Allegiant

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I don't hate the book, but I hated the realities of the ending to this story. I suppose when you rise against governments over and over and over and keep surviving, things are bound to one day not go your way.

Part of me wants to hand the trilogy over to all my friends, and part of me wants to throw the third book out the window.

I will say this - I read the first book three times. I still am not sure WHY I loved it so much, but I did. Sadly, this book felt different. I understand that characters must grow and change with experience, but I felt like another author wrote this ending without deeply understanding WHY the first books were liked. It wasn't just the huge change in plot direction to genetic town (i.e. hello Mockingjay all over again), but something more was missing. I think this book suffered because of my own expectations too. Too high, too high.

Also, why does Tris always have to choose something different than Four, and she's always right? It made their relationship so unbalanced in the end. Too much drama.

Book three of Discovery of Witches better be awesome. Otherwise, I am done with all these damn trilogies.

autumn list

Reading:
I did not finish The Age of Miracles... sorry.
I quit and moved on to reading Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

A bit of a downer too.

BUT, next week I should get Allegiant in the mail!!!

I might just drop this book and go read Divergent and Insurgent again.

Four is my favorite male character. Hot hot hot.

 

Listening to:
Keep listening to Natalie's God Only Knows ever since my sing-a-long car ride with Lisa.

I remember the first time I heard this on Big Love... powerful.

Such a great version of this song.
My drive-home anthem has been... In Christ Alone.

I also keep turning the volume up on Miley's Wrecking Ball,

but I wish I didn't.

Not going to link to that one...

 

Praying for:

My mother-in-law.
She will be doing another round of chemo this fall.

Trying to plan for her to visit us before she starts again.

She just finished a whole summer of treatment... so, this sucks.

F*** cancer.

Excited for:

Maple Leaf.

Fall weather.

Exciting and challenging change at work.

Family blessings.

My nephew turning ONE soon!
cider and pumpkins and funnel cakes and chili and, well, everything autumn...

Dark Places

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

I finally read this book! This was on our book club list in 2009. I have no idea why I didn't read it then, because I loved her first book, Sharp Objects. After reading Gone Girl this spring (and having mixed feelings), I knew I needed to finally read this book.

I think this is my favorite of all three! Flynn does not write characters with redeeming qualities. This is something I knew going into Gone Girl and Dark Places, but I think Libby has been my favorite protagonist yet. In the afterword of her book, Flynn thanks her husband for sleeping next to her with the lights off each night... and she should because - damn - she thinks up some crazy, morbid storylines.

In this book, main character Libby is living in Kansas City (!), with a horrifying childhood holding her back from happiness, health, stability, or anything that resembles normal - which she never knew even before her whole family was murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas.”

Her testimony put her brother in prison when she was seven; but, a group of people obsessed with the murders confront her with new evidence and offer her money to find the truth... Don't read this in the dark!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

I liked the concept of this book more than the execution.  The premise is that Clay Jensen comes home to find a box mailed to him containing cassette tapes recorded by classmate Hannah Baker - Hannah just killed herself two weeks ago, and the tapes include her thirteen reasons.

In my last move, I came across my journals from high school. I was mortified and laughing when I read through those selfish, dramatic, romantic pages (*cringe*). Unfortunately Fortunately, there is so much distance between me and my own high school voice that Hannah's character felt a million miles away too. I had a hard time feeling sorry for her, even when the worst things were happening. I honestly kept waiting for the family to come into the story (hello? mom? dad?). I kept expecting that they would be introduced when she unveiled the serious abuse going on in her life - that all this other catty bull shit was exacerbating the abuse.... (bueller?)

I think I am just too old for this book - I have learned how precious life is, and I can't even possibly relate to her reasons. Don't get me wrong - things were spiraling out of control for this young girl, and I have compassion for those who experience trauma in their lives - I just didn't think this was it. I feel the issues could have been more complex. In fact, I think the author was pretty much telling teenagers, "This is enough to end your life! Be poetic and make a YouTube video first! Make sure you first devastate those who wronged you!"

And don't even get me started on that poor teacher character, Mr. Porter, who was totally set up to fail in the end - and her other teacher would have had staff on alert after Hannah's note about being interested in suicide!

This book has won a number of awards and is a New York Times bestseller, so I am obviously on an island. What is sad is that this means most readers found her reasons for ending her life believable.

I get it. The author is trying to illustrate how all our actions affect others, and how even the smallest of sins could spiral into someone else's end... but, I just keep wondering how many lives Hannah ruined with these damn tapes.

Shadow of Night

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

I will be honest. I was the only person in the book club that loved the second installment in the All Souls Trilogy. I loved following more of Diana and Matthew's mystery, the historical figures weaved into the story, the details about Elizabethan England... After hearing what my friends had to say and reading some reviews, I can see where people were disappointed. They wanted more action, a faster pace, fewer characters - sure. There was a lot of detail, things were slow to happen, and the list of characters was very long (but there is a list in the back of the book to keep you on track!)... but, I still loved it. I am kind of surprised. I have been known to quit a boring book, but it was 600 pages and I couldn't put it down.... I must have liked it, haha.

I am looking forward to the final book to coming out, and I hope the conclusion is just as good!

I recommend!

Requiem

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

I was so excited to finish the Delirium trilogy! I remember how much I enjoyed reading the first book, Delirium. Our book club had also started the Matched trilogy, so I remember making comparisons. I definitely preferred the writing and main character in these books. Lena lives in a world where love is banned and she is totally content, until a boy named Alex shows her freedom. The second book takes Lena further into the life of the "Wilds," and introduces Julian - another love interest. I fell in love with this character and their friendship. They were both so vulnerable. I couldn't wait to see what choices Lena made in the final book.

**SPOILER ALERT** Unfortunately, I was disappointed. While I like the direction of the story, I felt like Julian was portrayed as a stupid lovesick puppy looking for everyone's approval, meanwhile Alex is a total jerk. Both of these were likable characters that I liked less in the final book. Also -  she didn't really make any choices in the end. Maybe that was the point - she has the freedom to choose, so off she goes to choose her own destiny.... meanwhile I am left wanting to know what the heck she chooses!

30 Life Lessons at 30

1. I like my parents.
There was a time in high school where most people stopped liking their parents and thought they were UNCOOL. I never did, but I probably wasn't shouting from the rooftops how much I liked them... and how I always obeyed their rules.... because I was a huge nerd. I have since realized that it is because my parents are amazing people, and some people do not get great parents. My twenties changed our relationship in so many great ways, because instead of just leaning on them, they can now lean back on me. I can repay them for all their years of greatness. (and they were always cool)
 

2. Dogs are truly God's gift.
Especially to a budding relationship! Raleigh has taught me a lot about responsibility, but she also brought John and I closer. She made us a family. She brings a lot of love into our days, makes us laugh, and keeps us playful.
 

3. I am not a fixer.
When something is broken, I throw it away. When something is broken, John gets excited to fix it. Good life partner for me.
 

4. Admitting I was wrong and forgiveness - still yet to master.
I figured out in the last decade that these are key to happiness, but easier said than done. I will continue to work towards being more humble and forgiving.
 

5. There are people who want you to fail.
Do you have someone in your life who acts nice but you always feel like they secretly want you to fail? They probably do. I bet they are concerned about their own failures, and they would feel a lot better about it if they weren't alone. Moral of the story? Be cautious around this person - but also be kind, because they are hurting.
 

6. I love fall the best.
Colorful leaves, fall festivals, football all weekend, my wedding anniversary... the list goes on! Best season by far.
 

7. I chose a great partner.
John is my best friend. I am glad we took a leap five years ago.
 

8. Weight loss is possible!
 ... but you have to keep it up. If you keep off the weight for a couple months with no work, that doesn't mean it won't come back. It will. Watch out. Keep working out and eating well, or you'll have to start all over.
 

9. My book club is awesome and I love to read.
Reading has become such a big part of my life. I love checking another book off my list, and I love the quiet time to myself. Thanks to this group of girls for helping me discover a love of reading.

10. Facebook can hurt your feelings.
We all use social media to show off the best parts of our lives. That's also why it can be so hurtful. We forget that no one snaps a picture and says, "This is that day where everyone hurt my feelings and I said the wrong thing and I made a mistake and my house was dirty and my car is old and I have no goals and I ate my feelings...."
 

11. Be kind.
Period. Give respect and you will receive it.
 

12. BUT - being a bitch has its rewards too.
See the aforementioned note about kindness? Be kind, but do NOT be a doormat.
 

13. the C word.
Cancer has become a big part of my life. I will spend the rest of my years loathing this disease and supporting the best organzations I can. PLEASE NOTE: Some of the best known orgs are spending a lot of money on education and a lot less on actual research - they are also staying afloat financially because cancer exists - I am not a conspiracy theorist, but please be cautious and smart about your donations.
 

Also - If someone has lung cancer and you ask if they smoked - you are an asshole. Would you ask someone with heart disease if they have ever had a cheeseburger?
 

14. Being an aunt is awesome.
I love babies, and I love my friend's babies - but, I didn't know the expanse of my heart until I met Henry. Being an aunt before being a mom is probably going to be one of life's greatest gifts to me. It's like seeing a glimmer of what motherhood might bring me, but being able to enjoy this step first.
 

15. I am not invincible.
My twenties taught me that I won't live forever, and neither will anyone else. Our bodies are fragile, life is short, and you can't predict the future. John has battled some weird infections and ulcer issues in the last year, I learned I have Scoliosis and Arthritis (which I am sure will be a bigger part of my 30s... wah wah), doctors thought I had a tumor last year, and both John and I now have parents battling stage four cancer. Whoopee.
 

16. Grief is complicated.
Everyone responds differently. Be thoughtful.
 

17. It's okay to walk away from toxic friendships. It's okay to have just a few close friends.
Are you always walking on egg shells? Do they make you feel bad about yourself? Is it always about them? End it now. My twenties gave me the strength to let bad relationships go.
 

18. It's not always about you!
It's just not. (Boom! Mic drop!)
 

19. Don't talk to me before coffee.
This could also be re-worded as, "I am stupid before coffee," or "I am a bitch before coffee." Basically, just give me coffee.
 

20. I am who I am - and I'm an ENFJ.
Do you take personality tests? (maybe just nerdy Psych majors like me do?) I am an ENFJ (Extrovert-Intuitive-Feeling-Judging) on the Myers-Briggs test, and a 2 or 7 in the Enneagram test (Helper/Enthusiast). John is an ESTP. Mine says, "Warm, empathetic, responsive, and responsible. Finds potential in everyone. Highly attuned to the motivations of others" - and John's says, "they want to act energetically to solve the problem. Focus on the here-and-now, spontaneous, enjoy each moment that they can be active with others. Learn best through doing."  See your explanations here.
 

21. Food is fun!
I like restaurants, cooking at home, the food network, cookbooks, tv shows like Top Chef.... basically, you should feed me, and I will love you forever. (Also see #19.)

22. Men may need cleaning awards.
Okay. I really thought all the sitcoms were just an exaggeration of male/female relationships, but they are true. I could clean the whole kitchen, do laundry, cook dinner - all while bouncing on one foot - and he'd still need a lot of gratitude for taking out a bag of trash. (Where is my cheerleader?) I have recently decided that if men need an award for cleaning - fine. We all have our love languages and talents and needs. Fine.
 

23. Online dating can lead to marriage.
Yes. We met online. I am mostly okay with admitting it - and definitely not ashamed - but sometimes I just want to say, "We were set up." Especially to strangers.
 

24. You better like your work.
If you are just starting out, you probably haven't realized it yet - you will spend more hours at work each week than hours doing anything else. So, find something you like, invest in relationships at work that will make it a fun place to be, and motivate yourself to not only enjoy your work but exceed your own expectations. The bitterness from not liking your job or not doing it well can eat you alive.
 

25. Gratefulness
When I feel the twinge of jealousy, I always remind myself that there is someone out there that wants something I have. Be grateful.
 

26. Half Full
I am an optimist. I have to be. I thrive on happy, and I truly believe that things work out. I think one secret is empathy. The saddest people I see are the ones who cannot see life from other perspectives, so they are always making assumptions and making everything personal. Look on the bright side - or look more closely!
 

27. "Secrets don't make friends."
Remember smart-mouthing that phrase at recess? Well, it is true. If you talk crap every time your friend is missing, chances are they do the same when you are missing. Be a good friend, be honest, and have each other's back.
 

28. Be at peace with God.
It was easy to look to God as a young person. I knew no sadness, no true grief. Learning to trust God even through life's greatest sadnesses has opened me up to a new spiritual relationship. Doubting and anger made me stronger. (On a side note - Kari Jobe has become the voice of reason on many sad days. Have a bad day? Listen to this song and feel some solace.)
 

29. Adults never had it all figured out!
Remember when you were little and you thought adults knew everything? I kept thinking I would stumble upon a moment of enlightenment in my twenties and receive my adulthood membership card... instead, I realized that everyone is just doing their best and no one has the answers. "Fake it to make it" - that is adulthood. Phew.
 

30. The best is yet to come!
I am excited to enter a new decade. I will do so with an open heart!



The Virgin of Small Plains

The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard

Well, I finished this one up on Saturday. This was a good book, with some surprise twists and some predictable - but, overall a good murder mystery. I had a love/hate experience with her references to Kansas. I loved that the book took place in "Small Plains, KS" - and I especially loved all the highway references that took me back to the Manhattan area. But, I cringed when she had a character say "at K-State University." *cringe* Hello. If they live 30 minutes away, they would not say somebody went to K-State University. Maybe Kansas State University. Maybe KSU. Maybe Kansas State. But, probably just K-State..... and never the former. The author lives in Prairie Village, so I studied her face so I could let her know when I someday run into her at the Hen House.

Ok. So, back to the book. This one starts off 25 years ago, with a mysterious, murdered young woman, and then quickly brings you to present day. You feel all the consequences of the past, but don't have any answers. Throughout the book, the author continues to take readers back to 1987 to continue to fill in the gaps. It's a good, quick read. Would be great for a plane or poolside.

A Discovery of Witches.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Thanks to my friend at work for stumbling across this gem! I have to admit - I added the book to the book club list, it was voted in, and then I borrowed it - all without reading the description. I assumed, umm, that witches were involved. But, this book is so much more. This book takes you to Oxford, into the life of alchemy historian Diana Bishop - a witch who doesn't want to be a witch - who stumbles upon a book that is wrapped in a spell, and unintentionally breaks it. All of a sudden she is the most popular witch in the world... and being stalked by a hunky vampire, who has crossed paths with great historical figures and whose life has spanned centuries. She must not only find out why this book is so important, but also discover her own powerful magic.

Think The Da Vinci Code - with magic and steamy romance.

This is the first in the All Souls trilogy... and it's a monster of a long book. But, you know it is good when 600 pages just wasn't enough. I was sad when there were no more pages. Luckily, book two is published, and book three is hopefully out in the next year!



call it a wine club.

Last weekend, the book club gal pals and I met on the plaza to celebrate five years of being a book club. There was food, wine, gossip and celebration.... pretty much the norm with us. Before he dropped me off, John looked at me and asked, "why don't you girls just call it a wine club?" (ugh) Well, I will tell you why, JOHN, because it is so much more than that - - We began this group back when we pretty much hung out with each other every night anyway. We could tell that we were standing at a precipice - lives were changing, our friends were growing. We wanted a planned night to meet up - a planned night that would withstand change and be a place of solace for us during the hustle of life.

HOW TRUE WE WERE. Because life is busy. Yes, we drink wine. But, we also touch base, celebrate joys, support each other through life's trials, make big announcements, eat really yummy food, vent about work, discuss our days... and read books. (We really do read them. We just might not get around to talking about them.)

Cheers to five years, six weddings, a couple bad breaks-ups, five babies (and some on the way), lots of new homes, job promotions, new careers... and 58 books. We are currently reading the first in the All Souls trilogy, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.

Raspberry & Chocolate Bites

I made this yummy and pretty dessert when I hosted book club last week.

Brownie Bites from Costco.

Melt chocolate chips.

Dip bites into chocolate.

Topped with raspberry before it cools.
Easy peasy.

 

They were a hit! Be sure to read up on how to melt chocolate chips before you begin. It's a delicate, but easy, process. Rinse your raspberries the day before - you don't want water droplets near your melted chocolate. They hardened overnight, and were just as pretty as I imagined. Our bakery section moved at my Costco, so I almost had a panic when I arrived - but alas, they still carry the bites. I made 40 for my group of 10, planning to take leftovers to work... and there were four left.

Reached

Reached by Ally Condie

This is the final book in the Matched trilogy. My book club has read quite a few trilogies in the last few years, so I have had plenty to compare to! These books are about a future society that pre-determines all about your life - what you eat, who you will marry, when you die... pretty creepy stuff. When the narrator realizes there are other choices and that there is a rebellion rising up against the Society, she begins to question her whole life. One interesting aspect of this society is that they give you pills to make you FORGET when you witness something they don't want you to see... creepy. In this last book, a plague begins to threaten their lives and Cassia is focused on remembering - something in her past may have the key to the cure.

I was definitely attached enough to read all three books, but I would first recommend you read the Delirium or Divergent books. The Matched trilogy falls in the dystopian YA category, but it wasn't my favorite.

Insurgent

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

I loved this book just as much as Divergent. I really appreciated that this book didn't just feel like a transition to the third book. I think it was just as entertaining and suspenseful as the first. I can't say enough great things about this book and I am still day dreaming about Four... oh, Four. He might be my favorite boy character in a book.

Anyway - Read these books. I recommend. It'll make you feel like a happy, love-crazed teenage girl ready to rebel against the authority. Can't wait for the third book to come out!

divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth

I was surprised that I loved this book. I knew I liked young adult, dystopian society books, but I really didn't want to start a THIRD trilogy! Last year we read Matched and Crossed (of the Matched trilogy), then Delirium and Pandemonium (of the Delirium trilogy). I really never liked the writing, the story, or the characters of the Matched trilogy; although, I will surely read Reached, because I might as well finish what I've started. I liked the Delirium trilogy - it is a much better written series. I am excited about Requiem coming out in March so I can see if Lena ends up with Alex or Julian. As you can see, I am juggling a memory of two other trilogies. I didn't need to start another.

BUT - this book is really great. It is a quick read - with twists, scary moments, a likeable narrator, and some romance. Listen - I am no book scholar. I know these YA dystopian books are a little cookie cutter, but I was entertained for an entire weekend by this book. It could have been my mood, or the rainy weather that kept me inside... but, I don't care. I loved this book and I just got the second book in the mail. Fingers crossed I like it as much!

My gal pal Sarah is afraid of birds in large groups. For real. I pretty much made her buy the book as soon as I finished it... and I forgot to mention to her that someone gets attacked by birds. Whoops. Sorry, Sarah!!

gone girl

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Just another masterpiece by Ms. Depraved herself. My book club LOVES this author. This book is really messed up, in a good way. Not like Fifty Shades messed up (I had to quit that shit - they were making domestic violence erotic, and that's not really my style). More like Girl With the Dragon Tatoo messed up - but you don't have to wait 200 pages to care. If you liked this book, I would suggest reading her other two novels. I still haven't read Dark Places, but Sharp Objects was an awesome thriller with a twist we still talk about. Either way, this book kept me guessing until the very end. With each twist, I was more surprised. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Even just as I finished the book, I had to go back and read the last pages a couple more times because I was so stunned.

Other books on my hold list at the library are Most Talkative by Andy Cohen (Andy Cohen's got the 411, king king of midnight fun) and Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling (love her humor). Next month the book club is starting the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth. Anyone read any of these yet?

Sing You Home

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

This was book club's choice last month. I am a big fan of Jodi... but, I have found myself getting tired of the formula of all her books. I still enjoy the controversy and twists that are inevitable, but I do find myself getting better at guessing what happens next. If you've never read Jodi Picoult, I would still suggest starting with My Sister's Keeper (nothing like that horrible movie they made with the same title).

This book is full of current event issues and food for thought. Topics include gay rights, infertility, marriage, complicated and innapropriate relationships, addiction, therapy... lots of emotional topics, pulling at your heartstrings, from different directions.

This month I am supposed to read all three Fifty Shades books... still haven't picked up the first one, even though it's sitting on my bedside table.

pandemonium & half broke horses

We're reading the Delirium trilogy, and I have just finished reading Pandemonium, the second book. If you are into YA, dystopian books right now (i.e. the Hunger Games), you would probably like this trilogy too. Set in a world where LOVE is defined as a disease and everyone must be cured, the books show a controled, predictable world... and as you probably expected, right before the main character is cured, she falls in love. Quick reads - fun books. I recommend!

Also - I never wrote about Half Broke Horses - what a great book! If you liked The Glass Castle, go pick this one up today.

Now books have trailers? Check out the Delirium one:

one day

This weekend I went to see BRIDESMAIDS - so hilarious. If you love Kristen Wiig, you will love this movie (and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Kristen Wigg).

During the previews, I happened to see almost the entire synopsis of the book me and fellow book club girls are currently reading - One Day by David Nicholls. I didn't even realize they were making it into a movie, and I see most of the book in the preview! boo. Either way... for those out there who love reading a good book and then seeing it on the big screen, I recommend!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

I finally finished this book! While I am not sure I want to run and pick up the second book right away, the last three hundred pages were worth the agony of the first two. I wouldn't suggest reading this book alone, after dark... and, at times it felt forced... but once I got into Larsson's writing style, I enjoyed it more.

Book Club is reading the second and third Hunger Games books this month, which I can't wait to talk about! I might even go back and read the first book.

In March, we read Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Wall - we LOVED The Glass Castle, so I am sure this will be a great book too.

Any great suggestions for us?

3 Year Anniversary - I ♥ Book Club

Three years ago my friend Lisa and I talked about starting a book club...

Honestly, I hadn't read for fun since high school, and I wanted to start reading again. Lisa has always been a reader, so it she was "in" from the beginning... I can't remember who brought it up first, but we chatted about it for a long time before we tried to make it happen.

I went through my email account tonight, looking for our first emails. The first email was sent on Halloween in 2007... inviting five girls to join, asking them to invite more friends, selecting our first couple books and laying out ground rules for hosting and scheduling. Our first book was "The Abstinence Teacher" - not our favorite, but most of us read it!

It all began with Diane, Lisa, Becky, Jenni, Sarah and I... and last night we found ourselves THREE years later, sitting around reminiscing about when it all began. We are still meeting monthly, and still pushing the legal limits on volume. We are a constantly growing and changing group... usually around 15 girls on the email list. Conversation has changed a bit over the years as we have become career women, wives, homeowners and mommies... but we are still loud and occasionally obscene... and, I think we could read and not read together forever.