Monday Meme: The Daily Dose

Daily Dose is a weekly meme hosted by Good Golly Miss Holly.  If you'd like to participate in daily dose you simply make a post on Monday with a bunch of images you find magical and possibly inspiring to readers.  

I've previously stated that I am a moody reader, and a couple of my recent uninspiring reads sent me on a mission for inspiration.  And...here I am, participating in the daily dose!  I'm super excited.  Please let me know what you think. 

[There are 5 pictures, click below to see them all].

Review: The Welsh Girl

The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies
Pages: 333 (paperback)
Genre: Historical Fiction

From the Back Cover:

Set in the stunning landscape of North Wales just after D-Day, Peter Ho Davies's profoundly moving first novel traces the intersection of disparate lives in wartime. When a POW camp is established near her village, seventeen-year-old barmaid Esther Evans finds herself strangely drawn to the camp and its forlorn captives. She is exploring the camp boundary when the astonishing occurs: Karsten, a young German corporal, calls out to her from behind the fence. From that moment on, the two foster a secret relationship that will ultimately put them both at risk. Meanwhile, another foreigner, the German-Jewish interrogator Rotherham, travels to Wales to investigate Britain's most notorious Nazi prisoner, Rudolf Hess.

My Rating:

My Review:

Review: Almost Home by Pam Jenoff

Almost Home by Pam Jenoff
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 290 (Ereader)

Product Description From Amazon:

Ten years ago, American Jordan Weiss's idyllic experience as a graduate student and coxswain at Cambridge was shattered when her boyfriend and fellow crewmember, Jared Short, drowned in the River Cam the night before the biggest race of the year. Since that time, Jordan, a State Department intelligence officer, has traveled the world on dangerous assignments but has managed to avoid returning to face her painful memories in England. When her terminally ill friend Sarah asks her to come to London, though, Jordan finds herself requesting a transfer to the one place she swore she'd never go again.

In London, Jordan attempts to settle into her new life, pushing aside her haunting memories and taking on an urgent mission beside rakish agent Sebastian Hodges. Shortly after her arrival, just when she thinks there's hope for a fresh start in England, she is approached by a former college classmate who makes a startling assertion. He tells her that Jared's death was not an accident, but that he was murdered.

Jordan quickly learns that Jared's death was indeed not an accident, and that his research on World War II had uncovered a shameful secret. But powerful forces with everything to lose will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. Soon, Jordan finds herself in grave peril as she struggles to find the answers that lie treacherously close to home, the truth that threatens to change her life forever, and the love that makes it all worth fighting for.

My Rating:

Question about Audio Books AND Weekly Friday Memes

HELP!!

Before we get in the nitty gritty of Friday and Memes, I have two quick questions about audio books.  I've never listened to an audiobook.  I've always had the mindset that listening to a book is besides the point.  But I have a couple of back-to-back roadtrips coming up and I thought I would give it a try.  So please help me with my little endeavor.

1.  Where do you buy/obtain your audiobooks?
2.  What is a good book for my first audioread?

Follow Friday is Hosted by Parajuunkee's View.Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen @ Crazy-for-books
Follow Friday Question of the Week:Share your favorite TV show!  Tell us a bit about it...
My Answer:






I don't have just one favorite TV show.  I tried and tried to narrow it down to one and I just can't.  I have a favorite show for each day of the week so I have to share them all to be fair to my love for each one.

Monday = House: It has everything... great music on each episode, and sarcasm.  House is brilliant but he has so many issues that you can't help but love him and cringe at a the same time.

 

Tuesday = Glee: My husband loves this show too (true story!).  I also like musicals.  So it would follow that Glee would be right up on my list.  But it is so much more than singing.  They choose great songs, put a twist on it and I come back each week wanting more.

Wednesday = American Idol: More singing I know.  I thought this season would be lame, but it has been surprisingly good.   I have pouted and quit watching midway through previous seasons, but I keep coming back for more.

Thursday = Bones.  A macho FBI guy looking for love and a literal-minded genius...who can ask for more?  Oh I know... A dead body for every episode and a mystery to solve.  I pull out my Nancy Drew skills every week and tune in.

I take a break Friday - Sunday to return to reading :)

Reflection: Bad Reader Habits

I don't have many horrible habits that I am ashamed or embarrassed to admit.  However, I have one confession and I feel that it is time for me to come clean.  Don't tell anyone but...  I am sad to say... Okay here goes *sigh*

I read the back pages of books.

I know I'm a cheater, but sometimes a book is so good that I can't take it.  I have to know what is going to happen.  I feel as if I just can't get to the end of the book fast enough.  So I quickly flip to the end and read the last two pages--if I'm really bad the last chapter--and then return my current page in my book.  I realize that this is unsportsmanlike conduct but I just can't help it.  I spoil the surprise but it feels soooo good! 

Are there anymore book cheaters out there?  Does anyone have any reader habits they are ashamed of?  Please don't tell me I'm the only one :(

Shhh!!!  Remember it is a secret.

Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Marry Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 184 (Ereader)

Excerpt:

Dear Sophie,

Of course I'd adore to see you, but I am a soul-less, will-less automation.  I have been ordered by Sidney to Bath, Colchester, Leeds, and several other garden spots I can't recall at the moment, and I can't just slither off to Scotland instead.  Sidney's brow would lower--his eyes would narrow--he would stalk.  You know how nerve-racking it is when Sidney stalks.

I wish I could sneak away to your farm and have you coddle me.  You'd let me put my feet on the sofa, wouldn't you?  And you'd tuck blankets around me and bring me tea.  Would Alexander mind a permanent resident on his sofa?  You've told me he is a patient man, but perhaps he would find it annoying.

Why am I so melancholy?  I should be delighted at the prospect of reading Izzy to an entranced audience.  You know how I love talking about books, and you know how I adore receiving compliments.  I should be so thrilled.  But the truth is that I'm gloomy--gloomier than I ever was during the war.  Everything is so broken, Sophie: the roads, the buildings, the people.  Especially the people.

My Rating:

Guest Review From My Mom!! When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

We have a treat.  My mom has decided to share a review of her own (isn't she so sweet!).  I have included a mini bio and her review below.

My Mom (Mrs. J.) has been an avid reader all her life and introduced me to libraries and the world of books.  She used to get all of her reads from the local library until she discovered Kindle for Android (I don't know how she reads on a phone but she likes it).

I think she did a GREAT job with this review?  What do you guys think?

When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance, Romance

Pages:  400 (paperback)

Excerpt from Lisa Kleypas' website:

Lysette buried her face against Max's throat. "But he's going to take me away. Don't let him, don't -- "

"You're not going anywhere," Max interrupted. "Calm yourself, Lysette. It's not good for you to become excited." His possessiveness made her strangely giddy. As far as he was concerned, she was his, and no one was going to take her away from him.

Max stared at Etienne. His voice was soft, but it contained a note that chilled Lysette's blood. "If you so much as disarrange a hair on her head, I'll tear you apart."

Lysette couldn't believe it, but she didn't care about her ruined reputation. The only thing that mattered was that she wouldn't have to marry Etienne.

My Mom Says...

Friday Meme: Follow Friday & Blog Hop

Follow Friday is Hosted by Parajuunkee's View.

Follow Friday Question of the Week:

If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven’t read Science Fiction before…any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?

My Answer:

I don't intentionally choose science fiction books.  I don't dislike them, but I don't have any experience CHOOSING good ones.  I've accidentally chosen science fiction novels and they were great (I know, how do you accidentally choose sci-fi?  Well I'm just talented like that.).  If anyone has some recommendations, please leave a comment :)  I am willing to give them a whirl.

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen @ Crazy-for-books.com http://www.crazy-for-books.com/

Blog Question of the Week:

What book(s) would you like to see turned into a movie?

My Answer:

This is a really hard question for me because for the most part, I don't like it when people turn books into movies.  Very few movies do the book justice.  However, if I were to pick with the assumption that they would do a good job, I would pick the following books.

 

1.  I know they have True Blood, but it isn't the same thing because they made that series so different from the books. 2.   I LOVE Stephanie Plum and would love to see her on the big screen.  I think it would be hilarious.  3.  This was just different for me.  I would be curious to see it as a movie.  I think it would be great.

Review: My Enemy's Cradle

My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 360 (paperback)


Back Cover:

"I am grateful you are not here," Cyrla's Jewish father last wrote from Poland.  He had sent her to Holland for safekeeping with relatives, but now that country too has been overrun by the Nazis.  In a rush, she takes refuge in one of the Lebensborn -- maternity homes for girls carrying German babies.  But can she escape before her real identity is discovered?  And will her love keep her safe when danger surrounds her?  As Cyrla travels to the other side of war and through the heartbreak of survival, My Enemy's Cradle becomes a love song to kinship, an elegy for the women we have lost, and a lullaby for the children we must save.

My Rating:

Lists: Books for Reluctant Readers

I LOVE reading and you really don't have to convince me to pick up a book and disappear for hours. However, there are some people (students specifically) who haven't experienced how amazing books really are. If you are a parent, it can be frustrating when your child doesn't see what you see in books. Sometimes if people aren't feeling the "love," you need to "hook" them. Here is a list of books for "reluctant" readers. They are books that have consistently been enjoyed by people who claim that they HATE reading. If you love reading you'll find these gems lovely as well.

Award: The Stylish Blogger Award

I just received the Stylish Blogger Award from Kate @ Reads, Reviews, Recommends and Nevey @  Le Vanity Victorienne

I really appreciate the award and now it is time for me to pass it on.

Here's what needs to be done if you receive this award (Complete if you like...):

• Thank the awesome person who gave you the award
• Post 7 random things about yourself
• Give the award to 15 other blogs
• Contact the blogger and let them know they have won.

7 Random things about myself:

1. I love ladybugs.
2. My favorite comfort food is ice cream.
3. My mom is my best friend.
4. My favorite TV show is Living Single (even though it is old and has been canceled for years).
5. My favorite TV shows that are still on air are House and Glee.
6. I'm afraid of the dark.
7. But I'm very morbid and read tons of things about death.

Top 15 5  Stylish blogs:

I'm still new to the blogging world and I am not following/connected to a lot of blogs.  Thus I've decided to give this award to five blogs instead of fifteen.  I know there are many amazing and stylish blogs out there, but here are my top 5...

Tynga's Reviews

The Little Book Worm

Confessions & Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog

The Book Cellar

Katie's Book Blog

Review: Quentins

Quentins by Maeve Binchy
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 403 (paperback)




Back Cover:

Is it possible to tell the story of a generation and a city through the history of a restaurant?  Ella Brady thinks so.  She wants to film a documentary  about Quentins that will capture the spirit of Dublin from the 1970s to present day.  After all, the restaurant saw the people of a city become more confident in everything from their lifestyles to the food that they choose to eat.  And Quentins has a thousand stories to tell.  But as Ella uncovers more of what he has gone on at Quentins, she begins to wonder whether some secrets should be kept that way...

My Rating:

Friday Meme: Blog Hop & Follow Friday

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jen @ Crazy-for-books.com 

Blog Hop Question of the Week:  

What are you reading and why are you reading it?

My Answer:

I'm currently reading Sala's Gift by Ann Kirshner because I absolutely love historical fiction and I'm attempting to read any fiction I can that has a WWII/Holocaust backdrop.  I am also reading Almost Home by Pam Jenoff because I love the author and wanted to give it a try.

Follow Friday is Hosted by Parajuunkee's View.
Follow Friday Question of the Week:What is the book you are currently pushing?My Answer:

I am currently pushing Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum.  It is my newest book review and one of my favorite books.

Review: Those Who Save Us

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 479 (paperback)



Back Cover:

For fifty years, Anna Schlemmer has refused to talk about her life in Germany during World War II.  Her daughter, Trudy, was only three when she and her mother were liberated by an American soldier and went to live with him in Minnesota.  Trudy's sole evidence of the past is an old photograph: a family portrait showing Anna, Trudy, and a Nazi officer.  Trudy, now a professor of German history, begins investigating the past and finally unearths the heartbreaking story of her mother's life.  Those Who Save Us is a profound exploration of what we endure to survive and the legacy of shame.

My Rating:

New Challenge: 2011 E-Book Reading Challenge

This challenge is hosted by La Coccinelle @ The Lady Bug Reads.

I read most of my books on my e-reader so I decided to give this challenge a try.  I've decided to attempt the "possessed" level.  Wish me luck :)



Challenge Rules:

Anyone can join.  You don't need a blog to participate
Any genre counts
You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post.
Sign-up up here.
Challenge Begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.



There are four levels:

Curious - Read 3 e-books
Fascinated - Read 6 e-books
Addicted - Read 12 e-books
Obsessed - Read 20 e-books
Possessed - Read 50 e-books
Fanatical - Read 75 e-books
Monomaniacal - Read 100 e-books

New Challenge: Historical Fiction 2011 Challenge

This challenge is hosted by Historical Tapestry.

I've been seeing challenges and buttons around the book blogosphere and I began to feel a tad left out.  Although I have no time outside of law school, moot court, and reading the modest amount of books on my reader, I have decided to join a challenge.  It makes me feel like a real blogger :)

The rules are easy:

• Any kind of historical fiction book is accepted (Fantasy, YA, etc...)
• Books may overlap with other challenges (thankfully)
• You add a review link to the monthly post at historical tapestry

Here are the levels:

• Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
• Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
• Struggling the Addition: 10 books
• Daring & Curious: 5 books
• Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books