REVIEW for Addition

A big thank you to the author for sending me this book.

TITLE: Addition

AUTHOR: Toni Jordan

GENRE: Fiction

RATING; 2 stars

I really, really wanted to love this book. I thought the basic premise sounded very intersting. Here is the story of a single woman, who is smart and intelligent, but lives in her world of extreme order and detail - everything she does must be counted. She counts her steps, the letters in her name and basically does the same things over and over again. This makes her feel safe and secure. However, this safe and secure world is also making it impossible for her to work or to drive or to basically function outside of her well ordained life.

One day, at the supermarket, she realizes that she only has 9 bananas in her cart - she MUST have 10 (as 10 is a favorite number for Grace. So, conveniently, she looks over at the basket of the man standing in line behind her and he has exactly one banana in there - when he is not looking - she swipes it from him - but he notices. Enter Seamus Joseph O'Reilly who thinks Grace is adorable. As they start dating, Seamus realizes that Grace is not only quirky, she is also very weird - but, of course, this just makes him want her more.

From her side, Grace is amazed at the fact that when she is with Seamus, her tendancies towards all things weird - diminishes. Yet, through all of the romance and the battles within, Grace comes to realize that her absolute need for an absolutely ordered life masks a lifetime of pain. Grace forges ahead and tries to 'heal' through the support system that surrounds her - her psychiatrist, her support group and of course Seamus.

The publishers have really been praising this novel, which really makes me feel horrible. I just did not like it. Grace was annoying as heck and frankly, did not really deserve the love and support she got. I would like to say that she was a strong heroine, but I just could not stand her.

Also, let's get real here - a disorder such as this does not really 'diminish' because of the presence of the man she loves. This novel does deserve much credit for dealing with mental illness, also seems to do it a disfavor by implying that if you love someone enough - your symptoms will diminish.

I am extremely glad that the author added the scenes whereas Grace finally starts understanding that what she has needs to be treated by professionals and that she needs a support system around her AND that it will not be easy.

For me, the most interesting part of this book is when Grace finally find the willingness to start dealing with her stuff in an honest manner.

REVIEW for Take your Money and Run

I was lucky enough to get this book from ECW Press (they carry an absolutely great series of books). Thank you!!!


TITLE: Take your Money and Run!
AUTHOR: Alex Doulis
GENRE: Personal Finance
RATING: 3.5 Stars

I am always impressed by people like Alex Doulis. He was/is irked by a situation (in this case the tax situation in Canada) and through hard work, research and commitment he managed to find a way through it.

Take your Money and Run is his story of how he managed to avoid, in a very legal way, having to pay taxes in Canada.This book is extremely interesting and it is obvious that Doulis did his homework. In order to get away from paying Canadian taxes, Doulis has decided to live offshore and in the process, managed to avoid paying the dreaded taxes that he both does not agree with and could not see the justification in paying.I think its a fairly save bet to say that most of us DO NOT want to pay taxes and very few of us really understand why we must - Doulis explains part of the reasoning behind the tax situation and in a very clear, precise way gives you an alternative.

I believe this book is mainly geared towards people who are intending to retire in the next while and who are willing to make some major life changes in the process - I am not really willing to go to such length, but this did not remove my interest in the book - his suggestions and alternatives are amazing and challenging

REVIEW for Family Plots

A big thank you to Paula at Author Marketing Experts Inc. for sending this one to me!


TITLE: Family Plots
AUTHOR: Mary Patrick Kavanaugh
GENRE: Fiction
RATING: 4 Stars



I like books with strong main characters who are on a search for the "right" of their lives and Family Plots is one of those books. I love the opening sentence in the Prologue: "Experts claim that the secret to a happy relationship isn't sex, children, money or even love. It has much more to do with the power of self-deception....". As soon as I read that, I knew that this book was not going to be all about sugar and spice and everything nice!

What follows is the story of Mary, a wonderfully smart, confused, interesting and searching main character. She is trying to find some joy and serenity - to have a happy family for herself and her child. However, what she wants and what destiny want will often come face to face with each other and from this, comes the wonderful storytelling of author Mary Patrick Kavanaugh.

You will laugh, cry, get irritate and basically cheer for Mary, as she struggles, laughs, cries and forges on to find the kind of life that she believes is possible for her and her daughter. Mary makes bad choices, especially in the men department, but on the road, she meets a wonderful bunch of people who will add to this storyline.

The only thing that did not grab me was the cover - I think a way better cover could have been chosen for this book.

I liked this book from the very first sentence to the very last!

REVIEW For Wishing Won't Do It

Thank you to Cindy at Brown Books for sending this book along to me!




TITLE: Wishing Won't Do It
AUTHOR: Dave Brennan
GENRE: Personal Finance
RATING: 4 Stars

I wish I had read this type of book when I was in my early twenties. Back then, it seemed to me as though I would have a lifetime to worry about money issues and that my 20's were about enjoying myself. Unfortunately, I spent wayyy too much and way into my 30's. So I am the perfect target audience for the book Wishing Won't do it.

After reading the title, it made me think and I have to admit that, for most of my life, I somehow just believed that the money would "just" appear by magic when I needed it. Author Brennan takes a very honest look at how we, as humans, take a look at money. For the most part, we don't understand it, are intimidated by it, let it lead us and basically see it as a base of some kind of superpower.

One of the more important chapters in this book is about reducing debt. This, I believe, is the root of ALL evil - Brennan quotes staggering numbers of people in debt and the amount they owe is amazing. Of course, with what is happening in our world today, we all get a very good firsthand look at the woes too much credit has created, but it amazes me just how far reaching these woes actually are!

Brennan also takes a very interesting look at how our generation's view of money differs so much from the previous generations - short term gratification!!!!

This book basically covers off most personal finance aspects we may be encountering. I really liked the section Planning for your Retirement - which, in my opinion, is invaluable for those boomers!

What I liked so much about this book is that it is written for the average person - the terms are easily understandable and the message is clear and honest. This book is also scary to read, especially in our present economic situation - and although Brennan's message is pretty much the same as many other personal finance authors - it still sends a chill through me- "get your act together NOW or you will end up struggling in your retirement years".

I suggest this book to young adults, older adults and anyone in between - its a wake up call - that is for sure!

REVIEW for Confessions of a Beauty Addict

A big thank you goes out to author Nadine Haobsh who sent me this book with lightning speed!

TITLE: Confessions of a Beauty Addict

AUTHOR: Nadfine Haobsh

GENRE: Chick Lit

RATING: 4 Stars

I have just finished Confessions of a Beauty Addict and this is the perfect chick lit book. It has a little bit of everything - romance, friendship and bright orange hair!

The storyline features Bella Hunter who is a young magazine editor who has it all - she is top dog at her magazine and gets mentioned in page 6 on a regular basis.Yet, right off the bat we are privy to Bella's insecurities. She loves her job and loves where she is in her life - but is petrified that she will lose it all - that somehow it's all a mistake and that fate will figure out the mistake and take it all away from her. This is why we find Bella dying her hair a few hours before she is scheduled to meet and be interviewed by a newswoman who is dying to do a "feature" on Bella and her general wonderfulness.

The first pleasant surprise, for me, in this novel comes when we find Bella dying her own hair - a few hours before she is supposed to meet the newswoman. I wanted to scream "what the heck were you thinking!" especially since her hair does come out a gross looking orange!

On the other hand, the whole episode is really, really funny. Bella ends up wrapping her hair in a weird scarf and tries to pretend to herself and off she goes to one of the most important events of her professinonal life!Having dyed her hair wasn't enough sabotage - she feels a kinship with the newspaperwoman and ends up drinking way too much at their lunch and slipping way too many "trade secrets" that end up being featured in the article.Of course, Bella gets fired - especially since there is someone waiting on the sidelines to take her job. Bella is devastated and ends up having to accept a "lowly" job a Womanly Wear.

The story continues - detailing the ongoing sabotage acts that Bella keeps doing in her new job. Instead of being grateful, she puts down the magazine at every turn, ending up being overheard by the "big cheese". Yet, nobody fires her - she somehow manages to keep her job, even though she badmouths her magazines, coasts through her days, blabs on the phone and basically completely blows a big client presenation.Of course, there is the male lead and he starts off being baffled by Bella and then, even though she basically puts his magazine into the ground (practically) he falls for her.

Yes, you will definitely have to suspend your disbelief here - or as I was thinking "how does one get a job like that?" - and, for the most part, I wanted to slap Bella silly for about 3/4's of the book - still this storyline worked for me.

I loved the whole description of working at two very different magazines that are both geared towards more or less the same subject matter but aimed at different "class" of women. It was fun to read! Bella was not a mean spirited or crual main character as we often see in chick lit - she was just clueless and, of course, I had to wonder how she made it that far in her professional life.

The storyline is cute and works well - the pace is wonderful and the "secret closet" sounds like a blast.This is great chick lit - I want more

REVIEW for Chloe Doe

Thank you, thank you Miriam - you are wonderful!

TITLE: Chloe Doe

AUTHOR: Suzanne Phillips

GENRE: YA

RATING: 4 Stars

Chloe Doe is a very difficult book to read - because it truly portrays and reflects how difficult life can be for some people. As we open this YA novel, we get to hear the voice of Chloe who is now at The Madeleine Parker Institute for Girls. Chloe is 17 years old, but has lived enough heartache and horrors for many lifetimes. On the surface, Chloe appears to be just another girl gone wild, but as she is encouraged to open up, by her therapist, we slowly come to understand many of the reasons behind Chloe's actions.

Why she left her home and how she has come to resent her mother who decided to stand by an abusive stepfather who has been accused of horrible things. In a frank, unflinching voice, Chloe tells us what it is like to be an unwanted person in this world, especially when you are not permitted to rely on the people who are supposed to care for you and make you safe. As Chloe opens up - you feel her emotions - dread, fear, resentment, but most of all you feel her sadness - and although she never says it, I asked myself "why?" how was it that I was lucky enough to be born to a mother who was there for me and she was not?

While this is a novel, this story could be about any number of teenagers who are out there on the street right now.

I loved this YA book and recommend it to everyone. This is a clear voice that needs to be heard.

REVIEW for The Virgin's Tale

A big thank you goes out to Michelle at Simon & Schuster for sending me this book!!!!







TITLE: The Virgin's Tale
AUTHOR: Sherri Smith
GENRE: Fiction
DATE: January 27, 2009
RATING: 4 Stars


I don't normally read this type of book, but I read the first chapter and instantly found myself engrossed in the storyline - much to my delight!

The Virgin's Tale is set in Rome, 63BC and introduces us to Aemilia who is destined to be one of the Vestal Virgins. This means that she will be used as a symbol to the world. For those of you who know me, you know that this Vestal Virgin thing instantly had my back up!!! However, let me tell you that this whole "Virgin/symbol" thing did not sit well with our main character either! Aemilia was not happy with the fate bestowed to her and decides that she is going to create her own fate - which unfortunately will eventually lead her to be sentenced to death - buried alive.

As a woman, quite a few emotions came to the surface as I read this book, which I suspect the author was betting on. This novel is so well written and the main character so wonderful that I found myself reading compulsively to see what Aemilia would do next. However, as Aemilia explores her boundaries and tries to live her own life, on her own terms, her desolation, fear and frustration comes through the page. How horrific to live in a time where her only life would be that of segregation and isolation - all because she was born a female. It seems that every male around her was allowed to control her destiny.

The storytelling is beautiful and the prose is sharp and touching. I felt myself rooting to this strong character and I was impressed with her strength of character and fortitude.

I suggest this book highly - if you want to read about a woman who was not afraid to challenge her destiny.

One of the other interesting things for me, as I read this book, was the information that I learned about this time period. Honestly, I knew next to nothing about Rome within this period and although I hated the overall male dominated era, it was a fascinating read.

REVIEW for The Supper Club

A BIG thank you to author Sophie King - you are great!

TITLE: The Supper Club

AUTHOR: Sophie King

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

RATING: 4 Stars

I installed myself all ready to read a good book and I ended up reading a great book! Our main character Lucy is looking to "do" something a little different and to meet some new people. The solution? she and her friends alternate the responsibility of holding a dinner party at each other's houses. This is actually a creative idea I thought. It can make for some interesting stories to tell - and I was right.

What follows is a hilarious, moving and completely unexpected turn of events - as the dinner parties go on, Lucy's well thought out plan completely unravels and in the course of this unravelling, we find out that in life - even the best plans goes awry!

I particularly loved the scenes with Lucy and her sister - and I thought the scenes where Lucy tries to match up her sister - with, as it turns out, a loser are hopelessly hilarious. The writing is touching and author King brings a down home, comfy feelings to her dinner party descriptions. Its as though you are actually in the kitchen - in the corner listening to everything first hand.

Although this novel touches on some sensitive issues - particularly those of brokenhearts - I ended up with feeling very pleased and very good after reading this novel.

This is written by someone in the UK, so some of the terminology left me scratching my head at times, but so what? It was worth it - I really, really enjoyed this terric book. Now, if only I could have a dinner party with so much action going on at the same time!

REVIEW for Glorious One Pot Meals

Thank you so much to Jessica at Random House for sending me this "food savior book". It is a wonderful book!

Author site: http://www.elizabethyarnell.com/

Publishing house: http://www.randomhouse.com/

Catalogue: http://www.randomhouse.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780767930109

TITLE: Glorious One Pot Meals

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Yarnell

GENRE: Food

RATING: 5 +++++ Stars

I am not a big cook and if it takes longer than 20 minutes from grocery store to the oven, I am no longer interested in making the dish - I also hate, hate washing lots of dishes.

This book is the perfect solution for someone like me. I have had this book for a few weeks now and I managed to make most of the vegetarian recipes and let me tell you - this is a miracle book.

The ingredients are easy to find - and the preparation time is minimal and ALL of it can be done in one pot - period.The recipes are excellent and easy to make - they taste great.

I also appreciated the breakdown of the calories and fat content for each (watch out for some of the fat contents - they can be a little high).The one thing that was missing were the pictures of the meals. I would have liked to see what the finished product looked like. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful, wonderful book.

One suggestion, I did try making these recipes in a regular glass casserole and the recipes actually do taste much better in a dutch oven. The dutch oven is way more expensive, but is worth it You will send up getting all your money back on the savings you will be making eating in instead of out.

REVIEW for 30 Essential Yoga Poses

Thank you, thank you Linda at Rodmell Press for sending me these absolutely beautiful books!!!

TITLE: 30 Essential Yoga Poses

AUTHOR: Judith Lasater, PH.D, P.T.

GENRE: Yoga

RATING: 5 Stars

I am in love with this book! I have discovered yoga about one year ago and I instantly fell in love with the whole concept. Since then, I have discovered some really great yoga books, but I have to say that the Rodmell Press series of yoga books is one of the best I have ever seen.

30 Essential Yoga Poses is another entry into the genre that is absolutely perfect for us yoga students who have some good basic yoga fundamentals, but are still trying to "better" the poses. This book is loaded with descriptions of the 30 essential poses, along with lots and lots of color pictures detailing how to do the poses correctly.

What I also enjoyed (and greatly appreciated) was the fact that for most of the poses, the author also included variations on the pose. This is especially important for anybody who may have stiff body parts and need to get a little more limber before doing the pose "completely" There was also a detailed look at the importance of yoga props and how they fit into the overall picture.

This book is a complete "course" within itself - I have rarely seen a yoga book that explained so well the poses and the correct posture for each.

This is perfect, perfect. I loved it!!!

REVIEW for Ressurection Blues

Thank you very much to AnnickPress for sending me this great book!

TITLE: Resurrection Blues

AUTHOR: Mark Tanner
GENRE: YA

RATING: 4 Stars

Resurrection Blues was a very interesting book to read. I have always wondered about how it feels to be "on the road" in a band. Somehow it seems so romantic and it is for a time for Flynn. At first, he is seduced by the action, the rush of being on stage and of doing "live, paid gigs".

Throughout most of the books, author Tanner does a fine job of walking a fine line between describing the various on the road gigs that Flynn and his bandmates perform and also showing us the more personal, family side of Flynn.

It is obvious, as the book goes on, that the family side seems to be decreasing in importance as the gigs and the music and all that it encompasses start to take over Flynn's life.I liked the fact that the author does not make Flynn out to be either a really good guy or a really bad guy, but rather makes him very human and subject to poor choices and moral issues.

As the book progresses, we find Flynn having to figure out what has become of him and what he wants for his future. There is no clear black and white here - however, there is a moral compass that Flynn seems to be searching for.

The story is compelling, although the first few chapters were a little slow. I liked the descriptions of what life is on the road and the author hardly makes it romantic.

This is a down to earth look at the hard choices that we all have to make at some point in our life.

REVIEW for Nothing in Pink

A big thank you to the author Mark Hardy for sending this book along to me!!!

TITLE: Nothing in Pink

AUTHOR: Mark Hardy

GENRE: YA

RATING: 4 Stars

Nothing in Pink is the story of Vincent, a teenager boy who is trying to come to terms with the fact that he is gay. Although he would love to be able to change that fact, this is a story of coming of age and acknowledging who you REALLY are. Yet, for Vincent and his family, this is in direct conflict with their beliefs in God and the church. Vincent tries very hard to hide his homosexuality from his parents, especially his father - because he knows that they will never accept him and still believe the word of god.

However, Vincent meets another boy and through shared activities such as riding, they become very close. This is a red flag to Vincent's mother - after an incident, Vincent's family finally discovers his "secret".

This book is absolutely wonderful at exploring the relationships between sexuality, family and religion. We may all have our own personal opinions about all of the subjects, but when we are personally confronted with this, things become much more gray and hazy.

It is always easier to pass comment from a distance. This book takes a touching, honest and frank look at how homosexuality affects absolutely everybody involved, in particular the person who discovers their homosexuality.

It is difficult to reconcile all of these many facets and I have to commend author Mark Hardy for doing such a great job of writing this very difficult novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt it was touching and sensitive for all involved. Nothing is quite as black and white as we would like to believe.

REVIEW for Sinner's Guide

BOOKSHIPPER IS PLEASED TO WELCOME PROMO 101 VIRTUAL BLOG TOURS and AUTHOR PHYLLIS SCHIEBER!!!

Phyllis was also kind enough to answer a few questions for us - which you will find listed after the review!!!! and don't forget to enter the contest sponsored by Phyllis.

TITLE: THE SINNER'S GUIDE TO CONFESSION

AUTHOR: PHYLLIS SCHIEBER

GENRE: CONTEMPORARY FICTION

RATING: 4
Stars

Wow! what a concept women who are still best of friends in their mid-50's. I loved this powerfully written book. The story of these three women is deeply touching and inspiring. I am a fan of chick lit, but, of course, most of the time, these novels preent us with perky little 20 something's who struggle through love, romance, sex and jobs.

Well, I am pleased to say that author Schieber has written her own version of a chick lit novel - presenting us with fully developed characters who are now all grown up and in their 50's but are still struggling with the same issues - which I believe shows us that the problems women face today do cross over the generations - its not only about the age.

Schieber deftly shows us that smart women, who, for the most part, seem to have their lives together can still struggle with issues both externally and internally and that what helps them get through it all are the bonds of friendship. I loved the deeply rooted ties that are formed between these women who manage to laugh through the tears and to still find the time to be there for each other.

This novel is written with humour, wit and a deep understanding of the female bonds.

BOOKSHIPPER is happy to interview author Phyllis -

Q)Your story reminds me of chick lit - i.e. instead of the 20 somethings, we get a more matured, seasoned circle of friends - but somehow still presented with the same problems that women in their 20's, 30's and 40's face - do you believe that it is a woman's "bad fortune" to basically deal with the same problems all of her life?

A) A reviewer on Good Reads actually said The Sinner’s Guide to Confession should have been called “The Secret Sex Lives of the Golden Girls.” I can only assume the reader was in her twenties and thinks (as I must have thought at that age) that women no longer think about or desire sex beyond the age of thirty-something. I don’t see myself quite as a “Golden Girl” just yet, but I don’t’ quite see the women in my novel as dealing with issues that necessarily fall into the category of “chick lit” either. The women in Sinner’s certainly have some of the same problems that women have in their 20’s 30’s and 40’s, but these women have far more serious issues to contend with in their late forties and early fifties than the problems that drive “chick lit.” I think that title trivializes the situations in Sinner’s.

I don’t’ think women have “bad fortune’ at all. Nor do I think they encounter the same problems over and over. While relationships certainly shape our lives over and over in the same and different ages, the women in Sinner’s have far different issues to overcome. Barbara’s secret identity, Kaye’s infidelity, and Ellen’s lifelong sadness over the child she was forced to give up for adoption are not examples of “bad fortune,” but they are examples of how hard it is to escape the past.

Q) What made you want to create a book about women this age?
I am a woman of this age!

A) Do you, yourself, have bonds of friendship that are this deep and meaningful?

Of course I do. I don’t know how any woman survives without close woman friends. My friends are my support, my secret keepers, my baseline—they mean everything to me.

Q)Do you believe that men and women can truly be friends?

A)Absolutely. I don’t think the friendship between a man and a woman can ever be the same as one between two women—or two men for that matter—but a man and a woman can be friends. It’s a challenge, and it requires a great deal of compromise, especially on the part of the woman, but it can be done, and it can be fulfilling in its own way.


Q) Where is your favorite writing spot?

A)My office. I don’t like to write anywhere else.

Q)How do you first get inspired to write the first chapter?

A)The first chapter is like a thesis sentence. It’s required to give some structure, but it is more often than not the most likely part of the essay to change. A first chapter is exactly the same idea. Inspiration? If I waited for inspiration, I would never write. I just sit down and write.

Q)Are you writing another book? if so, can you give us a little scoop?

A)I am more than halfway through a new work. It’s very different. Not at all about women. And there is very little sex. It’s about mental illness and how it affects a while family, not just the victim.

Thank you very much for answering these questions

About Sinner’s Guide to Confession:Kaye and Barbara are longtime friends, now in their fifties. Ellen, who is several years younger, develops a friendship with the other two women years later, solidifying this close-knit group. The three women are inseparable, yet each nurtures a secret that she keeps from the others.
About Author Phyllis Schieber:The first great irony of my life was that I was born in a Catholic hospital. My parents, survivors of the Holocaust, had settled in the South Bronx among other new immigrants. .In the mid-fifties, my family moved to Washington Heights. The area offered scenic views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, as well as access to Fort Tryon Park and the mysteries of the Cloisters. Her first novel, Strictly Personal, for young adults, was published by Fawcett-Juniper. The Sinner’s Guide to Confession, was released by Berkley Putnam and in March 2008, Berkley Putnam will issue the first paperback publication of Willing Spirits.
Win A Free Book from Phyllis Schieber – Its very easy to be entered in a drawing for a FREE book by Phyllis Schieber. Post comments on any blogs during the virtual tour and you will have a chance to win a book from Phyllis. One random person will win – but we are also asking visitors to share a secret and one secret will also win a free book. As a bonus the blog owner that hosted the winning comments will also win a book. Share some interesting stories and questions with Phyllis Schieber during her tour – and have a chance to win a book. For full details about Phyllis Schieber’s virtual tour, visit her tour home page - http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/12/sinners-guide-to-confession-by-phyllis.html

REVIEW for The Yoga Mamas

TITLE: The Yoga Mamas

AUTHOR: Katherine Steward

GENRE: Chick Lit

RATING: 4 Stars

I am one of those people who does initially decide on whether I will pick up a book based, in part, by its cover. About 2 years ago, I looked at this book and put it down - I decided NOT to read it because the cover looked awful and too mystical for me - I thought the book was going to be too weird for my taste.

Well, last week, it was on sale at our chain store for $4.99 and I decided to give it another try. Well, I LOVED it. I guess there is a lesson here about judging a book by its cover - The Yoga Mamas is about Susan, Gigi, Laura, Margaret and Isla. They are all pregnant and they all meet at a weekly yoga class. All but Laura are rich, but in a nice change of pace, while this book does talk about wealth quite a lot, the characters are not snobby about it and Laura feels instant kinship with them. As their pregnancies progress so does their friendship. They get into all kinds of whacky situations and as the story develops you get to learn more about each woman's personality as well as their lives and their respective yoga husbands.

There is a little bit of everything in this book - affairs, love and romance, fighting, money being spent and, of course, births - many births. What I also like about this book is that although there are quite a few personalities, this story is mainly told from the point of view of only one of the woman - Laura's.

There is even a neat little twist at the end - making these women not only funny, but amateur sleuths at the same time. The friendships are real, there are not catty friends here and each woman is smart and special in their own right.

Great, great chick lit - despite its horrid cover.

REVIEW for Rebel in Blue Jeans

BOOKSHIPPER welcomes author Beverly Stowe McClure and PUMP UP YOUR BOOK PROMOTION.




TITLE: Rebel in Blue Jeans
AUTHOR: Beverly Stowe McClure
GENRE: YA
RATING: 3 Stars

just finished reading Rebel in Blue Jeans written by Beverly Stowe McClure. This is a YA book that was a fun read. The book opens with us being privy to Rebel's thoughts. I always like this type of writing as I feel it makes me understand the character alot more than if I was simply reading their words. Rebel's mother is leaving - she is leaving Rebel's dad and she is also leaving Rebel - for another man. This is the premise of the book and it immediately grabbed me.

As Rebel struggles through the fact that her mother does not want her - she gets closer and closer to her animals - which act as a source of healing for her - I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of the book - it made the book softer for me.

Although the opening chapter deals with a difficult subject, the book never really gets very explicit at Rebel's life. She does discover romance, but it was quite sanitized - I felt this book was a little innocent and indeed, at times, the dialogue did not fit with the characters - sometimes I felt as though Rebel was much younger than she is supposed to be.

This is a very quick read and I did enjoy it, but, for me, there was something missing which is why I gave it a 3 star rating.

REVIEW for The Great Expectations School

Another big thank you to the wonderful Miriam at Hachette Books.









TITLE: The Great Expectations School
AUTHOR: Dan Brown
GENRE: Memoir
RATING: 4 Stars





For some reason, I like to read memoirs written about school experiences. I have no desire to be a teacher - but I highly admire anyone who is willing to tackle this important and often overlooked profession. Granted, Dan Brown did not necessarily enter the profession in the most direct of routes and certainly did not enter it with a notion that he would change the system, but I think that the sheer fact that he came in through a "back door" actually adds alot of charm to this book.

Brown details in extremely funny and sometimes sad detail his first year as a somewhat overwhelmed teacher in the public school system. He is assigned a class that is to say the least a challenge and from the first page of his narrative, you just know that you are in for a terrific ride.

I felt for him as he describes the situation in which some of these children have grown up and the situations in which they are still in. I really liked the fact that Brown does not judge as he tells us his experiences, but rather tells us with humor and compassion just what it is really like to be a teacher in the US public system.

I admire him for making it through even the first year - I am not sure that I would have been able to make it myself - it does take a certain kind of dedication to do this type of work and still love it and still love the kids and apparently Brown has what it takes.

I also like the fact that as Brown shares his stories, he does not take himself too seriously. This added a definite "fun" element to a book that could have been just another story about the school sytem.

This is a great read and I suggest it for anyone looking for an inspiring, yet funny read.

REVIEW for Yoga Chick

A huge thank you goes out to Miriam at Hachette Books. She is an absolute joy to work with!!!!

TITLE: Yoga Chick
AUTHOR: Bess Gallanis

GENRE: Health/Yoga

RATING: 5 Stars

I have been doing yoga and pilates for almost a year now. I have been fascinating with reading books on the subject of yoga in order to discover more about this art. Yoga Chick, A Hip Guide to Everything OM is absolutely perfect for anyone who is just discovering yoga and has questions.

First off, the cover of this book really impressed me - I love the concept of thinking of myself as a yoga chick and the bright purple just felt inspiring and uplifting. The book starts off with a 101 primer of yoga. It briefly explains its beginnings and segways directly into the basics you will need in order to start doing your poses.

In the Getting Started section, there are descriptions of some of the more basic poses (with a cute little drawing of the actual pose). I also really enjoyed the yoga poses that can be done directly on your bed - first thing in the morning if you are not in the mood to do a full practice at 5:00 am.

There is a brief look at our various chakras - where they are situated and what they represent. There is also a section on meditation and journaling.

Basically, this book really is a wealth of information for anyone who is just starting out. It is encouraging us to take charge of our health and to encompass healthier habits (including eating habits) with a more spiritual journey.

I loved this book - well researched and covers off any and all subjects remotely related to yoga - it is a bible for those just starting out.

REVIEW for The Art of Social War

Thank you Deanna! For being so kind and sending this book along to me for review!!!

TITLE: The Art of Social War

AUTHOR: Jodi Wing

GENRE: Chick Lit

DATE: 2008

RATING: 3 Stars

I am a confirmed chick lit freak! and I have gone on the record as mourning the apparent demise of the genre. I was thrilled when I discovered The Art of Social War, a first novel by author Jodi Wing.

I liked the basic premise of this chick lit - if you can't join them - beat them - but in a subtle, smart way - hence the references to Sun Tzu's The Art of War. I had never really paid much attention to the original Art of War, but after reading this book, it made me interested in discovering more! This is just another example of how the book world can expand everyone's horizons - I mean, a chick lit book got me interested in reading the classic the Art of War!!!!

However, back to our chick lit book. Our main character Stacey has just gotten married and finds herself living in la-la-land that is Hollywood - she also finds herself pitted up against an old movie studio and all that the movie biz entails - things are not going smoothly and after an extremely long period of "poor me, poor me", Stacey decides to fight smart!

I liked this chick lit, but I found that the whole self-pity, trying desperately to fit in went on for too long. I finally cheered when Stacey finally figured it out! I like my chick lit to have strong-willed, smart heroines! I also thought that the story moved at a slow pace at times - which removed some of the fun for me.

On the other hand, the writing was fun and some of the situations were deliciously set up. I don't know if its because I am getting older! but I found the print in my copy of this book to be sooooo tiny -

This was a good read.

REVIEW for Tackling the Taxman

Thank you to ECW Press for sending me this great tax book!!!!

TITLE: Tackling the Taxman

AUTHOR: Alex Doulis

GENRE: Personal Finance

RATING: 3.5 Stars

This is the second book that I have read from author Alex Doulis.I have to say that I admire this guy. He has made a decision to keep as much of his money as possible and he has done alot of research into finding legal ways to keep his money. One of his main focus, in this book, is the taxman - everyone's favorite person to hate!! including me!!!!

This book details various stories and ways of keeping your hard-earned money AWAY from the taxman. It is truly amazing to me, when I look at my pay stub, to see how much money I just feel as though I hand over to the government - its crazy and I feel as though I don't have any choice in the matter.

After reading this book, I have to say that I feel alot more empowered. One of the main issues that I see is that I am just not informed enough of my a) rights and b) the ways (legal) around paying out so much of my money!

I have to admit that I did not understand all of the suggestions made in this book, but there is certainly alot of food for thought in this book. I will be re-reading it again so that I can get a better grasp of the concepts - and as I have said, Doulis certainly stands my his principles (not to mention his $$$$).

REVIEW for 3 Willows

A big thank you goes out to Random House Children - they were kind enough to send me this wonderful book. A new book by author Ann Brashares!!

TITLE: 3 Willows

AUTHOR: Ann Brashares

GENRE: YA

RATING: 4 Stars

For more information: http://www.randomhouse.ca/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385736763&view=excerpt

I loved Brashares previous series and I was looking forward to this book.3 Willows introduces us to 3 new characters - who do live in the same town as our Traveling Pants main characters, who by now have graduated, however, the story is new and these 3 new characters are absolutely likeable and each brings to the story their own unique personalities.

One of the things that I love about Brashares is that she is so good at giving each of her characters their own voice. Although they are all friends, they are also each their own person. In 3 Willows we meet Polly, Jo and Ama. They are just about to enter high school (which is a nice touch since Bridget, Carmen, Lena and Tibby have now graduated) and this is one summer that will change their lives.

Each of the girls will go through some life changing experiences this summer and it is obvious that Brashares has written a coming of age book here. The center theme being how these girls, through family issues, crushes and life lessons continue to believe in their friendship which is cimented by a Willow that was planted.

This book is sweet and touching and the author knows how to tell a story, especially one addressed to young girls who are learning life lessons.

REVIEW for Kisses and Lies

TITLE: Kisses and Lies

AUTHOR: Lauren Henderson

GENRE: YA

RATING: 3 Stars

I have just finished reading Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson. Henderson wrote a pre-quel to this book called Kiss Me Kill Me.

I think I should have read this one before reading Kisses and Lies as I think it would have helped me situate myself more in this book. While some sequels do not necessarily to be read in order, I do not feel this was the case in this one.

Dan is now dead and Scarlett is relieved to discover that she is not responsible for his death, however, she needs to find out who killed him, how exactly and why.Enlisting the help of her sidekick and friend Taylor, the duo basically travel to Europe and other parts of the world to find the killer and the answers.

Through all of her sleuthing, Scarlett manages to find love and romance in the form of Jase, who works at her boarding school.While the writing is quite fun and the characters of Scarlett and Taylor are fun, tough and smart (always a huge plus for me), I found the storyline a bit much to believe. Maybe I should be able to suspend my disbelief, but at times, some of the stunts and situations are just too much for me.

As I said, perhaps some of this would make more sense to me if I had read the first book and this YA is a cute read - but I just did not love it.

REVIEW for Come and Learn With Me

Another big thank you goes out to Fifth House for sending me the newest addition to their series!!!!

TITLE: Come and Learn With Me

AUTHOR: Sheyenne Jumbo & Mindy Willett

GENRE: Children's book

RATING: 4 Stars

I have read a few of the books in this series (The land is Our Storybook series) and I always think the same thing - what beautifully created books. Come and Learn With Me is another great addition to the series.

This one features Sheyenne, she is 9 years old and lives in the Northwest Territories and she gives us a great little look into her world and into her life. The book is full of nice color photos, with Sheyenne explaining her day to day activities. This book is almost like a diary.

I like these books because they always give us a look at places and people that we may not otherwise really know about. These books are also both entertaining AND highly educational, but the education part of the book is well hidden behind the fun part.

Great little book and quite enchanting.

I DON'T NORMALLY DO THIS - but meet Jesse Marchant

MEET JESSE MARCHANT

HI all: As you know, I am an admitted BOOKaholic!!! But, I have to take some precious book blog space here to introduce you to a new artist! His name is Jesse Marchant and he composes, sings and basically is an all around "music god" - which doubly impresses me as I can't even put together a 4 sentence poem.

Jesse is actually the nephew of my Pilates teacher, Heidi (who, by the way, tortures me 3 times a week with a very tough workout) and she has been mentioning him for some months now - we actually do some of our Pilates exercises to two of his songs. Finally, the CD is released (even though we have been hearing his songs for months). The launch of his CD is on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 in Montreal.

I have two absolute favorite songs. One is Fistful of Spears which is NOT on this cd :( but the second song is Red October. It is a haunting, beautiful song - and I have fallen in love with it.

So, if you would like to hear the songs, free of charge (and you don't even have to download them) check out Jesse's website at:

www.jbm-music.com or http://www.myspace.com/jessemarchant.

Better still, buy his CD!

You can even check out some pictures of him!

I think I have a bit of a crush on Jesse! and I am old enough to be his mom (well, not exactly - but close enough - how depressing is THAT?). When did I get too old to crush on a 28 year old? Yuck!

I guess for now, I will have to be happy with being his Pilates Groupie.

Check it out and let me know what you think. I will pass along your comments to his aunt (sorry - auntie Heidi).

REVIEW for Return to Sender

A big thank you goes out to Random House Children and Knopf Delacorte Dell for sending me this YA novel!!!!

TITLE: Return to Sender

AUTHOR: Julia Alvarez

GENRE: Teens

DATE: January 13, 2009

RATING: 3.5 stars

I had never heard of this book and it was, therefore, great to see it in my mailbox. I love YA and this book was an easy, enjoyable read.

The storyline is actually quite topical and since this book is mainly aimed at younger audiences, I think it works very well as both an entertaining read and an informative one.

In the opening chapter, we meet Tyler who is eleven years old. He is very sensitive and has had a difficult time dealing with the fact that his father has had a severe accident which could result in the family losing their farms. Tyler is sent away from the farm to relax and experiences another heartache - his grandfather passes away. While Tyler returns to the farm, he is determined to help his dad as best he can in order to make sure the farm is not lost.

On his return Tyler discovers that his family has hired a family of Mexican migrant workers - who are in the country illegally. This adds to the concerns that young Tyler has for the farm. However, in the midst of all this chaos, there is one bright light in the form of Mari - she is the daughter of one of the Mexican workers and Tyler soon befriends her and discovers that Mari has concerns of her own - chief among them how they will be able to stay in the US illegally.

This book was a very deep and touching read. The storyline details very accurately the struggles that many small farming towns must be facing in this day and age and it was very difficult to read some of the passages - to see a family work so hard for all of their life and now have to live the fact that it could all be taken away from them in one sweeping gesture.

I loved how the author wrote two storylines into one here - combining the struggles of two sets of families - almost putting them side to side for us to see how different these families were and yet, at the same time, were going through equally distressing, difficult times.

I thought this book was well written and very informative, certainly for someone like me who has extremely limited knowledge of both the farming issues and the illegal immigrant issues. Which brings me to the characters.

Both Mari and Tyler were wonderfully engaging characters and I like that they were portrayed as smart and resourceful. However, I also thought that the author burden them a little too much with life's responsibilities at such a young age. I mean, these eleven year olds almost sounded like adults at times and perhaps that was part of the author's plan, but it makes me feel as though I would hesitate to give this to my kids - unless they were older. I would still like to see an 11 year old be able to "escape" in a book without having to read about other 11 year olds struggles.

Also, I think this book may have more "staying" power in the areas that are most concerned with farming and perhaps nearer the Mexican border. As a Montrealer, I cannot say that I have any firsthand experience with either and while I think its important to educate our teens out there on the problems of the world, some target audiences may feel a disconnect with two subjects that are so far removed from their reality. Illegal aliens are not a big deal in Montreal certainly and I would wager to say in Canada as a whole and while farming touches everyone, it is also not the huge issue here that it is in the US.

Overall, this book was a satisfying read, but I would definitely suggest it for teens over the age of 14 or so.

REVIEW for Be Strong and Curvaceous

Another huge thank you to Miriam at Hachette Books!!!

TITLE: Be Strong and Curvaceous

AUTHOR: Shelley Adina

GENRE: YA

RATING: 4 Stars

As always, I am an adult who is always attracted to YA books that send a positive message about life and who you are. I would hate to be a YA today - the pressure to "fit in" to be "like everyone else" is enormous and that is what the subject matter that is tackled by author Shelley Adina in this book Be Strong and Curvaceous. Without even opening the book, the author had me at the title.

However, I was delighted when the storyline confirmed my initial thought - this book brings back main character Carly. She is now at Spencer Academy and finally, some of her dreams seem to be coming through. She is asked to sit on the Design Your Dream Committee, but in order to be one of them, she will have to compromise some of her ideals - will she?

Thrown into this mix is a new roommate who brings some problems of her own. After they start receiving strange emails, Mac and Carly will find themselves having to find out the truth, in more ways than one.

This third book in the series All About Us - gives us everything - action, drama, romance and a message. There is some talk of God in this book and while I would necessarily classify it as Christian Fiction, there is a strong penchant for religion, however, I do not feel as though it is over the top - it does fit in well with the overall storyline.

Nice writing, good story and an important message.

I recommend this book to all YA.

REVIEWS for Last Chance Millionaire AND Missed Fortune 101

Thank you very much Miriam at Hachette books for sending these two books to me!!! You are the best, as always!!!!

TITLE: The Last Chance Millionaire and Missed Fortune 101

AUTHOR: Douglas R. Andrew

GENRE: Personal Finance

RATING: 3 Stars

Last Chance Millionaire and Missed Fortune 101 were interesting reads for me. I am not part of the boomers, but I have certainly started obsessing over my retirement and the wealth I have accumlated. This is a subject that has become more and more important as this economy tanks.

Author Andrew takes a very detailed look at how we can accumulate wealth($$) even if we are starting late or from a position less than ideal. Andrew details and explains at length the influence certain factors have over our savings. These are: Compound Interest, Tax-favored accumulation and positive-safe leverage. Andrew also tackles the more "standard" suggestions that we find commonly in most "how to save" books - such as paying down your mortgage, debt, etc.While some of the ideas in these books were novel and interesting, I did not feel as though these books were written for the average investor/saver. I often felt as though what I was reading was somewhat over my head and these books, at times, felt more like it was written for the business world or at least for the people who work in high finance.

Still, I did manage to get some interesting suggestions and I did feel inspired to re-arrange some of my current investments.

REVIEW for Rock Bottom

Thank you Miriam and Hachette Books!!!

TITLE: Rock Bottom

AUTHOR: Michael Shilling

GENRE: Novel/Fiction

RATING: 2 Stars

I had high hopes for Rock Bottom. I love books detailing the lives of rock bands - I love all the juicy backstage stuff and all the stories of excess and I don't care if its fiction or not. Rock Bottom is a novel about a band called Blood Orphans. Author Shilling doesn't hold back in describing the lives of a rock band on the brink of self-desctruction.

I am sure he had quite a few 'real life' bands to base some of his adventures on. Most of the book is spent detailing the debauchery that the members of this band are living and some of the descriptions are actually both amazing and chocking.

As the band starts to implode, the members are hoping to starve off total destruction by trying to 'reform' which does not really go anywhere. That is the problem with this novel. None of the characters are likeable and I did not feel as though any of them were committed to anything other than their own pleasures. That would have been fine if this book was about that - but unfortunately, the author does not appear to be heading in that direction - he seems to want to give his characters some redeeming factors and it does not work.

Also, although I have no problem with profanity or sex descriptions, I felt as though this book was loaded with these and with very little else. The plotline is thin and the characters are not likeable.

I don't really know where this book was trying to go, but it never got there.

REVIEW for Houston We Have a Problema

Another big - huge thank you to Miriam at Hachette Books



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TITLE: Houston, We Have a Problema
AUTHOR: Gwendolyn Zepeda
GENRE: Chick Lit
DATE: January 2009
RATING: 2 Stars



Okay, this is chick lit, so you know that I AM SO THERE. So, it was with huge enthusiasm that I started Houston We Have a Problema. Unfortunately, this book just did not deliver what I had hoped.

Although it is not horrible by any means, it left me with very little impression after I was done with it. Even now, as I write this review, I keep having to go back to the book for reference - its like I did not retain much of the storyline.

This storyline features all the staples of a chick lit, a somewhat confused main character (Luna), a break up and a new romance and job woes. Except that, for me, none of these meshed together as they should have.

Luna was, frankly, annoying for the most part. She seems completely incapble of making a decision - which is partly what the storyline is based on - but it got to be too much after a bit. Everything else just felt too pat and tried to me.

I don't expect high art when I read chick lit, all I want is to be entertained and, unfortunately, this book did nothing of the kind for me.

REVIEW for Love and Other Natural Disasters

A huge shout-out to Miriam at Hachette for sending along this excellent book!

TITLE: Love and Other Natural Disasters

AUTHOR: Holly Shumas

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

DATE: January 2009

RATING: 4 Stars

Love and Other Natural Disasters is the second novel written by Holly Shumas. I thoroughly enjoyed her first book and was quite happy and excited to read her newest book.

First off, for those who are chick lit fans, unfortunately, this book does not really qualify. Although it is about love and betrayal, it is wayyyyy too serious and introspective to be a chick lit – which I have to say kind of disappointed me a little bit. I was hoping for a bit of a light read and this is NOT what I got.

Having said that, I must say that this really was an excellent read. From the opening chapter where our main character Eve finds herself grateful for her husband, child and soon to be second child – you get the eerie feeling that a bomb is about to explode and change everybody’s life for ever. Indeed, by page two, we discover that her husband, the love of her life, is cheating on her – or more to the point, has been exchanging emails with a woman for the past year – and although they have never ‘consumed’ their relationship, the intimacy of the emails is enough to send Eve over the top.This is actually a very ‘in’ subject right now.

I have read countless articles about this very thing – if your mate is exchanging emails with someone else – is this considered cheating? As far as Eve is considered, she has been betrayed by the man she loves and although she does agree to a reconciliation, it is obvious that the relationship is never quite the same afterwards.

What I like about this novel is the sensitivity used by the author to describe everybody involved. Although we, as a society, like to blame everything on the cheater and believe that the other party has been horribly harmed, life is not often quite that black and white and author Holly Shumas demonstrates that very nicely in her book. I particularly liked the scenes in which Eve reads her husband’s emails to his ‘mistress’. Eve gets to see herself through her husband’s eyes - and obviously does not like what she sees. I would have liked to have seen more of this type of thing in the book – more of these revelations- the insight into Jon’s view of his marriage, his wife and his life – why did he feel the need to hook up with another woman?

This book is touching and real and talks about a very, very delicate and scary subject. However, it is done with grace, love and hope.I highly suggest you read this book – and then go snoop in your mate’s emails – just in case.