Love Walked In by Maria de los Santos

"In the months that followed Martin's gracing of Cafe Dora's doorway, I'd figured out that a real life didn't mean attaining my heart's desire, but knowing it, meant not the satisfication, but the longing. Knowing what you love and why, I found out, is as real as it gets." -- Cornelia.

I'm not sure I've ever experienced a book that has left me with so much to say but trying very diligently to hold back from revealing everything. I find myself without words - Well, to some degree. It isn't a matter of this book leaving me with no exceptional emotions to ponder or not remaining in a state of awe the minute the last page was turned. Oh! Quite the contrary. I'll try and explain it this way: if you've ever been in a room full of butterflies, you naturally try to grab one; wanting to explore its texture, beauty, and existance more. But as soon as you reach for that one, you're taken aback by the beauty of them all. All surrounding you. All reachable. All, in their essence, tangible. But you are truly mesmerized! Allowing yourself to simply take it in.

Now I know what you're thinking, "No, actually, I've never been in a room full of butterflies." Well, neither have I. But this book, trying to explain its beauty, is exactly like it. I'm lost on where to begin. I feel for the past two months of reading this book (I know, two months!) I've been itching, exploding, to say something. But here I am, completely capable of typing the words, yet fully incapable of condensing my thoughts. But I'll try...

When you first open the book, you get the sense you know what it is going to be about. Boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love and live happily ever after, right? Well, while those fairytale ideas aren't bad to hope for, it is not the focus of this book. In fact, far from it. I remember reading each chapter and watching how Marisa de los Santos effortlessly integrated the life of Cornelia and Clare; although they seem vastly different worlds a part, there is a current of familiarity that flows throughout. And it isn't until that one day, that one look, that one chapter, that combined the world of two unsuspecting characters.

The moment the unspoken gesture of comfort is given to Clare her world and the life of Cornelia Brown is changed forever. This book is not about perpetuating the ideal "love story" that only details the relationship of a man and woman because, lets face it, love is not one sided. There is familial, friendship, and including romantic love which coinsides and exists in all of our lives. While Cornelia's may have been filled in abundance, love did not truly and fully enter her life until a rare and precious 11 year old butterfly named Clare entered it.
Please, I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this book is. It surprises you at every turn and will not leave you in want of anything-promise!

Happy Reading,
Lauren

Nope, I'm not done yet...

I am still here. I am still reading. Yes, the same book. That's life... wait, no, that's grad school. Give me till after Thanksgiving? You won't regret it, this book is SPLENDIDLY AMAZING!

However, I have added some fascinating new additions to my bookshelf:
1. Ian McEwan "Comfort of Strangers"
2. Alice Seybold "Lovely Bones"
3. Tess Callahan "April and Oliver"

Oh my goodness, these are going to be good. THESE ARE GOING TO BE GREAT! Can't you feel it? I can feel it. Totally calm.

When Life Happens, It Takes You 2 Weeks to Finish ONE Chapter.

I'm not kidding either. When I became too busy to sit down and finish the second chapter of the book I'm currently reading, it was a serious wake up call: I needed to set my priorities straight.

But you'll be happy to know that I have reached chapter 8. Meaning I have successfully rearranged my to-do list. So in honor of this change in willfull obligations, I've provided a little sampling.

Here's a quick quote from the book:
"The trouble with your face is that it's ruining me for other faces. It's making me rethink every face I've ever liked." -Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos

Not gunna lie. I sat and stared off into my happy place for about 5 minutes after reading this. Because HONESTLY, who says things like this? Oh, I know. Beautiful men.

Now, for those who are concerned that I have fallen into a pattern, this is NOT a romantic comedy. I REPEAT! NOT a romantic comedy. It's far greater than that. I assure you. But just to make sure my point is heard, here's ANOTHER quote that contrasts any fluffy cupcake thoughts you might be having about this book:
"Clare had never spoken to her mother like this, and almost immediately, she wished she could take the words back; they were so biting and vicious. One glance at her mother told her that she hadn't even heard but, just because someone can't notice that you're being mean, doesn't mean you're not; in fact, Clare decided, their not understanding makes it worse, like you're hurting a child. I have to be careful, Clare thought, not to become a very bad person."

Jemima J By Jane Green

Ugly ducklings and swans. Four simple words that are immediately recognized as having nothing to do with any species of bird. What exactly does it mean to be one or the other? Is there a patch that should be worn? A demeanour that should be adopted or conformed to? As for the answers to these questions, I am the wrong person to ask. But no matter how hard we may fight to rid our society of these stigmas or the unspoken formalities that each label connotates, they are here and they are, unfortunately, here to stay. Whether we consider ourselves to be apart of one or the other (I won't ask, no worries) we know exactly the social references, physcial represenations, and life styles that are believed to be common place for both.

Now, if we were, what some would consider to be an "ugly duckling", how far would we go to jump ship and land happily amongst the "swans"? Are we so depressed, nay, repressed, in our current life that the tiniest glimpse of an alternative will thrust us into a newer, more improved (so we think) self? We may not have this answer, but Jemima J soon becomes engulfed with changing her present circumstances.

Even though her purposes for changing may appear to be superficial, she begins to acknowledge pieces of herself that had been left hidden or so deeply barried away that they became nonexistent. Though aspects of her "skin" may have changed, Jemima J becomes more comfortable, loving, and accepting of her own than she has ever done before. And no, I wouldn't say it is due to the decrease in pounds, tightness of clothes, or changing in hair color. No, those are all transformations of ones facade not our actual selves.

However, that lesson is one that takes Miss J a while to learn. When faced with a new life offering new adventures, new places, new opportunities, and new (or old) love to endure, who could resist?

For someone like Jemima J, a once proclaimed member of the ugly ducklings, becoming a verified member of the swans is beyond what she could hope for. But is that enough? Will the metamorphosis of her outter shell change who Jemima J is on the inside? Should it? Can it?

Sometimes it takes the moments when we have grasped our dream, taken hold of the one thing we once believed to by an abstract idea of fancy, to acknowledge the beauty of our present; the beauty of who we are.

Crazy For You by Jennifer Cruise

I'M BACK! It feels like a long time doesn't it? Yes, I'll admit, my two week break sort of extended itself into nearly a month, and for that, I apologize. Ya know, life happens and it so happened to take me away for a bit. But I'm here! What's new? What have you been reading? Anything good? Anything so bad you quickly returned it to Borders for a full refund??? Shhh, don't tell anyone, I've done that before. YAY $24.59!!!

But enough about that, I suppose it's time to get down to buisness. I mean, that's what y'all are here for right? To hear a good, and on some occasions bad, word about a book. And so, this is what I have for you today . . .

Before you say anything, I know, I know, I know. This is a lot of Jennifer Crusie, it's true! BUT, in my defense, it was recommended to me by a friend and being the kind person I am, I had to take a look. Ya know, for her sake. With the bountiful experience I do have with Ms. Crusie, I sort of had an idea of the type of books she writes. And let me tell you, not allll of them have been the best. But, HEY! I think it means a lot that I've at least finished them all right?? Although, that could just speak to my weakness of never being able to not finish a book once I've started it. But we won't go into my issues right now.

As for this book, Crazy For You, I was once again given an example of just why I adore Jennifer Cruise so much. She mixed together romance, suspense, intrigue, and comedy all into one book. Appearing effortless, I might add. Infact, I'd have to say that this book, in particular, is probably my second favorite Crusie thus far. Coming only closely behind Bet Me.

For a quick synopsis of the book (without giving too much away---no spoiler alerts necessary), I fully believe that she dealt with more darker issues than has been illustrated in her other works. Trying not to give too much away (this is sooo HARD!), the main character Quinn, a classic people-pleaser who has the debilitating inability to say "No", finally breaks her cycle. However, as we all have experienced, I'm sure, change is not always the most comfortable, especially for those around us who have grown accustomed to our consistency. As for Quinn, she finds out exactly how hard change can be, not just for herself, but for the surrounding people in her life. Resistance doesn't just show its face with concern and curiosity from those she loves, but with scorn and even anger on the part of her current boyfriend.

Fortunately, while the first few waves of change always seem to be the hardest, Quinn begins to define a newer version of herself. New house. New hair. And, of course, new love. But will the excitement of her new life begin to eclipse the reality and danger (DUN DUN DUNNN!) of her old? Welllll you'll just have to read it to find out . . . won't you!

Small Break

Dear Followers,

After a very lucrative summer of book reading, I have decided that it is time for a short break. Oh no worries friends, it's only going to be about two weeks (you may resume a collective sigh of relief!). During this time I'll be dutifully searching for new book selections by keeping a sharp (and perhaps obsessive) eye in the book stores.

So! During this short intermission, enjoy a little sunshine, drink a little sweet tea, eat a good cupcake, and devour an awesome book. I'll be seein' ya!

Lauren

p.s. - If you're looking for a great book that's quick, fun, and romantic, I HIGHLY recommend James Patterson's Sundays at Tiffany's . . . absolutely fantastic!

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

Naturally, people don't prefer to make mistakes--they just aren't fun! Sure the older and more wiser individuals in our lives will brag about the teachable moments that result from these gaffes, but come on! If we all had it our way, we'd avoid all roads that guaranteed mistake making. Depending on the severity of said mistake, you feel embarrassed, wish you had done something else, or pray really hard for the ability to literally turn back the hands of time. I mean, time traveling can't be that hard, right?

So when Samantha Sweeting makes one of the BIGGEST and most simple mistakes of her law career (on the cusp of her promotion to partnership no doubt!) she experiences a complete and all consuming break down. A heart pounding, palm sweating, spasmatic panic attack quickly ensues. As everything she has worked for since the ripe age of 18 starts to slowly crumble around her, she does the last thing anybody, especially herself, would ever believe she would do.

After doing a complete about face from her life and hastily running away from her problems, a fluky misunderstanding (accompanied with a few tiny white lies) lands Samantha a job as a housekeeper. Yes! A housekeeper . . . Or a domestic. A maid. A house manager. Whichever title you fancy, the funny and highly entertaining aspect of this book is about the struggles and challenges Miss Sweeting faces when forced to do ironing, cleaning, and *GASP*, COOKING! (dun dun dunnnn!).

But it isn't until she meets the gardner, Nathaniel, when the brighter side of this odd change of occupation begins to take place. Cleaning loos don't seem as bad, burning the chickpeas is laughable, and washing a cream, cashmere top with colored fabrics . . . well, that can be fixed with a credit card and a phone call; nothing too impossible to handle!

Slowly, but surely, her tightly wound exterior begins to loosen in places she didn't even know were bound. She no longer measures her days in increments of time but just sits and breathes as the hours pass. She no longer has her weekends booked with reviewing contracts and other lawyer-ly things but can actually spend time with those she cares about. Without her initial recognition, Samantha begins to live for the first time in her life; and it all started with an apron and a toilet scrubber.

However, to those of you followers who would like to hear one insight into this book that perhaps wasn't my favorite, I will give you this. I am a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella. I've read just about all of her books and have enjoyed every single one. BUT, at the end of her books I often feel as if I've been dropped off a cliff. Suddenly and unfairly. I wouldn't go as far as to say that there isn't a qualified ending, cause there is. But are they always substantial? I think not.

I'm going to try and avoid giving something away when I explain this but there is a letter Nathaniel writes to Samantha. I can only assume it's to explain his feelings, but would I know for sure? NO. The reader doesn't even get a small excerpt to get at least an idea of what is written. Nothing, nada, ZIP! No insight, no clue, no fun. Slightly frustrating.

But don't let this fool you, I adored it! Read, read, read . . .

Double Fault by Lionel Shriver

"The experience of failure is common as dirt. So why don't we write about it more often? In fact, I have come to deeply admire the mature, philosophical, sometimes even cheerful resignation with which so many "ordinary" people come to terms with lives that don't remotely resemble the ones they'd hoped for. The amount of grace required is stupendous. [And] Double Fault is about a young women signally lacking in that grace." - Lionel Shriver

What is the appropriate response to failure? Is it acceptable to wallow in self-pity with every dejected emotion consuming you? Or are we expected to graciously bounce back, take inventory of our present selves, and move on? Whatever belief you hold, failure is an uncomfortable and metamorphic experience to someone's life. Not only do we shy away from discussing it but it appears that I have never come across an author who has illustrated the truly devistating effects it can have; not simply on ourselves but every aspect to our surrounding lives. Point blank: it can be despressing!

Lionel Shriver has beautifully illustrated a heartbreaking, and yet enlightening, tale of how we handle it when failure knocks on our door. Willy Novinsky, the main character, becomes desolate, angry, spiteful, and just plain mean, after the downfall of her pro-tennis career due to a sudden injury.

As you read this story, it isn't a matter of hoping for a changed heart or improved spirits on behalf of Willy because somewhere, deep down, you succumb to the understanding that Willy is beyond reach. She is so deeply invested in her failure and jealousy of her husband's (Eric, another pro tennis player's) atheletic success that she can't see straight. Though she KNEW how she should act, what she should say, the contrary seemed to always prevail. As the reader, I grew so frustrated (slamming books down, stomping like a toddler) with the impending doom that I literally closed the book, walked away, and vowed NOT to pick it up and finish the remaining half.

But like the literary sucka I am, I sucked it up and finished! Hooray.

Before I give you a thesis statement worth of review, I will leave you with this: this cautionary tale isn't about whether Willy will bounce back from her injury and conquer the tennis world but the astonishing response she has to her own failure. While reading this book it's like watching a car crash in slow motion, knowing the damage that will be caused, knowing what might happen once the two cars have collided and yet hoping against hope that at the last minute someone will steer their car in the other direction and normalcy will remain.

I guess, in essence, that is the beauty of this book. No matter how bad it seems to get, you are always hoping for Willy to do what's right. But to reference what I said earlier, what exactly is the right way to handle failure?

"Failure can become an ambition of its own. In its attainability lies its allure."

-Double Fault

Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern

The idea that one could begin to inhabit the traits of another through the simple process of a blood transfusion is absurd, at best. To then believe that there is an established connection that is neither understood nor avoidable, is incredible. But through the story of Justin and Joyce, what once seemed to be the foundations of a good science fiction novel, is the perfectly executed tale of love lost and then found by Cecelia Ahern.

Before reading this book, I'd never heard of or picked up one of her novels. Boy! What a wasted life. I can't praise her enough for the combination of EXACTLY the type of romantic-comedy I love and a well written story that utilizes language in a way that redefines the idea of the cliched Rom-Com.

Not to diss us lovers of Romantic Comedies, because HEY! I'd be dissing myself (haha--not cool!), but at times, Romantic Comedies are predictable and easily concluded within the first few chapters. This, being the reason why I almost cringe at the classification of this book as a RomCom. Yes, it was funny (serious laugh out loud material) and yes, it was romantic, but there was so much more that dictated the pages of this book. From the intrinsic struggles of dealing with a sudden death, to the deeply-rooted battle with a defining moment in the past, the two main characters (including all the supporting characters as well) are well developed and profoundly shaped by their mutually exclusive experiences.

So, to Cecelia Ahern, thank YOU for the memories . . .
(on a scale of 1-10, what was the cheese factor of that last statement? I'd say 6. But it was so appropriate don't you think!)

Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie

YIPPY! I've finally found some time to write about the book, yesss!

So here we goooo . . .

After years in a lackluster marriage, Nell Dysart finds herself without a job, a man, and well . . . a life! So one day she randomly applies for a secretary position at a detective agency and begins to work for Gabe Mckenna--The Head Hontcho and fella with the mysterious eyes and shoulders the size of a Mac Truck, OOOO! What transpires after that is purely hilarious (literally, I laughed out loud in public places!), entertaining, suspenseful, and of course, romantic.

Gabe and Nell's tumultuous relationship in and outside the work place is a delight to read from beginning to end. With both characters displaying dominating personalities, the clash between the two titans creates a fascinating dynamic to read. From Nell trying to take over a place (new buisness cards, paint jobs, couches, etc.) she's only been a part of for a few months, to Gabe's unmasked inability to change, their relationship constantly straddles between unfiltered passion and combative rage.

Not only did Jennifer Crusie do a great job of establishing this relationship, but the details of the supporting characters of the book was also well developed and added great depth to the story as a whole. Which, unlike the last book I read, was a welcomed change!

So what would my overall review of this book be . . . well, there's not a doubt that perhaps in about 6 months I could pop open this book again and enjoy it just the same. I'm pretty sure that should say a thing or two about it. Enjoy!

Ummm, THAT just happened!!!

So today I'm cruising my twitter account and checking out some of my replies. I scroll down to look at what one of my friends wrote and then I glance beneath her to see a very familiar name appear below . . ."@JillMansell" . . . written across the screen. At this point it hasn't registered that it is THE Jill Mansell. YES! THE! I'm talking author of "An Offer You Can't Refuse", the book which I had recently given a slightly critical review (yikes!). After my brain began to connect with my eyes I began to FREAK OUT!!! I cannot believe that JILL MANSELL took the time to reply to me (tweet below)????

"JillMansell@cola85 Don't worry Lauren, you're not alone - others have agreed with your review! Read the ones for Miranda's Big Mistake - much better!"

What the world?? And she was so kind, even though I said I was "on the fence" about how I felt about one of her books.

I feel like in some beyond cheesy and sentimental way that I've climbed a hill (possibly a small one, yesss) into the world of literature. I wasn't sure I was going to read another book written by her, but NOW? Well, now, I'm certainly going to crack open another one of hers.

Thank you, @JillMansell for taking the time to reply to my little tweet, it made my day . . . no, WEEK!!

I'm comin, I'm comin!!!! . . .

Sorry y'all, I've been so busy that I haven't had the chance to blog about the most recent book I finished. It was another Jennifer Cruise (SURPRISE!) titled "Fast Women" !!! I finished it 500 years ago (okkkayyy, maybe I finished it Monday!) and I'm slackin' on the job and haven't blogged about it yet. So this is just a quick notice to say, "Hey! Wasssup, I'm cool, how you b? Imma get that blog up real soon aight?!"

PEACE!

PS - currently reading "Thanks for the Memories" by Cecelia Ahern. It's GUUD . . . thus far!

An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell

Have you ever been so conflicted about a book that you just, honest to goodness, had no idea what to say about it? It's never happened to me before, but here I am, experiencing it. Since I'm a little stuck on my feelings with this book, I'm gunna try really hard to figure out a way I can write a proper blog about this because HEY! this is what I'm here to do. Give you fine folks a word or two about a book!

So here I go. . .

As I'm trying to express my jumbled up emotions, I think I have come to one conclusion about how I feel. The main problem about this book was a lack of interaction between the main character, Lola, and her dearly lost beloved, Dougie. It wasn't that I didn't love them bo. . .wait a minute, I didn't have enough TIME to measure out my love anyways! Not only did their relationship seem a bit lacking, shall I say, but there were like 800 (exaggerating a tad) other stories going on at the same time. It isn't that I don't looove when authors do that--I find it gives great depth to a story--but when it appears that the main character's relationship isn't as well developed as it should be at the end, well then, I have some issues!

On a happier note, I did love Lola very dearly. She was great AND she worked at a bookstore (my secret dream!) so there was much to love there.

But my intial thoughts still hold. I wanna, REALLY WANNA, read another Jill Mansell and give her another good college try. . . but I'm nervous.

Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin

In its basics it is the story of a best friend falling in love with her best friend's fiance. Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure in any country, no matter the language spoken, we would all come to the same conclusion. . . THAT AIN'T RIGHT!!

But hold the phone on the quick judgemental reflex for juuuuust a second. . .

I've had this book in my possession for over a month and every time, due to my personal judgements of this book, I looked at it, I'd quickly put it back on my shelf to deferr for another. Bascially, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to connect with the main character and narrator aka the mistress/best friend when this book deals with such a frowned upon act of betryal.

BUT! Oooooh but.

After you begin reading this book it's as if you begin to question what once was solid moral standings. It's not that I can now say that I find it acceptable to "borrow" ones best friend's fiance (certainly not!), but perhaps you have to think about what your fighting or standing for. Is it loyalty of a friend? Is it the sanctity of friendship? Or should it be, perhaps, of a love that you know in your heart could never be mastered again?

I guess the saying is true: love makes you do crazy things!

A twist...

Sooo, here's the thing. I love talking about the books I'm reading, but I'm beginning to wonder whether I should start giving recommendations from books I've read in the past---hmmmm? Let's think on that. . . . OK, thinking is over. I'm doing it.

Ch-ch-ch-check it ouuuut. . .
1. The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver (one word: amazing. No seriously, it is amazing. Ok, that's like 5ish words)

Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

I'm beginning to notice a trend here and I'm sure, all of you trusty followers, that you recognize it as well. Not only is this my what? Third, Fourth Jennifer Cruise, but I've managed to contain all of my attention on Romantic Comedies lately.

I HAVE NO IDEA WHY ? ? ? ? ?

Maybe it's the sweet summer air and the sun shinning on my face (just enough for my daily dose of Vitamin D) that has heightened my need for a little love. A little romance. A little. . . shall I say, umph? Well, whatever the case may be, believe me when I say I have TRIED to break this cycle. Not just for the sake of variety, but for YOU. Yes, you. My dear, dear followers who I know are beyond devoted to checking my blog every day looking for a book to be their next page turner. So I promise, there's a change comin'. . .

But enough about that. Jennifer Crusie, take your place!

I was fully warned about this book before I turned that first page. But I'm never one to rely on the critiques of others to dictate my next move (especially one who stopped at chapter 8). So when it came to the certain--cough, cough--sexy time in this book that I was cautioned about, I wasn't surprised. However, I certainly would never categorize this as one of those cheesy, small, paperback books with half naked mid-century women on the cover. Oh no, definitely not! It was fundamentally a cute (don't focus too hard the usage of 'cute'--it's a good word) love story that was honestly, a joy to read. There was suspense, comedy, romance, and enough character quirks that truly made this book what it was. A solid-ish read.

But I would say, without a doubt, that to some degree the excessive sexy time deterred from the essence of the story. The two characters, Sophie and Phin, didn't need all that hot and heavy-ness to strengthen their literary relationship. Just wasn't necessary. . . well, I mean. . . not all of it was.

So would I recommend this book? If you are anything like me, it wouldn't matter either way, but if you are looking for a quick, cute read then yeah, go for it!

The Long Walk Home by Will North

If you look up the word "fidelity" in the dictionary, you'll find 6 or 7 various definitions of the word. The fourth, however, is what took me by surprise. It states that fidelity is "an adherence to fact or detail." Now, when you think of this explaination, this is not what you would originally believe this word to mean. We equate being faithful or maintaining relational fidelity as a choice driven by the heart and not some obligation to facts. But after reading The Long Walk Home, it possesed a deeper weight of truth than I could have imagined.

This novel, was first of all, beyond what I had thought it would be--and in a good way! It details the amazing story of two individuals who believed that love--the true and life altering kind--was far beyond their reach or not destined to be apart of their present reality. Of course, the moment they meet, they begin this complex struggle of dealing with the adherence to the facts and details of their mutually exclusive, and yet, increasingly intertwined, lives. Yes, it is, in essence, your basic love story. But the layers of their lives--one dealing with a sudden loss and the other dealing with the realization that their marital spouse is more like a habitual roommate--are bound together by a truly indepth passion for each other. Ask yourself, what would you do when you know you've met the person who was ment for you but had to sit back and allow life to happen, good or bad?

I honestly couldn't give enough praise to Will North's first novel. I was completely touched and enthrolled by this story of loss, love, and how the technicalities of our lives may force what feels right, what looks right, what is right to take a backseat... at least, for a little while.

...by the way, if I haven't mentioned it already, it's utterly romantic...

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Oooooh, I figured out how to add pictures... so savvy!!

It isn't often I come across an author who brings a new spin to the classic Romantic Comedy. And oh, I can asure you, this is not like most Romantic Comedys I have read. Sure, there's the handsome, but secretly damaged, leading man and the confident, yet intrinsically insecure, leading lady, but the weaving of these two characters, their lives AND their baggage is a hilariously delightful book to read. Even though there are series of moments plagued by frustrating dramatic irony, this book doesn't fail to deliver in any way. The relationship is full throughout the story--not just rushed in the end like some books that shall remain nameless--and the writing talent of Ms. Crusie is addicting and worthwhile.

If you're going to the beach this summer and feel the need to bask in someone elses romantic follies and pleasure, then I HIGHLY recommend this book. In fact, take a look at the other works of Jennifer Crusie when you speed straight through this in less than 4 days! I've read two others and of course, I was hooked and delighted by the stories told.

For Better, For Worse by Carole Matthews

This book choice came during a state of utter desperation. I was in the midst of doing finals and all I wanted to read was something predictable, fun, and romantic. So I popped open this book and began to dig in. From the very beginning I knew the main characters were going to end up together... sorry, SPOILER ALERT!!... but in general, most romantic comedies (or RomComs as some people like to call them) usually end up this way. So it wasn't the predictability of the text that was annoying, it was the fast way the author wrapped everything up in the end.
Too many times I have read books like this where 3/4 of the book is filled with great detail of scene and character interaction and then BAM! the ending sneaks up on you and you're left staring at the last sentence, saying to yourself, "Whaaaaat just happened?". This book, definitely had one of those moments without a doubt.
All that work that is put into the middle portion of the book is almost thrown away with a quick effort of conclusion. I almost have begun to believe that when books end in this way, that there is a lack of care of the ending and more for what happens before. But who wants to read a book with all this build up of the obvious and then is quickly let down by 1-2 pages of an ending?? NOT ME my friend.
Also, as a writer, I just don't understand how an author could possibly believe that a conclusion filled with love, romance, and familiarity among the two characters could logically transpire when they may have had 2 days worth of dialogue in between the beginning and end and then quickly reunite during the second to last chapter... I MEAN HELLO... buck up a little bit here. Be a little more caring about the ending of the book and stop focusing on the how so much. It's a disservice to the reader who has invested their time in the book and then has to settle for one chapter worth of an ending. Basically, it's not fair.
I wouldn't, however, now conclude that For Better, For Worse was a horrible book to read, but when I can immediatly pick up another book--I'm talking 30 minutes within finishing the last--and contently read along, SOMETHING from the previous book left me, as a reader, unsatisfied. So thus, being unsatisfied, just like when you eat a crappy meal, you look for the next best thing to fill that void.
Read For Better, For Worse... make you're own opinion about it!

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

Before I saw the film Atonement, I never heard of Ian McEwan (yes, I know, very sad!). But soon after I learned he wrote the book, my interest in his other work was solidified. One day while I was in Borders I chose to take a risk on an author I had never heard of and picked up On Chesil Beach. I have to give the man credit, I have never been so hooked to a book from the very first few sentences than I was when I first opened this one. It wasn't necessarily the story line, because at that point, I hadn't fully made up my mind about what I truly thought about it. But the formation of language... OMG... was AMAZING!! Every page was, correction, every SENTENCE was filled with such descriptive and well scripted language that it would be impossible not to continue. Just in the hopes of his literary genius rubbing off on you by continuously reading was enough of a long shot dream to turn every page!

But aside from the amazing talent of Mr. McEwan, I was deeply touched by the story he chose to tell. I don't want to give too much away, but the turmoil between the two characters (all within their wedding night) was unbelievable. He took you into the mind of these too seemingly happy and willing participants to their new marriage and turned that celebrated night upside down. The second you get a taste for their true thoughts, you begin to realize that there are mounds of issues that have either yet to be realized or refused to be dealt with. I don't want to give too much away, but the main thing I learned from reading this book was that love is NOTHING without patience. Patience to understand. Patience to recognize another's pain. Patience to step outside of one's intrinsic concerns and fears and be brave enough to cope with whatever "funk" you might find yourselves in by simply being honest.

Please read On Chesil Beach. It was truly amazing and heartbreakingly honest.

-Lauren

Hello, I love books!

Dear Bloggers,

My name is Lauren and I am new to the blogging world. I've dabbled in it before, but usually for some class assignment. This time, I've decided to do something for me... isn't that nice! For the content of this blog, I wanted to talk about the one true and ever changing love of my life...wait for it... BOOKS! If you are an avid reader, you understand my sentiment. There's nothing like walking into the book store (whether that be Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books A Million, etc--I don't discriminate!), having no time constraints, and just cruising your way through every single shelf filled with amazing possibilities. It's the best feeling in the world to look at a book's cover (and yes, sometimes I do judge a book by it), reading the inside and perhaps the first couple of pages and just knowing THAT book you HAVE to take home. No matter if you have $17 left in your bank account, you'll charge the extra $4 that it'll take to get the hardcover copy!

So before you end reading this pseudo love letter to books, I wanted to extend a welcome to my blog. As often as I can, I'll be updating it with new insights and discoveries of author's and books... and of course, detailing my reaction (without, I hope, too many spoilers) to each book I read. I really hope you enjoy, and I would love to here your comments and feedback... but be nice!

-Lauren