Archive for April, 2009

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April 26, 2009

#29 – She’s Out of Control by Kristin Billerbeck

control

Read because: I finished the first book in the series a few weeks ago and had enjoyed it.

Borrowed from: the Sacramento library

Rating: 6 out of 10

Synopsis (from Amazon): Having discovered rats in her luxury apartment, Ashley Stockingdale is living with her friend Kay, a.k.a. Martha Stewart But With Scruples. Soon Kay wants Ashley to buy out half the house so they can remodel it in style. With no hint of a proposal on the horizon from her commitment-phobe boyfriend, Ashley goes on an independent-woman streak. She sinks her savings into the deal. As Seth squirms, wondering if the investment into Kay’s house indicates Ashley doesn’t see a future with him, the nightmare of remodeling begins. Meanwhile–in lieu of a diamond?–Seth gives Ashley a darling if ill-advised gift: a puppy! More than a trendy accessory, this puppy requires nearly constant attention and more food than a family of four. He’s out-growing his pink collars faster than you can say Diva Dog! The mayhem is escalating, but like everything else, Ashley knows she can handle it…or can she?

My Review: I really liked the first book in this series, but this one didn’t do it for me as much. Ashley seemed more flighty in this book, although I really did feel bad for her as she deals with Seth and his commitment issues. I just wanted to shake her and say, “GIRL. The hot doctor likes you! Hello!” But I can understand why she wouldn’t believe that. Anyway, I wish I’d waited a little longer between books. I might have had some Ashley overload. I’ll wait for a while before I hit book #3 in the series — which is Sheena’s favorite. (Finished 4/15/09)

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April 24, 2009

Protected: Ain’t ya glad you got a dream called Santa Fe?

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April 23, 2009

#28 – In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

sunburnRead because: I’m a Bill Bryson fan. The man is funny.

Traded through: Bookins.com

Rating: 9 out of 10

Synopsis (from Publishers Weekly): The author of A Walk in the Woods draws readers in campfire-style, relating wacky anecdotes and random facts gathered on multiple trips down under, all the while lightening the statistics with infusions of whimsical humor. Arranged loosely by region, the book bounces between Canberra and Melbourne, the Outback and the Gold Coast, showing Bryson alone and with partners in tow. His unrelenting insistence that Australia is the most dangerous place on earth spins off dozens of tales involving jellyfish, spiders and the world’s 10 most poisonous snakes. Pitfalls aside, He glorifies the country, alternating between awe, reverence and fear, and he expresses these sentiments with frankness and candor, via truly funny prose and a conversational pace that is at once unhurried and captivating.

My Review: This is another in a series of things that have recently had my mind turning to taking a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Bryson tackles the land Down Under with his trademark humor and candor, and I ended up really enjoying this book while simultaneously being a little grumbly about not having more vacation time. After reading his book, I really want see Adelaide and Melbourne, as well as Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). I would also like to try snorkling in the Great Barrier Reef, as long as the boat doesn’t leave me behind to be devoured by sharks, as has happened to unfortunate tourists. And as boring as it might sound to some, I also think it would be incredibly cool to take the cross-country train (in first class, of course). Bryson, despite his many references to things that could kill me in Australia, really makes me want to plan a trip. One of these days, when I’m fabulously independently wealthy, I’ll definitely make the trip. (Finished 4/14/09)

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April 17, 2009

Protected: twenty eight while twenty eight — an idea

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April 14, 2009

#27 – My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay

handsRead for: FBC Book Club

Purchased from: Amazon

Rating: 7 out of 10

Synopsis (from Amazon): Cori signs up to take a mission trip to Indonesia during the summer after her senior year of high school. Inspired by happy visions of building churches and seeing beautiful beaches, she gladly escapes her complicated love life back home. Five weeks after their arrival, a sectarian and religious conflict that has been simmering for years flames to life with deadly results on the nearby island of Ambon. Within days, the church building the team had constructed is in ashes, its pastor and fifty villagers are dead, and the six terrified teenagers are stranded in the mountainous jungle with only the pastor’s teenage son to guide them to safety. Ultimately, Cori’s emotional quest to rediscover hope proves as arduous as the physical journey home.

My Review: This is one of those books that I thought I would like more than I did. Especially with a main character named Cori. I didn’t dislike it — not at all. But after hearing a lot of really positive reviews from friends, I was mildly disappointed. Just mildly. The story (Christian fiction, by the way) itself was interesting and felt fresh — these six kids and the pastor’s son and younger sister have to find their way off the island after some deadly religious fighting breaks out. The story got a little repetitive as the kids escaped one close call after another. McKay writes how I think I would write if I could ever get a novel down on paper — clean and smart but not spectacular. I found myself having to remind myself that the characters were teenagers so sometimes they behaved like annoying teenagers and not adults and that was okay. I wish the God aspect had been highlighted more — I felt like it was touched on here and there, but I’m not sure where the main character stood at the end of the book. But I enjoyed it and got a little choked up in a few places. Recommended to those who like Christian fiction — I think it’s a stronger contender in a genre that I sadly find to be weak a lot of the time. (Finished 4/13/09)

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