The Chaperone: A Review

This is one of those books where I'm left scratching my head as to the title.  

Warning:  Possible Spoilers

Cora Carlisle is a 36-year-old housewife from Kansas when she is chosen to chaperone 15-year-old Louse Brooks to a summer dance seminar in New York City. Louse is tough and no-nonsense with an air of haughtiness and indignation.  Cora is on a search to find the story behind her birth parents.  The two clash.  Cora is old school in a sense, but is up on the suffrage movement.  Louise is as full-on Modern.

Cora gets some answers.  Louise gets a dancing gig.  There's a love interest.  And then that plot ends roughly 3/4 through the book.  The latter part of the novel is a sort of fast forward epilogue. The story shifts from being about Cora as a chaperone to Cora as a wife, mother, grandmother, lover, respected citizen, etc. The story finally ends in the '80s with Cora's death. Louise and Cora share one more scene towards the end. Hence, my confusion over the title.  I wanted more of their relationship.  If this were pure fiction, I'd want some bonding moment where the two totally get one another and become each other's confidantes and champions.  Being historical fiction, though, it may be a stretch to create such an event that never happened. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but was confused with the structure.

What I did love was the picture of history that was painted.  I love the Twenties.  I enjoyed learning about women's issues and societal views on modern women during that time. I found it interesting to learn how orphans were treated and the adoption system during that time as well as. The novel also touches on Kansas' ultra-conservative views on Prohibition and homosexuality.  I learned about a lot of things.  This is why I dig historical fiction.

Some say Louise was a bitch, but I loved her.  She had spunk and knew what she wanted.  She was the Jazz Age.  I read that Liza Minnelli channeled Louise Brooks when creating her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Cabaret. I wanted to know more about her career and not just in fast forward.  That being said, I truly did enjoy Cora's story.  She was a likable character and a great heroine.

This was well-written, and I would suggest it to anyone interested in historical fiction and the '20s.

The Spectacular Now: A Review

Sutter Keely embraces the now.  He also embraces a full flask and a tall 7-Up.  This story chronicles the last months of his senior year of high school.  He sorts out his friends, family, and relationships...or at least tries to.  

This is one of those books where the plot isn't as compelling as the way it is delivered. This is totally a character driven novel. Sutter is the narrator.  He talks to the reader as if he's your friend and you've known him all your life through statements like "...but you know me." The dialogue is witty and compelling, but some of the best parts are his narrative.  He's the guy who's friends with everyone and everyone wants to have around.  But as the novel progresses, you move from admiration to pity.  His now, as it turns out, isn't really all that spectacular, it's almost pathetic.  What's so great about Sutter, though, is he doesn't see it that way.  He always finds a way to make it spectacular.  And then, you move from pitying him, back to admiration.

I'm not crazy about the ending.  I don't know if I wanted more, or something different, or even if it wasn't actually perfect.  The ending, I suppose, goes along with the whole "now" theme.

The book is being adapted for a movie, which is why I read it.  My former Drama student, Miles Teller of Footloose fame, is playing the role of Sutter.  This is a great character and a great role for him.  I can't wait to see his interpretation and delivery.  I'm also interested to see how the narratives are portrayed in the movie.  I know books and movies are separate entities, but this this novel actually does lend itself to the film format because of it's short, succinct scenes and dialogue. 

I really enjoyed the writing.  It's smart, and I appreciate that.  Read it.  And then go see the movie when it comes out.

‘Home Front’ by Kristin Hannah

Mother’s Day has passed, but if you’re looking for a book as a gift for a mother, this is it.  Kristin Hannah certainly writes with a formula, but it’s one that works.  You can expect complex plots, rich characters, and a nicely resolved ending.  “Home Front” is no exception.

“Home Front” is set during the war in Iraq and tells the story of Jolene and Michael Zarkades.  She’s a reserve army pilot, a wife, and a mother of a preteen and a preschooler.  She manages work, which she loves, and home, alongside helping her oldest daughter, Betsy, deal with teenage angst.   Michael is a workaholic lawyer and is incredibly selfish and absent from family life.  The novel begins with him telling Jolene that he doesn’t love her anymore.  Then she is called up for active duty in Iraq.  Her sense of duty sends her to war, much to the dismay of her family.  Betsy is resentful, and Michael must step into the role of primary caregiver.  Tragedy strikes while Jolene is at war, and everyone is faced with dealing with the aftermath while attempting to hold the family together.

The story deals with familiar themes that many readers can relate to:  marriage difficulties, mother/daughter relationships, patriotism, and the physical and mental results of war on soldiers.  It is not hard to become emotionally invested in the plot.

What is great about this novel is that there is no perfect character.  The reader’s sympathies switch throughout the novel.  The characters are real and relatable.

This is a moving and stirring story and shouldn’t be missed.

http://www.examiner.com/review/home-front-by-kristin-hannah

Memoirs, Memoirs, and More Memoirs

Check out my latest article where I look at the 'memoir' sensation.

Sweet Valley Confidential: Shhh...Don't Tell Anyone I Read This

Preach!

Check out my latest review on Examiner.com where I prove that virtually anything can be critically reviewed.  If you'd have told me I could write 575 words about this nonsense, I'd have called you a liar to your face.

P.S.  Subscribe to me on Examiner.

'Fifty Shades of Grey': Mommy's Dirty Little Secret

I've recently started doing some freelance writing for Examiner.com.  Please click here to read my first article on the new phenomenon, Fifty Shades of Grey.  I wont post my articles in their entirety on my blog because that defeats the purpose.  I get paid by the amount of page clicks.  Enjoy!

Washington Square By Henry James: A Review

I feel so ignorant when I don't love a classic, but this is indeed the case. I first attempted reading this book. I couldn't get into it, so I stopped. Then I really got into learning more about this period, so I decided to try again, but this time on audio. 

First, a note on the narrator. There are several audio versions available, but I listened to Lorna Raver's version. She was excellent and made the book much more enjoyable than simply reading it. Seriously, a good narrator can make or break a book.  Likewise, a worthy narrator can make you finish a book when you would normally have quit.  Case in point...Washington Square

Catherine Sloper catches the eye of Morris Townsend, presumably because he sees the dollar signs of her inheritance. Her flighty, meddling aunt, Mrs. Penniman, helps promotes the relationship. Her father, Dr. Sloper is sure that Townsend is only after Catherine's money. He tells Catherine as much and makes it clear to her that he hates Townsend. Furthermore, Dr. Sloper has never been very loving towards Catherine. He seems to be disappointed and embarrassed by her. Still, Catherine is infatuated by Townsend and wants to be with him. Eventually, Dr. Sloper threatens to cut Catherine out of his will if she marries Townsend. With this news, Townsend moves on. The story jumps ahead almost twenty years. Catherine has avoided marriage, even though she has had suitors.  Dr. Sloper dies and leaves Catherine a very small inheritance because he is still concerned she will be taken advantage of by a manipulative fiance. Catherine's aunt reunites she and Townsend when he returns to town. He attempts to rekindle the relationship. She refuses to hear his argument and hands him his walking papers.

Here are the points I took away from this novel:

1. Dr. Sloper is a horrible father. What sort of father sets conditions on his love? 
2. Mrs. Penniman is utterly unlikable. Really, just horrible.  She needs another hobby.
3. It's never really stated if Townsend really did only pursue Catherine for her money. I wonder??? 
4. Catherine grows in character as she becomes stronger, but at what cost? She'll die a spinster. 
5. I still don't understand the significance of the title is.  The characters meet "in secret" in Washington Square occasionally.  But the story isn't a commentary on New York City or this particular area really.

What's interesting is that due to the third person omniscient point of view, we understand very little of Morris Townsend.  I get a clear sense of who Catherine, Dr. Sloper, and Mrs. Penniman are.  I understand their characters and personalities.  Perhaps it is because he is the subject of so much scrutiny and prejudice, but I feel like we never hear his true voice.  This is why I'm unclear as to his true feelings and motives.  I honestly think there was more there than his search for money.

I simply feel that not a lot happened. I truly had to make myself finish it. The writing, of course, was good, and I appreciate that. But the language of over 100 years ago is not that of today, even if it was the "American Renaissance." Structure, style, and language are so different now. I wish I could say I liked it better, but it was just all right. Check one more off my "try to read more classics and not so many many comic memoirs list."

There was a movie made back in the day with my girl Olivia de Havilland  of Gone With the Wind.  I wouldn't mind seeing it.

Decision Points

Nothing gets me more charged than political season.  These crazy primaries have made me nostalgic for elections past.  I've spent the past several weeks delving in to the 2008 election.  I thought I'd revisit the beginning of last decade this time and read Decision Points by George W. Bush.

Admittedly, I was as down on the president at the end of his tenure as just about everyone else in the country.  But time heals all wounds and provides so much insight.  I found this book to be very interesting and well-written.

The structure is unique.  Instead of taking his presidency year by year, event by event, Bush focuses on critical decisions he was forced to make.  Each chapter focuses on a different decision.  Therefore, the book is technically not in chronological order.  But any fool knows the order of events since 2000 (or am I being too presumptuous?)  The first chapter discusses his choice to stop drinking and how it has shaped the rest of his life.  He then discusses the 2000 election, 9/11, Afghanistan, Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, the economic crisis, and other key topics.  I think its very easy for the armchair warriors to criticize choices any president makes.  It is mind blowing that the safety and integrity of our country rests in the outcome of decisions made by the president.  But he doesn't act without counsel.  The president has a team of advisers and is privy to intelligence briefings.  That being said, Bush takes complete ownership of all his decisions and admits that in some cases, he got it wrong.

I was not aware that Bush is as faithful and reverent as he is.  He reads the Bible every morning.  He wanted to make federal funding for faith-based organizations a part of his platform, but all his early ideas took the back burner after Sept. 11th.  I hadn't really thought about it until I read this book, but Bush had a very eventful 8 years in office.  You'd almost have to be a believer to get though all that without losing your sanity.

I found it very touching that he wrote personal letters to every family who lost a soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan.  While time consuming, I should think that's the very least he could do.  He concedes that his decision is what put the men and women in harms way to begin with.

The book also offers a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the president.  For instance, every outgoing president writes a letter to the new one and leaves it on the desk in the Oval Office.  Bush left one for Obama after meeting with him in depth to discuss the economic fallout.  The peaceful change of power in our country really is something to marvel at.

Bush ends by stating that he knows all his decisions weren't popular, but that he made every one with the best intentions for the country.  I'm glad I read the book.  I'm also glad that I read it 4 years after the end of his presidency.   It gave me more perspective.  It will be interesting to see how he is perceived 20 years from now.

I Know This About Myself

If you've read any of my blog entries, you know I'm a reader.  I like to fancy myself connoisseur of fine pieces of literature, but let's be honest.  Those types are better left for audio when an excellent voice actor can read it to me.  During the school year, when my brain is fried, I need quick, mindless, chick lit.

And I mean quick.  Like read-it-in-less-than-3-days quick.  After that, I'm over it.  I read reviews stating the common phrase "I stayed up all night to finish it.  I just couldn't put it down."  My nightly wine consumption prohibits me from achieving this.  I have to get all my reading done during the day.  We all have our priorities.

Cue choir of angels because I found the perfect book to meet my needs.....

This was "laugh out loud" and "read specific lines aloud to anyone who'll listen" funny.  As the title suggests, the main character, Babe, is a narcissistic rich girl who really doesn't have many problems.  Still she makes the case that her "white girl problems" are indeed real.  It really is such a hindrance that she hates the appearance of her vagina, and it's so unfortunate that her alter ego, Babette, emerges whenever she begins to feel strongly for a man.  It's supposed to be a memoir and is based on a Twitter feed.  As I read, I kept Googling  names and pictures and could find no matches.  Events and dialogue became more outrageous (e.g. grandmother mauled by lion in Africa while wearing zebra print, personal trainer who promotes strength and  flexibility through sex IN THE GYM), so I kept investigating.  Now, don't you think for one minute that I wasn't loving every delicious syllable of this book.  Just after turning that last page, I came across this article that FINALLY answered my questions.  Babe Walker is a fictional character invented by three friends!

Thank God!  Now I don't have to hate myself for wanting to be her best friend.  The writing is so clever.  It's really what makes the book.  If you enjoy sarcastic wit and well-placed dialogue, read the book.

Now I'm on to my other favorite snarky, bitchy writer....Jen Lancaster.

Finally!!!!

I have found a book that makes me want to drop everything and read.  It is Austenland by Shannon Hale.  I needed a quick and easy read, and this is it!  I just started today, and I'm already halfway through.  The downside is that I have not written the first lesson plan yet.  Ah well....  It's being made into a movie.  I highly recommend it!

http://www.amazon.com/Austenland-Novel-Shannon-Hale/dp/B001P3OMY6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328567717&sr=1-1

Bookin' it...or not!

I am in such a reading slump right now.  The past two years, I have set reading goals for myself.  In 2011, I read or listened to 58 books.  Typically, I read every day.  In addition to the book I'm reading, I listen to one on audio while I get ready for work and in the car.

These past two weeks, my mind is all over the place.  I simply cannot focus.  I have started and stopped 4 books.  I want to stop listening to The Book Thief, but I'm doing it for a book club.  I mean, it's an award winning bestseller, but I just cannot be bothered.   I have got to get it together.

I have a Goodreads account  and love reviewing books.  Once I get my groove back, I will also add my reviews to my blog.  This way I may actually make regular posts.  Here's to hoping I get it together.

Tori and Beth, BFF

Not by a long shot...but it got your attention.

So, Abby and I went to the Tori Spelling book signing at the Barnes and Noble on Dale Mabry last night (7/20). I watch her reality show occasionally and read bits and pieces of her first book. I thought, "What the hell?" I mean, it's a book signing, which is cool in and of itself. And come on...Donna Martin?!? Of course, I'm going.

I put some thought into my wardrobe. I settled on a dress that Chad bought for me. I hadn't worn it yet. I feel a little ridiculous for caring so much.

When Chad got home from work, I asked him, "Do I look stupid? I feel like I'm trying too hard."

"No, you don't look stupid. What's stupid is that you're going to see Tori Spelling."

Standard heterosexual male response. Most of the guys there last night were gay.

We left as early as we could for Tampa. I had to wait for Chad to get home to watch the girls. She wasn't set to arrive until 7:30pm, but the store started handing out wrist bands at 2:30pm. Our feeling was, "Whatever...if we see her, we see her. If not, hey, night out."

We get there at about 5:45. Not many people. I'm surprised. We went in to get bands. We're told that ours are the 2nd set of bands given out (the green ones), which didn't guarantee anything. I'm #1037. I'm not optimistic at this point. Around 7:15, the flood gates open and in come the PURPLE wrist bands.

They called for numbers 1-50. Oh boy, this is going to be a long night.

She's running late. I'm thinking, typical Tori. But apparently, she'd been live on HSN in St. Pete until 7pm. Forgiven.

We sat down at the cafe and waited. I knew she'd arrived when I heard peals of screams. I did some scouting and found a spot in the fiction aisle where we could catch a glimpse. We got a couple of pics. They then call for numbers 51-60. Come on!

"It's 9 o'clock. Let's eat."

At 10pm we swing back by to see if progress has been made. She was only slated for 7:30-9:30pm. They're on number 200 or so. I find another photo op spot and snap away. I felt a little dirty, like paparazzi. I mean, she's about 10 feet from me (on another side of a barricade) and I'm filming her every move. She seemed really cool and was taking a lot of time with each person...talking to them and taking pictures. Yeah, she's not making it to #1037.

A super fan was standing next to me. She sees my green wrist band and remarks, "I heard they're probably going to end up kicking you guys out."

REALITY CHECK, bitch.
a. This event is not going to make or break me, I'll live. (I know that statement probably goes against most of what I've already written, especially the bit about all the pictures.) and
b. They won't have to kick me out because my ass will be long gone. It's way past my bedtime. I got my book and my pictures.


We left shortly thereafter. I read today on her Twitter that she signed until 2:20am. So, we missed her. I actually have a lot of respect for that. She was live on air on HSN from 2-4am early Tuesday morning. Then live again from 5-7pm. Then at the book signing from 7:45pm-2:20am.

Two questions top my list:
1. How did she keep her makeup looking fresh? and
2. Did she have to go the bathroom, and if she did, she use the same one as the rest of us peons?

It was a fun time, nonetheless. I started reading the book, Uncharted TerriTORI. It's good. She's actually a decent writer. [EDIT:  I never finished the book.  I got caught up in the hype.]

As US Weekly Magazine would report: "She's Just Like Us."














Don't Judge Me.

Shameless Plug

Since I know that you, my many (if many can be defined as more than 3) followers are literate and enjoy reading, I thought I'd throw you a tip.

Start reading the Rizzoli and Isles Thrillers by Tess Gerritsen. I started with The Surgeon, which is the first in the series. I downloaded it to my Kindle because it was only $1.99 and sounded interesting. I couldn't put it down. Then I read The Apprentice, which was just as good. Now I'm on The Sinner. There are 8 in the series.

Jane Rizzoli is the only woman Homicide Detective in the Boston Police Department. Maura Isles is a medical examiner. They work together on cases. Rizzoli is tough as nails and puts up a macho front. Isles is well put together and no nonsense. Other recurring characters are the members of the Homicide unit. Every book has a different murder mystery. Isles isn't in the first book. She is introduced in the second, but doesn't play a major role until the third. I get the feeling that the author didn't originally intend to write a series, but kept on writing because the characters were so popular. The books have crime, suspense, thrill, forensics, romance, but best of all, really solid characters. They're like crack. I'm hooked.

The series is being made into a drama on TNT called Rizzoli and Isles starting this July. Here is a conversation with Tess Gerritsen about the series.



This is her website.

When I read a really good book, I want others to read it too so we can talk about it. I'd loan it out, but that's the one downside of a Kindle.

Enjoy!