Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Luiz Zafron

Just finished this for my book club online (pickwickreaders.blogspot.com) and I was a little late to the party. It took me a while to get through it, but here is my Goodreads review:

Oh boy. What DID I think of this novel? SO many things, I thought. The writing is BREATHTAKING. Looking at my copy, you'd think this was a textbook with all the underlining and stars. It is phenomenal to think that this is a translation. It is beautiful. It is kind of spooky. It is very mysterious. And I have some complaints.
1) Without spoiling, I would just like to say, the end came too quick and was too tidy. I felt like he got bored with writing halfway through and the mystery was just kind of...resolved. Not ...........almostresolved......still not....then resolved. If you get what I'm screamin'.
2) I felt like Daniel's dad was WAY underdeveloped, and I loved him as a character.
3) I didn't finish it and then want to start at the beginning again. That would have earned five stars. But I was secretly just relieved when I finished.

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

My blip about a lovely book:

Holy smokes. What took me so long to read this? It was incredible, beautifully written, totally captivating and a little odd. All things this reader (me) LOVES. Just a little bit of genius this week.

Jaclyn's (my fellow book snob friend) more eloquent way of putting it:

From the moment I read the opening pages, I was entranced by Krauss' novel. Her storytelling ability is complex and beautiful. She approaches love and loss without trite cliches and placating explanations. Reading this book reminded me why we fall in love and why it's so hard to let go when love leaves and then why it's so important to fall in love again. Truly an exceptional book--

And a few words from Ms. Krauss herself:

"He wondered if what he had taken for the richness of silence was really the poverty of never being heard."

"Desire was born early, as was regret."

The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews

I realize Katie recently reviewed another Andy Andrews book, The Butterfly Effect, but they didn't have that one at my library, so I picked up his other one, The Traveler's Gift. Just to warn you, I was feeling particularly high-browed and literary when I read this...

I feel like a jerk giving this book two stars, because the advice given is pretty well thought out, and I think this is probably Andrews' compilation of all the advice he'd like to give to his children. However, if you want to write a novel, WRITE A NOVEL. If you want to give advice, just give it and call it self-help. I felt like I was gagging down horrendously presented motivational quotes intermingled with NO style.

That said, if you need advice, this might be a good place to go.

Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews

A darling book about two cooking shows having a face-off, each trying to win syndication of their own cooking show in the "big time." Tate and Gina are the classic protagonists, hating to love each other. Set in Georgia, there is definitely a healthy dose of Southern charm and fried food tangled in with some clever moments meant to spark a completely fabricated but lovable romance.

I really enjoyed reading this, although there wasn't as much "foodie talk" as I was anticipating. It was a cute little love story, and a good break from the intellectual reading I've been doing lately. There was a bit of language, but nothing too totally abrasive. I enjoyed the story and finished the book in about four hours.

3 stars. It's a library read, for sure.

Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin

My husband, oldest kid and I are doing a 52 books in 52 weeks challenge. This was my first book selection and it was a good start-up book.

Colvin effectively convinced me that I can be really, really, ridiculously good at something if I really want to be. He shares his research about deliberate practice and its effect on performance. He uses anecdotes from the lives of Chris Rock, Tiger Woods, violin virtuosos and champion chess players.

I particularly enjoyed the chapter about the age/performance ratio and the role of intelligence and memory.

That said, this is a very technical book. It isn't a story and doesn't read like one. It is meticulously written and if you're only mildly interested, you WILL get bored.

In A Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy

This book was a positive beacon in my book pile this week. I had 9 books checked out from the library that I had accumulated and only 1 week to read. So, I did what any red-blooded English major would do. I read the first 10 pages, and if the book didn't grab me, I took it back. Suffice it to say, by the time I closed this one, I had read 54 pages. And naptime was over.

I have been on a "finding more happiness" kick in my reading recently, and this book really caught the essence of how serving and helping and giving will teach you to be happy. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the authors of the book have an incredible legacy of giving (think The Blind Side...) and being recognized for it.

I loved the occasional snarky writing, loved the down-to-earth personality of the authors, and just loved the message that you can ALWAYS find someone who needs what you have to offer, whether it be money, time or love.

The Lacemakers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri

LOVED IT!!

I am glad that I took a course in contemporary Irish theatre (it was a capstone class for my English major) because I feel like I appreciate better anything belonging to the Emerald Isle.

The concept of this story is about a woman running from her problems in the states to her ancestral home of Ireland. Initially, this idea turned me off big time due to my issues with Eat, Pray, Love, but I think Barbieri really took the novel to a different place. I love that she actually helped this little hamlet of Glenmara, and I loved the premise of doing it through lingerie. (If that's not a tantalizing tidbit that makes you want to read it, we probably don't have the same taste.)

I especially enjoyed her landscape descriptions...I want to go to Ireland in a big way, and this was just another stone in the pot.

4 stars.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

This novel was a little slow for me at the beginning, but it was a very interesting take on a classic (reminiscent of The Crucible). Rather than blaming the Salem witch trials on chauvinism or religious repression, it brings the concept of alchemy into the picture. I thought it was interesting.

I would recommend it for anyone interested in the period or the Salem witch trials. Otherwise, it may be a little difficult to get into it.

3 stars.

Peace out.

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

I can't put my finger on why I couldn't get through this book. I typically love Margaret Atwood's writing, but this book just couldn't grab my attention. It was way too fragmented at the beginning. I followed my 50 page rule, and let's just say that it was a relief to close the book and pack it away in my suitcase on page 51. I was traveling, and wanted something I could get into quickly...This did not suffice. I guess I'll save this one for a time when I don't have 50 other books sitting on my shelf waiting to be read.

I love the cover, though.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Even though I realize we are not the first to read this series, we thought we'd add our names to the pile.

The second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire, was way more awesome than the first in my mind. I felt more desperate to finish (didn't think that was possible after Hunger Games) and MUCH more let down to have to wait for the next one.

I love the relationship between Peeta and Katniss. It just makes me SO excited to see how Collins resolves it.

And I loved the way I felt like I was also trying to "solve the arena" in this one.

So, my husband is reading it right now...Therefore, while this is not a review at all, this is going to count as my opinion of Catching Fire. I consider this a MUST READ.

Body for Life for Women

I have found some indispensable information in this book for my clients. I would recommend this book if you want to get in shape but don't know exactly where to start. The author, Dr. Peeke, is very educated but down-to-earth in the narration.

She deals with the "mind" element of losing weight, which is usually the greatest obstacle for most women trying to lose weight.

While the "muscle" section is a bit general (for good reason), it is a good jumping-off point. I don't have much use for it since I have a little more in-depth knowledge of that area, but if you're trying to lose weight on your own without a professional (like a trainer or something), this would be a great reference.

The most useful part for my clients has been the "mouth" (food) section. This is where, in my opinion, you have the most control.

I recommend this book...It's a goodie.

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

I love this author's voice. This book is a sequel of sorts to a book I read a couple of years ago, called Love Walked In. For a great and thorough review of this book, see here. (thanks Jac)

Marisa de los Santos paints words. There is no other way to describe it. Everything feels so beautiful. If nothing else, this book is worth the read simply for the language....the metaphors, OH, the metaphors.

So, theme. The story deals with belonging: friendship, romantic and family relationships alike. There were so many twists to the relationships (particularly the Lake/Dev, Cornelia/Piper, and Cornelia/Teo) that my brain was kind of spinning once I picked up on the intertwined story.

The cons: some parts were predictable, and some language - not as bad as Love Walked In if I remember right, but enough to be mildly offensive to some.

I don't want to give anything away, but I very much enjoyed this book. Pick it up. You'll like it.

The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute

Is anyone else ADDICTED to self-help books? Because I sure am. And this was an AWESOME one.

It begins with a story of a dad and mom who have taken their son to a wilderness rehab program. The parents are required to go through a two-day seminar to prepare them to treat their child differently when the child completes the program.

The principles they are taught are what make up the meat of this book. I felt completely inspired to get "out of the box" and always try to see and treat people as people rather than objects.

I loved this book, which I read based on a suggestion by one of our ecclesiastical leaders. He recommended this book in conjunction with Leadership and Self-Deception, also by the Arbinger Institute. I read that one a few years ago with my family. The Anatomy of Peace was a perfect reminder and expander for me. Hopefully someday I'll be a better person after all this reading!

MIA

I've been frantically reading so I would have something to post on this blog. However, in all of my frantic reading, I've now started 7 books and finished none.

So, rather than review any, just wanted to give you a heads up for what to look forward to...Here are the books I'll be reviewing. Hopefully before my children move out.

*Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
*Cleopatra's Daughter (don't have to review it thanks to my sis)
*The Anatomy of Peace
*You Belong to Me
*On My Own Two Feet (I'm re-reading this one since I just got my own copy)
*Parenting With Love and Logic
*Body for Life for Women

I also started but don't plan on finishing:

*A New Earth
*Find Your Strongest Life

Tell me if you think I'm making a mistake by passing on these two.

Also on my bookshelf for future reading:

*Nefertiti
*The Heretic Queen
*Women of Covenant (I've been "reading" this for about a year)

The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone

This is by no means a new novel. In fact, it was first published in the early 1960's. However, the premise of this novel is timeless, as it's capturing the art and life of Michelangelo.

Even after finishing this lengthy novel, I still can't pinpoint exactly what it is that kept me reading. Perhaps it fascinated me that the researcher (Stone) was so precise, so I felt that it was extremely accurate. Or maybe it was watching Michelangelo develop as he learned to channel his love of art into incredible works that I have seen multiple times but never appreciated as a concept coming from a human mind. Possibly, I loved it because I secretly want to take a one-month trip to Italy just to sit in front of old paintings and statues. Whatever the reason, I loved this book.

Read it. I know you'll love it. (Extra points for whoever can name that movie.)

*Thanks to Amazon.com for the picture

The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance by Elna Baker

If you have ever spent any time as a single person in the LDS culture, you may or may not be able to relate to this novel. I laughed out loud at multiple parts of the book, mostly while cringing and recollecting some horrendous dating experiences of my own.

There is definitely more raunchy content in this book than most penned by LDS authors, so watch out. I think the author phrases it well when she cautions her parents at the beginning of the book that there are "9 F-words, 13 Sh-words, 4 A-holes" and that they should avoid chapters 21-23 and most of the ending.

This is not a must-read, but it's a could-read if you have a thicker skin and don't get offended by people who question their faith in compromising situations.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

As far as YA fiction goes, I enjoyed this book. However, I wouldn't recommend it as a change your life must-read novel. It was fun and entertaining.

Naomi, the MC, konks her head and has amnesia. She doesn't remember anything, including her boyfriend, best friend, dad's fianceeor really her purpose in life.

As she "wakes up," she starts to see her role in the world from an outsider's perspective and recognizes some things she wishes she could change.

Zevin is very good at portraying the teenage angst that is so familiar if you ever were a teenager or have ever worked with them.

I'd suggest this book as a "coming down off a classics" novel. In other words, this was a good read after finishing The Count of Monte Cristo.

Lift: Becoming a Positive Force in Any Situation

This book, written by Robert E. Quinn (the dad) and Ryan W. Quinn (the son), has become a serious source of inspiration in our family.

Essentially, the book suggests a process to follow that allows you to be more aware of how your actions are either lifting others or bringing them down. Because there is so much technicality to the novel, and lots of step-by-step instructions, I won't try to summarize, but I would SURELY recommend this to anyone who is a parent or employer, or who has influence in any realm of their life.

This would be a great read for the New Year, as it has helped our family to be more conscious of how our actions are helping or hindering others.