Announcing the 2010 EW Summer Books Challenge

I am a huge fan of the magazine Entertainment Weekly, and I especially enjoy their write-ups on books. When I receive my copy every Friday, the first thing I do flip to their book recommendations and see what they have to say about the new releases. I won't say that I agree with them 100% of the time, but I definitely find myself agreeing more often than not.

So a few days ago (thanks to a few fellow book bloggers), I saw their on-line slide show of EW's 18 Books We Can't Wait to Read This Summer. Of course, I immediately wanted to read many (if not most) of them. And then I thought "why not see who else wants to read some of them over the summer?" One thing led to another, and I decided to set up a very informal challenge!

I'm probably one of the worst people to be starting another challenge because I'm not doing a great job with the ones I've currently signed up for. And, I pretty much know that I'm not going to read all 18 of the books, but.....I just couldn't help myself.

Here's EW's list of the summer's must-reads:

THIS BODY OF DEATH by Elizabeth George (April 20)

HALF LIFE by Roopa Farooki (April 27)

GIRL IN TRANSLATION by Jean Kwok (April 29)

THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE by Julie Orringer (May 4)

THE LAST STAND by Nathaniel Philbrick (May 4)

SLOW LOVE: HOW I LOST MY JOB, PUT ON MY PAJAMAS AND FOUND HAPPINESS by Dominique Browning (May 9)

WAR by Sebastian Junger (May 11)

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST by Stieg Larsson (May 25)

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE by Aimee Bender (June 1)

THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER by Stephenie Meyer (June 5)

THE PASSAGE by Justin Cronin (June 8)

SO COLD THE RIVER by Michael Koryta (June 9)

THE COOKBOOK COLLECTOR by Allegra Goodman (July 6)

LUCY by Laurence Gonzales (July 13)

RED HOOK ROAD by Ayelet Waldman (July 13)

I CURSE THE RIVER OF TIME by Per Pettersson (August 3)

YOU LOST ME THERE by Rosecrans Baldwin (August 12)

MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins (August 24)

Since I want this to be fun and stress-free (just like a summer vacation!), I've decided to include lots of levels, and the first one only challenges you to read one book -- how easy is that? (And I know almost every one of you will be reading MOCKINGJAY before the summer ends.) The names of levels might look familiar to you. Remember those swimming lessons you took at the YMCA when you were a kid?

Levels:

1-3 Books: Polliwog
4-6 Books: Guppy
7-9 Books: Minnow
10-12 Books: Fish
13-15 Books: Flying Fish
16-18 Books: Shark

Details:

The 2010 EW Summer Books Challenge will run from May 1, 2010 through September 6, 2010 (Labor Day). I know summer doesn't officially start until June, but I figure it's always a good idea to get a jump-start on the fun! To join me in this challenge, all you need to do pick your level of participation (you can always go up levels, but not down.) Then after you read a book, just write a review to share your thoughts with others!

Sign Up:

You can join this challenge at any time during this summer. All you have to do is grab the challenge button at the top of this page and write a post announcing your participation in the challenge -- remember you don't need to pick the specific books, just your level. Once you have posted your 2010 EW Summer Books challenge post, come back to this post and click on Mr. Linky. Please leave your name and link directly to your introductory post (not just to your blog’s home page.) If you don’t have a blog, no worries -- you can just leave a comment on this post telling me you want to participate.

On May 1st, 2010 I will place a 2010 EW Summer Books Challenge button in the upper right hand corner of my blog. When you click on this button, you will see a post where all the participants are listed as well as the links to the reviews.

I haven't worked out all of the prize details yet, but I promise that there will be some prizes. I do know that your chances of winning will increase with each review you write. In other words, your name will be thrown in the hat each time you post a review.

I'm asking you to check out the list of books and see if a few don't interest you. Then, I'm really hoping that you'll decide to join me for some fun summer reading!

And remember how I said that I'm not doing so well on a lot of my challenges? I'm only going to sign up for the Guppy Level -- 4-6 books -- I'd hate to not complete my own challenge!

Review: Poor Little Bitch Girl

Summary: Three twenty-something women, one hot rich guy, two mega movie stars, and a devastating murder: Poor Little Bitch Girl has it all.

Denver Jones is a hotshot twenty-something attorney working in L.A. Carolyn Henderson is personal assistant to a powerful and very married Senator in Washington with whom she is having an affair. And Annabelle Maestro—daughter of two movie stars—has carved out a career for herself in New York as the madame of choice for discerning famous men. The three of them went to high school together in Beverly Hills—and although Denver and Carolyn have kept in touch, Annabelle is out on her own with her cocaine addicted boyfriend, Frankie.

Then there is Bobby Santangelo Stanislopolous, the Kennedyesque son of Lucky Santangelo and deceased Greek shipping billionaire, Dimitri Stanislopolous. Bobby owns Mood, the hottest club in New York. Back in the day he went to high school with Denver, Carolyn and Annabelle. And he connected with all three of them. Frankie is his best friend.

When Annabelle’s beautiful movie star mother is found shot to death in the bedroom of her Beverly Hills mansion, the five of them find themselves thrown together . . . and secrets from the past have a way of coming back to haunt everyone. . . .

A new, sexy, and explosive novel from perennial bestseller Jackie Collins. -- St. Martin's Press

In the past (and before my blogging days), I used to read almost every book that hit the best seller list. I think it had something to do with my desire to talk about books with others, and I knew my chances were better if I read a book that lots of other people were reading. So it's probably obvious that I've read a few Jackie Collins' books during that time period.

I was so excited when I had the opportunity to review her latest novel POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL. I had read some terrific reviews of the book, and it had been awhile since I've read one of Ms. Collins' book. I have to say that I wasn't disappointed. POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL was filled with everything I remembered from Ms. Collins' other books -- sex, murder, scandal, and much, much more! It truly was a very fun read!

POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL pulled me in right away from the first few chapters. Part of the reason is Ms. Collins' writing style, but I also think the characters she creates are just so interesting. They are all flawed (some more than others for sure), but I just love reading about their world. Needless to say, the characters and events in her book couldn't be further from my own life; and I actually think that's why I (and so many readers) find her books so appealing. The thought that there might be people out there living these kinds of lives is mind-boggling and at the same time intriguing. Ms. Collins even says, "If anything, my characters are toned down - the truth is much more bizarre." Crazy, right?

I did find the plot to be very captivating as well. There was a Hollywood murder mystery storyline that I found interesting; however, I also enjoyed the story about the scandal involving a senator. As outrageous as these plots were in the book, there weren't outside the realm of reality to me. I won't go so far as to say that I was kept guessing about either of the storylines, but I don't think that was the intent of the book. I think it was just supposed to be an entertaining story with entertaining characters. And POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL certainly was that!

Evidently, many of the characters in POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL have appeared in Ms. Collins' other novels. (Remember, I did say it's been awhile since I've read her books?) A few of the characters in this book, like Bobby Santangelo Stanislopolous and his mother Lucky, are great (and very likable) characters; and I'm excited that I can go back and learn more about their lives in Ms. Collins' other books. In addition, Ms. Collins left POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL with quite a few open-ended stories, so I have a feeling that she might be using some of the same characters in her future novels as well.

Ms. Collins has had an unbelievable amount of best-sellers during her career -- something like 27 books. In fact, POOR LITTLE BITCH GIRL was an instant best-seller, but there's really no surprise there. Ms. Collins is known as the "Queen of Steam" for a very good reason, but I think she's also a fantastic storyteller. She certainly knows how to weave a tale that's sexy, intriguing, and full of larger-than-life characters. And there is no one who does Hollywood gossip better! There is no doubt in my mind that when I want to read a juicy book that just allows me to escape -- I can turn to a Jackie Collins!

Thanks to Get Red PR for sending me a copy of this book!

Make sure you come back tomorrow because Ms. Collins will be making an appearance right here at Booking Mama. And there just might be a special surprise too!

Review: Next

Summary: One Man, one day, and a novel bursting with drama, comedy, and humanity. Kevin Quinn is a standard-variety American male: middle-aged, liberal-leaning, self-centered, emotionally damaged, generally determined to avoid both pain and responsibility. As his relationship with his girlfriend approaches a turning point, and his career seems increasingly pointless, he decides to secretly fly to a job interview in Austin, Texas. Aboard the plane, Kevin is simultaneously attracted to the young woman in the seat next to him and panicked by a new wave of terrorism in Europe and the UK. He lands safely with neuroses intact and full of hope that the job, the expansive city, and the girl from the plane might yet be his chance for reinvention.

His next eight hours make up this novel, a tour-de-force of mordant humor, brilliant observation, and page-turning storytelling. -- Reagan Arthur

As most of you already know, I am co-hosting The Reagan Arthur Books Challenge with Kathy (aka BermudaOnion.) I have had such a terrific time reading the books published under the Reagan Arthur imprint -- there really are some special books! In fact, the latest Reagan Arthur book that I've read is titled NEXT by James Hynes, and it's a marvelous one!

I have seen many rave reviews about James Hynes and his novel NEXT from some very credible sources; however, I still picked up the book not really knowing what to expect (besides great writing!) I had no idea that the entire 300 plus page book covered only eight hours (I know the book's description clearly spells that out, but I guess I missed it), and I kept waiting for something to happen. Believe me when I say that something does happen, and boy is it huge!

Basically in the first half to two-thirds of the book, there isn't a lot of action. Kevin flies from his home in Michigan to Texas for an interview for a new job. He doesn't tell anyone, including his girlfriend, that he is leaving for the day -- interpret that as you will. Once he lands in Austin, he has quite a few hours to kill before his interview so he walks around the city following the young woman that he sat next to on the plane (a little strange, yes?) A few little things happen to Kevin during the day, but for the most part, he just walks around the city. Surprisingly, I didn't find these pages to be slow, but I can see how some readers will want more from the beginning of the novel.

I think what captivated me most about this novel was Kevin, the narrator of the story. Throughout the entire novel, the reader gets to see straight into Kevin's mind -- in fact, NEXT actually reads like Kevin's stream of consciousness. Kevin is definitely out there. I wouldn't go so far as to say that he is totally creepy, but he does have a little creep factor to me. (However, if I was allowed into any man's mind for eight hours, I might find him a little "off" as well.) I think Kevin appeared a little strange to me because his thoughts were so brutally honest. I got to see his insecurities, his imagination, his paranoia about terrorism, and his even his feelings towards women (I guess it is true that men think about women and sex a few minutes of every hour!)

One of the things I absolutely adored about this novel was how the author got inside Kevin's mind. I was blown away by how Kevin would be walking down a street and just see something; and then his mind would wander to something that happened in his past. I felt it was very realistic how Hynes portrayed that events in our everyday life trigger memories from our past. I also love how this book caused me to pause and think about the importance of all random happenings in our daily life.

And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Mr. Hynes' writing! This is the first novel that I've read by Mr. Hynes, and he definitely has a style that's all his own. His writing is smart, sharp, witty, and often times almost lyrical to me (which is actually a really odd combination if you think about it.) I thought Kevin's innermost thoughts and observations were so unique and insightful, and I also loved how Mr. Hynes transitioned between the past and present. Truly, this book was very well done!

I would love to write more about what happens in NEXT, but it wouldn't be fair to potential readers. I think everyone who picks up this book should have the exact same reaction as I did! In fact, NEXT is one of those books that really caused me think (after the whole shock factor eased a bit!) Immediately after I finished it, I wanted to call someone to talk about Kevin right away. That always indicates to me that a book is a good one for book clubs. I not 100% sure that NEXT is for everyone, but I have no doubt that this novel will stimulate thought and ultimately discussion!

NEXT is one of the most original books that I've read in a long time. The writing is out of this world, and I promise you that the way this book ends will stay with you for a very long time. I can't stress enough how good I think these Reagan Arthur books are, so come join us for this low-stress (and very fun) challenge!

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

Kid Konnection: Earth Day

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a (hopefully) regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. Today, I are going to share with you some very cute picture books that are perfect to share with your children this Earth Day!

Summary: The marvelous Roxie Munro is back with more a-MAZE-ing adventures! This time she’s taking kids on an exciting (and informative) journey through 12 incredible ecosystems, from lush evergreen forests to colorful coral reefs, from the frozen tundra to hot desert sands. And to make things even more fun—and challenging—every bright and bold maze features hidden animals that belong in that environment, including wolves, stingrays, parrots, crocodiles, and a whole colony of seals! The ecosystems include:Tropical Rainforest - Desert - Arctic Polar - Grasslands - Savanna - Wetlands - Coral Reef - Tundra - and a human habitat: a campground! -- Sterling

ECOMAZES: 12 EARTH ADVENTURES by Roxie Munro is an amazing book that kids are guaranteed to love -- I know Booking Son did. The basic idea behind this fun picture book is that on each page, there is a different maze for the children to find their way through.

The book is divided into twelve different ecosystemss including forests, coral reefs, deserts, and the tundra. There is an illustration of each environment with a maze that takes the reader through the terrain. In addition, the author lists various animals that children can search for while completing the mazes. So while they are searching, they are also discovering what animals exist in the environments!

These books are bound to appeal to kids, even ones who aren't big readers, because they are so fun. As a mom, I love that the book is interactive as well as educational; and I don't even think kids will realize how much they are learning while "playing" with it. The press release says that the book is geared to ages seven and up, but I really think kids as young as four will enjoy looking through this book and finding the animals.

I also really liked the last few pages of this book. Not only does the author include an answer key to each maze, but she also includes a key to where all of the animals are hidden. In addition, there are educational summaries of each of the ecosystems along with fun facts. I especially liked reading her letter to the reader where she gave some specifics on how she researched the various environments.

Highly recommended!

Summary: Litterbug Doug is lazy. He’s wasteful. He’s messy. But worst of all, he hates recycling! The clean and green town where he lives is in danger from his lazy ways, not to mention suffering from the stench released by the mountains of garbage that Doug leaves wherever he goes! So strong is its stink that even the army of rats that follow Doug around are rethinking their friendship with him. It’s up to Michael Recycle, planet Earth’s green-caped crusader, to show dastardly Doug the error of his ways . . . before it’s too late. Will Litterbug Doug and the rats learn to waste less and recycle more—or will their trash take over the world? Join Michael Recycle in another adventure to save the planet in this hilarious sequel to Michael Recycle.

Here's an excerpt from this sure to be hit with readers of all ages!

And who was the culprit? Who was the thug?

It was lonely and lazy-boned…

Litterbug Doug!

His house was a rubbish dump. full of old stuff, that was rotting and mouldy

and smelly enough to make your eyes water (the pong was so strong)

but Doug didn't think he'd done anything wrong! -- Worthwhile Books

MICHAEL RECYCLE MEETS LITTERBUG DOUG by Ellie Bethel and illustrated by Alexandra Colombo tells the story of a cute little town that is getting taken over by garbage, and Litterbug Doug is the culprit! He lives all alone surrounded by disgusting garbage and his only friends are the rats who there. Michael, the "green" (and I don't mean the color) superhero enters the picture and teaches Doug about the importance of recycling. The entire town pulls together to help Doug clean up his house, and he ends up making some new friends as well.

I thought the message in this book was terrific (who can argue with books that teach kids about being green?), but I also really liked the bright and funny illustrations. All of the pages were filled with eye-catching drawings that definitely matched the silly rhyming text. My son spend quite awhile just looking at the pages rather than turning them as soon as I finished reading (and that says something.)

Another terrific feature of this book was that it was actually educational. The last few pages of the book were filled with information that even the older kids (and parents) will appreciate. There is Litterbug Doug's Trash Roundup which gives statistics on the trash situation in the U.S. (and it's not a pretty picture.) There is also Michael Recycle's Go Green Tips which include lots of little things that we all can do to start helping the environment.

I recommend MICHAEL RECYCLE MEETS LITTERBUG DOUG as a fun book that will also help educate children about trash and recycling. Kids are sure love enjoy the colorful pictures as well as the superhero character.

Summary: We planted a tree and it grew up,

While it reached for the sky and the sun. . . .

In this simple poem illustrated by award winner Bob Staake, two young families in two very different parts of the world plant a tree. As the trees flourish, so do the families . . . while trees all over the world help clean the air, enrich the soil, and give fruit and shade.

With a nod to Kenya’s successful Green Belt Movement, Diane Muldrow’s elegant text celebrates the life and hope that every tree—from Paris to Brooklyn to Tokyo—brings to our planet. Perfect for young readers! -- Golden Books

WE PLANTED A TREE by Diane Muldrow and illustrated by Bob Staake is a very special book which gives children insight into their world and their environment. I really enjoyed this book (probably a little more than Booking Son) because I loved the overall message of hope that resonated throughout the pages. Plus, it has gorgeous illustrations.

The book goes back and forth between two families in very different parts of the world -- Brooklyn and Africa. Both families plant a tree and watch it grow. WE PLANTED A TREE shows all of the benefits that trees provide to us including beauty, shade, cleaning the air, food, improving the soil, and making the world better. The book does a marvelous job of showing just how important something as simple as one small tree is.

I think teachers will love using this book in their classrooms. There isn't a lot of text, but the book does convey a powerful message about our environment and hope for the world. I definitely recommend this book -- it's beautiful with an even more beautiful message!

Summary: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Teaching environmental awareness has become a national priority, and this hilarious book (subtly) drives home the message that we can’t produce unlimited trash without consequences. Based on incredible true events, Jonah Winter brings us the flavorful story that starts in a little town on Long Island that has a big problem: 3,168 tons of garbage and nowhere to put it! Enter the garbage barge, who hauls the junk down the coast of North America looking for a place to dump it. . . .

Humorous language and amazing art built out of junk, toys, and found objects by Red Nose Studio make this the perfect book for Earth Day or any day. Photos of the work-in-progress on the back side of the jacket offers added appeal. -- Schwartz and Wade

Booking Son and I both loved HERE COMES THE GARBAGE BARGE! by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Red Nose Studio. It is based on the strange, but true, story of a garbage barge that carried nearly thirty-two hundred tons of garbage. No place wanted to take the garbage, and the garbage barge traveled for six months (and six thousand miles) trying to find a place to dump it.

As I was reading this book to my son, I totally remembered the real-life story of the garbage barge that was just floating up and down the East Coast for months on end. It was 1987 (when I was 18 years old) so I wasn't truly turned into current events, but I do remember the jokes on the late night shows. What an amazing story! My son could hardly believe it.

This story is kind of funny on its own, but the author certainly did his best to incorporate even more silliness into the book. The characters are a little strange and they definitely say some odd things, but I thought they were hilarious.

Granted the author did pick an interesting story, but I thought the best part of this book was definitely the illustrations. They are fantastic! The art is actually made from junk, toys, and other found objects which is then photographed. Each page has lots to look at and is very interesting. I also appreciated that the illustrator included photographs of how he actually created the artwork on the inside of the book jacket. I admit that I found this almost as interesting as the book!

Despite all of the book's fun, there is a wonderful message between the pages. The book does stress the importance of the popular saying: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! I think the fun way in which the material is presented is a great way to get this message across to our young children.

Thanks to the publishers for sending me review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Reviews: Magna and Making Waves

Last summer, I reviewed Book 1 and 2 in the Scenarios for Girls series -- TRUTH OR DARE and ALL THAT GLITTERS by Nicole O'Dell (you can read the reviews here and here.) Both Booking Daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed these "interactive fiction" books which allow the reader to put herself into the shoes of the main character. At a critical point in each of these books, the reader gets to decide what course of action she thinks the character will take. These books always include valuable messages about faith as well as "doing the right thing."

So when Ms. O'Dell contacted me and asked if I were interested in reading and reviewing the next two books in the series, Booking Daughter and I were happy to assist.

Summary: Molly Jacobs isn’t sure what she should do: Should she follow through with stealing some clothes for her friends from Magna—the trendy girls’ clothing store where she works? Or should she do what she knows is right, even if it means losing her newfound popularity? Girls ages 10 to 15 make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Molly’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions. -- Barbour

SCENARIOS FOR GIRLS 3: MAGNA tells the story of Molly, a young teenage girl who gets a much-desired job at a popular clothing store. Molly and her two best friends all applied for a position at the store, but her two best friends didn't get the job.

Molly is extremely responsible and has a knack for putting together clothing ensembles and meeting the customers' needs. She immediately impresses the manager and puts herself on a fast track to management potential. The issue is that the popular older girls at school and her two best friends try to get Molly to do favors for them because of her position at the store.

Molly does make a few mistakes in this book to impress her friends that I considered to be pretty serious. She eventually realizes that she did the wrong thing and admits it to her boss (as she should have.) However, I really had an issue with Molly's "mistake." As smart and savvy as Molly was, it just didn't ring true for me that she wouldn't have understood the consequences of her actions. Having said that, I know that teens don't always have common sense; and I truly think Molly was a nice girl who just got in over her head.

When Molly's best friends ask for a huge favor, she feels the pressure and doesn't want to let them down. Molly knows for certain that she could risk her job if not more. What will Molly do?

Booking Daughter and I both thought that Molly would make the wrong decision, although we hoped she had learned her lesson. At the critical point in the book, we just felt as if she was more worried about keeping her friends happy than staying true to herself.

Some of the ethical issues discussed in this book include: actions and consequences, peer pressure, and the desire for material things.

Summary: Decisions, decisions! How is a girl supposed to choose? Lessons of right and wrong are put to the test in the Scenarios series, where you can test your decision-making abilities in an eye-opening, but safe, way. Each book follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending? -- Barbour

SCENARIOS FOR GIRLS 4: MAKING WAVES was definitely our favorite of the two. We both agreed that the storyline was more interesting and the character of Kate was much more likable and real to us.

In MAKING WAVES, Kate is a young teenager who feels a little lost. Her father died a few years ago and her best friend recently moved away. Since she enjoys swimming (and finds that swimming is therapeutic for her), she decides to join her high school's swim team. She discovers that she has a natural talent for swimming and she quickly becomes the star of the team.

Kate faces a lot of issues in the book that comes with a "celebrity" status. She feels some insecurities because she doesn't want to upstage the older girls, and she also succumbs to peer pressure so she can be part of the team. In addition, she puts a tremendous amount of pressure on herself to break records and earn a scholarship to college. Kate finds that balancing a sport, school, friends, and her church life can be challenging to say the least; and she finds herself absolutely exhausted. It's at this point that Kate begins to make some questionable decisions.

How far is Kate willing to go to be the best? That's the dilemma that she faces in this book. Both Booking Daughter and I agreed that Kate was a smart girl and that she had her priorities in place -- she just needed some time to figure things out. We think she probably made the "right" decision!

Some of the lessons in the book include: not taking unknown legal substances or illegal drugs, being cautious about dating relationships, and not being afraid to share your faith with others.

For MAGNA and MAKING WAVES, we ended up reading both of the scenarios as we've done for all four books. I liked the end results from either decision, and I especially appreciated the messages. One very important message that resonates throughout both stories is the theme of forgiveness -- learning to forgive yourself as well as asking for God's (and other's) forgiveness.

Another positive aspect of these books is the section in the back called "My Decision" which includes a prayer asking for God's help with many of the ethical issues that the characters faced in the book. In addition, there is a place where the reader can sign a pledge that she has learned from the choices that the characters made. There are also specific references to the lessons that the reader should have taken away from the book.

As a mother, I can't recommend these books enough for young girls. There is a pretty strong Christian message (which I think is terrific), but it might come across slightly heavy-handed to some parents. I think Ms. O'Dell's messages are wonderful and they are perfectly stated for a middle grade audience.



Thanks to the publisher for sending me review copies of this book.

Review: The Postmistress

Summary: Those who carry the truth sometimes bear a terrible burden... Filled with stunning parallels to today's world, The Postmistress is a sweeping novel about the loss of innocence of two extraordinary women-and of two countries torn apart by war.

On the eve of the United States's entrance into World War II in 1940, Iris James, the postmistress of Franklin, a small town on Cape Cod, does the unthinkable: She doesn't deliver a letter.

In London, American radio gal Frankie Bard is working with Edward R. Murrow, reporting on the Blitz. One night in a bomb shelter, she meets a doctor from Cape Cod with a letter in his pocket, a letter Frankie vows to deliver when she returns from Germany and France, where she is to record the stories of war refugees desperately trying to escape.

The residents of Franklin think the war can't touch them- but as Frankie's radio broadcasts air, some know that the war is indeed coming. And when Frankie arrives at their doorstep, the two stories collide in a way no one could have foreseen.

The Postmistress is an unforgettable tale of the secrets we must bear, or bury. It is about what happens to love during war­time, when those we cherish leave. And how every story-of love or war-is about looking left when we should have been looking right. -- Amy Einhorn

I had quite a few reasons for wanting to read THE POSTMISTRESS by Sarah Blake. My on-line book club planned on discussing in for April (now May), and it also counts for the Amy Einhorn Books Perpetual Challenge. Plus, I have read so many rave reviews for it throughout the blogosphere. I guess it's safe to say that I had pretty big expectations for this novel. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure that it lived up to them. I liked THE POSTMISTRESS. I might even go so far as to say that I really liked it. I just didn't love it (and I really thought I would.)

I do love the idea behind THE POSTMISTRESS though. This historical novel takes place during World War II (one of my favorite time periods) and tells the story of three very different women. The story goes back and forth between each of the three women, and the reader sees how each one is affected by the war. Frankie is the probably the most directly affected since she is a reporter living in Europe reporting on the fighting. Iris, the postmaster of a small town on Cape Cod, and Emma, another resident of the town, are away from the action. However, Emma's husband heads to Europe to use his medical training to help the injured so I guess she is somewhat indirectly involved in the fighting. I thought the author did a wonderful job of juxtaposing each of the women's thoughts, emotions, and actions against each other to make the point that war affects everyone on some level.

While I definitely enjoyed all three of the women's stories, I found myself really becoming involved in Frankie's. I found her to be so interesting and complex, and my heart really went out to her. First of all, Frankie was a woman in the 1940s, a very different time than the present for women; and she headed overseas to report on the war. Just living in London put her in constant danger, but Frankie chose to go out on the front lines with soldiers so she could tell their story. In addition, she also recorded the thoughts and fears of many Jewish people who were "forced" to evacuate their homes while riding with them on trains. Frankie saw more heartache, pain. loss, and cruelty than any person should ever see. There is no doubt that Frankie was forever changed by her experiences. As I read Frankie's story, it dawned on me that she was not alone. They were hundreds of thousands of people living in Europe who saw these tragedies everyday. Needless to say, it really affected me and I saw the horror of war in an entirely new, almost personal, light.

I can't put my finger on what kept me from loving this book. It could have been something that happens towards the end of the story that I didn't think exactly fit with the rest of the novel, but I really don't think that was a big enough issue to bother me (and other readers might have loved that scene.) One thing that I did have a not-so-easy time getting used to was how the author transitioned between the stories. It very well could just be me (and I do feel a little dumb for having this problem at the beginning of the book), but it took me quite a few pages to get used to how she went back and forth between the characters. Once I realized what was happening, I no longer had any trouble and I actually ended up appreciating the way the author transitioned between the stories.

I was extremely impressed with Ms. Blake's writing. I thought she told a beautiful story, and there were so many times that a passage really stood out to me. I loved the insight that her characters showed, and I especially loved how she incorporated so many recurring themes into each of the character's lives. While THE POSTMISTRESS was at times a powerful and heartbreaking book, I appreciated how Ms. Blake managed to show the strength and resilience of these three women. I did finish the book with a sense of hope, and maybe that's because the author kept showing the compassion of man and how joy does come from loss.

I do think THE POSTMISTRESS would make an excellent pick for book clubs. There are so many issues to talk about, and I truly think these characters are fascinating. There is a reading guide available which is especially good! Not only does it delve into what happens in the book, but it also poses more general questions about the time period, news reporting, and war. Some of the other topics that you might want to explore include love, grief, new beginnings, racism, ethical dilemmas, loss of innocence, faith, secrets, and the compassion of mankind. I think THE POSTMISTRESS is one of those novels that you could discuss for hours and hours.

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

April 2010 Book Club Meeting

Summary: Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell.

In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to Savannah's perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer.

Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Beth Hoffman's sparkling debut is, as Kristin Hannah says, "packed full of Southern charm, strong women, wacky humor, and good old-fashioned heart." It is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others. -- Pamela Dorman Books/Viking

I had the best time at book club last night! We were missing a few girls, but the rest of us still managed to have a great meeting! For April, we read SAVING CEECEE HONEYCUTT by Beth Hoffman -- one of my favorite books of 2010. All of us agreed that it was a terrific book and such a sweet one too. We spent some time discussing our favorite parts of the book, and I think we all got a kick out of the crazy cast of characters.

But the highlight of our meeting was when the author, Beth Hoffman, called into our meeting. I have been "friends" with Beth on twitter since before her book was released, so I already knew that I liked her a lot; but I was so glad that my friends got a chance to "meet" her too. Believe me when I tell you that Beth is everything I expected and more. She is smart, funny, candid, generous and gracious! I am so grateful to her for spending so much time talking with us and answering all of our questions (and we had quite a few.)

It's hard for me to pick out some highlights from our conversation because I think the entire call was one long highlight for me, but I admit that I did love getting the scoop on what inspired her to write about Cee Cee. And I also loved dishing on what's next for Beth as far as her writing career goes. I just had so much fun, and I really hope Beth heads to Central PA sometime so we can meet in person!

May is my month to host and therefore pick a book, and I decided on CUTTING FOR STONE by Abraham Verghese. I have to give credit to all the bloggers out there for this one because I have read so many positive reviews about this book. Plus, a few of you have even commented on what a great discussion book it is. Two of the girls in my book club have already read CUTTING FOR STONE and loved it, but another told me that it's taking it awhile to get into it. Of course, I will wait until almost the last minute to read it so it's fresh in my mind for our meeting.

Summary: Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon. Orphaned by their mother’s death and their father’s disappearance, bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution.

Moving from Addis Ababa to New York City and back again, Cutting for Stone is an unforgettable story of love and betrayal, medicine and ordinary miracles—and two brothers whose fates are forever intertwined. -- Vintage