Review – Page 57 – Book Journey

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Published on June 25, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

Randy Pausch was young, an inspiration, hard-working, family man. He was a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon… and he had terminal cancer.

When asked to give a lecture about life and act like it is your last lecture… Randy did not have to pretend. He knew very well this would be his last lecture. Yet instead of lecturing about dying, he chose to talk about LIVING. Randy’s lecture included dreams from his childhood, over coming obstacles, not taking no for an answer when you really want something, enabling others to dream, and seizing each moment as none of us know which will be our last.

With humor, brutal honesty, and a sprinkle of intelligence, Randy pours his heart into a lecture he hopes will be a life lesson for his small children who would grown up without him, but not without what he stood for and believed in. Randy’s lecture, is a love letter to his family – and a message of hope and strength to the world.

What I love about my book club, response #2049. 😛 I jest, but you all know I love my book club. Smart, incredible women who gather once a month to talk on one of my favorite subjects…. books.

In May, this was the book that was chosen for our June read. What I love about this is that a few years ago… this group of

009 — Part of the Bookies Book Club (14 of us total)

women would not have touched this book. It would have never won the vote. Why? One its non fiction and we do not do a whole lot of that as a group. Two, it is a pretty serious and the potential to be a sad read and my book club – at least a few years back, would have avoided that for something lighter.

By review time – I did not have this book read. Since they picked it I had been to New York for a week for BEA, two large bike rides on the weekends, and a nasty injury that threw me off my game. I also could not find it in my library and really did not want to order it, not knowing much about it. When it did come in for me at the library it was in audio and it was also the day of the review.

There is always food at Book Club :) — There is always food at Book Club 🙂

Their discussion… made me want to read it all the more.

So finally – after a crazy trip to Chicago, I had time to tune in and catch up and here is what I thought of The Last Lecture.

My thoughts…

Randy Pausch has a gift of words. I entered into this read knowing very little about Randy, or this lecture which apparently is now quite famous. What I learned quickly is that Randy did not lack for self-esteem. He saw what he wanted and went after it. End of story. He speaks of this in The Last lecture as “brick walls”, advising that when we come up against a brick wall we are to keep on trying to get over it, be it a personal opportunity, a job deeply wanted, or, as in Randy’s case – a death sentence.

Yes, I can see where Randy may come off as arrogant, but as I ended this reading…. I didn’t think so. It’s probably a fine line between arrogance and drive and Randy rode it right down the middle. Where most of us would probably wilt under the weight of Randy’s diagnosis, Randy seemed to be energized. In the 18 months from diagnosis to passing, Randy used this time to prepare his family for life without him, including moving the family to a home closer to his wife Jai’s family so she would have help with the kids after he was gone.

This book was a firm reminder that life is what we make of it, we choose our responses in every situation… Randy lived life to the fullest as long as he was able. With a quick wit and sharp mind he reminds us to never give up on our dreams, seize the moments, overcome all obstacles.

I laughed a little, I cried a little and am glad to now know a little of who Randy was.

Pausch died from pancreatic cancer at his family’s home in Chesapeake, Virginia on July 25, 2008, at the age of 47. He is survived by his wife, Jai, and their three children, Dylan, Logan, and Chloe

Good Reads Review

I have updated the 2011 WHERE Are You Reading to include The Last Lecture

Borrowed from my local Library

A Change In Altitude by Anita Shreve

Published on June 23, 2011June 23, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)33 Comments

Newly married Patrick and Margaret decide to make a trip to Kenya. Patrick a doctor, is busy with his practice and Margaret a photography novice, finds she has much idle time on her hands. When her car breaks down, Margaret finds herself being helped by an English couple Arthur and Diana. The couples quickly become friends and Arthur and Diana offer Patrick and Margaret a nice cottage to use on their property. In short time it is discovered that Arthur and Diana are planning a trip up Mt Kenya and invite the other couple along. Margaret is unsure, but Patrick is excited and encouraging so the trip is planned.

The trip turns out to be a big mistake in more ways than one and a tragic accident where Margaret plays a role, changes the dynamics of life for Patrick and Margaret forever.

I have read and enjoyed Anita Shreve before. Her book Testimony, blew me away. However I have to say this story eked me in so many ways and does not rate more from me than an unfortunate rant, in which I apologize for before I even begin.

First off… I listened to this on audio and it seemed to take forever for the story to get moving. I believe it was disc three before it became interesting and that was actually the highlight of the audio/ book… the actual climbing of Mt. Kenya and the moments before and after the big plot drop. I actually loved that part and thought ok…. now we are going….

but…

shortly after the big happening the story dropped off for me again. While more interesting than the beginning (as now there was the *happening* to deal with), it just overall fell flat.

Margaret was extremely unlikable. And no I do not have to love all my main characters, but they do need to have something behind the unsuitableness and Margaret was just… bland. She had no fire or spunk. Se also had no sense of right and wrong, and no conscience (ok… maybe that’s the same thing…). I also felt I really never knew Patrick. Margaret mainly takes the center stage and Patrick pops in and out of the picture. I never felt the urge to cheer him on or yell at him to wake up. he was kind of “ehhh”.

With all that said, in the end it felt like the story line just stopped. No big triumphant “ah ha” moment… just kind of end of the journey. Period. The End. Roll Credits. Thank the academy.

It was really a “meh” read. Errr…. listen (audio).

I will certainly venture my way back to Anita Shreve as she touches on some powerful subjects ands gives me the feeling of a stronger personalitied Jodi Piccoult. And of course, check out other opinions on this one. I could certainly be in the minority here. But my two cents are that Shreve has done better and I think if you were new to this author this would not be the one I suggest you start with.

In recap this book was an “ehhh”, “meh, “errrrr” read.

Amazon Rating

Good Reads Review

The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading map has been updated to include A Change In Altitude

I picked this one up at my local library

Bossypants by Tina Fey (audio is the way to go with this one!)

Published on June 22, 2011August 27, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)37 Comments

Tina Fey’s book Bossypants is her own story of how she grew up in Pennsylvania (with an over protective dad who will do anything to save a buck), to the early days of saturday Night Live (when women could not have a leading role), her honeymoon cruise because her husband does not like to fly (very Poseidon Adventure and includes a fire on the ship), to her Sarah Palin impression that she did not have time nor want to do, to deciding if one child is enough…

All in all Tina Fey is as funny sharing her own life triumphs and tragedies as she is on TV in her many roles.

Tina Fey and Amy Polter - Improv is their gifting!

I knew when I seen this book was coming out I had to read it. When I seen the audio was going to be narrated by Tina herself, I decided scratch the book, I now wanted to hear Tina tell her story. I am so glad I did.

Call it a guilty pleasure but I do really like good funny quick-witted humor. I love my “funny” to have intelligence with it and Tina Fey delivers all that in an audio that I will cherish as good laugh at yourself moments because what else are you going to do – and that is kind of the way I like to live my life too. 😛

I have enjoyed Tina Fey not so much on Saturday Night Live (mainly because I never really watched Saturday Night Live), but more for her movie roles. I enjoyed her in both Date Night and Baby Mama. Not only is Tina funny but she is also an advocate for women’s rights and strongly supports a program Autism Speaks.

So…. here is the visual of my listening to this audio book. I had it downloaded on my IPOD. I am mowing our 5 acres of yard on the riding mower… where once I would listen to music and frighten the neighbors with my singing… now instead I listen to audio. For me that is three hours of non interrupted “book” time. This particular audio however had me at times laughing out loud to the point I am sure the neighbors were ready to call the “crazies hot line”.

Yes, at times she can be a bit raunchy – and thankfully that is few and far between on this audio. Over all it was a pleasurable audio that I would recommend over the book just for the reason that it is Tina Fey herself narrating and she has that matter of fact tone that just makes me smile.

Amazon Rating

Good Reads Review

I have updated the WHERE Are You Reading Map to include Bossypants

I picked up this audio from audible.com

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Published on June 21, 2011July 12, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)24 Comments

It started in Shiver when Grace finally understands her connection to the wolf who has watched her from the woods behind her home since she was a young girl… it continued in Linger as Grace now along with Sam fight to find a way to be together…

and now concludes in Forever, when everything seems to be falling apart…. the wolves are being hunted, the truth can not possibly be shared and now it seems to have all come down on the shoulders of Sam, Grace, Cole, and Isabel… all who know the great cost of what is happening and running out of time to find the answers…

Whoa. Hold the trilogy phone – I think we have a winner. The much (much much) anticipated third book made its way into my hot little hand at BEA this year. I could not believe my luck when I was walking the show floor and seen a lady handing out this book. No where was this on my radar that this book would be among the books at BEA, yet there it was – in my hand.

IN
MY
HAND

😯

**This review may contain spoilers for anyone who has not read Shiver and Linger – it will not however contain spoilers towards this book.*

Forever started out alternating the chapters of the four main characters of the story at this point. We have Grace of course, now living a very different life as a wolf, and as a seventeen year old girl. When wolf – it is about survival… when girl… it is about Sam.

Sam of course, is all about Grace. He worries for her 24 hours a day… we worries about the talk of the towns people to kill off the pack and he wonders how to get her to safety…

Cole is still wise cracking, quick witted, and annoying Isabel… but underneath it all he has a new layer. A depth to him that did not exist before. Instead of the selfish “all about me” Cole, we are now seeing a Cole who is working hard to figure out a way to cure the pack – to save Grace, and to keep those he now loves like family, close to him.

Isabel has also changed – a bit. Still angry, sometimes for no reason (even she does not understand her responses), she also wants to help her friends as long as it is on her terms and does not have to do anything with Cole. Well… at least not much…. well… maybe a little bit…… *GAH!*

As the story begins to flow for me, reminding me of the who’s and the where’s and the whats of the previous book I feel like in the beginning I am playing catch up until suddenly there is a moment in the book where the world of Mercy Falls splits wide open for me and I am in…. ALL IN. As in “do not make me put this book down or I will bite you” in.

I am impressed with the writing, many times the way phrases were worded they gave me pause. I had to refelct a moment on the words.

There is no better taste than this: someone elses laughter in your mouth. ~ Sam page 78

Suddenly, I am part of the pack. I am reading in amazement as author Maggie Stiefvater brings in all the elements left hanging in the previous books and packs them into this final one with great talent. I read as though I am personally affected by the outcome… and in the end…

I am.

Is Forever everything I had hoped for? Yes

Is there any questions left, and stones unturned? Yes, but I believe Maggie wanted it that way. I am left with a question on my lips, and hope in my heart…

and that is probably one of the best ways to leave a story…. leaving your reader…. wanting more. 😛

Amazon Rating

Good Reads Review

I have updated the WHERE Are You Reading Map to include Forever

Preorder available here

I picked up my advanced copy of Forever at BEA

The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman (audio review)

Published on June 20, 2011June 20, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)26 Comments

Jan Zabinski was the director of the Warsaw Zoo during WWII. He, along with his wife Antonia, sheltered 300 Jews as well as Polish resisters in the home, in animal cages, and in sheds. Using the names of the animals as code names for the people in hiding, they risked their own lives to save those of strangers.

This would be a remarkable fiction story….

what makes it even more remarkable is that it is not fiction.

Using Antonia’s diaries, author Diane Ackerman takes us to a point in history where people ran for their very lives, hiding their heritage, and not knowing if this day may be your last….

it is a hard life to imagine from the comforts of my own life and times…

Russian born Antonia, and Polish Catholic Jan were a rarity and an enigma. They loved animals and would bring in any stray into their home. It was not uncommon to have not only cats and dogs in the home, but also a rabbit, birds, otters, badgers, lynx and more. All this while hiding people and ammunition within the zoo itself, as Europe crumbled all around.

Warsaw Zoo Elephant, 1938 (as seen on Wikepedia)

This book was recommended to me by my friend Heidi over a year ago. I am usually quite open to book suggestions and in short time had the book in possession and on my shelf. Now – the trick was to find the time to read it. A couple of weeks ago I found it at my library in audio format and knew that was what would push this story to the front line.

Deeply immersed in the language of the times and the history in the making, I at first found this audio heavy with facts. As I became more aware of what was happening and how incredibly brave Jan and Antonina were as well as what they did for the Jewish

Jan Zabinski - eventually in 1944 he was taken as a prisoner in Germany, yet Antonina continued to help the Jewish people that were left behind in the ruined city. (*picture from Wikepedia)

people – said to have saved over 300 people by hiding them in the zoo cages and in their home.

In the end, as what happens many times to me when I discover a new vein of history I knew little to nothing about, I want to know more. If you look on-line you will find many stories of the Warsaw Zoo and the Zabinski’s.

Today the Warsaw Zoo lives on and flourishes. Check out their website here and be amazed that this incredible Zoo that started in March 1928, still remain open and carrying with it a bounty of history.

Amazon Rating

Good Reads Review

I have updated WHERE Are You Reading Map to include The Zookeeper’s Wife

I borrowed this book on audio from my local library

The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien (a double audio review)

Published on June 10, 2011June 10, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)32 Comments

J R R Tolkien is one of those authors who fascinates me. I am amazed when authors can create a whole other world out of their imaginations and the more believable it is…. the more it blows me away. (J K Rowling does the same thing to me…. I am just in awe…)

I actually had a creative writing class in High School that was all about Tolkien. We watched the animated version of the movie, wrote reports, discussed Tolkien and I for one was in my kind of world. 😀 Tolkien soon became an author I was just fascinated with, and love the thought of he, CS Lewis and other authors meeting and discussing their books in a pub called The Rabbit Room. (For this reason I have named my own Library the Rabbit Room as it is marked over the doors to enter it.)

The Inklings was an Oxford writers’ group which included C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams and Hugo Dyson. From late 1933, they met on Thursday evenings at Lewis’s college rooms at Magdalen, where they would read and discuss various material, including their unfinished manuscripts.^[4] These meetings were accompanied with more informal lunchtime gatherings at various Oxford pubs which coalesced into a regular meeting held on Mondays or Tuesday lunchtimes at the Eagle and Child, in a private lounge at the back of the pub known as the ‘Rabbit Room’.

~Wikepedia

Recently when I made the decision I wanted to listen to this on audio, Heather at 30+ A Lifetime Of Books had made a similar decision at around the same time. We decided we would post our reviews at the same time and ask each other our thoughts about the audio. We both had the same narrator (gah… I feel awful, I returned my copy to the library and can not remember who the narrator was but I bet Heather knows! :razz:)

Here is what Heather asked me and my responses:

1. Was the audio what you expected it to be? Did it surprise you in any way? You know, I read this in High School Uhh…. cough cough that was quite a few years ago, and honestly many of the details of the story I had forgotten. When I started listening I was pleasantly surprised to find myself sitting outside the hobbit hole with Bilbo and as our narrator read on I was engulfed with memories of the book from all those years ago.

2. What did you think of the narration? I just checked my library reserve and it looks like the narrator was John Robert Reuel. I think he did a wonderful job. This is not an easy book to narrate as there are many voices and even quite a bit of singing (more on that later)

3. This was originally written as a children’s book – do you think the book would appeal most to children? Teens? Adults? I gave this question quite a bit of thought. I think children can and will still appreciate this book as they will enjoy the imagery the story put sin your mind…. hobbits, dragons, wizards – whats not to love? I also think adults can appreciate this one for the history of the story – love of a classic read, and secondly many of us grew up with these stories floating around in the background of our lives… this was our generations paranormal before paranormal was cool…. 🙂

Sadly though, I am not so sure this book/audio would bring in much interest from todays YA crowd. While an amazing work of literature by my standards, I don’t think it had the elements that the YA readers are looking for – romance, dystopia, paranormal… if I am wrong on this let me know… I would love to be wrong on this point. 🙂

4. Did you have a favorite part? Least favorite part? I have to admit when Gollum entered the narration I was excited. Usually one to feel for the under dog, I always have had a soft spot for Gollum/Smeagal…. when the voice came through my car speakers I got chills of excitement… obviously I did not like who Smeagal had become (the rings fault!) but I think in better circumstances, perhaps in another life…. Gollum could have been a lot like Dobby (HarryPotter books)

Least favorite was all the singing. I get that it is part of the story, but I have never been one for poetry so even reading song after song in the book I remember got old fast. On audio… it was just as disturbing to the point that I had to make sure my windows were up when driving through town as I really did not anyone hearing Hobbit songs coming out of my vehicle 😛

I already confessed this to Heather when we chatted at BEA this year, but at one point the songs (song after song after song) became so much while driving that I grabbed a piece of scratch paper and wrote out my own words to a song that came to mind. I will share it with you on a separate page as I do not want to take away from my thoughts on this audio and review with my crazy thinking. For inquiring minds you can find the song here:

Play Me Some Hobbit Music

Ok…. moving on… I enjoyed this refresher course in The Hobbit as it reminded me of the story I read so long ago. I am excited about the movie, which is really what inspired me to want to listen to the audio, and I am glad I did. Here is a link for those of you who are curious to know more about the movie. While Orlando Bloom was missing from the latest Pirates Of The Caribbean movie, he has been confirmed for The Hobbit.

Stop over to Heathers at 30+ A Lifetime of Books and see her review today of The Hbbbit and how she answered my questions.

And for giggles as I am in a very Middle earth mood, I found a Hobbit Name Generator. For the record… In Middle Earth I would be known as Ruby Hardbottle. 😉

I rented this audio from my local library

One Good Dog by Susan Wilson (audio review)

Published on June 8, 2011June 8, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)19 Comments

Adam March is a married well to do man. He has a wife who loves her who likes the comforts of having money and a teenage daughter who wants for nothing. On the brink of becoming CEO of the company he has worked hard in for years, a lapse in judgement, a snap decision, causes Adam to lose everything. My the mighty have fallen when Adam loses his job, his, home, his wife, his daughter, and his dignity. Now working off a community service sentence at a local soup kitchen Adam needs to find out where he goes from here.

Chance is a pit bull. He has born in captivity to pit bull parents who are caged and breed for dog fights. Chance is pretty proud of his standings, he has a few scars, but usually comes out the victor in his matches. While life is ok, Chance knows it is not great. He sees his mother old and tired, they live in fear of the men who cage them never knowing if they are going to eat that day or be beaten. When Chance has an opportunity to escape, he does and finds himself living as a free dog on the streets.

In a “chance” meeting… both Adam and the dog wind up together. But what can a man who has nothing to give do with a dog who has known no other life than fighting? What can a dog offer a man who is broken, bitter, and self-absorbed?

Pit Bulls: Many areas restrict pit bull ownership such as Canada, Miami Florida, and Denver Colorado. They are a member of the terrier family and bull-dog family. These dogs are a popular breed used in dog fighting.

While looking for an audio a couple of weeks back this one came across my path. I liked the sound of the read (the synopsis on the audio was kind of funny) but… I was concerned about reading about a dog.

Side note – I am really sensitive when it comes to animals.

But the book pulled me in and I even made a note on a post that this dog better be ok throughout the whole book because I will be mad if this is another book that breaks my heart.

SO?

I am not going to tell you.

What I am going to tell you is that the alternating parts told from Adams point of view, and then Chances are wonderful. Usually if I am reading about a dog he is cute and lovable and Chance is not that. Chance is a pit bull. He had half an ear and many scars. He is a fighter and does not know how to be pet (and not really sure he would want to be one!) Yet the story is told so well that you come to love Chance for who he is on the inside, really just a dog who needs to catch a break.

I even enjoyed Adam and he is not a likable guy. He is rough (get it? “Ruff!”… oh, never mind…) around the edges and angry with the world. The story, while maybe predictable, still felt unique to me in its telling. This was one of those audio I could not wait to get back to.

Amazon rating

Good Reads

My 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map has been update to include One Good Dog

I purchased this audio from audible.com

Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner

Published on June 8, 2011June 8, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)27 Comments

Esther Kaminsky is a young Orthodox Jewish girl around the age of 12 who lives in the holy city of Jerusalem. In this time, a woman is expected to marry and produce many sons to hasten the arrival of the Messiah. While Esther understands this role she is to play, she has trouble accepting it. Secretly she desires to draw and wonders about exploring beyond her religion to possibly study in Paris. When her teacher catches her extraordinary talent for drawing, he gets her colored pencils and art lessons. Again Esther wonders if perhaps God has chosen her to be an artist and now a mother.

When tragedy strikes her family, Esther puts aside her dreams and instead follows the path that was chosen for her and becomes an obedient “Jerusalem Maiden”. Yet its hard to smother a strong desire and that desire still burns within Esther. When an opportunity arises Esther has a clash of faith and passion… and forces her to confront the most difficult question of all… “to who must she be true?”

In a word: passionate.

Talia Carner had me from the first pages of this well written, well thought out book. Even as I type now I find myself taking a deep breath as I recall turning the pages, at once fascinated and curious with where I would be taken on this particular book journey.

Divided into 4 important parts of Esther’s life: Maiden, Marriage, Motherhood, and Artist, each opening into pages of deliciously detailed descriptions of life, and family, and dreams. Historically beautiful…. seriously here – I am looking for the words to let you know this book amazed me

It made me think about passions and talents in general and how our lives are shaped, much like Esther’s by choices and life happenings beyond our control. It made me think about how does one choose between right and right?

A page turner for sure, but know that while this book speaks of faith, it is not (not exactly anyway) Christian Fiction, nor is it marketed that way. There are a few parts in the book that will make that quite clear to you as there are a couple of sex scenes and a few situations that I found fitting to the nature of the book.

Overall, if you enjoy Historical Fiction this is a wonderful read. I was delighted to not find it to be a heavy read, but instead it was like taking a journey with Esther walking together through Jerusalem and through her life.

Side note: I had the opportunity to meet the lovely and talented Talia Carner at the Harper Collins Book Blogger Reception a few weeks ago when I was in New York for BEA. She was wonderful to talk to and I find myself now curious about her other books, China Doll and Puppet Child.

Thank you to TLC book tours for a chance to read this book

Thank you to Harper Collins Book Blogger Reception for the chance to meet Talia Carner.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Published on June 2, 2011June 20, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)36 Comments

Welcome to Lena Halloway’s world. Lena lives in a society that is carefully managed and monitored by the government. Long ago this society came up with a cure for deliria (love) and feels that their world is better for it. After all deliria (love) is nothing but a discussing disease that affects the brain…. it causes you to be unable to sleep, have anxiety, irrational thoughts, and do things you would normally never consider doing if not for the deliria.

Oh – I remember the first time I had deliria…I think I was 15 and the symptoms listed here are right on…. that inability to sleep, irrational thought, and I may add the need to speed dial said boys phone number at least 20 times a day and at inappropriate times at night…

~Sheila

And when you put it that way, Lena has to agree who would want to go through that? The society “cures” you when you turn 18 by running an operation that leaves you no longer desiring love. After the procedure is complete the government will line you up with someone who they feel will be a good match for you and you will be married and live happily ever after with your X number of children, all without the annoyance of deep emotion. Why would the government steer you wrong?

Lena has 95 days before her cure and she ready to move into her future, counting down the days. After all everything she needs to know is in the book of Shhhhh, and all the warnings she needs is in the banned book called Romeo and Juliet which is not a love story at all but an example and a warning as to what happens when you are infected with deliria.

Then one day everything changes when Lena meets a boy named Alex. Alex is mysterious and self-confident and when Lena is around him she feels her heart race and her and her skin turn hot…. surely this is the start of the fever that infects a person with deliria! As Lena spends more time with Alex, carefully dodging the ever watchful eye of her aunt and the others who have been “cured”, she starts to wonder what really is true, and what will be the ultimate cost of freedom in a society that does not believe in choices.

Laurel Oliver has done it again. Delirium is a story that I was not sure about picking up (much like her first novel Before I Fall). I didn’t know if I would like the subject matter and when i first heard about this book I felt it had a techy feel to it that I was not sure was for me. Yet I had to admit that it took me a while to pick up Before I Fall as well, and I came out of that read gushing about the inner story line and deeper meaning of the book.

While Before I Fall and Delirium are too very different novels, I felt the same about them. Yes they are YA and I can see how they would really appeal to the YA ‘s out there and that can be enough – but in each book I ended up finding something deeper within the story. In Delirium I am thrust into the knowledge that some day society may try to control that in which we now count as rights and freedom.

I enjoyed Lena for her strong will and her “succeed or die trying” attitude. Even when Lena is trying hard not to love (oh by the way – that word is a banned word!) it still shows through in her friendships and of course, eventually with Alex.

I closed this book knowing there was more to be said. And thanks to Twitter, I quickly learned that yes, Pandemonium (scheduled to be out Feb 2012) will be the title of the second book and this series will end with Requiem.

Amazon Rating

Good Reads

I have updated the 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map to include Delirium

I received this book through Netgalley and I am

thrilled to say it is the first book I have read on my NOOK

Almost Home by Mariah Stewart

Published on June 1, 2011June 1, 2011 by Sheila (Book Journey)17 Comments

When she was young, Steffie Wyler always knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life: 1. Make ice cream. 2. Marry the coolest boy in town. 3. Live happily ever after. These days, Steffie is the proud owner of One Scoop or Two, a wildly popular ice cream parlor. But the cool guy left town right after high school, before they could scratch the surface of their mutual attraction to see what, if anything, lay beneath. Steffie’s made a great life for herself in St. Dennis, but true love has never come knocking.

Wade MacGregor left for college in Texas and remained there to start a successful business with his best friend, Robin Kennedy, but he’s always felt something was missing. Then life throws him a curveball: A third partner has robbed the company blind, and Robin has died—but not before entrusting Wade with a precious secret. Now back in St. Dennis, Wade’s determined to do whatever it takes to protect his friend’s legacy—and to figure out, once and for all, if the sparks that fly whenever he’s with Steffie are just temporary fireworks or the lights in the window leading him home.

Here is why occasionally it is a good idea to try stepping out of your genre. You will not find many romance novels here. I just don’t read them. Yet here I am. Admitting I read this book… and I enjoyed it.

Was the draw the ice cream parlor? Certainly…. that is interesting, who wouldn’t want to own an ice cream parlor? And I liked Steffie, making it on her own and doing fine, but of course…. she misses Wade who moved away some time ago. Upon his return to town, Steffie is turned upside down trying to decide what to do…. and while the romance part is ok, I prefer the mystery and suspense in the story that kept me interested in knowing more. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way that kept me engaged.

Almost Home is actually the third book in the Chesapeake Diary Series. The first two being Coming Home and Home Again. While the other two books build on this one, it is not necessary to read them before Almost Home.

I think the moral of my review is that when we know what we like to read and stick to only that we are doing ourselves a disservice. Occasionally we as readers need to read out of the normal habits. Not only should we not judge a book by its cover, we also should not judge a book by its genre.

Mariah Stewart was a wonderful author to take that genre leap with.

About Mariah Stewart

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times bestselling author of twenty-nine novels of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and their dogs amid the rolling hills and Amish farms of southern Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she gardens, reads, and listens to the voices in her head. She is currently working on the next book in her bestselling Chesapeake Diaries series.

Connect with Mariah:
On her website
On Facebook

There are a few more stops on this tour:

Thursday, June 2nd: A Cozy Reader’s Corner

Monday, June 6th: Colloquium

Wednesday, June 8th: A Chick Who Reads

I read this book as part of a TLC Book Tour