01 August 2011

Love and Other Impossible Pursuits





by Ayelet Waldman

This is the 2nd book by her I've read.  I really like her!  Both books have made me cry.  A lot.  They felt so real.  If I wasn't the main character, I felt like she was my best friend and I was experiencing everything along side her.

***SPOILER ALERT***

This is the story of Emilia Greenleaf.  She is the second wife of Jack Wolfe, step mother to 5 year old William.  William is very smart, but incredibly sheltered.  She tries to like him.  She tries to do fun things with him.  But something wrong always happens and William tattles to his mom, who then calls ranting ang raving about how Emilia's trying to kill her child.

There is something going on in the background that we don't know about.  As the story goes on, we kind of know, but aren't sure.  Two months before, Emilia gave birth to a beautiful, healthy daughter, Isabel.  Isabel died of SIDS on her first night home.  As devastating as this is, there's still more that we don't know.  Emilia's life is spiraling out of control.  Her marriage to Jack is strained.  She and William have good days and bad.  Things finally hit the fan and this is when we learn the rest of the story.  Read the book to find out!

I would recommend this to someone who doesn't mind having a good cry.  Someone who likes books that feel real.


4.5 out of 5 stars.


Currently reading:  The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley

My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black; Or, A Culture-Up Manifesto





by Jen Lancaster

I finished this one a while ago and never got around to writing about it.  Like the others, I enjoyed this one, too!  At some point, I will read every book by her. 

In this installment, Jen decides she isn't cultured enough and sets out to rectify that situation.  She watches movies, reads books, goes to the opera and other live shows (plays, dancing, etc.), as well as partaking in cultural dining.  Basically, through any means possible.  It all started with her attending function with socialites and having nothing to talk about except what happened on the latest  reality show or a 1980s John Hughes movie.  And apparently, socialites know nothing about these topics.

I appreciate that she realizes she's not as cultured or as classy as she'd like to be.  And at certain events she doesn't feel as though she fits in.  Who among us hasn't felt that way at some point?  Let's face it, those who think they're classy, do everything to make the rest of us feel like dirt, which in my opinion, isn't very classy...

If you've read other Jen Lancaster books and enjoyed them, I'm sure you will enjoy this one, too.


4.5 out of 5 stars.


Currently reading:  The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley

29 June 2011

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo





by Stieg Larsson

This was a book club read.  I wasn't at the previous meeting, so I had no say in picking this.  I have to admit that I was a little disappointed when I saw that this was the book.  Oh well.  I read it anyway.

I'm glad I did.  Now, it wasn't my favorite book.  Far from it.  But I didn't hate it.  I liked it more then I thought I would.

It was a little strange.  I think it held my attention because I had no idea what was going on for so long.  And all the Swedish names were a little hard to follow.  On a whole, this book was very wordy.  In case you didn't know it, Sweden is very cold in the winter.  Now, I knew very little about Sweden before I read this, but I knew it was pretty cold there.  And this book makes sure we never forget that!  When we talked about this book at book club, we had to wonder where the editor was.  There's a whole lot of nothing going on for a while.  But when things start to happen, holy crap!  Some things happened that I should have seen coming, but didn't.  And then things happened that there was no way I could have seen coming!

This is a mystery, which isn't normally my thing.  It's the first book in a trilogy and I haven't really decided if I'm reading the next two.  This one ended kind of abruptly, but not with a cliff hanger.  I put the next one on hold at the library for my Nook and I suppose I'll decide when turn comes up. 

Don't read this expecting it to be the next Twilight or Hunger Games because it isn't.  Was it worth my time?  Yes.


3 stars out of 5.


Currently reading:  My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black; Or, A Culture-Up Manifesto by Jen Lancaster   

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen





by Christopher McDougall

I loved this book!  Immediately after finishing, I declared I was never eating meat again and I was running barefoot!  If you know me, you didn't really believe me.  And you shouldn't have.  But still.  It was eye opening.  If you're not a runner or into running, don't read it.  You won't get it.  But I'm trying to be a runner.

It was a little slow getting into this, which is why it took me so long to read.  Plus, a lot had been going on in life, too.  The thing that got me about this book is that they've known for decades what causes all these running injuries.  And nothing has been done about it!  All these technologically advanced running shoes are causing all our injuries.  We're meant to run like we ran when we were kids.  Basically, barefoot or with minimal footwear.  And this was known BEFORE Nike made all their money selling us crazy expensive running shoes!  The more cushion a shoe has, the harder our feet work to find hard, solid ground.  These injuries didn't happen back when all these crazy shoes didn't exist!!  How was this not publicized??  How was Nike (and all the other shoe companies) allowed to tell us we'd be better runners if we spent all that money?  Blatant lies!!  And they knew it!!

Ever since finishing this book, I look at feet at every race.  It's amazing the different foot attire I see.  No shoes.  Those minimal shoes with the toes.  And the people with the crazy expensive cushiony shoes that are supposed to be better for you.

There was more to this book... a tribe of people in Mexico who run.  Long distances (like 100 miles!).  In sandals.  And there was a big race at the end between some of their best runners and some of our best ultra runners.  I don't remember ever hearing about that.  Oh, and I also learned that women are better ultra runners then men.  Not that I'm going to go run 100 miles or anything.  But good to keep at the back of my mind!

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Currently reading:  My Fair Lazy: One Reality Television Addict's Attempt to Discover If Not Being A Dumb Ass Is the New Black; Or, A Culture-Up Manifesto by Jen Lancaster   

30 May 2011

The Happiness Project





by Gretchen Rubin

I read this book to be a part of the #TwitBooks book club on Twitter.  Due to life happening, I did not finish it in time for the discussion.

In this book, the author decides she's not as happy as she could be, so she researches happiness and makes a years worth of resolutions to achieve happiness.  Each month she concentrates on a different happiness goal.  She also has '12 Commandments' that she tries to incorporate into her resolutions.  She even created a blog to ask readers about different thoughts and ideas she had and she also offers copies of her resolutions.

I've mentioned that I like the idea of this.  But I don't think I would ever do it.  I feel like I'm reasonably happy enough.  I don't have the motivation to run when I should so I sure don't have the motivation to start my own happiness project.  But if you think you could be happier then you actually are, then I would totally recommend reading this.  I guarantee you will get ideas you wouldn't have thought of before!


3.5 out of 5 stars.


Currently reading:  Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall
 

01 May 2011

Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?





by Jen Lancaster

These books are quickly becoming my guilty pleasure.  I'm always looking for a new book by Jen Lancaster.  And this is only the 2nd book by her that I've read!  Anyway, usually you're supposed to be slightly embarrassed by guilty pleasures, but I'm not afraid to admit that.  These books are hilarious!  I love her self confidence!  So many people, myself included, think the way she does, but keep quiet about it.  It's refreshing to see someone who's not afraid to say what she thinks!

Jen Lancaster also has a blog, Jennsylvania.  If you like her books, I highly recommend checking it out.  It will make you laugh!

4 out of 5 stars.


**Special shout out  to Danielle Rocktaschel!!  She finished her first half marathon today!  Woo-hoo!!**


Currently reading:  Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall
 

13 April 2011

My relationship with athletics

I'm not just an elementary school librarian.  I do other things, too.  I'm a wife to a wonderful husband.  We're not planning on children, but we spoil our two dogs rotten.  For the most part, they have good manners around company!

I was an athlete growing up.  Played soccer from 4th grade though high school.  I wasn't very good, but I enjoyed it, for the most part.  I did intramural soccer in college and when I lived in Charlotte, I found an adult league that played in the spring and fall.  I have accepted that my soccer days are long over, but I still need to be active.  I ran track in middle school and did indoor track my junior year in high school.  Running was a part of playing soccer, but I never really took it seriously. 

When I first moved to Buffalo in the Fall of 1997, all I did was work, sleep and party.  That following Spring, I bought a bicycle... a $75 Wal-mart special!  I lived in a relatively bike friendly area, so I rode a lot.  I did my first charity ride in June 1999... the Tour de Cure to benefit the American Diabetes Association.  At that point, 30 miles was the shortest distance they had.  So me and several others I worked with at Channel 7 signed up!  30 miles seemed like a lot, but I did it!

Not long after that, I got into running with another co-worker, Charlie Wagner.  We worked the same schedule, so we met several days a week at Delaware Park and ran.  I'm not sure we ever actually ran the entire thing, but we were out there and doing it.

I moved to Charlotte in January 2000.  My bike moved with me.  I rode it a bunch in my first year in Charlotte, but not much after that.  I didn't live in very bike friendly areas.  And running never happened either.

My husband is a biker and a runner.  I returned to Western New York in August 2005.  That first full summer I was back, I suggested we do the Tour de Cure.  They had shorter distances, but since I'd already done the 30 miles, why would I want to do less?  Six of us signed up and did it.  I didn't train properly and I was miserable!  Didn't make that mistake again.  I did it again the next year or so.  Alone.  My husband moved on to the 100 or 65 miler (yes, he's crazy).  The last year I did the Tour de Cure, I also did the Ride for Roswell to benefit cancer research.  They're a few weeks apart and it was very difficult to raise money for both causes.  I had to make a choice.  The route for the Tour de Cure changed and frankly, it sucked.  The 30 mile Ride for Roswell was such a nice ride!

This is my 4th year doing the Ride for Roswell.  I haven't tried a distance other then 30 miles.  The ride is just so nice!  What if the next distance sucks??  I ride in memory of My Aunt Rene.  She passed away in November 2008 from ovarian cancer... a day before my husband and I got engaged.  She was taken way too early, so I ride to help find a cure.  I will probably ride until a cure is found.  And then I'll keep riding until cancer prevention is part of every day life.  If you're interested in donating to my ride this year, please click here.  After the Ride for Roswell last year, I finally retired my Wal-mart special bike and got a nice Cannondale.  I'm looking forward to using it for the ride this year!

Last Spring (2010), I started hearing about Couch to 5K.  Several friends were doing it... friends that weren't 'athletes'.  I thought, "I'm an athlete, why can 't I do that?"  So I did it.  And then I trained for a 10K all summer.  In the mean time, I did three 5Ks in 12 days.  I didn't actually do a 10K, but I did do an 8K, The Turkey Trot.  I did my best trying to run this winter, but Western New York winters are brutal.  And I don't live where it's safe to run in bad weather.  I tried staying at work and running on the sidewalks there.  But they weren't maintained very well.  I tried the treadmill at work, but my footpod didn't seem to work, so I didn't know how far I was going.  It's very hard for me to put in the time and not know how far I was going! 

But the weather is getting nicer and the race calendar for the summer is out.  I'm planning more then three 5Ks this year.  I'm going to try a duathlon next month and combine my biking and running.  Last weekend, I did my first bike then run.  The transition sucked!  But I did it.  And I'll keep doing it.  I'm planning to actually do a 10K at the end of the summer.  And depending on how that goes, maybe the Niagara Falls half marathon in October. 

I had no plans to ever run more then 10K.  But then I heard that Oprah did a marathon.  It took her 6 hours, but she still did it.  And she's Oprah!  I know she had all the trainers and the nutrition people, but she's still built like Oprah!

Motivation is hard.  I started following Runners World on Twitter.  Last week, they posted a fabulous article, 101 Kicks in the Butt.  Some of them were kind of dumb, but for the most part, awesome!  So, I didn't exactly do #1 (this isn't a running blog!), but now that I've posted my plans and if someone actually reads this, then I'll have to actually stick to my plans!

People have asked me why I run.  I know I'm not fat.  I'm not trying to lose weight.  I'm trying to maintain.  My favorite things to eat are the worst for me!!  Loaded potato skins, loaded fries, nachos, ice cream.... yum!  As long as I run, I can eat what I want and not feel guilty!

12 April 2011

A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend





by Emily Horner

Another one where I wish I could remember why I thought it would be a good read... It was short.  That's about all that was good about it.  The end was better then the beginning, thank God!

This is the story of high school friends.  Cass, is awkward and really only has one friend, Julia.  The rest of her friends are really Julia's friends.  Then Julia dies and her middle school tormentor comes back to town.  Long story short, there is a lesbian love story, a bike ride from Chicago to Tulsa and a car trip the rest of the way to California.  And a production of a musical Julia was writing when she died.

This was just weird.  I didn't like it at all in the beginning.  Even told a friend it was 'horrid'.  It ended better then it began, but that's time I will never get back.

2 out of 5 stars.


Currently reading:  Bright Lights, Big Ass:  A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me? by Jen Lancaster

07 April 2011

The Book Thief











by Markus Zusak


This was a book club read.  The beginning was a little confusing.  Truth be told, this is not the first time I tried reading this.  I couldn't get through the beginning.  This time, I kept going.  Once I realized it wasn't really a person speaking, but death, it was easier to understand.  So yes, this book is narrated by death.  Don't think I've ever read a book like that before.  Narrated by someone who is dead, yes, but death itself, nope!

This is the story of Liesel... a little girl in Nazi Germany.  The story begins with Liesel on a train with her mother and little brother.  They are on their way to a foster home.  You see, Liesel has no idea who her father is, and her mother cannot take care of the children any more.  Anyway, her brother dies on the train and they have to stop in a random town and bury him.  Her foster mother is cold, but her foster father is just what she needed.  We lean about her neighborhood friends, the Jew in the basement and the neighborhood enemies.

This is about Nazi Germany.  It's not like I didn't know how that ended.  But I'll tell you this... Liesel doesn't die.

However, the end is disappointing.  I know Liesel survives the war and that she lives to a ripe old age in Sydney.  She has a husband, children and grandchildren.  But how did she end up in Sydney?  A lot of questions are left unanswered.  But overall, I liked this book.  I would definitely recommend it.

4 out of 5 stars.


Currently reading:  A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner

28 March 2011

Water for Elephants





by Sara Gruen

This was my first Nook borrow from a friend.  Thanks Melissa!  Today is Monday.. she lent it to me Friday night and I'm done.  Once I started, I couldn't really stop.

Overall, I liked this.  There's a movie coming out towards the end of next month.  Not sure I want to see it.  The animal abuse is just not something I think I want to actually see.

This is the story of 90 year old Jacob.  His children have placed him in a home.  The day the circus is coming, they forget whose turn it is to visit and no one comes.  He really wanted to see the circus.  You see, he worked with the circus.  This is the story of the summer of 1931 and the circus he traveled with.  The animals he cared for.  The people he cared for.  This is the story of how a veterinary student ended up a circus veterinarian.

If you love animals, some of this is hard to take.  But I'm sure this is how it was.  Totally recommend this!


4 out of 5 stars.


Currently reading:  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I Still Dream About You





by Fannie Flagg

Haven't read a Fannie Flagg book in a long time.  This one was great.  It takes place in modern day Birmingham.  The main character is Maggie... she's a former Miss Alabama from the days of civil rights.  She's in her 60's now and she's planning to kill herself.  She's a very prim and proper southern lady... always caring what other people think.  She never got married.  Passed on several opportunities because she was going to NYC to be a famous model.  That didn't happen and now she's back in Birmingham, selling real estate.  Now she's tired of caring about what everyone thinks.  Plus, her boss and best friend died suddenly several years earlier and she's just having a hard time with out her.

She picks the day twice... closes her bank account, gives away all her clothes.  She has it all planned out, but something always seems to happen to delay her leaving, until finally she decides she doesn't really want to leave.   She wants to live!!  And it's a good thing she does!  Want to know why??  Read the book!


4 out of 5 stars.

20 March 2011

Mini Shopaholic





by Sophie Kinsella

Dear Sophie Kinsella,

Please stop writing Shopaholic books.  They are horrible.  Of course, I've read all 6.  And there's going to be a 7th, isn't there?  Hollywood?  Ugh!  I can't take it!

love always,
Tina

I have such a hard time with people like Becky.  I know this is fiction, but fiction is based in reality, isn't it?  So that means there really are ridiculous people out there like Becky.  I hope I never meet one.  I don't know that I will be able to bite my tongue!  And if I can, it will hurt.  A lot.

I suppose I'm supposed to forget about my reality and get lost in books like these.  But they really stress me out!  And while I don't really like them, I have to keep going to be certain she is fine at the end.  After now 6 books, I should know that she's always ok.  But I still have to read until the end to be certain!

2 out of 5 stars.

Currently reading: I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

ABCs

I'm stealing this from Danielle.  Her blog is a running blog, but as she says, she does other things, too.  I do things other than reading...

(A) Age: 36.
(B) Bed Size: Queen.  King won't go up our stairs.
(C) Chore You Hate: All of them.
(D) Dogs: Jeter, a papilion/sheltie mix and Barkley, a boxer.
(E) Essential Start Your Day Item: Diet Coke.
(F) Favorite Color: Green, blue and cranberry.
(G) Gold or Silver? Gold.  In any form.
(H) Height: 5'1"
(I) Instruments You Play: Flute and although it's been awhile, Bass Clarinet.
(J) Job Title: School Library Media Specialist
(K) Kids: No thank you!
(L) Live: Colden, NY
(M) Mom’s Name: Franceen
(N) Nicknames: 'T', but not so much any more.
(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? in kindergarten, so that was 30+ years ago!
(P) Pet Peeve: Public rudeness.
(Q) Quote from a Movie: "If you build it, they will come."
(R) Right or Left Handed? Right.
(S) Siblings: 1 younger brother.
(T) Time You Wake Up? Between 6 and 6:30 during the week, and whenever my eyes open on the weekend.
(U) Underwear: Usually.
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: Cauliflower.
(W) What Makes You Run Late: Husband getting up late pushes my time back.
(X) X-Rays You’ve Had Done: Right collar bone and teeth.
(Y) Yummy Food You Make: I don't really make anything news worthy.
(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: Polar Bear.

14 March 2011

Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Prison Librarian





by Avi Steinberg

I'm not really sure what to say about this one.  First, I take issue with him calling himself a librarian.  He doesn't have the degree, therefore he isn't a librarian.

That aside, this is a true story.  You won't find me working in a prison library.  No way.  But I guess someone has to do it, so a recent college graduate who doesn't know what else to do with his life would fit the bill.

There are parts where I think he is incredibly stupid.  There are parts where I feel that I would do the same thing, regardless of the 'rules'.  I guess I really did like this.  It's so far removed from what I would do with my life.  It was kind of nice to read something where the main character is not someone like me.  Will never be someone like me.

If you like libraries and/or books.  Read this.  Then get a hold of me and let's talk.  I don't think you will regret it!

3 out of 5 stars.

Currently reading:  Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

05 March 2011

How Did You Get This Number





by Sloane Crosley

Didn't love this.  It was short stories about the author.  Some of the stories were funny.  Liked the one about all the family pets, although I didn't like the way it ended.  I guess I might have liked this better if the stories weren't about her.  I mean, what made her think writing stories about her life would matter to people who don't know her?  I read it... I read a review somewhere... Isn't that the way it always works?  I read a review somewhere that makes me think I want to read it, but then I never remember where I read the review!  Let's be honest, most of the reviews I read are in Time Magazine or Entertainment Weekly.  But it's also possible that I saw it on the library website when I first got my Nook and was looking for things to read.  It was ok.  Not like I'm mourning the time I lost while reading it.  I wouldn't warn someone away from reading this, but I wouldn't recommend it either.

2 out of 5 stars.


Currently Reading:  Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental Prison Librarian by Avi Steinberg

Mexico Reads

Pat and I spent Presidents week in Cancun, Mexico.  I did a ton of reading by the pool, and it would just take forever to do a post for each book.  So I'll give a few sentences about each here:

by Jeffrey Masson

I was already reading this before I got to Mexico, so I had to finish it before I started anything else.  It wasn't what I was expecting.  I thought it was going to be a nice little story about a dog who loved too much.  It wasn't.  It was nonfiction about how dogs think.  I found it very interesting.
3 out of 5 stars.

  by Jen Lancaster
This was next.  I found her self confidence amazing!  She knew what she wanted and went for it.  Things didn't always work out the way she hoped, but she tried.  And she talked about the failures as well as the successes.  Can't wait to read more by her!
4 out of 5 stars.



   by Spencer Quinn

This is the book club book.  I knew I had to read it before we came home, otherwise I wouldn't have time to finish it before the meeting.  This is the story of Private Investigator Bernie and his dog Chet, a failed K-9.  It's the first in the Chet and Bernie Mystery series.  I'll read more.  I'm a sucker for a good story with a dog.  I could have done without the violence to poor Chet, but it was part of the story, and he seemed to be fine.

3.5 out of 5 stars.



  by Rene Gutteridge

I would never have read this if it wasn't the "Friday Free Book" from Nook the day before we left for Mexico.  That, and had I not read through everything else so fast.  This is about what happens when private conversations become public.  Very interesting!  I'm thinking about suggesting it for the next book club!

4 out of 5 stars.



  by Paula McLain

This is the first non-Nook book I read that wasn't school related since I got my Nook.  I won it from Goodreads.com a while back.  It's an advanced reader copy, not available to the public until March 8th.  It's the story of Ernest Hemingway's first wife, Hadley.  I had to keep reminding myself that this was FICTION!  I've never read anything by Hemingway and don't really care to.  Had no idea how many times he'd been married and wasn't sure I cared about his first wife.  But since I won it, I gave this a try.  I brought it to Mexico just in case.  And since I read everything else I brought, I read it.  Couldn't put it down.  Going to suggest this for book club too!

4 out of 5 stars.



Currently reading:  How Did You Get this Number? by Sloane Crosley

15 February 2011

This is Where I Leave You





by Jonathan Tropper

It's been a while since I read a book meant for adults that didn't suck.  I liked this one.  It was funny.  It was heart breaking.  It was shocking.

This is the story of Judd Foxman.  His father is dead.  He caught his wife in bed with his boss.  And his siblings are in the same house for the first time in years to sit shiva with their mother.  Look up dysfunctional in the dictionary and you will see a picture of this family.  Oldest brother Paul lost a baseball scholarship after being mauled by a dog, which he blames on Judd, so he went into the family business... a sporting goods store.  He's married to the woman Judd lost his virginity to years ago (it wasn't casual, they were in a relationship).  They're trying to have a baby but can't.  Wendy is the only sister.  She has three small children by an obnoxious husband who treats her like crap.  And then there's the youngest brother Phillip.  No one has talked to him in years, so they don't even know if he's coming to the funeral.  Any time they do hear from him, it's usually to bail him out of some jam.  Oh, did I mention Judd's wife is pregnant?  And she was pregnant before?  But the baby died weeks before delivery... strangled by the umbilical cord.  Now we have an idea where their marriage got off track.

I liked this book.  I didn't love it.  But I liked it.  Thank goodness because if I read another book that sucked...  If you're entertained by the misfortunes of others (I guess I am), then go ahead and read this one.


3.5 out of 5 stars.

Currently reading:  The Dog Who Couldn't Stop Loving by Jeffrey Masson

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

  by Kate DiCamillo

I have read several books by Kate DiCamillo and loved them all.  This is no exception!

This is the story of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit.  A child's toy.  He begins his life as a cold-hearted and proud toy living with a little girl.  He does not know how to love.  Until he looses the little girl.  Throughout the years, from one home to another, Edward learns to love a little more from the hurt involved in each loss.  The story ends with Edward spending years on the shelf of an old doll store, waiting for someone to buy (love) him.  He says he never wants to love again because it just hurts too much!  I won't spoil the ending, but it couldn't have been a more perfect ending!

This book had me on the verge of tears many times.  Not that it was so sad.  It was just so sweet!  It's meant for children, but as an adult, I enjoyed it immensely!  And you will too!


5 out of 5 stars.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

                 

 by Jeff Kinney

I read these books because my elementary school boys LOVE them.  We have 5 copies of all but the latest and they are NEVER on the shelf!  I read them for the same reason I read Harry Potter; I needed to be familiar with what my students are reading.  Plus, I like to laugh and if these are as funny as advertised, then count me in!

These are the diaries of Greg Heffley.  He writes about every day life as an elementary/middle school student... fights with his best friend, being the middle child and school conflicts.  They are funny... if you're an 8 year old boy.  There is little to no appeal for girls, but looking at them, I think that is to be expected.  Greg Heffley writes about things that are important to him.  And remember... these are diaries.  He does not intend for anyone to read these. 

A few years ago, I went to a book festival where Jeff Kinney was one of the featured authors.  His sessions were over flowing with 8 year old boys!  And I think this was before the second book came out.  Even before there was talk of the movie being made.

Unless you're a parent to a young boy, there is no reason for you to read these.  You are not missing anything.  If you're wondering if they're appropriate for an older elementary aged boy, absolutely.  They have the usual fart jokes that boys that age enjoy.  Let them read it.  If they're reluctant readers, these books just might be the hook they need to get them reading!

2 stars out of 5.
(Because I'm not an 8 year old boy!)

09 February 2011

World and Town





by Gish Jen

I finished this a few days ago and have been stalling in writing this.  I just don't know what to say about it.  It was ok.  I don't think I would really recommend it to someone unless there was something in their background that made me think they'd like it.

It's basically about an older lady, half American half Chinese and raised in China, mourning the loss of her husband and her best friend, who both died within a year of each other, when a previous love comes back to town.  Oh, and a Cambodian family with major problems moves in next door.  It's about Hattie's interaction with this family, the former love and the rest of the towns people.

I had a hard time following everything going on.  And I just didn't know where this was going.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Currently Reading:  This is Where I leave You by Jonathan Tropper

07 February 2011

Mo Willems

         
 
Today I began author studies with all my classes.  With first grade, we are learning about Mo Willems.  Have you ever read a book by Mo Willems??  I know, you're not a kid.  But trust me!  He's hilarious!  With stories like Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny and Elephant & Piggie, you can't go wrong!

The first time I really looked at one of his books, I didn't really know what to expect.  Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus was a finalist in a contest we were participating in, so I had to read it to every class (19 in total).  I looked at it and wondered, "How the hell am I going to read this out loud?"  It just doesn't look like the type of book that would work that way.  But I had to do it.  And I did.  And the laughter!!  Holy crap!  I was laughing so hard at the kids laughing!  So I looked at the rest of his books and decided they were decent enough to make into a unit.

This year, I'm in a new school, and the kids knew the pigeon books, but they didn't seem to appreciate them.  So now we're at the time of the year for author studies.  I showed the kids a Barnes & Noble "Meet the Writers" video, where he talked a little about why he does what he does.  He also tells them a secret!  The pigeon is in EVERY Mo Willems book!  Even those not about the pigeon!  Let the fun begin!!

I don't think there are any Mo Willems books left on the shelf.  A shipment of new books just came in and there are a few in there, but they aren't quite ready for check out.  I have 4 more classes this week.  The first class seemed to take all of them.  To actually read or to find the pigeon, I'm not sure.  But I'm not sure it really matters.

5 stars out of 5.

29 January 2011

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell

By Tucker Max

Please don't waste your time.  Quite possibly the worst book I have ever read!  If I remember where I'd read the review that made me think this would be good, I'd boycott that, too.  But I can't remember.
If you enjoy reading about a self proclaimed asshole who thinks all women are whores and enjoys getting drunk and having sex with all of them, then by all means, please read this.  It's basically a manual for being an asshole.  I'm not easily offended, but I'm offended.  Maybe not offended.  Disgusted that there are women out there who let themselves be objectified by men.  And towards the end of this book, the women all knew he was writing a book about it.  They have a word for women like that... SKANK!

0.5 stars out of 5.
 ... only because I laughed until I cried when he was so drunk he couldn't get to the bathroom in time and had a case of explosive diarrhea all over a hotel lobby.  He has been banned for life from that chain...

Currently reading:  World and Town by Jen Gish 

23 January 2011

Super Sad True Love Story





By Gary Shteyngart

Ugh.  That's all I can really say.  It takes place sometime in the future.  Exactly when, I'm not sure.  The 1980's and 2000's are talked about as though they're not that long ago, but I can't really pinpoint exactly when this was supposed to take place.  Apparently our country is at war with Venezuela and the soldiers are returning and not getting paid nor are they given the health care they were promised before the went.  No one can read or really converse.  They all have these devices that seem to be like our best cellphones on steroids.  So no one needs to talk.  Just point this device at someone and it tells you everything you need to know.  Libraries are closed because no one can read.  Books are considered ancient forms of media that smell bad.  People who have them are looked down upon.  The main male character is a wimpy sloth of a guy.  The main female character is a selfish bitch.  Hard to believe that two would move in the same circles, never mind have a romantic relationship.

Just skip this one.  I wish I did.

1 star out of 5.

Currently reading:  I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max

21 January 2011

Hunger Games Trilogy

   




By Suzanne Collins

Oh, Hunger Games, how you won me over!  I'm in a book club.  This should come as no surprise to anyone.  We're all, for the most part, teachers or librarians.  None of us had read Hunger Games, but we were all intrigued.  At first, I was uninterested because I knew it was set in what was formerly the United States and what was left after we ruined the planet.  I read the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld.  It had a similar setting, and I didn't love it.  I thought this was going to be the same.  I was wrong!

By the time I got to my book club meeting, I had 50 pages or so to go in the final book.  Yup, I read the whole series.  There were parts that were laugh out loud funny.  There were parts that were violent.  I just had to know how it ended!

**Spoiler Alert**  Now, I was definitely Team Peeta the whole time.  There was nothing wrong with Gale, but I looked at him more like her brother, not her lover.  Katniss did end up with Peeta.  But I'm not sure I'm ok with why she ended up with him.  And I know I'm not ok with her having babies after she spent her whole life being against it.

This series is intended for teens.  I'm wondering how they're going to do the movie (Ugh!  I'm so against all these books being turned into movies!).  There is a lot of violence.  How are they going to do it and have the intended audience be able to see it?  I read an interview in Entertainment Weekly with the man who is directing the movie version .  He seems committed to getting it a PG-13 rating.  We'll see...

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Currently reading:  Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

06 January 2011

Seven Year Switch

by Claire Cook

Jill Murray almost has her life together 7 years after her husband cleaned out their bank account and left her and their then 3 year old daughter, Anastasia.  For 7 years, she didn't know where to find Seth.  No child support.  No divorce.  They were living in her car when they went to Seth's parents for help, only to be told they were tired of cleaning up his messes.  Working several odd jobs in the travel and cooking industry to ensure Anastasia is never alone, Jill buys them a small house, but there is never enough money for extras.  And then Seth comes back, wanting to be a family again.  Anastasia welcomes her dad back with open arms, which of course, hurts Jill because she raised "Asia", as her dad now calls her, with no help from Seth and she's very resentful.  Who can blame her?

This had such great potential!  Jill wrestles with forgiving Seth and living as a family again.  And then there's Billy, who she meets during one of her odd jobs.  They had already been on a date when Seth returns.  Unsure of what to do, she forces Seth to be a parent so she can chaperone a girlfriends trip to Costa Rica.  In Costa Rica, she finally decides to walk away from Seth when she calls to check in and finds out that one of his old girl friends stopped by the house.  Deciding she could never really trust him, she decided they can be co-parents, but never a family.

All of this in less then 223 pages.  It was just too fluffy.  Nothing in life is ever resolved this neatly.  It was a nice story, but no where near realistic.  I was left wanting more.  I couldn't believe she ended it like that!  I didn't hate it, but I was disappointed.  If you don't want a deep story, then I think you will like it.


Currently reading:  Catching Fire (Hunger Games Series #2) by Suzanne Collins

03 January 2011

Books and Things

     I'm still working on getting this to look right.  It's a work in progress...  Anyway, it took me a while to figure out what to call this thing.  I asked for suggestions on Facebook and narrowed it down to 'Secrets of a Librarian' and 'Tina's Book Nook' (suggested by Kristy and Danielle).  At least with this title, I can go off on a tangent and talk about things other then books on occasion!
     I read a lot.  I'm a librarian, so that should come as no surprise.  I like to talk about what I read, but most of the time, no one knows what I'm talking about.  Here, I can talk about the books I like and the books I don't really like.  I rarely hate any of the books I read.  Some I like more then others, but I don't really hate any.  Most of the books I'm going to talk about will be meant for adults.  But since I work with kids and most of the books I read for work are for kids, I'll talk about them on occasion, too!

Currently Reading: Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook