I’m super excited to be heading to L.A. this week – for a press junket with some fabulous mom bloggers. Also, will be joining some great women authors like Irene Zutell, Lisa Steinke & Liz Fenton and Laura Dave to swing by Borders in Westwood for Allison Winn Scotch’s The One That I Want book signing. I love these women and feel blessed every day to work with them. And who doesn’t love a GNO in L.A.?

So before I head on over to Hollywood, wanted to give out the Tuesday 5 for ya – 5 great things to check out this week.

The Tuesday 5

#1 People Magazine
Pick up this week’s issue of People and you’ll see an incredible list of summer reading recommendations including Fragile by Lisa Unger – which the mag calls a “nail-biting, nuanced whodunit.” Pre-order Fragile (August 3 release date). As an added bonus, the issue just happens to be the 50 Most Amazing Bodies, uhm…hello Zac Efron! (#cougar).

Earlier this week on People.com, the lovely Emily Giffin was asked what’s on her summer reading list and she recommended The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen, which is in like its 4th printing. Congrats Sarah!

#2 Sand in my Eyes by Christine Lemmon
Looking for the perfect beach book? Check out Sand in my Eyes from Christine Lemmon, which according to this fantastic book blog review, is the pefect beach book “to lose yourself in for those precious hours by the pool, the beach or just in a quiet room.”  Sand in my Eyes is coming out July 1, pre-order the book.

 

#3 Unabashedly Bookish Blog
We love Lisa Steinke and her Monday posts for this popular B&N book blog, especially what she had to say about Jane Porter’s upcoming novel, She’s Gone Country – that from the moment she picked it up, she couldn’t put it down. We hope you are all as excited about She’s Gone Country as Lisa is- and we are. Pre-order She’s Gone Country (coming August 23). 

 
#4 Georgia’s Kitchen by Jenny Nelson
Congrats to Jenny Nelson whose debut novel, Georgia’s Kitchen, has been selected by Target as a Break-out Book for August (Pre-order, it’s coming August 3!). Be sure to become a fan of Georgia’s Kitchen on Facebook and follow Jenny on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news and contests for this fabulous debut. And one of our favorite book bloggers, Luxury Reading, is currently giving away an early copy. Enter to win. 

#5 Cupcakes!
We love author Jennifer Ross’s book, The Icing on the Cupcake, and how she shared delicious cupcakes at the beginning of each chapter. Now she’s doing something super fun on her blog. She’s having guest bloggers share their favorite recipes handed down from their grandmothers, like this one Allison Winn Scotch provided – Allison’s Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream. Yum!

 And last, speaking of Tuesday – Holly Christine, author of Tuesday Tells it Slant, is sharing her 5 favorite  big books (over 700 pages) that she couldn’t put down. Great list!

Happy reading, y’all! Or as they say in Hollywood, have your peeps call my peeps!?  

 

 

 

Related posts:

1. Tuesday 5
2. Thursday Must List
3. Two New Books ~ Two Cool Contests

I get a ton of emails from girlfriends looking for book recommendations or comments on my Facebook page about books I’m promoting or raving about that they are excited to read. Lately, what I love is that I’m getting guys asking me for book ideas too - suggestions for books their wives/girlfriends/moms might like. And recently, even ideas for books that they would enjoy reading.

So, with those guys in mind (and for you ladies who want your guy to pick up something other than the remote), I put together a fun Guy’s Summer Book Guide over at SheKnows. 6 books recommendations for cool guys and hip dads -  many which appeal to men and women.

Also, if you missed my Father’s Day essay, I’d love for you to check it out and leave a comment.

Happy Father’s Day guys and I’d love to hear your thoughts on these books and other books you are reading or have read and liked.

6 Books for Cool Guys and Hip Dads

 #1 Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris 
Joshua Ferris, just named one of the top fiction writers under the age of 40 by The New Yorker, can do no wrong in my eyes. I love his bestselling debut novel, Then We Came to the End, an incredibly funny, moving and modern portrait of corporate, cubicle life.

Set during the dot-com bubble at an unnamed Chicago advertising firm, the book is a hilarious romp of  cubicle culture- office gossip, ridiculous pranks, free food in the breakroom.  A great view of how work becomes your dysfunctional family - a la  The Office but so much more. 

Also recommend: The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris, his new book that came out earlier this year about a man who loves his wife, his family, his work, his home. And one day, he stands up and walks out.

#2 This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
Speaking of dysfunctional families, Jonathan Tropper captures the drama, complexity and sibling dynamics perfectly in his book, This is Where I Leave You. Coming out in paperback July 6, this family saga is outrageously funny and heartfelt.

The book is about the wildly dysfunctional Foxman family - the dad has passed away and the adult children return home to sit Shiva for seven days together. Old sibling rivalries, marriage issues, sex, love, enemies all surface and make for a messy, funny, sad and delicious read.

Also recommend: How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper, a moving and funny book about a man raising his stepson after his wife dies.
 
#3 The Accidental Adult by Colin Sokolowski
If your guy is reluctantly responsible and marginally mature, he’s likely an accidental adult. As writer Colin Sokolowski defines,  ”An accidental adult is an individual whose age indicates maturity but whose approach to life suggests otherwise.”

This comic collection of essays is perfect for the guy who longs for the carefree days of hanging out in a bar and feeling like you belong there, but who now has a minivan-driving wife, kids and a mortgage to pay. Part How-To advice and part How-Not-To narrative, The Accidental Adult will have you laughing, remembering the good ‘ole days and realizing just because you’re older doesn’t mean you have to be lamer. 

Also recommended: Not sure if you or your man are accidental adults or assimilated adults (those who embrace the responsiblity of adulthood)? Take this fun Adult aptitude quiz to find out. And read some cool stuff my favorite chick lit bloggers, Liz and Lisa, found out when they spent Seven Seconds in Heaven with The Accidental Adult.

For the rest of my list, check out the Guy’s Summer Book Guide and let me know what you are reading!

Related posts:

1. Best Mother’s Day Books
2. Two New Books ~ Two Cool Contests
3. Must-Read Monday

I’m a mom of three (including this cute little stinker playing in the rain the other day) so Mother’s Day is one of my favorite times of year. I get to sleep in, have breakfast made for me and do what I want – all. day. long. What’s not to love? And, for me, that will involve lots of reading and napping!

If you’re like me, you’ve waited until the last minute to think about mom…and now you need a gift, and quick! I recently put together a fabulous Mother’s Day Book Gift Guide – a great list of book ideas for every type of mom. The perfect book is the perfect gift, I say!

Next up for me- I’m working on a super fun Summer Entertainment Guide which will highlight what fabulous books are coming out all summer long. So if you’re a book publicist or author and want me to consider your book for my Best Books of Summer list, send me an email.

Oh, and if you haven’t entered this fabulous contest to win Emily Giffin’s Favorite Things - then you must do it! There are tons of chances to win and some of the best prizes (a new Blackberry, a pair of designer shoes and more!) I absolutely loved her new book, Heart of the Matter, which comes out on May 11th.

To all you mamas out there – Have a wonderful Mother’s Day and Happy Reading!

Related posts:

1. Best Books for Guys and Dads
2. Two New Books ~ Two Cool Contests
3. Book Review: The Accidental Mother

It’s Friday and I wanted to share what I’m reading this week (or recently finished) for all you book lovers looking for a book recommendation for Spring Break.

First of all, last night we had a great SheKnows Book Club conversation with author Irene Zutell on her book, Pieces of Happily Ever After, on the SheKnows Book Club message board. Irene joined in and answered questions from members and our amazing, fun Official SheKnows Book Club bloggers. And even our new SheKnows Book Club Radio Host, Robin of Reading with Robin, joined in. (Speaking of Robin- she’s interviewing Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarrin and her sister Lisa tomorrow on her show. Tune in from 7 to 8 a.m. EST at www.920whjj.com.)

If you haven’t joined this free, easy, online book club – please check it out and come join us. In April, we’ll be talking about Jodi Picoult’s new novel (her 17th) House Rules.

Okay, what else am I reading?

Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
I loved this book and could not put it down – it’s a wonderful love story. You know that part in the Titanic movie when Rose (Kate Winslet) is on the floating piece of ice and holding on to Jack (Leo, oh Leo!) and then has to let him go? This book is just like that moment for me – sad and brilliant and beautiful and so emotional. It’s about first love, true love, WWII, the beauty of the South and a girl from a small town there, the expectations, the obligations, true and passionate love and those moments in our lives that change us forever. Follow Jeffrey on Twitter, become a Facebook Fan and buy the book. It comes out on Tuesday and you will be mesmerized and wanting more from this debut author (but who has written for TV for years – The Wonder Years, Sisters, and co-exec producer of Dawson’s Creek.)

Love in Mid Air by Kim Wright
Of all the books I have read in the last six months, this book has resonated with me most. I LOVED this book and I cannot say it enough – buy this book. buy this book. buy this book. Kim is a debut author and getting people to buy the book is critical. Because, well I can’t wait for the next one and the next one… and a lovely career from this fabulous woman! It’s about marriage, sex and friendship, infidelity, community….a group of amazing and different women who belong to the same church and book club, who are all at different places in their marriages. Mostly it’s about Elyse – a woman who risks everything after a chance encounter with a stranger she meets on an airplane. It’s about women in marriage and what makes them stay or what is the straw that breaks the camel’s back to make them leave, it’s sexy and relatable…it’s so RICH and FULL and FABULOUS. Okay. read it, buy it, love it. Enough said.

And last but not least, I’m reading The Other Side of Organized: Finding the Balance Between Chaos and Perfection – a great book by my new client and professional organizer of 20+ years Linda Samuels. Perfect timing for Spring – it’s all about how to let go of the clutter (you know you hang on to stuff because emotionally you don’t want to let it go!) and finding the sweet spot where you are comfortable (not necessarily perfectly ordered and organized) in your life.

And I wouldn’t be a good publicist if I didn’t tell you that you should check out The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen…. talk about a perfect Spring Break book! People magazine gave it 3.5/4 stars, The Washington Post gave it a good review, Redbook magazine picked it for March… it’s a great story about sisters and the roles we are assigned (pretty one, smart one). Learn more about The Opposite of Me.

What are YOU reading?

Happy Friday, Happy Reading!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my lovely Q&A with fab YA author Josie Bloss on her book Albatross and my Q&A with Jodi Picoult on House Rules – both for the Indianapolis Star.

Related posts:

1. Tuesday 5
2. It’s Saturday and I wish I was….
3. Must-Read Monday

It’s literally cold enough in the midwest today for winter coats … my feet are perpetually cold. I am chilled to the bone. I am fantasizing about Phoenix weather and sand between my toes. I am drinking coffee all day instead of just first thing in the morning. And today I’m being continuously interrupted by my comedic five-year-old and his impersonation of the president from the Monsters v. Aliens movie. He keeps coming up to me and pretending he’s sipping from my coffee cup, and says “Oh, that’s a good cup ‘o joe,” and rubs his tummy. (If you’re a friend on Facebook, you saw the video!) And how can you not stop what you are doing and laugh at this?

So, finally, despite numerous interruptions, here is this week’s Thursday Must-List!

Vampires v. Werewolves
With all the Twilight hype on the upcoming release of New Moon, fans are picking sides. Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Well, I happen to adore both and I am ….Team Sam. Who? Sam, my new favorite wolf. Check out my article on Vampires v. Werewolves to read more about Sam – a wolf who comes to us from the magically fantastical mind of Maggie Stiefvater in her new comtemporary fantasy novel Shiver.

And here is the New Moon trailer I reference in the article, the one that Gave. Me. Goose. Bumps.

The Looking Glass Wars
I recently had the chance to interview movie producer of There’s Something About Mary and author behind The Looking Glass Wars trilogy – a fantastical and utterly creative genius this man, Frank Beddor, and so very warm and friendly. The third book in the trilogy – Arch Enemy - is out today. I will post my story when it comes out, but meantime, you can learn more about The Looking Glass Wars and Frank Beddor.

Everyone in my house is devouring these books and the world Beddor created in the series – which all started when he came across an incomplete deck of cards in a British museum that reminded him of Alice in Wonderland. Beddor’s Alyss and Wonderlandia will BLOW you away. And for young adults who are reluctant readers – both boys and girls – Beddor and his trilogy (and accompanying graphic novels, virtual games and fantastical world) is your answer.

Bent Objects
Since this list seems to be continuing along the line of …out there (vampires, werewolves, the bizarre and fantastical world created from Alice and Wonderland), I wanted to share this …er, interesting book I was emailed about this week from an Indianapolis area author, Terry Border, whose passion for Bent Objects has now been made into a book. Somehow, I think I need to meet the person behind this.

Here’s the book trailer…

Uhm…. Happy Thursday, y’all!

Related posts:

1. Thursday Must List
2. Thursday-Must List
3. Thursday-Must List

Must-Read Monday (Tuesday edition)

So, I’m a bit behind the eight ball today. Which is good. It means I’m busy…which is better than that alternative, I suppose. Lots of great stuff going on that I can’t wait to share…. and lots to read these last few days. It was hard choosing just a few must-reads.

But, here goes:

Mom in the City
I recently re-connected with a college friend of mine on Facebook. We both graduated from ASU J-School together (Go Devils!) and both dated Sigma Chi frat boys. Needless to say, times have changed and now we’re both busy moms with a shared passion for writing.

She sent me a wonderful story she wrote on leaving suburban life behind and heading back into the city where she belongs – a tough choice she recently made with her family, but the right one for them. Read her article, Mom in the City: Leaving the Suburbs, and let her know what you think and where your family thrives.

The Nicholas Effect
This wonderful story breaks my heart and gives me hope at the same time. Read about one family’s tragedy in losing their son Nicholas – who has become known as the boy who saved thousands of lives. And think about it, could you do what they did? It’s a tough subject, but an important one. When you leave your comments on the story, you could win one of 7 copies of the book we’re giving away.

Ruined giveaway
Speaking of giveaways, author Paula Morris is guest blogging over at SheKnows about her teen ghost story -Ruined. Read about how Paula came up with her love story set in New Orleans, her love of Wuthering Heights and enter to win the Ruined giveaway: a cool digital camera and autographed copy of the book. And check out the Ruined book trailer as well.

Julia Roberts Scandal
Want to know how Irene Zutell came up with the idea for her new novel Pieces of Happily Ever After? Well, it all started with a Julia Roberts scandal.

Irene dishes about the scandal and her book over at My Daily Find.

First paragraph contest
Speaking of how a book gets started, check out this fun contest on the best first paragraph challenge. Put on by Curtis Brown literary agent, Nathan Bransford, on his popular publishing blog for writers and industry peeps, the Third Sort-of Annual Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge is going on until this Thursday at 4 p.m. PST.

You could win your choice of a partial critique, query critique, or phone consultation with Nathan on your work in progress and a copy of The Secret Year by Nathan’s client, debut author Jennifer Hubbard, which will be published by Viking in January 2010. The book is a young adult novel about a secret love affair between two teenagers – being touted as mixing the romance of Romeo and Juliet with the violence of The Outsiders.

I’ve read The Secret Year for an upcoming review I’m doing, and Hubbard is one to watch. Her subdued voice throughout the book reminded me of one of my favs (Curtis Sittenfeld) – Hubbard pushes and pulls you in subtle ways you can’t put your finger on, with emotions and realizations simmering just below the surface and, at times, crashing into you like the river in the novel. It’s a must-read and I look forward to Hubbard’s career.

So, enter Nathan’s fun contest, and maybe you’ll win the chance for some advice from him on your career as well.

Okay, Happy Monday …er, Tuesday, y’all.

Related posts:

1. Must-Read Monday
2. It’s Saturday and I wish I was….
3. Tuesday 5

Time again for my Thursday-Must List - my picks for things you must read, see and know about this week.

Glee
I’m still singing this Beyonce song and laughing about the opening of last week’s Glee. Can’t wait to catch up on last night’s new episode on my DVR.

Dancing with – and rooting for – Kelly Osbourne
I almost cried after Kelly Osbourne and Louie debuted on Dancing with the Stars last week – especially after she ran over and gave her dad a big hug. I’ve never felt so compelled to root for an Osbourne before. But I do now. And even though she messed up her Tango this week, last week’s dance was so lovely that I watched it again and again. Go Kelly!

Hope in a Jar
Chick Lit author Beth Harbison – author of Shoe Addicts Anonymous and Secrets of a Shoe Addict - is over at Chick Lit is Not Dead revealing 25 Things About herself and talking about her fab new book Hope in a Jar.

Must-have beauty
You can also find out what beauty products Liz and Lisa can’t live without and share your own must-haves on the Chick Lit is Not Dead blog. I absolutely can’t leave the house without my Mentha Lip Tint (violet mint lip gloss from C.O. Bigelow apothecaries) which can be found at Bath & Body Works.

But after reading Hope in a Jar, I’m now in the mood to head out to Target and get some Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers.

The Fray’s Brothers & Sisters Trailer
So glad that my must-see TV shows are back on – including Brothers & Sisters which is my absolute FAV (after all, I’ve loved Rob Lowe since he played Soda Pop and graced the covers of Tiger Beat. I still have poster cut outs of him taped to my 1988 journal.)

And since I’m also a big fan of The Fray - season two of Grey’s Anatomy wouldn’t have been the same without them (and unfortunately hasn’t been the same since then either) – then you can imagine how much I’m just in love with this video trailer for Brothers & Sisters.

Ally McBeal
Also, can’t believe it but finally you can now buy the entire Ally McBeal series on DVD – hello anyone who is searching for the perfect holiday gift for me?!?

Happy Thursday!

Related posts:

1. Thursday Must-List
2. Thursday-Must List
3. Thursday Must List

The autumn chill has kicked in full force where I am today, so this will be brief (After all, I need to get back on the couch under my warm fuzzy blanket and catch up on my DVR episodes of Brothers & Sisters and Mad Men!)

So, without further ado, Must-Read Monday:

#1 City Dog by Alison Pace
My lovely client, fab friend and Chick Lit guru – Lisa Steinke – put together this lovely review of City Dog by Alison Pace for SheKnows.

Lisa’s review makes me want to run to the book store and grab a copy. If it weren’t so cold. Shout out for whoever invented online shopping.

#2 Pinch me, am I dreaming?
Speaking of clients, the fabulous Sarah Pekkanen shares an amazing story over at The Debutante Ball. It was a dream day for her when she headed to New York last week to meet the publisher and team working on her debut novel, The Opposite of Me. Be sure to read about her lovely day playing dress up and heading into the city and how she asked her publicist to pinch her. A publicist, mind you, that she shares with the likes of Jodi Picoult! And, not me obviously, her other publicist!

Be sure to check The Debutante Ball on Tuesdays, when Sarah posts updated blogs about being a debut author. And don’t forget to sign up for Sarah’s monthly newsletter – she gives away chocolate. Enough said.

#3 My Invented Life
I’m currently reading a book that officially launches tomorrow about sisters – My Invented Life by Lauren Bjorkman. Lauren has launched a fun blog – Girl Power - with contests, giveaways and an Ask My Sister section (where readers can ask Roz from the book questions.) Fun girl stuff – and I love girl stuff! I can only imagine what my sisters would say if you were to ask them questions. You can enter to win a copy of the book and a set of Sister Necklaces made by the author herself!

Anyway, My Invented Life is being described as “a comedy of errors with mistaken identities, ambiguous sexuality, skate gods, theater geeks–and true love.” And, I’m looking forward to a Q&A with author Lauren Bjorkman.

That’s it, y’all. Happy Monday!

Related posts:

1. Must-Read Monday
2. Friday Reads/Spring Break
3. Tuesday 5

Saturday morning chaos has subsided in my household (big kids are outside playing and baby is down for a nap), and I have a moment to relax before I start baking. Yes, baking. I am no Paula Deen, but I can hold my own in the kitchen. I’m going to make my mother in law’s yummy coffee cake today. Usually reserved for Christmas morning, but why the hell not today, I say?

So, it’s Saturday and besides baking coffee cake, I was on Twitter checking out all the fun things my Twitter peeps have going on today and it made me come up with a fun list (and I love lists!)

So, it’s Saturday and I wish I was…

At the National Book Festival
SO many great tweets on this and it just makes me wish I was right there in the action! Jodi Picoult is speaking and was excited to meet Judy Blume… Apparently, the John Grisham tent is overflowing with thousands of fans…. David Baldacci is a great speaker…one of the Twitter peeps I follow was Sitting. by. Lois. Lowry. Lois Lowry!

Oh, it’s Saturday and I wish I was at the National Book Festival!

Instead, this is what I am doing…which is all good too.

It’s Saturday and I am….

Catching up on RealMomsGuide season 1
There is one more episode left in season 1 and I’m going back and watching all the episodes of this great Web Reality Series that follows 4 Real Moms of Arizona. It’s my guilty pleasure and you should check it out if you haven’t seen it. They are mini-episodes so it doesn’t take long to watch each one. I love the one when Vanessa talks about getting her boob job after nursing 5 babies and the one where Dana talks about her husband Hoop who is a stay at home dad. So many fun, relevant issues these moms discuss.

It’s Saturday and I am….

Lining up guest bloggers
Speaking of RealMomsGuide, several mom bloggers who contributed to the new funny book See Mom Run: Side Splitting Essays by the World’s Most Harried Blogging Moms by Role Mommy founder and author Beth Feldman are going to be guest blogging for two weeks in October to promote the See Mom Run book and tour.

In addition, there is a fun mommy blogger contest over at RealMomsGuide where you can submit your favorite post from your own blog for a chance to win a new Blackberry! Check out some examples from humor author and super cool mom blogger Kathy Buckworth, whose book and blog – Blackberry Diaries: Adventures in Modern Motherhood and The Blackberry Diaries – I’ve recently fell in love with.

It’s Saturday and I am also reading….

So I can’t be at the National Book Festival, but I am catching up some reading, writing and reviewing.

Best Fall Teen Lit
I’m having so much fun putting together my story on the Best Fall Teen Lit. Today, I’m starting Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick (which came highly recommended by teen lit fav Megan McCafferty in my Labor Day Book Picks Story.) about a young soldier who gets injured in Iraq and is putting the pieces back together after his head injury.

Megan had also recommended Adromeda Klein by the ultra creative and talented Frank Portman which I GOBBLED UP and included on my list.

Others that blew me away: Going Bovine by Libba Bray and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (move over Edward and Bella – new teen paranormal romance will blow them away!). Such great YA novelists and books out there right now – which makes it fun to write this story.

And I’m not done yet, so if you have recommendations for this story on great Teen Lit – let me know!

Pieces of Happily Ever After
I shared the book trailer with you on my Thursday Must List and now the book has arrived. It starts off with a woman who is holed up in her house because the paparazzi are outside waiting to get the scoop on something. Liz and Lisa highly recommended this book by Irene Zutell and gushed to me about her on Facebook. I think they are right- Irene Zutell is one to add to our fab list of women authors. Join us and follow Irene on Twitter.

Little Bird of Heaven
If I had to pick one all-time favorite author, Joyce Carol Oates would have to be it. And I’ve just gotten her new book, Little Bird of Heaven, in the mail. This is like her 500th novel or some crazy number. I’ve been hooked on her since We Were the Mulvaneys. And after just three chapters of this new book, I’m hooked again.

So, it’s Satruday… and now the sun is finally out (goodbye rain and fog!)… and I smell coffee cake!

Related posts:

1. Must-Read Monday
2. Thursday-Must List
3. Friday Reads/Spring Break

Quick book round-up since I’ve had my nose stuck in various books over the last several weeks….

Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
So, I’m a huge Picoult fan as many of us are. I love so many of her books and I was truly excited to dive into this new one and get lost in Picoult’s relevant and captivating storytelling – her books are more than stories, they are experiences which is what I love about them. Handle With Care was like baking a rich cake full of texture and flavors – I felt like a real pastry chef. I could smell the desserts baking in the warm kitchen while the snow melted outside. I savored every word, every character and character flaw, I rolled her eloquent passages over my tongue like the best icing I’d ever tasted, sometimes sweet and sometimes bitter. The raw emotion and passion of her characters, and their likable and not so likable actions, are what make her a genius.

But I have to say, this book experience for me was like baking that wonderful cake, anticipating it coming out perfect and opening the oven door to find the damn cake had folded into itself, crumbled under it’s own weight. Perhaps the weight of my expectations? And the thing is I didn’t feel that way until the end. I was rolling along enjoying the story (even though at times it felt like My Sister’s Keeper all over again)and loving the characters (especially Sean and Willow) and then just -bam! – it ended in a way that left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt like Picoult was trying too hard to recapture that moment at the end of My Sister’s Keeper where everyone was shocked to the core. I felt like for this story, how it ended, just wasn’t necessary…. but maybe it was? I don’t know… I’m still perplexed. But I’m still thinking about it and maybe that was her point? And the part that really got me ticked off was the money – so unrealistic and what a waste, think of all the other kids that could have helped. Makes me angry to think about it.

The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch
This was my first foray into the literary world of this writer – who came highly recommended to me by my friend and author Lisa Steinke. It’s about a tough subject – a young woman who gets breast cancer – but it’s handled with the right balance of seriousness and necessary humor. The result? Hope. Which I think we can all use right now.

The premise is this: 30-year-old Natalie finds out she has cancer the same day she is dumped by her boyfriend. She embarks on a journey of recovery through chemo and by digging into past relationships (five of them) to see what went wrong in each of them so she can learn from her mistakes. I loved the humor, the touching emotional moments throughout where the cancer becomes very real to her and breaks her facade of strength and the whole idea of learning from your mistakes. Not that I would go back to past boyfriends and ask them what went wrong (oh Hell no!) but it was fascinating reading about her journey. What I found in The Department of Lost and Found is another great writer to look forward to reading over the years.

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
So I loved this book. I have to admit I enjoy fiction that is inspired by real people or real things – and this one is inspired by Laura Bush. I love how a writer can take a nugget of information, a small glimpse of someone and create an entire story of their life that is real and believable and so amazingly layered that I am wondering if it indeed is fiction or not. Sittenfeld is gifted, there’s no other way to describe her writing.

But, no, this is not a book about Laura Bush, her childhood or her life with W. It’s a story about a woman from the time she’s a teenager (where she is responsible for a life-altering tragedy not unlike Laura Bush) through her choices (some a bit shocking) and into womanhood and adulthood where she ends up as the American president’s wife. It was fascinating.

What am I diving into next? Well thanks to Mary, I’m excited to start Ahab’s Wife and my mother in law just sent me a collection from my all-time favorite Joyce Carol Oates called Dear Husband.

Related posts:

1. It’s Saturday and I wish I was….
2. Book Review: The Accidental Mother