Read A Book? What?

I set a goal to read 30 books this year. I think I picked 30 as the number since I am 30.

But with 24 down now I am striving for 50 because with winter just around the corner I will just want to curl up on my sofa and read. 

So what have I been reading since I last shared?



The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love legal books. Love Mickey Haller.








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The Reversal by Michael Connelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good yet predictable.







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The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good book that kept me intrigued but at the end felt very formulaic. I'm excited to see something new and different for Mickey Haller in his next book.





View all my reviews A Place of Yes by Bethenny Frankel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this book gives sound, frank advice about love and life. Amazing insights into her life as well.






View all my reviews All She Ever Wanted by Barbara Freethy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very good book. Quick read. Perfect for the pool or beach.






View all my reviews The Choice by Nicholas Sparks


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good book, beautiful love story but I'm afraid it could provide false hope to others in a similar situation.



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Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fabulous book by my favorite author. He can do no wrong in my opinion.






View all my reviews A Bump in the Road: From Happy Hour to Baby Shower by Maureen Lipinski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Decidely honest book about life changes. I love the honesty in the authors voice ans was happy to see that it wasn't all roses.





View all my reviews If You Were Here: A Novel by Jen Lancaster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Easy read in her total Jen Lancaster voice. I enjoy her witty snark.

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Book Review: Diary of a Mad Fat Girl

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Super easy, quick, and I mean QUICK read. It is 125 pages! I basically read it in one night. Its a cute story and would be a good vacation/rainy day read.



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Book Review: Mockingjay

Book #11. Goal for 2011 - 30.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This series from start to finish was excellent. Unlike the Dragon tattoo series that is difficult to start and then takes off this series holds you from the start. I love that the main character has such a different take on herself than that of those that love here. I think that is an accurate depiction of life in general. While the ending is rather expected I was disappointed in what seemed to be a rather malicious killing fo someone close the main character. I am not sure that I found it necessary to the plot. I only hope that movies do the book justice and that my dreams of partaking in the Hunger Games subside.



And yes, I stayed home on a Friday to finish this book.



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Book Review

When you finish 3 books in 5 days it means lots of book posts by me which actually times out well as I debate the future of this little site.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Like the Dragon Tattoo series the second book is even better than the first. Likely because you are already vested in the characters and understand their motivations. Excited to start the third!



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Probably going to have yet another review in a few days as I am about to start the 3rd book in the series!

Book Reviews

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I saw the movie first, literally the day after I purchased the book on my Nook. As usual the book is better than the movie yet there are liberties taken in the movie, plot sequence etc, that I actual preferred.



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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Absolutely loved this book. The characters are engaging, yet I think there could have been more done with Gale. Overall, a great story/triology that has me fully engaged.



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Book Review: Plan B

Plan B by Jonathan Tropper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #7 in 2011.
This is the 3rd book I have read by Jonathan Tropper, the second recommended by one of my favorite, now defunct blog writers. Again, I must say, I LOVE his books.

Sure the plot gets slightly stretched; I mean, really? Kidnapping a major Hollywood star? But I think it is done to show how far you would be willing to go for a friend in need.

I love how each character had their own viewpoint of where their friends were in their life at 30 and how each couldn't see the others silent suffering. Largely due to the fact that I turned 30 this year and my life is not where I thought it would be - I mean I never thought I would be 30, divorced and single with no prospects. But this book reminds that its okay. I will get to where I am supposed to be in due time and I am not alone. I just need to look at the sea of 30 somethings surrounding me and realize that we all have dreams yet to be fulfilled and things we wish we had done differently. It is simply life.



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Book Reviews

Continuing my work towards 30 books in my 30th year...

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm not sure if it's the fact that I am older and hopefully somewhat wiser but in reading this book I was annoyed by the books heroine. Grow up. You are having a child. You must show some maturity at some point. However, I will finish out the series because once I start something I must finish it.



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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved this book. Love may be an understatement. It has a bit of a Notebook vibe to it but the story is as much about his love for her as his passion in animals. I was first interested because of the trailer for the upcoming film starring Reece Witherspoon. I do hope the film does the book justice.



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I would love suggestions on books you have read and enjoyed. Please share!

Book Reviews

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I absolutely loved this book. Its absolutely astounding to remember that just a short time ago segregation existed. Its unfathomable to me. A brilliant must read for anyone.



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The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Excellent book. Hands down best in the series. I only wish there were more to come.



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Holly Would Dream by Karen Quinn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Easy mindless chick lit read. Good for the beach or when you need a filler.



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Some Random Thoughts

Silence broken. By me. I was reminded that it is a two way street.

In other news while traveling to LA for work this week I had time to kill between a meeting and a dinner I had to attend. I went to see No Strings Attached. While the ending is a total cliche I couldn't help but love this line:

That is a terrible self destructive plan and we are behind you 100%.

As I have talked about ad nauseum 99% of the time I am content being alone. Then there are times that I hate it. For instance, waking up alone on Christmas? Not fun. The prospect of waking up alone on my 30th? I could do without. But I read this article and was reminded once again why being single is great.

I do not need anyone in my life to complete me. I make my life whole.
The LA trip also meant that I finished my first book of 2011. Since I am turning 30 this year I am setting a goal to read 30 books.

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Excellent book. Much more engaging than the first in the series. I am excited to read the third.




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Book Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo & Cum Laude

For those of you with entirely too much time on your hands; you will know that The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is the 25th book I have read this year. Both an item on the 29 Before 30 list and a 2010 goal. You will also know that Cum Laude is just me being me...an overachiever and surpassing the goal.


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars




For the first third of the book I was wondering what all the rage was about. I couldn't figure out why this was so special; then it was as though the candle had been lit. The book moved at a glorious pace and I was totally engrossed in the storyline. Then it ended and I didn't like the end but it made me remember...that's life, not a storybook.






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Cum Laude by Cecily von Ziegesar


My rating: 2 of 5 stars




I'm not entirely sure how this ended up on my "to read" list but it has...And well, it was okay. It's more of a teen book and my 16 year old self would have loved it. My 29 year old self just kept thinking of the things I could have/should have/would have done if only I were to go back to college again.






Its a skip.






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Book Review: This Is Where I Leave You

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


There are not enough fabulous things to say about this book or the author who, coincidentally and unbeknownst to me when I'm Gonna Break Your Heart recommended it, wrote one of my favorite books - The Book of Joe.

The story is elegant in how it's told and yet so real. I know this family, I relate to them. I can see myself. It makes me set aside my own issues and remember that you need to see through the facade others project to ever get to know someone.

Everyone has issues. But our issues make us who we are.

This is by far the best book I have read in a long time.

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Book Review: Secrets to Happiness

Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Decent book but at no point did I feel like I had to keep reading. It was there, I was available, but unless I had nothing else to do it wasn't being picked up.



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Oh the Books I Have Read

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold


My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This book started out so strong and then just drug on and on. I'm not sure why it was made into a movie. I only finished it out of sheer determination and boredom on a plane.




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Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A little slow to get into and the author is always going to live in the shadow of Devil but...very much a cautionary tale of careful what you wish for.




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I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Excellent book. It's a fabulous read and a must for any 20 or 30 something whose trying to get a handle on their personal finances.




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Sliding Into Home by Kendra Wilkinson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Very in-depth look into the life of Kendra and an easy yet entertaining read. Nice to see someone turn their life around.




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Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Decent read. I struggled to get into it at first but once I was 80 pages in I finished if quite easily.



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More Books

Fly Away Home: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I liked this book but overall its probably the book I have liked the least written by this author. The ending left me underwhelmed. I felt cheated. There was so much left to say. All the story built, I was invested and in the end...disappointed.

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How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale by Jenna Jameson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I think I liked this book so much because no matter how crazy or out of hand I feel like my life has become...I can read this and be reminded how ridiculously wholesome it really is.

The amount of drug abuse, self doubt, family turmoil and just flat out bizarre antics that make up the life of Jenna Jameson, largely before age 21, is nothing short of extraordinary.

I was hooked on the book from the start similar to the addiction that gripped Jenna for a large segment of her life.

Proceed with caution, the book is graphic and filled with pictures. Not recommended for plane reading!

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Book Review: Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I started off hating this book. Hating it. Barely being able to turn the page.

Then something shifted and I couldn't stop reading. Identifying with all of the characters. Willing the story to move faster so that I could find out the resolution.

I don't know if I understand the ending or if its just that it didn't work out that way for me. But this passage stood out the most in the book. To the point I read it several times.

"His point, I think, is that even good guys cans cheat...But it only happens if they're in the wrong relationship - and only for the right person. And because you and Nick have a great relationship, you really have nothing to worry about."

Dex nods and says, "It might sound like an excuse...a justification. But I think it happens to people. But not if they're happy. Not if their relationship is where it should be."

That is truth. The truth is that however spineless and horrendous my husbands actions were...had things of been great, they wouldn't have happened. The problem wasn't just that he couldn't keep it in his pants; its that, as I now realize, we weren't meant to be.

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Gone But Not Forgotten

A myriad of excuses is the only explanation I can explain for my recent absence from the blogosphere. But really, I hate excuses.

Yes, life got busy, it got hectic. But, um. It does that for everyone. The fact that it did it for me...not special. Or acceptable.

We make time in our lives for the things that matter.

This blog matters.

I promise.

I sometimes forget that people read this thing. I don't understand why anyone would find it remotely interesting. Then last night a friend remarked that I hadn't updated. And I remembered. Sometimes people do read it.

So in my absence I have been busy. I have been to two more concerts. Mr. Ted Nugent and Lady Gaga. I am not sure which provided more entertainment from a people watching perspective, albeit for different reasons, but both were worth the money spent on admission.

I have unpacked, organized, purged, acquired and still find myself being anything but settled. But one thing I can promise. Working from home...rocks. Love it.

My new employer. Amazing. I am going to love the job.

Challenging? Yes.

Hard to explain? Definitely.

Flexible, empowering and dynamic? For sure.

I've crossed two more items off the list.

I ran my 3rd 5k. Well, run being an operative term. My sisters asthma wasn't feeling it in the humidity so I stayed with her and we walked our fair share. So why am I now considering a half Marathon in Vegas?

And that pesky #11. The one thing on the list I thought would never get crossed off. Yeah, I crossed that one off too.

I also read a few more books... reviews below.

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Totally cheesy but a great easy chic lit read. Especially for Hills fans. If you are like me you spend the majority of the book trying to figure out who is which real life person and what storyline/tabloid article is being alluded to.

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Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I am not sure there are many authors out there more talented than Jen Lancaster. She is purely hilarious. She writes in a way that I can only aspire to.

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The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I wanted to hate this book. I wanted to hate it because Perez Hilton says Miley Cyrus is annoying and for whatever reason...I believe him. I wanted to hate the book because Disney asked Nicholas Sparks to write the screenplay/book as a starring vehicle for Miley.

But I loved it. I read the book in 2 days and once I have a free moment I am tracking down the DVD and watching it. Even with the girl I am supposed to hate as the lead character.

Wait, why is it that I hate her?

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Book Review: Best Friends Forever

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read this book based on a comment Everyday Adventures of Me left regarding a prior book review. She was right. It was a great book. I loved it. I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to keep reading. They should make it into a movie. I only wish that Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson hadn't already starred together.

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Book Review: Spin

Spin: A Novel by Robert Rave


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
It should be a relief to read a book with a male lead who is as awkward and unsure of himself and his abilities with the opposite sex as the typical female character. But it just wasn't. It frustrated me. I wanted him to know what he wanted, what he stood for. To not be that guy.

But he was.

And I was annoyed.

It wasn't annoying exactly. Just disappointing. I don't think any girl wants to think that the guy in her life is a neurotic as she is.

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Book Review: The Botox Diaries

The Botox Diaries: A Novel by Lynn Edelman Schnurnberger


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this book! I read it probably 4 hours. Perfect summer/beach read. I love that the story shows that woman, not only men can experience a mid life crisis.

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Book Review: Certain Girls

Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Its an excellent follow-up to Good In Bed and takes you to the heroines life after she has it all; a hit book, marriage to the man of her dreams and the daughter she never knew she wanted but always needed. Great summer read. I recommend!

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