The World According to Garp

The World According to Garp - John Irving

Good book, my roommate lent it to me. I always like John Irving, although he always has to feature a very weak leading man...always always unfaithful...surely not everyone has to be a dog!!
Still, pretty good overall.

Eat Pray Love

I just finished this book - and, yes, I did see it on Oprah. Liked it very much, I felt like I could relate to the author. Definitely recommend it, but I haven't decided who I will pass it too. Not everyone would like this book...

First Among Sequels

First Among Sequels - Jasper Fforde

I've missed you, Thursday Next. Welcome back! The hubby gave me this as an anniversary present, which was very appreciated. Especially since he hid all the book reviews in Entertainment Weekly until after he gave me the gift! Passed it on to my sister, but expect it back in pristine condition. August was a slow reading month (I blame Gabaldon), only 3 books, bringing me to 64 YTD.

August 2007.

The Year of Living Biblically

The Year of Living Biblically - A.J. Jacobs

This was an ARC from Simon & Shuster, due for publication in October 2007. This was by the guy who decided to read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica and write a book about it. This time, he decides to live according to the Bible for a year. It was interesting, but too skewed to the Old Testament for my taste. And I became almost apoplectic when he referred to dates as C.E. and B.C.E. I mean, you're living the Bible - can't you use the old B.C. and A.D. references? This time reference thing actually disturbed my sleep, but other than that, it was hardly controversial. Not sure what kind of audience it will attract though.

August 2007.

The Fiery Cross

The Fiery Cross - Diana Gabaldon

The 5th book in the Outlander series, this one was a long, slow haul. Still loving Jamie Fraser, but not really loving the new world storylines. Young Ian returning to the family unit was a welcome surprise, and my sister assures me they return to Europe in the next one. Worth reading, but not as engrossing as the earlier novels.

August 2007.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling

Excellent, excellent, excellent. A satisfying conclusion for an excellent series. She obviously learned from C.S. Lewis (Narnia) and J.R.R. Tolkein (LOTR) when it comes to ending a series realistically.

You've probably already read a ton of debate about the epilogue, but I liked it. And as the hubby astutely pointed out, it leaves the door open for Harry Potter: The Next Generation. I did find the death of Harry loophole a bit machina ex deus for my taste, but it worked. Can't wait for the kid to be old enough to start reading this series! This was my 12th book for the month, bringing me to 61 YTD.

July 2007.

The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing - Johanna Edwards

Bargain book at Chapters, and worth more than I paid for it. A reality show like The Biggest Loser is the premise. The best bit is the heroine, Kat, bitching about so-called fat people who weigh 150 lbs.

Definitely rereadable, especially at times of PMS, weight gain, or reality TV saturation. Passed it on to my sister, with a request that it be returned.

July 2007.

For Now

For Now - Gayle Friesen

This was an ARC from Kids' Can Press. Despite the hubby's vexations with their rep at Book Expo (snatched a book out of his hands at a signing), this book rocked! Blended families, dealing with death, liking boys, this book had it all and handled it sensitively. Now I'm looking for the preceding book, Losing Forever, because I bet it was excellent too.

Passed this on to my sister, who also loved it.

July 2007.

The Accidental Cheerleader

The Accidental Cheerleader - Mimi McCoy

A Candy Apple book from Scholastic. Cute premise about two friends - one who wants to be a cheerleader, and one who tags along for the ride. Of course, you can figure out who makes the squad.

Left this one at the cottage for the next inhabitants or their children to enjoy.

July 2007.

The Flawless Skin of Ugly People

The Flawless Skin of Ugly People - Doug Crandell

This was an ARC from Virgin (who I didn't realize had a publishing arm). This was a really good book. The bear attack at the beginning hooked me, and the momentum continued from there. The book deals with the flawed relationship between two people who were both abused by the same church elder, and ended up together. He has horrible skin, she has a severe weight problem. The story starts when she is at "fat camp" and decides not to come home. His struggle to keep his life together and bring Kari back are so moving and believable, I'll be shocked if anyone can put this one down. As someone who believes in building your own family, the community that starts to form over the course of the book was deeply satisfying. Passed this on to my sister, who also loved it. Buy this book! Find it at the library! Just be sure to read it.

July 2007.

The Shroud of the Thwacker

The Shroud of the Thwacker - Chris Elliot

My sister brought this one to the cottage for us to read. Chris Elliot is a comedian and has been in a couple of sitcoms. He should stick to acting. This was not a good book - it was pretty horrible, in fact. But the strangest thing was, there were some extremely funny sentences. Laugh out loud, pee your pants funny sentences. Too bad they didn't string together into a better story.

July 2007.

The Luxe

The Luxe - Anna Godbersen

This one was a Harper Teen ARC. Must thank the rep! It was teased as 19th century gossip girls, and that about summed it up. The plot resolution was very simple, but still satisfying. I did wonder what happened to Lina? Passed this on to the baby sister - not sure she ever read it.

July 2007.

When to Walk

When to Walk - Rebecca Gowers

Another Harper Collins ARC. This one was reviewed in the October issue of Elle Canada - mostly I agreed. I liked it, but I found the hydro meter theft plot very odd, and there's always something depressing about a gay man, straight woman hook-up. I passed it on to my sister, who really liked it. Perfect for women who are stuck in a crappy relationship and don't realize it (not a reference to you, sis!).

July 2007

A is for Angst

A is for Angst - Barbara Haworth

This was another Harper Collins advance reading copy. I really need to email their rep a thank you for all the books! Very funny, high school era read. I saw the author give a reading, and she was hilarious live. Recommended for all the teenage girls (or nostalgic women) in your life.

July 2007.

PS I know I need to be more current - there is no excuse! I'm still pondering goodreads.com as a forum for my to be read list, but I wholeheartedly reject facebook, regardless of the beauty of their on-line bookshelf.