My Picks for Erin's Book Challenge 5.0

Since I've been having such a great time reading book for my and Mia's ABC Reads Challenge (don't forget to link up with us on Thursday!!), I decided to join in the fun with Erin.  Her challenge is a bit more specific with categories and a shorter time frame, but I thought it looked like fun.

I selected book that were already on my to read list in Goodreads. Several of them will double as ABC Reads picks. And one had already been chosen as my book club's July book.  I'm looking forward to the challenge!  Here are the selections I made in each category:

• 5 points: Freebie - The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

• 10 points: Read a book that starts with the letter “R” - Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman

• 10 points: Read a book with five words in the title - The Unraveling of Mercy Louis by Keija Parssinen

• 15 points: Read a book that has a (mostly) blue cover - We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride

• 20 points: Read a book with twins as characters - The Silent Twin by Caroline Mitchell

 

• 20 points: Read a book made into a movie - Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

• 25 points: Read a book set in a country you have always wanted to visit - The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty (set in Australia) 

• 30 points: Read a historical fiction book - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

• 30 points: Read a music related book - Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song by Sara Bareilles

• 35 points: Read a book originally published over 100 years ago - Persuasion by Jane Austen

I'm looking forward to getting started on Friday!  Here's hoping I can get them all read within the timeline!!

 

Here are the rules of the challenge:

• First and foremost, have fun. Don't stress. No one is being judged, graded, or penalized. Even if you finish only one book the entire challenge, if you enjoy it and it's an accomplishment for you, then that's awesome.

• The challenge will run from JULY 1, 2016 to OCTOBER 31, 2016. No books that are started before 12 a.m. on July 1 or finished after 11:59 p.m. on October 31 will count. (We live in different time zones – follow this according to your own time zone.)

• Each book must be at least 200 pages long. Audio books are fine too.

• A book can only be used for one category, and each category can only be completed once. If you want to switch the category of a book, or change the book you originally chose, no worries.

• You can read your books in any order you choose.

• Rereads can be used only once. If a book you love fits into a category, go ahead and visit it again. Read it in its entirety. But, only do this once for the challenge.

• There will be a photo album for each category with links to books chosen. Please comment on the photo for each of your books when you finish reading them. A comment can include a review, a rating, a recommendation…other readers want to hear what you thought of your choice. (if you need help with this, let me know…or there is a file attached to our group explaining what to do.)

• There will be 10 book categories with a possibility of earning 200 points. That’s 10 books in four months. For some of you, this will be a BIG challenge; for others it will be easy peasy. It’s all for fun, remember!

• Book categories will be posted June 1st to give you time to gather books in preparation.

• After the categories are posted, please post a preliminary list with books of your choice according to their categories on the facebook group page by June 15th (if possible). If you need help with a particular category or want a book suggestion, we as a community of reading enthusiasts can help each other. (Late entries will still be accepted.)

• The first three people who finish the challenge will be invited to contribute a category for the next challenge. The top 3 winners will get a small prize from me ((1st to complete 1st round; 2nd to complete 1st round; 1st to complete both rounds)! If the same person wins all categories, then I’ll move to the 2nd finisher, then 3rd, and so on. Plus, everyone who completes the challenge will gets all sorts of recognition and support!

• Lastly, have fun. Don't stress. No one is being judged, graded, or penalized. Even if you finish only one book the entire challenge, if you enjoy it and it's an accomplishment for you, then that's awesome. Wait, I’ve read that somewhere before…Good luck!

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: May Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

All the books I read this month centered around dramatic family events and involved lying - some more innocently than others.  I really enjoyed two of the books I read this month, but could have passed on the other.  I completed the following letters: E, G, and W.  Here are my thoughts...

Everything I Never Told You by Cynthia Ng

The story takes place in 1970's Ohio. Nath, Lydia, and Hannah are all unique children. This isn't surprising after learning about the past of their parents - James and Marilyn Lee.  James was born to immigrant parents fortunate enough to find work at a school that James was permitted to attend despite his racial difference.  He meets Marilyn as he begins his career as a professor at Cambridge.  She was a student turned lover...and then a baby came along.  The story takes place about 15 years into the future as Lydia has just turned up missing (and quickly found at the bottom of a nearby lake).  It is certainly an interesting look at family dynamics, interracial relationships, and the power of one's past to shape their future.  There are several flashbacks that help build the story of James and Marilyn all while trying to solve the mystery of Lydia's possible murder/suicide.  I thought the book was well written and provided great insight into a number of intriguing family issues.

Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee

I had a really difficult time getting into this one, but once it got started I was bit more interested.  To Kill A Mockingbird was far and away better than this sequel of sorts.  Definitely suggest only reading it and stopping.  The Finch family becomes entirely too convoluted in the sequel.  And to add to the devastation, you immediately discover that Jem has passed away.  I really think this was a book that Harper Lee never intended to see the light of day.  I'm sad to say it probably would have been better that way.   

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

I finished this mysterious family drama novel over the holiday weekend.  It was a quick read because it drew me in from the start.  I did manage to figure out the twist at the end a tad before it was revealed, but I still really enjoyed the mysterious nature of the book.  I loved the map of Beechwood Island (a private island where the family spends their summers) and the family genealogy chart at the beginning of the book.  Initially, I kept flipping back and forth to make sure I had each character in the Sinclair family straight.  Definitely an interesting bunch of folks!  I would recommend reading this one to pretty much anyone!    

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: April Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  

And we have a fun video for you to enjoy, too!

Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

It was a slow reading month for me.  We had SO much going on that I barely had time to catch my breath let alone finish a book.  The one I did manage to complete was fantastic though!  Hopefully, I'll make up some ground in May.  For this month, I completed the following letter: S.  Here are my thoughts...

Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard 
by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

This book was incredible.  A wealth of knowledge...explained in an easy to understand and absorb manner.  There are basically three keys to change - directing the rider (our brains), motivating the elephant (our hearts), and shaping the path.  Everyone has an emotional elephant side and a rational rider side.  It is equally important to speak to both sides of individuals when attempting to affect change.  The book has numerous examples that illustrate various methods.

To direct the rider it is important to find the bright spots, script critical moves, and point to the destination.  When working on that rational side, it is best to investigate what is already working and duplicate it.  Often we focus on those doing it wrong and try to correct them instead.  I really thought the "find the bright spots" concept was novel.  Obviously, being specific can help our brains focus more clearly.  For example, instead of saying let's eat more healthy change the perspective to let's be sure to include at least one vegetable each night for dinner or let's only purchase whole grain bread.  Script small and specific moves to work toward the big picture goal.  Lastly, give yourself direction.  It's always easier to change if you know why it is worth changing! 

To motivate the elephant, find the feeling, shrink the change, and grow your people.  Finding the feeling often involves incorporating the senses - sight and touch specifically.  Showing someone the difference can be a powerful motivator.  A great example of shrinking the change explained in the book revolved around cleaning your home.  It can be a massive task that can spin you into emotional distress!  But, tackling one room or space at a time for a set amount of minutes can make it seem possible.  Plus, setting the timer for 10-minutes and going for it in the bathroom will more often than not leave you with a completely sparkling room...even if you go over the time limit you set.  The key is making it small enough to motivate your "elephant" to get started!  Growing your people has more to do with creating a sense of identity and honing in on things people with that identity do or don't do.  Group think is powerful! 

I was aware of the Rider/Elephant way of thinking before reading this book, but I found the final target of shaping the path to be critical.  Shaping the path revolves around tweaking the environment, building habits, and rallying the herd.  As a runner, I know that it is much easier for me to make it out the door if I lay out my clothes/shoes the night before.  Something so simple can change the environment enough to make the difference between me getting out there or me staying in bed a little longer.  Similarly, if I can make something a habit by doing it long enough that my brain just operates on autopilot, it makes it SO much easier to complete those tasks.  Building tasks like eating breakfast as soon as I wake up or reading my devotional in the morning as habits frees up my mind to not have to devote energy toward thinking about or motivating myself to do them.  The power of habit is important - especially when trying to make a life change!  Rallying the herd is simple - we all know that behavior is contagious!  When making a change, you should rely on the herd to help promote and encourage others - even if it means seeding a few people in the beginning stages.

I definitely recommend checking out this book.  It has several extremely thought-provoking insights and examples throughout.  I would suggest it for absolutely anyone!

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

 

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: March Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

Each ABC Reads book that I read this month was fantastic.  I devoured all three.  Each one was well-written and more than held my attention.  Each broached heavy topics - murder, cancer, thoughts of suicide.  It was all very real and heartbreaking.  Two were true life stories written in memoir style with the other being a fictional work.  I completed the following letters: Y, L, and R.  Here are my thoughts...

The Year We Disappeared: A Father-Daughter Memoir by Cylin Busby and John Busby

I really enjoyed reading this one.  What an incredible story!!  John, a third shift policeman, is nearly murdered on his way to work in the late summer of 1979.  The book alternates between his perspective and Cylin's (his daughter) 9-year old voice.  It is well presented and gives an intriguing look into the politics and corruption of the police force in small town American.  Check out my full review HERE.

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan

I found this little gem via the monthly Kindle First emails I receive.  Such a creative and intriguing story surrounding the heavy topic of cancer.  The story begins with Libby being told she has a rare form of cancer.  In her denial and shock, she tears out of the doctor's office to head home and tell her one and only love (seriously...childhood friend turned high school sweetheart turned husband), Tom.  However, when Tom sees her so terribly broken up he assumes she's found out his secret.  And then the real fun begins.  It was a light-hearted tale that broaches many a tough topic.  Definitely worth a read.  Perfect for reading at the beach this summer!  

The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town by Ryan D'Agostino

What a truly horrid and terrifying story.  Bill Petit finds himself beaten and tied up in his basement while two intruders do who knows what to his wife and two young daughters.  Miraculously, Bill escapes and rolls to a neighbors house to get help for his girls, but it is too late as the murderers have set the house afire.  It is absolutely heart wrenching, but a fascinating look into the power of human resilience.  For my full review, click HERE.  

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

 

Andrea :)

#collaboreads: A Memoir

Memoirs are one of my favorite genres to read.  I easily selected a book this month.  In fact, I was able to incorporate a book that was on my ABC Reads Challenge list.  Shameless plug - feel free to join Mia and me as we host a monthly link-up that provides a place for our fellow bookworms to review a book that begins with each of the 26 letters in our lovely alphabet over the course of 2016.  It's never too late to join the fun.  Learn more HERE!  Now...back to my selection for #collaboreads this month - The Year We Disappeared: A Father-Daughter Memoir by Cylin Busby and John Busby.

RIVETING.

What part of the book could you NOT get enough of?

I simply could not put this book down...at all.  I read it in two days.  I was caught up in the story from the first flip of the cover.  It alternated between Cylin, in her 9-year old voice, and her father's perspective on the tragic and miraculous events of his near murder in their small Massachusetts beach town in the late summer of 1979.  John was a respected third shift police officer with a wife in nursing school and three young children at home.  The book only covered a brief portion of time following that fateful night but did a great job of incorporating prior stories and events seamlessly into the story. 

ELEMENTS.

How did you relate to/care for the characters?
What's your thought on the plot line and twists and turns?

I related more to Cylin than John, but thoroughly enjoyed both perspectives.  Growing up, my dad was a principal (and later a teacher) so I could relate to Cylin's feelings about being in the spotlight and having people treat her in a certain (good or bad) manner based on circumstances she was unable to control.  I really felt for her and her brothers.  At the same time, I could identify with John's frustrations with the police force for not doing more to solve his case.  He was also left to deal with having so much of his identity stripped from him when he was unable to speak let alone go back to work.  I also had so much sympathy for John's wife.  Even though they had family nearby to help and great friends to lean on, she really had to be the strong and firm voice that held them all together...and it could NOT have been easy in any possible way.  There are a few twists and turns along the way, but the story is pretty straight forward.  I was surprised that more of the book didn't focus on the family's life after their eventual relocation.  However, I got caught up in the descriptive way life after the incident was presented that I didn't realize it until the book was finished.

ASSOCIATE.
What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it's themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? 

After watching Making A Murderer and following much of the unnecessary police violence incidents over the past few years, I was interested discover that our justice system was just as corrupt in the early 80s.  It's an awful shame, but I was shocked by the stories of low level criminals running the town at will.  John stood up to the corruption and nearly paid his life for it.  If nothing else, I recommend reading this book just to get a closer first hand account of the workings of the police department in small town America.  Similarly, I just finished The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town by Ryan D'Agostino.  This one doesn't focus on corruption as much as recovery in the midst of horrible tragedy.  Ironically, a great follow-up read.

DESIGN.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? 
How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? 

The design proves intriguing.  John's police ID and an authentic, innocent image of Cylin with a pet turtle in their yard is a great snapshot of the family before life turned upside down.  Both images on the cover are addressed in the first part of the book bringing even more meaning to them.

STARS.  
How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? 

I give this book 4.5 stars!  It is an incredible story, but I wanted a little more on life post-disappearing.  The focus was on everything leading up to the disappearing with a couple chapters after the family's relocation.  Definitely recommend giving it a read though!

Andrea :)

Rising Above To Heal Within

Close your eyes.  Picture the face of the person you love most in all this world.  Now, imagine they are horrifically tortured and murdered in the bedroom and living room of your home while you are beaten to near unconsciousness and tied up in the basement.  Then, think about how you would feel if that was not only ONE person you loved and adored, but rather THREE.  Finally, thank God that none of it is true for you personally.  The same can not be said for Bill Petit.

The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town by Ryan D'Agostino tells Bill Petit's story from beginning to end in a way that allows the reader to connect with many of the individuals involved.  Specifically, I enjoyed the chapters that focused on Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela.  That section really honored their memory in a special way by pulling stories from family members and friends.

The book shares some pretty intense scenes from the night of the brutal crime that took their lives as well as from the trials of the two murderers.  Definitely had my emotions running high and stomach completely turned at times.  I just can't fathom such senseless acts.  My mind truly can't process it.  I have so much admiration for the sole survivor - Bill Petit - as he fought through both his physical and emotional pain to honor the memory of his wife and daughters.  And to continue to live a life they would have wanted for him.  That sheer resilience and strong will is not easy when death comes naturally to people you love, but in this situation it is a true miracle of God that Bill wasn't completely crushed and defeated forever. The book shares in great detail his struggle to live in the days, weeks, months, and years after that horrendous night.  That was another true bright spot in the book.  Everyday we make choices about how to live our lives.  Bill Petit does the same.

I was particularly intrigued by the Petit Family Foundation that Bill began with funds that he received in the aftermath of the tragedy.  The Foundation serves to honor the memory of Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela as well as recognize the charities and events that were close to their hearts during their short time on Earth.  I was quite impressed with the impact the Foundation continues to make in their community today.  A wonderful legacy for three seemingly fabulous women.

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.  If you would like to learn more about the book or purchase a copy of your own, click HERE.  I learned so much from reading the story of the Petit family.  I would recommend the book to anyone with an interest in psychology, human resilience, and the power of community.

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: February Review

Today is the day to link up your ABC Reads!!  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

I read my first ABC Reads book that I didn't particularly enjoy this month.  However, I really loved the other two I read so I guess that balanced things out.  I completed the following letters: A, M, and I.  Here are my thoughts...

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

As a big John Green fan, I was shocked by how little I enjoyed this one.  From the beginning, I just couldn't get into it.  It picked up a little toward the end, but the way it was written was a bit too abstract.  Lots of beginnings and ends of beginnings and middles of ends.  I didn't mind the actual story, but I think I would have preferred it in a bit more of a logical manner.  I kept confusing myself about which Katherine was being discussed before I finally realized it didn't really matter all that much in the end.  Definitely not a book I would recommend.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom

I have never read a Mitch Albom book that I wasn't in awe of how it was written.  Albom is the truest talent of the art.  I love how he brings everything to life in his writing.  It is both fascinating and inspiring.  The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto absolutely blew me away.  The story, the characters, the narration - SO completely wonderful.  My dad gifted me with the book (as he's done so many others) for Christmas.  I hesitated to start it because it didn't seem exactly like my type.  I totally misjudged this book by its cover.  Yes, the book is about music.  In fact, Music narrates.  But it is also about love, loss, and making your way through whatever life brings your way.  It is fantastic.  I highly suggest it to everyone!

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling 

I'm a little late to the Mindy Kaling party since she has already authored a second book, but better late than never.  Lots of laughs and nods of agreement throughout.  Such a funny lady.  Definitely a good book to pick up when you just want a mindless read.  Nothing gets too deep.  Nothing leaves you scratching your head in amazement.  Just lots of humor and stories about real life adventures.

Which letters did you cross off your list this month?

Andrea :)

ABC Reads: January Review

Today is the day!  Our first ABC Reads Challenge Link-Up.  Here's a refresher on the terms of the challenge in case you missed it previously:

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and Mia and I challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

I read SO much this month!  I certainly expect to taper off as the year continues, but I was really on top of my reading game in January!  I completed the following letters: O, F, V, and P.  And truly enjoyed each book along the way!

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Mia actually selected this book for our Literary Trio book club...and all three of us absolutely loved the story.  The book jumps back and forth between current day Maine and Depression-era Minnesota to tell two stories - Vivian's and Molly's.  It was a real page-turner!  Ninety-two year old Vivian's journey proved lonesome and horrifying.  Several times throughout this historical fiction piece, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to discover the next twist ahead for Vivian.  The book even inspired me to book a tour at the NYC Tenement Museum and learn more about the life of immigrants during this time period.

Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer by Heather Lende

Brooke from the #collaboreads monthly link-up that I participate in suggested this book when our topic was non-fiction a few months ago.  I immediately flagged it on Goodreads.  The title itself was enough to pull me in.  Honestly, it sounds like my dream job - small-town obituary writer.  She told many stories about lessons she learned during times of sadness as well as during celebrations of life.  I loved this quick read because it was full of wisdom!  This book would be a great gift to a college graduate...particularly if they studied English or journalism. 

The Vow: The Kim and Krickett Carpenter Story by Kim Carpenter

Finding a "V" book proved a bit of a challenge.  I eventually found myself on google.  When The Vow popped up, I thought it sounded familiar...and then I saw that a movie had been made in 2012 based on this story.  Sounded like a winner to me.  I love a good book and movie combo!  As usual, the book was much better than the movie though I'm sure Kim and Krickett were flattered to be portrayed by Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams!  In all seriousness, this book is a true testament to the strength of faith - a strength that is inspiring and amazing.  Roughly three months into their marriage, a near fatal car accident leaves Krickett with no memory of Kim.  Not only does she have to re-learn many basic skills due to her brain damage, but she has to fall in love with a man (her husband) that she doesn't even recognize.  I simply can't fathom...and it was not portrayed to be an easy process, but in the end those vows they took before God were powerful enough to prevail.  As a newlywed myself, I really enjoyed this book.  It was a very straight-forward and honest account by Kim - a touching and powerful read.

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

As I mentioned in my recent #collaboreads review (check it out here), this book had been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years.  Mom had given it to me as a Christmas gift.  I picked it up a few times over the years, but never devoted myself to giving it a shot.  After reading it, I am totally kicking myself because I loved it!  The psychology behind the habit loop is simply fascinating to me.  The book is divided into three sections focusing on habits of individuals, successful organizations, and society at large.  With New Year resolutions beginning to wane, I definitely suggest giving this book a read to learn more about why this happens and how you can help yourself maintain change over the long haul!

I absolutely can't wait to see the ABC Reads each of you selected this month!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Andrea :)

Three Servings of Misery

Back in October, I read Misery by Stephen King for one of my book clubs.  I wrote a review here, but overall it was a horrifying story.  Completely and utterly horrifying.  So, I did what any logical person would do. I signed up for two more servings!

That's right, I went to see the Broadway performance featuring Laurie Metcalf and Bruce Willis with my lovely husband who gifted me tickets at Christmas.  And then we followed it up with a re-watch of the movie starring Kathy Bates a couple weeks later.  Turns out the play followed exactly the same script as the movie.

Like pretty much every other scenario in the history of ever, the book was best. Easily. The book spends so much time inside the mind of tortured writer Paul Sheldon and there really isn't a great way to capture that on stage or screen.  The wackiness and evil of Annie Wilkes is thoroughly shown in all three formats - there is no escaping (literally!) her insanity!

Needless to say, Laurie Metcalf as Annie completely stole the show.  She was great.  Bruce Willis was pretty disappointing.  I had read previous to seeing the performance that he required an earpiece and/or off-stage teleprompters to help him with his lines.  Honestly, one of the main reasons I wanted to see it was to determine if it was noticeable.  It wasn't, but he didn't really have many lines at all so I spent most of the time wondering what in the world he couldn't remember!  Thankfully, Laurie Metcalf was there to swoop in and save the day!

The show wasn't our favorite, but we watched from across the street as the two stars departed the theater.  Laurie Metcalf signed a few autographs and then charged over toward our side of the street only to hail her own cab and head home.  We were in awe - what a bad mamma jamma!! True to form, Bruce Willis wasn't nearly as impressive in his exit.

Andrea :)

#collaboreads: Something to Make You Better

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg has been on my shelf for a couple years.  I am SO glad this month's topic prompted me to finally give it a read because not only did I really enjoy it, but I also learned a few things!  Most importantly, I discovered the habit loop - along with all the chaos and harmony it creates in our everyday lives.

RIVETING.

What part of the book could you NOT get enough of?

The book had three sections focusing on the habits of individuals, successful organizations, and society at large.  Each section build on the previous one.  Honestly, I couldn't get enough of all of it.  The psychology of how habits are created and maintained was simply fascinating to me.  From the most simple act like brushing your teeth to much more complex ideas like the civil rights movement all ultimately boil down to habits.  Unfortunately, it takes A LOT of work to rid your life of bad habits...though this book does break down the method for doing it!

ELEMENTS.

How did you relate to/care for the characters?
What's your thought on the plot line and twists and turns?

There weren't any characters per se, but it was easy to identify with many of the examples that were provided throughout the book.  As I mentioned before each chapter built on the next taking you from individual habits to how you fit into larger movements in society.  Super interesting...and easy to read!

ASSOCIATE.
What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it's themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? 

I haven't necessarily read anything quite like this book, but it could likely be lumped into the self help category.  It did line up with life in that it helped to explain why new year's resolutions often get overridden by the habits of our pre-New Year life and why popular TV shows become must see TV or household products can gain worldwide use at the drop of a hat!

DESIGN.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? 
How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? 

The cover wasn't too great, but I did like the bright yellow - definitely grabs your attention.  I supposed the stick figures represent the idea of habits being circular in nature, but it didn't totally connect for me until I saw additional stick figure drawing throughout the book.   

STARS.  
How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? 

I give this book an easy five stars!  It applies to each of us...and the author made the material so easy to move through. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone!

Andrea :)

#collaboreads: A Friend's Favorite

When I saw the prompt for this month's #collaboreads book, I decided to pose the question to my Facebook friends.  I received an overwhelming response...and look forward to reading many of the other suggestions eventually!  I narrowed it down to the book my friend Michelle recommended for two main reasons - it sounded intriguing and another friend also commented that it was a good one!  I ended up having some time to connect with Michelle when I was home for Christmas in Kentucky so we snagged a fun photo with her copy of the book then!

RIVETING.

What part of the book could you NOT get enough of?

The book had two parts with a mix of chapters split between Connie's story set in the 1990's as she works toward her doctoral degree at Harvard and the history and lineage of Deliverance Dane set in Salem during the late 1600's.  The stories were both interesting, but the overwhelming detail made parts of the book difficult to move through quickly.  This book involved far more thinking on my end than I anticipated it would when I read the synopsis.  I really loved the story of Deliverance Dane though.  Connie's story wasn't quite as appealing to me...and sometimes even seemed a bit far fetched.  I wish more of the book had taken place in that 1600's era.

ELEMENTS.

How did you relate to/care for the characters?
What's your thought on the plot line and twists and turns?

I really loved Mercy (Deliverance's daughter).  There were a number of passages that focused on her relationship with her mom and dad that I found to be quite interesting.  I also really liked Sam (Connie's love interest) though I was shocked by how quickly they became an exclusive item!  Liz (Connie's roommate) and Grace (Connie's mom) were both a great additions to the story.  Unfortunately, I wasn't as fond of Connie.  I found it odd that it took her so long to figure out quite obvious things given her background as a top graduate student with keen research skills.  Something just kept seeming off about her.  In regard to plot line and twists, they often seemed clear to me ahead of when they were revealed in the book.  There were a couple of surprising elements toward the end though.

ASSOCIATE.
What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it's themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? 

This book reminded me A LOT of The Crucible by Arthur Miller - which I love!  Many of the characters in Deliverance's story were exactly the same as the characters in Miller's play.  After reading the afterword by Katherine Howe, it seems that was done on purpose to create as much accurate historical context as possible.  Also, Howe revealed her interest in writing the book came as she was a grad student in the Massachusetts area and developed a deeper understanding of her own genealogical ties to the Salem witch trials.  I wish she had made the afterword into a preface.  I think it would have peaked my interest even more had I known she was loosely basing it on her own family history.

DESIGN.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? 
How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? 

The cover of the book was fantastic!  It fit the story perfectly!!  Connie discovers a key that initially leads her on the search for Deliverance's physick book.  And the house Connie inherits via her long-deceased grandmother is covered in ivy when she begins the task of cleaning it up that fateful summer.  The inside cover is the best part though - it is covered in old script with wording to indicate it actually is Deliverance Dane's highly sought after book.  

STARS.  
How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? 

I would certainly recommend this book to others even though it was a bit tough for me to get started.  About halfway through, the story really picks up making the book hard to put it down at that point.  I'll give it 3.5 stars.  I only wish it had focused mostly on Deliverance Dane's story rather than modern day Connie's.

Andrea :)

Recent Reads

With the recent announcement of the ABC Reads Challenge that Mia and I will be hosting in the upcoming year, I thought it would only be fitting that I share a few of my recent reads with you today!  If you didn't get a chance to read about the challenge earlier this week, check out my post HERE for all the fun and exciting details!  Now that you are back, here are some of the books I have been reading lately...

 Paper Towns

by John Green

Here is the Goodreads synopsis:

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew...

My Thoughts:

I was hooked on this book from the beginning.  I loved Green's writing in The Fault in Our Stars and he won me over again with Paper Towns.  The story was interesting and engaging.  It was a mystery, but also a sort of coming of age tale, too.  It took me right back to my high school days where everything was SO important and dramatic.  I particularly enjoyed the portions where Q interacted with his parents.  Green did a great job of showing us the world through this high school senior's eyes.  A fun, quick read that I would certainly recommend to others.

Orange is the New Black

by Piper Kerman 

Here is the Goodreads synopsis:

With a career, a boyfriend, and a loving family, Piper Kerman barely resembles the reckless young woman who delivered a suitcase of drug money ten years before. But that past has caught up with her. Convicted and sentenced to fifteen months at the infamous federal correctional facility in Danbury, Connecticut, the well-heeled Smith College alumna is now inmate #11187–424 — one of the millions of people who disappear “down the rabbit hole” of the American penal system. From her first strip search to her final release, Kerman learns to navigate this strange world with its strictly enforced codes of behavior and arbitrary rules. She meets women from all walks of life, who surprise her with small tokens of generosity, hard words of wisdom, and simple acts of acceptance. Heartbreaking, hilarious, and at times enraging, Kerman’s story offers a rare look into the lives of women in prison—why it is we lock so many away and what happens to them when they’re there.

My thoughts:

For quite some time, I have been intrigued by the whole Orange is the New Black movement.  I decided to wait until I finished the book to watch the Netflix series though.  After reading the book, I'm wishing I'd just moved forward with the series a couple years ago.  It's not that I didn't enjoy the book, but I found Piper to be a bit annoying.  I found the women's minimum security prison culture she described fascinating, but I kept thinking she just seemed so odd in the mix of all these other personalities.  And she seemed to have unlimited resources on her side.  However, I am glad she took the time to share her story and expose many of the major flaws in the rehabilitative portion of our US prison systems.  She provided a valuable insight that many citizens don't ever witness firsthand.

MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend

by Rachel Bertsche

Here is the Goodreads Synopsis:

When Rachel Bertsche first moves to Chicago, she’s thrilled to finally share a zip code with her boyfriend. But shortly after getting married, she realizes that her new life is missing one thing: friends. Sure, she has plenty of BFFs—in New York and San Francisco and Boston and Washington, D.C. Still, in her adopted hometown, there’s no one to call at the last minute for girl talk over brunch or a reality-TV marathon over a bottle of wine. Taking matters into her own hands, Bertsche develops a plan: Meeting people everywhere from improv class to friend rental websites, she'll go on fifty-two friend-dates, one per week for a year, in hopes of meeting her new Best Friend Forever.

My Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Not only were the techniques Rachel used to meet friends interesting, but she really made it fun to take part in this adventure with her. I loved how she continually added research based theories and facts throughout the story.  I found Rachel to be very easy to relate to and quite funny!  Making friends in a new city is no easy task - believe me, I speak from experience!  I had the luxury of being single and not far removed from college when I undertook the task nearly a decade ago when I moved to NYC.  It would be increasingly more difficult given Rachel's newlywed status though. For anyone that is new in town or considering a change in location, this is a must read!  And even if you aren't, it was still a great story about the bonds of old friendships and the building blocks of new ones.  I would suggest it to anyone!

What have you read lately?  

Andrea :)

Introducing ABC Reads!

Do you love to read? 

Always looking for your next great book? 

Enjoy a little friendly competition?

After starting a book club with a few friends here in NYC and taking part in another online book club in 2015, I managed to reignite my passion for reading! If you enjoy a good book or two or three, then you'll be excited to learn about a fun challenge Mia and I are announcing today - ABC Reads!

What does the challenge entail?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  There are 26 letters of the alphabet and we challenge you, during the course of 2016, to read a book that starts with each letter.  For example, Atonement (A), The Bell Jar (B), Catching Fire (C), and so on.  Makes sense, right? You don't need to go in order - if you want to start with S, go for it.  We're easy to please around these parts.

On the last day of each month, we'll host a link-up for you to share your ABC Reads.  We will award one point for each letter you review AND a bonus point for linking up with us!  At the end of the year (or when the first participant reviews a book beginning with each of the 26 letters), the winner will be awarded a $30 Amazon gift card.  So, what do you say?  Do you accept our ABC Reads challenge?

We'll begin on January 1, 2016.  Share with your friends, spread the word!  The more, the merrier. :)

Andrea :)

#collaboreads: A Non-Fiction Book

Have you felt the pull toward a different career path, but allowed fear to keep you in your current situation?  Have you ever considered leaving your job with no Plan B allowing you nothing but time to figure out what's next?  Have you ever wanted to just take a leap...and see what happens on the other side?  It can be so easy to get stuck in a routine or want to ensure you have the next thing lined up before you move on. Honestly, it was refreshing to read Tess Vigeland's story as she made a huge leap of faith from a prominent radio host on NPR's Marketplace to the great unknown.  When I saw this month's topic was non-fiction, I was thrilled this book had just arrived in my mailbox!   

RIVETING.

What part of the book could you NOT get enough of?

Perhaps it is the current state of my life, but I absolutely could not get enough of this book.  So many of the thoughts and fears rang true for me.  I have been struggling for some time to figure out my passion.  While this book doesn't necessarily help with figuring it out, it does present a number of interesting stories and findings from studies as they relate to work and happiness.  Tess shares much of her own story, but also pulls from the experiences of others.  This was a great way to include different perspectives and make the book even more engaging. 

ELEMENTS.

How did you relate to/care for the characters?
What's your thought on the plot line and twists and turns?

While I enjoyed the overall theme and message of the book, I did find it a bit difficult to relate to many of the characters simply due to age and life circumstance.  Most of them were in lucrative careers pre-Leap and had a bit of a financial net to fall back on.  However, there were a couple of stories that related more to the average Joe.  Similar to Tess, I don't currently have any children, but I was happy to read stories about individuals who did and still made the Leap.  It was also helpful that Tess included the dark side of Leaping as well as the exciting, new, adventurous side. 

ASSOCIATE.
What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it's themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? 

I would classify this book in the self-help line.  It was a bit of a biography, but mostly it was set up to be a tool to help others going through the Leap process.  I can't think of any others that were like it exactly, but self-help was immediately what came to mind when I started reading it.  As I mentioned, it was very insightful for me.  Over the past couple of years, I have thought many times about other career paths that would be a good fit for me.  It was interesting to see how similarly my thought process and fears were to others in the book.  Additionally, I was fascinated by the information Tess presented in regard to how closely we associate ourselves with our work - how much of our identity is wrapped up in what we do from 9-5.

DESIGN.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? 
How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? 

The cover was boring.  It didn't really stand out at all.  I did like the tag line that was included on the cover though.  After much thought, I'm not entirely sure how the cover could be changed effectively.

STARS.  
How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? 

I give this book 4 stars.  It was a quick read that kept me engaged and wanting to learn more with each chapter.  It was written in a way that made me feel like we were sitting down for a chat - very personable and honest.  If you have ever considered taking a leap of faith in your career, I highly suggest giving it a read. Click here to learn more about the book!  

Andrea :)

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in return for my honest review.  

An Audiobook Adventure

October was over halfway through and the chosen book for book club still hadn't arrived at the library.  Ugh!  I didn't really want to buy it.  Especially not knowing how or if I'd like it.  And at this point, even if it arrived soon, I'd never be able to flip through all 500+ pages in time!  Between traveling one weekend and running a marathon the next, I was so close to just throwing in the towel on this one.  And then I remembered all those Audible Free Trial emails I kept starring for future reference. Problem Solved!  I downloaded All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr on October 21 finishing it with a few days to spare for our book club meet up last week!

To be honest, I wasn't sure listening to a book (especially a 16 hour one!) was going to be for me.  I decided to give it a shot on a short taper run as I finished up my marathon training.  It wasn't too bad.  I did run slower than usual at first, but once I got the hang of the app and figured out how it all worked I was able to pick up the pace.

Listening was perfect on the plane and train when I traveled over the course of those two weeks.  I really loved sneaking in a few chapters on my commute each morning.  And usually couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next as I left my desk for the day.  The audiobook also managed to get me through a few rough patches during the actual marathon!  In those tough quiet stretches you better believe I found myself absorbed in world of Werner and Marie-Laure.  By the end of the book, I was hooked.  Not only on the story, but also on the means!

Don't get me wrong though, when the library book finally did arrive - a mere week before our meet-up - I definitely flipped through it and read much of the second half as if I'd never heard the story originally.  I definitely don't prefer audiobooks over the real thing, but I'll certainly give it a shot again in a pinch.

Now, for my thoughts on the book itself.  Phenomenal!  I really loved the story.  I enjoyed learning about the characters and feeling as though I was right there with them.  So many fabulous details painted the pictures in my head.  And I am ALWAYS a fan of short chapters.  They advance the story, but leave you wanting more.  I love that!  And alternating between the present time (in the story) and the past (to show how they got to that present point in time) was also interesting.  Although, that feature was somewhat difficult to keep track of with the audiobook.  I often found myself going back and confirming which time period when I became a bit confused.  In the actual book, it was much easier to track.  I understood why the ending occurred as it did, but I wasn't 100% sure if I loved it.  I wanted a few more solid answers.  Especially after investing so much time and effort to get to that point.  Overall though, it was a simply beautiful story about a very wretched time in world history.  I found myself thinking about Werner and Marie-Laure so often.  About what it would have been like to be a child during those times - particularly a blind or orphaned one.  If you haven't managed to get your hands on this book yet, I highly recommend giving it a read...or listen.  I enjoyed every moment of both! 

Andrea :)

#collaboreads: Pre-2010 Horror

Fortunately, my Fab Four book club selected Misery by Stephen King for October.  It certainly fills the pre-2010 horror category and was the perfect book to set the mood for fall and all things Halloween!  This book was creepy and scary and horrifying, but SO good!

RIVETING.

What part of the book could you NOT get enough of?

I could not get enough of every part of this book.  Years ago, I watched the movie so I had an idea of how things would go, but I couldn't remember exact details.  This left me wanting more each time I put the book down.  And I put it down often because it just got too creepy for me after awhile.  I had to read in spurts to keep myself from having nightmares!  What a wild and crazy story!!  And I'm thrilled that Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf are slated to give it a limited engagement run on Broadway this winter.  Can't wait to see how everything is depicted on stage!

ELEMENTS.

How did you relate to/care for the characters?
What's your thought on the plot line and twists and turns?

There were really only two characters - Paul and insane Annie!  Both were fascinating.  I can't say I really liked either of them much.  Regardless, both managed to draw me deeper and deeper into the story.  When Paul became semi-mobile, the story really takes a turn and started to enter a point where I just had to know what happens next.  Many times I found myself thinking...just one more chapter!  The other part of this book that was incredibly interesting to me (and really revealed the most about Annie) was when Paul looked through her "scrapbook" page by page.  It was amazing how much detail and thought was put into this brief, but quite significant portion of the book.

ASSOCIATE.
What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it's themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? 

I am not a horror fan.  At all.  I don't read many books that give me the creeps for obvious reasons, but Misery did remind me a bit of some of the old James Patterson books I read WAY back in the day.  I'm talking about Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls.  Yeah...back in those days!

DESIGN.
You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? 
How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages? 

The cover was ok.  A dark shot of a typewriter.  It certainly fit the story, but it doesn't necessarily draw me in.  The text of the book proved inviting though.  There were sections that appear to be typed on a typewriter.  Not just any typewriter, but the exact one that Paul is using.  The one missing an "n"...and eventually a few other popular letters.  I love how those sections of the book even included hand-filled n's.  So clever!  And I really loved the full handwritten portion of Paul's novel toward the conclusion of the book.  Unique way to connect readers with the character!

STARS.  
How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? 

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The last .5 was withheld due to various parts that made me really squeamish.  Too much detail on some of the gore for this lady! :)    

Andrea :)