Sunday Post (49) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

The week went by in a blur. I have been busy at work trying to get ready for our revamped summer reading program for adults (we are also revamping the teen and children's programs too) and still don't have everything figured out. At home I have been trying to plan a vacation I'll hopefully be taking this fall with my parents. Last spring I went to Williamsburg, Virginia on a girls trip with a friend and I'd like to go back and see more of the historical sites. We didn't buy tickets for Colonial Williamsburg so that is something I want to do this year if possible.

This week I have my book discussion groups on Tuesday. I finished the book we're reading for the afternoon group but I have just started our book for evening book group. I'll be spending a significant part of the day trying to finish. On Friday I am going to visit my sister for the weekend. I'll be attending a cancer fundraiser that she co-chairs on Saturday. There is a lot of food to sample and a silent auction. 

#FitReaders Weekly Check In

#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About

I did a lot better with my steps this week and I also found out that I lost a few pounds which was a nice surprise. Hopefully I will keep it off!

Sunday--3,038 steps
Monday--10,671 steps
Tuesday--14,802 steps
Wednesday--11,387 steps
Thursday--10,840 steps
Friday--12,359 steps
Saturday--12,119 steps

Last week on my blog:

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse (review)

Books read:

Emma by Jane Austen (reread)

I mostly enjoyed listening to this audio book. It has been years since I last read Emma. My thoughts this time were that Emma was pretty immature and could be annoying but I just couldn't hate her. Mr. Knightley deserved better and he seemed too good to be true in a way. I suppose that is why Jane Austen gave him that tongue in cheek name (George Knightley).

Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

I liked this book though I was a little disappointed that Juliana wasn't very involved in the espionage. I think I was expecting something more like A School for Unusual Girls. 

A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner

I'm still not sure how I feel about this novel. Part of it were pretty tough to read but I did feel a little emotionally manipulated by the story (similar to Nicholas Sparks novels). I'm curious about how the others in my book group will feel.

Currently reading:

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

I just started this but I already don't like Anya. I'm not sure about Meredith either. I've heard this is almost as good as The Nightingale and some say it is just as good. I hope so! We'll see how it goes. Perhaps Anya's story will change my mind about her.

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (reread)

I'm getting closer to the end of my reread. Frodo, Sam and Gollum are arriving at the Stairs of Cirith Ungol. Run, Frodo, run for your life!

Currently listening to:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (reread)

I'm having fun listening to the audio books again. I do feel sorry for Harry in this book and hate it when the Hufflepuffs and others think he is the Heir of Slytherin. I want to smack that pompous Ernie Macmillan!

On my TBR pile:

The Skylighter by Becky Wallace

I definitely hope to read this soon. It was published in March so I want to move it up my TBR pile.

Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

I think a beach read sounds perfect for this time of year. I can't wait for summer!

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

I just got the ARC for Britt-Marie Was Here which is a companion novel that will be published next month so I want to read this first.

New books:

Charlotte Cuts it Out by K.A. Barson (library book)

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson (for review)

Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave (for review)

Wanderlost by Jen Malone (for review)

Summer Days and Summer Nights by Stephanie Perkins et al. (for review)

Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman (for review)

Review:Girl in the Blue Coat

The Girl in the Blue Coat

By Monica Hesse

Published: April 5, 2016

Amsterdam, 1943. Hanneke spends her days procuring and delivering sought-after black market goods to paying customers, her nights hiding the true nature of her work from her concerned parents, and every waking moment mourning her boyfriend, who was killed on the Dutch front lines when the Germans invaded. She likes to think of her illegal work as a small act of rebellion.

On a routine delivery, a client asks Hanneke for help. Expecting to hear that Mrs. Janssen wants meat or kerosene, Hanneke is shocked by the older woman's frantic plea to find a person--a Jewish teenager Mrs. Janssen had been hiding, who has vanished without a trace from a secret room. Hanneke initially wants nothing to do with such dangerous work, but is ultimately drawn into a web of mysteries and stunning revelations that lead her into the heart of the resistance, open her eyes to the horrors of the Nazi war machine, and compel her to take desperate action.

Beautifully written, intricately plotted, and meticulously researched, Girl in the Blue Coat is an extraordinary, gripping novel from a bright new voice.

My review:

What I know of The Netherlands and the Nazi Occupation during WWII is due to the memoirs of Anne Frank and Corrie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place). Unlike Anne and Corrie, Hanneke is not Jewish or hiding Jews in her home. She is instead surviving by procuring black market goods for her clients. Hanneke is also grieving the death of her boyfriend Bas who was killed during the Nazi invasion. Initially I wasn't sure I'd like Hanneke as she comes across as this cold character but Hanneke begins to change as she helps Mrs. Janssen look for Miriam and as she gets unwittingly involved with the resistance. At times I found Hanneke's naivete and stubbornness to be frustrating but she was acting from a good place and I liked seeing her character grow and develop maturity.

The story was suspenseful and there was intrigue over the missing Miriam and how she escaped hiding and where she might have gone. I also liked all the little details that added to the setting and really made it move vivid and gave the novel a sense of place. I liked learning about various Dutch foods like stroopwafels which I found at my local Wal-mart and enjoyed while reading the book. I find this time period fascinating and I liked learning about the Dutch resistance movement and what life was like in Holland at this time.

I thought this book was fantastic and a page turner that also affected me emotionally. I think readers who liked Anne Blankman's Prisoner of Night and Fog or Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein would like this book (and it is more accessible for readers who struggled with Code Name Verity). I would suggest it to fans of historical fiction and those who want to know more about this time period.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Sunday Post (48) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

This week we finally return to spring :) I have been enjoying the warmer weather and a visit to my family this past weekend. I didn't get much reading done but this coming weekend I am hoping to participate in Dewey's 24-HR readathon (though I definitely will not be reading for 24 hours!).

The edible book festival went really well. Below are some of the pictures. My favorite is "To Grill a Mockingbird" which won Best in Show, Best Pun/Funniest, Most Creative Use of Ingredients and People's Choice. One of the ladies in my book group made the grill out of cake. The wheels are Oreo cookies and she used candy for the coals. My entry is the middle one. The Twinkie cars turned out nicely and didn't take me that long to make. I won Best Library Staff Entry and Best Visual Presentation.

#FitReaders Weekly Check In

#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About

I knew I wouldn't get my steps in this past week due to my trip to see my parents and other morning commitments but I did have a few good days. Tuesday was very busy at work with the edible book festival and my Star Wars movie night going on at the same time. I'm not surprised I did so well on steps that day!

Sunday--1,317 steps
Monday--4,224 steps
Tuesday--15,776 steps
Wednesday--11,479 steps
Thursday--10,554 steps
Friday--6,854 steps
Saturday--5,548 steps

Last week on my blog:

A Window Opens by Elisabeth Egan (review)

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld (review)

Books read:

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

While it did have a slow start I thought this book was fantastic and I think readers who like WWI historical fiction and the English village setting would appreciate it. I was also reminded a little of the TV shows Downton Abbey and Home Fires.

Currently reading:

Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

I should be finishing this soon as I only have a few chapters left to go. I am enjoying it.

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (reread)

Frodo and Sam have parted company with Faramir and are making their way to Cirith Ungol. I'd forgotten about the parts in Ithilien and how pleasant that area was in spite of its proximity to Mordor.

Currently listening to:

Emma by Jane Austen (reread)

I'm almost done listening to this with only three hours left. I should finish later today on my trip back home. I think Emma is my least favorite of Austen's heroines but she does mean well most of the time. 

On my TBR pile:

Summer of Sloane by Erin L. Schneider

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

This is my evening book group's selection for April. We loved The Nightingale and I've heard Winter Garden is excellent too.

New books received:

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (library book)

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead (library book)

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum (library book)

The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith (library book)

When We Collided by Emery Lord (library book)

Be Frank With Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson (library book)

Review: Eligible

Eligible

By Curtis Sittenfeld

Published: April 19, 2016

From the “wickedly entertaining” (USA Today) Curtis Sittenfeld, New York Times bestselling author of Prep and American Wife, comes a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Equal parts homage to Jane Austen and bold literary experiment, Eligible is a brilliant, playful, and delicious saga for the twenty-first century.
 
This version of the Bennet family—and Mr. Darcy—is one that you have and haven’t met before: Liz is a magazine writer in her late thirties who, like her yoga instructor older sister, Jane, lives in New York City. When their father has a health scare, they return to their childhood home in Cincinnati to help—and discover that the sprawling Tudor they grew up in is crumbling and the family is in disarray.
 
Youngest sisters Kitty and Lydia are too busy with their CrossFit workouts and Paleo diets to get jobs. Mary, the middle sister, is earning her third online master’s degree and barely leaves her room, except for those mysterious Tuesday-night outings she won’t discuss. And Mrs. Bennet has one thing on her mind: how to marry off her daughters, especially as Jane’s fortieth birthday fast approaches.
 
Enter Chip Bingley, a handsome new-in-town doctor who recently appeared on the juggernaut reality TV dating show Eligible. At a Fourth of July barbecue, Chip takes an immediate interest in Jane, but Chip’s friend neurosurgeon Fitzwilliam Darcy reveals himself to Liz to be much less charming. . . . 
 
And yet, first impressions can be deceiving.
 
Wonderfully tender and hilariously funny, Eligible both honors and updates Austen’s beloved tale. Tackling gender, class, courtship, and family, Sittenfeld reaffirms herself as one of the most dazzling authors writing today.

My review:

I have been a devoted fan of Jane Austen since my teen years and Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite novels. I also enjoy reading books based on her novels though some are definitely better than others. Eligible appealed to me because I liked the idea of a modern day Pride and Prejudice and was curious to see how Sittenfeld would adapt the story. In some ways I was pleased but in others I was very disappointed.

Eligible is set in Cincinnati, Ohio, the home of the Bennets' once glorious Tudor home that has fallen into disrepair. The main character Liz and her sister Jane are home from New York in the wake of their dad's heart attack where they now shoulder the burden of taking care of him and everyone else. Liz's younger sisters Kitty and Lydia are unemployed and spoiled fitness fanatics with coarse manners. Mrs. Bennet is a shopaholic socialite and Mary is a dull intellectual who continually racks up degrees without getting a job. Mr. Bennet like the original character is bad with finances and not concerned at all with all the problems around him. 

The part of the novel that disappointed me most was the romance between Liz and Darcy. I felt like it was poorly developed and lacked the spark and sizzle of the hero and heroine's relationship in Pride and Prejudice. Jane and Chip's romance had some issues and felt a little rushed but I suppose that echoes the original in a way. I also struggled to relate to Liz and didn't like her as much as I'd hoped compared to Elizabeth Bennet.

What I did like was the way the story was updated with some contemporary twists, including some that I definitely didn't expect. The novel is entertaining as it pokes fun at reality TV dating shows and the foibles of the Bennet clan. I think readers who like the original novel but don't mind the idea of a modern take on the story might enjoy Eligible while purists and Austen devotees should probably consider skipping it or perhaps check it out from the library. 

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Waiting on Wednesday (179)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week, I'm waiting on:

Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine

Release date: July 5, 2016

In Ink and Bone, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine introduced a world where knowledge is power, and power corrupts absolutely. Now, she continues the story of those who dare to defy the Great Library—and rewrite history... 
 
With an iron fist, The Great Library controls the knowledge of the world, ruthlessly stamping out all rebellion, forbidding the personal ownership of books in the name of the greater good.
 
Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. His best friend is lost, and Morgan, the girl he loves, is locked away in the Iron Tower and doomed to a life apart.
 
Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.
 
But Jess’s home isn't safe anymore. The Welsh army is coming, London is burning, and soon, Jess must choose between his friends, his family, or the Library willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in the search for ultimate control...

I loved Ink and Bone. It was one of my favorite books of 2015 so I can't wait to get my hands on this sequel!

Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen by Alison Weir

Release date: May 31, 2016

Bestselling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir takes on what no fiction writer has done before: creating a dramatic six-book series in which each novel covers one of King Henry VIII’s wives. In this captivating opening volume, Weir brings to life the tumultuous tale of Katherine of Aragon, Henry’s first, devoted, and “true” queen.
 
A princess of Spain, Catalina is only sixteen years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage—and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner.
 
Katherine’s patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine’s maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.

I loved Alison Weir's Tudor nonfiction/biographies so I have high hopes for this series of novels.

Review: A Window Opens

A Window Opens

By Elisabeth Egan

Published: August 25, 2015

From the books editor at Glamour magazine comes a heartfelt and painfully funny debut about what happens when a wife and mother of three leaps at the chance to fulfill her professional destiny—only to learn every opportunity comes at a price.

In A Window Opens, beloved books editor at Glamour magazine Elisabeth Egan brings us Alice Pearse, a compulsively honest, longing-to-have-it-all, sandwich generation heroine for our social-media-obsessed, lean in (or opt out) age. Like her fictional forebears Kate Reddy and Bridget Jones, Alice plays many roles (which she never refers to as “wearing many hats” and wishes you wouldn’t, either). She is a mostly-happily married mother of three, an attentive daughter, an ambivalent dog-owner, a part-time editor, a loyal neighbor and a Zen commuter. She is not: a cook, a craftswoman, a decorator, an active PTA member, a natural caretaker or the breadwinner. But when her husband makes a radical career change, Alice is ready to lean in—and she knows exactly how lucky she is to land a job at Scroll, a hip young start-up which promises to be the future of reading, with its chain of chic literary lounges and dedication to beloved classics. The Holy Grail of working mothers―an intellectually satisfying job and a happy personal life―seems suddenly within reach.

Despite the disapproval of her best friend, who owns the local bookstore, Alice is proud of her new “balancing act” (which is more like a three-ring circus) until her dad gets sick, her marriage flounders, her babysitter gets fed up, her kids start to grow up and her work takes an unexpected turn. Readers will cheer as Alice realizes the question is not whether it’s possible to have it all, but what does she―Alice Pearse―really want?

My review:

As someone who is not a wife or mom I wondered if I would be able to connect with Alice Pearse but to my surprise I did. I could relate to her love of books and her family and I thought she was a caring person. I liked her sense of humor too. 

A Window Opens is not completely the lighthearted book I expected as it also has some sorrow and asks some harder questions about what is important in life and how to balance work and family. I also liked the comparisons to Amazon and how technology has changed our reading habits. Scroll is an interesting concept and also a sad one. Scroll is supposed to be an Amazon like box store and the parent company is like a combination of Amazon and Walmart so I could understand why Alice's best friend was worried about the fate of her bookstore. As the book went on I was reminded a little of The Devil Wear's Prada because of how demanding Alice's job was. 

In addition to the challenges of a new job, Alice's husband is also struggling after losing his job and taking over primary care of their kids while Alice works. At times he annoyed me because he kind of landed himself in that situation and made things worse. Alice may have been working longer hours and been attached to her phone at home because of work demands but he is the reason she left the part time job she loved in the first place. 

I loved Alice's father. He is an awesome dad and grandfather and it is clear that Alice gets her love of books from him. He can no longer speak due to throat cancer but he can definitely make his opinions heard. His text messages cracked me up and I really enjoyed the relationship between Alice and her dad.

A Window Opens is a book I really enjoyed and I could see it being made into a movie. I liked the insight into the book industry as well as the story of a modern family trying to get through some struggles. I also liked the humor that helped balance the darker moments. While the book's description references Bridget Jones, I think readers who like Liane Moriarty would like this book as it is reminiscent of her writing style. This is Elisabeth Egan's debut novel and I would definitely check out what she writes next.

I received an e-ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Sunday Post (47) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

I had a busy week at work with book group and getting ready for Tuesday's Edible Book Festival. Thanks to my very kindhearted book group members I have some more entries for the festival. We now have 6 patron entries and 7 staff entries which is a lot better than the two patron entries I thought we'd have. Next week I hope to have some pictures of the edible books to share.

Yesterday was interesting with a snow storm that caused the library to delay opening till noon. I am so sick of snow! I was kind of taken by surprise that we had a level one snow emergency in April. I really wish it had happened on a different weekend but I was really lucky and the main roads were not that bad. Most of it had already melted by the time I returned home. We were super busy at the library too. I think people were relieved that the roads were cleared off and they came out in droves.

Tuesday is going to be a crazy day. I am working 10-8 because I have a supervisor's meeting in the morning and then the Edible Book Festival and Star Wars movie night in the evening. Friday we have our Bigfoot program. A lot of people in my area believe in Bigfoot. We have had 2 or 3 Bigfoot programs in the past that always filled up and this one already has 75 attendees (registration is limited to 100). If only I could get those people to come to some of my other programs!

#FitReaders Weekly Check In

#FitReaders is hosted by Felicia at The Geeky Blogger and Jen at That's What I'm Talking About

I did better with my steps than I thought I would but this week I will not be able to do as much. I think it would be good to take a break from exercising and I know when I visit my parents this weekend I won't be able to get my steps in. I will also try to eat healthier this week. 

Sunday--4,820 steps
Monday--10,671 steps
Tuesday--5,332 steps
Wednesday--10,573 steps
Thursday--12,053 steps
Friday--10,334 steps
Saturday--12,192 steps

Last week on my blog:

Somewhere Out There by Amy Hatvany (review)

Books read:

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse

I thought this book was fantastic. I couldn't put it down because I had to know what would happen to Hanneke, Mirjam and the other characters. There were parts that were definitely nail biting as well as heartbreaking. 

Side note: I love how the author included little details like popular snacks that Hanneke liked. One of them which I'd never heard of before was stroopwafels, which are a thin wafer like sandwich cookie with a caramel filling. You set it on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea and it gets all melty before you eat it. I was happy to find some at Walmart so I enjoyed that while I read.

Currently reading:

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

This is a slower paced book but I am enjoying it. It takes a little longer to warm up to the characters than her other novel, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, which I loved. The first part of the book establishes the characters and the village setting but now the war (WWI) has started and things should get interesting. 

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (reread)

I made more progress this week. Sam and Frodo are now in Ithilien and have just met Faramir. 

Currently listening to:

Emma by Jane Austen (reread)

Although Emma is not my favorite of Jane Austen's novels, I am delighted by this audio book. I have seen a lot of glowing reviews for Juliet Stevenson's narration of the various Jane Austen audio books and I can see why she is so popular! I also find more appreciation for this novel now as I reread it. There are all sorts of things I didn't catch before or didn't remember.

On my TBR pile:

Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey

New books received:

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston (library book)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (library book)

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan (library book)

The Marriage Pact by M.J. Pullen (library book)

Regrets Only by M.J. Pullen (library book)

The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom (library book)