REVIEW for The Program

Thank you to Michelle at Simon & Schuster and Canada for sending me a copy of this book.

TITLE:            The Program

AUTHOR:       Suzanne Young

GENRE:          

I don't normally read this type of novel, but I have to admit that this one sounded interesting to me.

Dystopia is "the" thing to read these days and, for the most part, I am not all that impressed.  However, this one was different - mainly for the topic that is covered - suicide.

This book is entertaining, but more importantly, it is kind of a subtle (and at times) not so subtle look at young adults and all the stressed that they face these days (bullying, etc) and how suicide can be to some a viable alternative.

In this novel, Sloane knows that emotions equate "the program" - a nightmare that nobody wants to go through.  You are devoid of any feelings, but also all your memories are gone.  

This made me stop and think - what would I do if someone told me that I could have all my thoughts removed?

This book looks at suicide, depression and "big brother" a killer combination that makes for a winning story.

AUTHOR ISABELLE LAFLECHE'S BOOK LAUNCH FOR J'ADORE PARIS (and a quick Q&A)

 Tuesday, May 14, 2013 was the English and French book launch for Isabelle Lafleche's new book - J'ADORE PARIS.

She was kind enough to invite me and, of course, I was very happy to attend.  As you know, Isabelle is one of my favorite authors and I am in love with both her books.

It was a very classy affair very fitting for the theme of Isabelle's books.

The signing table French on the left and English on the right

Isabelle in her beautiful tule skirt - very flowy and feminine

Free make up for those who wanted it

Free perfume samples

Isabelle

Great macaroons with a Paris theme

1) Catou is interesting and has obviously matured in the second novel.  Can you tell me how you see her? Faults and good points?

I think that you’re right. Catherine has matured because she did some soul searching in the first book  ( J’adore New York) and managed to come out on top with a dream job  in an industry she loves and has met her romantic match.  She also settles a score with the man who broke her heart in New York.  She’s determined, not afraid to speak her mind, loyal, and smart. But she’s far from perfect; she’s a bit of a workaholic, has a hard time saying no. And she has way too many shoes.

2) The aspect of counterfeiting is at the forefront in this book, what is your "take" on this issue when it comes to fashion.

I will admit to having purchased a few “fakes” in the past but researching this book has changed my opinion on the matter.   It shouldn’t be viewed as an innocent crime to purchase a “fake” watch or bag. There are many consequences to this: including lost jobs, child abuse, and the funding of organized crime and terrorism.  I hope that my book manages to educate readers on this topic.

3) What are the differences that you see between the Paris and New York settings?

I think that New York is the perfect backdrop for the first book since Catherine finds herself in a whirlwind of cut-throat ambition, aggression and nasty politics.  Paris is a softer place where both beauty and femininity reign. It’s the perfect place for her to thrive in, especially with regards to her longing to work in the fashion industry.

4) If you had your choice of actresses to portray Catherine who would you choose?

My first choice would be Marion Cotillard. Not only is she a model and spokesperson for Dior, she’s extremely classy and talented (Have you seen her portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose?  Hel-loooo).   My second choice would be Zooey Deschanel. She’s both witty and lovely; I think she would also make a great Catherine Lambert.

5) Why is fashion so important?

To me, fashion is another way to express your creativity and individualism. It doesn’t have to be about fancy designer labels. As a matter of fact, it should be quite the opposite.   You can easily express yourself with a bright scarf found in the discount bin at the local thrift shop. 

6) Which setting (Paris or NY) do you prefer writing about?

Since I lived in New York for many years, I have to say that writing about Paris was a real treat.  In order to complete my research, I spent my days lounging in cafés in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, testing pasty shops around town and attending fashion shows. Sounds like a blast, non?

7) What is the future for Catou?

She embarks on a whole different journey in the next book: inward.  She will undergo a massive spiritual transformation that will change her views and values on many fronts.

Thank you Isabelle

MERCI BEAUCOUP TINA!  ♥♥

REVIEW for Golden Boy

Thank you to the wonderful people at Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me a copy of this book.

TITLE:            Golden Boy

AUTHOR:        Abigail Tarttelin

GENRE:           Fiction

RATING:         

I am pretty well ready, willing and able to read almost any type of novel and I am always interested to read novels that are compelling as they deal with difficult situations.

Having said this, Golden Boy met all of these criteria and more.  If you are looking for a quick, light read, then this is definitely NOT the book for you.  However, if you want a book that will tug at your heart strings, make you sit back and truly think and force you to look at your beliefs, then this IS the book for you.

Golden Boy’s main character Max was born with both male and female parts.  He is trying to live a fulfilling and happy life until a horrific event happens – marking him for life.

What follows is a riveting story of life – the good and the bad and just how different people deal/manage/view the same circumstances so differently.  The story is told in a realistic and, at times, extremely heart wrenching and challenging way.  I had to put down the book a few times as I found myself with a variety of emotions.  

I would love to say that this book is full of the ‘warm and fuzzies’ and that Max and his family live happily ever after, despite the odds, but here, once again, the strength of the book stands out – outlining to us that in life things happen, people happen and some days are good and some are not.

I love the realistic feel of this story and I loved Max.  Now, go out and buy this book.

REVIEW for J'Adore Paris

Thank you so much to author Isabelle Laflèche for giving me a copy of this book.


TITLE:              J'Adore Paris

AUTHOR:         Isabelle Laflèche

GENRE:            Chick Lit

RATING:          

Okay, I think I may be a bit prejudice about this book and author as I loved her first book and actually got to meet Isabelle who gave me her book in person.

I have been dying to read J'adore Paris a sequel to J'adore New York.  So, Catou is back (Catherine) and now, she finds herself working for Dior in Paris - after spending some time in New York City.

She is still working as a lawyer and now, has found love as well as intrigue and danger in Paris.

Once again, the author's writing style is breezy and engaging and you immediately feel as though you are part of Catherine's life.  My favorite parts involve Catherine trying to "catch" the counterfeiters who seem to be everywhere.

This novel is partly chick lit and partly a thriller and I loved it.  The combination is perfect and balances off the humor that is injected in the story throughout.    Of course, there is always a slant towards the fashion industry, also a part that was very present in the first novel.  But, for me, the counterfeit storyline is a perfect choice to make for this second novel.

I remember walking in New York City last and seeing these counterfeiters on the street everywhere and marvelling at how organized they are - never knew it was such an issue though.

The author, once again, has created a wonderful book - with a main character that has seriously grown up in the last few years and a storyline that was very entertaining.  My only minor complaint - I miss the New York aspect to the story.  Paris was okay as a backdrop but lacked the "New York" touch.

As you may know, I met the author earlier this year and she was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me - so here is the exchange.  Thank you ISABELLE!!

I will be featuring a Q&A with Isabelle in the next few days and tonight, I get to attend the Montreal book launch - I am so excited.  Pictures to come :)

SATURDAY is meeting up with friends

Today was breakfast time with two wonderful friends and bloggers - Cindy and Lucy.

It was great seeing you guys today - but really, we need to reduce the size of those breakfasts!!!! LOL

REVIEW for The Lucy Variations

Thank you to Hachette Canada for sending me this book.

TITLE:        The Lucy Variations

AUTHOR;   Sara Zarr

GENRE:       YA

RATING:     

I have read Zarr's previous novel and found myself having difficulty getting through the storyline but I thought I would try it again with the Lucy Variations.

I have to admit that, once again, I found myself plodding through this book.  I know that this author is highly popular, but I just can't really get into the storyline.  I gave this book 2 cups because I like the character development, but unfortunately, this one just did not do it for me.

REVIEW for This is What Happy Looks Like

Thank you so much to Hachette Canada Book Group for sending me this book.

TITLE:             This is What Happy Looks Like

AUTHOR:       Jennifer E. Smith

GENRE:           YA

RATING:          

I was actually so pleasantly surprised by this novel.  I had not read this author's first book, although I heard tons of great things about it, but I was a bit worried about this one because I feared the writing style would be a bit too "flowery" for me.

I need not have worried as I loved Smith's down to earth writing.  I loved, loved the concept of emails as a bit of a introduction of our main characters Graham and Ellie and I actually thought this story was very sweet.

Its nice to read a bit where the drama is more or less kept to a minimum while the story focuses on developing the main characters so that we, the readers, can engage and grow to love them.

I have to say that I was actually impressed by this one.

BOOKS FINALLY!

Nikole and I in Montreal

SCHOLASTIC new releases

I haven't been posting any of these IN MY MAILBOX type because, frankly, my mailbox has been pretty quiet in the last year.  However,  I have to say that I was completely thrilled when I came home to find a box (completely unexpected) from SCHOLASTIC CANADA.

When I looked at the mailing label and saw SCHOLASTIC CANADA, I knew I was in for a treat!  

Nikole, Marketing & Publicity Manager has always known EXACTLY what I like to read and I knew that, as I opened the box, she had, once again, nailed it.

The books are:

• Gorgeous by Paul Rudnick   and
• Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg

I had the opportunity of meeting Nikole a little over a year ago, where we had an interesting discussion about book genres, including the fact that I don't "do" "vampires, dystopia (for the most part) or anything undead" LOL

Once again, thank you so much Nikole  - your rock!!!

REVIEW for Transplanting Holly Oakwood BLOG TOUR STOP

TITLE:           Transplanting Holly Oakwood

AUTHOR:       Di Jones

GENRE:          Chick Lit

RATING:        

Transplanting Holly Oak Wood was an interesting read for me - especially since there were some aspects that I really enjoyed and some that were less thrilling to me.

The think that attracted me to this novel and kept me reading was the main character Holly.  Unlike so many chick lit novels out there, the author chose to make her flawed in some ways. This was a highly welcome change to me - imagine that a main character that is just like a normal woman!  I loved it. 

I also loved the fact that Holly put herself into "different" situations, in an attempt to "change" her life and herself and that in some instances, it worked and in others it didn't.  This felt like the author managed to capture real life and transport it into the novel.  It made for some good reading.

What I did not like (and the reason for 3 stars instead of 4) is that the author, in my opinion, started out strong - by making her character different and putting her in different situations - but, in the end, bowed to "conformity"  - in my opinion.  Why do I say this?  I am thinking mainly of the "love" angle.  I am wondering what it was necessary?  Why can't this main character, who is strong and weak, have to "cave" into love.  I was hoping to see Holly grow and develop and perhaps, at a later time find love.  But now, it kind of sounded a bit "cliche" to me.

The writing style is fun and breezy and the main character was a wonderful addition to the chick lit world.   I think this novel would have been stronger without the "love" part unfortunately.

REVIEW for Leftovers

Thank you to the wonderful people at AVON in the UK for sending me this book.

TITLE:              LeftOvers

AUTHOR:         Stella Newman

RATING:          

I read this author's previous book and loved it and I am thrilled to be able to review Leftovers.

The word that comes to mind to best describe this book is "sensitive".  This book is partly chick lit, but also partly the chick lit part that comes AFTER Bridget ends up being alone and having to deal with her feelings about an ex.

The author takes an honest look at what it really is to be in your 30's and finding yourself single - the good, the bad and the ugly.  Susie is written as a very "real" person who is trying to deal with same crappy stuff that is happening to her, while trying to figure out what the hell her future should be like.

Not everything is rosy and perfect and more importantly, the author strives to portray Susie's life as realistic with some tough challenges - mainly the one where society dictates that if you are not married with 2.2 kids when you are in your 30's that you are not normal.

Written with humor and a loving hand, I loved "Leftovers".