I don't want to stir up any debate betwixt all my readers (haha), so the books will remain nameless, but I bought three books last year that I thought I would love. We chose one for book club, then one of the book club ladies told the rest of us that in reading reviews of the first book, she saw that there is one chapter that is very graphically pornographic. She recommended that we all skip that chapter, because even those reviews pointed out that the rest of the book is excellent.
The enthusiasm for the book and it's sequels totally died for me. I know I can just skip the chapter in question and enjoy the rest of the it… but, I don't know. I just don't care anymore.
Luckily, the two sequels were on sale when I bought them, so altogether the total cost for the three books was about $15. I hate wasting that much money, but it could be worse.
Here's the lesson I learned: I need to just buy books when I'm ready to read them. That way, if there is something objectionable about them, I still have time to return them for a refund.
It's going to kind of feel bad to delete three unread books (that I paid for!) off my Kindle, but I just don't want to read them anymore.
P.S. No, it's not the 50 Shades series. Haha!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Elijah of Buxton (Christopher Paul Curtis)
Why I have this book: My friend recommended it a while back, and since I have Amazon Gift Card money to spend, I took it off my Wish List and put it on my Kindle. :)
I liked this book a lot. It reminded me of reading The Great Brain books back when I was a kid. (It even made me stop to see if those books were available for Kindle yet… and they're not! WHY???) Anyway, it's been a very long time since I read The Great Brain books, so maybe they aren't like this book at all…
In any case, I was thoroughly entertained with the writing, and touched by the deeper storylines. In fact, I was so engrossed that I was surprised when the book ended. I wanted to see what happened next, but the ending really was perfect.
Very good and I highly recommend it.
Clean, although it deals to some degree with the difficult subject of slavery.
I liked this book a lot. It reminded me of reading The Great Brain books back when I was a kid. (It even made me stop to see if those books were available for Kindle yet… and they're not! WHY???) Anyway, it's been a very long time since I read The Great Brain books, so maybe they aren't like this book at all…
In any case, I was thoroughly entertained with the writing, and touched by the deeper storylines. In fact, I was so engrossed that I was surprised when the book ended. I wanted to see what happened next, but the ending really was perfect.
Very good and I highly recommend it.
Clean, although it deals to some degree with the difficult subject of slavery.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
All Things New (Lynn Austin)
Why I have this book: I bought it over a year ago because I like this author and the book was on sale.
I enjoyed this book… It was a bit deeper than a lot of the books I've been reading lately, so that was a nice change. It tied up pretty quick and neatly at the end, but that's okay. And if you're offended by a religious angle, you might get bugged. (I didn't.)
It was set in the post-Civil War era, which is always an interesting time to read about.
Clean.
I enjoyed this book… It was a bit deeper than a lot of the books I've been reading lately, so that was a nice change. It tied up pretty quick and neatly at the end, but that's okay. And if you're offended by a religious angle, you might get bugged. (I didn't.)
It was set in the post-Civil War era, which is always an interesting time to read about.
Clean.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Living It Down (Pamela S. Williams)
Why I have this book: It sounded good, so I bought it with my birthday Amazon gift card balance.
I really wanted (and expected) to like this book. I think it had potential, but it felt like something written in the 60's. I don't know… even the parents seemed kind of naive, and the teenagers were way more naive than any teenagers I've ever known.
There were some characters/conversations that really kind of creeped me out. I think some were meant to be creepy (which weren't so much creepy as corny) and some were meant to be profound, but just made me shudder a bit. Everything felt a bit "cliché" to me.
I really wish I liked it more, because the author seems like a nice lady and I'm happy for her publishing her first book at a later age. That impresses me.
Clean enough… there was a "bad" teenage boy situation, but everything came from an LDS perspective of what is right and wrong.
I really wanted (and expected) to like this book. I think it had potential, but it felt like something written in the 60's. I don't know… even the parents seemed kind of naive, and the teenagers were way more naive than any teenagers I've ever known.
There were some characters/conversations that really kind of creeped me out. I think some were meant to be creepy (which weren't so much creepy as corny) and some were meant to be profound, but just made me shudder a bit. Everything felt a bit "cliché" to me.
I really wish I liked it more, because the author seems like a nice lady and I'm happy for her publishing her first book at a later age. That impresses me.
Clean enough… there was a "bad" teenage boy situation, but everything came from an LDS perspective of what is right and wrong.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
The Christmas Code (Ed J. Pinegar)
Why I have this book: I bought it with my Amazon gift card balance because it was Christmasy and it sounded like it might be good.
After reading it, I'm kind of bummed that I spent $5.76 on it.
It was a cute story. It reminded me of a cheesy Christmas movie you might see on Hallmark. It just didn't get deep enough to be more than "cute" for me.
Clean.
After reading it, I'm kind of bummed that I spent $5.76 on it.
It was a cute story. It reminded me of a cheesy Christmas movie you might see on Hallmark. It just didn't get deep enough to be more than "cute" for me.
Clean.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
For What It's Worth (Karey White)
Why I have this book: I had a lot of Amazon Gift Cards to use up (I know… quite a problem.) and I have really enjoyed this author's other books, so I bought this one.
I enjoyed it well enough. I didn't feel like the relationship was super well-developed. It was kind of like they were falling in love, but I didn't see it happen. But I liked the storyline and the message it was trying to convey.
Most of it just didn't seem that realistic… everything happened in a way that maybe happens for some people (inheriting a ton of money, super success practically instantly, etc.), but not for most people. So in that regard, it was definitely one of those books that wasn't a deep emotional connection for me.
Still, it was a nice escape read and sometimes that's just what I need. :)
Clean.
I enjoyed it well enough. I didn't feel like the relationship was super well-developed. It was kind of like they were falling in love, but I didn't see it happen. But I liked the storyline and the message it was trying to convey.
Most of it just didn't seem that realistic… everything happened in a way that maybe happens for some people (inheriting a ton of money, super success practically instantly, etc.), but not for most people. So in that regard, it was definitely one of those books that wasn't a deep emotional connection for me.
Still, it was a nice escape read and sometimes that's just what I need. :)
Clean.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Can This Be Christmas? (Debbie Macomber)
Why I have this book: It was super cheap on Amazon, plus I think I must have bought it before I was worn out with her Cedar Cove Series. If it wasn't a Christmas story, I would have waited to read it until I was in the mood for her kind of story again.
This was a pretty short book about a group of people stranded in a train depot on Christmas Eve. It was okay. It was kind of cute. Luckily it was a short investment of time.
I might need a bit deeper of a read next. I feel like it's all been a bit too much "light" reading lately. My brain is feeling a little mushy.
This book was clean other than a handful of swear words.
This was a pretty short book about a group of people stranded in a train depot on Christmas Eve. It was okay. It was kind of cute. Luckily it was a short investment of time.
I might need a bit deeper of a read next. I feel like it's all been a bit too much "light" reading lately. My brain is feeling a little mushy.
This book was clean other than a handful of swear words.
Life Rocks! How Firm is Your Foundation (John Bytheway)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.
I think I've read too many John Bytheway books lately.
This book was geared toward youth and it was good. It would probably be better on a CD. It was fine, though… good counsel on how to build a strong foundation in life.
Clean.
I think I've read too many John Bytheway books lately.
This book was geared toward youth and it was good. It would probably be better on a CD. It was fine, though… good counsel on how to build a strong foundation in life.
Clean.
50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food (Susan Albers)
Why I have this book: Amazon recommended it to me. Rude, right? I know. ;)
I don't really like the title of this book. If I was sitting on the subway with my Kindle and someone asked what I was reading, I would really have a hard time saying this title. It's just… awkward.
In any case, I thought it was a good book for anyone who is trying to stop a bad habit or addiction… smoking, drinking, nail-biting, etc. She gives lots of suggestions for things to do to calm one's nerves or to be productive or to get energy… whatever is needed to get one through that immediate temptation. I'm not sure it was anything new, but it did reinforce that ideas I've had before really are good ones. :)
I'm pretty sure it was clean… no swearing or anything. (I've read a couple books since this one, so…)
I don't really like the title of this book. If I was sitting on the subway with my Kindle and someone asked what I was reading, I would really have a hard time saying this title. It's just… awkward.
In any case, I thought it was a good book for anyone who is trying to stop a bad habit or addiction… smoking, drinking, nail-biting, etc. She gives lots of suggestions for things to do to calm one's nerves or to be productive or to get energy… whatever is needed to get one through that immediate temptation. I'm not sure it was anything new, but it did reinforce that ideas I've had before really are good ones. :)
I'm pretty sure it was clean… no swearing or anything. (I've read a couple books since this one, so…)
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
The Mistletoe Promise (Richard Paul Evans)
Why I have this book: My friend recommended it when I asked her how to spend my birthday Amazon gift cards. :)
So on the one hand, this is a little too good to be true. Not all of it, but the money aspect, the romance aspect, the perfect man, etc.
On the other hand, I felt a little uncomfortable with the similarity of the background stories of the two main characters to real-life news stories. I hope nobody who lived those real-life stories picked up this book for an uplifting Christmas read.
And, the bad ex-husband was just a bit too unbelievable with his "dumb" type of personality. I don't know.
So having said all of that... I really liked this book. Haha. I know that sounds crazy, but it was easy to get sucked in and to feel the emotions involved. I appreciated the message of redemption. I felt the compassion and mercy that we often forget to have when we hear heart wrenching stories on the news. I still feel a little like I want to cry...
So on the one hand, this is a little too good to be true. Not all of it, but the money aspect, the romance aspect, the perfect man, etc.
On the other hand, I felt a little uncomfortable with the similarity of the background stories of the two main characters to real-life news stories. I hope nobody who lived those real-life stories picked up this book for an uplifting Christmas read.
And, the bad ex-husband was just a bit too unbelievable with his "dumb" type of personality. I don't know.
So having said all of that... I really liked this book. Haha. I know that sounds crazy, but it was easy to get sucked in and to feel the emotions involved. I appreciated the message of redemption. I felt the compassion and mercy that we often forget to have when we hear heart wrenching stories on the news. I still feel a little like I want to cry...
I gave it four stars on Goodreads.
I don't remember any swear words, and it was clean otherwise. The background stories of the two main characters are painful and traumatic, but the story isn't necessarily focused on those things as much as it is about moving forward.
I don't remember any swear words, and it was clean otherwise. The background stories of the two main characters are painful and traumatic, but the story isn't necessarily focused on those things as much as it is about moving forward.
2001 Amazon Purchase Book Reviews
There are two books on my 2001 Amazon orders list that I don't have anymore. (I'm going through my orders on Amazon to read what I haven't read - yes, books I've had since 2001 that I haven't read yet - or to put a review on here or to read again to see if I want to keep them.
These two are the ones I don't have anymore and why:
Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know (E.D. Hirsch, Jr.)
I bought this book back in my homeschooling days. (We homeschooled for 2.5 years.) I don't think I ever read it, and after looking on all my bookshelves, I think I probably gave it away when I gave away a lot of my homeschool stuff. I'm sure it is a fascinating read, and there's a part of me that would want to read it if I still had it, but I'm okay that it's not here.
Expecting Adam: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic (Martha Beck)
I absolutely loved this book when I first read it. I completely took it at face value and deeply appreciated the beauty in the story of a mother learning her unborn child had Down Syndrome, and her journey to bring that child into the world. The mystical qualities of parts of the book didn't bother me... I figured it was her experience and that's how she wanted to describe it.
I loved this book so much that I recommended it to others and to book clubs. During one of those book clubs, we learned more about the author and as I researched her life, her family life, and her other books, I pretty much lost the intrigue I had with this book. I guess I lost the trust I had in her story, so I chose to not keep the book.
These two are the ones I don't have anymore and why:
Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know (E.D. Hirsch, Jr.)
I bought this book back in my homeschooling days. (We homeschooled for 2.5 years.) I don't think I ever read it, and after looking on all my bookshelves, I think I probably gave it away when I gave away a lot of my homeschool stuff. I'm sure it is a fascinating read, and there's a part of me that would want to read it if I still had it, but I'm okay that it's not here.
Expecting Adam: A True Story of Birth, Rebirth, and Everyday Magic (Martha Beck)
I absolutely loved this book when I first read it. I completely took it at face value and deeply appreciated the beauty in the story of a mother learning her unborn child had Down Syndrome, and her journey to bring that child into the world. The mystical qualities of parts of the book didn't bother me... I figured it was her experience and that's how she wanted to describe it.
I loved this book so much that I recommended it to others and to book clubs. During one of those book clubs, we learned more about the author and as I researched her life, her family life, and her other books, I pretty much lost the intrigue I had with this book. I guess I lost the trust I had in her story, so I chose to not keep the book.
I Feel Bad About My Neck - and Other Thoughts On Being a Woman (Nora Ephron)
Why I have this book: My friend actually loaned me a copy a couple of years ago that is still sitting on my bookshelf. I saw that the ebook library recently added it, so I borrowed it so I could read it on my Kindle instead. (And now I can give her the book back! Yay! One less book on my shelf...)
This is kind of like an Erma Bombeck book... but not as sarcastic and negative. It was funny'ish... I chuckled inside a couple of times. It was definitely interesting to read about living in NYC. I enjoyed that part.
All in all, it was okay to me. I didn't like the chapter on a former president at all... I'm not sure one's political opinion belongs in a book like this. And the last part was super sad, especially since I knew that the author died recently. Even if she hadn't, the last part was pretty depressing.
I probably wouldn't read any of the author's other books. It just isn't really my thing, although I can appreciate what she accomplished in her career.
There were a few swear words and comments about sex.
This is kind of like an Erma Bombeck book... but not as sarcastic and negative. It was funny'ish... I chuckled inside a couple of times. It was definitely interesting to read about living in NYC. I enjoyed that part.
All in all, it was okay to me. I didn't like the chapter on a former president at all... I'm not sure one's political opinion belongs in a book like this. And the last part was super sad, especially since I knew that the author died recently. Even if she hadn't, the last part was pretty depressing.
I probably wouldn't read any of the author's other books. It just isn't really my thing, although I can appreciate what she accomplished in her career.
There were a few swear words and comments about sex.
Falling to Heaven: The Surprising Path to Happiness (James L. Ferrell)
Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It kept my interest and the author's perspective on several different subjects was thought-provoking. I wasn't completely on board with a couple of ideas, but I could see where he was coming from and understood the point he was making. I think the direction he is suggesting is a good one... turning to the Savior in a spirit of repentance, humility, and meekness.
I also appreciated that the author was willing to share experiences from his life that showed his struggles and mistakes. It always makes the message better when you can relate to the messenger.
If I had my own copy, it would be a keeper. I also think it would make a good discussion at a book club (if the members of the club were all of the same religious persuasion.)
Clean.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It kept my interest and the author's perspective on several different subjects was thought-provoking. I wasn't completely on board with a couple of ideas, but I could see where he was coming from and understood the point he was making. I think the direction he is suggesting is a good one... turning to the Savior in a spirit of repentance, humility, and meekness.
I also appreciated that the author was willing to share experiences from his life that showed his struggles and mistakes. It always makes the message better when you can relate to the messenger.
If I had my own copy, it would be a keeper. I also think it would make a good discussion at a book club (if the members of the club were all of the same religious persuasion.)
Clean.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
The Rest of the Cedar Cove series (Debbie Macomber)
I'm not going to list all the books… there are eight of them, all titled with an address (e.g. 1225 Christmas Tree Lane.) I read them in Volumes 2 and 3, which each contained four books. Apparently, there was also a Christmas book thrown in somewhere which wasn't included in any of the volumes, but a quick search on Amazon helped me fill in the blanks when these two new random people showed up in one of the books. I had the feeling I should know who they are, but I didn't. (I'm glad Amazon's summary gave enough info that I didn't have to read the book.)
Why I have these books: see previous post.
Okay, so.
To be honest, I thought the series kind of went downhill. Well, the one good thing was there was a dwindling amount of the (relatively minor) sex scenes as the series went on. I think maybe only one in the last eight books, which was maybe a paragraph and not really descriptive. I'm glad they stopped altogether. So not needed.
So that was the one plus.
Some of the storylines were cute, some were super corny, some people/situations/scenes had me rolling my eyes… but it just got to where there were so many characters coming in and out that I would have to stop at the beginning of each chapter and remind myself who these characters were.
I think the author got confused, too, because she actually put the wrong last name on one of the characters at one point.
Anyway, it was a good read at first, which turned into an okay read, which turned into an "I'm glad I'm done with this series" read at the end.
The "puppy" theme in the last book was kind of a cute thread to tie the whole book together.
Each book got progressively worse at rehashing the history of each character when they were mentioned. I was skipping pages of "background" by the time I read the last book.
Interesting how many women were pregnant before/outside of marriage and how many divorced people ended up back together.
Still, I didn't hate them… I just ran out of interest.
P.S. I noticed that I made a comment in some of the first Debbie Macomber books I reviewed that I probably wouldn't spend money on her books in the future. Oops.
These were cleaner than the first four (see previous post).
Why I have these books: see previous post.
Okay, so.
To be honest, I thought the series kind of went downhill. Well, the one good thing was there was a dwindling amount of the (relatively minor) sex scenes as the series went on. I think maybe only one in the last eight books, which was maybe a paragraph and not really descriptive. I'm glad they stopped altogether. So not needed.
So that was the one plus.
Some of the storylines were cute, some were super corny, some people/situations/scenes had me rolling my eyes… but it just got to where there were so many characters coming in and out that I would have to stop at the beginning of each chapter and remind myself who these characters were.
I think the author got confused, too, because she actually put the wrong last name on one of the characters at one point.
Anyway, it was a good read at first, which turned into an okay read, which turned into an "I'm glad I'm done with this series" read at the end.
The "puppy" theme in the last book was kind of a cute thread to tie the whole book together.
Each book got progressively worse at rehashing the history of each character when they were mentioned. I was skipping pages of "background" by the time I read the last book.
Interesting how many women were pregnant before/outside of marriage and how many divorced people ended up back together.
Still, I didn't hate them… I just ran out of interest.
P.S. I noticed that I made a comment in some of the first Debbie Macomber books I reviewed that I probably wouldn't spend money on her books in the future. Oops.
These were cleaner than the first four (see previous post).
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