Do You Judge A Book By It’s Author?

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)22 Comments

Come on… admit it…

nobody is watching….

nobody knows you are reading this post right now…

admit it…

you’ve done it…

shoot, I HAVE DONE IT.

and more than once.

You read a book, it s not a fit for you for whatever reason.  There is a good chance that unless that author has some sort of reputation that makes you want to try again, you are most likely probably out for future books by this author.

And maybe that is the right thing to do.

Maybe.

There are always exceptions to every rule and I want to bring out some examples today of yup, I was wrong, books that I feel are our of an authors norm, and for me personally, a better author for it. 

*Note:  The authors I am about to mention are well established authors who know what they are judged for in their writing, I am not dissing them, or anyone who enjoys reading them.  Instead, what I am trying to do here is point out that if you have a pre notion of what an authors writing is like, these are examples of where it is different and mainly to prove my point here – that we shouldn’t give up on an author after one book.  😛

Nora is known for being an author of many many books.  She has been putting them out since 1981 and that is impressive.  When I think of Nora Roberts I think trilogies… I think the first book will introduce three men or three women…, one of these men or women will take the protagonist role for that book and somewhere early on a love interest will be introduced and by the end of the book – yay!  They are together.  The second book will take one of the two characters that were introduced in the first book and wallah, now they are the protagonist and the same thing will happen, and then again in the third book.  It is a tried and true formula.  It has worked time and again for Nora Roberts.

Now it is true that not all her books are trilogies, she does write some stand alone reads as well, many times with the same outline as I dictated above, but no, honestly I don’t think all. 

For me personally, I have never been a fan of the romance read.  The handsome men or the beautiful women all finding ways to each other does not a page turner make for me.  And that’s just me….

however, here is where Nora Roberts scored big with me.

Now I know you are looking at these three books and  thinking “Sheila, are you off your rocker?  It’s a trilogy!  There are three!”  And if you have read these then you also know… there is a little romance in them and then you may want to say, “Sheila, I know these books!  They are about three women!  They meet three guys throughout the three books…. this is the Roberts formula tried and true!  How are they any different?”

And for you I say, these are different… because the women….

are witches. 

It’s true, the story line in my opinion is superior and the strong independent modern-day women with powers is well… they are three of my favorite all time books. 

And as long as we are discussing Roberts, she does it again here:

Mmmm hmmm, yeah yeah yeah… another trilogy – yes three strong women again but again… with powers!  I don’t know why that gets me… but it does and I love that! 

Ok one more example:  Stephen King.  What comes to mind?  Sure, Christine, a possessed car.  Carrie, yes a possessed girl.  Thinner, creepy thin guy… yup.  It, ugh, probably the creepiest as I really don’t like dolls and It is a clown or to me… a big doll.  Pet cemetary, yes, people and pets back from the dead… gross, but keep going!  Cujo, spooky book and movie, and CRAZY scary dog.  Misery, yes crazed book fan, oh wait… I like that – no no I am kidding of course, she is nutso!  Anyhoo, you got this… Stephen King writes deep creeptastic stories.

And then… he writes this:

So what is this?  This is historical fiction, it is a little time travel…. it is a great “what if” story that simply blew me away when I listened to it a few months back.  This is not your typical Stephen King, in my opinion, it is some of his best work.  There is no more creep factor in this one beyond a bit of intense moments, and average mystery type happenings.    If you have not gone here…. do so.  Soon, if not now.  😀

Now it can happen in reverse too… I read Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard forever ago.  Laughed out loud silly and funny.  Every Linda Howard I have tried since… flat line.  Cant get into them. 

Now I turn this over to you.  I would love to hear your examples of the books that seem out of an authors normal writing genre or pattern that made you look twice at an author you perhaps would not have .  Please share your experiences below.

Dead Running By Cami Checketts – Celebration and HUGE GIVEAWAY!

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)27 Comments

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.
With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she’ll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

I first encountered Cami Checketts when she approached me just a few months after I had started blogging with an opportunity to read and review hew book The Sister Pact.  I was so impressed with her book that when I was done reading it I approaches her to see if I could interview her about the book, her writing life, and her life outside of books.  She said yes, and in fall of 2009, I learned a lot about Cami.

Even then she was a huge fitness enthusiast, and so it was so surprise to me when Cami approached me about her new book, Dead Running, that is was indeed centered around a character who works out.  I knew I wanted to read it and Cami not only rushed the books into my hands, she asked me if I would be one of the blurbs on the back on her book.  (oh yeah, insert SSSQQQUUUEEE here!) 

I couldn’t wait to get into this book, and expect a review this week, as it is currently out in E book format, the print version will hit the shelves in just a coupe days, on May 1st.

Today what I am here to chat about is the HUGE promotion that Cami has going along with the books release. 

Cami is working with the following companies to give away the following:

Experienced and beginner yoga packages from Hugger Mugger

Two MIO Global Active Watches

Three months online personal training from Fitcore Fitness

Three Lebert Stretch Straps

Fitness Apparel from Running Chics

One pair of running shoes from Altra Zero Drop

iFrogz Earbuds and Armbands

Six month adult membership: Smithfield Recreation Center

One month membership: Crossfit UAC

Autographed copy of Dead Running by Cami Checketts (SSQQUUEE!!!!)

To enter please leave a comment on this post as to what your exercise of choice is and why.  I want to know, what gets you moving?  It can be as extreme sport as you want, or it can even be a little dancing while cooking dinner…  😀

Your comment will enter you into a chance to win one of these amazing prizes.

If you have read this book, or you are planning to, a review of it on Amazon will earn you ten extra entries.

This giveaway will close on May 18th.

You can enter on all the blogs participating if you wish, they are listed below:

Morning Meanderings… Sunday Salon

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)34 Comments

 

Wow.  Sunday again.  Already!  My past week was a crazy busy one…

 

And now here I am on Sunday already.  I was supposed to go on a bike ride today around Mile Lacs lake with one of my bike teams and I am bowing out.  😦  Mainly because there was something I was hoping to get done last night and not have to do today but that did not happen. 

The ride today would bring me home late afternoon and I just have too much to do to escape for the day.  I am bummed… but there will be other rides. 

I did get a few books in the mail:

 

With the first week of May sneaking up on us here I will have some reading to do this upcoming week for a book tour and for my book club! 

What are your plans for this Sunday?

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)42 Comments

"Nesbo", "The snowman"

On a chilly November evening in Oslo Norway, the snow if falling.  It is the first snowfall of the season.  When Jonas awakens in the night he discovers that his mother is gone, and in the yard a snowman has appeared, eerily facing the home instead of the street… and oddly wearing his mother’s scarf around its thick white neck.
Police Investigator Harry Hole is called to the scene of the crime and as the pieces start to fall where they may – Harry starts to see a pattern… many women throughout a series of years that have gone missing, on the first snowfall of a year.  When a letter addressed to him arrives all mysterious and creepy, Harry starts to see that he too is becoming a part of the killers master plan…
It looks like The Snowman may be a movie some day...

Jo Nesbo is an author I have heard much about.  I liked the titles and covers of his books and have felt for some time now that getting a Nesbo book under my belt was a must do.

Having now done that, I think I can check Nesbo off my “to do” list and move on.

What I liked about the book:  I can understand the fanship that has been created around Nesbo’s books.  He is well written, and the storyline is dark, yet fascinating.  The crime itself is well thought out and detailed so you can not only understand how Harry picks up on the clues and moves forward, but you can also understand how the killer thinks as well.  Well yes, CREEPY, it is also very well-developed both factual and fictionally.  The narration by Robin Sachs is melt in your mind fantastic!


What I didn’t like about the book:  Harry Hole (oh don’t even get me started on his name...) is in my humble and honest opinion… disgusting.   The language in the book at times made me cringe, even more so, the actions and descriptions of the many sexual acts that Harry is involved in made me come close to shutting off the audio many times and making an understandably DNF (Did Not Finish) claim to the book and move on.

Why I didn’t turn it off:  Unfortunately for me, and probably a win for Nesbo, is that if you could take out all the language and crap that made me want to vomit, the story line is a good one.  While this book as a whole did not appeal to me, I can see why it does appeal to others.  Nesbo can write great characters (ummm… not in their character itself, but as characters….) and great realistic descriptions.

Will I read Nesbo again?  Most likely no, while I did enjoy the writing, he would have to change into a completely different format for me to even consider cracking open one of his books or pushing play without cringing on an audio player. 

I had heard a murmur that these books were a bit like Stieg Larsson’s writing (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), which I had only read one of his books but did not finish the series, I personally feel this book is darker and cruder that Stieg Larson ever was.

Ok, I will quit beating a dead horse…. errr, snowman here. 

Now… just because I love doing Beth Fish Reads Weekend Cooking, and I also love tying food into books I read… I am adding a simple recipe, but one that I would totally use if my book club was going to read this book (and I assure you, they are not!) as a group..

Cherries In The Snow

  • 1 (8-ounce) tub fat-free cream cheese
  • 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 (12-ounce) carton frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping, thawed
  • 8 cups (1-inch) cubed angel food cake
  • 1 (20-ounce) can light cherry pie filling

Preparation

Beat cream cheese at medium speed of a mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, beating until blended. Gently fold in whipped topping.

Place half of cake cubes in a large glass bowl; top with half of cheese mixture. Spread half of cherry filling over cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining cake cubes, cheese mixture, and cherry filling. Cover and chill.

*Not my recipe, this is from a favorite recipe site:  My Recipes.com

Goodreads Review

Here are some other reviews on The Snowman by bloggers I respect:

Leeswammes Reviews

Literate Housewife

Rhapsody In Books

Book Chase

You’ve Gotta Read this!

This audio was a win and a thank you to Jennifer from Literate Housewife,

even though I did not love this one, I am thankful for the

opportunity to experience Nesbo.

Morning Meanderings… Pics From Recent Life Stuff

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)37 Comments

Good morning and happy Saturday!  My FAVORITE day of the week.  I have had (I didn’t finish this post before I had to leave) a commitment this morning so need to get to the point today  so I am really late putting this post up this morning.  D

I want to participate in Alyce’s Saturday Snapshots but have not really thought of a theme or event of current interest so thought I would give you just a splattering of life happenings in the past two weeks or so…

 

You ever have people in your life you just have a blast hanging out with? My friend Amy here is one of them. A couple of weeks ago we went out to dinner with them and had a great time!

 

Hunger Games was my World Book Night hand out - SO FUN!

 

This is just one of the gorgeous items that was on the silent auction I was at for Camp Benedict on Thursday

 

 

The pups got a haircut on Friday... L: Sam (the stray we inherited three weeks ago) and R: Bailey, who has been with us for 13 years.

 

The gorgeous throw I won during The Dewey Read A Thon for playing one of the mini challenges arrived this morning. I will be curling up with this today on this cold afternoon while reading. 🙂

 

Please stop by and say hi to Alyce, the host of Saturday Snapshots and see who is else is showing pictures of their corner of the world today.  🙂

In other news… I am joining the Meg Cabot read a long because it sounds like good summer time fun! 

As for this cold breezy day in Minnesota, I think I will spend part of it under the above lovely throw reading a bit of the afternoon away, and finishing the audio books of The Snowman and Home Front, both of which are on their last cd.  I may see if hubby would like to go out to dinner or something tonight. 

How are spending your Saturday?

Dance Upon The Air by Nora Roberts

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)16 Comments

Nell Channing finally did what was long over due.  She found a way to escape her abusive marriage.  Feeling free for the first time since she can remember, she changes her look, and finds herself stepping off a ferry on to a quaint place called Three Sisters Island.  Nell was drawn to the stories around the island, the folklore that said the island was created by ancient witches in 1692 and still to this day carried the magic of years gone by.

Nell felt like she had found a home in this touristy island, and quickly secured a job at the local Book Store, Cafe Books, owned by the mysterious, Mia Devlin.  Mia had many island rumors circling around herself as well.. she owned the beautiful house on the cliff that could be seen from the ferry and was believed to have powers handed down from the generations of powerful women of the island before her.

And then there is Ripley, sister to the handsome sheriff, Zak.  Ripley, as Mia knows, is the second of the”three sisters” on the island that still carry magical powers, yet as much as Mia embraces her powers, Ripley rejects them, hates that this is a gift handed down to her from the island, and does everything she can to deny it.

But Mia, and with her pulse on the island itself is well aware of the power the island has given her.  She is also well aware that the island is called Three Sisters Island, and to complete the circle, there is to be a third.  Mia has a strong feeling the third part of the sisterhood just came to the island in the form of a small woman who is currently in her employment and seems to be running from something.  And that something, seems to be coming towards the island like a dark cloud that Mia can see and feel clearly, and she knows it will take the power of three to ensure the survival of all involved.

 

The audio was FANTASTIC!

Two things are true:  1.  This is not your typical Nora Roberts book.   2.  This is one on my all time favorite reads.

I first read Dance Upon The Air in August of 2001.  I know this for a fact because it was the first book our book club read together and because the book touched me so much that it graces my book shelf in triplicate, so I can always have a spare to give out to someone.

I LOVE books that have to do with strong, independent women, and if these women have powers… all the better.  Dance Upon The Air covers all this well, I often refer to this book as paranormal, before paranormal was cool.

There is so much I love about this book and the two that follow it, Heaven and Earth, and then Face The Fire – all written in typical Nora Roberts fashion with her trilogies, each book features one of the three women.  All equally awesome – which is rare in trilogies.

I have wanted to read this one again for a long time, but as book lovers know – its hard to get back to the ones you have read before when so many awesome reads are waiting to still be read…

I think I have found the secret to the re-read, try it in a different format.  In this case, I listened to this book on audio and I am so over the top thrilled that I did.  It is narrated beautifully by Sandra Burr  and I cant even tell you how relieved I was that this older read was delightful as well in audio.

Do yourself a favor and give this book (or audio) a try.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised and this is definitely a do not judge a book by its author.  (and yes, watch this weekend for a post on that!)

Goodreads Review

Here are a few other awesome book reviews and their thoughts on this book:

Irregular Tammie

The Best Reviews

Belle Wong

World According To Books

I purchased this audio from audible.com

Morning Meanderings… Book Adventures

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

Good morning…

Yesterday was a BUSY day, while I took the day off, I did so to help with a benefit for Camp Benedict.  I had a blast being a part of helping make it happen, and I think it was a huge success.  The Silent Auction was wonderful – it actually brought tear to my eyes when I seen how generous our community could be. 

I walked out with a massage gift certificate, a basket of hair products, a movie basket with Batman Returns and an assortment of popcorn, seasonings, and vintage popcorn bags, a basket of chocolates from our local chocolate shop… ooh these are made locally and DANGEROUS, and a basket of homemade banana bread and banana muffins…. (the muffins are going to work today to share with my co-workers).  😀

 

In bookish worlds I am in several places….

I am in Germany with Jolene who is going to be coming home from the war now.  Michael has tried to tell her how much he loves her, but right now Jolene is feeling “too little, way too late”, life is going to be quite different for this family in light of recent events…  Home Front

With Detective Harry, we are getting closer to capturing the crude murdered but really – it has taken a long time to get there and dealing with much of this audio’s …. mmm…. lets say crudeness, I am pretty sure in the end I will not be a fan of Joe Nesbo.  The Snowman

On Three Sisters Island I am enjoying a fun conversation between Mia and Nell about things Nell will need – swatches of fabric, candles, incense, she already has her wand from a living birch, but Mia tells Nell she will want to pick out her own cauldron.  (Oh how I have missed this book and I had forgotten how much!)  Dance Upon The Air

I am following Andrew through reckless choice after reckless choice as he runs from what he knows, what he doesnt want to embrace…. The Secret Life Of A Fool

 

I am taking Bailey in for a haircut this morning, running into work to get a few projects wrapped up and then I think I bike ride this afternoon… the weather looks like it will be lovely and I am itching to get on the trail. 

I hope your Friday is wonderful 😀

 

Whole Latte Life by Joanne Demaio

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)16 Comments

 

Long time friends Sarah Beth and Rachel decide to go into New York to celebrate their fortieth birthdays together, kind of a girls weekend.  They had charted out plans of things to see and do together, and over a lunch in a Manhattan restaurant, Sarah Beth takes this opportunity to excuse herself to use the restroom and then…

disappears.

Well, not exactly disappears as a frantic Rachel soon finds out.  She did leave a note:

Please don’t tell Tom about this.  I really need some time alone Rachel to sort things out.  I am so sorry to do this now on our fortieth birthdays.  I know it means a lot to you and I promise you another celebration.  We go back a long way and you are the only one who will understand and let me do this.  Let me walk away from it all for a little while.  It sounds crazy I know.  Please give me these couple of days alone to try to figure it out, to figure me out.

~page 5, Whole Latte Life

Of course a book that makes me think of coffee and friends is going to catch my eye!

Ok… who has ever wanted to run away from the life they have?  *raises hand*  I admit, I have had times in my life where I have thought “If only I could just get away from it all – no phones no communications, just me on my own”.  This is usually accompanied by some virtual vision of me either living in the woods and living off the land, or in a better scenario, alone at a beach house, far enough away from civilization that I can be at peace and alone, but not so far that I can’t drive in to a small town for groceries or a take out pizza.  😀

In Whole Latte Life, Sarah Beth takes that step that most of us have day dreamed about, and then push the thought aside as we get ready for our jobs, or cook supper.  As a character, I honestly can’t say I liked her.  Sarah Beth’s choices from the very beginning came off to me as selfish, and she never really redeemed herself in my eyes until the very end.  I understand in this book she has had a major loss in her life that contributes to much of her “fight or flight”, but I am thinking get yourself some help sister… see someone you can talk too. (Oh, and dont even get me started on her husband who goes from one extreme… to another). 😯  I am hoping I do not come off as not understanding what Sarah was going through…

I would also say, as I write this, that Sarah Beth is going through a bit of a mid-life crisis, and maybe saying “a bit” is not strong enough…. I would say it is a BIG TIME mid-life crisis.  She dwells on the path not taken, she wonders if an old flame may still be out there waiting for her… she has kids and a husband, but she seems to not think of them first, but instead herself.  (Which again makes me think get this girl a hotline to some therapy!)

Rachel on the other hand, I liked.  Widowed with a daughter, she is a good and patient friend to Sarah Beth, at least as much as she could be.  Her story line I found carried the book, even though the synopsis on the back of the book is all about Sarah Beth and Rachel’s name is not even mentioned. 

My final thoughts:  What I had hoped to get out of this book was a story of strong female friendship against all odds.  In a way that happened, but much differently than I thought.  I feel Rachel takes the leading role here not only as a true friend but as the story line I was most interested in.  I felt Sarah Beth got away with way too much for her family to endure as they did… and maybe that is just me being me.

The book is well written, and my ability to like or not like a character – is most likely, my issue. 

I recommend this book to anyone who ever felt their life was crumbling around them and survived through a supportive family or a great friend.

Amazon Rating

Goodreads review

 

Here are some awesome book lovers who have also reviewed this book:

Write Meg!

Bookfan

Escape with Dollycas

Kritters Rambling

 

 

 

 

Morning Meanderings… Things In My Mind And Now On The Blog

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)24 Comments

 

Good morning!  😀  Hope Thursday finds everybody well!  We are so close to the weekend that I can smell it!  😀  It is looking to be shaping up to another gorgeous day here in Minnesota and I am wishing I had time to play in it, but alas, no… I will have to wait until tomorrow.

I currently feel like I have a lot of irons in the fire (I know… odd saying, but there it is).

This morning I am basking in the quiet lull before my day takes off… but my mind is still tossing through to do’s like playing cards… (I don’t know what is with the metaphor’s, just smile and nod…. )  😛

 

Today I took the day off from work to help Connie with her first dinner and silent auction combo for Camp Benedict.  We will be setting up the place this afternoon, I will be helping her set up the auction, and prepare whatever she needs…. I am at her disposal. The actual event starts at 5 pm tonight with a social hour and then movies on to a dinner, and program.  I believe it ends between 8:30 and 9 pm. 

My to do’s building in my head are related and also not to this event:

  • get nails done if there is time
  • put an address on that package in the car that I forgot to label (after I open it to see what it is and who I was sending it too *sigh*
  • I have a little more prep work for a class that starts Sunday – do I go in to work tomorrow for a bit, if so when?
  • I want new cards for BEA this year, what does that look like?  Can I incorporate my new header?
  • I must register today for the Iron Man bike ride before Amy has my head on a platter.
  • I need to (want to) ride bike this weekend… I hope the weather cooperate so I can do the ride around Mile Lacs Lake on Sunday with the team
  • I need to write that review today, this morning.
  • DO I take a change of clothes with me tonight, and change later or do I just wear what I am going to wear for the day?
  • WHY did I eat that really yummy MAGNUM ice cream bar last night?
  • What should I get Al for supper so he has something in house with me gone tonight?
  • DO I have enough audio in the car for the ride to and from the event tonight.
  • Should I take a book with me in case we are done with set up early… (and also, DUH – of course I will take a book!) and then, uhhhh…. which one?

 

Anyhoo…. thats my head. 

I am really excited for today and so thankful I am finally feeling better after two days of headaches, I think maybe sinuses?  I look forward to having a great time for a great cause. 😀

 

The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)17 Comments

22 year-old Grace Winters never dreamed her life would turn out so well.  Newly married to the rich and handsome Henry Winters, she is now on a big beautiful ocean liner crossing the Atlantic on her way to meet his family and on her way to a new and better life.

When a mysterious explosion causes the ship to sink, Grace is placed in a lifeboat secured by her husband along with 39 other people.  She can only believe that Henry certainly found a way off the boat as well and they will meet again once they are safely back on dry land, wherever that may be. 

For three weeks they are adrift, and a lot can happen when you are in a small boat that long with no privacy.  Slowly as every once of dignity is stripped away, the little food and water they have is gone, one must look for other ways to survive.

A little over two years after the Titanic, comes The Lifeboat.

Sound a little familiar?  Perhaps.  I will admit, on this the 100th anniversary since the Titanic sunk I was intrigued by a book that took on a similar story line, around the same time frame as Titanic.  While Titanic was in 1912, this is 1914. 

The story line starts after they are rescued.  In the first opening lines you learn that Grace is now in New York, she has just survived this major trauma, and she is on trial for murder.

Interesting plot line?  You bet!

I listened to this on audio, and enjoyed the retelling by Grace as she looked back over what had happened the weeks before, from the time she was placed into the lifeboat alongside an assortment of men and women of various backgrounds, status, and age, including one man, Mr. Hardie, who is the only member of the ship’s crew. 

What ensues over the three weeks is what I can only describe as the slow breaking down of the human mind.  Three weeks is a long time to be in any kind of boat let alone a life boat designed for 40 people and as time goes on everyone involved would agree… 40 people was way too many. 

So what does happen in three weeks?  That I can not tell you.  I can tell you that Grace’s narration is sometimes vague, sometimes left me feeling that there were more holes in her story than in the ship… this could be credited to either poor character development, or the brilliance of an author who has decided that over developing characters in this situation would have come across as false. 

I will let you be the judge of that. 

Would I recommend The Lifeboat?  Fans (ugh.. that seems like  a harsh word) of Titanic like tales I believe will walk away with something positive out of this book, but don’t expect to be blown away.  While a good story, I personally was looking for something more.

Amazon Rating

Goodreads Review

 

Want to see some other thoughts on this one?

Jenn’s Bookshelves

Rhapsody In Books

Book Monkey

A Musing Reviews

I purchased The Lifeboat from audible.com