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!