Title: Stay
Author: Allie Larkin
ISBN: 9780525951711
Pages: 320
Release Date: June 10, 2010
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Savannah Leone (nicknamed “Van”) is the maid of honor at her best friend Janie’s wedding.  The trouble is the groom is Peter, her other best friend and the guy she’s been secretly in love with for years.  Depressed and alone after their wedding, Van proceeds to get drunk in her condo and, after watching Rin Tin Tin into the wee hours of the morning, orders a German Shepherd puppy online.  Van has no idea what she’s getting into, or how this sweet (if giant) dog will end up changing her life.

Review:

I’d heard great things about Stay but was a little bit hesitant to pick it up and start reading it.  While I like dogs, I’m not really a dog person, and I didn’t really want to read an entire novel about a puppy.  I was surprised to find, then, that this book was not actually about a dog.  Sure, Joe the German Shepherd played a large role in the novel, but it was more about the catalyst he provided to change Van’s life.

I absolutely adored Van.  I thought she was smart, resourceful, and very funny.  I hated how she didn’t stand up for herself, yet at the same time I wondered if she was oversensitive and maybe didn’t see situations clearly.  I loved how I didn’t really know what to think, or whose side I really sympathized with because it was like real life – everyone has their side of the story.  People can be right and wrong at the same time.  Larkin has a gift for peering into people and writing them truly and honestly.

I was very emotionally invested in Stay, which is some of the highest praise there is for a book, in my opinion.  If you care about the characters, if the author has made them come alive for you, then there’s no way it won’t be an amazing book, regardless of other flaws.  Luckily for the reader, the story is just as solid as the character development.  Larkin provides an entertaining plot that completely lives up to the promise of its main characters.

Stay was a wonderful and sweet novel about a woman’s quest to find herself, and the bumps in the road along the way.  I really loved every minute I spent with this novel and simply cannot wait for Larkin’s next one.  Whether you’re looking for a great novel about a woman finding herself, or just want to spend some time with a German Shepherd puppy, I can’t recommend Stay highly enough.

British Library in London, England

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Title: Beneath the Sands of Egypt: Adventures of an Unconventional Archaeologist
Author: Donald P. Ryan
ISBN: 9780061732829
Pages: 304
Release Date: June 29, 2010
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

In this memoir, archaeologist Donald P. Ryan gives readers a snapshot of his career as an archaeologist.  He discusses his work in Egypt, delivering tantalizing glimpses of what his profession is like.

Review:

I love reading books on history and archaeology, and ancient Egypt has fascinated me ever since I was a little girl.  As a result, the second I heard Beneath the Sands of Egypt was coming out, I knew I wanted to read it.  I haven’t read a good Egypt archaeology book since Kent Weeks’ The Lost Tomb (which has since gone out of print – a travesty in my opinion), so I was itching to pick up this book.

The main thing that struck me about Beneath the Sands of Egypt was how different it was from Weeks’ book.  The Lost Tomb was about a single discovery; Ryan’s memoir, on the other hand, is an overview of his career as an archaeologist.  He takes us through his schooling and the different projects he’s worked on, stripping away some of the romance surrounding archaeology.  He makes it clear how scarce jobs are, how even the most accredited archaeologists resort to teaching middle school or courses at the local community college in order to pay the bills. 

That’s not to say this is a depressing book though.  Ryan has plenty of incredible adventures, and it made me realize how varied the life of an archaeologist really is.  Ryan works on so many different projects in various areas.  His enthusiasm is infectious and his passion for history and archaeology is clear, no matter what his current undertaking is.  The chapters are divided into different periods of his life, different tasks he worked on, such that the reader really gets a sense of how erratic the life of an archaeologist is.  However, the fact that the book isn’t about one single project or excavation also has a down side – the book is never really building to anything.  That’s not to say it’s ever boring, just that urgency is lost because of that.

Beneath the Sands of Egypt also has a lot of information on ancient Egypt, enough to satisfy even the most ardent history buff.  Ryan is clearly very knowledgeable, and shares his wealth of information with the reader.  He has a way of making even the most mundane information seem fascinating.

If you’re a fan of archaeology or Egyptology, don’t hesitate to pick up this book.  If you do, you’ll be sorry.  Even if you’re not a non-fiction reader but are interested in the subject, you should consider Beneath the Sands of Egypt.  It’s an intriguing read that I definitely recommend.

It wasn’t easy deciding what category (or categories) I wanted to register for a BBAW award in.  This self-selection thing makes it really difficult – it’s hard to nominate yourself for an award because it makes it feel like self-promotion.  In the end, though, I chose Cultural because reading and promoting South Asian literature (mainly through the South Asian Author Challenge) is really important to me.  Here are the five posts for that category.

Best Cultural Book Blog:

Sea of Poppies – Amitav Ghosh

The Palace of Illusions – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Secret Daughter – Shilpi Somaya Gowda

The Girl from Foreign – Sadia Shepard

Detectives Around the World – India

I actually wouldn’t have thought of entering for Best Writing as well, but I was encouraged to by a blogger who shall remain nameless.  Here are those entry posts.

Best Writing:

Cutting for Stone – Abraham Verghese

The Department of Lost and Found – Allison Winn Scotch

Stitches – David Small

Secret Daughter – Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution – Neil deGrasse Tyson & Donald Goldsmith

Title: Postcards from a Dead Girl: A Novel (P.S.)
Author: Kirk Farber
ISBN: 9780061834479
Pages: 272
Release Date: February 16, 2010
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Genre: Literary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Sid has a unique problem.  His ex-girlfriend, Zoe, has been sending him postcards from around the world.  The problem is that all the postmarks are one year old, yet he’s receiving them all now.  Sid also suffers from a few quirks that he can’t overcome.  In this novel, Sid undertakes both a personal and a physical journey to understand and come to terms with his life as it is now.

Review:

The summary for Postcards from a Dead Girl is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to write because it’s so difficult to say what the book is actually about.  On the surface, it’s about Sid trying to deal with his ex, Zoe, and understand why all these postcards are being delivered one year late.  But it’s also about his personal journey, his attempt (and failure) to deal with the hardships that life throws at him.

In a lot of ways, Postcards from a Dead Girl is about coping with loss of different kinds.  Sid’s ex-girlfriend sends him postcards.  His mother’s spirit lives in a corked wine bottle and talks to him regularly.  Sid is unable to let go of anything, to move on and fully live life.  He’s trapped in the past because he doesn’t know how to cope.

This book is also very funny.  Sid’s a character with so many quirks, he definitely strays into “weird” territory.  His hypochondria, his fixation on car washes – these are things that keep the reader entertained while reading.  Each of Sid’s quirks become an obsession.  Focusing on these means Sid can avoid having to deal with real life.

I enjoyed Postcards from a Dead Girl; I thought it was a fun, unique novel, and it was a quick read.  I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Farber’s next novel, as this one was refreshing and delightful.

I had 121 entries for my book giveaway for Justin Cronin’s The Passage.  According to Random.org, the winner was lucky number 89.

Congratulations, Nicole C.! You’ll be receiving an email letting you know you’re the lucky winner, and I’ll be sending out your copy of The Passage tomorrow.

This past week was a good one, if incredibly busy.  I came back from Hawaii last Sunday (I’ll post some pictures in my Wordless Wednesdays at some point, I promise!) and immediately started playing catch-up with work and school.  Wednesday, one of my closest friends came into town and we had a lot of fun hanging out.  Since she left, I’ve been studying frantically for my Tuesday midterm.  This is a really hard class, and I’m nervous about the exam because (a) it’s been years since I’ve taken an in-class exam – everything in my degree so far has been a paper or take-home (b) we’ve been moving incredibly quickly since it’s a shortened time period, and thus have covered a lot of material.  I think I’ll end up doing okay, but getting to that point is going to be painful.

This coming weekend, my husband and I are traveling again.  While I’ve really been enjoying the traveling I’ve been doing this year, and feel lucky that I can, I’m a little bit tired of it!  I’ve been picking up to go somewhere every other weekend for the past few months – I’m burned out.  Happily, this will be my last time traveling until August, so I’ll have some time to recover.

I’m not going to be commenting on blogs much for the next month or so, as I’m working to wrap up my degree and complete my thesis.  July is going to be a hectic month for me, so I’m planning on focusing on school as much as possible so I can kick back and relax in August!  If you don’t see me around your blog, don’t think I’ve abandoned it – I’ll be back at some point!

I’ll be picking the giveaway winner of The Passage today and announcing tonight or tomorrow.  I know many of you are anxious to hear the winner, so I’m sorry it’s taken me so long!

Reviews posted this week:

Title: V for Vendetta
Author: Alan Moore & Dave Lloyd
ISBN: 9781401208417
Pages: 296
Release Date: May 1, 1990
Publisher: Vertigo
Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Dystopian
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

The year is 1997, and England is a fascist state.  There is no such thing as privacy or personal freedom.  Minorities and homosexuals have been eradicated from the population.  One man, masked and caped, has taken it upon himself to change the face of society.

Review:

Though the reputation of graphic novels and memoirs has been changing recently, generally speaking, they aren’t widely read.  However, I think amazing things are happening within this genre, so I’ve taken it upon myself to start reading more and trying to understand how the genre has developed over the past twenty years or so.  I was very impressed with V for Vendetta; it’s a complicated story that is incredibly thought-provoking.

V for Vendetta accomplishes amazing things within its pages.  Conventional wisdom leads to the conclusion that “comics” can’t convey the same depth as literary fiction, but this book proves those naysayers wrong.  First, there’s the character of V.  He is such an intriguing character, with so many layers and an incredible level of complexity.  Is he crazy, or is he possibly the last sane man left in England?  His skills suggest that he hasn’t experienced a break with reality, but at the same time, is it possible to do the things he does and not be slightly insane? 

There’s also the question of morality – is V “good” or “bad”?  While he is fighting for freedom and justice, his methods are somewhat barbaric.  Do the ends justify the means in this case, when he seems to be fighting for the greater good?  And is that actually what he’s doing, is the welfare of the English people what’s driving him or is this some twisted form of revenge?

There are many questions this book poses, so many amazing points of discussion.  If your book club isn’t averse to violence and is open to new formats and genres, I would highly recommend picking this book.  After finishing it, I’m itching to discuss it with someone because I know I wasn’t able to grasp everything, and there are so many possible interpretations of what happened.

V for Vendetta is an incredible work of dystopian fiction that tackles many important subjects.  The artwork is well done, the dialogue is captivating (especially V’s speaking style), and it’s an engrossing work that I couldn’t put down.  If you want a graphic novel with the heft and power of literary fiction, look no further.  V for Vendetta is what you’re searching for.

Title: Lavinia
Author: Ursula K. LeGuin
ISBN: 9780156033688
Pages: 288
Release Date: April 21, 2008
Publisher: Mariner Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Aeneas’ second wife, Lavinia, is barely mentioned in Virgil’s epic poem.  In this book, Ursula K. Le Guin seeks to correct that oversight and give a voice to a woman all but forgotten by history.  Lavinia is the daughter of King  Latinus, the ruler of Lavinium in present-day Italy.  Many men fight for the hand of the king’s only child, but Lavinia is not taken with any of her suitors. Her decision to reject these men will have lasting and tragic repercussions.

Review:

I enjoyed Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series, so when I heard she had a new book coming out, I immediately knew I wanted to read it.  Clearly it took me awhile to get it it, but I’m glad I eventually picked this book up, rather than letting it languish on the shelf for another couple of years.

Lavinia is a well-written and intriguing character.  Le Guin doesn’t have much to go on from the original story, so she uses her imagination to fill in the blanks.  Lavinia is strong willed, yet manages to rise above what she wants often enough to where the reader can’t really call her stubborn.  She loves her home and has strong friendships with many of her people.  In short, she’s an appealing character who readers will enjoy getting to know.

The historical detail in Lavinia is really astounding.  Le Guin takes the reader through this land, painting a clear picture of what life was like.  Certainly the history might not be accurate – after all, Le Guin is drawing directly from Virgil – but it doesn’t really matter.  Le Guin painstakingly relays each event with such care that the reader is immersed in this intricate world.

Lavinia was a creative and engrossing story that I really enjoyed.  It’s an easy read, but one filled with rich historical detail and engaging characters.  I recommend this book to anyone interested in The Aeneid, or any general historical fiction fans.

Title: Beachcombers: A Novel
Author: Nancy Thayer
ISBN: 9780345518286
Pages: 368
Release Date: June 22, 2010
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Beach Read
Source: LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

After their mother’s death, Abbie took over the role of caring for her family when she was just fifteen.  She didn’t go to college because she wanted to care for her younger sisters Emma and Lily, as well as their father.  Years later, Abbie is working as an au pair in London when she gets a frantic email from Lily – Emma’s fiancé has dumped her and she’s lost her job.  She’s returned home to Nantucket, and Lily is really worried about her.  Slipping right back into the caretaker role, Abbie runs home to be with her family.  However, she doesn’t realize that the summer holds surprises and life-changing events for all the members of the Fox family.

Review:

Beachcombers was my first beach read of the summer, and it really fit the bill perfectly.  Abbie, Emma, and Lily were all well written characters, and their adventures over the summer in Nantucket made for interesting reading.

I can’t say whether I sympathized with Abbie or Emma more.  Abbie was the mothering figure, yet at the same time she was hesitant to become that once again for her family.  It was important to her to live life on her own terms; she didn’t want her homecoming to mean that her sister Lily could stop taking on any sort of responsibility.  On the other hand, Emma starts out the novel with no direction.  Her life has come crashing down around her and she does not know where to turn.  She has no reason to get out of bed each morning until Abbie gives her one.

I can definitely say that Lily was the character I sympathized with least.  On one hand, she was only twenty-two – she wanted to have fun, not take on responsibility, which is understandable at that age.  On the other had, she was petty and selfish, which made her very difficult to like at times.  Thayer did an excellent job developing her character though, making her grow up over the course of the novel and begin to understand that the world doesn’t revolve around her.

This was a satisfying read, though things did tend to happen inexplicably quickly.  Emma couldn’t get out of bed because of her depression, and a few pages later she’s running around the island.  Abbie’s love interest in the novel also comes about quite suddenly.  I can understand Thayer’s desire to keep the book moving at a brisk pace, but these jumps were a bit unrealistic.

Still, Beachcombers was an enjoyable novel that is absolutely perfect for a summer read.  These women are interesting characters and Thayer does a wonderful job making them seem like real people.  If you’re looking for a good book for the beach, make sure you stick this one in your bag.

Becky over at Reader With a Capital “R” has started a great new project – A Dry Read: New Books for Nashville.  If you’ve been watching the news recently, you probably saw that Nashville was the victim of heavy flooding in early May.  Becky’s goal is to put books in the hands of those who lost theirs – and as any reader know, the prospect of losing all one’s books is horrifying.

For more information, head over to Becky’s blog to see how you can help, and definitely spread the word!

Title: Bruno, Chief of Police (Vintage)
Author: Martin Walker
ISBN: 9780307454690
Pages: 288
Release Date: March 24, 2009
Publisher: Vintage
Genre: Mystery
Source: Curled Up With a Good Book
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Benoit Courreges, nicknamed Bruno, is the chief of police in the small town of St. Denis in southern France.  Their existence is idyllic; the most Bruno usually has to worry about is protecting the townspeople from the EU inspectors who inspect the local market.  However, when a man is brutally murdered, Bruno begins to investigate the darker side of St. Denis.

Review:

I’ve really been enjoyed the slew of mysteries I’ve been reading lately, so I was eager to read Bruno, Chief of Police.  The intriguing mystery combined with the French setting made for a fun and engrossing read.

Bruno, Chief of Police was a well-written mystery whose true strength was in its characters.  Bruno is a charming man, easy to like and someone the reader is quick to trust.  He clearly is well-respected in St. Denis and has a lot of friends among the local population.  His loyalty to the mayor, a man who helped him when he needed it most and continues to do so, is admirable and shows Bruno’s true character. 

Bruno is also resourceful and very sharp.  He looks at all facets of the investigation, from every possible viewpoint.  He hunts down every lead until he is sure the trail has been exhausted.  In short, he’s exactly the type of man mystery lovers want to read about.  Though he doesn’t have the tortured past of many American literary detectives, he does have some skeletons in his closet he would like to forget.

Walker does an excellent job writing this mystery.  The twists and turns are satisfying and make the book surprising.  Additionally, the puzzle in this novel has layers that aren’t apparent at the beginning.  As Bruno delves deeper into it, he is required to uncover more about France’s controversial past concerning the Nazis.  Walker portrays the general sentiment about Vichy France very well – it’s an embarrassment of the past, one that no one wants to talk about.  But Bruno has to, in order to figure out the specifics of the crime.

Additionally, Walker isn’t afraid to confront the undercurrents of racial tension in France.  It is well known that there is resentment towards Arabs and Muslims in the country presently, and Walker discusses this at length.  He isn’t afraid to tackle heavy subjects, yet doesn’t drag the novel down with these issues.

Bruno, Chief of Police was an enjoyable read and a thrilling mystery.  Walker is a talented writer and has created a very endearing and capable man in Bruno.  For readers’ sake, let’s hope that this is the first in a series so we can see more wonderful novels featuring Bruno.

Title: Promises to Keep: A Novel
Author: Jane Green
ISBN: 9780670021796
Pages: 352
Release Date: June 15, 2010
Publisher: Viking
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Promises to Keep follows the lives of three women, Callie, Steffi, and Lila.  Steffi is a vegan chef in New York City, loving her life and her job.  The only thing she’s not thrilled about right now is her rocker boyfriend, Rob.  Callie, Steffi’s big sister, is a suburban housewife with two great kids and a husband, Reece, that she loves, though he’s gone more often than she’d like.  And Lila is Callie’s best friend, a divorced 40-something who has finally met the man of her dreams, with one catch:  his controlling and demanding ex-wife.  Through the pages of Promises to Keep, these three women will face more trials than they ever thought possible, relying on their ties to each other to keep them going.

Review:

I have really enjoyed Jane Green’s recent novels The Beach House and Dune Road, so when Promises to Keep arrived on my doorstep, I couldn’t wait to start reading it.  Happily, Promises to Keep doesn’t disappoint, and might be Jane Green’s best novel yet.

Green does an exceptional job developing her characters in this novel.  There are definitely a lot of them – the three women, their love interests, children, parents – but Green is careful to give each their own personality such that it’s not difficult to remember who’s who.  I really fell in love with these characters while reading this book.  At the beginning, Carrie seems to have the perfect life, which can be a little bit grating, but as the novel progresses, the reader gets to really see her and what a genuine person she is.  Steffi is neurotic and can’t settle down, but she is there when needed and exceptionally loyal.  I loved getting to know these women and was very invested in their characters.

Promises to Keep is definitely an emotional novel.  Green weaves the tale such that the reader becomes very involved in what’s going on.  As a result, it’s gripping and powerful.  The author’s note at the end only serves to increase the impact of the story.  There were times I was racing through this novel, desperate to know that everything would turn out okay for these characters.

This is not necessarily the happiest book, but Green doesn’t leave the reader depressed at the end.  She makes sure the reader knows that life goes on, no matter what.  In the end, it’s all about our connections to others, those invisible threads that bind us together.  In many cases, those ties are love, and that is the most important thing.  Promises to Keep was an incredible novel that I relished, and I’m only sorry that it’s over and I have to wait to read Jane Green’s next book.

Arno River in Florence, Italy

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Title: A Vintage Affair: A Novel
Author: Isabel Wolff
ISBN: 9780553807837
Pages: 368
Release Date: June 22, 2010
Publisher: Bantam
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Amazon Vine
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

After years of working at a prestigious auction house dealing with vintage clothing, Phoebe Swift is finally ready to strike out on her own.  She has taken a huge chance by following her dream – opening a vintage clothing shop called Village Vintage.  Along the way, Phoebe learns that there is more to vintage clothing than meets the eye – these clothes have the power to give people courage, heal old wounds, and change lives.

Review:

Though I don’t know much about vintage clothing, I thought the premise of A Vintage Affair sounded fascinating.  I loved the idea of a woman finding the courage to strike out on their own and learning a lot about herself in the process.

A Vintage Affair had a lot of interesting information about vintage clothing, which was a real treat.  It was great to learn about something while simultaneously enjoying an entertaining read.  Phoebe is clearly passionate about vintage clothes and really believes in their power to give people confidence.  It’s easy to forget how big of a difference feeling like one looks good can make on a person’s mood.

Phoebe herself was a very endearing character.  She was grappling with some personal demons of her own, and threw herself into work in order to avoid thinking about them.  I really enjoyed reading about her coming to terms with her past.  Wolff did an exceptional job making her feelings palpable to the reader – it was easy to sympathize with her emotions.  Additionally, I loved the secondary characters in the novel – from Phoebe’s mom to Dan, Wolff has a flair for creating three-dimensional, appealing characters.

A Vintage Affair was an enjoyable read that’s difficult to classify.  There are so many different threads that come together beautifully to make up this novel, it defies being assigned a single genre.  It’s a complicated, well-written novel, and I will definitely be going back to read more of Isabel Wolff’s works.

Did you know that Jen over at Devourer of Books has named this week Audiobook week?  She’s featuring audiobook reviews, giveaways, and hosting discussions all about audiobooks.  If you review or listen to audiobooks, or are simply curious about them, head on over and take a look at all the great stuff she has going on!

I don’t generally review audiobooks because I often have trouble following stories on audio.  I’ve been considering them more and more lately, though, especially during long drives to school.  I was planning on having an audiobook review to coincide with Jen’s audiobook week, but my iPod had other plans.  I loaded a couple of audiobooks onto my iPod, fully intending to listen to them on my vacation, but when I got on the plane, they had magically disappeared!  (Flimsy excuse, I know, but it’s true!  I was very disappointed.)

I’m going to be following all the audiobook week events and posts, and I hope you will too!

January 1 – December 31, 2010
Goal: 20 Ebooks

1. Battle Royale – Koushun Takami
2. The Palace of Illusions – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
3. Superfreakonomics – Steven Levitt
4. Devil in Winter – Lisa Kleypas
5. Bad Things Happen – Harry Dolen
6. The Forest of Hands and Teeth – Carrie Ryan
7. The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
8. The Sea of Monsters – Rick Riordan
9. East of Eden – John Steinbeck
10. The Singer’s Gun – Emily St. John Mandel
11. Caught – Harlan Coben
12. The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners – Luanne Rice
13. The Titan’s Curse – Rick Riordan
14. 1st to Die – James Patterson
15. Rampant – Diana Peterfreund
16. The Battle of the Labyrinth – Rick Riordan
17. The Last Olympian – Rick Riordan
18. Between the Tides – Patti Callahan Henry
19. Baltimore Blues – Laura Lippman
20. And Only to Deceive – Tasha Alexander

Title: Half Life
Author: Roopa Farooki
ISBN: 9780312577902
Pages: 272
Release Date: April 27, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Literary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Aruna Ahmed is married, living in London with her husband Patrick Jones.  She married him on impulse because she was trying to drown out her sorrows and forget about her past in Singapore.  However, Aruna realizes that she can’t run away from what she left behind forever and that she has to go back and confront the ghosts she thought she’d escaped from.

Review:

I’ve heard great things about Roopa Farooki, and actually own all of her books, but I’ve never read any of them.  When I received Half Life for review from the publisher, I figured it was a good place to start.

Aruna is an incredibly written character that I absolutely loved.  At the start of Half Life, she is so completely broken that it seems like nothing will make her whole again.  Over the course of the book, the reader learns how she ended up this way, as well as witnesses her desperate attempts to find some sort of healing.  Farooki wrote Aruna with such raw emotion, the reader can’t help but become fully involved in her life.  She was a beautifully written character that was so flawed, yet so easy to really feel a connection with.

The funny thing is, Aruna is not depicted as a great person.  Most of what the reader sees of her is from flashbacks, when she’s already broken.  This makes her seem like a mean and bitter person who doesn’t care about anyone else.  However, it’s clear that there is a lot going on underneath the surface and that it’s all just Aruna trying to protect herself and keep people from getting to know her.  As a result, it doesn’t turn the reader off or make Aruna an unlikeable character. 

Farooki does an excellent job tying the disparate threads of this story together.  She provides some shocking twists, but ultimately, it’s Aruna’s story of finding herself that will capture the reader.  I was utterly taken in by the beauty, pain, and brittle edges of this novel, and can only say that it certainly won’t be my last novel by Roopa Farooki.

It’s almost 3 PM and I’m still in bed.  Why?  Because I’ve been in Hawaii the past week, and caught the red-eye home from LA.  We immediately came home and went to sleep, intending to wake up around 10 AM.  Of course, things never go as planned, and we ended up sleeping much too late!  Hopefully, that won’t make the jet lag too difficult to get over – I have a very busy couple of weeks ahead of me!

Hawaii was amazing and I was definitely sad to leave.  Spending an entire week unplugged and relaxing was just what I needed.  I’m glad to be back though – it’s always nice to come home, even from a great vacation!  I’m not looking forward to the coming weeks, but I’m so close to being finished with school so I just need to buckle down for the next couple of months.

Since a lot of my vacation was spent on the beach, I got a lot of great reading done.  Usually, I don’t review books I read while I’m traveling, but this time I managed to write a review for every book I read, so you can look out for those in the coming weeks!

In case you missed it, I posted a Summer Reading List last week with some recommended reads.  The week before last, I blogged about BBAW 2010 and the books from BEA.  Additionally, I have a book giveaway for The Passage by Justin Cronin going on right now.  It runs through Tuesday, June 22.

Reviews posted this week:

Title: Climbing the Stairs
Author: Padma Venkatraman
ISBN: 9780142414903
Pages: 272
Release Date: May 1, 2008
Publisher: Speak
Genre: Multicultural Fiction, Historical Fiction, Teen/YA
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Vidya is a fifteen year old girl living in Bombay during World War II.  Her father, a doctor, is a supporter of the Indian independence movement and subscribes to Gandhi’s doctrine of ahimsa, or nonviolence.  Vidya wants more for herself than the traditional role of an Indian woman.  She fears marriage because she wants her freedom and to continue studying, rather than becoming a housewife.  When tragedy strikes her family and their circumstances change drastically, Vidya is unsure whether she will ever find happiness.

Review:

I’d heard very good things about Padma Venkatraman’s Climbing the Stairs, and after reading it, I can completely understand why.  Venkatraman seamlessly blends historical details with social commentary and an endearing main character, making this book both interesting and impossible to put down.

I simply loved the character of Vidya.  I loved the way her mind worked, and how fiercely independent she was.  She wanted more for herself and wasn’t content with what she was handed in life.  She fought for what she believed in, but at the same time, she was cognizant that what she did affected others.  I also appreciated how passionate she was.  I really loved getting to know her in this novel; Venkatraman wrote Vidya with an expert hand. 

Venkatraman deals with a lot of serious issues in Climbing the Stairs, but manages to refrain from making it a heavy, burdensome novel.  From the plight of women in India to the discussions about the British treatment of Indian citizens, Venkatraman doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts of life back then.  It is these issues that Vidya must grapple with and try to understand on a daily basis.

I also appreciated that Venkatraman highlighted the role of India during World War II.  She exposes some little-known facts about India’s involvement and makes sure to make it a central part of the novel.  As a result, the reader comes away feeling like they’ve learned something new.

Climbing the Stairs may be a short book, but it’s a powerful one.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent reading this novel, and cannot wait to see what Venkatraman does next.

Title: A Year on Ladybug Farm
Author: Donna Ball
ISBN: 9780425225875
Pages: 384
Release Date: March 3, 2009
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget are three best friends approaching retirement.  After Bridget’s husband’s unexpected death, she doesn’t know how she’s going to face the future on her own.  Wanting to support their friend, Cici and Lindsay joke about moving somewhere with her and living together, just the three friends in a big house.  However, the more they talk about it, the more they realize it’s not just a joke.  When they find a fixer-upper mansion on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley, they know their dream will become a reality.

Review:

I enjoy books about fixer-uppers, so I’ve been wanting to read A Year on Ladybug Farm for some time.  Knowing it already has one sequel out and another releasing later on this year only adds to my desire to read what seems like a charming women’s fiction novel.

Most of the book focused on fixing up the house and the difficulties and responsibilities involved in taking over a somewhat dilapidated farm.  I really enjoyed reading about the challenges these women overcame and how they faced adversity.  Additionally, Ball’s writing style is crisp, clear, and easy to read, making this a novel you can read in one or two sittings.  The pages fly by easily as the reader immerses themselves in this story.

Cici, Lindsay and Bridget seemed like interesting women, but unfortunately, there just wasn’t a lot of character development.  Ball focused on the house at the expense of her characters.  They had shadows and hints of individual personalities, and they all had established roles in the house, but I can’t say I really felt like I got to know them.  Hopefully that will change in the next book!

A Year on Ladybug Farm was a quick and quiet read.  If you’re in the mood for some light women’s fiction, definitely pick this one up.  Despite the character issues, it’s a fun novel that will keep your attention.

Title: Fireworks Over Toccoa
Author: Jeffrey Stepakoff
ISBN: 9780312581589
Pages: 272
Release Date: March 30, 2010
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Genre: Romance
Source: Publisher
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Summary:

Lily Davis married Paul Woodward when she was just seventeen, two weeks before he was going to get shipped out to fight in World War II.  She cared about Paul very much, and though they had only been dating a short time and she was young, she felt she was making the right decision.

Now, three years later, Paul is coming home and Lily isn’t sure what to do.  Part of her is looking forward to his return, but part of her is feeling trapped by her small town of Toccoa, Georgia.  When Jake, a mysterious man who works with fireworks, comes to town, Lily is torn between her duty and her heart.

Review:

I had mixed feelings going into Fireworks Over Toccoa.  On one hand, I’d seen the story compared to Nicholas Sparks’ work, and I’m definitely not really a fan of his.  But Karen White, one of my favorite authors, blurbed the book, so I thought I’d give it a chance.

I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style.  Stepakoff is a talented writer, and comparisons to Nicholas Sparks do him no credit.  The story was also easy to read and flowed very well. 

That being said, I can’t say I enjoyed the book.  First of all, the romance was way over the top.  Such lines as “His gaze into her was so deep, so true – could she really keep these inner thoughts from him.  Her heart began to panic.  Could he hear it?” made me roll my eyes.  Additionally the 20 pages of sex in the middle of the book were too much for me – I skipped over them.  These two had just met.  I had trouble believing in the depth of their feelings for each other since they knew barely anything about one another.

Additionally, I can’t say I really liked Lily.  I understood why she felt trapped and definitely sympathized, but I think she dealt with these issues in the wrong way.  After all, no one forced her to marry so young.  She loved Paul and it was strictly her decision.  I can’t help but feel she was being a bit selfish and acting on impulse, rather than thinking things through and deciding what she wanted.

If Stepakoff chooses to write a book in a different genre, I will definitely give it a try.  After all, he did a solid job with the plot and is a good storyteller.  But Fireworks Over Toccoa confirmed that romance really isn’t a genre for me!

Title: Heaven: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife
Author: Lisa MIller
ISBN: 9780060554750
Pages: 368
Release Date: March 23, 2010
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Non-Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Lisa Miller is the religion editor for Newsweek, and in this book she explores the meaning of heaven.  She looks at different sources of our interpretations, from religious doctrine to popular culture.  Focusing on Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Miller attempts to discover what people mean when they say they believe in heaven.

Review:

I’ve always been interested in studying the beliefs of different religions, so I thought Heaven sounded fascinating.  That thought was confirmed when, in the first few pages of the book, Miller admits that she doesn’t know what to think about heaven and is embarking on this journey along with the reader.  With that kind of investment in the topic, I immediately knew that Miller was going to write a quality book.

Miller draws on an impressive number of sources in order to give the reader the broadest view possible on the topic.  Between countless hours spent researching and the insightful interviews she conducts with people who represent various religious persuasions, this really is a comprehensive view of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim conceptions of heaven, from their founding dates to the present.

The book is also very well-written.  Despite the fact that it’s about a semi-heavy topic and is non-fiction book, it never drags or is dry. Miller’s prose is engaging and keeps the reader interested in the story she’s telling.  The book is organized such that it’s easy to follow in bite sized pieces.  It’s a book that can easily be read and digested in one sitting or in twenty.

I really enjoyed Heaven and feel like it has reignited my interest in studying other religions.  Miller writes about her topic in clear, crisp prose.  Her insights are rewarding and the book as a whole is engaging.  Even if you’re not a fan of non-fiction, if you’re interested in the topic, you’ll likely enjoy this book.

Title: The Poet Prince: A Novel
Author: Kathleen McGowan 
ISBN: 9780743299985
Pages: 480
Release Date: 5/25/2010
Publisher: Touchstone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Maureen Paschal is on another book tour, promoting the book she wrote after finding a gospel written by Jesus himself.  She is just settling down, recovering from her chaotic schedule over the past few months, when a revelation about her lover Berenger Sinclair shocks her to the core.  Along with her friends, Maureen flees to Florence to seek out Destino, a wise teacher from the Order, in order to understand more about the part she is to play in events to come.

Review:

I enjoyed Kathleen McGowan’s first two books in her Magdalene line series (The Expected One and The Book of Love), so I was excited to read The Poet Prince.  I couldn’t wait to find out what adventures Maureen and her friends would embark on next and what shocking discoveries were waiting for them.

Originally, this series was supposed to be a trilogy, but from the ending of The Poet Prince, it’s clear that McGowan has made a decision to extend it.  This has both positive and negative consequences.  The positive is that it allows McGowan to develop more fully the mythology she has so carefully expounded upon in the first two books.  The alternate history of the church that she has created is both intriguing and very well done.  Additionally, Maureen is an endearing character and any extra time the reader gets to spend with her is worth it.

However, the expansion of the trilogy also means that the story is going to move much slower going forward.  The Poet Prince wasn’t really about Maureen; instead, it took the reader to the past, to the time of Lorenzo de Medici.  While The Book of Love also had a historical fiction element, Maureen’s and Matilda’s stories were balanced.  They both were the main characters of that novel with independent stories and their own quests to undertake.  In this case, Maureen is more of an observer.  While Lorenzo’s story is still very well told – after all, McGowan has a real talent at bringing historical characters to life – I can’t help but wish Maureen had more of a part to play, just because I do enjoy reading about her character.

The Magdelene Line series is one I enjoy very much.  I like the intrigue and the thriller-esque storylines, but without the sometimes silly sense of urgency that seems to dominate thrillers.  These are novels you want to read in order, as each book builds on the ones that came before it.  I think it’s a great series and definitely recommend these books to interested readers

Standing stones at Avebury, with a thatched roof house in the background

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Title: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake: A Novel Author: Aimee Bender
ISBN: 9780385501125
Pages: 304
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Publisher: Doubleday
Genre: Literary Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

When Rose Edelstein’s mother makes her a lemon chocolate cake for her ninth birthday, she is excited to try it; after all, it’s one of her favorite desserts.  But when she bites into it, she is filled with sensations she never expected – sadness, despair, depression.  She quickly realizes that, somehow, she is experiencing her mother’s emotions through her baking. 

To her horror, Rose finds out that this particular talent isn’t limited to her mother’s cooking – anything she eats, she can taste the feelings of the people who made it.  Through this unasked-for curse – or is it a gift? – Rose begins to understand more about the secrets each member of her family holds.

Review:

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake is one of those titles that received a lot of hype and positive press prior to its release.  As a result, I had very high expectations when I settled down to read it.  While I’m not sure it lived up to the hype, I’m still glad I read it.

Rose is certainly an endearing character, and since we’re with her over a course of ten years or so, the reader really gets to know her.  Her talent certainly is a unique one, and it’s interesting to see how she handles it.  At first she hates it, barely eating food because she fears the emotions she might experience.  But slowly she learns to utilize it to her advantage, realizing that it doesn’t have to be a curse.  I wish that this character growth had been more fully developed in the novel, as it was the most fascinating part of the book to me.

The overall feeling of the book is very passive; Rose tends to let things happen to her, rather than trying to take control of her circumstances.  She is a watcher, observing those around her and understanding them through their food.  It’s Bender’s beautiful writing that really ties the book together.  Without her exceptional prose, the story would not flow nearly as easily.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake was certainly an interesting book.  I liked that it was unique, and Bender does a great job incorporating magical realism in the novel.  At the same time, I don’t feel like it really captured me, though I am glad I read it.  I’ll definitely be going back and reading some of Bender’s earlier works.

I often am asked for book recommendations by in-person and online friends, and the question I’ve been asked most often lately is “What should I be reading this summer?”  Well, there are plenty of great books out there, and if you walk into a bookstore, you’ll see all the great frontlist summer books.  I wanted to make a list of 10 wonderful titles from previous years that I think you’ll really enjoy this summer

1. The Beach House – Jane Green

The Beach House revolves around Nan, a woman who lives in Nantucket and is forced to open her house to boarders for financial reason.  This heartwarming novel follows the different threads of people who come to stay at Nan’s.

2. The Opposite of Love – Julie Buxbaum

Julie Buxbaum’s beautifully written debut novel is about Emily, a twenty-nine year old woman living in New York City and watching her life unravel before her eyes.  The journey that Buxbaum takes this damaged woman on is gratifying and wonderfully done.

3. The Sari Shop Widow – Shobhan Bantwal

For those of you looking for some cultural fiction, Shobhan Bantwal’s third novel is just the ticket.  Lighter than her usual fare, Bantwal follows Anjali, a twenty-seven year old widow who helps run her parents’ shop.

4. Sweet Love – Sarah Strohmeyer

Sweet Love is the novel that got me hooked on Sarah Strohmeyer.  This book is sweet, delicious, and wonderfully enjoyable.

5. The Department of Lost and Found – Allison Winn Scotch

Though I’ve really enjoyed Allison Winn Scotch’s latest novels, it’s her debut that really captured my heart.  Natalie Miller is in her twenties, too young for something as horrible as breast cancer – yet she gets it just the same.  Though it’s about cancer, this book is full of wonder, hope, and Scotch’s trademark: beautiful writing.

6. The Late Lamented Molly Marx – Sally Koslow

This is a wonderful story, told from the point of view of a woman in the afterlife.  The narrator is witty and charming, and the novel as a whole is a great read.

7. Murder at Longbourn – Tracy Kiely

I know what you’re thinking – another Austen knock-off?  Really?  But give this book a chance, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  Despite the title, there’s really not a lot of Austen in this book and the murder mystery is intriguing.

8. Real Life & Liars – Kristina Riggle

Amazing character development is what really makes Real Life & Liars a great read.  Riggle fashions individual, lifelike characters with distinct personalities that come together to make this book very enjoyable.

9. The Last Will of Moira Leahy – Therese Walsh

Beautifully written and incredibly intriguing, The Last Will of Moira Leahy comes across as a light gothic mystery (if there even is such a thing).  It makes this book a wonderful summer read for mystery fans who aren’t looking for dark, stormy atmospheres.

10. Crossing Washington Square – Joanne Rendell

The academic setting really makes Crossing Washington Square a delight, plus the discussion of what makes “serious” literature really is a must for any fans of lighter reading fare.

Title: A Curtain Falls
Author: Stefanie Pintoff
ISBN: 9780312583965
Pages: 400
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

It’s 1906 in New York City and Detective Simon Ziele is once again on a case.  This time, he’s been asked by his old friend Captain Mulvaney to help the New York Police Department solve a bizarre death – it’s unclear if it’s even murder or suicide.  Little does Ziele know that this case will send him hunting for a dark and twisted murderer.

Review:

I really enjoyed Stefanie Pintoff’s In the Shadow of Gotham, so I jumped at the chance to review the second book in the Simon Ziele series.  Pintoff has demonstrated an incredible ability to bring historical New York City to life, and this book is no exception.

It was fun to revisit Ziele, Alistair, and the other characters that were introduced in the first book.  Pintoff has some solid character development for Ziele, so the reader gets to know more about him and his history.  It’s not necessary to read In the Shadow of Gotham to understand and follow this book, though you’d be missing out on a wonderful mystery and the introduction of some great characters.

The mystery in A Curtain Falls was well-written and very puzzling.  So many times, I thought I had it figured out, but then Pintoff would throw a curveball that had me rethinking my theory.  I also loved the creative nature of the murders.  Pintoff does a fantastic job with the descriptions in this novel and really makes each scene vivid in the reader’s mind.

A Curtain Falls was an exceptional mystery; I raced through it, but was very sad when it was over.  This is an excellent series, and I hope Pintoff keeps with it for a long time to come.  I can’t wait to read more about Simon Ziele!

Title: Leaving India: My Family's Journey from Five Villages to Five Continents
Author: Minal Hajratwala
ISBN: 9780618251292
Pages: 425
Release Date: March 18, 2009
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Memoir
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

In this book about the Indian diaspora, Minal Hajratwala expertly traces her genealogy on both sides.  She goes back generations, beginning with her great-grandparents, and outlines their departure from India to Fiji and South Africa.  She follows the lines down, telling the stories of each generation, trying to uncover the meaning of being an immigrant.

Review:

As the daughter of Indian immigrants to the United States, I was fascinated by the premise of Minal Hajratwala’s book.  She examines the meaning of being an immigrant closely in this book, trying to understand what spurs people to leave a place, and what they leave behind when they do.  It’s a fascinating subject that immigrants or children of immigrants can relate to.

I found Hajratwala’s stories of her family interesting and well-told.  She does a great job tying together the personal aspects with the overall political situation.  From apartheid in South Africa to severe immigration restrictions in the United States, she really captures political sentiment well and expresses it clearly to the reader.  The narrative shifts and moves often, focusing on different members of her family in order to tell one overarching story.

While I found the lives of her predecessors interesting, it was really Hajratwala’s own story that captured me.  For 50 pages or so at the end of the book, she discusses her  life.  Teasing at the hands of other children, the anger and frustration that comes with not fitting in – these are feelings that can be understood by almost anyone who understands what it’s like to be a teenager, and they are compounded by the fact that she didn’t live in a racially or culturally diverse area.

But what really held my attention was Hajratwala’s discussion about her sexuality.  In college, she began to explore her sexuality fully.  I don’t want to say she decided to become a lesbian, but she thought it was an interesting concept, decided to foray into that area, and liked what she found.  In the end, she settled on being bisexual.  She raises a lot of interesting points, including the fact that sexuality is so repressed in Indian culture that she needed to figure things out on her own terms. 

Hajratwala’s struggle to be accepted by her family and to come to terms with herself is really beautifully expressed.  In fact, they left me wanting so much more.  There’s so much to tell here, I really wish that part of the book had been an entirely separate memoir.  Because it’s incorporated into another book, it really doesn’t get delved into.  I can only hope that Hajratwala chooses to write another memoir about it.

Leaving India was certainly an interesting book that really captures the immigrant experience.  While it definitely left me wanting more, I’m still satisfied with the book as a whole.  Hajratwala is a talented author, and I look forward to seeing what she does next.

Title: Heresy
Author: S.J. Parris
ISBN: 9780385531283
Pages: 448
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Publisher: Doubleday
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 out of 5

Summary:

The year is 1583 and Giordano Bruno is a former Italian monk who was excommunicated by the Catholic Church.  He traveled across Europe until he finally ended up in England, a spy for Sir Francis Walsingham under Queen Elizabeth I.  Under Walsingham’s direction, Bruno travels to Oxford in order to uncover treasonous Catholics plotting against the queen.  But what he discovers in Oxford shocks him to the core and sets him off on a quest to discover a murderer.

Review:

Heresy is an interesting novel, made all the more fascinating due to the fact that it’s based on a real person.  Giordano Bruno was an actual former monk who was running from the Inquisition and made friends in high places along the way.  He may have been a spy for Francis Walsingham, but what is definitely known is that he was a humanist, a poet, and a philosopher.

Parris does an incredible job evoking the atmosphere of Oxford in the late sixteenth century.  Her descriptions are incredibly detailed; she clearly undertook a lot of research in order to get her facts just right.  It really pays off – this novel is not just a casual read.  Instead, it immerses the reader fully in the time period, the vivid descriptions making them feel as if they are actually there with Bruno.

The depiction of Catholic versus Protestant in this novel is also interesting.  Parris gives Oxford an atmosphere rich with religious tension.  It is clear that there is a lot going on beneath the surface, that these religious battles are tearing the country apart.  It gives the book extra depth and makes it wonderful for anyone interested in the fights between Protestant and Catholic.

The mystery, however, wasn’t as gripping as I would have hoped.  There was little urgency to the novel; it had a meandering pace that wasn’t suited well to a book about murder.  I didn’t feel like there was anything drawing me back to the book, to make me continue reading it.  As a result, it took much longer than it should have to get through and I found my attention wandering more than once.  It just moved much too slowly for my tastes.

Despite its flaws, Heresy is a clever and interesting book.  Parris has created an intriguing protagonist with Giordano Bruno.  I’ll definitely plan on picking up any future books she writes about him.

Title: The Book of Spies
Author: Gayle Lynds
ISBN: 9780312380892
Pages: 400
Release Date: March 30, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical Thriller
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Rare book expert Eva Blake is about to be tried for manslaughter, for getting into an accident while driving drunk and killing her husband.  The only problem is that she swears that he was driving, even though they found him in the passenger seat.  Three years later, a man named Tucker Anderson who works for the CIA comes to Eva and offers her an early release from jail in exchange for her help.  People have been trying to locate the Library of Gold, a famed historical library last known to be in the hands of Ivan the Terrible, for years, and a book has surfaced that might be from the library.  Eva agrees to help, but soon learns that nothing is as it seems.

Review:

I love historical thrillers.  I find them to be great escapist fare, plus the included history always makes the book more interesting for me.  When I first heard about The Book of Spies, I was definitely intrigued.  Not only was it on a subject I’d never heard of before, but the reviews of the book were generally positive, rather than the mixed ratings of most novels in this genre.

I really enjoyed The Book of Spies.  Lynds has managed to craft an intriguing novel that doesn’t feel like an old repeat of the many books that have come before it.  It’s a fresh take on the genre; I never knew what to expect, and didn’t find it predictable.  Additionally, the history is very interesting and well-researched, and Lynds includes a long and thorough author’s note in the back of the book which is essential for people who want to know what’s true and what’s embellished.

I liked the two main characters in this novel, Eva and Judd.  They aren’t your typical thriller pair.  They’re both smart and resourceful.  I also enjoyed sifting through the layers of Eva’s past.  She’s not what you imagine when you picture a rare book expert; there’s a lot more to her underneath the surface.  Judd and Eva made an excellent team and I can only hope we revisit them in a future novel.

The Book of Spies was a fun book that contained everything I’ve come to love about the historical thriller genre without the boring clichés.  I can’t believe I’ve never read any of Lynds’ books before this, but I will definitely be picking up more in the future.

Now that BEA is behind us, there’s another huge event coming up in the blogging community – BBAW, or Book Blogger Appreciation Week.  This year, it will be held September 13-17, so mark your calendar!  If you’re new to the blogging world and don’t know what BBAW is, it’s a week of blogging fun, festivities, and awards all directed at appreciating the community of book bloggers.

The awards have a more complicated (yet more transparent) process to them this year – you must register your blog in order to vote or be considered for an award category, and the deadline is July 7.  The registration process apparently takes some time, so mozy on over to the site to see what the categories are and how to register!

Title: Heart of the Matter
Author: Emily Giffin
ISBN: 9780312554163
Pages: 384
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Summary:

Tessa Russo should have the perfect life.  Her husband Nick is a pediatric plastic surgeon, and she stays at home with their two beautiful children.  However, she’s noticed that Nick has been drifting away from his family and she doesn’t know how to fix the rift that’s developed between them.

Valerie Anderson is a single mother, a corporate attorney who does her best to provide stability and security for her son Charlie.  When a horrible accident occurs and Charlie is injured, Valerie is thrown for a loop and doesn’t know where to turn.  She finds support and solace in Charlie’s doctor, Nick Russo, and they develop a close friendship as Dr. Russo treats Charlie.  But will they observe traditional boundaries or will their friendship turn into something more?

Review:

I’m a big fan of Emily Giffin’s previous books (reviews of Love the One You’re With and Something Blue), so I was really excited to read her new novel, Heart of the Matter.  I was pleased to find that it contained the same realistic storylines and sympathetic characters that I really love.

Heart of the Matter is really unique, in that it contains two sides to the same story.  We hear two different voices, that of Tessa, the wife who is wondering why her husband is pulling away, and Valerie, the woman who relies on Nick more and more as her son is healing.  The remarkable thing is that Giffin makes them both so sympathetic – the reader can understand why Tessa is so worried at the same time they realize Valerie has been through something horrible and needs someone to lean on.  Though I did sympathize with Tessa more, Giffin does an incredible job making both of these women likeable and easy to understand.  Neither is the enemy – there’s not a clingy wife who won’t let her husband go, and there’s not a vamped up slutty woman who’s after a married man.  Giffin stays away from clichés and presents two realistic, three-dimensional women.

The question that permeates the novel is whether there are feelings developing between Valerie and Nick.  Do they care for each other as more than just friends?  Is it mutual?  Is it real, or is Valerie simply projecting her feelings of gratitude?  She also presents the question of an emotional affair – when do things cross a line, if no physical affection is involved?  These are serious issues that Giffin tackles with grace.

I also thought Giffin’s depiction of Tessa was interesting.  She previously was an English teacher, but recently made the decision to quit her job and stay at home with her children.  Her husband was supportive of the decision, but her mother warned her that she wouldn’t be able to keep Nick’s interest if she didn’t have a life of her own.  As the book progresses, Tessa begins to wonder whether that is true.  While Giffin isn’t saying that moms shouldn’t stay at home with their children, she is making the statement that it isn’t necessarily the best route for everyone.  While it definitely works for some families, it doesn’t for others.  I think this was a risky statement to make, and I appreciated it.

The Heart of the Matter was an impressive novel that I really enjoyed.  I like that Giffin is moving toward women’s fiction.  Though I definitely enjoyed her chick lit novels, I appreciate that she is growing in her craft and injecting variety into her novels.  Though most people will stand by first novel, Something Borrowed, as her best (which, incidentally, The Heart of the Matter gives away the ending for, so if you want to read that one, make sure you do it first!), I love that she’s really honing her skills as a writer and taking chances with what she does.

Title: Needles and Pearls: A Novel
Author: Gil McNeil
ISBN: 9781401341299
Pages: 432
Release Date: May 11, 2010
Publisher: Voice
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary:

Picking up right where The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club left off, Jo Mackenzie has managed to successfully modernize her grandmother’s yarn shop and is now running it.  She still has unresolved issues with the death of her husband a year before, but she has managed to put aside most of her difficult feelings.  She focuses on her two sons, expecting her life to calm down after the tumult she’s been though, but Jo doesn’t realize that the chaotic lifestyle isn’t quite done with her yet!

Review:

I enjoyed The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club, so I was excited to learn that it had a sequel coming out.  While the flood of knitting themed women’s fiction novels has become somewhat overwhelming as of late, I appreciated that McNeil did a great job making her books stand out.  Specifically, the English countryside setting ensures an entirely different take on this type of novel.

I enjoyed revisiting with Jo in this book  One of my main issues with Beach Street was that Jo seemed emotionally detached from the reader and the events in the book.  That wasn’t a problem in Needles and Pearls.  The reader is engaged and invested in Jo’s story; there is a real connection there, which is the driving force of the novel.  Jo reacts with her same measured calm to most events in this book, but there is real emotion there behind her stoic facade.

I also can’t praise Jo’s sense of humor highly enough.  McNeil did an amazing job making her funny and witty.  Her inner monologue is simply hilarious.  From her sons’ crazy demands to dealing with the town queen bee, Jo is strong, capable, and handles everything with a healthy dose of humor.  A lot happens in this novel, and in the hands of a less talented writer, it might seem overdramatic.  But Jo’s sense of humor ensures she just takes things as they come, one step at a time.  It makes the novel a lot of fun to read.

I enjoyed Needles and Pearls and definitely hope that McNeil will continue this series.  I’d love to read more about Jo and see where her life takes her.  This is an enjoyable novel that any fan of women’s fiction would likely enjoy.

The Tuscan countryside, on the drive between Florence and Pisa

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Let’s face it – The Passage is pretty much the most anticipated summer book of 2010, and for very good reason.  I savored every second I spent with it, and can’t believe I have to wait years for the next volume in the series.

I was lucky enough to end up with an extra finished copy of The Passage, so my good fortune is your good fortune – I’m going to give away that extra copy here on my blog! 

To enter, fill out the form below.  I will not share any of the personal information you give me.  Also, a note about how you heard about this giveaway – this is simply to satisfy my personal curiosity.  It will not affect your chances to win – I’ll choose the winner through Random.org.  Please do be specific though!

The Rules:

1) U.S. only, please – I do apologize to my international readers, but it’s very expensive to mail internationally, especially since this is such a heavy book.

2) This contest will run through Tuesday, June 22, 11:59 PM.  I’ll contact the winner through the email address they provide to let them know they won, and mail the book to the address provided, so please make sure both are correct!

3) Please do not try to enter by leaving a comment on this post – only entries in the form will be provided!

Good luck to all of you!