The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I am a book nerd.  I own this.  As my sister says, I devour books.  I could be content reading books 24/7.

Our Book Club met last week.  In true book nerd form, I put together a list of books that I was interested in reading for next month.  This book was created from books on my wishlist, books on my shelf and recommendations from others.  I will read every book on this list, but I thought if one could count as my Book Club read, I'd get double bang for my buck.

While we chose "Julia's Chocolates," I like to read the book closer to the meeting date.  So I selected one of the other books on my list, "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green.  It has received some incredible recommendations and awards this year.

It's a Young Adult book, so it's a quick and easy read.  What a great book!  It's the story of young love, sickness, health, friendship and coming to terms with all of it.  At times I laughed out loud, sometimes I teared up, other times I just shook my head.  The story of Hazel and Gus is heartwrenching, heartbreaking and at times, absolutely hilarious.

So I'd say the first pick off of my proposed book list was a great read - I'd say I'm a pretty good book selector! 

Enjoy!!


Mo's Review:
"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green (2012, 313 pages): 4 out of 5 stars

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

We had our first book club meeting for 2013 tonight.  We went to Ramos for dinner and good conversation.  My dinner actually ended up on the floor (it fell off the server's tray), so I had to wait for a second meal to be cooked.  However, with great conversation the time flew by.

I like our Book Club.  We are trying to read a wide variety of books, some books that I might not pick for myself.  "The Devil in the White City" is one of those books.

This was an interesting book.  It was the story of the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.  There were really two parallel stories happening:  one, the history of the men who built the fair (literally and figuratively) and two, the story of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer that killed people in Chicago during the fair.

The historical part of the fair at times was boring (I'm not really into architecture), but it did get interesting as the fair drew near.  It was also really interesting to see the historical connections to other people famous in American history.  I really loved the part about H.H. Holmes - I could have read a whole book about him!

My intial reaction was not positive, I didn't even know if I would finish the book.  However, the more I delved into the book, the more excited I got.  I gave it three stars today, but I really think I might bump it up to four stars.  It's one of those books that keep you thinking and analzying.  I've even gone back and reread parts again.

So do I recommend this book?  Yes, but be patient and keep reading - I think it's worth it.

Our next Book Club meeting is February 21.  We are going to read "Julia's Chocolates" by Cathy Lamb.  It's a little bit of a lighter read after our last two books - I'm looking forward to it.

Another January Happiness Project goal complete - woo hoo!!!

Mo's Review:
"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson (2004, 393 pages): 3 out of 5 stars

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

I'm excited that I've been able to join a Book Club! I love reading and I love talking about books with people who love to read. So this was the first book since I've joined the Club.

I don't always like to read dog books (like Marley & Me) because they usually make me cry and get upset. I can't imagine anything happening to Maude, nor do I want to.

This story is unique in how it is presented - it's the story (of multiple lives) of a dog. The dog first is a stray and you learn what happens to him. The dog is then reborn to a new family. The dog has two more reincarnations and the last one is so poignant and a great way to end the story.

I laughed and I cried while I read this book - I knocked it out in two days because I couldn't put it down. If you are a dog person, then this is a great read for you.

Mo's Review:
"A Dog's Life" by W. Bruce Cameron (2010, 319 pages): 5 out of 5 stars

Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors, that is for sure. I've read several of her books and I have a few others on my nightstand pile. This is one of her older books, a book that I found at The Book Basket (Bastrop's wonderful bookstore where you can trade and buy used books, perfect for a book nerd like me!). Besides, I'm going to Pennsylvania for Spring Break and we are hoping to take a day trip out to Lancaster County and see the Amish, so this book was especially appealing to me. I looked at it as some legwork for my upcoming trip.

This book did not disappoint. It's the story of an Amish girl, Katie Fisher, who has been charged with killing the baby she gave birth to that no one knew about. It's a study of how the Amish live and believe, how the Amish and the "English" interact, and about wanting forgiveness and acceptance.

Ellie Hathaway is a big city lawyer who has taken a break and ends up being the lawyer for Katie. Her story is detailed and rich and you see how Amish life can soften the edges of a tough career woman.

Picoult does more than just tell a story, she develops characters that you want to learn more about and understand. Katie and Ellie are as different as two can be, or are they? Are the Amish as pious and perfect as we may think they are? More importantly, what happens to Katie when she goes to trial? Guilty or innocent?

As with most Picoult books, there is a surprise waiting for the reader. Those who are familiar with her books know this, so you start looking for signs along the way as you read. But it still will be a big surprise for you when it happens.

Having heard her speak and knowing the amount of time and effort she puts in her books, this one did not disappoint. I would highly recommend this book to others to read!

Mo's Review:
"Plain Truth" by Jodi Picoult (2000, 405 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg

My commitment to read more in 2010 is going strong as I've finished five books so far this year. I'm really making time each night to read and it's been enjoyable.

This book is a character study of five different characters as they prepare for their 40th high school reunion. Candy is the hoochie girl with the unhappy marriage and a secret. Lester is the nerdy vet with a big heart. Mary Ann was the outcast who just wanted a friend and to be accepted. Pete learns that just because he was the big jock in high school, it doesn't matter now. And Dorothy is going to the reunion with one thing on her mind - what happens when she doesn't get what she wants?

Berg does a good job of creating the characters and it is interesting to see how they interact and how the reunion changes them. This was a good book, I gave it three stars because I liked it. It wasn't the best book I read, but it was enjoyable.

Mo's Review:
"The Last Time I Saw You" by Elizabeth Berg (2010, 241 pages): 3 out of 5 Stars

Room by Emma Donoghue

This may be one of the most thought-provoking books that I have read in a long time. My friend Lisa has previously read this book and I kept talking to her throughout my reading of the book - you couldn't help but want to talk about the book.

I really don't want to say too much about this book, because the reader needs to come in with a clear mind in order to really have the a-ha's that I had. So I will simply restate what I've seen on Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.

Jack is a five year old boy who has lived in Room with his Ma for his entire life. It is his entire world, but it is his Ma's prison. They fear nightly visits from a man named Old Jack. What happens when Jack and Ma are able to escape Room and come to know what is called Outside?

This is an eerie topic, it echoes the Jacey Duggar story a bit, but it is so well written and so thought provoking - it makes you really think about what Jack might feel like and how he can process his new world.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read!!

Mo's Review:

"Room" by Emma Donoghue (2010, 321 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah

One of my new favorite authors is Kristin Hannah. I love her books!! Several of them I have read in one day, the only reason this one took me a few days was that I had a busy jam packed couple of days.

This book is the story of Julia Cates, a psychiatrist who has been publically humiliated following the actions of one of her clients. She heads home to Rain Valley and her sister, Ellie, the chief of police. One day Ellie gets called to town to find a feral child in the trees, clutching a wolf puppy.

Will Julia be able to help this child? Are the sisters able to reconnect and understand each other? And what happens when the child's history is revealed?

This was a great book, very interesting. The description and dialogue is engaging and you are dying to know what happens to all of the characters.

If you are looking for a good book to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your Snuggie, this is the book!

Mo's Review:
"Magic Hour" by Kristin Hannah (2006, 391 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Richardson Reads One Book- "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein

Even though I now live in Bastrop, every September marks our annual "Richardson Reads One Book" event that Sarah and I love to go to. It's the literary event of the season!! haha

Now that I live far away, it takes a bit more effort..... taking 2 half days off of work, boarding Maude, the Parking Spot, and a plane ride.... but it is still worth the effort!! I worked a half day on Tuesday morning, then headed to ABIA. I love ABIA - it's new, clean, good restaurants, and easy to navigate. I landed in Dallas about 2:30 and was picked up by my brother-in-law Mike. We headed back to their house.

I had almost 2.5 hours to do NOTHING!! I think Mike was concerned that I was bored or lonely, but I loved it. I watched TV, read, chilled.... something I don't get to do very often at home now. Mike kept checking on me, but I was good.

Sarah got home and we headed to Richardson HS. The reception last year was at a bank, where we had booze. But tonight it was in the library at Richardson HS. So no booze. Boo hoo!! The culinary arts kids actually made all of the food and it was good, but I would have loved a glass of wine to wash it down with.... instead, water.......

Let me just say that Garth Stein is HOT. He's smart, witty, and good looking. Total package. Nice to watch. We were on the 3rd row of the auditorium, so we had great seats. He was a fun and engaging speaker. After, we got him to sign our books, then headed to Snuffers. We gorged on cheese fries so much so that we didn't want our dinner. It was so nice to have time with Mike & Sarah - I miss seeing Sarah on a weekly basis.

Next morning, I got up and Mom picked me up. We went and grabbed breakfast, then it was back to DFW to head home. I was in Dallas for a total of 20 hours, but it was a lot of fun. It was the first time I've been home in two months, so it was good to get a little shot of Dallas in the arm!

And the book? If you are a dog lover, then you will LOVE this book. I didn't want to read it after about 50 pages in bc I was worried about what might happen to the dog. I'm so glad I did. I cried at the end, just like I did with Marley and Me. Dog lovers, this is a MUST READ!!

Cost of Donation to RROB: $25.00
Airfare: $100.00
Parking: $13.50
Boarding Maude & bath: $90.00
Cheese Fries at Snuffers: $6.99

Spending time with my sister after missing her for two months: PRICELESS!!!!

Until next September........

The Things We Do for Love by Kristin Hannah

I'm really into Kristin Hannah books right now. This is the third one I've read in just a few months. I love her books, I start them and then I can't put them down!!

I started this one right after On Mystic Lake. But when I went to NYC, I took my Kindle and started another book there. So.... it took me a bit before I picked this book back up. But when I did I finished it in a day.

This is the story of Angie Malone, a recently divorced woman who goes home to help her family's struggling restaurant. She wanted a baby more than anything, and that is what tore her marriage up. A parallel story is that of Lauren, a high school senior who lives with her drunk mother.

Their lives connect and things happen. That's all I can say without giving away the book. But trust me, this is a good story. The ending will surprise you!

Mo's Review:
"The Things We Do For Love" by Kristin Hannah, (2004, 388 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah has become one of my favorite new authors. I've loved the other books of hers that I've read.... Firefly Lane and True Colors. I've got a couple of her books in my to read pile. Can't wait!!

On Mystic Lake is about a a woman, Annie, whose husband leaves her just as her daughter is going to study abroad. She lives in a beach house in Malibu and has the perfect life, or so it appears. She decides to go home to Mystic Lake, OR to see her Dad. She reconnects with an old friend and her life moves on.

Then her hubby comes back..... and another surprise..... what will Annie do?

Kristin Hannah writes books that you devour. This book was 404 pages and I read it in a day. I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened to Annie and what choice she would make in the end.

I highly recommend this book - it's a GREAT summer read! You won't be sorry!!

Mo's Review:
"On Mystic Lake" by Kristin Hannah, (1999, 406 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster

As you all know, I love Jen Lancaster. I had the pleasure of meeting her a few weeks ago and having her sign this very book I am now reviewing.

As with all of her books, this was a fun and easy book to read. I feel like I know Jen (this is the 5th book of hers that I've read) and it's always interesting to hear what is going on with her. But this book was particularly funny to me because like me, Jen is a reality show addict. She loves her some reality TV programming.

So this book is her foray into leaving reality TV and experiencing some culture. Chicago offers a lot of opportunity for that to happen and she hits it head on. She also has some experiences while out on book tour.

If you appreciate a witty, acerbic attitude, then you will love this book (as well as her other titles). I'm a little bummed that I have to wait another 10 months for her next book to come out. But when it does, Ashley and I will be ready to do the Jen Lancaster book signing right.

Mo's Review:
"My Fair Lazy" by Jen Lancaster, (2010, 370 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler

I'm going to see Chelsea Handler later this month at Nokia in Grand Prairie, so I was excited when Ashley loaned me her latest book. I've read (and own) her other two books, which I loaned to my sister over a year ago and I don't think she ever read them. I made her give them back to me so that Danyielle can read them since she is going with us to see Chelsea.

This book is hysterical, just like her others. She tells stories that somehow others believe, but she is witty as all. She is funniest when dealing with her family, whether it's begging for a Cabbage Patch kid, her family's Martha Vineyard summer house, or doing mushrooms with her brother.

If you are a fan of Chelsea, then you'll love this book as well. It just got me even more excited to see her in 3 weeks - woo hoo!!

Mo's Review:
"Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" by Chelsea Handler, (2010, 243 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled- and More Miserable Than Ever Before by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D.

Okay, so according to this book, I am Generation Me. Not sure that I agree with it.......

Generation Me's are born in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. They are the product of parents who wanted to make sure they had so much self esteem. They were taught it's more important to like yourself and put yourself first over anything else. This has then created young adults that can't hold jobs because when they don't rise as fast as they think they should (because they think they are so wonderful), they just quit and move home. While our generation is much more tolerant toward race and sexual preferences, we still do have a ways to go.

Where I agree with this the most is in a school setting - where a child's failure is based on the teacher, not the child. Parents will go to any length possible to make their children only experience success, never adversity. Then when these kids go into the real world, they don't know how to work for something and are continually asking Mommy and Daddy to bail them out and fight their battles for them. I see this daily where I work. A child refuses to do an assignment, so the teacher sends him to study hall. The parent refuses to support study hall because after working all morning (though he didn't, or he would have his assignment finished), he deserves a break and not be made to feel bad.

Parents are so bent on being the child's friend and letting the child dictate what happens, they don't let the child learn how to function in a structure. Again, I refer to work..... a student who is clearly failing needs to be retained. In meeting with the parent, their argument is that the child told them they don't want to be retained and started crying. So the parent fights against the retention because they don't want their child to feel bad. Do they understand how bad the child will feel moving to the next grade when they won't be able to complete any work? (No, because it'll be the teacher's fault that the child can't do it.)

It's hard to say some of these things because some of these kids are parented by my peers. But children have to experience adversity and failure in a supportive family environment so they can handle it on their own. Otherwise, kids will never get married (or marry 4-5 times) and live at home forever. I can't imagine how hard it is to parent, but I can tell you it's a blessing that I'm not a parent. My skills are definitely suited for other areas.

This was a great read which will evoke a lot of feelings and opinions. Highly recommend it if you are in your 30's........

Mo's Review:
"Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled - and More Miserable Than Ever Before" by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., (2006, 277 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz

It's been a while since I've blogged about a book. It's been a busy few weeks and I decided to tackle a big book (449 pages) for my next read. But it was also a hard book to read, so that did add some to my time.

People Magazine recommended Admission to me, so I bought the book. I'm usually on par with People in terms of their books recommendations (movies and music, not so much). Admission tells the story of Portia Nathan, an admissions officer at Princeton University. This was interesting to me because the Ivy League is not something I'm familiar with (product of the state schools University of North Texas and The Florida State University myself), so I was curious to see the whole admissions process and how it worked. That part was interesting - each chapter had an "excerpt" from an admission essay that was interesting (also funny, sad, bizarre) to read. I think if the book had stuck to just the admissions process, it might have kept my interest better.

Instead, there are parallel stories about Portia and relationships she has with several others: her free spirited mother Susannah, her long term boyfriend partner Mark, and John - a "friend" from her days as a student at Dartmouth. These stories SLOWLY all connect, but I found myself having a hard time keeping up with.... or caring, for that matter.... about them. John was the most interesting story of the three, and it was the least developed. But when all three stories did connect, it was the one time that I couldn't put the book down because I HAD to know how things ended up.

Usually when I find a book I like, I Tivo shows, stay up late, sneak the book in whereever I can (which explains why I can polish off a 350 page book in an afternoon). Admission wasn't a book like that for me - if it came down to VH1 reality or Admission, it was a hard choice at times.

But just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean that it's a bad book. It's well written, informative and entertaining - just not a perfect fit for me. I could see someone loving it though. I'd like to check out other books by this author because I do think it might be a better fit.

Read it and decide for yourselves - be curious as to what others might think about it.......

Mo's Review:
"Admission" by Jean Hanff Korelitz, (2009, 449 pages): 3 out of 5 Stars

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

I guess one good thing that can be said about this weekend locked indoors with myself, lamenting Valentine's Day, is that I'm getting some reading done. I finished Brad Cohen's book last night, started this one last night, and just finished it. Not too shabby.

Of course, when the book is written for a teen audience, it goes down pretty smooth.

I LOVED the Hills. When LC left, I chose to grow up, act my age, and quit watching it. I'm glad it did, because I felt like I left the show on an upbeat note. Reading this book made me realize how much I do miss LC. And how frickin' jealous that I am that this 20-something can write a New York Best Times Seller and I can't.

This is a story about Jane, who becomes the star of a "reality" show on PopTV, along with her best friend Scarlett. She navigates love, work, and being a grown up in the big city. Amazingly, some people aren't who they seem to be and she finds that she can be a bit too trusting......

That wasn't a stretch for Lauren to write, was it? But it's a fun, fast, easy read.... and makes me sad that my 20's were very different. Actually, it doesn't make me sad. It makes me relieved.

Mo's Review:
"L.A. Candy" by Lauren Conrad, (2009, 324 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen

Each summer, I go to Austin as school gets out for my summer convention. It's a chance to hang out with the other principals, make new friends, and learn some new ideas that I can take back to my school with me. I look forward to it. It's a great break once we lose the teachers and students, and it means I only have a few more weeks until my summer vacation!

TEPSA has a Facebook page (who doesn't?) and there was a reminder to see the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie called "Front of the Class" about a teacher who has Tourette Syndrome. So I Tivoed it and watched it the next morning. What a great movie - I cried, it was funny, sad, so many different emotions......

Of course, I had to get on Amazon.com and get the book. I started it last night and finished it today. It was an easy read, evoking the same emotions in me that the movie did. Brad Cohen wanted to be a teacher, the kind he never had as a student who had trouble in school. This book was inspirational, funny, and thoughtprovoking. A great read! A must read!!

And the good news is that I'm going to get to hear Brad speak this June at our TEPSA conference. I can't wait! I've got my book, I'll bring it with me, and hopefully I can get him to sign it!

Mo's Review:
"Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had" by Brad Cohen with Lisa Wysocky, (2005, 243 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

So I ended up reading five books in January, not too shabby. I've been very happy with my book selections so far, and Half Broke Horses did not disappoint either.

I'm familiar with Jeanette Walls other book, "The Glass Castle." I had read it several years ago and then had the opportunity to hear her speak in September 2007 at Richardson Reads One Book. "The Glass Castle" is about her unusual and at times rather dysfunctional childhood. It's a wonderful book that I recommend. She was an incredible speaker, humorous and charming. I knew I'd want to read anything else she wrote.

So sister Sarah loaned me "Half Broke Horses." It's the story of Jeannette's maternal grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. Lily was an incredible woman, she taught school in one room schoolhouses, went to Chicago to find herself, and had a way with horses and ranching. She was no-nonsense and called it like she saw it.

The book chronicles her story from a young girl until both of her children are grown up and baby Jeannette is born. It's told in first person, but Walls does not call it a biography or a memoir; rather she calls it a novel because she filled in a few gaps based on what she thought her grandmother would do.

It's a fast read, interesting..... you are always wondering what Lily will be up to next. Is going to be a ranch worker? Or a teacher? Will she give up the life and try to be a city girl? You'll have to read to find out.

If you haven't read "The Glass Castle," I recommend reading this book first. As a matter of fact, I'm going to reread "The Glass Castle" next.... this book gives you a bit of insight about Jeannette's parents and I wonder if that would change my perception of them in "The Glass Castle."

Mo's Review:
"Half Broke Horses" by Jeannette Walls, (2009, 270 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

True Colors by Kristin Hannah

I seem to be reading a lot more when I don't put the pressure on myself to read 50 books. It's January 24 and I'm about to start my fifth book for the year - woo hoo!!

I discovered Kristin Hannah last Spring Break, when I read her "Firefly Lane" in two days. The last 100 pages I was curled in bed reading, crying my ugly cry. It was such a good book. I've passed it to everyone when I think they need a good book to read.

So "True Colors" had a lot to live up to. And I'm glad to report that it did. While I didn't cry reading this book, I did let Tivo record several of my shows so I could continue reading the story of the Grey family. And when I pick a book over Project Runway and the Real Housewives of Orange County, you know I've got a winner!!

"True Colors" is the story about the three sisters of the Grey family, Winona, Aurora and Vivi Ann. It's a story of deceit, anger, jealousy, resentment, prejudice, and cruelty. It is also a story of love, never giving up, sisterly bonds, and hope. The story begins when the girls are teenagers and ends when they are middle-aged women.

I highly recommend this book, it was a book that was hard to put down at times. You wanted to know what was going to happen next. It was just released in paperback, so the price is right, go out and get it and start reading!

Mo's Review:
"True Colors" by Kristin Hannah, (2009, 491 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

You know I consider People magazine one of my reading staples..... but in my defense, often I learn of good books and movies that I might not otherwise be aware of.

As I was reading my end of the year People, it was listing the best books and movies for 2009. So armed with my Barnes & Noble XMas Gift Card (thanks, Dad!), I check the list to see what I've read and what I'm lacking.

I read that one of the best books of 2009 is "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. How is it that I've never even heard of that book? So I go to Barnes and Noble.com and order it and a few other books. (Plus War, Inc. which stars my future hubby, John Cusack. A girl can still dream, right?)

I got the book, but was reading other books so it sat on my nightstand for a few weeks. So on Saturday afternoon, I start this book. I pretty much read non-stop and just finished it about a half hour ago.

And I'm mad.

Mad that it's over. I wish there was another 450 pages, I could have gone on and on reading. I wish I would read it more slowly, savoring each page rather than wanting to get through it so fast. The characters were so well written, the visuals so descriptive, I felt like I was in 1960's Jackson, Mississippi. The story is told from three perspectives: white Miss Skeeter, black maid Minny and black maid Aibilene. It's interesting to see how their stories interconnect and how their lives change from beginning to end.

It's a fabulous read! Another great possibility for Richardson Reads...... I'm not sure what I'll read next, but I hope it's half as good as the books I've read so far this year.

Mo's Review:
"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, (2009, 451 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

This was a fun and easy read - it's the sequel to "The Nanny Diaries." Nan is grown up, married, and coming back to NYC after travelling the world with her husband's job. She reconnects with Citrine, an old high school friend, who has married well and is moving into the the same building as the "X's," Nan's former employer.

Nan has started a consulting firm and takes a job with the prestigious Jarndyce school, and she ends up having Grayer return in her life. In comical (and sometimes sad) fashion, she finds herself in the middle of the X's affairs... What happens? You'll have to read to find out.

I knocked this out in a couple of days and as I said, it's a nice and easy read. It made me laugh, it irritated me, and it made me feel sorry for Grayer at times.

Mo's Review:
"Nanny Returns" by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, (2009, 305 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars