Book Journey

First Women by Kate Andersen Brower and Narrated by Karen White

Published on May 15, 2016May 15, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)7 Comments

first women, kate andersen brower, karen white, narration, audio, book journey

If you think the President has a tough job, imagine being the First Lady! From uprooting your children from their homes, schools, friends, to be in the very public eye; to letting go of any sense of privacy, the ability to go shopping/drive for yourself, or even take a nice quiet walk in a park. You are “on” 24/7 standing next to your husband supporting his decisions (both good and bad), being scrutinized by the public for the way you dress, talk, your weight, your habits, and your contributions to the world at large. You run a staff in the White House and are in charge of decorating and planning White House events.

First Women takes you up close and personal to witness Michelle Obama’s desire to leave the White House as soon as possible hating the constant over attention and lack of any private life. Lady Bird Johnson’s struggles, Patricia Nixon’s ability to hold her head high, Jacqueline Kennedy’s marriage and heartbreak, Rosalyn Carter removing all alcohol from the White House, Nancy Reagan’s refusal to use a paper napkin, Barbara Bush being a part of the White House not only once, but twice with her daughter in law Laura, and Hilary Clinton…. potential to return to the house that blew her personal life up to the public and yet she wants back in.

I absolutely enjoyed Kate Andersen Brower’s book The Residence. I loved how she gave us an inside look into the inner working of the White House through the staff’s eyes. I gobbled up every word and was thrilled when I heard she was going to do it again but this time with the focus on First Women to our Presidents. As someone who values their privacy and down time I can not even imagine a life in the constant spot light.

Karen Andersen Brower once again does an amazing job of sharing with the reader/listener the inner dealings of the First Women of the White House. If you do listen to this one on audio, know that Karen White (who also narrated The Residence) does an exceptional job of capturing each of these women’s essence through her words. I listened to this audio from Minnesota to Chicago and thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

Highly recommended to those of us who enjoy great non fiction with interesting facts about people. I hope that whatever Karen Andersen Brower offers up next includes Karen White’s narration again… enjoy this duo!

I picked up First Women from the Brainerd Public Library

Listening Length: 12 hours and 26 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: April 12, 2016

Morning Meanderings… Return From The Expo (BEA!)

Published on May 15, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)35 Comments

Home.

As many of you know I was in Chicago this past week for the Book Expo (BEA). In the past, I have blogged from the expo – pictures, happenings, events…. this year, it was enough for me to just go. I forgot my two boxes of business cards at home, and after that initial “DOH!”, decided this was the year I would reconnect and took it easy.

I met up with my roommate Candace (Beth Fish Reads) on Tuesday late after noon after I drove the supposed-to-be-8-hours-and-is-actually-closer-to-10-hours drive from Minnesota to Chicago. We made it to our room, organized and then had appetizers and a glass of wine with Florinda (3 R’s Blog) and Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness).

As this week goes on I will give you a day by day break down of the who’s and whats of this years expo. I will share about the show, about the Audie Awards (SQQQUUUEEEEE), narrator connections, publishing connections, fellow bloggers (♥!), and more.

Today I just wanted to share that the Expo was a good decision for me to attend. It was good to get out of the house for a while and function like I used to. I have a long ways to go to coming back into some form of me, but this was a good start.

It is so easy to get caught up in the reconnecting with Publishers and people you have worked with in the past with reviews and write ups. It is also easy that while you are talking with these publishing houses to accept the 3, 4, 5,… books that the know you will just love and the pitch for these books leave you thinking that you must read this book. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I mention all of this because what i will share with you as this week goes on is how you go from driving to the expo with a few audio books in the front seat to keep you company (thank you Karen White you were an excellent road trip companion) to this….

LOL. Some people thought this would be pretty funny to stage my car and make it look over flowing with books. Anyway, stay tuned… there are plans and posts for these books as well as a save the date event (June 9) my 7 year Blogiversary where there will be the usual BEA giveaway packages to celebrate bloggers all over.

Until then… happy reading.

Morning Meanderings…. Mother’s Day

Published on May 8, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

It one of those days that I want to take out my Harry Potter wand and say,

“Riddikulus”

Of course 1. I do not own a Harry Potter wand. and 2. well, it would not change a thing.

I planted flowers yesterday in the back yard and this morning while out sitting at Justin’s bench I took a couple of pictures of my handy work. I have been on an emotional roller coaster with Justin’s benefit last weekend, his birthday this past Monday and now Mothers Day. I feel around this time of year that I can not catch a break.

A break is coming though. On Tuesday morning I will get into my car, put on an audio book and start driving to Chicago for the book expo. That is pretty crazy for me who has really come to like my home A LOT this past year – yet I know this will be good for me to get out into the world doing what I love and seeing other reviewers such as many of you. That…. makes me smile.

Today my son Brad and my husband Al are grilling and making a brunch for me. That is sweet as Justin was the planner in the family for things such as this and to watch these two try to come up with a plan is sweet. They know I do not want to go out anywhere so we will stay here, in my own little sanctuary where I can smile, and laugh, and cry all at once and not have people look at me that do not understand.

“Riddikulus”

And with that – Happy Mother’s Day to all of you. No matter where you are at today or what those word’s mean to you. For all of you hurting on a day like this, please think about something positive to make you smile and know and know and know that you are not alone.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth Narrated by Emma Galvin and Aaron Stanford

Published on May 5, 2016May 4, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

The final chapters in the Divergent Series….

Tris and Tobias along with a few of the gang we have come to love (or hate), continue to try to make things right. As the factions are no more, Divergents such as Tris are no longer outcasts, by considered genetically pure. Tobias who was once a strong leader of the Dauntless is not considered one of the genetically damaged. As both Tris and Tobias try to make sense of this new world, coming to term with past hurts, family, and what the future holds there is still an underlying plan humming through the city that can once again..

change everything.

I have a funny history with these books. I loved Divergent and everything is stood for. I read the follow-up of Insurgent and continued to love the books. When Allegiant was just a whisper with a release date I pre-ordered the book to read as soon as I could get my hands on it….

and then the buzz began…

about a week before the book released the word was out that the alternating chapters of Tris and Tobias from their point of view was not appealing. The word on the net was that a golden opportunity with this series was missed and I, I am ashamed to say, caught up with the hype, put the book on my book shelf…

unread.

Fast forward to the movies…. I loved the first two movies and seen both in the theater. Then it came time for Allegiant to come out, and I still had not finished the series. My rule (occasionally bent) is that I read a book before I see a movie made from it. So Allegiant was not a movie I seen at the theater. And then, I found the audio available for download from my library. Well then….. let’s do this.

My review…

After that LONG lead in, here we go. This is a good example of why we should not listen to others thoughts on anything and always see for ourselves. I did not mind the alternating chapters at all. Maybe it flowed better on audio, I do not know as that original book I bought is STILL unread on my shelf. I enjoyed this final to the series, how the world would work when you think you have fought for freedom that never really comes free.

The narration was wonderful. LOVED both narrators and I thought that Aaron Stanford was the perfect rough, young, dare I say sexy, voice that was right on for Mathias. Emma Galvin handled Tris’ character perfectly with just the right tone of self-confidence and intelligence you expect out of Tris.

My over all thoughts – initially I felt the books could have ended with Insurgent. Now I see why Allegiant was necessary. It is not the ending I would have wanted…. it is the one it needed to be.

Listening Length: 11 hours and 55 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: HarperAudio
Audible.com Release Date: October 22, 2013

Morning Meanderings… Positive Decisions

Published on May 5, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

Thursday morning. I would like a little more sun then what I am currently seeing in the sky, a little more energy to do all I need to do, and a little more COFFEE.

Yesterday afternoon after much heartfelt consideration I sent in my resignation from the Minnesota Association Of Library Friends Board. It was a hard decision to make. I enjoyed being a part of the decisions that Minnesota makes for their Friends groups and their Libraries. The dynamics of these meetings being over two hours away for me to attend was part of the decision. Two hours there, 3 to 4 hour meeting, two hours back. It was a full day commitment. It also, inevitably always collided with something else… my Friends (local) meetings, our book sales; the next one would have been Monday and Tuesday I leave for Chicago so it would have been a full day on Monday in St Paul and then leave Tuesday morning for Chicago and drive it again plus.

Even more than all of that – in this new world I have here, I prefer to stay closer to home. I have plenty to keep me involved locally. And I enjoy my time here. So for now… I take a step back. While my heart works on some sort of healing, I will do life a little closer to home. ♥

Today – I will work outside a bit while listening to audio. A couple of friends are stopping by this afternoon and later I will start to pack for next week trip. Moving forward day to day, little by little.

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson and Narrated by the author (AUDIE AWARDS)

Published on May 4, 2016May 4, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)3 Comments

In Jenny Lawson’s second book, Jenny again shares a little deeper this time into her journey with mental illness. In her crazy, funny, unique way Jenny both makes fun of some of the things she comes up with, as well as handles more serious moments woven within this unique tale of taxidermy raccoons, a cat named Ferris Mewler, the tolerance level of her husband Victor, dreams for a more tolerant understanding world, and more.

I met Jenny Lawson years ago in New York at the book expo. Honestly, her humor is at times a bit crude and the whole taxidermy discussions freaks me out, but I do appreciate her underlying humor and the message within. Saying that, while I know I am not her target audience, there are many who are and I applaud her for her unique voice and a unique listen in a world that can create many cookie-cutteresk books and audio. I think anyone who has listened to Jenny Lawson can attest to the uniqueness! 🙂

There are moments of laughter for sure. While driving through town and listening to this audio I had to laugh out loud when she talked about taking Smokey The Bear’s Message quite literally…

“Only YOU can prevent forest fires.”

Yikes. That is a lot of pressure.

I do appreciate Jenny Lawson’s quick whit, I can not deny laugh out loud moments. As a narrator, she rocks. In a book like this, no one else could narrate Jenny’s story other than Jenny. She can put just the right emphasis (or not) to each story of her life happenings. She can use just the right tone, and just the right amount of pause for the listener to catch what was just said.

While I may have passed on this one if not for the audio and Jenny Lawson being up for the Audie Award, I have to say I am glad I did listen to it. It is that same style of humor you get from her first book, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, but there is more here – a deeper message that spoke to me a little bit and I think if most of us are honest…. we would say the same.

Well done Jenny. Keep up the good fight.

Listening Length: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Audible.com Release Date: September 22, 2015

Morning Meanderings…. Spent.

Published on May 3, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

What a weekend and start to the week.

Hang on, this will take more COFFEE.

Ok I am back.

Spent means…. Used up; consumed. Tired; worn-out, exhausted

Saturday was Justin’s benefit in St Paul. It was an emotional roller coaster of a day – seeing his friends and ours = AMAZING. Looking around and realizing why everyone has gathered = HARD. In a way this year was harder than last year as last year I think I was still in shock and just going through the motions of what I needed to do. Seeing people gather from all over Minnesota on Saturday to honor and remember my son was more than I had imagined and it emotionally took a toll. I came home Saturday evening and went immediately to bed.

Sunday was a day of two naps and early to bed. I was so exhausted.

And yesterday…

well yesterday was Justin’s birthday.

(and Sunday is Mother’s Day and….. you get the point)

Yesterday I spent the morning at the Library at our monthly Friends meeting and looking at possible plans for the outside of the library. I then went to Home Depot and picked up a hanging basket and a hummingbird feeder, a new light for the memorial garden, and a few other things. I went to my friend Kerri’s flower shop and picked out 4 white roses in two sets of two.

As we do not have a place to visit Justin on special occasions, I use the benches as such. We have the bench at the library, and we have one in our back yard.

Justin DeChantal, Sheila, Book Journey, Brianerd Public library, Braierd Minnesota — Bench at the Brainerd Public Library

Justin DeChantal, Sheila, book journey — The bench in our back yard

So that has been the last few days. Nothing more than that. Today I am at the library for a few hours and then home to mow the lawn. It is still one day at a time. Yet I am still doing it, day by day.

Morning Meanderings… Going to the Benefit

Published on April 30, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

Today, as I sit here with my COFFEE this morning, it is a quick moment of relaxation before I jump in the car to head to ST Paul. Today is the ‘Be The Change You Want To Be” benefit for my son.

Bittersweet as you can imagine.

It is easy to get caught up in the to do’s. There is a Silent Auction, inviting people, making signs for the event…

but it is never far from my mind why we are doing this.

Justin’s friends Branden and Heather are hosting this and I am so proud of them. They are doing it to honor their friend, gather with memories, and raise money for Justin’s passion, the kids of Manuelito in Honduras.

My son had many passions. He loved living and experiencing life to the fullest. He loved his friends fiercely. And he loved going to Honduras and spending time with these kids who had become friends to him. One of our last conversations two days before his accident was about Manuelito and the kids. He had thought before leaving on this trip in 2015 that it would be his last. He was no longer in College and felt it might be time to focus on his future. Yes when he came back in March of 2015 he said,

“Mom, I just can’t give it up. I cannot imagine not being a part of that mission.”

So here we are. Honoring Justin’s wishes and loving him all rolled into one. I can’t imagine not.

If you find interest in Justin’s passion and the kids of Manuelito. You are welcome to give using this link, and in the comments put DeChantal Memorial. My mother heart of course thanks you.

For todays Saturday snapshot, a couple pics of Justin in Honduras.

Thanks everyone. I am off.

Texts From Jane Eyre by Mallory Ortberg and Narrated by Zach Villa and Amy Landon

Published on April 28, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)2 Comments

What would have changes with our favorite literacy characters if they would have had the ability to text? Would Scarlett O Hara be texting Ashley furiously about her need that he only have eyes for her? Would she have an acronym…. “FDD” for Fiddle dee dee? Would Daisy Buchanan text and drive? Would Ron be texting Harry about for infuriating Hermione is at the same time he is texting Hermione to see is she wants to go to the Quidditch game with him?

All this and more….

Texts From Jane Eyre has always held a bit of intrigue for me ever since I first heard about it. When this audio version came up for an audio award, I decided to go forward and see if it is as good as I hoped it was.

While Texts From Jane Eyre has it’s funny moments, for the most past many of the short conversations did not feel like texts. Another thing to mention is the books they share in their short snippets are books you are unfamiliar with, the humor to the message is lost in translation. I really wanted to enjoy it more, but unfortunately have to say I was glad it was a short listen.

Now here is when it becomes interesting when talking about the narrators. The narration was brilliant. Zach Villa and Amy Landon play off each other smoothly and I imagine they had a lot of fun doing it. Wonderful job of back and forth and voices… OMG the voices.

I honestly wish I would have liked this one more. I see by looking at online reviews I am for the most part in the minority. I think even though it wasn’t for me, it would make a fun gift for the literary lover you know!

Listening Length: 2 hours and 22 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Audible.com Release Date: January 21, 201

Morning Meanderings… Books In The Mail

Published on April 27, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)17 Comments

Wednesday. Already.

COFFEE CUP in hand, sun is out. Day has begun.

Yesterday afternoon I received a book package. For those of you who review books like myself I have to ask,

“Is it ever not exciting?”

I mean, even though I have been doing this since 2009 (EEP!), I still get excited about the package in the mailbox or on my doorstep. I cant wait to rip into that manila envelope and expose what is inside.

Is it a mystery?

A new friendship?

Something that will make me laugh? Cry? Think?

Will I learn something new?

Will it be a book I talk about long after that last page is turned?

This is the book that graced my doorstep yesterday. I opened the package. I looked at that cover. I think something like “ooooh” escaped my lips. Yup, you can not take the book geek out of the girl.

Seriously though LOOK at that cover. LOOK at that title. How could you not want to know?

So that’s my thoughts this morning. I have coffee with my aunt to get to, a meeting at the mall, things to prepare for the benefit, and later the City Library meeting.