Book Nook Club

May 22, 2012

The Mother Road, by Jennifer Allee

The Mother Road tells the story of Natalie, who has just discovered her husband is leaving her for another woman with whom he's fathered a child. At the same time, Natalie's father is pressuring her to visit her ailing mother, who is battling Alzheimer's.

Natalie escapes the problems in her marriage by dragging her sister Lindsay on a road trip across Route 66 to visit home. Lindsay has her own set of personal issues that cloud the trip as both sisters prepare to encounter a past they've avoided for years.

Plot: I've been interested in taking a Route 66 road trip for some time, so that initially hooked me. The scenery was a good choice by the author as it makes a nice backdrop for the sisterly reunion that is the focus of the book. I enjoyed the interplay of the sisters during their trip, and the plot moved quickly, allowing me to get to know the sisters as well as their back stories. I felt the end of the book was pretty predictable, though the author did throw one curve ball that I wasn't expecting.

Characters: I actually found my favorite character was Lindsay. Of the two sisters, she was the most real, and I also felt her evolution throughout the book was the most visible. I found Natalie to be a frustrating narrator at times when her judgmental nature got the better of her. Sure, she underwent her own changes as she came to terms with her divorce, but I didn't feel this evolution was as well described by the author to warrant her overly righteous attitude through 90 percent of the book.

Overall, the book had a nice message and interesting characters with a bit of depth. 3.5 stars.

** I received a free copy of the book for the purposes of this review, but my opinions are my own.**
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This Means War

Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy Form the

Perfect Love Triangle in this Action Packed Comedy

Available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download May 22

About the Movie

They are the CIA’s best, trained for any situation…except one. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment plays the ultimate spy game as two best friends fight for the right of one woman’s hand in THIS MEANS WAR, released to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download today. Starring Academy Award^® winner Reese Witherspoon* (Walk the Line), Chris Pine (Star Trek) and Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), the laugh-out-loud comedy gets even better on Blu-ray with three alternate endings that answer the question – what if she chose the other guy?

The world's deadliest CIA operatives, FDR Foster (Pine) and Tuck (Hardy) are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman (Witherspoon). Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis – each other.

My Review

This is one of the best romantic comedies I've seen in quite a while. I was nervous that it might end up being a little cheesy, but it was actually really funny and I loved the chemistry between all three of the main characters. And it's not just a chick flick, I went to see it with my two brothers (20 and 30) and there was enough comedy and action to make them both enjoy it just as much as I did. Highly recommended for anyone who likes romantic comedies or watching things be blown up.

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May 21, 2012

Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt

Millie 942B has been in prison her entire life. Born to Lifers, she knows nothing of the outside world... only what the prison school has taught her. She lives in Nation, formerly known as The United States in the 2020's.

The Nation has strict laws that are harshly enforced in order to keep the outside safe and structured. As a result, the country had to build four mega prisons on each corner of the country to hold everyone. There are more people in than out.

But prison life is all Millie has ever known. As she approaches her 18th birthday, she has to face the reality of leaving her parents and the only life she understands. She has to prove herself a good citizen in front of a panel which includes a judge, the warden, her psychiatrist, a guard and her future employer... they must all come to a consensus that she'll be "the good... the strong" and an asset to Nation.

But what she finds upon her release is not quite what she expected. Life is not as just as she thought. Lies are covered and corruption is king. Seems like whether in or out, you're always in a prison. Will Millie find safety and finally be free?

This book was a lot like 1984. It was a quick read and really good for YA... high-schoolers would eat this up! I enjoyed this book very much, but sometimes the writing was a little repetative and the story became a little tooooo coincidental... it all tied up nicely, but that would never happen in real life. Overall, if you enjoy dystopian fiction, pick it up! It wont disappoint!

3.5 stars
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The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

I am a self-help junkie. I love to read books that promise they can change my life if I just follow a few easy steps. So I'll admit I originally agreed to read The Power of Habit because I thought it was another self-help book that could make me become a better person. It wasn't. It was even better.

The Power of Habit is a book written about the science behind habits - what habits are, why they exist, and how they can changed. It talks not only about habits in individuals but also about habits in successful organizations and how organizations use the science of habits to be more successful. Do you ever wonder how Target can send you coupons for the exact thing you need at the store or why you find yourself drawn to the Cinnabon counter in a mall? This book explains those ideas and best of all, it explains how you can change habits.

Has this book changed my life? No. Could it? Yes, I do believe it could if I followed the principles laid out so simply in the book. Regardless of if you want to change habits in your own life, this book is definitely worth reading. It was fascinating to learn about the science of habits and how I can drive myself home when I couldn't give someone directions to my apartment to save my life. This book was filled with so many incredible insights and I highly recommend it to anyone. 5 stars.

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May 20, 2012

TIME's Disasters That Shook the World

Reviewing Disasters That Shook the World is an interesting experience. I think humans have a fascination with disasters and while you can't really "enjoy" reading about them, this publication by Time made the learning about them interesting albiet brief.

As a history teacher, I know how important it is to talk about accomplishments and failures. History is made of mistakes and, really, we should be glad for them as these disasters shaped future safety measures and awareness. The subjects include Disasters at Sea, Disasters in the Air, and Fire Disasters amoung others.

The articles include many pictures and are a general overview. Of course there is more to each of these stories but as far as a 'magazine-esque' book goes, I was pleased. If anything it made me go further and look up some more about some of the stories.

I recommend this for anyone intersted in history and anyone looking for a quick interesting read.

4 Stars.
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Baroness by Susan May Warren

A coming of age story set in the Roaring Twenties, Baroness tells the story of two daughters of fortune determined to follow their dreams no matter what happens on the way. Rosie is determined to become a star on the newly energy silver screen and all Lilly wants to do is return to Montana to live on the ranch her family left so long ago. Neither realized the pathway to their dreams would be filled with so much pain, heartache, and of course, men.

This book was just okay. I started out really liking Lilly, the sort of nerdy, head in the clouds woman who was trying to avoid the incoming flapper era her cousin Rosie was trying to force on her. But I quickly found myself feeling that both women were both extremely ignorant and spoiled, shown time after time in their actions, and I just couldn't relate as they both did things in their lives that intentionally hurt those that loved them just to chase after a guy who didn't care about them. The plus side is that the writing was good, the characters were well developed (I just didn't particularly care for them), and the story is an interesting and unpredictable one. 3 stars.

Interested in reading this book? Check out other reviews from the Baroness blog tour.

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May 16, 2012

The Orchid House, by Lucinda Riley

Listen up, Downton Abbey fans -- or really any fan of British historical fiction. The Orchid House may be for you.

The parallels to the PBS hit series are certainly what sucked me in. Old estate, big family with lots of heirs and plenty of secrets. After finishing, I don't know that I can put it quite on par with the writing and characters at Downton, but it's certainly similar enough to keep you interested.

Plot: Julia is struggling with grief after the sudden loss of her husband and son, so she leaves her home in France and heads to a small cottage in the English countryside where she grew up. She soon meets Kit Crawford who owns Wharton Park, an old estate that once thrived but is now crumbling and up for auction. Amid the relics on the old estate, Kit finds a diary belonging to Julia's grandfather. The diary leads Julia to seek out her grandmother to learn the history of her family, and ultimately Wharton Park as a whole.

The novel alternates between present-day England and WWII England, where the men of Wharton Park are soon off to fight in Southeast Asia. The stories intertwine with themes of love, loss, and secrets long held.

I liked the plot well enough, though it was a slow start for me. There were also a few twists that caught me off guard, but an equal amount that were fairly predictable.

Characters: Julia and Kit form the backbone of the story, with Julia's grandmother Elsie leading them into the past. Julia was likeable enough, and her grandmother proved to be a worthy storyteller. Alternating story lines between present and past kept me interested in all of the characters and their respective arcs. Kit had potential, but some of his dialogue was just a bit too over the top. Too formal, yet also erring on the cheesy side.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot and most of the characters. But, some of the dialogue and plot points left me wishing for a little more depth. 3.5 stars

**I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but my opinions are my own.**
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May 11, 2012

Mom Connection by Tracey Bianchi

Being a mom to a young child can be so hard. I know, I go through it every day. When your day in and day out consists of a rigorous schedule that you must keep in order to maintain your sanity, life can become monotonous. Daily tasks include feeding- sometimes force feeding, changing diapers, making potty runs, changing clothes- sometimes 3 times a day, wiping noses, wiping hands, filling sippy cups, cleaning spills, buckling car seats, singing the ABC's- again and again and again, forcing nap time, giving baths, making dinner, watching Mickey Mouse Club House- again and again and again... ok, you get the picture. Here's where some of you scoff and say, "that's not so bad". Yeah, you're right, it's pretty great!

BUT!!! It's easy to become disconnected, isolated and depressed. How does this happen with so much activity and responsibilities every day? It's easy when the only person you talk to ALL day EVERY day is a 2 year old. When all your friends are working or not yet moms and when your husband comes home from a long day at work and doesn't want to hear about the latest diaper dilema, your life becomes very lonely.

That's what Mom Connection by Tracey Bianchi is all about. How to get our groove back... our rhythm. How to see the need to connect with other people and take it! How to step out of our comfort zones and remember that we CAN'T walk this path alone! By nature we are relational... women especially!

Tracey splits her book into 3 sections that each focus on a different area of our life as a mom in order to help us get that rhythm back on track. The first section teaches us to let go of the Mom-petition and realize that we need one another for connection. We learn that our weaknesses and our strengths don't have to divide us, but can uplift us and bring us closer together. In the second section, she discusses all the people around us that move to our groove... our families, our extended families, our friends, our spouses and even our communities. And in the final section, she really challenges us to reach out and help others to find their rhythms too.

I LOVED this book! I laughed out loud, I cried unashamedly, I sometimes looked over my shoulder to see where the hidden camera was... because seriously, some of this could have been written by ME! It just really goes to show what an amazing connector Tracey is! She's a mom just like us... she knows what we struggle with daily... she knows what our greatest fears and failures are... and she's not afraid to call us out on it! She uplifted me more than once and I would say, "HECK YES!" to her words of affirmation.

If you're a mom to a preschooler and you're feeling disconnected, you NEED to pick up this book and reclaim your rhythm!

5 Stars!

I am giving away a FREE copy of this book on my personal blog, so please follow THIS LINK to enter. (Review is the same, just scroll to the bottom for giveaway rules).

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of this review... this is my honest opinon

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May 3, 2012

Heart of the Matter, by Emily Giffen

I really dig Emily Giffen. It started with Something Borrowed, but I also really enjoyed Something Blue. For me, the series was unique because Giffen wrote each book using the same basic plot, but from the differing perspectives of the two main characters.

After reading those, some of Giffen's other books, and now the Heart of the Matter, I've decided that Giffen excels at character development.

Plot: Tessa is a wife and newly minted stay at home mother of two with a busy life in her suburban community. Her husband Nick seems to be perfect -- handsome, kind, and a pediatric surgeon. But when he meets Valerie, the single mother of one of his patients, things change. The central plot in enhanced with great supporting characters, like the suburban queen bees written in true "desperate housewives" style, and a sweet little boy who's caught in the middle.

Each chapter alternates between Tessa and Valerie's perspectives, illustrating both sides of a very complex story.

Characters: As I said, this is where Giffen shines. I love that she alternates perspectives, and that she can make it happen with such ease. As a reader, it keeps me interested -- just when I'd hit a critical point with one character, the perspective would change. But it'd only serve to keep me reading. In addition to making the book a page turner, the differing perspectives makes it hard to choose a side. It makes you see the whole story.

Overall: In my opinion, it's rare for a book to keep me neutral. To not hand me the protagonist and antagonist in a neatly wrapped package. To make me assess the facts and make my own decision as to who's the "good guy". Giffen's books do this and for that, I'll keep reading. 5 stars.
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50 Shades of Grey, by E.L. James

You guys, I don't think we could be considered a legit book blog if we didn't review this book. Or, maybe we could call ourselves "above it", but I know I at least am not above a little smut now and again.

So, Fifty Shades of Grey. One day, I'd never heard of it and then like lightening it was everywhere. I mean, literally, it was overnight. And it all happened about the time I was trying to decide what to load on my Nook for my tropical honeymoon. Given the plot, this particular book seemed quite appropriate -- and it didn't disappoint.

Plot: Let's face it, this won't win the Pulitzer for its plot line. The book is basically sex in print, with the occasional side line in between. But, there is a common plot line that is every so slightly superior to your run-of-the-mill erotica plot. And it doesn't even involve a sexy secretary or hot pizza delivery boy! Already it's a step above the rest.

Anastasia is on the cusp of graduating college and being on her own. As a favor to her roommate, she conducts an interview of a local CEO, Christian Grey. Intrigued by him, she is surprised when he pursues her. Over the course of the book, she learns Christian is hiding a dark secret and she must make the decision whether to fall down the rabbit hole with him -- or rise above and move on with her life.

See? It's not a totally lame plot! There's lots of agonizing on Anastasia's part, and how Christian finally hooks her is interesting enough to entertain me between the really good parts that only serve to get you hot and bothered. (Like I said, PERFECT honeymoon/vacation read.)

Characters: Shockingly, I actually liked the characters. Anastasia intrigued me. Christian intrigued me. The two of them together and their interactions (the non-sexual ones!) intrigued me. Who woulda thought?!

Overall: I'll be honest. It's not literary genius. You pick book this up for the wow factor. It'll make you simultaneously cringe and think "hmmmm..." You pick this book up to add a little excitement to your life. And it will. But, you'll also enjoy the underlying story, however faint it may be. 4 stars.

P.S. -- I was pretty clueless on the premise, so when Christian starts talking about his "dark secret", I was afraid this was going to be another vampire book. After all, it started out as Twilight fan fiction. But, I promise you, no vampires make an appearance. At least not yet, there are two more books I have to read.

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Amped, by Douglas Richards

Amped, by Douglas Richards is the sequel to Wired, which I reviewed last fall. I recall finding Wired a fast-paced thriller and while Amped has its moments, I think I may have liked the first installment better.

Plot: Amped picks up where Wired left off. David Desh and Kira are now married and living off the grid with some of their closest allies. They continue to use Kira's special pills that, when taken, enhance a person's brain so they can think -- and accomplish -- unthinkable tasks and problems.

The crew of scientists, techno-geniuses, and former military ops are very careful about this use of this "miracle drug", trying their best to ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. But, they soon find someone is out to get them and there's a global threat that only their enhanced minds can neutralize. Along the way, Kira and David also question their own relationship, as information about their respective pasts are revealed.

Characters: I like the characters just fine; though they aren't my most favorite characters in literature. David seems a bit more "with it" and less easily duped than he did in the first book. And the affable hacker, Matt, is entertaining.

Overall: I had trouble wading through the "science" of Wired, and I had the same difficulty, if not more so, with Amped. And I'm still not totally convinced Kira is one of the good ones. But, I guess I'll just have to wait for a third installment to find out! Given all the technical aspects, you'd likely enjoy this if you're into sci-fi and looking for something with a twist. 3 stars.

**I received a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes. But, my thoughts are my own.**

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May 2, 2012

Heft by Liz Moore

Heft, by Liz Moore, is told from alternating points of views of two very different characters: a 550, shy, shut-in, and a talented high school athlete who takes care of his alcoholic mother.

This book was a very quick read and the two stories flowed naturally together. Moore does an excellent job at distinguishing the voices of the two different characters (although Kel, the teenager, is occasionally written with a higher level of vocabulary and poetic expression than could be expected).

While I did enjoy the book as I read it, the ease of emotional healing that both characters undergo seems too…easy. There was little self reflection and it seemed to take no time at all for the characters to undergo major emotional breakthroughs.

Bottom line—this book was sweet. The characters were quirky and it is worth the read. I think it would be a great read for high school students. 4 stars.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

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May 22, 2012

The Mother Road, by Jennifer Allee

This Means War

May 21, 2012

Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

May 20, 2012

TIME's Disasters That Shook the World

Baroness by Susan May Warren

May 16, 2012

The Orchid House, by Lucinda Riley

May 11, 2012

Mom Connection by Tracey Bianchi

May 3, 2012

Heart of the Matter, by Emily Giffen

50 Shades of Grey, by E.L. James

Amped, by Douglas Richards

May 2, 2012

Heft by Liz Moore

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