, is getting old and unable to take care of herself. Soapie, the grandma, moves in a younger man named Tony to help care for her. Rosie ends up moving in to Soapie’s when she separates from her long time boyfriend Jonathan. Moving through the ins and outs of daily life Rosie is shocked to discover that she and Tony are falling in love. But Jonathan wants her back…and wants to raise their family together. What should Rosie do; follow her heart or her head?

The character development was great. I was emotionally attached to the characters in this book. I laughed with them, I cried with them. This is a must read novel! While I enjoyed the ending I feel like I want more. I’d love more of the story, of the future of Rosie, Jonathan, Tony and the baby.

I will definitely be checking out more books from Maddie Dawson. I really enjoyed her writing style, the words and plot flowed very nicely.

Review: Every Waking Moment by Chris Fabry

 

Photo and book description from Goodreads.

 

Treha Langsam is a mysterious young woman who has fallen through the cracks, much like many of the elderly people she works with at Desert Gardens Retirement Home. But Miriam Howard, director of the facility, sees her extraordinary gift and untapped potential. Treha is a whisperer of sorts, calling those who have slipped into dementia back to a life of vibrant, if only temporary, clarity.When Treha’s and Miriam’s stories intertwine with a documentary team looking for stories of the elderly, Treha’s gift is uncovered, and the search begins for answers to the mysteries of her past. As their paths converge, each person is forced to face the same difficult question: “What if this is as good as my life gets?”An uplifting, human tale of an ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift.

Chris Fabry brings his readers on yet another amazing journey. What I like most about Fabry’s novels is that the stories are so much different than most. Every Waking Moment is a beautiful story about one girls journey to find out who she is, why she is the way she is, and where her future will take her. While I felt there could have been more character development it did not stop me from enjoying the story. After about 1/3 of the book I couldn’t put it down.

While the main plot focus’s on Treha’s journey, there are other nice little sub-plots throughout the book. They all tie in beautifully together. I felt Treha’s heartache as she searched for answer’s form her past. I connected with Miriam while she was struggling between doing what she loves and trying to fit her personal life into the mix. Some parts of the story with Devin and Jonah, two producers for the documentary, were confusing at first but wrapped up neatly in the end.

Personally I feel the ending left something to be desired. I felt like parts left me hanging with no answers left to give. I would love to see a sequel to this novel. I want to know more about what happens with Treha’s biological mother, how her medical condition improves, and where Devin and Jonah’s business takes them next.

I’d give this book 3.9 starts out of 5. Without the ending I would have given it 4.5 but the lack of important details at the end left me a little disappointed.

50 Shades of Grey: Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey

 

Photo credit: Calvin Klein

 

Rumor has it that Jamie Dornan, a model and actor, will be cast as the new Christian Grey after Charlie Hunnam bowed out a couple weeks back. Dornan has modeled for Calvin Klein, Armani, and Dior. His debut acting film was in Marie Antoinette. While it has not been officially confirmed, inside sources say that Dornan is in the final stages of the deal for 50 Shades.

Social media sites are once again buzzing with the news of the replacement. While it seems that people are much more excited for Jamie to play the role there are still complaints circling about his acting ability.

I think Jamie Dornan is much more ideal for the role than Charlie Hunnam was. This man is the definition of sexy. He is brooding, dark and mysterious. I’m excited to see how it all plays out!

 

What are your thoughts? Do YOU think Jamie is the perfect Christian Grey or did producers get it wrong once again?

Review: The Good Mother Myth: Tearing it Down One Story at a Time

Summary, details, and photo provided by Goodreads

In an era of mommy blogs, Pinterest, and Facebook, The Good Mother Myth dismantles the social media-fed notion of what it means to be a good mother. This collection of essays takes a realistic look at motherhood and provides a platform for real voices and raw stories, each adding to the narrative of motherhood we don’t tend to see in the headlines or on the news.

From tales of mind-bending, panic-inducing overwhelm to a reflection on using weed instead of wine to deal with the terrible twos, the honesty of the essays creates a community of mothers who refuse to feel like they’re in competition with others, or with the notion of the ideal mom — they’re just trying to find a way to make it work. 

With a foreword by Christy Turlington Burns and a contributor list that includes Jessica Valenti, Sharon Lerner, Lisa Duggan, and many more, this remarkable collection seeks to debunk the myth and offer some honesty about what it means to be a mother.

My Thoughts

This book is not your typical one-sided story of motherhood. Each story is presented by a different mother and highlights an area of her parenting that she felt was not like the typical “good mother.” Through this collection of stories the authors tear down that “good mother” myth. They help other moms open their eyes and see that no one is perfect. If it appears that way on the outside, know that they are likely fighting their own demons on the inside. As mothers the best thing we can do for our kids is love them, care for them and give it our best. Children don’t come with manuals. No one’s life is perfect.

I swear I could have written over ½ of these stories myself. From the story about postpartum depression and how it feels to not instantly love your child, to the remorse we feel for locking ourselves in the bathroom to check our Facebook updates.  One story that I really connected with talked about how she had a problem with noise. But she wouldn’t understand what was stressing her until it just became too much and she would snap. I feel like this often. Whether it’s the t.v. on too loud and my daughter singing from her bedroom, or it’s the dishwasher running with the Xbox blaring in the background and everyone talking at once, it pushes my mind to a snapping point. Then I scream. Then I feel bad. It’s a vicious cycle, but I was glad to see I wasn’t alone.

Whether you are a first time mommy or a mommy to 8 you will enjoy this book. Some of the stories are a little dry, and seem too drawn out. I also wouldn’t call it a book that “I couldn’t put down” but I think it is well worth the read. You’ll feel a connection with the readers and realize that you, too, are not alone. 

Review: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

Summary, details, and photo provided by Goodreads

From the author of the critically acclaimed What Alice Forgot comes a breakout new novel about the secrets husbands and wives keep from each other.

My Darling Cecilia
If you’re reading this, then I’ve died . . .

Imagine your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret – something so terrible it would destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others too. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive . . .

Cecilia Fitzpatrick achieved it all – she’s an incredibly successful business woman, a pillar of her small community and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia – or each other – but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s devastating secret.

My Thoughts

This book is an emotional ride of secrets, affairs, and finding what the future holds. I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down.  Moriarty does a nice job of developing the characters, making them easy for the reader to bond with. My strongest feelings were with Rachel, as her story was the most easily relatable. I personally wanted to see her story end up differently than what it did in the book, but not everything in life ends how we want it to.

Cecilia’s story is an insane, heartbreaking tale of what happens when you are forced to make a choice between your husband’s or an acquaintances suffering. I found myself trying to decide what I would do in her shoes, and it is a decision I would never want to be faced with.

I enjoyed the split view of the chapters. The chapters alternate between viewpoints of each of the main characters. I think this book benefitted from this style.

My favorite part of the entire novel was the epilogue. Many times readers are left with unanswered questions. Moriarty does a fine job of wrapping up the stories at the end, and even leaves you with mind-blowing facts that were not included in the chapters. Your entire perspective of certain plots can change in the epilogue.

This is a book I would highly recommend. It is a deep, spiraling story that will take you on an adventure from the first page.

A New Christian Grey?

Social media sites were flooded with the news of Charlie Hunnam dropping from the 50 Shades of Grey cast today. Charlie was cast to play Christian Grey from the Bestselling book 50 Shades of Grey just over a month ago. The movie, which has not begun filming, is set to release in 2014. Fans of the series expressed their dislike for Hunnam as Christian as soon as the casting was released. Hunnam said that due to his schedule he does not have the time to prepare for his role as Christian Grey.

At this time there are no updates as to who will fill his role. What are your thoughts? Who would you like to see play Christian Grey?

For a full report by E! News click here. 

Review: The Book of Secrets by Elizabeth Arnold

I’d like to kick off my reviews with the latest book I read; The Book of Secrets by Elizabeth Arnold.

Arnold takes her readers on a deep, mysterious roller coaster ride of twists in her latest novel. Chloe was just a little girl, 8 years old, when she first discovered the Sinclair children. To Chloe they were a magical, beautiful family; something she only dreamed to belong to. She began to play with the Sinclair children (Nate, Grace, and Cecelia) in their yard but only when their father wasn’t home. Joel Sinclair was a pastor and his children were only allowed to lay with other children from the parish. Their friendship was kept secret for many years, and during this flourished into an amazing bond.

Years later Chloe and Nate are married and own the book store they had always dreamed of. But one day Nate disappears, leaving nothing but a rambling note behind. Chloe sets out on a mission to uncover the secrets of the Sinclair family that she knows have been hiding for the past 25+ years. But are somethings better left a secret? Are the things we think we know really the truth?Follow along through the twists of heartache, joy, faith, family secrets, murder, fidelity, and self discovery in this fantastic magical story that will leave you in suspense until the very end.

I  absolutely adored this novel, from the first word to the last. It is a true literary work of art. Elizabeth Arnold does an amazing job of giving you every last detail while keeping you fully entranced in lives of Chloe and the Sinclair family. While this book is not all about roses and sunshine, it allows the reader to sink into the depths of family secrets, which are generally not a bright place anyway. The writing in this book is magical, and the references to historical literary works makes this story amazing. I cannot recommend this book enough. Run, don’t walk, to add it to your collection!

Goodreads

Before I dive into the world of book reviews, I’d like to tell you about my favorite website–Goodreads. I discovered this site last year during a Lit class in college. It has since became my favorite website. You can review book, find book suggestions, and keep shelves (digitally) for all of the books you have read or want to read. Its quite awesome and I HIGHLY suggest you check it out!