Review: Paris for One

Summary: Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She’s never even been on a romantic weekend away—to anywhere—before. Traveling abroad isn’t really her thing. But when Nell’s boyfriend fails to show up for their mini-vacation, she has the opportunity to prove everyone—including herself—wrong. Alone in Paris, Nell finds a version of herself she never knew existed: independent and intrepid. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life? Funny, charming, and irresistible, Paris for One is quintessential Jojo Moyes—as are the other stories that round out the collection. -- Pamela Dorman Books

It sure seems like you can't go wrong with a book from the Pamela Dorman imprint. Maybe one of the reasons I'm so fond of her books is because she publishes Jojo Moyes! Ms. Moyes' latest book, PARIS FOR ONE & OTHER STORIES, is a little bit of a departure for her -- but not really! While it's a collection of stories instead of a full length novel, the main themes are still about women and love.

PARIS FOR ONE begins with a novella called... "Paris for One," and then is followed by eight short stories. "Paris for One" tells the story of Nell, a young woman who has never been to Paris but has always dreamed of having a romantic weekend there. She books a trip with her boyfriend (who we learn pretty early on is a bit of a jerk!), and he decides not to show up last minute -- last minute like Nell is already there! Instead of rushing home, Nell decides to prove to everyone that she can have a wonderful time without worrying about every little thing. She makes the best of Paris... and even meets a guy!

The following eight short stories have similar themes to "Paris for One." They are focus on women who aren't exactly content in their lives and searching for something more. There is a story about a woman who meets a former lover at a dinner party and learns that things weren't quite how she remembered. Another story tells about a husband and wife who go away for a much-needed long weekend, and the wife ends up discovering what's important to her. And there is one story (my favorite actually) that shows what happens when one woman wears another woman's shoes for the day!

I have to admit that I enjoyed the novella more than most of the stories. That could just be my bias because I'm not a huge fan of short stories, but I definitely liked it the most. I think the character of Nell just captured my heart... and it's possible that I could relate a bit to her. "Paris for One" was such a sweet story about a woman who discovered the potential of living and love. And it had all the trademarks of a Jojo Moyes love story -- romance, humor, and charm.

Overall, I think PARIS FOR ONE & OTHER STORIES is a fun read... and perfect for this time of year when you just need a little escape from the hectic nature of the season. I highly recommend this book for fans of Jojo Moyes and readers who enjoy sweet stories about love and women.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: My Own Miraculous (Audio)

Summary: From New York Times bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson comes an e-original short story that gives a fierce and funny character from Someone Else's Love Story a standalone adventure all her own. 

Shandi Pierce got pregnant when she was only seventeen years old. She fell for her son—deeply, instantly, completely—but as she sat at the table feeding him, her own mother was sliding eggs and bacon onto her plate, feeding her. 

 Now, four years later, Shandi is still more parented than parent. She lives with her mom, her dad pays her bills, and her best friend, Walcott, acts as her white knight. But Natty is no ordinary kid, and when his savant behavior catches the attention of an obsessive stranger, only Shandi sees the true menace. 

To protect her son, Shandi must grow up—fast—and find an answer to the question, how can a girl remake herself into a mother? -- Harperaudio

One of my highlights from this year's BEA was meeting Joshilyn Jackson. I have loved this woman's writing ever since my book club read GODS IN ALABAMA almost ten years ago. I have anxiously awaited each one of her new books, and I was extremely excited to learn that she has a new novel called SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY which will be available in just a few weeks!

Ms. Jackson was the surprise guest at an event held at the Harper Collins' offices during the week of BEA, and she was exactly how I imagined her to be. She was full of life and totally hilarious, and if nothing else, she convinced me that I need to "listen" to one of her books in the very near future. (She narrates her own audiobooks -- how cool is that?) Well, that opportunity came to me a few weeks ago when I received an audio copy of her new short story MY OWN MIRACULOUS.

MY OWN MIRACULOUS features one of the characters in SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY named Shandi Pierce. Shandi finds herself pregnant at seventeen and isn't quite ready to be a mother at this young age. She loves her son from the moment he is born and does her best to mother him, but she still needs a lot of help from her mom.

Shandi's son Natty is now four and Shandi is discovering that Natty is "special." He is attracting the attention of a strange girl who feels a connection to Natty. Shandi wants to protect Natty at all costs, and in the process, she has to grow up and become a mother in her own right.

MY OWN MIRACULOUS was a terrific listen. I definitely enjoyed the story and the characters, and I look forward to learning more about Shandi in SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY. This sweet short story had a little bit of everything including humor and even a little mystery that kept me guessing. But I especially appreciated how it celebrated friendship, family, and motherhood.

Joshilyn Jackson read MY OWN MIRACULOUS and it was everything I hoped it to be. She not only has mad writing skills, but she's also a darn good audiobook narrator. I loved her voices and her inflections, and that Southern accent is too cute!

MY OWN MIRACULOUS was exactly what I needed during my morning workouts. It was a cute short story that left me wanting more. Good thing SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY comes out in just a few weeks!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audiobook.

Review: Shout Her Lovely Name

Summary: Mothers and daughters ride a familial tide of joy, pride, regret, guilt, and love in these acclaimed stories of flawed, resilient women. Wheat bread and plain yogurt become weapons in a battle between a teenage daughter and her mother. An aimless college student, married to her much older professor, sneaks cigarettes while caring for their newborn son. On the eve of her husband’s fiftieth birthday, a pilfered fifth of rum, rogue teenagers, and an unexpected tattoo has a woman questioning her place in her children’s lives. And we follow through two decades the family created when capricious, magnetic Ruby, an ambitious college student, becomes a single mother to cautious daughter Nora in 1970s California. Shout Her Lovely Name is a “funny, bittersweet” (Vanity Fair) book that announces the arrival of a stunning new writer. -- Mariner Books

A few months ago, I was lucky enough to win copies of SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME by Natalie Serber for my entire book club. It wasn't really my turn to host, and thereby choose the book for the month; however, we decided to read this collection of short stories for our September meeting. Since the stories focused on mother/daughter relationships, we thought it would be perfect since all but one of us are mothers to girls.

SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME has received fantastic reviews from Booklist, O Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal to name a few, so I had a feeling that I was in for a treat. And there is absolutely no doubt that Ms. Serber is a gifted writer. The first story which is titled "Shout Her Lovely Name" absolutely blew me away. It deals with a mother who is trying to help her daughter overcome an eating disorder. It is told through the eyes of the mother in second person which isn't something you see everyday. I absolutely loved how the story affected me and made me feel so uncomfortable, and I could totally understand the mother's frustration in wanting to help her daughter. This very first story in the collection was, by far, my favorite.

That's not to say that I didn't appreciate the other stories because I did. Most of the other stories were about the mother/daughter pair Ruby and Nora and their lives together in the 1970s. I admit that I had some issues relating to either Ruby or Nora, and while I recognize I don't have to love the characters to like the story, I wish I could have felt more for them. I never really understood them and I found myself angry with them for much of the book. Having said that, I certainly appreciated that I could feel so much for characters that I really didn't like. That's a testament to Ms. Serber's writing, I think.

The last story "Developmental Blah Blah" was another powerful one and probably the one I was most able to relate to. The mother in this story is throwing a party for her husband's 50th birthday. She is middle-aged (like me!) and realizing that her role in life as wife and mother is changing. She's not entirely sure who she is outside of being a mother and she's also not sure how she fits in her children's lives. The ending of this story was quite jarring and, once again, made me think and feel at the same time.

My book club friends didn't enjoy this book as much as I did. We all had similar feelings about Ruby and Nora, and some of our members weren't able to get past not liking these characters. In addition, I think the short story format didn't really work for a few of my friends. They wanted more character development, probably in the hopes of understanding (or liking) the characters more. They also felt as if the stories were too disjointed. Honestly, I didn't have these issues and I liked how the stories were almost snapshots of Ruby and Nora's lives.

Despite having mixed feelings about this book, I think my book club agreed that it made for a good discussion. There is an amazing discussion guide with eighteen questions (but really more like 30+) that will definitely get your group talking. Some of the themes you might want to explore are mother/daughter relationships, mental illness, depression, love, parenting styles, female friendships, self confidence, forgiveness, and acceptance.

I thought SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME was a very smart and very well written collection of short stories about the ups and downs of mother/daughter relationships. Recommended to fans of literary fiction and short stories.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: The Era of Not Quite

Summary: Douglas Watson's debut story collection is chock-a-block with deaths, births, sea and land voyages, excursions to the library, philosophical asides, and things like wolves. People fall in and out of love, walk in and out of buildings, take two steps forward and two steps back. Futility is a theme of the book, but so is the necessity of trying. -- BOA Editions

I should probably preface my review of THE ERA OF NOT QUITE by Douglas Watson by telling you that I "know" the author. He is a close friend of my brother-in-law's and I've met him a few times over the years, but I really wouldn't call him a friend -- more of an acquaintance. At a party a little over a year ago, he told me that his first book was being published, and (the book geek that I am) I mentioned that I'd love to read it.

A few months ago, Doug emailed me asking if I'd take a look at his book THE ERA OF NOT QUITE. He described it as "vaguely absurdist, death-haunted short stories." Of course, I jumped at the chance but I admit that I was a little concerned that this book was outside of my normal reading fare. I remember him telling me that this book isn't for everyone, and I was under no commitment to read it, review it, or even like it!

So it was with a little excitement and a little trepidation that I picked up THE ERA OF NOT QUITE. THE ERA OF NOT QUITE is a collection of truly original short stories that deal with a little bit of everything -- life, death, and love. But it's also about the living -- both the ups and the downs, the good and the bad. I realize this description sounds pretty vague, but it is difficult to summarize this book in just a few sentences. I will just say that this small book covers a lot... and packs a powerful punch.

THE ERA OF NOT QUITE also has some unique characters who experience some extremely unique situations. I'm not going to lie to you -- this book is a little bit weird! It is unlike any collection of short stories (or books for that matter) that I've ever read. But I absolutely adored THE ERA OF NOT QUITE -- and it has absolutely nothing to do with "knowing" the author. These stories were entertaining and often times surprising, and I actually found that I couldn't put the book down because I couldn't wait to see what was around the next corner.

Naturally, there were stories that I enjoyed more than others, but I can honestly say that there wasn't a dinger in the bunch. Even those stories that didn't exactly resonate with me provided me with a great deal of enjoyment. I found myself laughing constantly at the absurdity of the characters and their actions, but I also found myself blown away by just how smart this book is. I promise you that each story will at the very least surprise you and cause you to think. And I always say that if a book can make you think, then it's a winner. (I think Oprah says something similar but her words hold much more power than mine!)

There is no doubt that Doug Watson has some mad writing skills. THE ERA OF NOT QUITE has already won the BOA Short Fiction Prize and a few of the stories have appeared in Tin House (online), Sou'Wester, and Fifty-Two Stories. But he also has a slightly twisted mind and that's evident in the originality and brilliance of these stories. In fact, THE ERA OF NOT QUITE is so smart and witty that I actually scratched my head that one individual could create them.

However, I think what impressed me the most about this book is just how "different" each story felt. Of course, there are recurring themes throughout many of the stories gave the book a feeling of continuity, but each story almost seemed as if it could have been written by a different writer. Some were almost like fables, while others were dark and depressing, and others were almost whimsical. THE ERA OF NOT QUITE is truly a special and extremely well written book!

If you are looking for something a little different than what you ordinarily read, that's smart and funny and insightful, then I highly recommend reading THE ERA OF NOT QUITE.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: The Mystery Box

Summary: There's nothing more mysterious than a locked box. Whether it's a literal strongbox, an empty coffin, the inner workings of a scientist's mind, or an underground prison cell, there are those who will use any means necessary to unlock the secrets of...THE MYSTERY BOX.

With this anthology, bestselling author Brad Meltzer introduces twenty-one original stories from today's most prominent mystery writers. In Laura Lippman's "Waco 1982," a young reporter stuck with a seemingly mundane assignment on lost-and-found boxes unwittingly discovers a dark crime. In Joseph Finder's "Heirloom," a scheming neighbor frightens the new couple on the block with an unnerving tale of buried treasure. In R.L. Stine's "High Stakes," a man on his honeymoon gets drawn into a bizarre bet involving a coffin--a bet he may pay for with his life.

From the foothills of Mount Fuji to Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, from a physics laboratory in wartime Leipzig to an unusual fitness club in Boca Raton, these sometimes terrifying, sometimes funny, and always suspenseful tales will keep you riveted to the page. -- Grand Central Publishing

When I received a copy of THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA PRESENTS THE MYSTERY BOX edited by Brad Meltzer, I was absolutely thrilled. I immediately thought that it would be perfect for my Mystery Mondays feature, but I also was looking forward to reading short stories by some of the best mystery writers around. After reading these original stories, I have to say that this collection is a "must-have" for any mystery fan!

THE MYSTERY BOX is an anthology of 21 original short stories written by today's most prominent mystery writers... and I mean major players! Best-selling author Brad Meltzer edited the collection and wrote the introduction. He explains that the theme of this year's anthology is a "mystery box." Each writer could interpret this box how they saw fit. The box could be real or metaphoric, but there had to be a box in each story.

The authors who contributed this collection are all outstanding in their own right. I was happy to see a few of my favorites like Laura Lippman and Karin Slaughter, but this anthology also introduced me to some mystery writers that I had never read before like Charles Todd and Tom Rob Smith. All in all, I think these 21 authors all brought some terrific (albeit sometimes strange) stories to this collection.

What I really enjoyed about THE MYSTERY BOX is how diverse the stories were. There were traditional mysteries, but there were also some very funny stories and some that were a little creepy. The stories had many different settings and time periods, and all of the writing was of the highest quality. I definitely appreciated how these authors were able to fully create and resolve a mystery within just a few pages while also managing to include some sort of box. I suspect that's not an easy thing to do in a just a few pagews!

One story I enjoyed a great deal was Laura Lippman's tale titled "Waco 1982," but that's not surprising since I almost always love everything I've ever read by her. This story followed a young journalist who was tasked with the assignment of writing about hotel's lost and found boxes. Sounds pretty boring right? If there was anything of value left in the boxes, the owner would have claimed it already. However as this reporter begins her quest, she discovers a sinister crime.

One of the strangest stories in the book was written by an author whose work I've enjoyed in the past -- Joseph Finder. This story is about a man who is determined to scare off the couple who have just bought the house next door to him. I definitely had some suspicions of the neighbor and what occurred in the house, but it was even worse than I thought! This story was highly entertaining, but at the same time a little creepy to me!

Just in case you are wondering, here's the list of the 21 authors who are featured in THE MYSTERY BOX:
Jan Burke, Laura Lippman, Libby Fischer Hellman, C.E. Lawrence, Joseph Finder, James O. Born, S.W. Hubbard, Joseph Goodrich, R.T. Lawton, Tom Rob Smith, Mary Anne Kelly, Tony Broadbent, Steve Berry, Angela Gerst, Catherine Mambretti, Stephen Ross, Charles Todd, Jonathan Stone, Katherine Neville, R.L. Stine, and Karin Slaughter.

I enjoyed THE MYSTERY BOX a great deal and recommend it to fans of mysteries and short stories. I can almost guarantee that you will be entertained by this unique collection of stories!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.  

Review: News from Heaven

Summary: The bestselling author of Faith and The Condition returns with a collection of unforgettable short stories inspired by a Pennsylvania coal-mining town and the people who call it home. 

When her iconic novel Baker Towers was published in 2005, it was hailed as a modern classic—"compassionate and powerful . . . a song of praise for a too-little-praised part of America, for the working families whose toils and constancy have done so much to make the country great" (Chicago Tribune). Its young author, Jennifer Haigh, was "an expert natural storyteller with an acute sense of her characters' humanity" (New York Times). 

Now, in this collection of interconnected short stories, Jennifer Haigh returns to the vividly imagined world of Bakerton, Pennsylvania, a coal-mining town rocked by decades of painful transition. From its heyday during two world wars through its slow decline, Bakerton is a town that refuses to give up gracefully, binding—sometimes cruelly—succeeding generations to the place that made them. A young woman glimpses a world both strange and familiar when she becomes a live-in maid for a Jewish family in New York City. A long-absent brother makes a sudden and tragic homecoming. A solitary middle-aged woman tastes unexpected love when a young man returns to town. With a revolving cast of characters—many familiar to fans of Baker Towers—these stories explore how our roots, the families and places in which we are raised, shape the people we eventually become. 

News from Heaven looks unflinchingly at the conflicting human desires for escape and for connection, and explores the enduring hold of home. -- Harper

A few weeks ago, I re-read one of my all-time favorite books BAKER TOWERS by Jennifer Haigh (my  review) in anticipation of reading her new book NEWS FROM HEAVEN. If possible, I think I enjoyed the novel more the second time around which is extremely rare for me. (The only other book I felt that way about is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD!) To say I was looking forward to NEWS FROM HEAVEN is an understatement. I consider Ms. Haigh to be an incredible writer (one of my faves.) Plus, the story takes place in a fictional town only a few miles from where my grandparents live.

Often times when I am as excited about a book as I am for NEWS FROM HEAVEN, I tend to be disappointed. In addition, I wondered if I would enjoy the short story format since BAKER TOWERS was not a collection of short stories. I shouldn't have doubted Ms. Haigh's skills for one second. NEWS FROM HEAVEN is an outstanding piece of literature and I absolutely loved every word of it!

NEWS FROM HEAVEN is a collection of short stories; however, they are interconnected by one common themes -- characters with ties to the small town of Bakerton. Once a booming coal-mining town, Bakerton has suffered a gradual decline of both the town and its population. Through these various stories, Ms. Haigh delves into the lives of character who either once lived in Bakerton or still do. She manages to show a very real portrayal of this area and the effects of the coal mining industry's decline.

While BAKER TOWERS reminded me of my grandparents' lives, NEWS FROM HEAVEN resonated with me because it reflects what I have seen when I visit this area. I'm far from familiar with the daily occurrences in my family's hometowns, but I have seen how much the area has changed since I was a kid. There is no doubt that this area has been heavy hit and many individual's lives have been altered as a result.

Prior to the past year or so, I wasn't a big fan of short story collections. Fortunately, that has all changed for me and I do have a real appreciation for this genre. Having said that, usually when I read a collection of short stories, there are ones that I enjoy more than others. I can honestly say that I loved all of the stories in NEWS FROM HEAVEN -- there wasn't a dinger in the bunch! However, I will admit to enjoying the stories which centered around the Novak family because I was anxious to learn what happened to them after the end of BAKER TOWERS.

It truly is difficult for me to pick a favorite story (or two.) If pressed, I'd have to say I liked the ones about Sandy Novak the most. I was left wondering about him after BAKER TOWERS! The first is called "A Place in the Sun" and shows exactly what Sandy was up to after leaving Bakerton. I can't really say I was surprised, but I thought Ms. Haigh did a brilliant job of showing the complexity of his character and I loved how the story came full circle. The second one is called "To the Stars" and begins with Sandy's body arriving back to his family in Bakerton. While I found parts of this story to be utterly tragic, I still found it to be beautifully written.

Another wonderful story had to do with Mitch Stanek, the town's golden boy who arrived back home after quitting college and giving up a football scholarship. This story was so tragic and even held a few surprises for the reader. The way this story and its startling conclusion unfolded was especially moving to me... and incredibly well done!

I really can't express just how talented Ms. Haigh is. I'm almost at a loss for words and don't even feel like I have any right to be remarking on her writing. However, I have to say that she brings settings and characters to life like few authors can. She also has a special ability to write about day-to-day life in a way that I find utterly gripping. While she does tend to delve into some pretty heavy issues (in all of her books), I still find that I love the characters and their stories; and she somehow manages to leave me with a sense of hope!

Of course, I'm going to recommend NEWS FROM HEAVEN for book clubs. I wouldn't hesitate to pick it for our next meeting, but I already had to choose my pick a few weeks ago (don't worry -- it's an amazing book too!) There is a reading guide available with fifteen questions. Some of the themes you might want to explore include small towns, change, values, family dynamics, second chances, happiness, the meaning of the word home, and love.

I sure hope I've convinced you how special NEWS FROM HEAVEN is. Do yourself a favor and get a copy!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: Kinsey and Me

Summary: In 1982, Sue Grafton introduced us to Kinsey Millhone. Thirty years later, Kinsey is an established international icon and Sue, a number-one bestselling author. To mark this anniversary year, Sue has given us stories that reveal Kinsey’s origins and Sue’s past.

“I've come to believe that Grafton is not only the most talented woman writing crime fiction today but also that, regardless of gender, her Millhone books are among the five or six best series any American has ever written.”—Patrick Anderson, The Washington Post

Kinsey and Me has two parts: The nine Kinsey stories (1986-93), each a gem of detection; and the And Me stories, written in the decade after Grafton's mother died. Together, they show just how much of Kinsey is a distillation of her creator’s past even as they reveal a child who, free of parental interventions, read everything and roamed everywhere. But the dark side of such freedom was that very parental distance.

The same feisty voice and witty apercus readers fell in love with in A Is for Alibi permeate the Kinsey stories. Those in the And Me section trace a remarkable voyage, from anger to understanding, from pain to forgiveness. They take us into a troubled family, dysfunctional as most families are, each in their own way, but Grafton’s telling is sensitive, delicate, and ultimately, loving. Enriching the way we see Kinsey and know Sue, these stories are deeply affecting. -- Marion Wood Books/Putnam

When I read the description for KINSEY AND ME STORIES by Sue Grafton , I was shocked to learn that this series is thirty years old! I started reading these books from the beginning and I can't possibly be that old! But all kidding aside, I have always had a deep appreciation for Ms. Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series. And when I read her latest two novels last year, I was reminded of her talents. She not only weaves a fantastic mystery, but she's also created one heck of a memorable sleuth.

It was absolutely a given that I wanted to read her new book called KINSEY AND ME which is actually a collection of short stories and somewhat different from her previous novels. KINSEY AND ME is made up of nine stories starring her amateur sleuth Kinsey Millhone and thirteen shorter stories featuring a character called Kit Blue. Naturally, the Kinsey ones are mysteries and have the look and feel of Ms. Grafton's best-selling series; however, the Kit stories are much darker and were written in the decade following the author's loss of her mother. Ms. Grafton states in this book that writing these stories were her way of handling her grief.

Overall, I though KINSEY AND ME was fabulous. I absolutely love Kinsey so it wasn't a surprise that I found the short story mysteries to be fantastic. Ms. Grafton did an outstanding job of converting her typical novel format of storytelling to a much shorter format. She still created intriguing crimes with interesting characters, and she even managed to keep her trademark humor in these stories.

The second half (although a much shorter half!) of KINSEY AND ME was made up of some pretty dark stories about Kit. These stories delved into Kit's relationship with her alcoholic parents as well as the dysfunction she experienced as a child. In addition, the stories showcased the various emotions that Kit (which I took to mean Ms. Grafton) experienced through her mother's various illnesses and eventual death. The character went through stages of anger, grief, sadness, acceptance and eventually forgiveness, and I found these stories to be very honest, heartfelt and emotional.

One thing that made this book extra special to me were the sections that Ms. Grafton wrote directly to the reader. She explained the challenges she faced in writing short stories -- having to create a mystery, introduce a few viable suspects, and solve it in just a few pages while also making the stories "feel" like her series. She also gave a great deal of background on the art of writing mysteries.

However, it was her honesty in discussing the last part of the book, the stories she wrote after the death of her mother, that really affected me. There is absolutely no doubt that we are defined by many of our childhood experiences, and Ms. Grafton is no different. Living with dysfunctional parents most likely created a lot of bitterness and resentment; however, through the years, Ms. Grafton was able to come to terms with the relationship she had with her parents. I have a feeling that these stories were extremely therapeutic for Ms. Grafton to write, but I also suspect that others might find comfort in her words.

While I definitely liked KINSEY AND ME a great deal, I have to say that I most "enjoyed" the Kinsey stories. I adore Kinsey and mysteries and these nine stories were a treat. Having said that, I think I most "appreciated" the Kit stories. I knew Ms. Grafton was a skilled author, but I had no idea that she could write like this! The writing of these stories was excellent and they most definitely packed a powerful punch.

KINSEY AND ME is a unique collection of Ms. Grafton's short stories combined in one book. It's honestly like nothing I've ever read and I highly recommend it!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Review: This Cake Is for the Party

Summary: Shortlisted for the acclaimed 2010 Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Frank O’Connor Short Story Award, and the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize Best First Book Award, This Cake Is for the Party has received consistent rave reviews praising debut writer Sarah Selecky.  

In these ten stories, linked frequently by the sharing of food, Sarah Selecky reaffirms the life of everyday situations with startling significance. For upmarket women’s fiction readers that love stories which reflect the joys and pitfalls of marriage, fidelity, fertility, and relationship woes, this collection is a conversation starter. This Cake Is for the Party reminds us that the best parts of our lives are often the least flashy. Reminiscent of early Margaret Atwood, with echoes of Lisa Moore and Ali Smith, these absorbing stories are about love and longing, that touch us in a myriad of subtle and affecting ways.

With more than 10,000 copies sold in Canada, where she was named the CBC Book Award's Best New Writer, Sarah Selecky proves she is an exciting new voice with a promising future. -- Thomas Dunne Books
 
In the past, I would preface this review for THIS CAKE IS FOR THE PARTY by Sarah Selecky by saying that I don't enjoy short stories. However over the past few years (and after adoring OLIVE KITTERIDGE), I've come to realize that I do appreciate some short story collections. THIS CAKE IS FOR THE PARTY is one of them. I thought this literary book about the ups and downs of everyday life was extremely well-written.

It's hard for me to summarize THIS CAKE IS FOR THE PARTY. It is a collection of ten stories, many of which have a common theme of food (although I think it's misleading to think this is a foodie novel.) Rather, this book deals with some of the complex issues of early adult life including marriage, adultery, friendship, and parenting. Many of the stories have a common thread of longing, surprise, and even disappointment.

What I can definitely say about this collection is that the characters and their actions are extremely real and many of these stories will resonate with readers. I think that's a huge testament to the author, Ms. Selecky. Her prose is gorgeous and her descriptions are so precise. I found the actual writing in this book to be even more interesting that the stories themselves. (Not that the stories and the characters weren't interesting, but the writing is exquisite!)

As is the case any time I read a collection of short stories, there are some that work better for me than others. I can honestly say that all of the stories were quite good, but the last story called One Thousand Wax Buddhas really impressed me. It is the story of a woman named Robin who basically sees the world through a different lens than the rest of us. It is apparent from the beginning that this story will not end happily -- there is a great deal of foreshadowing. What I enjoyed was how the tension in the story built and how the story was paced. It was extremely well executed.

THIS CAKE IS FOR THE PARTY would make a fantastic book club selection for groups who enjoy literary fiction or short stories. The characters and their actions are thought-provoking and most people will find a lot to discuss. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a readers guide, but I'm fairly confident that most clubs will find plenty to talk about on their own.

Overall, I enjoyed THIS CAKE IS FOR THE PARTY. It's a beautifully written collection of short stories that is sure to resonate with readers because of the realism of the characters.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Review: When It Happens to You & Giveaway

Summary: When it happens to you, you will be surprised. That thing they say about how you knew all the time, but just weren't facing it? That might be the case, but nevertheless, there you will be. 

Molly Ringwald mines the complexities of modern relationships in this gripping and nuanced collection of interlinked stories. Writing with a deep compassion for human imperfection, Ringwald follows a Los Angeles family and their friends and neighbors while they negotiate the hazardous terrain of everyday life—revealing the deceptions, heartbreak, and vulnerability familiar to us all. 

In "The Harvest Moon," a stay-at-home mom grapples with age, infertility, and an increasingly distant husband. In "Ursa Minor," a former children's television star tries to rebuild his life after being hospitalized for "exhaustion." An elderly woman mourns the loss of her husband and her estranged relationship with her daughter in "The Little One." In "My Olivia," a single mother finds untapped reserves of strength to protect her flamboyant six-year-old son who wishes only to wear dresses and be addressed as Olivia. And in the devastating title story, a betrayed wife chronicles her pain and alienation, leading to an eviscerating denouement. 

As the lives of these characters converge and diverge in unexpected ways, Ringwald reveals a startling eye for the universality of loss, love, and the search for connection. An unflinching yet poignant examination of the intricacies of the human heart, When It Happens to You is an auspicious literary debut. -- !t Books

I was extremely excited when my book club decided to read WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU by Molly Ringwald for November. Like many women in their 40s, I grew up watching Molly Ringwald star in so many terrific movies like SIXTEEN CANDLES, BREAKFAST CLUB, and PRETTY IN PINK; and when I learned that she was now trying her hand at writing fiction, I admit my interest was piqued.

After reading (and partially listening to) WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU, my initial reaction was that I was very impressed with Ms. Ringwald's writing. I really enjoyed WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU, and I think the main reason was the the stories were about real topics that touch everyone's lives. This novel delved into marriage, love, loss, adultery, infertility, parenting issues, second chances, and forgiveness. I especially appreciated how all of these short stories were intertwined, and I liked getting glimpses into the characters lives. It also didn't hurt that I really like Ms. Ringwald's way with words. I found many of her passages to be gorgeous as well as deeply affecting.

WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU is as the title states "a novel in stories." The book begins with a story about Greta, a stay-at-home mom of six year old Charlotte, who is trying to come to terms with the various problems in her life. She is desperate to have another child and instead is battling infertility. In addition, she senses that her obsession with having another baby might be causing her husband Phillip to pull away from her. Greta and her feelings were all very real to me, and I liked how well Ms. Ringwald brought her story to life.

Greta, Phillip, and Charlotte do appear again in other stories in WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU, and for the most part, they are the common thread in all of the stories; however, there are also stories about their family, friends, and neighbors. There really weren't any stories that I didn't like at all, but naturally there were some that stood out to me more than others. "The Harvest Moon," which is the first story about Greta and her infertility was one of them. As was the last story about Greta and Phillip titled "The Places You Don't Walk Away From."

But my all-time favorite was called "My Olivia" This short story featured a single mother and her son Oliver (who was a classmate of Charlotte's) who at six years old was determined that he was a girl. He wanted to wear dresses and have long hair, and he insisted that he be called Olivia. This story about a mother's love for her child and her desire to do right by him broke my heart. I thought it was absolutely beautiful and extremely powerful.

I always think that I am not one who enjoys short story collections; however, I'm beginning to think that's not the case. I actually really enjoy novels that are told in linked short stories like WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU and OLIVE KITTERIDGE, and I love when characters or scenes overlap. In the case of WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU, I liked when the author gave the reader a scene told through the eyes of the different characters involved. It's always interesting for me to see how different people interpret the same situation... both in books and real life for that matter.

I was fortunate enough to both listen to and physically read WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU. The audio book is narrated by Ms. Ringwald, and I think that made it extra-special to me. I love when an author is able to read his or her own words because I think their personal passion comes through. Ms. Ringwald did an outstanding job with capturing the right tone for this book, and I wouldn't hesitate to listen to another book narrated by her. (And I guess there are a few more out there!)

I thought WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU was an outstanding choice for a book club discussion. Most of our members at least enjoyed it, but not all of them were as impressed as I was. One member wanted more character development, and another found that she didn't really care about any of the characters. We were a little scattered last night, so we didn't discuss the book for very long; however, some of the themes you might want to explore with your group include love, loss, grief, parenting, betrayal, forgiveness, romantic relationships, infidelity, infertility, communication, and many more.

WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU was a terrific read for me, and I recommend it to fans of Molly Ringwald's as well as fans of short stories.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU to share with one lucky Booking Mama reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before Thursday, November 29th at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Review: This is How You Lose Her

Summary: Pulitzer Prize-winner Junot Díaz’s first book, Drown, established him as a major new writer with “the dispassionate eye of a journalist and the tongue of a poet” (Newsweek). His first novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, was named #1 Fiction Book of the Year” by Time magazine and spent more than 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, establishing itself – with more than a million copies in print – as a modern classic. In addition to the Pulitzer, Díaz has won a host of major awards and prizes, including the National Book Critic’s Circle Award, the PEN/Malamud Award, the PEN/O. Henry Prize, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and the Anisfield-Wolf Award.

Now Díaz turns his remarkable talent to the haunting, impossible power of love – obsessive love, illicit love, fading love, maternal love. On a beach in the Dominican Republic, a doomed relationship flounders. In the heat of a hospital laundry room in New Jersey, a woman does her lover’s washing and thinks about his wife. In Boston, a man buys his love child, his only son, a first baseball bat and glove. At the heart of these stories is the irrepressible, irresistible Yunior, a young hardhead whose longing for love is equaled only by his recklessness--and by the extraordinary women he loves and loses: artistic Alma; the aging Miss Lora; Magdalena, who thinks all Dominican men are cheaters; and the love of his life, whose heartbreak ultimately becomes his own. In prose that is endlessly energetic, inventive, tender, and funny, the stories in This Is How You Lose Her lay bare the infinite longing and inevitable weakness of the human heart. They remind us that passion always triumphs over experience, and that “the half-life of love is forever.” -- Riverhead

After hearing Junot Diaz speak at one of this year's BEA adult breakfasts, plus all of the pre pub talk from the folks at Penguin, I knew I wanted to read THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER. THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER is a collection of stories that primarily focus on Yunior, a Dominican immigrant who can't help but cheat on the various women in his life despite his best intentions. (I say "primarily" because all of the stories except one have Yunior as one of the main characters.) These stories aren't in chronological order -- rather, they jump all over major and minor events in Yunior's life; however, they all delve into the complexities of love and loss.

When I first picked up THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER, I was afraid that I might not be able to relate to these stories. Frankly, I wasn't sure that I was all that interested in reading about a young Dominican man who was a serial cheater. I tend to want to like the main character in a book. In addition, I was concerned when I started finding the occasional Spanish phrase because I was afraid that I might be missing out on something important. I found that these phrases weren't really an issue for me, but I was worried all the same. What I did find, however, was that I was quickly drawn into these stories, especially the ones about Yunior's early years; and I actually discovered (much to my surprise) that I really liked Yunior. Despite his tendency to cheat, I didn't think Yunior was a terrible guy; and I'd even go so far as to say that he was just damaged and misunderstood... and very self-destructive!

I'd be remiss in my review if I didn't mention just how amazing Mr. Diaz is as a writer and storyteller. I was truly blown away by how good he really is. Yes, the book was entertaining; and yes, Junior was a fascinating and well-developed character. However, what impressed me the most is just how astute Mr. Diaz was about universal emotions like love and loss. And how he managed to tackle these serious issues with snippets of humor. THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER was extremely complex and emotional, and I loved how much my assumptions about the story and the characters changed as I read more and more of this book. It takes a very powerful writer to be able to change my initial impressions/biases in such a way as this book did.

As is the case when I read short story collections (not that I've read many!), I tend to appreciate some stories more than others. In THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER, my favorite story was the one called "The Pura Principle" which detailed Yunior's older brother's battle and eventual loss with cancer. It was a beautiful and extremely touching story, and I think it's one of the main reasons that I began to feel more compassion towards Junior. I also enjoyed the story called "Miss Lora" which takes place during Yunior's teen years when he falls for an older woman as well as "Invierno" which gives a glimpse into Yunior's early years in the United States.

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten around to reading Mr. Diaz's last book THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO (you know, the one that won the Pulitzer!) yet, but I have certainly added that novel to my must-read list after finishing THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER. There is absolutely no doubt that Mr. Diaz is an extremely skilled writer and I am looking forward to reading more of his exquisite prose.

THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE HER is most definitely a book worth reading... even if you shy away from short story collections. It's a beautifully written book that also manages to address some common themes like love, loss, guilt, and self-destruction.

I check out a copy of this book from my local library.

Review: Love, Accidentally

Summary: From the author of The Opposite of Me and Skipping a Beat, an original eBook that shows whom we fall in love with may be the biggest -- and happiest -- accident of all. 

Ilsa Brown wasn’t expecting a little, injured dog to lead her to the love of her life. But within months of their first meeting on a street corner in L.A., she and Grif, the dog’s owner, are engaged. Things between them are so blissful that Ilsa is stunned by the tension that erupts during their visit to Chicago to meet his parents, where she discovers that Grif’s old girlfriend, Elise, is still woven into his family. What Ilsa needs to know before she can walk down the aisle is whether Elise is still in Grif’s heart, too.

Featuring a character from Sarah Pekkanen’s original eBook short story All Is Bright, Love, Accidentally is surprising and heartfelt. It’s a story about taking chances and choosing hope, and discovering what it means to love someone—and to let go of someone you love. -- Washington Square Press

I am a big fan of Sarah Pekkanen and her writing. She is not only one of the sweetest authors I've had the pleasure of meeting, but she is also a terrific writer. One thing that I appreciate about her is that she doesn't make me wait an entire year for a new story. Instead, she offers her original short story eBooks to tide over her fans. Her latest release is called LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY.

LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY tells the story of Ilsa Brown a veterinarian who just happens to meet a "dream" guy Grif when his dog is accidentally hit by a car. They immediately fall in love and become engaged; however, Ilsa begins to doubt Grif's feelings when she learns that his ex-girlfriend is still involved with his family. And if that isn't enough, Ilsa also discovers that her sister's marriage is in trouble and she begins to project their issues on her relationship with Grif.

LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY is a cute and quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not usually a big fan of romance stories, but I found this one to be entertaining. Cynics might say that the ending was a bit predictable (and maybe it was), but that didn't stop me from having a big grin on my face as I finished it.

One of the main reasons I enjoyed LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY so much were the characters. Ms. Pekkanen always has the ability to create very real characters in all of her stories. She also makes them so darn likable. In the case of LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY, I adored both Ilsa and Grif; and I so wanted them to end up together.

Sometimes life just calls for a comfort read and LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY certainly fits the bill.

LOVE, ACCIDENTALLY is available for most eReaders for $.99.

Thanks to the author for providing me a review copy of this short story.

Review: Sleigh Ride & Giveaway

Summary: A Winter Anthology includes seven wintry tales of romance, adventure and drama by award-winning women authors. Megan Barlog, Maria Geraci, Dani Stone, Malena Lott, Maggie Marr, Jenny Peterson, Samantha Wilde. Each short story includes a sleigh ride and is sure to put the reader in the mood for the most wonderful season of all. Called "beautiful" and "touching," this collection is a Good Read/Good Deed project with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the domestic violence prevention cause. -- Buzz Books

I am such a sucker for Christmas books so when Malena Lott contacted me about doing a giveaway for SLEIGH RIDE, I couldn't help but say yes. SLEIGH RIDE is a winter anthology and contains seven short stories authored by Malena Lott, Megan Barlog, Dani Stone, Maria Geraci, Jenny Peterson, Maggie Marr, and Samantha Wilde. I figured it would be an ideal read for this very busy time of year.

I found the stories in SLEIGH RIDE to be a very entertaining and they definitely helped get me in the mood for the holidays. Each of the seven short stories had a common theme -- a sleigh ride of some sort; and I thought it was cute to see the different ways a sleigh ride was used in each story. Most of the stories had pretty traditional sleigh rides, although some weren't exactly fun and romantic; however, one of the stories had a futuristic twist and gave new meaning to the term "sleigh ride."

As is the case with most collections of short stories, there were ones that I enjoyed more than others. Having said that, I did find things I liked in each of the stories. Overall, I appreciated SLEIGH RIDE because each of the stories was so different from the others -- it is a rather eclectic mix of plots and writing styles. However, I also enjoyed how all of the the stories had something in common. Each story managed to touch my heart in some way and make me grateful for my life and loved ones. You'd have to be a major grinch for these short stories not to warm your heart a little.

I know this is going to sound weird, but I seemed to enjoy the romance story lines in SLEIGH RIDE the most. (Maybe it's because I get sentimental around this time of year!) I even found myself with a lump in my throat or a tear in my eye in quite a few of the stories. And more in keeping with my personality, I appreciated that food seemed to be a common theme in many of the stories. Since these were holiday stories, it just made sense that there were lots of enticing descriptions of food and drink. There were even a few of the characters' recipes that were included in the back of the book.

SLEIGH RIDE was just a feel-good holiday book. While many might find the stories a bit predictable or even a little sappy, I didn't mind at all. Sometimes, it's just nice to read book that is both heartwarming and fun... especially during the holiday season.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of SLEIGH RIDE to share with one lucky reader courtesy of Malena Lott. You can pick from either a galley copy or an Amazon ebook version. To enter just fill out the form below before Tuesday, December 13th at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. Good luck!

Review: You Know When the Men are Gone

Summary: In Fort Hood housing, like all army housing, you get used to hearing through the walls... You learn too much. And you learn to move quietly through your own small domain. You also know when the men are gone. No more boots stomping above, no more football games turned up too high, and, best of all, no more front doors slamming before dawn as they trudge out for their early formation, sneakers on metal stairs, cars starting, shouts to the windows above to throw them down their gloves on cold desert mornings. Babies still cry, telephones ring, Saturday morning cartoons screech, but without the men, there is a sense of muted silence, a sense of muted life.

There is an army of women waiting for their men to return in Fort Hood, Texas. Through a series of loosely interconnected stories, Siobhan Fallon takes readers onto the base, inside the homes, into the marriages and families-intimate places not seen in newspaper articles or politicians' speeches.

When you leave Fort Hood, the sign above the gate warns, You've Survived the War, Now Survive the Homecoming. It is eerily prescient. -- Amy Einhorn

I absolutely loved YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE by Siobhan Fallon! Even though I read this book in the middle of January, I am pretty sure that it's going to be one of my favorite books for 2011. This book was incredible and I can't rave enough about it. It has affected me like few books I've read in recent memory. Needless to say, I will be telling everyone I know that it is a must-read.

YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE is actually a collection of stories about women who remain home at Fort Hood while their husbands are off fighting for our country. The reader gets an inside view into how these women deal with saying goodbye to their husbands as well as how they receive them when they finally arrive back home after their tours. In addition, there are stories that show how these women cope when their husbands are away -- their loneliness, their friendships with other wives, their relationships with other men, etc.

Now I'm the first to admit that I'm not a big fan of short stories (nor have I read many collections), but YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE just might have changed all of that. I can't imagine enjoying (although appreciate is probably a better word) a book more than this one. And what I found even more odd about my love affair with this collection is that I usually have one or two stories that really stand out for me... and one or two that are kind of dingers. That wasn't the case with this book -- I loved all of the stories and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite (or even two.)

I hesitate to even try to write a review for this book because I know I can't do it justice. So I'm telling you to  JUST READ IT! However, I do feel that I need to feature some of the amazing things about these stories. First and foremost, Ms. Fallon's writing is just exquisite -- I loved how she brought these characters to life. I felt their pain, heartache and desperation; and while these characters were fictional in nature, I couldn't help but believe that their thoughts and feelings were so real. As I read these stories, I was so grateful that I have my husband near me (and safe) all of the time, however, my heart just broke for all of these families who sacrifice so much for everyone else. I'm pretty sure that I will never look at military families the same way again.

In addition, I think the author did a remarkable job of tying together the various stories. While each story definitely stands alone, the real power of the book is how they are work so well together. Each of the stories is interconnected, and many of the characters reappear throughout the various stories. What I absolutely adored is that the stories had a universal theme in showing the different ways that women (and their husbands) dealt with going overseas to war. Each family's reaction is as individual as the family, but they all rang true to me as a reader. I found that each story was painful to read for a variety of reasons, but I felt as if I couldn't judge any one person -- every story just broke my heart in one way or another.

I wish it were my turn to pick a book for my book club because I think YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE is perfect for discussion. There is a reading guide available which delves more deeply into many of the topics I mentioned above. Some of the themes you might want to further explore include infidelity, marriage, tragedy, different coping mechanisms, luck, acceptance, resentment, and grief. These topics sound like "downers," but I think you'll agree that the book covers some extremely important issues and is well worth the time to read and discuss.

This book made me laugh and cry over and over again; and I know that the characters and their stories will remain in my thoughts for a very long time. YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE is just one of those books that will change the way you see the world around you. Highly recommended!

Thanks the the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Review: Olive Kitteridge

Summary: At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town of Crosby, Maine, and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance; a former student who has lost the will to live; Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and her husband, Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse. As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life–sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition–its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires. -- Random House

When I selected OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout as our book club pick for September, I was hoping that it would be a book that we'd all enjoy. I wanted our group to read some "literature" this month, and OLIVE KITTERIDGE did win the Pulitzer Prize for 2009. Ideal pick, right? I thought so; although in the back of my mind, I was a little worried that the book might not appeal to everyone. Often times when a book is so critically acclaimed, it doesn't resonate with the average reader. I definitely don't think that is the case with this book -- I can't imagine not loving (or at least appreciating) it.

I absolutely adored this book! It lived up to all of the hype (and there was sure a lot of hype.) OLIVE KITTERIDGE could quite possibly be the best book I've read so far this year. I can not rave enough about this book, and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. So if you haven't read it yet -- go get it now! I can actually say that I am still in awe of this book a few days after I've finished it. What Elizabeth Strout managed to accomplish in OLIVE KITTERIDGE is pure genius. I'm honestly more than a little intimidated to even be writing about it.

As many of you know, I am not really a big fan of short stories. It's not that I don't like some of the compilations that I've read, it's just that I'm a little scared of them. So in the back of my mind, I was a little worried that I wouldn't like (or even get) OLIVE KITTERIDGE. That was so not the case -- I loved each and every word in this book! OLIVE KITTERIDGE is made up of 13 short stories that are all beautifully linked together. The one major recurring character is, of course, Olive Kitteridge. What I found so unlikely about this book is that I loved each and every short story. I can't even pick out my favorites -- they were all so good for different reasons.

Olive is one of the most well developed and real characters that I've ever come across in a book. In fact, I can't get her out of my mind. She was so complex and very unlikable at times -- she actually reminded me of a female Archie Bunker. However, I loved Olive! She could be negative and nasty; and yet, she had so many conflicting feelings about her life and the people in it. On one hand, she was at pretty obnoxious and caustic; and on the other hand, she was tender with her students and most definitely loved her family. I could talk about Olive and her actions for hours! Her personality is so much fun to analyze!

There were many other wonderful characters in this book too besides Olive. In fact, almost all of the characters were interesting and extremely well-developed. So many of the people in these stories were tragic and yet so honest. Many of the stories in this novel showed how difficult people's lives were and how they struggled with just trying to survive. In some ways, this book just broke my heart; and in other ways, it really affirmed the wonder of life!

I have read some other books by Elizabeth Strout so I definitely appreciated her writing. But I have to say that I'm just blown away by how Ms. Strout wove the characters and themes throughout all of the stories. This novel is just so incredibly thought-provoking and multi-dimensional. Some of the major themes in this book include love, marriage, death/loss, suicide, and depression. I could go on and on... In addition to the major themes, I also loved how there were relatively minor ideas that were woven into the stories such as the beauty of flowers and the comfort of donuts. If you'd like to learn a little more about the novel, there is a very interesting interview with Elizabeth Strout and Olive Kitteridge in the back of the book.

Not to pat myself on the back, but I think OLIVE KITTERIDGE is the perfect discussion book! There is a reader's guide which has 20 questions and is guaranteed to make you think. In fact, I can't get this book out of my mind; and after I read the discussion questions, I starting thinking about an entirely new set of topics. I truly believe that each short story is worthy of an evening's discussion because the characters and their actions are so interesting. I rarely say this, but OLIVE KITTERIDGE is a book that I want to read again and again. I think it's one of those novels that will mean different things to you at different times in your life.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

August 2009 Book Club Meeting

Summary: Even though former slaves Annie Coats and her son Gabriel have managed to buy their freedom, their lives are still marked by constant struggle and sacrifice--to the extent that Annie secretly recalls her days on the plantation with fondness. Washington's Georgetown neighborhood, where the Coatses are seeking to build their new lives--with Gabriel, a tailor, producing uniforms for soldiers and fine suits for pompous politicians, and Annie, a seamstress and laundress, catering to the nearby brothels and stately homes--is supposed to be a safe haven, a "promised land" for former slaves, but is effectively a frontier town, gritty and dangerous, with no laws protecting black people. In fact, the city's own emancipation efforts in 1862 serve only to compromise the Coats family's status, putting Gabriel's three young daughters (each of them born free of free parents) at risk of becoming the property of the Coatses' former master. The remarkable emotional energy with which the Coatses rise their daily battles--as they negotiate with their former owner, as they assist other former slaves en route to freedom, as they prepare for the encroaching war, and as they struggle to love each other enough--is what fuels this novel and makes its tragic denoument so devastating. -- Back Bay Books

Last evening, my book club met to discuss STAND THE STORM by Breena Clarke. I wouldn't say that any of us loved the book, but I think we all agreed that it was a very interesting and worthwhile read. I was pleasantly surprised by how much discussion this story and its characters generated. We actually talked about the book for a long time, especially the characters and their motivations. And although there were terrific discussion questions, we didn't have to go through them one by one to get the conversation flowing. I think we did manage to at least touch upon most of the questions in one way or another.

A few of the members pointed out that they thought parts of the book were rather choppy -- I could definitely see their point. They were somewhat bothered by how certain sections of the story were told in a very detailed fashion, while other sections just kind of came from nowhere and ended without much explanation. We discussed some of the reasons that the author might have chosen to tell the story this way, but I'm not sure we ever came up with something we all could live with.

I think most of us would recommend STAND THE STORM to our other friends because it was such an insightful book into that time period. We all agreed that we learned a great deal from reading this novel.

I will be hosting book club next month so it was my turn to pick the book for September. I selected OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout for a number of reasons. The first being that I've been wanting to read this book since it first came out and I read all of the wonderful reviews. Secondly, I've read some of Ms. Strout's other books and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Another reason that I want to read this book is that I am not a big short story reader, and I want to change that. In fact, in my book club's seven years of existence, I don't think we've ever read a collection of short stories. Lastly, OLIVE KITTERIDGE won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize, and I figure it wouldn't hurt us to read an award-winning piece of literature.

I'm hoping that everyone enjoys OLIVE KITTERIDGE (or at least appreciates it!) Now, I just have to think of what I'm going to serve for dessert!

Summary: At times stern, at other times patient, at times perceptive, at other times in sad denial, Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher, deplores the changes in her little town of Crosby, Maine, and in the world at large, but she doesn’t always recognize the changes in those around her: a lounge musician haunted by a past romance; a former student who has lost the will to live; Olive’s own adult child, who feels tyrannized by her irrational sensitivities; and her husband, Henry, who finds his loyalty to his marriage both a blessing and a curse. As the townspeople grapple with their problems, mild and dire, Olive is brought to a deeper understanding of herself and her life–sometimes painfully, but always with ruthless honesty. Olive Kitteridge offers profound insights into the human condition–its conflicts, its tragedies and joys, and the endurance it requires. -- Random House

Review: Love Stories in the Town

Summary: From San Francisco to Savannah, Montana to Texas, Amanda Eyre Ward’s characters are united in their fervent search to find a place where they truly belong. Annie, a librarian in a small mining town, must choose between the only home she’s ever known and the possibility of a new future. Casey, a suburban New Yorker with a wry sense of humor, braves the dating scene after losing her husband. And in six linked stories spanning a decade of her life, Lola Wilkerson navigates elopement, motherhood, and lingering questions about who she wants to be when she grows up. Whether exploring the fierceness of a mother’s love or the consolations of marriage, Amanda Eyre Ward’s stories are imbued with humor, clear-eyed insight, and emotional richness. -- Ballantine Books

I consider myself a pretty big fan of Amanda Eyre Ward. I have read and enjoyed all three of her books -- SLEEP TOWARD HEAVEN, HOW TO BE LOST, and FORGIVE ME; and my book club even discussed SLEEP TOWARD HEAVEN a few years ago. So when Ms. Ward contacted me on Twitter (@amandaeyreward) and asked if I would be interested in receiving a copy of her latest book LOVE STORIES IN THIS TOWN, I almost fell over. Of course, I wanted to read it!

LOVE STORIES IN THIS TOWN is a little different from Ms. Ward's other books -- it is actually a collection of twelve short stories. To be honest with you, I haven't read many short story collections. I think I am actually a little intimidated by short stories, but I don't really understand why. (Come to think of it, that might be a topic for a future post!) Since I enjoyed Ms. Ward's other books and already appreciated her writing style, I assumed that I would probably like her short stories too. I am happy to say that I recognized Ms. Ward's writing in each of these stories, and I absolutely thought this book was a treat to read.

While the book is made up of twelve short stories, there are also two parts to this book. The first part is made of six short stories with the underlying theme of love (in all shapes and forms.) The second part of the novel also deals with similar themes; however, these six stories are all about the character of Lola. I can't really decide if I liked one part of the book better than the other, but I did enjoy getting to know Lola (maybe that's my bias because I usually read novels.) I'm sure this is always the case when someone reads a collection of short stories, but there are definitely a few stories (and characters) that really stood out to me. Having said that, I enjoyed all twelve of the stories and thought they were beautifully written; and there really weren't any that didn't cause me to think.

One story that made a strong impression on me was the very first one in the book -- "Should I Be Scared?" This story is about a woman who is living in fear in the months following the 9/11 terrorist attack. She is absolutely desperate to get her hands on some cipro; and her growing fears eventually take over her life and even harm her relationship with her husband. There is another touching story related to the aftermath of 9/11 called "The Way the Sky Changed." This story deals with a widow who attempts to enter the dating scene again. My heart just went out to the characters in this story, and it definitely pointed out how much a tragedy like this has so many rippling effects.

I'm finding it difficult not to talk about each story because there are so many things in each one that are worth discussing. I also really liked all six of the Lola stories that made up the second part of this book. These six stories span 10 years, and I really felt like I got to know the Lola character at various stages in her life. Each of these stories can stand alone, but I really like how they flowed with each other. One in particular really has stayed in my thoughts -- "Grandpa Fred in Love." In this story, Lola has to deal with her difficult father while also trying to come to terms with her daughter's delayed development. I would love to see Lola appear in either future short stories or even in her own novel.

I have such an appreciation for authors who can write good short stories. I am definitely not a writer, but I imagine that it would be so difficult to develop a story and its characters in so few pages. As I read LOVE STORIES IN THE TOWN, I thought Ms. Ward did a wonderful job with these stories. Not only the characters came to life, but the stories and even the settings were developed fully.

Another thing I absolutely loved about this book were all of the "extras" in the back. The interview with Ms. Ward is fantastic and really enhanced my enjoyment of these stories. Plus, I was just thrilled to find out that she is working on another novel! In addition, there is a reading guide that has some very thought-provoking questions about the themes and characters. I know my book club has never really tackled a collection of short stories, but I think LOVE STORIES IN THIS TOWN might make a terrific selection for us. The stories are all engaging, and there are just loads of things to discuss.

Whether you are a reader who loves short stories or one more like me who is just beginning to appreciate them, I highly recommend LOVE STORIES IN THIS TOWN. A big thanks to Ballantine and Amanda Eyre Ward for sending me LOVE STORIES IN THE TOWN.

New Short Story Blog: Fifty-Two Stories

This week I received an e-mail from Alberto G. Rojas, Director of Publicity at Harper Perennial + Harper Paperbacks about a new short story blog called Fifty-Two Stories. I am currently not a big reader of short stories, but each year I make a resolution to read more of them. I think Fifty-Two Stories might be just the thing to get me started!

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Many of you have already heard about Harper Perennial's upcoming campaign for 2009: the Summer of the Short Story. With six stellar new collections coming this summer and fall from Dennis Cooper, Simon Van Booy, and Lydia Peelle, among others—along with six collections of classic shorts from masters like Dostoyevsky, Wilde, Cather, and Crane—we think it’s high time to celebrate the much-loved, but oft-overlooked, short story form.

The festivities and events really kick into gear starting in May, but we decided to get an early start with a new story blog called Fifty-Two Stories.

The idea is simple: Each week in 2009, we will post a new short story for our readers. Some of them will be new stories from our original collections, or from upcoming hardcovers; some original contributions never before published anywhere; some classics from our backlist. We’re even (gasp) accepting submissions for new stories from our readers, professional or amateur, published or not. (This may cause us some heartache, but we are strong.)

Our editorial director, Cal Morgan, will select a new story each week and post it Sunday night. We began our soft launch in January, with stories by Mary Gaitskill, Tony O’Neill, Simon Van Booy, and Tom Piazza. In coming weeks we’ll bring you stories from Katherine Dunn, Jess Walter, Mark Twain, Dennis Cooper, and Special Guest Stars. Last week, we were graced by previously unpublished story from Louise Erdrich's new collection, The Red Convertible and this week we’re thrilled to be featuring a story by Willa Cather from The Bohemian Girl, an upcoming selection of Willa Cather’s greatest short works by Harper Perennial.

We really hope you’ll check out the site. If you like it, we hope you’ll spread the word. We'd love it, of course, if you'd link to it on your own blog. Tell your friends to link to it on theirs. Share your link with us, and we’ll link to you! Post a link on MySpace or Facebook. Tweet about us on Twitter. We’re doing all that, too, of course, but every little bit helps.

And tell us what you think! If you have any tips, ideas, advice, wisdom, complaints, please email me here, or email Cal directly at fiftytwostories@harpercollins.com.

Thanks, all. Everyone at Harper Perennial is having a blast with this, and hope you will too.

All best,

Alberto

I hope you will check out Fifty-Two Stories and let me know what you think!

Guest Blogger: Xujun Eberlein

I recently read and reviewed APOLOGIES FORTHCOMING by Xujun Eberlein. I enjoyed the book so much that I asked Ms. Eberlein if she would be a guest blogger. She sent me the following essay that first appeared in MotherVerse in spring 2006.

The New American Mom

In pain, you know only your native language.

The fetal monitor beside me showed a running curve, no pause between contractions. I was screaming in Chinese, my American husband told me later, but the language of pain did not need translation: the midwife hurried over to offer a painkiller. I refused; I did not want to risk my baby to any drug, no matter how safe they said it was.

When the baby finally emerged, wet and squalling, the midwife encouraged my husband to cut her umbilical cord. He did it with shaking hands while, with one glance at the new life I had created, I fell into the deep sleep of exhaustion. Hours later I opened my eyes to find myself still on the delivery bed; Bob sat to the side watching me, and our tiny new baby cradled in his big arms. I wanted to see whom the baby looked like, her American father or Chinese mother, but her closed eyes and the little reddened face gave no clue. Only her rhythmic hiccups expounded the commonness among humans.

Early the next morning, a nurse came to my hospital bed asking if I had urinated. "I did a lot," I told her, trying to be complete, but my Southern Chinese tongue, which did not distinguish "l" from "n," twisted the sound of "lot" to "not." "You did, or you did not?" The nurse asked again, her face twisted in confusion. I repeated the answer. She repeated the question. Several repetitions later, the frustrated nurse left without a sure answer. I only hoped that information was not important.

Giving birth was not the only hard thing for me in the new land.

Bob and I were married in China, and I had come to America with him for only a few months. Shortly after my arrival, one afternoon a delivery truck brought to our door a new refrigerator Bob had just purchased. The driver, a big muscular man in a white T-shirt, demanded a $30 delivery fee. I wanted to tell him my husband had paid the fee at the store, besides I did not have the cash at hand. However I could not form a proper English sentence. I made repeated "Ah, ah" sounds, like a mute person trying to talk, and they infuriated the man. He shouted, flailing his arms, "You don't wanna pay? Heh? Heh?" I understood his Boston-accented English, but I could not make him understand me. I feared he was not trusting of my Chinese face. Our landlord, an American man at his fifties, ran downstairs and said, "Easy, easy. She's new here, she doesn't speak English. It’s only 30 bucks." He took out money from his own pocket and handed to the driver, who climbed up the truck with our landlord's money, and uttered some incomprehensible apologetic words.

Before our baby's birth, Bob persuaded me to attend an exercise class for expectant mothers. The first time the exercise instructor said "hold," I did not know what to do. I looked around to see what others did, but found no apparent movements. The instructor smiled at my puzzlement, "Like you were going to pee, but not," she explained. A slight laughter ensued from my classmates, all American women.

When I returned to the class for postpartum exercise, the secretary asked for my baby's picture and my comments on the experience of giving birth for the first time. The wall facing her desk was full of pictures of cute infants, all looked the same with closed-eyes, and their mothers' exhilarating notes. I told her, "It was painful." The smile disappeared from the middle-aged woman's face. After a moment she said, "Well, I'm not going to write that down."
A fellow mother beside me said, "You'll forget the pain, believe me. Then you'll want another baby!"

I went to Boston University's summer English school when my baby was three months old. I couldn't wait. I pumped my own milk (a very difficult and painful affair) each evening, and stored it in the new fridge. I nursed my baby in the morning, pushed her stroller with my pumped milk to the babysitter, and rode an hour on my bicycle from Belmont to BU. The bike ride was an idea of one arrow for two eagles: to save the subway fair and to lose the weight from my pregnancy. I bought the bike from a yard sale, and it cost only $15.

My class contained mostly young Japanese women, a decade younger than me perhaps. On the first day's introduction, I thought it funny that we had two Miki's. The second time I heard the name Miki, I chuckled, "Ah, Miki too!"

"My name is Miki! No Miki one, no Miki two!" the young woman yelled at me in an unexpected anger. "I said 'too,'" I tried to explain, "t-o-o," but it only made her angrier. What created me an unintended enemy the first day, my bad pronunciation, or the universality of lack-of-understanding, I was not sure.

Not a good start.

Katherine, the thirty-something teacher, chewed gum and gave us an assignment to make sentences from our new vocabulary. I was stuck at the word "ample." My baby did not take the pumped milk yesterday, the babysitter had told me. Should I quit the English school and stay home with her? Was she sick? I should check the color of her poop more carefully tonight.

I wrote: "A baby has ample poop."

Katherine read my sentence to the class and said it was wrong, but I did not understand why.
After class, the other Miki, the friendly one, asked me what "poop" meant. "The thing you do in bathroom," I told her. Her cheeks flushed, but she was persistent: "Which one? Big one or little one?"

The evening I asked my American husband what was wrong with my sentence. He laughed and laughed. "It's so cute! It's so cute!" He cooed to the baby, "Let's check your ample poop." He made me laugh too, but I suspected his love had handicapped his ability to teach me proper English. He enjoyed my Chinglish too much.

My baby cried the whole night and I did not finish my English homework. In the morning, during my hour-long bike ride to BU, it showered. I looked like a drenched chicken when I showed up at the classroom door and I was late. "Don't come in yet," Katherine frowned at me, then she turned to ask the other women students, "Who has extra clothes?"

The friendly Miki took me to her dorm in BU and made me change to her dry clothes. The shirt and the pants were a bit too short for me, but her generosity was not. We returned to the classroom twenty minutes later, and Katherine's expression softened.

Katherine paired off the students to check each other's homework, and she assigned the unfriendly Miki to me. I hesitated before saying, "I'm sorry, I did not get the time to do my homework." Miki wasted no time looking for more explanation. She shouted, in a victorious voice, to the teacher across the classroom, "She did not do the homework! She did not do the homework!" Katherine's face dropped. The entire class went quiet, and 12 pairs of eyes stared at me. I had not known this was such a big crime.

I told Katherine, and the class, about my crying baby, and my words sounded like a bad excuse. The quiet stares continued. None of the young students were married. I wasn't sure about Katherine's marital status, but I knew she was not a mother. The other day, during the lunch break, when I was looking for a store to buy a more effective milk pump, she had directed me to a bicycle shop.

Now she said, "Perhaps you should just stay home and be a good mother." Then she ordered me to leave.

I rode my bike home, crying all the way. I had always been a top student in China, from elementary to graduate school, and now I was kicked out of a class for a stupid piece of English homework.

The afternoon, Bob took off from work and drove to BU's administration office. The administrator responded to his protest by telling him that Katherine was an ambitious teacher, one of their best, and her aggressive approach was quite understandable.

I told Bob I was quitting the English school.

That weekend, in a Chinese friend's party, my baby sat on the floor playing with her rosy bear. She was four months old. Suddenly I heard a sound, a sound so clear, so melodious, like a pearl falling into a silver plate. It took me a moment to realize it was laughter, my baby's first laughter. I held her up, laughing too, turning around to meet Bob's equally amused eyes. The room was full of noises from the host and the guests, and no one else had noticed the most amazing, most rewarding sound in the world.

I rode my bike to BU again on Monday, my baby's first laughter following me all the way like sunshine. It made me realize that my English vocabulary would grow with her. One day—I promised myself—I would get revenge on Katherine with my first published story written in English.