Chaliepud's 2012 Reading Log

[chaliepud]

Amazon vouchers go off if you don't use them soon enough. They go all green and mushy, likes squished peas, so it's best you spent them.

 

Ahh that's good to know Chrissy.. I HATE mushy peas..

[chaliepud]

Awesome choice!

 

I'm looking forward to it BB, though with some trepidation as I usually avoid dog books, in fact any animal books as I just cannot handle the sad bits, especially now I have geriatric doggies myself!

[chaliepud]

Okay, I had lunch with a close friend today and we made Lent pact, I'm not at all religious but my friend is but we agreed that if she can avoid chocolate, sweets and crisps for 40 days then I can definitely manage not to buy any more books for the same length of time.... I'm thinking of getting a Kindle for my birthday in May so I definitely need to start trying to clear some of my tree books...

 

On another level I had a very sad day today.. all due to an appointment at the opticians! I did the pre-tests then walked in to see the optometrist, her first words were "so, Hayley, you're at that age....." hmmm, I hit 40 last year, so now I need reading glasses To be fair, I had noticed that my arms were getting a little shorter, and I have been rejecting books with small print, so I suppose the time had to come. I thought choosing glasses would be hard, but I just went for the ones that made me look the most intelligent!

[Sofia]

I hear chocolate is good for the eyes

Edited February 29, 2012 by Sofia

[chaliepud]

I hear chocolate is good for the eyes

 

I just looked that up as I thought you may be joking!! It says dark chocolate which is fine by me as I don't really like milk or white choc... I now need to find out what kettle chips are good for!!

[bobblybear]

I'm looking forward to it BB, though with some trepidation as I usually avoid dog books, in fact any animal books as I just cannot handle the sad bits, especially now I have geriatric doggies myself!

 

I know the feeling, as I have a geriatric dog myself, but the way the story is written, and what goes through the dogs mind, does help in a way. It's very, very different to what I thought, and even though it's fiction, I sometime like to think that my dog will be thinking the same way. That probably makes no sense at all, but I don't want to give anything about the book away.

[Sofia]

I just looked that up as I thought you may be joking!! It says dark chocolate which is fine by me as I don't really like milk or white choc... I now need to find out what kettle chips are good for!!

 

kettle chips dipped in the chocolate

[ian]

kettle chips dipped in the chocolate

 

Saw a programme last week - it said crisps generally had good levels of Potassium. That's all the encouragement I need!

[Ruth]

4. Me Before You - Jojo Moyes

 

Amazon synopsis -

 

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

 

This book gets 214/250 five star reviews on Amazon, the rest are mainly 4 star. I bought it on the strength of the reviews, half expecting it to be just another chick lit. I was so so wrong, this was a fabulous read, Lou is a magnificent character, she is sweet, insecure and funny, independent, caring and full of life.. I don't want to give away any of the story but she ends up spending a lot of time with Will, trying to inject some of her lust for life into him, in sometimes funny, sometimes sad ways. Me Before you will make you laugh, cry and just feel so many emotions, I'm so glad I gave it a chance.

 

4.5/5

 

Ooh - I love the sound of this one. Onto the wishlist it goes (it's my reading group at the library tomorrow, so will put my name down for it, if it's already out). Great review

 

Oh dear....... so much for that last statement..........

 

My daughter wanted to buy a new hoodie and needed to make some cash, so sold me her Amazon vouchers she got for her birthday earlier this month, I managed not to spend them last night and managed to resist until 9am this morning, then I crumbled!!!

 

I nearly ordered...

 

http://www.amazon.co...d=25KY2FPSQ007V

 

... but although it's on my wish list I find it difficult to buy non fiction when there is so much good fiction out there for me to read!

 

So instead, I ordered

 

4 Michael Morpurgo books for same daughter as I feel bad that she is putting designer hoodies over books (grrrr peer pressure) and I know she'll still love the books and she is a BIG Morpurgo fan..

 

and for me -

 

That day in September - Artie Van Why

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein (so many good recommendations on here)

Mortal Chaos - Matt Dickinson (recommended I think by Michelle yesterday, both my son and I should like this)

 

I'll go and hide now........

 

It doesn't count as falling off the wagon if you use vouchers. Honest. I mean, what else are you going to do with them?

 

I'm looking forward to it BB, though with some trepidation as I usually avoid dog books, in fact any animal books as I just cannot handle the sad bits, especially now I have geriatric doggies myself!

 

I feel the same way about animal books, and always approach them somewhat cautiously. If it helps though, I did love this one. Adored it in fact

[chaliepud]

I know the feeling, as I have a geriatric dog myself, but the way the story is written, and what goes through the dogs mind, does help in a way. It's very, very different to what I thought, and even though it's fiction, I sometime like to think that my dog will be thinking the same way. That probably makes no sense at all, but I don't want to give anything about the book away.

 

Thanks BB, I'm definitely looking forward to it now, Amazon says it's despatching soon! I'm never happy until the books are safely in my clutches!

 

I feel the same way about animal books, and always approach them somewhat cautiously. If it helps though, I did love this one. Adored it in fact

 

Thanks Ruth, I'll get to it soon!

[chaliepud]

kettle chips dipped in the chocolate

 

Saw a programme last week - it said crisps generally had good levels of Potassium. That's all the encouragement I need!

 

Well, I'm feeling happier already, I just need to make pop some camembert into the mix and I'll be a happy Hayley!!! Oh, no I shouldn't have let myself think that, now I fancy the camembert sitting in my fridge, I can ignore it, I can ignore it......

 

Ooh - I love the sound of this one. Onto the wishlist it goes (it's my reading group at the library tomorrow, so will put my name down for it, if it's already out). Great review

 

It was simply fantastic Ruth, I hope you enjoy it!!! Let me know!

[chaliepud]

I really should do some proper reviews, but although I'm keen to get my February books reviewed before March marches in I'm tired and need my bed, so here's some quick thoughts!

 

6. Miss Peregrine's House for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs - 4.5/5

This was a wonderful book, the only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because it took a little while to get going, but once it did it was beautiful, the descriptions were so vivid, and the children had such original characters, and they were so old fashioned and sweet! The story was original yet simple and I would definitely recommend it to any reader that likes something just a little different.

 

7. The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Carrie Ryan - 3/5

This wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be, the character's weren't as strong as they could have been and I wasn't convinced by the love triangle.. It was an enjoyable enough read but I won't be rushing to read the next in the series..

 

8. All Quiet on the Western Front - Erich Maria Remarque 4/5

This was great, giving a German perspective to events in the trenches in WWI, I was surprised to read how similar their experiences were to the allies, in fact, I often forgot I was reading a German book. The truth is that it was a living hell for everyone involved.

 

9. A Land of Decoration - Grace McCleen - 4.5/5

Another lovely book, it's been a good month. This was an absorbing read, gentle yet powerful. Judith is a 10 year old being brought up within strict religious boundaries. A sweet girl confused with all that is going on around her, her mother dying at her birth, her father seemingly keeping his distance, being bullied at school for being different, yet holding on to her faith until that begins to consume her too..

 

10. Therapy - Sebastian Fitzek - 4/5

 

Another good book!!! Very smoothly written yet with lots of twists and turns, I had a rough idea how it was going to get but even that ended up even more twisted!!

 

I was hoping to finish I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak before the end of the month, but life has taken over the last few days; never mind I'll get it finished soon enough... then is the hard challenge... to decide what to read next!!!

Edited March 1, 2012 by chaliepud

[chaliepud]

11. I Am The Messenger - Markus Zusak

 

Amazon synopsis -

 

protect the diamonds

survive the clubs

dig deep through the spades

feel the hearts

 

Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.

That's when the first ace arrives in the mail.

That's when Ed becomes the messenger.

Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who's behind Ed's mission?

A 2005 Michael L. Printz Honor Book and recipient of five starred reviews, I Am the Messenger is a cryptic journey filled with laughter, fists, and love.

 

I was expecting a book in some way similar to The Book Thief when I bought this but I couldn't have been more wrong. It's still very good though, just very quirky! Not a problem, I like quirky! I'm not quite sure who the book is aimed at to be honest, but fans of quirk can be sure of a good read. I loved Ed, he starts off (as he admits) as a no hoper with a dull life but as the cards arrive he starts to discover his purpose in life ....

 

4/5

[chaliepud]

12. The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

 

Amazon synopsis -

 

 

A heart-warming and inspirational tale in which Enzo, a loyal family dog, tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart, and what he did to bring them back together.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realizes that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the race track, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life.

Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability, and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be.

 

What a great book! Big thanks to frankie and Bobblybear for recommending it. It was fascinating reading the story from Enzo's point of view, he was a great character and he did the most amazing things to look after and protect his family and had a wonderful understanding of what they needed and how that could be achieved. There were some hilariously funny moments and some dreadfully sad ones too, but they were sensitively written and I was able to read them without falling apart completely. I found it a little hard to read as I have elderly dogs and I know that 'moment' will be with us all too soon but Enzo actually helped me realise that it is something that we shouldn't feel bad about and that we do it because we love them as members of our extended family. Being a dog owner the book made me look at my dogs in a new light, definitely with more humour and understanding and probably a little more sensitively too. The only downside of the book for me were the references to motor racing, except when they involved Enzo of course!

 

4.5/5

[chaliepud]

13. A Certain Slant of Light - Laura Whitcomb

 

Amazon synopsis -

 

In the class of the high school English teacher she has been haunting, Helen feels them: for the first time in 130 years, human eyes are looking at her. They belong to a boy, a boy who has not seemed remarkable until now. And Helen—terrified, but intrigued—is drawn to him. The fact that he is in a body and she is not presents this unlikely couple with their first challenge. But as the lovers struggle to find a way to be together, they begin to discover the secrets of their former lives and of the young people they come to possess.

 

An extraordinary book, not strictly a ghost story, it was more about how Helen coped with her status as a ghost and the different forms it took, and also a love story, and about coming to terms with and accepting your past so you are able to move on. It was one of those books that I am so pleased I have finally read, thank you again to the recommendations on here!

 

4.25/5

[chaliepud]

Marshmallows for Breakfast - Dorothy Koomson

 

Amazon synopsis -

 

When Kendra Tamale returns to England from Australia she rents a room from Kyle, a divorced father of two, and begins a new job. She's looking forward to a fresh start and simple life. Kyle's five-year-old twins, Summer and Jaxon, have other ideas and quickly adopt Kendra as their new mother - mainly because she lets them eat marshmallows for breakfast. Kendra eventually becomes a part of their lives, even though she's hiding a painful secret that makes her keep everyone - especially children - at arm's length. Then Kendra bumps into the man who shares her awful secret, and things fall apart: she can't sleep, she can't eat, she's suspended from work, and the kids are taken away by their mother. The only way to fix things is to confess to the terrible mistake she made all those years ago. But that's something she swore never to do . . .

 

Not the best Koomson I have read, that would be The Ice Cream Girls or My Best Friend's Girl, it was a nice easy read which I needed to give my mojo a bit of a rest but it failed to engage me fully.. The story wasn't very believable, the reader was led to believe that Kendra had a terrible secret and that she had done something awful in her past (I had imagined all sorts of things!) but it was a bit of a damp squib when it actually happened. In fact the whole story was a bit far fetched but it was an easy read and it did give my mojo a bit of a break and it can't have been too bad as I am now reading another of her books, The Woman He Loved Before, which has much better reviews and will continue (hopefully) to help my mojo chill out a bit.

 

3.5/5

[bobblybear]

Great reviews, Chaliepud. So glad you enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain. I loved the little bits of philosophy from Enzo's point of view, and his little insights into human behaviour. It's an interesting take on a dogs point of view of

passing away, and that it was something that Enzo was looking forward to so he could become a man. I think it makes it easier in a way, when we have to let our beloved best friends go.

[Ruth]

I'm SO glad you enjoyed The Art of Racing in the Rain. Sometimes you read a book that just stays with you, and that was definitely just such a book for me. I also loved the way Enzo saw things. He was such an amazing character - it's just a lovely lovely book.

[karen.d]

12. The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

 

Amazon synopsis -

 

 

A heart-warming and inspirational tale in which Enzo, a loyal family dog, tells the story of his human family, how they nearly fell apart, and what he did to bring them back together.

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: he thinks and feels in nearly human ways. He has educated himself by watching extensive television, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo realizes that racing is a metaphor: that by applying the techniques a driver would apply on the race track, one can successfully navigate the ordeals and travails one encounters in life.

Enzo relates the story of his human family, sharing their tragedies and triumphs. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations as a dog, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family.

The Art of Racing in the Rain is a testament to a man's life, given by his dog. But it is also a testament to the dog, himself. Though Enzo cannot speak, he understands everything that happens around him as he bears witness to his master's problems. His enforced muteness only refines his listening ability, and allows him to understand many of life's nuances that are lost on most humans. With humour, sharp observation, and a courageous heart, Enzo guides the reader to the bittersweet yet ultimately satisfying conclusion: there are no limitations to what we can achieve, if we truly know where we want to be.

 

What a great book! Big thanks to frankie and Bobblybear for recommending it. It was fascinating reading the story from Enzo's point of view, he was a great character and he did the most amazing things to look after and protect his family and had a wonderful understanding of what they needed and how that could be achieved. There were some hilariously funny moments and some dreadfully sad ones too, but they were sensitively written and I was able to read them without falling apart completely. I found it a little hard to read as I have elderly dogs and I know that 'moment' will be with us all too soon but Enzo actually helped me realise that it is something that we shouldn't feel bad about and that we do it because we love them as members of our extended family. Being a dog owner the book made me look at my dogs in a new light, definitely with more humour and understanding and probably a little more sensitively too. The only downside of the book for me were the references to motor racing, except when they involved Enzo of course!

 

4.5/5

 

Great review!I have just ordered this novel, as it looks like the kind of book I would enjoy.

[chaliepud]

Thank you, I am so happy that I read it and I have added a number of other 'doggy' books to my wish list on the strength ot it, I hope they live up to Enzo!

 

Great review!I have just ordered this novel, as it looks like the kind of book I would enjoy.

 

I'm sure you'll love it Karen, do let us know when you've read it..

[lauraloves]

I liked Marshmallows for Breakfast too, but did think it was a little odd in the plot sense. I have The Ice Cream Girls on my TBR pile so I'm glad you liked that one

[chaliepud]

I liked Marshmallows for Breakfast too, but did think it was a little odd in the plot sense. I have The Ice Cream Girls on my TBR pile so I'm glad you liked that one

 

The Ice Cream Girls was the first of hers I read, and it's definitely more edgy than the others, so far at least..

[frankie]

I'm trying to get back on track and read all the new posts on people's reading logs, and as I was going through your log to see which was the last post I've actually read, I stumbled into this post:

 

[...] the cat brought in a mouse which then Obi swallowed whole, then promptly threw it up again.... still alive [...]

 

It still makes me laugh

 

My daughter wanted to buy a new hoodie and needed to make some cash, so sold me her Amazon vouchers she got for her birthday earlier this month, I managed not to spend them last night and managed to resist until 9am this morning, then I crumbled!!!

 

Oh you are hilarious, chalie I remember when I was in high school, I loved wearing hoodies. I still do, although they are a bit inconvenient when one has to go outside. 'Where shall I place the hood now... I'm no delinquent so will not wear it on top of head... there's no room under the coat... so will have to have it on top of coat... but looks silly... oh man, getting dressed is a task!'

 

 

I nearly ordered...

 

http://www.amazon.co...d=25KY2FPSQ007V

 

... but although it's on my wish list I find it difficult to buy non fiction when there is so much good fiction out there for me to read!

 

Apparently you don't need the book because you have willpower

 

So instead, I ordered

 

4 Michael Morpurgo books for same daughter as I feel bad that she is putting designer hoodies over books (grrrr peer pressure) and I know she'll still love the books and she is a BIG Morpurgo fan..

 

Aww, that's so sweet, you are the coolest Mum

 

Amazon vouchers go off if you don't use them soon enough. They go all green and mushy, likes squished peas, so it's best you spent them.

 

Chrissy's right, you know. One just never gets to see that first hand because one never leaves one's Amazon vouchers to lie around the place, gathering dust...

 

11. I Am The Messenger - Markus Zusak

 

I was expecting a book in some way similar to The Book Thief when I bought this but I couldn't have been more wrong. It's still very good though, just very quirky! Not a problem, I like quirky! I'm not quite sure who the book is aimed at to be honest, but fans of quirk can be sure of a good read. I loved Ed, he starts off (as he admits) as a no hoper with a dull life but as the cards arrive he starts to discover his purpose in life ....

 

Great review! I have a copy of the book but haven't gotten round to reading it for some reason. I got it after reading The Book Thief (surprise, surprise), but I also got it particularly because there's a dog

 

12. The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein

 

What a great book! Big thanks to frankie and Bobblybear for recommending it. It was fascinating reading the story from Enzo's point of view, he was a great character and he did the most amazing things to look after and protect his family and had a wonderful understanding of what they needed and how that could be achieved. There were some hilariously funny moments and some dreadfully sad ones too, but they were sensitively written and I was able to read them without falling apart completely. I found it a little hard to read as I have elderly dogs and I know that 'moment' will be with us all too soon but Enzo actually helped me realise that it is something that we shouldn't feel bad about and that we do it because we love them as members of our extended family. Being a dog owner the book made me look at my dogs in a new light, definitely with more humour and understanding and probably a little more sensitively too. The only downside of the book for me were the references to motor racing, except when they involved Enzo of course!

 

I'm sooo happy you enjoyd the novel! And it's amazingly philosophical. Think how much we can learn from our canine friends. (Well, of course this was written by a fellow homo sapiens, but I do believe we can learn from our real life canine friends).

[Michelle]

frankie, I agree so much on the hoodies - they're so complex to wear when you're older!

Hayley, how old's your daughter? I'm so jealous she likes to read - my 13 yo can't be bothered!

[chaliepud]

I'm trying to get back on track and read all the new posts on people's reading logs, and as I was going through your log to see which was the last post I've actually read, I stumbled into this post:

 

 

 

It still makes me laugh

 

He is a monster frankie, he is so lucky he is cute and cuddly with us or he'd spend a lot of time sleeping in the shed!!

 

Aww, that's so sweet, you are the coolest Mum

 

Thank you..

 

Great review! I have a copy of the book but haven't gotten round to reading it for some reason. I got it after reading The Book Thief (surprise, surprise), but I also got it particularly because there's a dog

 

The Doorman is a great doggie character and I just loved Ed, move it up that list frankie!!! In fact put it right after Human Traces..

 

I'm sooo happy you enjoyd the novel! And it's amazingly philosophical. Think how much we can learn from our canine friends. (Well, of course this was written by a fellow homo sapiens, but I do believe we can learn from our real life canine friends).

 

Absolutely we can learn from them, in fact I often see approval or reprimand in my dogs eyes, but only disapproval in the cat's eyes!

 

I'm not sure what happened with all those quotes but it's all in there somewhere!!

Edited April 22, 2012 by chaliepud