Eat, Drink, and Be From Mississippi by Nanci Kincaid
Again, this was a book I couldn't put down the first 3/4 of it, then I had to force myself to finish to find out what happens.
2 siblings move from Mississippi to California, make their fortunes, find love, lose love, then meet a young black man from the streets who changes everything.
Predictable and cliche.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Book Review
Finally! The last 6 books I've tried to read I was unable to finish due to the convoluted b.s. plot lines.
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
Loved it! This book was many things-a story of grief and loss, the story of what it's like to love someone who is mentally ill, the story of a man's search for answers regarding the loss of his wife.
But mostly, the story of how no matter how deep the pain, there is a way to get through it. It may take a while, but it does come.
Read it!
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
Loved it! This book was many things-a story of grief and loss, the story of what it's like to love someone who is mentally ill, the story of a man's search for answers regarding the loss of his wife.
But mostly, the story of how no matter how deep the pain, there is a way to get through it. It may take a while, but it does come.
Read it!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Book Review
A Gracious Plenty by Sheri Reynolds.
I swear, it is so weird how the things you need to hear fall into your life just when you need it the most.
Another book about the afterlife, this one about the caretaker of a cemetery and her dealings with the dearly departed. You can't move on until you let go of your secrets, good and bad. They hold you here, and who wants that?
Great lessons in this book about forgiveness, love, making mistakes, and moving on. I really enjoyed it.
I swear, it is so weird how the things you need to hear fall into your life just when you need it the most.
Another book about the afterlife, this one about the caretaker of a cemetery and her dealings with the dearly departed. You can't move on until you let go of your secrets, good and bad. They hold you here, and who wants that?
Great lessons in this book about forgiveness, love, making mistakes, and moving on. I really enjoyed it.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Book Review
Blame by Michelle Huneven.
Blame is the story of a woman convicted and sentenced to prison for an accident that killed a woman and her daughter. It was very good-kept me up past my bedtime 2 nights in a row. But the surprise twist at the end left me feeling like the book was rushed-she needed an ending and here it is. It rang a little too false for my tastes, but not a bad read.
Blame is the story of a woman convicted and sentenced to prison for an accident that killed a woman and her daughter. It was very good-kept me up past my bedtime 2 nights in a row. But the surprise twist at the end left me feeling like the book was rushed-she needed an ending and here it is. It rang a little too false for my tastes, but not a bad read.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Book review-Drunk!!
Samaritan by Richard Price.
This was another one of those books where I hated the protagonist, but I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know what happened.
I have a serious issue with people (even fake people) who think they are better than whoever...I wanted to know what happened, but I didn't really care, I just felt the need to finish the damn book.
Anyway, guy with money, throwing it around because he needs to feel validated, it bites him in the ass-the end.
And this concludes Lula's drunk book review.
This was another one of those books where I hated the protagonist, but I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know what happened.
I have a serious issue with people (even fake people) who think they are better than whoever...I wanted to know what happened, but I didn't really care, I just felt the need to finish the damn book.
Anyway, guy with money, throwing it around because he needs to feel validated, it bites him in the ass-the end.
And this concludes Lula's drunk book review.
Friday, January 22, 2010
So very true
From Samaritan, the book I'm currently reading:
"Life's not about 'Why didn't she just do this, just do that.' People don't 'just do' things. There's no 'just do' out there. It's all about complications and bad habits and being afraid and wanting to be loved."
I couldn't have said it better myself.
"Life's not about 'Why didn't she just do this, just do that.' People don't 'just do' things. There's no 'just do' out there. It's all about complications and bad habits and being afraid and wanting to be loved."
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Book Review
Pocket Guide to the Afterlife by Jason Boyett.
I'd like to start off by saying the reason I poke fun at religion and jeebus and all that nonsense is.....I am quite envious of people's ability to have blind faith, and their ability to just live their lives, knowing that their celestial reward is waiting. I wish I could have that sort of faith, I really do. I just can't grasp it. Even with my Mormon upbringing, it all just seems so.....ridiculous.
Anyhoo, I LOVED this book! It explores the various beliefs of what happens to us when we die. It explores how Heaven and Hell are viewed and referenced in the Bible, in Chinese Mythology (My personal favorite-the 18 chambers in the Tenth Court of Diyu), Greek Mythology, etc...
And as much as I loved this book, I still had trouble wrapping my brain around the ability to truly believe in any of it. I'm sure there's a special place for non-believers like me.
If such a place existed.
I'd like to start off by saying the reason I poke fun at religion and jeebus and all that nonsense is.....I am quite envious of people's ability to have blind faith, and their ability to just live their lives, knowing that their celestial reward is waiting. I wish I could have that sort of faith, I really do. I just can't grasp it. Even with my Mormon upbringing, it all just seems so.....ridiculous.
Anyhoo, I LOVED this book! It explores the various beliefs of what happens to us when we die. It explores how Heaven and Hell are viewed and referenced in the Bible, in Chinese Mythology (My personal favorite-the 18 chambers in the Tenth Court of Diyu), Greek Mythology, etc...
And as much as I loved this book, I still had trouble wrapping my brain around the ability to truly believe in any of it. I'm sure there's a special place for non-believers like me.
If such a place existed.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Book Review
Hero of the Underground by Jason Peter
I actually finished this book a while back, but haven't reviewed it because something about it is bothering me, but I can't quite put my finger on it.
You know the story-fame (NFL), loads of money, injury, drug addiction (heroin, crack, coke), back again. It wasn't a bad read, and he's clean now, but for some reason it did not end up being the feel good story you would expect.
I think part of it is his arrogance-he thinks he's better than say, the toothless hooker blowing guys for crack money because he can afford his drugs.
Please. A dope fiend is a dope fiend is a dope fiend. And if he wouldn't have gotten clean before losing all his money god knows what he would have resorted to.
I don't care enough to recommend this book. Glad he got it together though-hope he keeps it that way.
I actually finished this book a while back, but haven't reviewed it because something about it is bothering me, but I can't quite put my finger on it.
You know the story-fame (NFL), loads of money, injury, drug addiction (heroin, crack, coke), back again. It wasn't a bad read, and he's clean now, but for some reason it did not end up being the feel good story you would expect.
I think part of it is his arrogance-he thinks he's better than say, the toothless hooker blowing guys for crack money because he can afford his drugs.
Please. A dope fiend is a dope fiend is a dope fiend. And if he wouldn't have gotten clean before losing all his money god knows what he would have resorted to.
I don't care enough to recommend this book. Glad he got it together though-hope he keeps it that way.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Book Review
The Killing Jar by Nicola Monaghan
A well written, heartbreaking story. Set in England, it's the story of a girl, born into a life of drugs, hatred, and fear. The things she does to survive, and what she loses along the way-I loved this book. Heart wrenching though-be warned.
I highly recommend it.
A well written, heartbreaking story. Set in England, it's the story of a girl, born into a life of drugs, hatred, and fear. The things she does to survive, and what she loses along the way-I loved this book. Heart wrenching though-be warned.
I highly recommend it.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Book Review
A Dark Oval Stone by Marsena Konkle.
This book was actually quite sad-and managed to run close to my heart for a variety of reasons. Doesn't mean I loved it though.
The husband dies while shoveling snow (my greatest fear!), and Miriam finds out she is pregnant shortly after. Can you imagine dealing with pregnancy and grief at the same time?
I did like how she started questioning the beliefs she was raised with, but I thought it was unrealistic how she gave in to her father in law and opted for a non-denominational service for her husband's funeral. (Oops, spoiler)
It wasn't a bad read, but I felt very indifferent to how Miriam's life turns out in the end.
This book was actually quite sad-and managed to run close to my heart for a variety of reasons. Doesn't mean I loved it though.
The husband dies while shoveling snow (my greatest fear!), and Miriam finds out she is pregnant shortly after. Can you imagine dealing with pregnancy and grief at the same time?
I did like how she started questioning the beliefs she was raised with, but I thought it was unrealistic how she gave in to her father in law and opted for a non-denominational service for her husband's funeral. (Oops, spoiler)
It wasn't a bad read, but I felt very indifferent to how Miriam's life turns out in the end.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Book Review
Midnight Magic: Selected Stories of Bobbie Ann Mason.
I am a huge short story fan, and while I enjoyed this book, it isn't something I would read again. They are all set in Kentucky, and all I could think through most of the book was "Do people really talk like that?"
Anyway, not a bad way to kill some time, but it didn't grip me either.
I am a huge short story fan, and while I enjoyed this book, it isn't something I would read again. They are all set in Kentucky, and all I could think through most of the book was "Do people really talk like that?"
Anyway, not a bad way to kill some time, but it didn't grip me either.
Book Review
Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones.
This book was surprisingly well written-I say surprisingly because it is the story of the Atlanta child murders in the late 70's-well actually 3 stories, the murders told from 3 different points of view-and it didn't come across as too horrific, or too sappy, or too sad-I was really moved by this book, and definitely recommend it.
This book was surprisingly well written-I say surprisingly because it is the story of the Atlanta child murders in the late 70's-well actually 3 stories, the murders told from 3 different points of view-and it didn't come across as too horrific, or too sappy, or too sad-I was really moved by this book, and definitely recommend it.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Book Review
The Fate of Katherine Carr by Thomas H. Cook.
I HATED this book. It was so convoluted, and filled with unnecessary characters and events-I wanted to know how it turned it, so I skipped a lot of the stupid parts so I could get to the end-and I was very disappointed.
It's a story of loss-a man loses his wife and child, a woman loses her innocence, a young girl loses her life. It could have been a beautiful story, but instead it felt like some sort of contrived fantasy.
I HATED this book. It was so convoluted, and filled with unnecessary characters and events-I wanted to know how it turned it, so I skipped a lot of the stupid parts so I could get to the end-and I was very disappointed.
It's a story of loss-a man loses his wife and child, a woman loses her innocence, a young girl loses her life. It could have been a beautiful story, but instead it felt like some sort of contrived fantasy.
Book Review
The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr.
Strange to think a book can help you quit smoking, but this book really feels like the ticket to freedom.
It's all about attitude, and freedom, and reversing the brain washing that not only society has forced upon us, but the brain washing we have forced upon ourselves.
It's drug addiction, plain and simple. And I've beaten a lot worse things than nicotine.
He says, if possible, to pick a time that is less stressful (?) and just go for it-no patches, no stupid gum, no brain altering pills.
I had Youngest type and print a little cheat sheet for me, for motivation. But basically-a craving is a beautiful thing, it's poison leaving your body. Hooray!!
I'm thinking my less stressful time is when this damn eye infection goes away.
So, Monday. I'll keep you updated.
Oh, and if you're a smoker, read this book. You have nothing to lose but a few hours of your time.
Strange to think a book can help you quit smoking, but this book really feels like the ticket to freedom.
It's all about attitude, and freedom, and reversing the brain washing that not only society has forced upon us, but the brain washing we have forced upon ourselves.
It's drug addiction, plain and simple. And I've beaten a lot worse things than nicotine.
He says, if possible, to pick a time that is less stressful (?) and just go for it-no patches, no stupid gum, no brain altering pills.
I had Youngest type and print a little cheat sheet for me, for motivation. But basically-a craving is a beautiful thing, it's poison leaving your body. Hooray!!
I'm thinking my less stressful time is when this damn eye infection goes away.
So, Monday. I'll keep you updated.
Oh, and if you're a smoker, read this book. You have nothing to lose but a few hours of your time.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Book Review
The Professional by Robert B. Parker
1.When did he start throwing in random French phrases that I have to look up on the internet?
2.He finds a new word/phrase, then uses it several times. I know I read the phrase "soapstone sink" at least twice. Also applies to the random french. Struck me as weird.
3.He totally “borrowed” the subplot from “Of Mice and Men”. I don't know if that's good or bad, it just shocked me for some reason. NO ONE can do Steinbeck except Steinbeck.
I do believe my love affair with Robert B. Parker has officially ended. We had a good run though!
1.When did he start throwing in random French phrases that I have to look up on the internet?
2.He finds a new word/phrase, then uses it several times. I know I read the phrase "soapstone sink" at least twice. Also applies to the random french. Struck me as weird.
3.He totally “borrowed” the subplot from “Of Mice and Men”. I don't know if that's good or bad, it just shocked me for some reason. NO ONE can do Steinbeck except Steinbeck.
I do believe my love affair with Robert B. Parker has officially ended. We had a good run though!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Book Title Meme
I stumbled on this via mentalfloss.com, and thought I'd give it a try-
What To Do: Using only books you have read this year (2009), answer these questions. Try not to repeat a book title. It’s a lot harder than you think!
Describe yourself: Scar Tissue
How do you feel: Time Of My Life
Describe where you currently live: When the White House was Ours
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Requiem, Mass.
Your favorite form of transportation: A Crooked Path
Your best friend is: The Story of a Marriage
You and your friends are: Savage Girls and Wild Boys
What’s the weather like: Prayers for Rain
You fear: Dark Places
What is the best advice you have to give: Don't Sleep, There are Snakes
Thought for the day: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
How I would like to die: Hit and Run
My soul’s present condition: Fine Just The Way It Is
link via mentalfloss.com
What To Do: Using only books you have read this year (2009), answer these questions. Try not to repeat a book title. It’s a lot harder than you think!
Describe yourself: Scar Tissue
How do you feel: Time Of My Life
Describe where you currently live: When the White House was Ours
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Requiem, Mass.
Your favorite form of transportation: A Crooked Path
Your best friend is: The Story of a Marriage
You and your friends are: Savage Girls and Wild Boys
What’s the weather like: Prayers for Rain
You fear: Dark Places
What is the best advice you have to give: Don't Sleep, There are Snakes
Thought for the day: Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
How I would like to die: Hit and Run
My soul’s present condition: Fine Just The Way It Is
link via mentalfloss.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Book Review
The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death by Charlie Huston.
I LOVED this book! Web is an unlikely hero(not only does he do crime scene clean up, but he's kind of a dick)-a traumatic event has led him down a path of complete assholery-but he redeems himself by getting the bad guys and saving the girl. And discovering a few things about himself in the process.
Read it!
I LOVED this book! Web is an unlikely hero(not only does he do crime scene clean up, but he's kind of a dick)-a traumatic event has led him down a path of complete assholery-but he redeems himself by getting the bad guys and saving the girl. And discovering a few things about himself in the process.
Read it!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Book Review
My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands by Chelsea Handler.
There have been a lot of reviews of this book calling it hilarious-she is rather funny on her show after all-but not once did I even laugh, let alone "laugh out loud" or "laugh my hiney off". All I could think for the majority of the book was "Please tell me they used a condom"
Good for her for embracing her totally shallow life-but hilarious it was not.
There have been a lot of reviews of this book calling it hilarious-she is rather funny on her show after all-but not once did I even laugh, let alone "laugh out loud" or "laugh my hiney off". All I could think for the majority of the book was "Please tell me they used a condom"
Good for her for embracing her totally shallow life-but hilarious it was not.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Book Review
The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman.
I LOVED this book! I actually forgot how much I love Alice Hoffman. She's taken the story of three sisters (last name Story) and weaved such an incredible, beautiful tale. I cried several times at the things the girls went through-for each other and against each other. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
I LOVED this book! I actually forgot how much I love Alice Hoffman. She's taken the story of three sisters (last name Story) and weaved such an incredible, beautiful tale. I cried several times at the things the girls went through-for each other and against each other. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Book Review
Just After Sunset by Stephen King.
A collection of short stories, written by Stephen King. It's what you'd expect-there were some very good stories though.
Best book review ever, no?
A collection of short stories, written by Stephen King. It's what you'd expect-there were some very good stories though.
Best book review ever, no?
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