Picture Perfect

It took me quite a while to finish this book, reading a chapter now and then. I had other books I was reading at the same time that were more interesting. Jodi Picoult books always bring attention to a social problem or question. This book focuses on abused wives and why they stay. I guess by the end I could see "why they stay" but was glad to see the main character finally take her life into her own hands. I can't say that I recommend it, unless this is a topic that interests you. I will probably read other of her books, they are usually more readable.

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Right now I am reading a book by Marisa de los Santos. I think she has only written three books. I loved the first two, and am loving her third one. Watch for a review SOON. I'm zooming through this one.

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer

I enjoyed this book. Light reading, mostly. But also some details about life during WW2 on this island in the English Channel. I see there is a movie coming out too. Do you enjoy books that are just a collection of letters? If so, you'll enjoy this. Appropriate even for my teen granddaughter. There are lots of interesting posts on the internet to go with this book: maps, Potato Peel Pie recipe, lists of all the books mentioned within the book, lists of other books that are collections of letters.

When looking for a photo of the book cover on the internet, I found this blog...a blogger made it her New Year's resolution to read a book a week in 2010. She got a journal-type calendar, drew a sketch of each book cover and a description of the book on the opposite page. I can't wait to go through her year of books. If she's read this one I bet she has read other treasures too. hmmm I wonder if I could do this...http://amultitudeofcounsellors.blogspot.com (go to 2010 entries.)

Jane

Jane vs. Jane Eyre


I read April Lindner's JANE very quickly. It was fast moving and easy to read. I found it enjoyable too - the story of Jane Eyre, written in modern time. This Jane is working as a nanny for a handsome rock star. Of course there is a mystery in the mansion, and those who know the story of Jane Eyre know what that is! This book does not change Jane Eyre's story, so no surprises if you have read Charlotte Bronte's original. The author is an English professor and she commented at the end that if her book encourages anyone to read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, she would be happy about that. So, I am!

I am 10 chapters into Jane Eyre and it is so much more satisfying than Jane! What an amazing novel. If you haven't read it for a long time, or ever -- pick up a copy and get reading! But keep a dictionary handy - she uses some interesting vocabulary!

The Story Sisters

Another Alice Hoffman book! This book made me cry more times than any other book I've read. So much trauma, death, problems. But, it had its high points too. Now that I've finished it, I would say it was a great read and I'm glad I read it. During the reading, it was so sad in places, like what else can go wrong, that I felt like putting it aside for some lighter reading. If you're an Alice Hoffman fan, its a must-read. If you are not, you might like to choose something else.

The Red Garden

I have always loved reading Alice Hoffman stories, but I had kind of forgotten about her, since she wasn't publishing as often as I liked. So, for several years I didn't even check to see what she had been writing. My "patience" has paid off and I found several Hoffman's that I wasn't aware of, and they are old enough to find cheap on Amazon, used.

THE RED GARDEN is a story about a town in Massachusetts, spanning 250 years. Each chapter could stand alone as a short story, but they are all indeed linked to this small town in America, starting in 1750, and ending in the present. You felt time passing by her use of actual historical events, Johnny Appleseed, World War 2, Viet Nam War. Also, the characters in the next chapter were usually the children or grandchildren of the characters in the previous chapter. One of the things I especially like about Alice Hoffman's writing is how she sprinkles it with a little "magic". Not real magic, but everyday love kind of magic. The Red Garden is no exception.

Three Maids for a Crown

by Ella March Chase

This is a book I kind of randomly picked from the new books section at the library. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. I have read a lot of historical novels about the Tudors. My first interest was Nora Lofts Books - I devoured them! Then, I discovered the Philippa Gregory novels - I have read every one. So, I felt a little snobbish starting this one, but I was surprised when it really kept my interest.

This was the story of THE GREY SISTERS, Jane Grey, Katherine Grey, and Mary Grey. They each spent some time in the TOWER, for different reasons, and different outcomes. It really focused on the intrigue and drama of life as one of the ladies of the queen. The author really brought these three women to life with her writing. I always enjoy it when a book includes at the end the "real" history and where they may have strayed from the truth in the novel. Entertaining. I might look for her other book: The Virgin Queen's Daughter.

What I want to know is why do these kind of novels always picture women in lovely gowns, with the tops of their heads cut off? Does it indicate a genre or just a lack of imagination?

The Orchard

The Orchard is one of the books I borrowed from the library a few days ago. It turned out to be pretty much a romance novel. Not that I have anything against a good romance, but it was kind of predictable. The interesting part about the book though that kept me going, was the background topic of the world of fragrance. It gave me a little peek into the world of chemistry and figuring out the scents and tastes that sell the products we buy. There was a very fragrant apple intertwined in the story too. I enjoyed all the descriptions of the clothes the main character wore, the foods she ate, how she noticed the fragrance of everything around her. You might like it too. I read it in less than 24 hours.

I have almost finished reading The Pleasure Palace by Kate Emerson. It's interesting, along the lines of the Phillipa Gregory novels I enjoy so much, just not as good.