I had high, high hopes for this book, which I found at the used bookstore. I thought it would be a good, funny, book to read while J was gone. It was a quick read, but I really didn't find it all that funny. To me, it was one of those books where the author seemed like she was trying too hard. Rather than coming across as your favorite friend who happens to be snarky, she came across (in my humble opinion) as one of those acquaintances who tries really hard to be comically snarky, but just seems like she's complaining all the time.
That said, this book has gotten great reviews from others, so maybe she just hit a nerve with me.
Next, I'm trying to decide which of the books from my "To Be Read" pile to dive into. If only I had a book club to make these decisions for me! Anyway, thanks to Paperback Swap, I have quite a few options for what to read next, including:
-The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg
-Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
-The Road by Cormac McCarthy
-Little Face by Sophie Hannah
-Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
and
-Breaking Her Fall by Stephen Goodwin
What are you reading right now?
I hate when you have high hopes for a book and it's just meh!
ReplyDeleteI am reading Julie & Julia by Julie Powell. I just started so no reviews yet!
Right now I'm reading Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. From your list - I'd definitely recommend Redeeming Love... I've read it 4 times and each time it gets better!
ReplyDeleteI've been on a bit of a Jodi Picoult kick lately. I've finished so many books lately and haven't made any comments about any of them. Ir eally need to get better at it.
ReplyDeleteI cannot tell you the last book I read. Maybe back in 2002 for a college English class? I've never gotten into reading for pleasure; I much prefer reading the newspaper or magazine columns. Weird, I know. What I really jumped on to the comment form though, was to tell you that I really love your new banner! =)
ReplyDeleteJodi Picoult and I are on a break right now. I've read almost every book she's written (save for her newest), and it's getting to the point where I can almost predict the endings!
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm trying to broaden my horizons!
The Road was on my list as a must read, and to be honest- I really hated it. I am curious to see what you think!
ReplyDeleteI am reading "The Smart one and the Pretty One" by Claire LeZebnik. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Its ok.. maybe just slow or something?
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of nerdy, but I love the author Beverly Lewis. She writes random Amish stories w/a Christian undertone (obviously). I'm not sure why, but I've always been drawn to anything Amish/Plain.
I also agree w/being on a break from Jodi Piccoult. It does get to be easy to predict her endings.
Oh! I am also a fan of Sophie Kinsella for an easy/fun read. They can be kind of immature, but it is good for not having to pay attention really.
I'm kind of naughty because when I read Fast Food Nation it just made me crave McDonald's because in my opinion it didn't report anything people don't already know(and talking about those fries...mmmm). That documentary Supersize me had the same affect, I paused that so I could get an extra value meal while I watched.
ReplyDeleteFast Food is bad for you and marketed heavily and especially to children to get them addicted young(worked like a charm on me obviously), meat companies are superpowers who produce an inferior product at the expense of employees and the health of the populace, really? Them and how many others?
Here are some books I've finished and liked recently.
The Post-Birthday World
The Yiddish Policeman's Union
American Gods
These were all very entertaining and better than others I've read in the past few months. Happy reading!
And I totally agree with the post before me about Sophie Kinsella. Her books actually make me laugh out loud. My personal favorite was Can You Keep a Secret.
ReplyDeleteI am reading The Goodnight Trail by Ralph Compton. I would love to expand my horizons, but it seems that everytime I start to read a new author they die in real life.
ReplyDeleteI get so giddy when I read about the shooting and killing that goes on with each chapter.
I laugh outload as an indian slits the throat of another unsuspecting white family or scalps a gun sharp who thinks they are the cock of the roost.
I howl as the rangers slip a necktie noose on the latest gunslinger and let him swing from the tree as every bone in his body stretches and he turns blue and his tongue turns purple.
I know what you're thinking, how can I get on the western book bandwagon and be howling until I pee my pants?
It's easy. Borrow a book from Justin or visit Amazon today!
Lame. What's with all these "Confessions of..." books nowadays? Chick-lit needs more titled.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway, "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" by David Sedaris and some book on Nazis, the title of which I forget. Simultaneously. This is part of the reason I read so slowly.
Mike/Dad- You're crazy.
ReplyDeleteEthan- I read most of Sedaris' books a couple years ago. "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is still my favorite.
And forgot to say that "The Road" was, I thought, pretty good, surprisingly his most uplifting, in the end, despite being insanely dark like most of his stuff. (Still not as dark as Blood Meridian, though.) If you're okay with it being soul-crushingly depressing and absolutely terrifying at times, I'd say go for it. If nothing else, it's nowhere near as dense as most of his books and thus quick to read.
ReplyDeleteBut you know I worship the ground Cormac McCarthy walks on, so my advice is perhaps not the best.
I've heard everyone and their brother say "Me Talk Pretty One Day" is the best. I keep meaning to buy it, but always see something shinier.
I was disappointed with Confessions of a Counterfit Farm Girl too! :-( I enjoyed Dune Road by Jane Green. I am reading Sophie Kinsella's newest, Twenties Girl, and am not liking it as much as her others. I also really love Mary Kay Andrews! Her first two, Savannah Blues & Savannah Breeze are great! Be sure if you read them that you do it in order! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading!