LauraLoves Reading List/Blog 2010

[lauraloves]

Serve Cool - Lauren McCrossan

 

 

Synopsis - Jen Summer is all set to qualify as a lawyer, her snazzy hot shot boyfriend, Jack, in tow. But then she blows it by mucking up a deal and her man ditches her. What does she do? She turns to her friend, Maz, barmaid in the Scrap Inn, chat show presenter manque. Maz and Jen carry on life behind the bar, and Jen discovers the regulars are as good and loyal a family as a girl can get. So when the girls hear, inadvertently, that the pub has been put into the hand of developers, they are horrified but take comfort in the free tickets they've been given to a newly launched daytime TV show. Only when they hit the studio do they realise they've been set up: Jen is destined to hit the screen as ' problem girl', alongside the magenta hued 'marriage buster' and the teenage 'child of the devil'. Maz and Jen hit the roof and storm out - all captured on camera, all witnessed by the hunky work experience guy Jen has been making eyes at. And back at the Scrap Inn, it turns out that smarmy Jack is the guy behind the development deal. That's it: there's nothing like the wrath of a Geordie lass when crossed - nor the humour - nor her canny knack for sweet revenge...

From the Author

 

my thoughts - Well, I have to say although I wanted to enjoy this book, I just could get into it. it was a good story, but having read a few 'chick lit' books lately, the plot was a bit samey. I liked the fact it was set in newcastle and I could identify with that as I live in a simular area. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadnt read so much chick lit in the last few weeks.

[lauraloves]

The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

 

 

Synopsis - The Catcher in Rye is the ultimate novel for disaffected youth, but it's relevant to all ages. The story is told by Holden Caulfield, a seventeen- year-old dropout who has just been kicked out of his fourth school. Throughout, Holden dissects the 'phony' aspects of society, and the 'phonies' themselves: the headmaster whose affability depends on the wealth of the parents, his roommate who scores with girls using sickly-sweet affection. Lazy in style, full of slang and swear words, it's a novel whose interest and appeal comes from its observations rather than its plot intrigues (in conventional terms, there is hardly any plot at all). Salinger's style creates an effect of conversation, it is as though Holden is speaking to you personally, as though you too have seen through the pretences of the American Dream and are growing up unable to see the point of living in, or contributing to, the society around you. Written with the clarity of a boy leaving childhood, it deals with society, love, loss, and expectations without ever falling into the clutch of a cliche.

 

My Thoughts - I picked up this book as part of the Rory Gilmore Challenge and I have to say I really was disapointed. I had heard alot about this book and as it is a 'modern classic' I would have thought I would have enjoyed it. Unfortunatly I didnt. Mostly I wanted to slap Holden Caulfield. I was really fed up with him saying 'that nearly killed me', it must be mentioned about fifty times in the book! It was well written and easy to understand however I just felt that the author was rambling about nothing! I wanted to know how he got ill at the end too. In the end I'm glad that I read it, however it is not a book that I would recommend to anyone if they asked about. Whether I will get shouted down for this review or not considering it is meant to be a classic, but I just didnt think it was very good!

[lauraloves]

If You Could See Me Now - Cecelia Ahern

 

 

Synopsis - This book is from the number 1 bestselling author of "PS, I Love You" and "Where Rainbows End" comes a love story with heart - and just a little bit of magic! Everything in Elizabeth Egan's life has its place, from the espresso cups in her gleaming kitchen to the swatches and paint pots of her interior design business. Order and precision keep life under control - and Elizabeth's heart from the pain and hurt she has suffered in the past. The only cloud on the horizon is her sister Saoirse, a red-haired whirlwind always leaving behind pieces, which Elizabeth struggles to pick up - including her six-year-old son Luke. Being a reluctant mother while trying to keep her business on track is a full-time job, one which leaves little room for error - or fun. Until, one day, a stranger unexpectedly comes into their lives. Ivan is carefree, spontaneous and always looking for adventure - everything that Elizabeth is not. In no time at all, he has crept under her skin and started to change her life in ways she could never have . She knows barely anything about Ivan - who he is and whether he is everything he seems. And, if there is a future for their blossoming relationship! Full of Cecelia Ahern's trademark warmth and poignancy, "If You Could See Me Now" is a love story with heart - and just a little bit of magic!

 

My thoughts - when I read the back of this book, I thought it was going to be the usual run of the mill chick lit book. How wrong I was! I loved this book so much, I thought it was very unpredictable and it took me a few chapters to understand what was going on and who the character of Ivan actually was. The book took a topic that concerns many parents and then put the 'parent' in that situation. I have to say I felt a little bit of unease about the subject matter to start with and how it would work, but in my opinion it really did! I have a couple more books by cecelia ahern on my tbr pile and if I see more about I will definitaly buy them! a fantastic fantastic book!

[lauraloves]

Working Wonders - Jenny Colgan

 

 

Synopsis - Laughs, love, office life. And a little touch of magic ! From the bestselling author of LOOKING FOR ANDREW MCCARTHY and AMANDA'S WEDDING. Laughs, love, office life. And a little touch of magic! Gwyneth Morgan loves her job. And she's good at it -- she's never faced a challenge she can't handle -- until she meets Arthur Pendleton and his motley crew. Gwyneth sets Arthur a challenge that makes his heart sink. His team can't even find their own desks, let alone win a prestigious competition. Pitted against his ex-girlfriend, as well as his love rival and deadly enemy, Arthur is forced to break the law and overcome massive obstacles as he embarks on his quest to achieve the impossible -- and maybe, just maybe, win the heart of the enchanting Gwyneth. As Gwyneth learns some surprising revelations about the man she'd once considered just an inept colleague, she's forced to reconsider. Is it possible that Arthur is her knight in shining armour?

 

My thoughts - this was a fantastic fantastic book! to start with, it was written from the male point of veiw, which in my reading is quite unusual for chick lit. it also has the story of king arthur worked in between the pages. it was very funny at times, the ending made me cry and I am so happy that the project came together at the end. It was very easy to pick up and get into, I loved the caracters, the plot was fabulous and I would highly recommend this book to anybody. it was fantastic!

[lauraloves]

Carole Matthews - A Minor Indiscretion

 

 

Synopsis - Happily married with three children, Ali Kingston can't believe that a quick cappuccino in a Covent Garden café will turn her life upside down. But then it isn’t every day that a gorgeous street artist, fifteen years her junior, falls at her feet. When Ali's husband, Ed, finds out that she's spent time with another man, he's sure there's more to it than meets the eye. And what started as a minor indiscretion soon turns into something major...

 

My thoughts - This is the first Carole Matthews book that I have read, having got a couple more on my book shelf. I really really enjoyed it. It is a chick lit story about Ali and Ed Kingston who seem to have a sort of mid life crisis who end up with different people and the impact on different people in their lives, the kids, the in laws etc. The relationship between the brother in law and the sister in law is also fantastic dynamic to the story. it is well written, with humor at certain places and also some serious points too. The ending is really thought provking,

Ali is diagnosed with cancer

 

I loved this book and would highly recommended and I am deffinitly going to read more of her books.

[lauraloves]

Something to Talk About - Sarah Webb

 

 

Synopsis - A delightfully wicked romantic comedy - if you're a 'When Harry Met Sally' fan - you'll love this book! Can men and women ever really be friends? Lucy and Max have been best friends forever. Lucy, a bored beautician with a sad Jamie Oliver obsession, is determined to find kite-maker, Max a girlfriend. Someone who will meet up to her own high standards. In the name of 'True Love' and with the help of Jamle's 'The Naked Chef', Lucy decides to hold a 'Meet Max' dinner to find Max the right woman, in the form of her beautiful friend, Jenny. Food, wine and romance go hand in hand after all. But soon easy-going Max is running scared of man-eater, Jenny. He decides he'd much prefer to be out flying his power kites than falling into the dating pit again. But fate works in mysterious ways.

 

my thoughts - I got into this book really quickly, then the middle was good, and then end part of the book was kind of slow. I did think that the message of the book was predictable, but I suppose it is to me expected with fluffy chick lit. It was an enjoyable read as I was going through it, however it would not be one to leave on the coffee table as some parts were quite sexy. I did want to slap the main character Lucy a little bit, just for being so stubbon!

[lauraloves]

Four Play - Jane Moore

 

 

Synopsis - Four men: Conor, Sean, Martin, Jeff. Four choices: friendship, sex, money, a husband. Jo is trying to run a business, a home and a family when her husband falls in love with someone else. So much so, that he wants to leave his family for his very young, very pretty secretary. But Jo isn't a bad catch herself. Suddenly single again - with the added complication of children in tow - she has four very different men buzzing around her. But does she really need anyone? She could ways just indulge in a little fourplay.

 

My thoughts - This book has truly brought back my reading mojo again! its been wavering a bit, but I have got so hooked in this book! It started off a little bit slowly, and I thought it was going to be the same as lots of other chick lit novels but I was wrong! To start with, it spans a couple of years, not just a couple of months like some other books. also the main character was very belivable, and also the guys in the books were very well written.

I was so happy that Jo ended up with the guy that she did, I was rooting for him from the very begining!

[lauraloves]

My Sisters Keeper - Jodi Picoult

 

 

Synopsis - "A major decision about me is being made, and no one's bothered to ask the one person who most deserves it to speak her opinion."

 

 

 

The only reason Anna was born was to donate her cord blood cells to her older sister. And though Anna is not sick, she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since she was a child. Anna was born for this purpose, her parents tell her, which is why they love her even more. But now that she has reached an age of physical awareness, she can't help but long for control over her own body and respite from the constant flow of her own blood seeping into her sister's veins.

 

 

 

And so she makes a decision that for most would be too difficult to bear, at any time and at any age. She decides to sue her parents for the rights to her own body.

 

My thoughts - this is a book that I wanted to read for a long time however I had heard some mixed reviews about it. I have to say that I loved this book, it made me cry at the end of the book, didnt see the ending coming either. I read this book in just over a day, thats how addictive this book was. I loved how the book didnt sent on just one character, but on several and then they all had their own points of veiw. also how the book jumped about from the past to the present, how it followed the progress of the week. This is a fantastic read and would highly recommend it to anyone.

this is also a book on the Gilmore Challenge.

[Lucybird]

I loved My Sister's Keeper, it was my first Picoult. What did you think of the end?

[lauraloves]

I loved My Sister's Keeper, it was my first Picoult. What did you think of the end?

 

I was so so so shocked! I thought it would be the other way round with the sisters! and I cryed too!

[Lucybird]

I was so so so shocked! I thought it would be the other way round with the sisters! and I cryed too!

 

Oh yes and it seemed like Picoult was trying to get around it a bit.

 

Have you seen the film?

 

 

 

[lauraloves]

Oh yes and it seemed like Picoult was trying to get around it a bit.

 

Have you seen the film?

 

nope I've not seen the film although I do know what happens! When I was reading the book my brothers friend informed me of what happens in the film! I can't say I like the idea much! will have to watch it to see if my suspicions are correct!

[lauraloves]

Out of the Shadows - Susan Lewis

 

 

Synopsis - Since Susannah Cates’s husband was sent to prison three years ago, life has been a constant struggle to provide for herself and their teenage daughter. Nothing ever seems to go right and the most she hopes for now is that nothing more will go wrong. Worried by her mother’s unhappiness, thirteen-year-old Neve decides to take matters into her own hands. And when Susannah’s closest friend Patsy discovers what Neve is up to, she immediately lends her support. As their plans start to unfold they have no way of knowing what kind of fates they are stirring, all they can see is Susannah’s excitement, because at last a way seems to be opening up for her to escape her bad luck.However, the spectre of horror is all the time pacing behind the scenes and never, in all Susannah’s worst nightmares, could she have imagined her happiness causing so much pain to someone she loves...

 

My thoughts - It took a little while for me to get into this book, and I have to say it wasnt the most enjoyable book that I have read. To start with, the tales of mirsery in susannahs life was very predictable. I didnt enjoy the scenes between Frank and Pats, they didnt add anything to the story and could have been cut out, making the book a good 100 pages shorter. On that note, the book would have been better as 300-350 pages, instead of 500. I thought that it was dragged out far too much. Also the ending was far too happily ever after. It was also a difficult read with

Alans abuse of 14 year old Neve. I couldnt read these parts.

 

 

I know of a lot of people that have enjoyed this book but it wasnt for me.

[Weave]

Out of the Shadows - Susan Lewis

 

 

Synopsis - Since Susannah Cates’s husband was sent to prison three years ago, life has been a constant struggle to provide for herself and their teenage daughter. Nothing ever seems to go right and the most she hopes for now is that nothing more will go wrong. Worried by her mother’s unhappiness, thirteen-year-old Neve decides to take matters into her own hands. And when Susannah’s closest friend Patsy discovers what Neve is up to, she immediately lends her support. As their plans start to unfold they have no way of knowing what kind of fates they are stirring, all they can see is Susannah’s excitement, because at last a way seems to be opening up for her to escape her bad luck.However, the spectre of horror is all the time pacing behind the scenes and never, in all Susannah’s worst nightmares, could she have imagined her happiness causing so much pain to someone she loves...

 

My thoughts - It took a little while for me to get into this book, and I have to say it wasnt the most enjoyable book that I have read. To start with, the tales of mirsery in susannahs life was very predictable. I didnt enjoy the scenes between Frank and Pats, they didnt add anything to the story and could have been cut out, making the book a good 100 pages shorter. On that note, the book would have been better as 300-350 pages, instead of 500. I thought that it was dragged out far too much. Also the ending was far too happily ever after. It was also a difficult read with

Alans abuse of 14 year old Neve. I couldnt read these parts.

 

 

I know of a lot of people that have enjoyed this book but it wasnt for me.

 

Interesting review Laura, the beauty of us readers, is we don't all like the same thing and I peeked at your spoiler and that would have upset me too

[lauraloves]

Interesting review Laura, the beauty of us readers, is we don't all like the same thing and I peeked at your spoiler and that would have upset me too

 

Yeah I suppose if we all liked the same books, we would never have anything to talk about!

[lauraloves]

Loose Women - Here Comes the Girls

 

 

Synopsis - It’s that time of year again – the clocks go back, you’ve ditched the bikini diet, lost your other half to the football and it’s blooming freezing...

 

Winter can seem bleak, but the award-winning Loose Women girls are here to help get you through.

 

Packed with brand new exclusive content, this warm, honest and jaw-achingly funny book is a must-have for all Loose Women fans. The nation’s favourite feisty females open up on the trickiest of seasonal dilemmas – including office party disasters, detox vs. retox, surviving heartbreak at Christmas and a stocking full of saucy confessions!

 

Just like a night out with the girls, and brimming with all-new wit, wisdom and hilarious stories, this book is the perfect tonic for those cold winter nights.

 

So grab a warm mug of hot chocolate, snuggle up on the sofa and be reminded of the things that really matter in life...with a little help from the girls!

 

My thoughts - this is one of my favourite tv shows and the second book that I have read. the first book I really enjoyed, but this book not as much. it was still a really good read, but it seemed some of the better topics had already been covered. However I did still enjoy this book and thought it was a good light hearted read.

[lauraloves]

Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

 

 

Synopsis - This story is a rare and utterly engaging experience. It tells the extraordinary story of a geisha -summoning up a quarter century from 1929 to the post-war years of Japan's dramatic history, and opening a window into a half-hidden world of eroticism and enchantment, exploitation and degradation.

 

A young peasant girl is sold as servant and apprentice to a renowned geisha house. She tells her story many years later from the Waldorf Astoria in New York. Her memoirs conjure up the perfection and the ugliness of life behind rice-paper screens, where young girls learn the arts of geisha - dancing and singing, how to wind the kimono, how to walk and pour tea, and how to beguile the most land's powerful men.

 

My thoughts - This book was one that my mum absolutly loved, and I brought this as part of a bundle of books. I'm quite ashamed to say that I would have probably have not read it if I hadnt. It is an absolutly fantastic book! Just the description of how geishas live and what they had to go through, was like it was on another world. I had to keep remembering that this sort of thing actually happened. I had reservations about the language and weather it would be difficult to get into, but I needent have worrried. It was so easy to get into I was reading for two hours without even noticing. I would highly recommend this book to anybody, an absoutly lovely read!

[lauraloves]

Tales of Beedle the Bard - JK Rowling

 

 

Synopsis - You've never heard of The Tales of Beedle the Bard?' said Ron incredulously. 'You're kidding, right?' (From Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) Published by the charity Lumos in association with Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, The Tales of Beedle the Bard is the first new book from J. K. Rowling since the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Tales of Beedle the Bard played a crucial role in assisting Harry, with his friends Ron and Hermione, to finally defeat Lord Voldemort. Fans will be thrilled to have this opportunity to read the tales in full. An exciting addition to the canon of Harry Potter, the tales reveal the wonderful versatility of the author, as she tackles with relish the structure and varying tones of a classic fairy tale. There are five tales: 'The Tale of the Three Brothers', recounted in Deathly Hallows, plus 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune', 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart', 'The Wizard and the Hopping Pot', and 'Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump'. Each has its own magical character and will bring delight, laughter and the thrill of mortal peril. Translated from the original runes by Hermione Granger, the tales are introduced and illustrated by J. K. Rowling. Also included are notes by Professor Albus Dumbledore, which appear by kind permission of the Hogwarts Headmasters' Archive

 

My thoughts - this is a lovely little book, a must read for all Harry Potter fans. I'm not too sure how well this book would read if you were unaware of the harry potter books. They are lovely fairy stories and I could quite imagine reading them to children as a bedtime story. The notes by Albus Dumbledore added a more adult side to the book. I would recommend this book to any Harry Potter fan, it was a lovely little read. It only contained five short stories so I read it very quickly. I would say that this book would be better suited to children, however adults will enjoy it too.

[frankie]

I'm happy to hear you enjoyed Memoirs of a Geisha! I too have worried that it might a difficult book to get into but your review has relieved me of such qualms. Thanks for the review lauraloves

[lauraloves]

Thanks glad you enjoyed reading my 'review' if I can call it that I loved the book that much I'm already thinking of re-reading it!

[frankie]

I loved the book that much I'm already thinking of re-reading it!

 

That's always a sure sign of an amazing read!