Review: The Shape of the Eye: A Memoir

The Shape of the Eye: A Memoir by George Estreich
My rating 5of 5 stars

Another book I read on vacation, a beautifully written memoir with an updated afterwords. It is labeled a memoir but it so much more. It is also filled with reflections on medical history, family history and the effects of war, a love story between a father and daughter. Most of all it is about looking a all human beings as individuals and not labels.

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Review: Cinder

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have wanted to read this series for a long time but had to wait for the book to come off hold from my library. I took this on vacation with me and read the book in one sitting, that is how much it held my attention. It is a retelling of Cinderella but so much more...........cyborgs, a future Earth, a girl discovering her true identity, a new species living on the moon that might be harboring a secret army of were creatures. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

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Review: The Deportees and Other Stories

The Deportees and Other Stories by Roddy Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An easy enjoyable collection of short stories set in one of my favorite places, Ireland. I think this would be a good introduction the the writing style of Roddy Doyle if you have never read works by him before.

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Household Maintenance Made FUN

How can that be you ask..........maintaining a household can be FUN, with housework, repairs, cooking etc......Do you want to learn how to make all of these things more enjoyable.  Then you should check out a book I have been hearing about: Home Ec 101 -skills for everyday living by Heather Solos

Here is a sneak peek at what I learned from Chapter 20 --Meal Planning, not just for Control Freaks. As a mom to 3 with a busy husband, this is something we have gotten out of the habit of, actually sitting down with a planned meal to eat. This chapter was written in a lighthearted, funny and open way that would make it easy for anyone to follow, the author even shares mistakes she has made in the past, which makes it even easier to relate too. There are tips, tricks and even recipes. I really enjoyed her suggestion to ease into meal planning unlike some others I have seen that want you to jump in with 30 meals, with no processed food help right away. If this rest of the book is as user friendly as this chapter every home should have a copy. You can find this book at  Barnes and Nobles and Amazon

As a member of the One2One network I did receive a sample Chapter of this book to download and review, the review is strictly my expressed opinion only. 

Book review and Giveaway

Are you looking for a good book to read, I have one for you.  I had seen this book reviewed on several YA book blogs that I belong to, I had even tried to win it a few time, but alas did not ---however after the author emailed me and we wrote each other back and forth a few times,she sent me a copy of the book.  It truly lived up to my expectations and I enjoyed it so much, that with the authors permission I went out and bought a copy to giveaway to you.  Are you ready to hear what the book is, the title is Willow by Julia Hoban and here is a brief overview of the book.

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen-year- old Willows parents drank too much wine and asked her to drive them home. They never made itWillow lost control of the car and her parents died in the accident. Now she has left behind her old home, friends, and school, and blocks the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when Willow meets Guy, a boy as sensitive and complicated as she is, she begins an intense, life-changing relationship that turns her world upside down. Told in an arresting, fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girls struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boys refusal to give up on her.
 
Whether you are a grownup who likes YA fiction, or someone who falls into the YA category, or even if you may have never read YA before, don't let the age category this book has been marketed to keep you from wanting to delve into this book, it truly has something to offer every age reader.  We can all relate to unexpected losses or tragedies in our lives and how people develop different ways of coping with the aftermath of such events, this book explores what has, for the most part been a "taboo" or definately misunderstood coping mechanism and brings it to the forefront.  What would you do if confronted by the events that occur, or how do you cope with your emotions, these are all great discussions that can come from reading this book.  I have one copy to giveaway to someone (US residents only please) and I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.  Please leave a comment below why you would like to win this book or what you are reading now for entry by Wed May 5th, midnight EST and I will let Random.org pick the winner.