The Rosie Effect: Beach Read in Mexico

The sequel to The Rosie Project

Read The Rosie Effect on the beach in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico on Dec 26-27.  I enjoyed Graeme Simsion's sequel to The Rosie Project. It was entertaining with several laugh out loud moments. Excellent beach reading.

Author Graeme Simsion

Mixes Well With Mexican Margaritas

In Praise of Value Village…yes again!!!

If you have read some of my blog, you will know that I like to hunt for books at Value Village.  It's the best place to dig up and discover new work that you might never have previously seen. Books are lumped onto the shelves with virtually no organization, leaving the reader to wade through random subjects and styles.

Here's the common book store trap: Once you have "Chapterfied" a book collection, the natural tendency for the customer is never to venture into new subject areas, thus never discovering new genres and authors. I call this the process of "Heather's Pickification" (a sad state for book retailers…basically the same condition as "Oprahfication".

VV is a great place to find fiction from around the world. What's being sold is what is being donated. New releases that weren't to a readers taste are just as likely to find their way onto the shelf as 10 copies of Stephen King's Tommyknockers. There are always great biographies and historical fiction, as well as murder mysteries and humour.  The romance section is bursting at the seams with Harlequins (never read one, but clearly, someone is still buying them!) The most expensive book on the shelf is $4.99.  And if you buy 4 you get one for free!!! Love it!

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

Having read Still Alice a few years ago, I was looking forward to Lisa Genova’s subsequent novel Left Neglected. 

Genova is known for mining into the subject matter of a novel, and researching all aspects. Her formal education is in neuroscience, and she is fascinated by the functioning and malfunctioning of the brain. Still Alice focused on a woman who discovers that she has Alzheimer's. It was a powerful novel that left me thinking that I was also suffering for sever memory loss every time I forgot where I put my car keys.

In Left Neglected, she drills into the life of a woman who suffers a traumatic brain injury during a car accident, and is learning to live with left neglect as a result. Genova takes the reader on a trip through the car accident, recovery and rehabilitation. She paint the picture of a woman who has to learn how to take care of herself again.

Sarah Nickerson is a success VP of HR for a consultancy in Boston. She is powerful and successful and entirely career oriented. She has 3 kids, but spends only about an hour with them a day. She is totally focused on her work, and everything else takes a back seat to her work.

Author Lisa Genova

While driving, she reaches for her cell phone and runs off the road. Her life is forever changed. There are clear lessons to be learned by Sarah's actions and the consequences of her choices. 

While, Left Neglected was a fast and enjoyable read, I found that Genova could be seen to be is simplistically preaching about our busy lives and how we need to slow down and really focus on the important things in our lives. The novel is somewhat predictable, and I was a little let down by the simple plot line. 

If you have to choose between Genova's two novels, I would strongly urge Still Alice. It was definitely more memorable.

SUPER EXCELLENT!!! Popularity Papers; Words of (questionable) Wisdom...

This was my favourite from the series:
#3.

Just when I thought that kids fiction was getting a bit predictable and boring, along comes Amy Ignatow to show me a new face of children's literature.

MOM'S TAKE NOTE: Amy Ignatow's Popularity Papers shine like a beacon of creativity and fun. These books are unlike anything I have ever seen or read, and I am raving about them to everyone that will listen. If you have girls ages 8-12, these are a must read!

On with my book review of the Popularity Papers:

A few weeks before Christmas, I came across Amy Ignatow's Popularity Papers at VV, and I was fascinated by the colourful cover. Being entirely illustrated by hand, and the narrative being hand written dialogue between two twelve year old best friends.  Julie Graham-Chang is a budding illustrator, so she draws all the pictures to illustrate the narrative. Lydia Goldblatt is her spunky friend who tries out new things, gets into pickles and generally is a scream.

They see eye to eye on most things and enjoy similarly quirky humour.  They are totally honest with each other and are a refreshing couple of girls. At times, they see themselves as outsiders to the mainstream school population, but they have each other, and as such, they encourage and maintain each other's unique personalities.

My Daughter and I now have a
Trunk List too!!!

There are currently 6 novels that make up this series, and when I bought Popularity Papers #3: I didn't realize that I was starting in the middle of the series.  Didn't make much difference though, as each novel is a stand alone snapshot of Lydia and Julie's antics. I have since read them all, (out of order too), and I can whole-heartedly recommend these books for any girl ages 8-12. I'm going to admit that I loved reading these books too, and found myself laughing hysterically in my bed at Julie and Lydia's antics. At times, I feared I was laughing too loud and would wake the kids.

Amy Ignatow is incredibly talented. She not afraid of difficult subjects and describes that from the perspective of a twelve year old girl. She shows Julie and Lydia supporting and encouraging each other through these life experiences. There are moments of true tenderness and and insight from a girls perspective.

Turns out Jen Mattocks is the Doctor's
daughter!

There are belly laugh moments, like the one here about Jen Mattocks.

It's a Beautiful Thing to be 12 and
full of Sunny Hope.

Amy Ignatow's Facebook page is a bit of fun and worth checking out:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Popularity-Papers/212256315882?id=212256315882&sk=photos_stream

Book Club Exchange and Update

I've been a bit slow to blog lately, mostly due to the busy holiday season that is upon us. But also, I have been working to learn how to crochet lately. I got it in my head that I wanted to learn, so I shared a cup of tea with my friend Karen, and after a few bumps in the road, she got me going in no time.

I'm proud to say that I've made a few hats and a head band, and I am frantically finishing a bunny and his carrot home--Alex, my son requested this one! It should be done this evening, and safely under the tree for tomorrow night.

I have updated my Book Club's reading list for 2014. If you scroll down, you will find on the left side of the screen, a widget that lists our reading for the upcoming year. We had a great book exchange meeting early on in December. I received A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett. I will be sure to get to it early this year.

My gift from the Book Club 

(Just finished Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, so I'll be reviewing it very shortly.)

I wanted to share a few random snaps from around town:

My local library's idea of a Christmas Tree. I love it!!!

My Friend Kim's idea of a Christmas Tree (It's Jack Daniels)

My Kids love when I set up my Christmas Village

I took my daughter Abi down to the CBC radio open house called Sounds of the Season earlier this year. She loved seeing how radio is made.  They had a display of the 5 finalists for Canada Reads. Here they are:

I am going to try to read these before the jury debates and selection. I have already read Half-Blood Blues, and will continue with Annabel next.

Also while shopping at VV, I found a quirky looking book that I bought solely based on it's cover: Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. Not sure what it's about, but I want to give it a go!

Looks Like a Bit of Fun!

Cozy, Comfy Read: The Friday Night Knitting Club

Late October in Southern Ontario is usually underpinned by blustery winds, frosty morning lawns, and grey evening skies. The leaves fall fast and steady for a couple of weeks, and then you know that the warm summer is over and 6 months of cold winter is on its way.

This is the time of year I enjoy pulling out the wooly sweaters and picking up a good, easy read to help me through the change of seasons. This year, that book was The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.

This novel is not new; its been out since 2007, and has been touted as a New York Times bestseller. (what book isn't...seems like everything published is a NYT hit?!?)  Its the story of several women living in NYC, and it explores their connection to each other through the their weekly knitting club meeting.

There are many well drawn characters with their own quirks and foibles. Certainly Kate Jacobs does a great job fleshing them out. Maybe a little less convincing is the way the relationship of two old lovers comes together again (...maybe a bit to Hollywood.) Anyway, it's an easy read...we're not talking literary work and nothing too taxing. Enjoyable and I would recommend it if you've just come off a heavy read or you are under lots of stress at work!

Now, as a total aside from this novel:

Most women I know today have lost interest in knitting. It seems we are so busy rushing around that there is no time for creating woollens.  Rather than reach for the knitting bag, we reach for our laptops, iPhones or remote controls. A woman knitting is so uncommon.  Almost as uncommon, is the notion of a group of women getting together on a weekly basis to chat and share their lives with each other.

Here's why I loved this story. I believe in creating woollens...it's a traditional pass time and a tangible way to spend hours relaxing at home. I also believe in maintaining friendships with women throughout my life. My Wednesday mornings always involve a cup of coffee with my friends from the local mom's group in the village. Despite rain, shine, snow (and even political unrest) this group has been meeting up every Wednesday morning for 40 years, and by the looks of things, (and a little luck) it will run for another 40 years.

Now, I'm going to start convincing the girls to pull out the knitting needles (and crochet hooks cuz that's the new and cool thing to do!) Instead of comparing Apps on our iPhones at the hockey arena, we can compare crochet hooks and granny squares. BTW, there's NO APP FOR THAT!!! It might be a while before the girls come around to it. I'll let you know how it goes!

In the meantime, you can read this book and enjoy the warmth of female friendship. It was comforting.

September's Easy Read: Puppet

When Toronto appears in a fictional work, I really get a charge out of recognizing the scenery and familiar landmarks. It was clear though out Joy Fielding's Puppet that she is very comfortable in this city and by the end, I was certain that she lived in Toronto.

References to the atrium at the Toronto Reference Library, tea at the Four Seasons (RIP), the predictable decor of the Airport Hilton (it was recently updated) and the grim sight of the Metro West Detention Centre (fittingly, still ugly as hell) all made me smile. I could even picture the house on Palmerston, as I used to walk home from work down that once stately street and marvel at the huge homes that were once single family residences.

Here's what the book is about (courtesy of www.joyfielding.com):

Puppet

Living a no-strings-attached life in glamorous Palm Beach, beautiful, steely-nerved criminal attorney Amanda Travis knows exactly what she likes: spinning classes, the color black, and one-night stands. Here's what she dislikes: the color pink, nicknames...and memories. Which is why she has shut the door on two ex-husbands, her estranged mother, and her hometown of Toronto. Then comes the news that will shatter Amanda's untouchable world: her mother, who has always held a strange power over everyone she encounters, has shot and killed a complete stranger. Forced to return to Toronto, Amanda must confront her demons and unravel the truth behind her mother's violent act -- while the taunting, teasing name from her past dances in her head...Puppet...telling her that someone else is orchestrating her fate.

I loves that Fielding allows her protagonist, Amanda to be significantly flawed. She is a proud, carnivorous woman, who has huge attachment issues. She drinks too much, and frolics with married men without any conscious discord. Amanda is not a woman that I would be friends with, and it's no wonder that she has no female friends to call on for support. She's broken and memorable.

 At the Cottage
Up North in Canada

I have never read Fielding's work before, but I have to admit that I'm a little embarrassed that it's taken me so long to uncover her work. This read was entertaining and easily consumed. I found it engaging...the type of book that calls you from the bedside table, and forces you to jump into bed unreasonably early, so you can find out what happens next.

I bought a two book compilation that includes Mad River Road also, so stay tuned for that review in the next few months. In researching the author, I found her website quite interesting, (www.joyfielding.com) and she writes a monthly open letter to fans...kinda interesting! Thanks Joy! I'll keep an eye out for your next letter, and look forward to reading more of your work!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Where do I start with this novel...Not even sure of the genre really, but here goes my review!

Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Who names their kid Ransom Riggs for real?!?) is his debut novel and it is an original story if nothing else. Set in the present and involving time travel to WW2, this story is about children who have fled the monsters of Europe and live in peace on an island off the western coast of England. Each child has a special gift ranging from the ability to levitate, start fire in the palm of one's hand, lift incredibly heavy items, speak with others but be entirely invisible etc.

Jakob, a boy from the present, is told by his dying grandfather to go back to the island, and help the children slay the monsters and stay safe. Jakob's family think that he is a troubled youth who is mentally disturbed and sees monsters. Check out the movie trailer which is not a spoiler:

The story twists and turns and is a very original. I have never read this type of novel, and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was unpredictable, and very entertaining. I thought the author did a wonderful job developing the characters and created a realistic world filled with demons and monsters.  It had some troubling parallels with the rise of Naziism and I found myself trying to figure out if the novel was a commentary on the triumph of evil over good, and the eradication of so many defenceless Jewish children by the Nazis.

The novel itself is really entertaining as Riggs includes many vintage photographs that were contributed by collectors. The photos compliment the story so well, and really fleshed out the story. Some of them are chilling, and I loved seeing them. I found myself wanting to read at all hours of the day, and I did think about the story throughout my day. Wikipedia classifies this novel as children's fiction...I think it's a bit scary for children so I would suggest young adults and older should give it a try.

Riggs is writing a sequel now called Hallow City, and it is planned for January 2014.

I recommend this one, and would love to hear what you think?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage is a Likely Hit!!!!

Value Village Rocks for
Great Title at a Fraction of the Cost!

While shopping at my favourite book store, Value Village, I found The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold
Fry sitting there, just waiting for me to bring it home! I love shopping at Value Village; the deals are just waiting to be found there. For those of you who don't know, VV is a thrift shop that sells everything from used clothes and furniture to housewares and books. It is truly a treasure trove for those who aren't afraid to dig a little. Any way, I found Unlikely Pilgrimage for a whopping $4, so I thought I would give it a whirl.



Right from the first page, author Rachel Joyce had me hooked, and I loved every page there after!

Here's a summary courtesy of Goodreads: 

Harold Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance.
Recently retired, sweet, emotionally numb Harold Fry is jolted out of his passivity by a letter from Queenie Hennessy, an old friend, who he hasn't heard from in twenty years. She has written to say she is in hospice and wanted to say goodbye. Leaving his tense, bitter wife Maureen to her chores, Harold intends a quick walk to the corner mailbox to post his reply but instead, inspired by a chance encounter, he becomes convinced he must deliver his message in person to Queenie--who is 600 miles away--because as long as he keeps walking, Harold believes that Queenie will not die. 
So without hiking boots, rain gear, map or cell phone, one of the most endearing characters in current fiction begins his unlikely pilgrimage across the English countryside. Along the way, strangers stir up memories--flashbacks, often painful, from when his marriage was filled with promise and then not, of his inadequacy as a father, and of his shortcomings as a husband. 

This novel uses different perspectives to develop the characters and lets the reader flesh them out. Rachel Joyce quickly develops the characters and is very skilled at creating dynamic portraits.

It's really well written with several plot lines being developed. There is some beautifully written passages that made me stop and think.

This book is a breath of fresh air. It is creative, original and so enjoyable. My copy will be shared with many, but I will have my name clearing stamped on the inside cover so that it always comes back to my "keeper" bookshelf!

Here is the Facebook page for this great novel:

https://www.facebook.com/unlikelypilgrimageofharoldfry

Enjoy and let me know what you think!