If I Were On American Idol: Top 10

Do you ever imagine yourself blowing the judges away each week on American Idol? Then you have stopped at the right place! This weekly meme will allow you to tell me your song choice for the week.

This week's theme is R & B.

Looking through the list, I immediately found the song I would sing! I would sing Alicia Keys, Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart. The reason I would sing this song is because it is currently my car obsession. Every time I drive anywhere, this song is blasting and I am belting it out.

Hopefully this will be a good week on Idol because last week sucked big time.

What would you sing for R & B week?

{alicia}

March 29, 2010: Guest House

Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson

Driving home from work on a summer afternoon, Melba Burns witnesses a nightmare collision. The wreck ends her pursuit of success at any cost—Melba parks her car, quits her job and stops driving. She retreats into her beloved old farmhouse, yearning for a simpler peace. But peace and Melba’s new roommate, JoLee Garry, have never met. A shallow, self-absorbed stunner, JoLee magnetizes messes and trouble. She brings boyfriends, booze and a tag-along son with her—a series of unexpected guests who transform Melba’s solo life into something different, daring and richer.

I am going to be completely honest here. When I started reading this book, I was completely distracted. The weather is getting nice and I've been in a fog. I had a hard time getting into this book as well, which contributed to my fog. Finally, I gave it a break and just relaxed for a couple of days. When I picked this book up again, I was in a much better place {a place where I could concentrate} and I recommend that if you read this book, don't be distracted!

Having said all that..... this was such a beautiful book. Reading the synopsis might be confusing. How can someone's life become darker and richer at the same time? Do we need the darkness to make our lives more rich? I hope not, but in this book that was the case.

I liked how the two stories seemed to come together flawlessly, but at the beginning I was wondering how they were connected. Having just finished the book, I want to go back and read it again. Somehow, I felt nostalgic throughout this book. I wish I could live with Melba! Also, I wish I could slap JoLee {but that is a different story} and hug Matt. I think that is what is so great about Richardson's writing of this book. Each character seems so incredibly real, it's as if you can see them!

Honestly, the ending had me a little worried. I was pleased with how it ended but was concerned a twist might be thrown in. Thank goodness there wasn't! I highly recommend this book and will be loaning it to my family and friends!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

*note: I received this book for review on my blog from The Book Report Network.

{alicia}

What's In Your Handbag?

Welcome to my weekly meme, "What's In Your Handbag"? Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse.

I accidentally put a ton of books on hold at the library {ten to be exact}, so I'm trying to read all of those! Today I will be reading The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. Yes, I realize it came out over a year ago but I am so behind on the times ;)

Leave the link to your "What's In Your Handbag?" post in the comments! Also, feel free to grab the button. THe HTML is posted on the right sidebar.

{alicia}

March 24, 2010: Still Life

Still Life by Joy Fielding

Casey Marshall has it all: a successful interior-design business; a handsome, loving husband; wonderful friends; and a boatload of family money at her disposal. But just as she’s contemplating starting a family, she’s the victim of a hit-and-run accident that leaves her in a coma. But she’s not completely out of it, so she’s a witness to everything that happens in her hospital room. But is that so bad? Isn’t it everyone’s dream to be a fly on the wall, to hear what might be said at our funerals? Even though Casey is privy to everyone’s “private” remarks and conversations as they visit, she feels trapped and helpless, especially when it becomes abundantly clear that the incident with the car was no accident. Her frustration mounts as her sister, the wayward but bighearted Drew, becomes a suspect, along with everyone close to her. While not narrated in first person, the action revolves around Casey’s experiences and perceptions. Fielding makes the most of this intriguing premise without succumbing to gimmicky plot tricks. The moment that Casey solves her own attempted murder is truly riveting, and the anxiety she feels as she tries to avoid the would-be murderer’s completion of his task is palpable. A heart-pounding mainstream thriller. --Mary Frances Wilkens

Eek! This book has made me realize a new nightmare! Honestly, I started getting really panicky during this book. Can you imagine being stuck inside your own body? It must be so frustrating. Also, this book reaffirms my belief that I never want to get married. Well, this book and Primetime Crime.

I have never read Joy Fielding before, but I never associated her with suspense. However, I was really pleasantly surprised by how intense this book was! I couldn't stop flipping the pages, and at times I felt like I was Casey.

Definitely pick this book up for a good, suspenseful read!


{alicia}

March 23, 2010: Look Again

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline

Ellen Gleeson was balancing life as a single mother and a feature reporter as well as could be expected. She had taken on single parenthood voluntarily, having fallen in love with her adopted son, Will, now three, when he was a very sick infant. A have-you-seen-this-child postcard featuring a child who could be Will’s twin catches Ellen’s attention, and while she should be pursuing her assigned story about the emotional effect of Philadelphia’s high teenage murder rate, she instead becomes obsessed with the missing child and with pursuing more details about Will’s background. Her questions multiply when she learns that, just three weeks after she adopted Will, the attorney who handled the proceedings killed herself. Where is the birth mother, and why doesn’t her family seem to know that she was pregnant? The answer only leads to danger, but Ellen, her reporter’s instincts on high alert, is hell-bent on finding the truth, no matter the cost. In a departure from her wildly popular Rosato & Associates series, Scottoline still sticks to what she knows in this taut stand-alone: female drama, family ties, legal intrigue, and fast-paced action. A sure-fire winner.

Wow! I devoured this book in one night. This isn't a typical Scottoline book - but I was hooked from the first page. I found this book so emotional, which is something I wasn't expecting. I cried at Ellen's pain throughout the book. In her situation, what would you do? Would you have the strength to find out if your son wasn't really legally yours?

While reading this book you have to wonder if Ellen had just thrown the postcard away, would she have had any of the heartbreak in the end? Yeah, it all worked out for her, but she may have never had any of that pain if she had not printed out the picture at work and just left the situation alone. I'm not saying she was wrong to find out who her son was, but maybe she took the wrong approach.

I'm not sure about all the legal issues involved with this case, if they were accurate, but it is interesting to think about. Honestly, I don't know what I would have done in her situation or in the Braverman's situation.

By the way - I think this would make a fabulous Lifetime movie. It's right up my alley!

I actually liked that this was a stand alone book. I really like Lisa Scottoline, but never had time to keep up with her other books because I felt I had to read them all. So I appreciated the break.

{alicia}

GIVEAWAY: Heart of Stone

She had the darkest of pasts. And he had everything to lose by loving her. Laura Foster, free from the bondage of an unspeakable childhood, has struggled to make a new life for herself. Now the owner of an elegant boardinghouse in Glory, Texas, she is known as a wealthy, respectable widow. But Laura never forgets that she is always just one step ahead of her past. When Reverend Brand McCormick comes calling, Laura does all she can to discourage him as a suitor. She knows that if her past were discovered, Brand’s reputation would be ruined. But it’s not only Laura’s past that threatens to bring Brand down—it’s also his own. When a stranger in town threatens to reveal too many secrets, Laura is faced with a heartbreaking choice: Should she leave Glory forever and save Brand’s future? Or is it worth risking his name—and her heart—by telling him the truth?

The publisher has graciously offered one lucky reader a copy of Heart of Stone by Jill Marie Landis! Review here.

To enter:

+ 1: Leave a comment on this post
+ 2: Tweet this contest (incorporate my handle @adw7984)
+ 2: Follow me on Twitter (adw7984)
+ 3: Become a public follower of this blog.
+ 5: Blog about this giveaway (sidebars do not count)

You must leave a separate comment for each thing you do! This contest will close on March 31st at 5:00 pm EST. Make sure I can reach you!

UPDATE 3/24/10: This contest is open to US only. Sorry!

{alicia}

If I Were On American Idol: Top 11

Whenever I watch American Idol, I always pick out what song I would choose during that week. I mean, I truly am an amazing singer.....well, at least my 6 month old niece thinks so :). Anyways, I thought it would be fun to post my song choice here on my blog weekly!

This week's theme is Billboard # 1 Hits.

This is probably a very broad genre. I would sing an incredible version of Single Ladies by Beyonce. It would probably be the highlight of the show ;) You can find a link of Billboard # 1 songs here.

I would love to hear what everyone else would choose to sing if they were talented enough for American Idol, and also why you would choose that song! If you feel like choosing, leave a comment!

UPDATE: I just read that Miley Cyrus will be the mentor........um, really?! Ugh ugh ugh.

{alicia}

GIVEAWAY: Guest House

Driving home from work on a summer afternoon, Melba Burns witnesses a nightmare collision. The wreck ends her pursuit of success at any cost—Melba parks her car, quits her job and stops driving. She retreats into her beloved old farmhouse, yearning for a simpler peace.

But peace and Melba’s new roommate, JoLee Garry, have never met. A shallow, self-absorbed stunner, JoLee magnetizes messes and trouble. She brings boyfriends, booze and a tag-along son with her—a series of unexpected guests who transform Melba’s solo life into something different, daring and richer.

The publisher has graciously offered 1 lucky read a copy of Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson!

To enter:

+ 1: Leave a comment on this post
+ 2: Tweet this contest (incorporate my handle @adw7984)
+ 2: Follow me on Twitter (adw7984)
+ 3: Become a public follower of this blog.
+ 5: Blog about this giveaway (sidebars do not count)

You must leave a separate comment for each thing you do! This contest will close on March 31st at 5:00 pm EST. Make sure I can reach you!

UPDATE 3/24/10: This contest is open to US only. Sorry!

Also, keep an eye out for my review of this book soon :)

{alicia}

March 19, 2010: Heart of Stone

Heart of Stone by Jill Marie Landis

She had the darkest of pasts. And he had everything to lose by loving her. Laura Foster, free from the bondage of an unspeakable childhood, has struggled to make a new life for herself. Now the owner of an elegant boardinghouse in Glory, Texas, she is known as a wealthy, respectable widow. But Laura never forgets that she is always just one step ahead of her past. When Reverend Brand McCormick comes calling, Laura does all she can to discourage him as a suitor. She knows that if her past were discovered, Brand’s reputation would be ruined. But it’s not only Laura’s past that threatens to bring Brand down—it’s also his own. When a stranger in town threatens to reveal too many secrets, Laura is faced with a heartbreaking choice: Should she leave Glory forever and save Brand’s future? Or is it worth risking his name—and her heart—by telling him the truth?

If I saw this book in the bookstore, I most likely would not pick it up. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this story. While it was set in the 1800's, it did not feel old. Sometimes I have a difficult time with historical fiction, but I didn't have a problem with this book.

While this book was also considered Christian Fiction, I feel that religion was written in an appropriate manner and it was not overly done. I was very intrigued by the child prostitution in this book because I had no idea that type of thing even occurred. It's amazing that Laura was able to become a new person and make a life for herself despite her past. One of my favorite quotes from this book sum it up: "We learn from our trials. It's not how you start out in life, it's how you finish that counts." (page 305). Isn't that great? I think that is a wonderful token to take from this book; we may be dealt lemons in our life but if we can turn it all around in the end, against the odds, that is what matters in the end.

I'm really looking forward to the second book in this series because I need to know what happened to Laura's sisters! Will she find them?!

If you are a fan of Christian Historical Fiction, you will love this book. If you aren't a fan - who knows? You might find yourself surprised!

*note: I received this book for review on my blog from The Book Report Network.

{alicia}

What's In Your Handbag?

Welcome to my weekly meme, "What's In Your Handbag"? Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson to review for my blog! You can read an excerpt here. I'm very excited to be reading this book - so look for my review {and giveaway} next week!

Leave the link to your "What's in Your Handbag" post in the comments! Also, feel free to grab the button, the HTML is posted on the right sidebar.

{alicia}

March 14, 2010: Dating Game

Dating Game by Danielle Steel

Paris Armstrong never saw it coming. With two grown children and a lovely home in Connecticut, Paris was happy with her marriage, her family, her life. So when her husband of twenty-four years said they needed to talk, Paris couldn’t imagine what he was about to say.

“I want a divorce,” Peter tells her. Just like that, the husband she adored had dumped her for a younger woman. And just like that, Peter and his thirty-one-year-old lover had made their plans for their future, leaving Paris to pick up the pieces of a shattered life. Within days, Peter was gone. And Paris was left to figure out how she intended to get through the next day, let alone the rest of her life.

The task could not have been more painful. First came the tears. Then the excruciating attempts by well-meaning friends to “fix her up” with men who paled in comparison to Peter. Worse yet, she still loved him. Finally, Paris realized she was in a fight for her very survival. Drastic measures were called for. Even her shrink agreed. It was time to move—as far away as possible, just after Peter remarried. Paris had never felt, or been, more alone.

Saying good-bye to the world she knew and loved, Paris heads west, to San Francisco, and discovers being single in a world full of men who were too young, too old, too married, or too good to be true. For Paris, the list seemed endless...the charming commitment-phobe...the drunken Neanderthal...the young Frenchman—so adorably sexy she almost forgot about his age, and did, for a while. With her dating track record veering between disappointing and disastrous, and her daughter now engaged to a man Paris’s age, Paris finally comes to the conclusion that romance is not in her future. That’s when her small circle of offbeat, loving friends becomes more important than ever before. And a decision Paris makes only for herself changes her life once more. The secret, she discovers finally, is in finding the gifts in life’s unexpected twists and turns, and turning despair into freedom and loss into joy.

In a poignant, wickedly funny novel about getting dumped and getting over it, about tackling life with both courage and laughter, Danielle Steel explores what it means to start over, whether you wanted to or not, and finding something better than you had before. -- from Amazon.com

Can you believe this is my first Danielle Steel book ever? I was browsing at the library and the hot pink cover caught my eye - so I grabbed it. Honestly, I kind of liked it a lot. I had a weekend of easy reading and this book made me kind of excited for summer. I think that Danielle Steel's books are great to read on the beach or just lounging around in the sun.

I only have one complaint with this book - and it was the ending. Paris was so lonely so she decided to adopt a baby. She was 48 years old, single and worked insane amounts of hours, often getting home after midnight and without planning a maternity leave was able to adopt a baby in two weeks. It seemed a little unrealistic and I didn't like how she said she wouldn't be alone anymore. It seemed like the wrong reason to have a baby. Maybe it's just me, but that part kind of bugged me.

Other than that gripe, I really enjoyed watching Paris blossom as a single woman and reclaiming her life. I will definitely pick up some more of her books at the library!

{alicia}

March 12, 2010: Sweet Little Lies

Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel by Lauren Conrad

How Sweet it is?

Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Now the girls have an all-access pass to Hollywood's hottest everything. But there's more to life on camera than just parties and shopping. . . .

When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she finds herself at the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to her co-star Madison Parker for help, unaware that Madison is scheming behind the scenes. She might be Jane's shoulder to cry on, but does Madison really have Jane's back?

Scarlett's working on a scandal of her own. She's fallen for someone who's strictly off-limits—which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep . . . from the L.A. Candy cameras, the paparazzi staking out her apartment, even from her best friend.

Of course, nothing stays secret for long for the stars of the newest hit TV series, and all this drama couldn't be better for ratings. But can Jane survive another season in the spotlight?

In television star Lauren Conrad's dishy, entertaining novel about young Hollywood, the lies are only as sweet as the people tell-ing them. -- from Amazon.com

I really enjoy this series by Lauren Conrad. I don't watch The Hills anymore, but I did watch a season or two back in the day - so I can see some parallels but I find it better to read this book as a separate entity.

There isn't much to say about this book, it isn't great fiction by any means. But you know what, I loved it because it was light and fluffy and it made me happy. Also, I'm obsessed with these behind the scenes looks at reality tv!What more could a girl ask for?

{alicia}

March 11, 2010: Not My Daughter

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

When Susan Tate's seventeen-year-old daughter, Lily, announces she is pregnant, Susan is stunned. A single mother, she has struggled to do everything right. She sees the pregnancy as an unimaginable tragedy for both Lily and herself.

Then comes word of two more pregnancies among high school juniors who happen to be Lily's best friends-and the town turns to talk of a pact. As fingers start pointing, the most ardent criticism is directed at Susan. As principal of the high school, she has always been held up as a role model of hard work and core values. Now her detractors accuse her of being a lax mother, perhaps not worthy of the job of shepherding impressionable students. As Susan struggles with the implications of her daughter's pregnancy, her job, financial independence, and long-fought-for dreams are all at risk.

The emotional ties between mothers and daughters are stretched to breaking in this emotionally wrenching story of love and forgiveness. Once again, Barbara Delinsky has given us a powerful novel, one that asks a central question: What does it take to be a good mother? --from Amazon.com

Okay, between this book and 16 & Pregnant, I am pretty sure I never want to have children because eventually they will become teenagers and will do crazy things like create a pregnancy pact! Also, I am pretty sure that there is a link between facial piercings and teen pregnancy and when you fill out the application for 16 & Pregnant you must check yes for two things: facial piercing and douche-tastic boyfriend.

Most times when I hear of a pregnant teenager, I usually wonder if their parents spoke to them about sex and how to prevent pregnancy. I will admit that I usually do place blame on the parents, I thought that this book brought up a wonderful point. Sometimes, parents can do everything right - give the facts, offer birth control and it still happens. Should a parent be held 100% accountable?

I was outraged at the impact Lily's selfish move caused her mother. Susan almost lost her job because of this {which I thought was kind of ridiculous}.

So many times, you hear these teens say that they were meant to be a mother and now they will have someone to love them. They think it is all sunshine and roses. I like that this book showed us that pregnancy isn't always easy and after those sweet little babies are born is not always easy. I thought that the three girls were super ridiculous though. How selfish and immature could they be? Knowingly giving up their future plans to have babies together and not thinking of the consequences is foolish! Lily was shocked that her mother might lose her job - well maybe if you thought of someone other than yourself for once, you might have seen that. Also, they were so upset that their mothers didn't jump for joy when they told the news - um, of course they didn't! At the end, I sympathized more with the three girls, but not at all during the book. I sympathized with their mothers the most.

Great book! I like the dialogue that it opens up. Have a great weekend everyone!

{alicia}

March 9, 2010: Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

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

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.
-- from Amazon.com

Before I tell you guys my thoughts on this book, I have to point you to a hilarious video. Only watch this video if you have already read the book, otherwise the video may make you want to hide the book and never read it. {Thanks Emily for pointing that gem out}.

I liked this modern feel to the star crossed lovers theme. I thought the book was really well written and I felt sympathetic to Brittany and Alex. I thought the gang aspect was really interesting to put in a YA novel, but I think it worked.

My favorite part of the story was the epilogue! What a sweet way to end the book, most books don't go that far into the future, but I loved it!

I don't know if I will be picking up her new book, but if I see it in the library I probably would read it. This is a trilogy, but book 2 follows Alex's brother so I don't feel I would be missing out.

{alicia}

What's In Your Handbag?

Welcome to my weekly meme, "What's In Your Handbag"? Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse.

I'm going a little bit light this week - we all have those weeks where we need something light and fluffy to get us through the day! I can't even believe I am into this series, but this week I am reading Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad. Seriously, LA Candy was a huge guilty pleasure for me and I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of this one! Also, how amazing are the covers? I love them!

Leave the link to your "What's in Your Handbag" post in the comments! Also, feel free to grab the button, the HTML is posted on the right sidebar.


{alicia}

March 8, 2010: The Real Real

When Jesse O'Rourke gets chosen to be part of the cast of a new documentary series, The Real Hampton Beach, about seniors dealing with the real world and real issues, she has considerable reservations, but the offer of $40,000 in college tuition is too good to turn down. It sounds easy enough–pretend to be best friends with people you despise, wear designer clothes you cannot afford, and give up any semblance of privacy–right? If only it were that simple. Between the phony friendships, the staged fights, and the product placements, Jesse can no longer differentiate between what's real and what looks good on television. She and the other players are just pawns in the network's moneymaking game. However, that changes when Jesse gets dirt on the network's president of programming. Now they have the upper hand and can finally regain control over their lives.

It's bad enough that I watch reality television on a daily basis, now I am apparently addicted to YA books about reality tv!

I won The Real Real by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus from Hope's Bookshelf (thanks Hope!) I picked it up right away because I was looking for a quick read, and much to my surprise I absolutely adored this book!

I was rooting for Jesse and Drew throughout the entire book and I was hoping that the film production would not get in the way. I thought it was nice that even though the "characters" didn't all get along - they had each other's backs in the end.

I also loved the behind the scenes look at reality tv. I don't know how accurate it is, but I'm sure it's pretty accurate. I watch my reality tv knowing that it is mostly scripted.....I'm okay with that! I wish there could be a reality show about the behind the scenes of a reality show (got that?). I think when Jesse was done shooting - that $40,000 scholarship may not have seemed worth all the trouble!

Does anyone else think this would make a fantastic tv show or movie? Also, is there a sequel. The ending seemed kind of open - ended, so maybe there will be!

I probably never would have picked this up in the bookstore, but now I am definitely curious to read some other books by Emma and Nicola. I loved The Nanny Diaries and now The Real Real, so they are 2 for 2 with me.

{alicia}

March 5, 2010: House Rules

They tell me I'm lucky to have a son who's so verbal, who is blisteringly intelligent, who can take apart the broken microwave and have it working again an hour later. They think there is no greater hell than having a son who is locked in his own world, unaware that there's a wider one to explore. But try having a son who is locked in his own world, and still wants to make a connection. A son who tries to be like everyone else, but truly doesn't know how.

Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject -- in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's -- not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect -- can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?

Emotionally powerful from beginning to end, House Rules looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way -- and fails those who don't.-- from Amazon.com

I always look forward to a new release from Jodi Picoult, but after her last book I didn't have very high expectations. I was pleasantly surprised with House Rules. I like that she didn't have a twist death in the last few pages, and I like that she always does her homework. When you are reading her books, you can always tell that she has spent her time doing an insane amount of research and I really appreciate that.

I learned so much about Asperger's syndrome that I never knew. My favorite scenes were the ones written from Jacob's perspective. On a side note - did anyone else read Jacob as Sheldon Cooper? I kept picturing Sheldon in my head while reading Jacob.

During the courtroom sections, I felt so bad for Jacob. I knew that he didn't kill Jess, and I knew he couldn't communicate what happened because no one asked him directly. It was so frustrating for me to read, I just wanted to jump in and help him out.

I loved the story, but didn't like the case studies that were placed throughout the book. I mostly skimmed them, until the final one. Am I the only one who did that? Overall, I think this was a good comeback for Jodi Picoult and I liked the topic of Asperger's syndrome. It was very enlightening!

p.s. Did anyone else hate the cover? With Jodi Picoult, I try not to read the synopsis beforehand so that I can go in with an open mind, so I assumed this book was about a child. I'm sure the cover is a commentary about Jacob's childlike qualities and it's really deep - but I didn't like it!

{alicia}

What's In Your Handbag?

Welcome to my weekly meme, "What's In Your Handbag"? Do you always have a book in your handbag? If you can't leave home without something to read, then "What's In Your Handbag?" is the post for you! Every Friday, I will be posting what book is currently in my purse. I have so many good books to read! Sometimes, I wish I were independently wealthy so that I could stay home all day and read! Anyways, today I have House Rules by Jodi Picoult in my handbag. She is one of my favorite authors, and I always eagerly await her books. I'm having a good few weeks, last week Wendy Corsi Staub had a new release and this week Jodi Picoult!

Leave the link to your "What's in Your Handbag" post in the comments! Also, feel free to grab the button, the HTML is posted on the right sidebar.


{alicia}

March 4, 2010: A Change in Altitude

Margaret and Patrick have been married just a few months when they set off on what they hope will be a great adventure-a year living in Kenya. Margaret quickly realizes there is a great deal she doesn't know about the complex mores of her new home, and about her own husband.

A British couple invites the newlyweds to join on a climbing expedition to Mount Kenya, and they eagerly agree. But during their harrowing ascent, a horrific accident occurs. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Margaret struggles to understand what happened on the mountain and how these events have transformed her and her marriage, perhaps forever.

A Change in Altitude illuminates the inner landscape of a couple, the irrevocable impact of tragedy, and the elusive nature of forgiveness. With stunning language and striking emotional intensity, Anita Shreve transports us to the exotic panoramas of Africa and into the core of our most intimate relationships. --from Amazon.com

I always enjoy Anita Shreve's writing, so when I saw this copy of A Change in Altitude at the library I snatched it up. Reading through other reviews, I see a lot of lukewarm response regarding this book. I happened to be really intrigued by the story. In fact, I liked this book more than Testimony.

I loved Kenya as the backdrop to this tale. I felt as if I were there! It was so interesting to hear of the difficulty that Patrick and Margaret had in fitting into the African society. It's hard to explain, but I'm feeling quite drawn to Kenya right now. I didn't even know that this book was based in Kenya, but between that and the Compassion bloggers that are there now, it's just really pulling on my heart. It's odd.

In Part One, I was so interested in the climb up Mount Kenya (which I immediately googled so I could see what it looked like!). I wanted to know what would happen on the mountain and how it would tear their marriage apart. Most of all, I was interested in the journey. What an amazing accomplishment to be able to climb that mountain. Although, my back and knees hurt just reading about it! I wasn't quite sure why Patrick and Margaret joined Arthur and Diana, they didn't appear to be super close, but maybe they just wanted the experience. As far as Diana's death, I don't blame anyone except Diana and her impatience. That may sound harsh, but if I were climbing a treacherous mountain, darn straight I would take my sweet time crossing that ice!

The after affects to the death were heartbreaking. I could almost feel Patrick and Margaret growing apart as if I were there. The fact that he blamed her broke my heart for Margaret. I was wondering the entire time if their marriage would work.

My only question at the end of this book is the status of their marriage. I thought it was left unclear, perhaps on purpose.

Overall, I loved this book and was hooked from the first page!

{alicia}

March 2, 2010: Take A Chance on Me

Cleo Quinn doesn't have the greatest track record with men, but now Will's come along and she has every reason to be optimistic. Handsome, attentive and an absolute gentleman when it comes to her questionable cooking skills, he could be her Mr. Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo...apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny La Venture, sculptor extraordinaire and her personal childhood nemesis, is back in Channing's Hill and tormenting her as if he'd never been away.

Meanwhile, Cleo's sister Abbie has a problem of her own - husband Tom has become distant and withdrawn, and she's determined to find out why. But will the shocking truth mean the end of their idyllically happy marriage?

The sister's are about to discover that the past can come back to haunt you, and that love can flourish in the unlikeliest of place.
--from the press release

Thanks to Headline Publishing Group for giving me this copy of Take a Chance on Me by Jill Mansell. I have never read anything by Jill Mansell before, but I knew this book would be right up my alley! Before I share my thoughts, does anyone else think of this when they read the title. I always had to start singing the song; in fact, I am listening to it right now.

I really enjoyed each character's story and I thought that they all flowed together perfectly and fit the title. Each person had to take a chance, and luckily each chance paid off.

The character I was most intrigued by was Abbie and her marriage. At first glance, I suspected that Tom was having an affair and was heartbroken for Abbie. When we learn of what really happened, and that Tom had a daughter, I was still heartbroken for Abbie and wondered how it would play out in the end. I was really touched that at the end of the book, Tom, Abbie and Georgia really became a family. Better yet, they became the family that she always wished for.

Cleo's story was nice too. I feel like I can relate to Cleo, since she is unlucky in love. While her story was the most predictable of the bunch, that is okay! I was really rooting for her and Johnny to get together, and at one point I gave up. But I was wasn't disappointed!

I really loved this book and it made my day bright in this dreary never-ending winter. I am now on the hunt for some more Jill Mansell books!

Side note: I accidentally went on a full ABBA binge while typing this. It was awesome.

UPDATE: WOW! I am really having formatting issues on this post :( Please ignore the ugliness!

{alicia}

Gone With the Wind Read-a-long

I have had Gone with the Wind in my TBR pile for quite some time. I just never feel like I have the time to read it! I was so thrilled when I saw that My Friend Amy is hosting an informal read-a-long. I think this will be the perfect opportunity for me to read this book and discuss it with others!

If you are interested, head on over to Amy's site! Here is the reading schedule she posted:

March 7: Chapters 1-9
March 14: Chapters 10-18
March 21: Chapters 19-27
March 28: Chapters 28-36
April 4: Chapters 37-45
April 11: Chapters 46-54
April 18: Chapters 54-63
April 25: The Wind Done Gone

This seems do-able right? Is anyone else going to do this? I am really excited!

{alicia}

February 27, 2010: Long Lost

Book: Long Lost by Harlan Coben

Product Description:

Myron Bolitar takes on international terrorists in bestseller Coben's fast-paced ninth thriller to feature the sports and entertainment agent (after Promise Me). With his romantic relationship with 9/11 widow Ali Wilder on the rocks, Myron is free at a moment's notice to accept the invitation of his former lover, Terese Collins, a TV newswoman who dropped out of his life years earlier, to join her in Paris. There Terese tells Myron her investigative reporter ex-husband, Rick, whom Myron never knew about, recently got back in touch with her and hinted at an earthshaking revelation. Rick's murder plunges Bolitar into a frenzied, often violent chase across Europe in an effort to learn Rick's secret. Aided by his upper-class sidekick and bodyguard, Win, Bolitar builds up an impressive body count as he attempts to prove he didn't kill Rick—and foil a terrorist plot that's as imaginative as it is preposterous. Bolitar fans will cheer their hero every step of the way. -- from Amazon.com

My Thoughts: I was on a roll this weekend! I finished this book in an afternoon, and was hooked after the first chapter. Even though I have never read any other Myron Bolitar books, it didn't matter and I didn't feel as if I missed anything. This book could be read as a stand-alone book.

This book was intense and action packed! In fact, I think it would make a fabulous movie. It's so hard to explain this book, but it was unlike anything that I have ever read before. The mystery was so unique and creepy {in a good way}. It kind of reminded me of the movie Taken, but not....if that makes any sense!

The only negative thing I will say about this book is that I hated the "forced wittiness" of Myron. I don't like that he was talking to me. I guess you would have to read it to understand. I like humor and I think that it would have fit in more with a chick lit book, but to me it was blatantly out of place here! Other than that, it was a great way to spend an afternoon.

{alicia}

Are you a Bookaholic?

Head over to The Page Flipper to read her post on being a bookaholic. I love it! Isn't it funny how buying books can make a person so happy!

Darn, I wish I weren't on a book-buying ban this year!

{alicia}