I'm really enjoying this series. I absolutely recommend it. I love how Emma says whatever is on her mind. She's smart and funny. The banter is wonderfI'm really enjoying this series. I absolutely recommend it. I love how Emma says whatever is on her mind. She's smart and funny. The banter is wonderful. The tension is real. The sarcasm and insults are hilarious.
I'm so glad I have more of this series left to read. I'm very happy there are more to come. Yes, it's hard to believe Emma could possibly get away with all she does, but that's part of the charm. Willing suspension of disbelief is fairly easy with this one....more
I hoped it would be a rom com, but it isn't. There may be a few slightly funny bits, but it's mostly a refleI liked this book better than I expected.
I hoped it would be a rom com, but it isn't. There may be a few slightly funny bits, but it's mostly a reflective book about the main character's relationships, particularly her marriage of fifteen years. I really like how she deeply considers her life choices and learns from her experiences.
"You don't know when you're twenty-three. You don't know what it really means to crawl into someone else's life and stay there. You can't see all the ways you're going to get tangled, how you're going to bond." Page 201
I was worried about the "magical phone" part of the book, but it mostly didn't bother me. It could have been better if it had been handled slightly differently with a few more rules that would have made sense. For instance, half way through, on Page 119, we get the only blip of Neal's point of view about the phone calls, but that feels like a mistake. I'm glad it didn't continue or it would have definitely ruined the book for me.
The only other thing that bugged me is the crazy, unrealistic fears about her relationship. I have enough crazy already in my own life, so it's a bit stressful to read about someone else's, especially when my goal is to be entertained. That is the majority of the book, so that's why it only gets three stars for me. Maybe the only thing that kept me going was the fully expected HEA (happily ever after) that you find in most romance novels.
This book takes place around Christmastime, but it's not a Christmasy book. I almost didn't read it because the cover of the edition I read has holly leaves and "A Christmas Love Story" under the title, and now, for me, it's toward the middle of July. I thought it might seem weird. I needn't have worried-- there aren't a lot of Christmas references other than the time of year and the catalyst for the conflict.
Though today felt like Christmas in some ways since I received all my Amazon Prime Day orders and only had to return one thing. Yay!...more
Reading is getting me through life right now. This book is a good one for that. It's easy to read. It's entertaining. It's not at all believable, and Reading is getting me through life right now. This book is a good one for that. It's easy to read. It's entertaining. It's not at all believable, and not terribly relatable, but that's okay. It was a nice escape for today.
Katherine Center writes thought-provoking romances, if you can call this book a romance. It really is about coming to terms with one's self and one's life.
I like Windy's "Appreciating Three Good Things every day" that apparently came from a self-help book the author read. I'm going to have to check that one out. Today I also happened to listen to a podcast that talked about deciding to like things around you. It's another way to get at feeling better about life and about oneself. There's a message here for me. It's a message of positivity and gratitude.
I haven't been able to go hiking much lately, so it was nice to read a book about people out in the wilderness for a large chunk of the book.
I like their hiking leader Beckett's prayer to "All-knowing Mother":
"I'm sorry human beings are such a blight. I'm sorry we litter your earth and choke the fish in your oceans with plastic grocery sacks. We have been given incomprehensible beauty on this earth, but we don't see it. We walk around angry and blind and ungrateful. I wish we were better, our dumb human race, but I don't have much hope that we ever will be. The best I can do today is say: Thank you for this world of miracles. We will try to be more grateful. And less ridiculous." Page 231
Another quote full of gratitude:
"I had found things to like about everybody on this trip even though I started out thinking I'd hate them all. And I had made at least one real friend-- a friend who had taught me to look for what I wanted in a different place... I had finally come to understand that not getting what you want is actually the trick to it all. Because not getting what you want forces you to appreciate what you already have." Page 238
I like this one fine, but it's kind of average. I really liked the author's latest book, so that's why I wanted to read this one. This is a little cheI like this one fine, but it's kind of average. I really liked the author's latest book, so that's why I wanted to read this one. This is a little cheesy, Hallmarky, whateverish. I guess they made a movie about it which only got average reviews, which doesn't surprise me. I still want to see the movie.
I checked out another book by Katherine Center. Maybe I'll like it better. Or maybe it's just her latest writing that I like because maybe she's improved over the years. Maybe. Probably....more
I need to remind myself that I don't need to continue reading this series. I have three more of the books sitting waiting for me, but I think I'll retI need to remind myself that I don't need to continue reading this series. I have three more of the books sitting waiting for me, but I think I'll return them to the library. I just don't like them enough. I mostly picked these up because they are something familiar to read-- I know what to expect-- but now I have other books on hand.
I'm just done with some of the repeated themes. For instance, I don't want to ever read anything again about Violet Sephotho and her many boyfriends. It used to just be Mma Makustsi that had issues with Violet, and now Mma Ramotswe does too. Who even cares? And if we should care as readers, maybe Violet can change or in some other way become irrelevant? She has no dialog, nor does she show her face in this book, yet they keep talking and thinking about her. She really shouldn't matter by now.
There used to be more of an element of mystery to these books. There's a lot of judgment in this one, but not really any mystery. It just feels pointless to me. I only give it two stars instead of the one it perhaps deserves because at least I enjoy the familiarity of the setting and some of the characters.
Also, in this one, there's repetition and stereotypes about men. It feels a little tiring and preachy:
"Men are not as bad as some women say they are. They are different-- yes-- they do not see things in the right way sometimes, but they are still nice to be around." "Her father, for example, the late Obed Ramotswe; that kind, good man who stood for everything that Botswana stood for-- decency and honesty being the main values that underpinned the country."
This book is a pleasant read. It's a typical "proper" romance novel, like so many others in the genre. I read someone else's review who said somethingThis book is a pleasant read. It's a typical "proper" romance novel, like so many others in the genre. I read someone else's review who said something like they refused to finish reading this book because everything is so contrived and predictable. Really? Most books of this genre feel that way. That may be part of their charm. There are always convenient or disastrous coincidences.
I honestly don't mind. I don't even mind repeated character types, settings, and similar stories. It's predictable and satisfying. It's nice to have some of that in life every once in a while. Plus, yeah, a little challenging romance can be entertaining.
I have another romance by Julie Wright on my stack to read, but it's time for something else. I guess rotating genres is part of how I get my variety.
I'm not sure how I came across Julie Wright, but I have now read a couple of her books. I like them....more
Delightful. Super short. There are 48 holds for the second book and I know why. It took a minute to get into, but I can't wait to read the next volumeDelightful. Super short. There are 48 holds for the second book and I know why. It took a minute to get into, but I can't wait to read the next volume.
I found out about this book from my husband who is friends on Goodreads with one of our acquaintances we knew when we lived in New York. I'm not good about keeping in touch like he is. She's been giving these books five stars for years, but our library didn't obtain copies of them until recently. I'm glad they finally did!...more
I picked up this book because it was on the Reader's Choice shelf at the library. This is a romance novel, but also a romantic comedy. I laughed out lI picked up this book because it was on the Reader's Choice shelf at the library. This is a romance novel, but also a romantic comedy. I laughed out loud a couple of times, so that's always nice.
Be warned, it has explicit scenes. I almost decided not to read it because the book seems to begin with one. But I know how to fast-forward or skip through explicit scenes; my preferred way of approaching such things. I really don't think they're necessary in this one. There are delightful bits without them. There are also language issues. So I wouldn't recommend this book to people who avoid these issues.
The story itself with its characters and conflicts is interesting. They make the book compelling and easy to read. I got through this one fast.
Audio books are a big part of the book. I didn't know that the reader or performer of an audio book is called a "narrator." That makes sense. The author has been one, so she knows what she's talking about. ...more
I picked up this book because it was on the Reader's Choice shelf at my library. I needed something quick and easy.
This is probably a 2.5 star book foI picked up this book because it was on the Reader's Choice shelf at my library. I needed something quick and easy.
This is probably a 2.5 star book for me. It's mildly entertaining. It also comes across as highly improbable and idealistic.
It's probably the most Jewish fictional book I've ever read, which is interesting. It does address some of the complexities of interfaith marriage. It did get me thinking a little about the difference between outside perfection and inner preferences, so that's nice. It's just a little more contrived than I prefer....more
My first thought was, "Nobody is that mean." But the author says in her note at the end of the book, "A variation of every single mean thing people saMy first thought was, "Nobody is that mean." But the author says in her note at the end of the book, "A variation of every single mean thing people said or did to Ellie happened to me when I as a child."
That's so incredibly sad. The worst is the mother. What a book to read just before Mother's Day.
Also, something a friend said in her review of this book is that it made her think about how she treats herself, as well as other people. I have been guilty of saying or thinking terribly mean things to myself.
I recently read this quote, before I read this book:
"Think of [God's] gift to you of your own physical body. The many amazing attributes of your body attest to your own divine nature! Each organ of your body is a wondrous gift from God."
The quote is from an article where the author, a former heart surgeon and now religious leader, talks in detail about our amazing bodies. It reminded me to be grateful: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/s....
So yes, this book has reminded me to be more aware of how I treat others and myself. I want it to always be with kindness, acceptance, gratitude, and especially love. It also made me remember the bullying I've received and how I could have responded differently. It made me think about how I can support people who are bullied if I come across them in the future.
This is a very quick read because it's all written in verse. I'm glad I read it....more
I enjoyed this book. It's entertaining and easy to read. It's longer than a lot of romance novels, but that's not a complaint. I was also surprised byI enjoyed this book. It's entertaining and easy to read. It's longer than a lot of romance novels, but that's not a complaint. I was also surprised by the ending which is rare and appreciated for this type of book. It's more of a 3.5 star book for me. I can't say I really like it, but I still like it quite a bit....more
Such an improbable and uplifting story. I like it. I like the inclusion. I like reading all the points of view, even the elephants'. Such an improbable and uplifting story. I like it. I like the inclusion. I like reading all the points of view, even the elephants'. ...more
I read this because someone I sort of follow on Instagram really liked it and recommended it. The book has its compelling and tense moments. I just haI read this because someone I sort of follow on Instagram really liked it and recommended it. The book has its compelling and tense moments. I just had trouble suspending disbelief. Also, it's a bit vulgar.
sort of a vague spoiler below
- - - - - - - - - - - The ending is grey. Justice is sort of done, but in a round-about way. People forgive and move on more quickly than I imagine they could in real life. I also kept thinking things would get scarier than they do. I was relieved when the worst I imagined doesn't happen, but oddly disappointed. I lived on a "quiet street" once where there was a lot more going on than anyone could have imagined. So I kind of liked that about this book. I'm not super mad I read it, but if I knew how I'd feel at the end of it all I don't think I'd have read it. I wouldn't recommend this book....more
There was a long waiting list for this one at my local library. I can see why. It's very entertaining. I laughed out loud more than once. It's definitThere was a long waiting list for this one at my local library. I can see why. It's very entertaining. I laughed out loud more than once. It's definitely a romantic comedy about romantic comedies. It's a quick read, with lots of dialog, and it's compelling. It has its serious, thought-provoking moments too. The about the author paragraph says Katherine Center writes "deep rom-coms." I'm in.
Here are a few quotes I like:
"Stick with me. We'll get through it-- and we'll be stronger on the other side, as all of us always are, for facing hard things and finding ways to keep going. Plus: Bearing witness to the suffering of others? I don't know if there's anything kinder than that. And kindness is a form of emotional courage. And I'm not sure if this is common knowledge, but emotional courage is its own reward." Page 93
"Stories exist for the emotions they create-- and you can't write them if you can't feel them." Page 173
"Was that what I'd been doing? Trying desperately to predict the unpredictable and avoid the unavoidable? Was that why I'd been so willing-- or, if I'm really honest, relieved to stay home all this time? Had I decided in some place deep below my consciousness that the best way to avoid disaster was to just never do anything?" Page 281
"Whatever story you tell yourself about your life, that's the one that'll be true." Page 282
I will definitely be reading more by Katherine Center.
I read this book because a reviewer I follow feels it should be a classic. It does have a bit of a Little Women-for-children feel to it. It even mentiI read this book because a reviewer I follow feels it should be a classic. It does have a bit of a Little Women-for-children feel to it. It even mentions that book and others (like Pollyanna, The Secret Garden, and Anne of Green Gables) of the genre. So it's old fashioned and sweet that way. The author clearly likes those books.
I was expecting more drama and more evil. I was also expecting less kindness and less resilience. It was interesting to read about potential dynamics in a blended family. Also, it's interesting to think about how cultural attitudes toward divorce and remarriage have changed. I'm not sure how realistic the book is for the era it represents, but it's interesting.
I was a little surprised by the emotional sensitivity of the main character. It is a little refreshing in some ways. It increases the drama, but seems so unnecessary to my grownup self. I guess I've grown a little callous in my old age. I can see how a younger person would relate. I think I like that aspect of the book.
The book takes a bit of a religious twist toward then end, including quoting Bible verses, and talk about relying on Jesus for help. That seems like a bold choice in this modern world of ours that rarely mentions religious things in fiction. It gets slightly over-bearing that way toward the end, but since I'm a religious person I wasn't bothered. It just interrupted the story flow a bit. I can see how some might be bothered. There's a change from Catholicism to Protestant faith with the blended family situation, but not much is said about that.
I'm not sure I liked the flashbacks the way they are presented throughout the book. Again, it breaks up the flow of the story and doesn't always seem relevant to what is happening. I don't know how it could have been done differently.
This book is a quick read. I can see how a preteen would like it.
It is coincidental, but super interesting to me to read a non-fiction book about northeastern Native Americans right before reading this fictional book that references similar things like maple harvesting, indigenous languages and stories, and racial prejudice. Those are not the focus of the book, but they are mentioned in passing. This could have been a very different book. As it is, it's heavily fictionalized.
I was very happy to discover the book is actually about the author's great grandmother. It even has pictures at the end. That part is pretty cool. ...more
This is an easy book to read. I like it. I skimmed and skipped through the detailed sex scenes and the few language issues. That's what's nice about rThis is an easy book to read. I like it. I skimmed and skipped through the detailed sex scenes and the few language issues. That's what's nice about reading an actual book instead of listening to someone else read it. You can easily see when to turn the lights back on. I'm not sure I'd recommend it, but it was nice to read something on the more entertaining side of books.
Here's a quote from the main character that could be sort of considered a bit of a spoiler, from page 294 of the edition I read:
"I can miss my dad and hate him at the same time. I can be worried about this book and torn up about my family and sick over the house I'm living in, and still look out at Lake Michigan and feel overwhelmed by how big it is. I spent all last summer thinking I'd never be happy again, and now a year later, I still feel sick and worried and angry, but at moments, I'm also happy. Bad things don't dig down through your life until the pit's so deep that nothing good will ever be big enough to make you happy again. No matter how much s[...], there will always be wildflowers."
As in this book, so is life. Good and bad often happen simultaneously. ...more
I really like this one, though some aspects are very difficult to believe. It did make me crave peaches. There's just a little more sadness than I preI really like this one, though some aspects are very difficult to believe. It did make me crave peaches. There's just a little more sadness than I prefer to hang out with. Also, resolutions seem a little quick. I expected more fight. At the same time, maybe it's nice to read something wrapped up in nice bows when real life is challenging. This one would probably make a good book club book....more
I'm a fan of Sophie Kinsella. This isn't my favorite, but overall, this one is readable and enjoyable. It was also fun to read in winter, which made iI'm a fan of Sophie Kinsella. This isn't my favorite, but overall, this one is readable and enjoyable. It was also fun to read in winter, which made it easy to imagine colder weather on a beach. I also lived by the seaside in England, so it brought back a few memories.
"Out here, under the endless gaping sky, every secret, every problem, every embarrassment seems somehow smaller, flimsier. It feels safe to blab on the beach, I realize. It's as if all your words get swept away by the wind, out to sea, gone." Page 188...more
This book is easy to read and enjoyable. My only wish is that it didn't change points of view. I would have liked the whole book to be from Chicky's pThis book is easy to read and enjoyable. My only wish is that it didn't change points of view. I would have liked the whole book to be from Chicky's point of view. I wanted to read the rest of her story. I understand why it isn't only about her. It's more about the people who come to the "week of winter." It was a little challenging for me to meet all the new characters. It took me a while to get into their stories. Even so, I enjoyed the book. I'm glad I read it. ...more
I'm not going to rate this book because I didn't finish reading it. So far, not enough is happening to hold my interest. Flashbacks and introspection I'm not going to rate this book because I didn't finish reading it. So far, not enough is happening to hold my interest. Flashbacks and introspection aren't enough for me right now. In fact, I have too much of that going on in my own head.
Maybe I just relate to this one too much. I've shared ex-boyfriend stories with my girls. Blah. I don't really want to read Lara's memories. I need something a little more entertaining or at least engaging at this time in my life.
When I realized I wasn't at all eager to pick this up again and again I knew it was time to move on. I probably didn't give this a chance, but based on some reviews, it doesn't look like things will change much going forward in the book as far as tone and story. I just need a record here about how I feel or I might be tempted to read this since it's so highly rated....more
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