Book Journey

The Guest Cottage by Nancy Thayer

Published on June 16, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

Sophie Anderson is dumbstruck when her husband Zach of 16 years comes home and announces he wants a divorce. He has fallen for his younger and attractive co-worker and feels that Sophie should have known it was coming, after all, she really is more about their two children than she is about Zach.

Is that true?

Zach decides it is best if he moves in with his lover right away and give Sophie the summer to prepare for the divorce. Sophie totally blindsided needs to get away with the children and have time to think. She rents a house on Nantucket from a friend for two months.

Trevor Black is dumbfounded on what to do with his 5-year-old son Dylan. After the sudden loss of Trevor’s wife, Dylan has taken up habits that concern Trevor. When a friend offers him a chance to stay a couple of months in a home on Nantucket Trevor thinks that may be just the break he needs and time alone with Dylan to help him through the loss.

Turns out, Trevor’s friend is a relative of Sophie’s friend and they have double booked the Nantucket home by accident.

When Sophie and Trevor discover the dilemma they decide that the house is big enough for the two families to both stay, after all neither wants to give up this much-needed break. Sophie and her two children will take one wing of the home and Trevor and Dylan the other. They agree to try this for a week and see how it goes.

I really enjoyed The Guest Cottage. Yes it was predictable. Yes some things were a little too convenient. Perhaps a little too much was put on the age difference between Sophie and Trevor (she was 36 and he was 30 and it is brought up A LOT by Sophie, event referring to herself as “almost 40”.. I can guarantee you when I was 36 I never once said that I was almost 40. ; ) I don’t care I liked it anyway.

Nantucket in literature seems to be the backdrop for many a lovely summer read. I admit I am a sucker for those “have to get away” books and the characters land in a sweet rental or back in their home town. I liked Sophie and enjoyed the easiness of the read. I listened to this on audio and narrator Janet Metzger had a good voice for most of the characters (the children’s voices were sweet), however by the end of the audio I picked up on Trevor having an accent I had not heard earlier. It could have been me.

Recommended for good summer reading or listening.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 10 hours and 41 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Audible.com Release Date: May 12, 2015

All The Single Ladies by Dorthea Benton Frank

Published on June 15, 2015June 15, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)16 Comments

If you are looking for a fun read with women friendships, a wonderful southern low country buzz running through the background and the smell of something good cooking on the stove with a tasty drink in your hand, reach for a book by Dorthea Benton Frank. ~Sheila

When Lisa St Clair watches her favorite patient Kathy Harper lose her battle with cancer, she is impressed with the two friends that stayed by Kathy’s side during her long battle. Carrie and Susan have been placed in charge of taking care of Kathy’s personal things and Lisa offers to help in any way she can. The three women become closer as they try to solve the mysteries of Kathy’s past that she had kept so quiet. With relationships popping up everywhere, a crazy greedy landlord, a wonderful 99-year-old woman, a young adult making poor choices and a dog named Pickles, who knows what will happen?

When I had an opportunity to invite a group of friends over to discuss this book I quickly said yes. If it has Dorthea Benton Frank’s name on it, of course I would say yes! At the time of our gathering none of us had read the book but we all received it that afternoon. I started the book later that day.

Book Journey, Sheila DeChantal — Upper left – the food that was suggested to make for the get together: Ritz crackers with cream cheese and red pepper jelly, cheese straws (mine were cheese bars), and shrimp with the seasonings sent in the book package Upper right – The All The Single Ladies Drink: vodka, with a splash of cranberry juice (we diluted this with 7 up) Lower left – Sweet Tea! Lower right – the entire cast of goodies

Having a fun event is a great way to kick off reading a book. I enjoyed All The Single Ladies by Dorthea Benton Frank. It is an easy summer read. I liked the cast of characters and the story line was set up as a light mystery centered around a woman who I wish I as well as the three protagonists knew a little better. Kathy sounded like someone worth knowing. There are a few life lessons mixed within the pages, light sprinkles of wisdom when it comes to family dynamics, I suspect each of us as readers can find someone within this book or some situation that is discussed that hits a familiar note.

A sweet easy read and perfect for Summer time.

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (June 9, 2015)

Morning Meanderings… Minnesota Authors

Published on June 15, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)26 Comments

Monday. As I lay in bed this morning thinking through my day it suddenly came to me that it was Monday and Monday’s in June and July are Brown Bag Author events at the Brainerd Public Library. Something I am a part of.

… and I almost forgot.

There is not a lot to be done for the Brown Bag Author prep however it does need to be done and I am pretty sure I am signed up to do it today. Basically it is show up at about 10:30 and set up the room by putting out the podium, chairs, a signing table for the author, a place for the books, bottled water, make coffee, put out a treat of cookies or bars, and set up the table of Friends Of The Brainerd Public library stuff. Around 11:30 our author who is speaking will show up and they will be shown where they will be speaking, signing, etc… at noon we begin.

These author events are called Brown Bag Authors because people are welcome to bring their lunch with them. The authors are paid for by my group, The Friends of the Brainerd Public Library so this is a free event to the public.

Today’s author is Paul Radomski and his book is Lakeshore Living, a topic that should be of interest to those of us in the Brainerd Lakes area who enjoy cabins on the lake. I was reading up on his book this morning and thought it sounded interesting. Here is what it is about:

The authors present an approach to lakeshore living that addresses the need to create rich, sustainable places and communities on the water, where both the loon and the family find a place, and where the cabin can be handed down with integrity to the grandchildren. Fragile shorelands require care, and that caring comes from knowledge, experience, and an environmental ethic. Radomski and Van Assche argue that an environmentally sensitive lakeshore place and community design is the way forward. While many factors affect the quality of lakes and lakeshore living, property owners and local communities do not have to wait until policies are perfect: the design approach advocated here can be applied in any place people living lakeside can get together and collaborate. The approach presented here is proactive and context sensitive: new designs have to fit the existing ecological, cultural, and policy landscapes. Development is always re-development in this sense. The authors introduce the reader step-by-step to this approach and carefully discuss leverage points that can be helpful in implementation and system change.

Last week our author was Lorna Landvik and I enjoyed listening to her. Lorna is a fun author and is also the Emcee of Wine and Words for the third year in a row. She also has become a friend through out the years. I have her latest book, Last To Laugh but still need to read it.

As for the big stuff going on in my life… I seriously wake up every day and think, It just can’t be. I still struggle wrapping my head around this new world.

Day 72.

The All-Girls Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flag

Published on June 14, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

I have mentioned I am reading a bit lighter than normal and if you know Fannie Flag, that sure fits the bill although I admit to be pleasantly surprised by learning a thing or two while listening to this book. ~ Sheila

Mrs. Sookie Poole of Alabama has just married off the last of her daughters. Now the biggest task on her agenda is dealing with the pesky blue birds. Well, that and her mother the center of her own universe, Lenore Simmons Krackenberry.

When a certified letter arrives at Sookie’s home revealing a secret her mother had kept from her, Sookie’s world is turned upside down. Everything she thought was true has turned out to be a cover up and now it is up to Sookie to decide what to do with this new information.

I think most of us may recognize the name Fannie Flag from her popular book made into a movie Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. If you know the book/movie you may recall it is a combination of a great story with a wicked twist of humor entwined. In fact, just writing about it here makes me want to watch the movie. This is what drew me to this book, I felt if it was anything like Fried Green Tomatoes I would like it.

I liked it.

Listening to this book on audio with narration by Fannie Flag herself was a real treat. The characters are delightful and the way that Fannie Flag brings them to life in a humorous tone made the enjoyment of this listen all the more.

Sookie is a fun protagonist. She wants to be stronger and more independent but she is just not. When she discovers she is not who she thought she was it sets off a series of events that are what make up this book. I enjoyed listening to this one with the quirky inhabitants of Sookies world. Beyond that, there is an interesting back story that runs along in alternating chapters that involves the WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots) created in 1942. I can not tell you how the two stories combine, that is the beauty of this book, but I can tell you that it is a delight to listen to.

I really enjoyed this audio and learning about the WASPS. If you enjoyed Fried Green Tomatoes I think you will enjoy this one as well. A good mix of humor, southern living, and a twist of historical reference.

Written by: Fannie Flagg
Narrated by: Fannie Flagg
Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:11-05-13
Publisher: Random House Audio

So That Happened by John Cryer

Published on June 13, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

If you ever seen the movie Pretty In Pink than you have to remember the delightful and magnetic Duckie… and if you do, then you know Actor now Author, John Cryer in his earliest roles. In So That Happened, John shares what it is like to be an actor when you don’t carry the natural confidence that many actors do… in fact, John Cryer will tell you that he is actually a lot like the character he plays on Two and a Half Men, Alan Harper. John speaks openly about his co-workers including Molly Ringwald, John Hughes, Robert Altman, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, and of course…. Charlie Sheen.

In full disclosure…. (embarrassing full disclosure) it was not until recently that I realized that “Duckie” from Pretty In Pink was John Cryer. True statement. I clearly know him from Two and a Half Men and I think the role from then to now was so different… I just didn’t pick up on that. That said, I picked up this audio because I do enjoy Two and a Half Men and I do enjoy books written and narrated by actors I enjoy.

As I listen to a fair amount of audio books narrated by actors, I know I enjoy hearing the stories behind the shows, the acting, the co-stars, funny happenings…. What I don’t like is whining about missed parts, what is believed to be unfair casting, and well whining in general.

This audio has a mix of both.

I of course wanted to hear about John’s role in Pretty in Pink and of course his many years of being on Two and a Half Men and working with the unpredictable, eventually fired Charlie Sheen. For the record, the later does not get mentioned until disc 6. The first 3 to 4 cd’s of this audio book are interesting however John has a lot of strong opinions of fellow actors as well as about others taking credit for something that was his doing. To me… that felt a bit whiny. At the same time I imagined an editor saying “John, be vulnerable, be angry… niceties do not get the book sales!” So, that said… perhaps John was coerced.

I did enjoy the later half of the audio where the real meat of the book seemed to be. When John talked about Two and a Half Men and what was happening there it seemed a bit more real.

Looking at the rating of this one on-line, I am in the minority. For the most part people have found this memoir to be hilarious and well done. This can very well be a case of “it is not John, it is me”.

I would love to hear from others who have read or listened to this one.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 8 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Audible.com Release Date: April 7, 2015

Morning Meanderings…. Book Anticipation

Published on June 13, 2015June 13, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)31 Comments

Sitting here this morning – EARLY, with a head cold/annoying sinus thing/ cough and sore throat I was not sure I was going to post this morning. I had two big projects to keep me busy for a while, the chairs that I posted about yesterday and a small foyer to paint which I completed yesterday morning. SO much for that. Now looking into finding materials to put in a raised garden for strawberries and rhubarb…

What actually made me want to post today (other than the fact that connecting with all of you is like sitting at my table having coffee with friends) is book anticipation. If you love books… you know this feeling. It is the feeling you have when a book you have either LONG waited for or a book that you discovered that will be coming out and you cannot wait to dig into it. For me today… it is the later.

In 2011 I had the pleasure of discovering Ready Player One by Ernest Cline on audio narrated by Wil Wheaton. I loved this one sooooo much that I listened to it again in 2014 AND reviewed it again. To this day it is one of the best audio books I have ever listened to. I loved the 80’s references, the dystopian gamer theme, and this audio made a big fan of Wil Wheaton’s narration to the point I searched out audio books that he narrated and listened to them.

Recently I discovered that Ernest Cline is coming out with a new book, Armada, also centered around a game. I quickly looked it up in audio version and was THRILLED to see that this will once again be narrated by the amazing Wil Wheaton. Book release date is July 14th and I am soooooo ready for this one.

Tonight friends are coming over to grill with us. We will be planting a Crimson Maple tree in the back yard that they had purchased in memory of Justin and we will be setting a memorial bench out tonight as well. Promises to be a bitter sweet evening. ♥ Always

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Published on June 12, 2015June 12, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)27 Comments

When Jennifer from Book Club Girl recently raved about this book and this author, I was hooked because 1. I like many of the same books as Jennifer and 2. It is hard for to resist book titles that contain the word “Summer”. For the record, Jennifer did not steer me wrong, and this is an EXCELLENT summer read. ~Sheila

It’s 1931 and best friends Lily Dane and Budgie Byrne attend a football game to watch Bungie’s boyfriend. Lily, spots a new guy on the field, a tall good looking guy that she can hardly take her eyes off the entire game. Nick Greenwald is an amazing football player and while he looks back curiously at the blushing Lily, she knows her parents would never approve of this beautiful Jewish boy.

But who listens to everything our parents warn us about?

Lily and Nick soon find themselves inseparable until Lily suddenly breaks it off.

Now it is 1938 and Budgie is now Budgie Greenwald having married the very guy she warned Lily to stay away from and Lily can do nothing but try to protect her broken heart. A storm is approaching in more ways than one and a story unfolds of friendship and betrayals, of class and lack there of, of hearts wanting what the heart wants.

This is quite possibly the best book I have read in 2015.

A Hundred Summers is written in a beautiful and intelligent way, alternating chapters from 1931 when Lily and Budgie are just girls, to 1938 when Budgie has the man of Lily’s dreams and we the readers, are wondering why. Each chapter unfolds a little more of the story in 1931 and in 1938 bringing about what happened then so you can understand what is happening now (1938). I honestly wish I had words to describe this better because really all I want to say here is

READ THIS BOOK!

I listened to this book on audio audio and was captivated with the remarkable story line form the beginning. Kathleen McInerney narrates wonderfully throughout the alternating characters. I rooted for Lily, wondered why she would ever friend someone like Budgie, and sympathized with all of the above from beginning to end. Author Beatriz Williams should be commended for her brilliant writing, writing that kept me listening every moment I had free to know (I had to know!) what was going to happen.

Highly recommended. Not your average summer beach read. This one has real depth. In a word…. delightful.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 11 hours and 35 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Audible.com Release Date: May 30, 2013

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Berkley; First Paperback Edition edition (April 1, 2014)

Morning Meanderings…. A Forgotten Anniversary.

Published on June 12, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)23 Comments

Friday. Sunshine and 80’s today. My kind of day to sit on the deck and read and maybe have a friend over for a visit.

June 9th was my Blogiversary. 6 years. If you have been around the past years you know I usually make a big deal out of it. This year though… I missed it. Thought about it last week, wondered if I would post something and then…

didn’t.

Maybe I will post something later this fall and have a late celebration.

In other news, I finished an EXCELLENT audio book last evening while I was outside painting old chairs in fun colors. The audio, A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams will be reviewed later today.

And finally, I found out yesterday that some of Justin’s friends are planning a benefit for him where he was working in St. Paul. It is set for next Saturday. I will attend, it is a chance to see his friend’s, but I know it will be yet another hard thing to do. I am so tired of everything being hard to do. It is so hard to imagine my life now, before this because I feel I am so different… so much more vulnerable, so cautious, and so so broken.

Today…. there is sunshine. I need the sunshine.

Morning Meanderings…. Annual Book Exchange

Published on June 11, 2015June 11, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)28 Comments

Morning. Coffee. Overcast day. Overcast mood. Day 68.

On Tuesday of this week we had our Bookies Book Club meeting and discussed the book The Pearl That Broke It’s Shell by Nadia Hashimi. I did not finish the book, I started it and then knew it would be too detailed for me at this time. Those who read it said it was a good read and they learned about the Afghanistan culture. It made for a good book discussion and I enjoyed listening to the discussion.

For the fourth year in a row, we have made June our book exchange month. The rules: You are supposed to bring a book that you really enjoyed (preferably in the last year) that you would like someone else to enjoy too. Put a post it note in the book saying why you enjoyed this book so much and if you want the book back or if the person who chose it can keep it. You wrap the book in brown paper wrap. We then each choose a book out of the pile and that is what we read for our July gathering. Here are the books that were picked:

Amy M – Wind Through The Keyhole (Sharon)
Angie – Blessings by Anna Quindlen (Lori P)
Sheila – Abercrombie Trail by Candace Simar (Laura)
Kaydi – Waiting For Summers Return (Kathy)
Lori – Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter (Amy P)
Jean – The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Sheila)
Sharon – Those Who Save Us (Mary)
Amy – Distant Shores (Jean)
Kathy – Naked in Death (Lori N)
Susan – Walking on Water (Kaydi)
Mary – Union Street Bakery (Amy M)
Lori – The Nightingale (Angie)
Laura – Gift From The Sea (Susan)

Today my son’s roommate is coming to visit me. It will be nice to see her, but I know it will be an afternoon filled with memories and tears.

Out Of Orange by Cleary Wolters

Published on June 9, 2015June 9, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

I find Piper’s story interesting having followed it on Netflix (even though I am sure they took fictional liberties and there is much in the series I could have done without but I did like the story line if that makes sense). I admit I have not read Orange is the New Black. ~Sheila

You may have heard of Orange Is The New Black. The true story of an upper middle class girl names Piper Chapman who was sentenced to serve 15 months in a federal prison for drug smuggling with her former girlfriend Alex Vause. Piper, who was now years separated from Alex and happily engaged is about to do her time.

Out Of Orange is Alex’s side of the story. The background story of how she became involved in drug smuggling and how she met Piper.

I found Out Of Orange to be interesting. Having followed Piper’s side of the story it was interesting to hear Alex’s. As I listened to this one on audio, narrator Barbara Rosenblat had just the right style for Alex, raspy voiced and self-assured with a kick of humor. Learning how Alex became involved in drug smuggling was a subject I knew little (nothing!) about. What a frightening and fascinating world she lived in!

If you liked Piper’s story, or are a fan of the Netflix series, I think you would appreciate this story. Recommended on audio.