One Day by David Nicholls

Title: One Day

Author: David Nicholls

Publisher: Vintage Books 2009

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 437

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre - Contemporary; New Author; Mount TBR; Book to Movie; Book Bingo -- 5 from TBR

How I Got It: I own it

It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.

Another of those I-had-to-buy-it-but-its-been-sitting-on-my-shelf-ever-since books.  I started it thinking "this is an interesting concept, seeing a relationship evolve over the years, but only one day each year."  As I got into the book, I fell in love the characters.  By the end of the books, I was convinced that I am Emma.  I am Emma in all her insecurities, wants, needs, and hopes.  I don't have a Dexter (thank goodness), but I could see myself falling for a Dexter.  I was obsessed with the Harry and Sally-like story of Emma and Dexter's relationship.  It seemed annoyingly complicated, but somehow those complications made the characters and events feel even more real.  Even with these amazing thoughts on the book, the ending utterly destroyed me.  Absolutely.  Still amazing...

Movie:

This movie is just gorgeous and heartbreaking.  I was in love with it from the first scene.  It follows the books but in a great way.  We see all the different years laid out before us.  I loved Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway.  They were the perfect Dex and Em.  I loved seeing them grow through the years.

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Title: The Reader

Author: Bernhard Schlink

Publisher: Vintage 1995

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 218

Rating:  3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Back to the Classics -- 20th Century; New Author; Mount TBR; Eclectic -- Translated; Movie

How I Got It: I own it!

When he falls ill on his way home from school, fifteen-year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. In time she becomes his lover—then she inexplicably disappears. When Michael next sees her, he is a young law student, and she is on trial for a hideous crime. As he watches her refuse to defend her innocence, Michael gradually realizes that Hanna may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.

Hmmm... I heard so many good things about this book, and I'm just not convinced at all. The first part is just awkward.  The pseudo relationship between Michael and Hanna just doesn't convince me at all.  The second part, the trial, gets more interesting.  Questions of morality and ethics invade the writing.  I found the philosophical questions intriguing.  But the third part, after the trial, didn't interest me at all.  I just wasn't that emotionally involved with the book.  It didn't speak to me at all.  That's not to say it isn't a good book.  I'm sure many like it, I just didn't really love it.

Movie version:

Overall, I liked the movie much better than the book.  The movie held true to the book, but added a bit more of Michael in the present day.  We see him reminiscing about the story of Hanna.  Plus, the audience has the good fortune of getting rid of Michael's rambling narration.  Kate Winslet is amazing as Hanna.  I felt for her more than at any time during the book.  WInslet made her more human.  And the actor who played Michael lets us into his head much more than the book.  A very good movie.

Quote Wednesday - Alcott

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. -- Louisa May Alcott

Thank you for the positive reinforcement Ms. Alcott!

Top Ten Tuesday -- Frustrating Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join.  If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

Instead of specific characters, I'm going to focus on types of characters that frustrate me.

1. The Damsel in Distress -- A woman can be strong and vulnerable, but to be completely helpless is just annoying.  I can't stand these girls.

2. The Misunderstood Bad Boy -- Such a stereotype.  Not every bad boy has a heart of gold underneath all that leather.  I just get a bit annoyed when the heroine constantly tries to reform the bad boy.

3. The Virgin to Sex Addict -- I see this happen in a ton of romance novels.  The heroine goes from the naive virgin to overly adventurous sex addict after one encounter.  This isn't to say that many women have a sexual awakening.  I think it's very healthy.  However, I just don't see this happening in every occasion.

4-6. The "Woe is Me" / "My Life Sucks" / "No One Understands Me" Girl -- Can I just say... get over yourself!

7. The Ugly Duckling to Prom Queen Girl -- It's the silly fairy tale.  It gets old after awhile.

8. The Nonexistent Parents -- Why do I constantly see seemingly nonexistent parents in young adult novels?  Where are they?  Why can't we see healthy parent-teenager relationships?

9. The Unrequited Love Next Door -- Girl to boy or boy to girl, it's just a bit silly.

10. The Athlete with a Sensitive Side -- Why does every jock have to be misunderstood with a hidden "geeky" passion?  Every one we meet.

Thomas Paine by Craig Nelson

Title: Thomas Paine

Author: Craig Nelson

Publisher: Penguin Books 2007

Genre: Biography

Pages: 432

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre -- Biography; New Author; TBR Pile; Dusty Bookshelf; 52 Books -- W5

How I Got It: I own it!

Despite his being a founder of both the United States and the French Republic, the creator of the phrase "United States of America," and the author of Common Sense, Thomas Paine is the least well known of America's founding fathers. This edifying biography by Craig Nelson traces Paine's path from his years as a London mechanic, through his emergence as the voice of revolutionary fervor on two continents, to his final days in the throes of dementia. By acquainting us as never before with this complex and combative genius, Nelson rescues a giant from obscurity-and gives us a fascinating work of history.

An extensive bio of one of the lost Founding Fathers.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nelson's account of the life and times of Thomas Paine.  However, I do have a few minor issues.  First of all, this biography is extensive.  I fear that only the most ardent historian can make it to the end of the book.  Second, Nelson delves into the background of the Enlightenment to explain Paine's place in history.  I love the Enlightenment, but spending over 50 pages on events and people before Paine's time is a bit much even for me.  Plus most of that information can be found in the Wikipedia page for the Enlightenment.  Third, at times Nelson rambles.  I found myself spiraling down in topic and discussion.  Even with these few issues, I enjoyed the biography.  It was a fascinating read.

Music Monday -- 101 Faves 90s Edition

As part of my ongoing Day Zero Project, I've made a list of my favorite 101 songs of all time.  To help cut down on the possibilities, I took songs only from my iTunes account.  Each edition will include ~5 songs with a theme.  Enjoy! Songs from the 1990s.  Songs from the time I discovered music on my own.

Oasis "Don't Look Back (in Anger)" -- While Wonderwall is pretty amazing, it was this song that I always played (and still play) on repeat.

The Toadies "Possum Kingdom" -- So dark!  Just like my crazy pseudo-Gothic phase...

Tori Amos "1000 Oceans" -- Amos just has such a beautiful voice.  I can't help by love this song.

Billy Joel "Lullaby" -- I remember getting Joel's River of Dreams album on cassette from my dad.  I loved listening to the entirety, but this song was always my favorite.

Day Zero Project Update: Week 67-71

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

5. Make a playlist of my favorite 101 songs (8/101)

• Damien Rice "Amie"
• Goo Goo Dolls "Iris"
• Orgy "Eva"
• Sarah McLachlan "Adia"
• Barenaked Ladies "Alcohol"
• Cake "Short Skirt Long Jacket"
• Cowboy Mouth "Love of My Life"
• Five Iron Frenzy "Oh Canada"

9. See 101 new movies (100/101)

• Lincoln -- Daniel Day Lewis better get the Oscar for his performance!
• The One -- Jet Li vs. Jet Li being completely badass.  What's not to love?
• The Final Countdown -- 1970s scifi at its best.
• Real Steel -- Good, if a bit melodramatic in a few scenes.
• Nine -- Not the best musical, but definitely evokes a certain time period in history.
• Priest -- Silly action movie...
• The Queen of Versailles -- Documentary showing extravagance.  Very interesting and appalling.
• Friends with Benefits -- Much better than No Strings Attached, but cheesy at times.
• Taken 2 -- Liam Neeson kickin' ass for an hour and a half. Perfection!

20. Reread all of Jane Austen's novels (3/6)

24. Keep a journal for this project

27. Make a list of 101 inspirational quotes (69/101)

28. Blog 1001 times --  99 posts this period  (808/1001)

32. Finish 30 reading challenges (27/30)

• Seasonal Reading Challenge
• Fantasy Reading Challenge

63. Host a homemade pizza party -- We had a great little party with our Indiana friends Tori and Alli.

Overall Progress

26/101

A Winter's Respite Readathon -- Finish Line

Pages read today: 190 (Thomas Paine)

Pages read total: 1135

Time read today: 3 hours 7 minutes

Time read total: 14 hours  47 minutes

Comments: I had very low totals for Friday and Saturday, so no updates. I've been reading a biography of Thomas Paine for the last few days.  It's really good, but very dense.  I should be able to finish it tomorrow.  Overall, I didn't surpass last year's totals, but I am happy about my accomplishments.

My goals:

• Read 5 books √
• Review all books read √
• Read Part IV of Persuasion (online readalong) √
• Read Long Way Gone (January book club selection) √
• Read an average of 2 hours a day √

My TBR pile (I like lots of options):

• Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah
• Persuasion by Jane Austen
• Mansfield Park by Jane Austen (iPad)
• The Wedding Gift by Lucy Kevin (iPad)
• Lost by Gregory Maguire (iPad)
• Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Anderson (iPad)
• Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (iPad)
• Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire (iPad)
• The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
• P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
• Matched by Ally Condie
• Crossed by Ally Condie
• One Day by David Nicholls
• Velveteen by Daniel Marks
• Terror by Night by Ambrose Bierce
• A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock
• Thomas Paine by Craig Nelson (in progress)
• One Day by David Nicholls

Sunday Sunset #3

This week has been ridiculously slow.  I went to the library (movies and returns only).  I visited the coffeehouse.  I helped out a friend with an event.  I applied to tons of jobs.  I just didn't have many set activities at all.  Plus, A Winter's Respite readathon did take up a bit of my time.

Listening To: Random playlists on Spotify and 8tracks.  Love the random sometimes.

Book finished: The Wedding Gift, A Foreign Affair, Persuasion, A Long Way Gone, The Reader

Reading: Thomas Paine by Craig Nelson

On the Nightstand: P.S. I Love You, Mansfield Park, One Day, Fantasy February books

MakingLists: Stampin' Up order for Stamp Club.  I'm aiming for $50 to receive a free item for Sale-a-Bration.  The hard part is paring it down to $50... so many fun objects to buy.

Crafting: Nothing that I created, but I did help out a friend teaching others to make cards.  And I did look at a ton of craft blogs to get some great ideas.

Watching: We finished The West Wing and I'm sad to see it end.  Such a great show.  We plan on watching The Newsroom as soon as we recover from The West Wing.  We've also continued our watching of Star Trek (past halfway of S1 of The Original Series and started S1 of The Next Generation).  I'm a bit disappoint that we haven't finished Stargate Universe, but we have almost a week before January ends.

From Nature: Beautiful 60 degree temps and sunshine.  Perfect conditions to watch outside.

Project: Prepping for Fantasy February and New-to-Me Movie February

Fantasy and New Movies February

I have two month-long challenges to highlight today.  First up the book related one...

From The Book Cellar:

So I first had this idea last year in the summer, way past the only F month of the year, but it still had been rolling around in my head. And this year I really want to make it happen. So basically picture a month solid of fantasy: author interviews, book reviews, book features, giveaways, and anything else I can think of that is solely fantasy.  Fantasy February here I come :)

SO IT IS HAPPENING. February is going to be all fantasy all the time here on The Book Cellar and I am inviting you to join me!

So if you are a reader, come with your thoughts and what fantasy books you love.

If you are a blogger, post your own reviews and link back up so we can all explore the awesome fantasyness all month long.

Love, love, love this idea!  I am totally on board with this idea.  I have a ton of fantasy books just waiting to be read.  Would you like to join?  Hope on over to The Book Cellar to join in the fun.  Now, excuse me while I go and rearrange my TBR pile...

And now to the movie related one...

Back in September of 2011, I decided to watch one movie for each letter of the alphabet.  It was meant to be a month-long challenge, but it ended up bleeding into October.  This year, I don't want to do an A to Z movie challenge.  I decided to do just a New Movie a Day challenge.  I won't be going to the theater everyday.  We have a library, multiple Redboxes, the server, and Netflix all within reach to use.  I am going to watch a new-to-me movie everyday for the month of February.  Each movie will be highlighted with a short review.  Stay tuned...

A Winter's Respite Readathon Day #4

Pages read today: 218 (The Reader) + 102 (The Wedding Gift)

Pages read total: 945

Time read today: 4 hours  26 minutes

Time read total: 11 hours  40 minutes

Comments: Wednesday was a bust.  I got busy reading blogs and doing house things.  I didn't read but 20 pages.  Oh well.  Thursday was much better.  I finished one book (The Reader), but the review is pending until I watch the movie.  I also sped through a romance novella.  Just the ticket after the slightly depressing The Reader.

The Wedding Gift by Lucy Kevin

Title: The Wedding Gift (Four Weddings and a Fiasco #1)

Author: Lucy Kevin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 102

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romance; What's in a Name -- Party/Celebration; Ebook; Book Bingo -- 4 from TBR

How I Got It: Free Amazon Book

After Julie Delgado’s restaurant closes, she temporarily takes over the catering position at the Rose Chalet, a full-service San Francisco wedding venue. She plans to dazzle the bride and groom so the Chalet’s owner will keep her around, but fate has other plans for her when the bride’s brother shows up for the first food tasting.

Andrew Kyle is not only the Cuisine Channel’s Edgy Eats host and chef, but his recent review of Julie’s restaurant was the final nail in its coffin. Once he meets Julie at the Rose Chalet, he’s certain she’s playing it safe. And he wants nothing more than to be the one to break her guarded passions loose.

But despite the undeniable sparks between Julie and Andrew–and the fact that he seems to believe in her when no one else does–can she afford to be taking risks with her cooking, with her career…or with her heart?

A quick little contemporary romance.  In 102 pages, I was sucked into a fun little story with likable and relatable characters.  I loved that the story included food trucks (my favorite find since moving to the coast).  Of course, the story itself was predictable.  But that's what I wanted: a nice fluffy romance for an evening read.  Now that I realized that this is Book 1 of a series, I may just have to get the other four (currently all ~$3.00 on Amazon digital).

Four Weddings and a Fiasco

1. The Wedding Gift
2. The Wedding Dance
3. The Wedding Song
4. The Wedding Dress
5. The Wedding Kiss

T-Ts

I found this wonderful meme idea on Ruby Bastille.  I thought it would be a great way to share my life with my readers.  So here we go with my first Thankful Thursday.

1) An opportunity -- A crafting friend asked me to help her with a team building exercise she was contracted to do.  It was nice to help other with card making.  Interesting morning.

2) Good Things list -- I started listing one positive things per day in my Book of Lists.  It's helping me stay positive.

3) Beautiful sunshine --After the cold and dreary Midwest, the warmer temps and sunshine is really putting me in a better mood.

4) A Winter's Respite Readathon -- Thanks to Michelle @ The True Book Addict for hosting this great winter readathon.

5) Crafting supplies -- Ready to get back to crafting.  Love rediscovering my crafting supplies.

Quote Wednesday - Radmacher-Hershey

Even from a dark night, songs of beauty can be born. -- Maryanne Radmacher-Hershey

As part of my personal goals for 2013, I want to be more positive.  I naturally tend be cynical in most situations.  I like to think of it being realistic.  But after last fall's bout of depression, I need to try and be more positive.  Thinking dark thoughts doesn't help me at all.  If I was doing the yearly word challenge that I see on tons of blogs, I would choose "positive" for 2013.  This above quote reminds me to look for the positive in every situation.

A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock

Title: A Foreign Affair (Liberty Lane #1)

Author: Caro Peacock

Publisher: Avon 2008

Genre: Historical mystery

Pages: 331

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC -- Historical Mystery; Sub-Genre -- Thriller, Historical; New Authors; TBR Pile

How I Got It: I own it!

The year is 1837. Queen Victoria, barely eighteen, has just ascended to the throne of England, and a young woman named Liberty Lane has just had her first taste of true sorrow. Refusing to accept that her gentle, peace-loving father has been killed fighting a duel, she vows to see justice done. . . .

The trail she follows is a twisting and dangerous one, leading the spirited young Englishwoman into an intricate weave of conspiracy. Contacted by secret agents, she is asked to pose as a governess in order to infiltrate cold, rambling Mandeville Hall and spy on its master, Sir Herbert Mandeville, who is at the center of a treasonous plan.

Nothing at the hall is what it seems, and every turn reveals another deceit, another surprise, another peril, leaving Libby to wonder who to trust and embroiling her in a deadly affair that could destroy the young queen and place Libby herself in mortal peril. . . .

I picked this up at the Omaha Public Library sale almost two years ago.   And it's taken me that long to finally pick it up and read it.  And then I realized it was the first in a series.  Oh well.  I still read it and enjoyed it.  The story is well crafted.  I didn't see all the twists and turns coming.  I didn't call the other villan right away.  This kept me entertained through the story.  The characters were fine.  Nothing too exciting, but solid characters.  I'll be on the lookout for the other books in the series, but probably won't be going out of my way.

Liberty Lane

• #1 A Foreign Affair (Death at Dawn)
• #2 A Dangerous Affair (Death of a Dancer)
• #3 A Family Affair (A Corpse in Shining Armour)
• #4 When the Devil Drives
• #5 Keeping Bad Company
• #6 The Path of the Wicked
• #7 Friends in High Places

A Winter's Respite Readathon Day #2

Pages read today: 283 (A Foreign Affair)

Pages read total: 625

Time read today: 2 hours 50 minutes

Time read total: 7 hours  14 minutes

Comments: Good historical mystery for quick reading...

Top Ten Tuesday -- Settings to See More Of

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join.  If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

This was a difficult list to create...  I just can't think of a ton of different settings.  So, I've got just a few, but ones I really want to see.

1. Fantastical Realms -- I love well-constructed fantasy worlds.  The more complex, the better.  I just read The Magician King and I was blown away by the richness we am immersed in.  I want more!

2. Dystopian Worlds -- Dystopias call to me.  There's something about the bleak, but hopeful atmospheres in dystopias.

3. Realistic Cityscapes -- I am a city girl at heart.  I love it when stories are set in real cities.  I love the inclusion of neighborhoods and shops and attractions.  Can I read more set in San Francisco?  Please, please...

4. Space -- Space, the final frontier...  Slightly cheesy, but still super intriguing.

5. Small Towns -- Even though I'm a city girl, I like reading about small town stories.

A Winter's Respite Day #1

Pages read today: 232 (A Long Way Gone) + 62 (Persuasion) + 48 (A Foreign Affair)

Pages read total: 342

Time read today: 2 hours 45 minutes + 1 hour 7 minutes + 32 minutes

Time read total: 4 hours  24 minutes

Comments: Jane, depressing book, and good start!

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This is a reposted review since I was reading Persuasion for a readalong and my own enjoyment.

Title: Persuasion

Author: Jane Austen

Pages: 333

Rating:  5  / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC -- No Copyright (20 points); Jane Austen; Women Authors;  Ebook; Book Bingo -- 3 Rereads

How I Got It: Own It!

Book

Say what you want about Elizabeth Bennett, Anne Elliott has always been my favorite Austen heroine.  Underneath it all, she's the one that keeps the Elliott household running, even in Bath.  She understands who she is and what mistakes she has made in the past.  She knows people and how to deal with them.  I love this story of growing up and realizing your mistakes.  Plus Captain Wentworth is just so dreamy!  Definitely my favorite of all of Austen's novels.

Miniseries :

A few years ago I had a short-lived book club with some of my high schoolers.  We read Persuasion and then I hosted a movie night to enjoy a viewing.  Afterward we went around yelling "Wentworth" all over school.  Good times good times.

As to the actual movie, this is my favorite adaptation.  The casting perfectly fits the characters.  Anthony Stewart Head is imposing as Sir Walter, perfect casting.  Amanda Hale  is a nervous wreck of a Mary.  Rupert Penry-Jones is just dreamy as Captain Wentworth.  And Sally Hawkins has those long looks so perfect for playing Anne.  My absolute favorite scene is the first time that Anne and the Captain meet again.  Their looks convey a huge range of emotions.  In that instance, you know that they still love each other even with the betrayals of the past.  And I love all the scenes in Bath if for nothing more than the architecture in Bath.  Even the deviations from the novel fit with the story and characters. I forgive the filmmakers and still watch it over and over again.

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

Title: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

Author: Ishmael Beah

Publisher: Sarah Crichton Books 2007

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 232

Rating:  3 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC -- Bio, Memoir; Nerdy Nonfiction -- Memoir; New Author; Library Loan; 52 Books in 52 Weeks -- Week 4

How I Got It: Library Loan (Book Club Selection)

This is how wars are fought now: by children, hopped-up on drugs and wielding AK-47s. Children have become soldiers of choice. In the more than fifty conflicts going on worldwide, it is estimated that there are some 300,000 child soldiers. Ishmael Beah used to be one of them.

What is war like through the eyes of a child soldier? How does one become a killer? How does one stop? Child soldiers have been profiled by journalists, and novelists have struggled to imagine their lives. But until now, there has not been a first-person account from someone who came through this hell and survived.

In A Long Way Gone, Beah, now twenty-five years old, tells a riveting story: how at the age of twelve, he fled attacking rebels and wandered a land rendered unrecognizable by violence. By thirteen, he'd been picked up by the government army, and Beah, at heart a gentle boy, found that he was capable of truly terrible acts.

This was January's book club selection.  And I have to say that I did not enjoy it.  The story of child soldiers is powerful, an evil we must combat.  But I just didn't connect at all to the Beah or any of the other people in the memoir.  I just didn't get emotionally wrapped into the story.  I stood on the outskirts seeing the story unfold, but not needing to see more.  I compare reading this story to reading We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch about the Rwandan genocide.  The way Gourevitch's book was constructed drew me into the story and the people's lives.  I felt connected to them.  I felt their fear and joy throughout.  This just didn't hit me the same way.