REVIEW - Muslim Women Reformers by Ida Lichter

Title: Muslim Women Reformers: Inspiring Voices Against Oppression

Author: Ida Lichter

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "In this inspiring compilation of stories from around the world, the voices of these long-oppressed women ring loud and clear as they demand the social and political rights women lack in many Muslim countries."

Thoughts: If ever I needed a reminder of how lucky I am to be living in the United States, Muslim Women Reformers was that reminder. The stories of the struggles of Muslim women in countries throughout the globe are heartbreaking yet inspiring. Facing ostracism, torture and even death, these women are not afraid to stand up for their rights, to challenge the status quo and do everything to make their voices heard. It is up to the rest of us to help them in their fight.

Broken up by country, Ms. Lichter presents vignettes of the battle women in that country face. Some countries are more tolerant, more progressive than others, but all of the women featured experience hardships the likes of which most women in western countries can only imagine. The portrayals of each woman is in the form of a short biography and cover activists, politicians, correspondents, writers and others.

Told matter-of-factly, Ms. Lichter showcases the fact that most westerners do not understand just what it means to be a Muslim woman in a Muslim country. Their oppression is most decidedly not religious in nature but from men who are distorting a religion for their own power struggles. If anything, this true understanding of the battle is one that remains most important lesson to share with others.

Because of the nature of some of the stories, Muslim Women Reformers is best read in short bursts, allowing the reader time to absorb the information first. I made the mistake of reading the book quickly, and at times, it became too much - too much pain, too much danger, too many unhappy endings. I wish I had read it more slowly, if anything to avoid the sense of repetition I felt. So many of the women face such similar oppression, that often it felt I was reading the same biography over again. I do not feel this was the fault of Ms. Lichter but rather indicative of the pervasiveness of the overall problem.

Muslim Women Reformers is one that should become part of the canon for women's studies. One glance at the table of contents gives one a clear picture of how many women are fighting for equal rights in a majority of the countries around the globe. If we are to help our sisters in their fight, the first step is understanding what they face. In her comprehensive presentation of  Muslim Women Reformers, Ms. Lichter does just that.

Thank you to Lisa Roe from Online Publicist for my review copy!

The Sunday Salon - January 30, 2011

Yay for weekends! With all of the excitement over last weekend's football games, Jim and I are definitely enjoying the calm before the storm. That's right, folks. We are a divided house. Jim is a die-hard Steelers fan, and I bleed green and gold. (I even had a retainer that was green and gold. Disgusting but true.) The smack talk hasn't been too bad this week, but as we get closer to the big game, I know it is going to get worse.

I bit the bullet and signed up on Tumblr. You can find me under "whatsheread". Now, someone please help me figure out what to do with it?!?

Did you sign up for my Bloggiversary Giveaway? It is still open until Tuesday.

Thanks to last week's Bloggiesta, I've been able to stay on top of reviews and am even scheduled through the middle of February. Blogging is so much more fun when there is no pressure to write a post the day before it is scheduled to go live! I've been able to finish some amazing, and not-so-amazing books this week. These include A Geography of Secrets by Frederick Reuss, The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann, Y by Bonnie Rozanski, and Beneath the Sands of Egypt by Donald Ryan. Three e-books, one audio and one hard copy in all. Look for those reviews later in February!

This week, I kept busy with reviews of The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa, American Uprising by Daniel Rasmussen, and The Death Instinct by Jed Rubenfeld. I also shared more weight loss celebrations. I tried to get Connor to update his Connor's Corner, but alas, it turns out that he has a massive math project, for which he was given eight weeks to finish and as of last Monday still had not completed the first part of the seven-part project. He has been buys catching up and avoiding parental wrath since then.

Speaking of wrath, to avoid that myself, I need to get some bills paid, laundry cleaned, and groceries purchased. I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday. Happy reading!

The TLC Book Tour presents The Death Instinct by Jed Rubenfeld

Title: The Death Instinct

Author: Jed Rubenfeld

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "Under a clear blue September sky, America's financial center in lower Manhattan became the site of the largest, deadliest terrorist attack in the nation's history. It was September 16, 1920. Four hundred people were killed or injured. The country was appalled by the magnitude and savagery of the incomprehensible attack, which remains unsolved to this day.

The bomb that devastated Wall Street in 1920 explodes in the opening pages of The Death Instinct, Jed Rubenfeld's provocative and mesmerizing new novel. War veteran Dr. Stratham Younger and his friend Captain James Littlemore of the New York Police Department are caught on Wall Street on the fateful day of the blast. With them is the beautiful Colette Rousseau, a French radiochemist whom Younger meets while fighting in the world war. A series of inexplicable attacks on Rousseau, a secret buried in her past, and a mysterious trail of evidence lead Young, Littlemore, and Rousseau on a thrilling international and psychological journey-from Paris to Prague, from the Vienna home of Dr. Sigmund Freud to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., and ultimately to the hidden depths of our most savage instincts. As the seemingly disjointed pieces of what Younger and Littlemore learn come together, the two uncover the shocking truth behind the bombing."

Thoughts: The Death Instinct is really a tale of two stories. One is the historical backdrop, the real historical figures and events that feature prominently into the action. The other is the fictional aspect of the story. Unfortunately, this dichotomy does not blend well at all. A reader can discern the factual versus the fictional pieces quite easily. This is due in large part because the factual portion is easier to read and flows quite naturally, whereas the fiction portions labor to be quirky, suspenseful and interesting but in reality bog down the overall story.

The characters themselves are one-dimensional and cliched. There is no substance or emotion behind any of the characters' actions, and the reader is left to question each character's motivating factors. While Mr. Rubenfeld tried to place his characters into historical events, the connections he draws between the fictional and real people are tenuous at best, requiring too much of a stretch of a reader's imagination to be truly plausible. In addition, the dialogue leaves something to be desired. It reads like a transcript of a stereotypical 1920s gangster film. This forcing together of all of the various elements creates a novel that is disjointed and clunky.

The Death Instinct truly shines when it focuses on the history of the New York bombing. Mr. Rubenfeld's research is apparent in his meticulous attention to detail, from the sounds on the streets to the headgear worn by the police. Life in the early 1920s leaps off the page in a way that is simply entrancing. Compared to his care and attention to history, his fictional characters are flat and insipid. The reader becomes easily distracted and finds it difficult to maintain interest in the story. The Death Instinct is enjoyable but not a novel that will ever be called a "page-turner," which is unfortunate because it is a topic that has such great potential.

Don't take my word for it! For more thoughts on The Death Instinct, please check out the following tour stops!

• Monday, January 10th: The Lost Entwife
• Wednesday, January 12th: Rundpinne
• Thursday, January 13th: Lesa’s Book Critiques
• Monday, January 17th: We Be Reading
• Tuesday, January 18th: Mockingbird Hill Cottage
• Wednesday, January 19th: Scraps of Life
• Thursday, January 20th: Wordsmithonia
• Monday, January 24th: Rough Edges
• Tuesday, January 25th: Boarding in My Forties
• Wednesday, January 26th: Jen’s Book Thoughts
• Tuesday, February 1st: My Reading Room
• Wednesday, February 2nd: A Few More Pages
• Thursday, February 3rd: Helen’s Book Blog
• Monday, February 7th: Life In Review
• Wednesday, February 9th: Man of La Book
• Thursday, February 10th: A Bookworm’s World

Motivate Me - 2011 Update 4

I'm down to 157.8 lbs! Can I just scream how much I LOVE this program?!? I was in bed trying to figure out what is working this time. I mean, I played the Game On diet with friends and didn't even lose five pounds in four weeks, whereas now I'm over a six-pound weight loss over three weeks. I notice that I am okay with my stomach feeling somewhat empty these days. I even rather like the feeling. I know that I was eating too much; I would be so uncomfortable after meals that I was miserable. I get up from the table these days and am comfortable. Do I get hungry again? Yes, but then I have a piece of fruit for zero points and am satisfied. More importantly, it's working.

I've also taken a more lax approach to tracking my food eaten. One of the reasons why I stop any form of weight loss program or lifestyle change is the fact I feel obligated to track every single bite of food taken and write it down. But if we were to think about it, how realistic is it? Should we be cognizant of what we put into our mouths? Yes. Does it mean writing down every bite of food for the rest of our life? Absolutely not. If this latest weight loss is going to stick, it has to be done in a manner that is easy to follow so that I don't feel deprived. When I feel deprived, I begin to resent. When I resent, I quit. I don't want that to happen this time. No, this is NOT going to happen this time.

Obviously, what I am doing is working right now. I recognize the fact that it is not always going to be this easy and that I have a long way to go, but if I can get into good habits now, it makes the difficult times easier to avoid.

Thursday - Shoveled snow
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -

Yes, you saw that right. No running this week at all. Mother Nature did not play nice this week at all. Temperatures plummeted this weekend, and no one was running outside. The promotion at work has definitely kicked in, requiring me to work longer and harder. Combine that with early night falls still, and it is not a combination that is conducive to working out at all.  Work is only going to get worse too. I have a major project that is due in three weeks that is going to take every bit of extra time, plus hiring temporary employees and using as many coworkers as I can coerce into helping. Then, in March, I lose my partner and will have to balance her workload as well as mine and will have to train my new employee as well. At this point in time, I need more daylight and warmer weather before I can running regularly again. I still want to run, but I am over running in the dark without snow and Christmas lights in below freezing temperatures.

REVIEW - American Uprising by Daniel Rasmussen

Title: American Uprising: The Untold Story of America's Largest Slave Revolt

Author: Daniel Rasmussen

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "In January 1811, five hundred slaves, dressed in military uniforms and armed with guns, cane knives, and axes, rose up from the plantations around New Orleans and set out to conquer the city. Ethnically diverse, politically astute, and highly organized, this self-made army challenged not only the economic system of plantation agriculture but also American expansion. Their march represented the largest act of armed resistance against slavery in the history of the United States.

American Uprising is the riveting and long-neglected story of this elaborate plot, the rebel army's dramatic march on the city, and its shocking conclusion. No North American slave uprising--not Gabriel Prosser's, not Denmark Vesey's, not Nat Turner's--has rivaled the scale of this rebellion either in terms of the number of the slaves involved or the number who were killed. More than one hundred slaves were slaughtered by federal troops and French planters, who then sought to write the event out of history and prevent the spread of the slaves' revolutionary philosophy. With the Haitian revolution a recent memory and the War of 1812 looming on the horizon, the revolt had epic consequences for America.

Through groundbreaking original research, Daniel Rasmussen offers a window into the young, expansionist country, illuminating the early history of New Orleans and providing new insight into the path to the Civil War and the slave revolutionaries who fought and died for justice and the hope of freedom."

Thoughts: There has been a push in recent decades for history books to present the full picture of certain historical events, to try to present an alternative viewpoint of history. American Uprising is a novel that meshes well with this trend, as it not only goes into details about the largest slave uprising in U.S. history, an event that receives very little attention from historians, but it also revisits more famous historical events and shines a new light on them. Mr. Rasmussen presents his findings in a clear, concise narrator that highlights the horror underlying race relations at the time and the political implications of these relations.

Easy to read and completely engaging, Mr. Rasmussen details the build-up to the event in question, including a brief history lesson on the Haitian revolt and the political mire that was New Orleans in 1811 after the Louisiana Purchase. This background knowledge is essential to understanding the mindset of all participants in the revolt as well as the subsequent cover-up. In addition, the Battle of New Orleans from the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson, and other famous people and events in U.S. history become more well-rounded. Through it all, the reader obtains a clear picture of how enmeshed slavery was with politics and how it shaped every aspect of the U.S. in the early 1800s.

The method by which Mr. Rasmussen presents his findings raises some interesting questions about race relations. Given the overreaction of the planters to the revolt, did they know, in their heart of hearts, that slavery and their actions towards their slaves were fundamentally wrong or was it purely economic? For, if their harsh punishments of the key leaders were purely for economic reasons, would they have behaved the same way had all the horses or farm animals revolted? If they felt the slaves were animals, why the need to torture and brutally kill the leaders? In a similar vein, with the slaves trying to obtain their freedom, had their own actions been less brutish, less violent, would they have been treated differently in the long run? Is it okay to fight fire with fire in race relations?

American Uprising reminds the reader that history is written by the victors. Mr. Rasmussen's findings, uncovered through laborious yet rewarding efforts, provide a cautionary tale about other hidden histories. What other stories are historians ignoring or have explained incorrectly due to lack of time and effort in discovering the truth? Completely covered up for purely political and economic reasons, the revolt of 1811 continued to be all but ignored by historians until Mr. Rasmussen uncovered the details, for which task he obviously did his homework. Well-researched with well-documented sources, Mr. Rasmussen makes it easy to understand how such an event can occur and subsequently be promptly ignored. It is not a proud moment in U.S. history, but given everything that results from the actions of the slaves on that fateful January day, it is an important lesson to learn.

Thanks to Mark Ferguson and HarperCollins for my review copy!

Look who's turning two? (Giveaway)

That's What She Read turns two today! 

I started out as Masterful Musings by Michelle and transitioned to Michelle's Masterful Musings until I found peace and utter glee with That's What She Read. Over the past two years, I've made my way through many a blog redesign, trying out certain features and memes, until finally finding a pattern and consistency that stays true to my desires to share what I read and write about what is uppermost in my mind.

My first few posts are absolutely awful, and I highly recommend people avoid them at all cost. I like to think that I have drastically improved since then. One thing remains consistent, though, in that I have never once shied away from sharing my true thoughts about a subject, whether it is a book review, a reaction to something occurring in the real world or a blogging controversy. Honesty is important to me, and I remain satisfied that I have not succumbed to pressure to write a positive review just because I received a free copy of a novel from the author or publisher.

While I may not have the world's largest following, I feel comfortable with those who do follow me, and my consistent commenters are near and dear to my heart. I've found solace and support through my friends and look forward to reaching out and getting to know everyone better in the years to come.

As my way of saying thank you for supporting me, cheering me on, providing me comfort and solace, and just being great friends, I am offering a small giveaway to three lucky readers:

1. A $25 GC to the bookstore of your choice (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Powell's, Book Depository or other) AND a brand-new hardback copy of Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan - Release date of February 2011, it is already garnering attention in the blogging world.
2. A brand-new hardback copy of Debbie Macomber's Family Affair AND Mary Jane Clark's To Have and to Kill. (These are courtesy of HarperCollins Publishing.)
3. A brand-new hardback copy of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Call Me Irresistible AND a never-been-read paperback advanced reading copy of Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan. (These are courtesy of HarperCollins Publishing.)

This is my thank you to all of you who have made these past two years truly life-altering and utterly amazing. You are the reason why I continue to write, why I continue to share my thoughts and open up my heart to you.

The giveaway is open through February 1st and is for international readers as well. Thank you and good luck!  The giveaway is now closed. Winners will be announced on Saturday, February 5th. Thanks!

REVIEW - The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Queen

Author: Julie Kagawa

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back."

Thoughts: Ms. Kagawa has definitely upped the stakes in this third installment of the Iron Fey series. The danger is even greater, with the end goal more drastic. The suspense is intense and keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat through the bitter end. The moral dilemmas are tougher, and the overall result is a story that is simply thrilling.

Even more so than in The Iron Daughter, Meghan shows a level of maturity and compassion that the other Fey do not demonstrate. She does not back down when things get tough. Even better, she has learned enough from previous forays into Nevernever that she does not fall prey to the Fey's tricks. Meghan has grown into a truly admirable heroine.

Meghan's relationship with Ash is beautiful but tragic. This lends an air of pathos to the novel that only adds to its depth. The ending of the novel is quite surprising and not necessarily how one would envision this paranormal romance to end, but that in no way diminishes from the overall story. Rather, it highlights the fact that this is first and foremost a story about Meghan's place among the Fey.

The Iron Queen ends satisfactorily but with quite an interesting cliffhanger. While issues with the Iron Fey may be at an end, Meghan's story is not quite finished, and that is perfectly fine. Ms. Kagawa has created an exciting, dangerous and interesting world in Nevernever. Her ability to create an emotional bond between the reader and her characters means that this series definitely has staying power. I, for one, can't wait to see what comes next for our hapless trio!

Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy!

Bloggiesta Time!

It's that time again! Hosted by Natasha from Maw Books Blog, it's time to spend the weekend sprucing up the blog, creating, and crossing off lots of things I want to do on my blog. Actually, I don't have that much to do - mostly reviews - but I love this event too much to not participate. I'll be popping in now and then to say hi and hopefully do some housecleaning. If you see weird and random posts, you have been warned! Oh, and if anyone has a good button for LibraryThing, it is the only one that I am still missing and would like to complete my set!

1. Check broken links.
2. Website Grader
3. 7 reviews. 
4. Back-up blog and template.
5. Add TBR list to LibraryThing. At 351 books, not including audios, this is going to be a HUGE undertaking.
6. Mini-challenge participation:
• The new year is a perfect time to reevaluate your blog. On blogging goals- Amy from My Friend Amy (@myfriendamy)
• My blogging goals - I have such a love/hate relationship with this term. I love blogging and feel that it does represent who I am and what I am all about. I spent a large majority of last year exploring that route, redesigning the site, coming up with a new name and a new brand. I played around with content. This year, I want to let it sit and see what happens.
  
  I was hit hard by my domain name change. It has taken me over six months to get my subscribers back to pre-change levels, but I know that my overall readership is down. I want to work on this. I want to write non-review posts that are from the heart and get people thinking, if not talking. I want to write review posts that are known for being honest and fair. I want readers to trust me and seek out my opinions. If 2010 was all about improve the superficial parts of blogging, 2011 is all about the content.
  

• Bloggiesta is about helping each other out.  Take some time to meet new bloggers while giving a lending hand. – Tasha from Truth, Beauty, Freedom and Books (@heidenkind)

• Do you find Google Forms confusing?  They won’t be now. – Jen from Devourer of Books (@DevourerofBooks)

• How do you organize your books? A book lovers dream! – Jenn from Jenn’s Bookshelf (@jennsbookshelf)

• How do people make their own buttons and banners anyways?  – Callista at SMS Book Reviews (@callista83)

• Email out of control? Not staying on top of it? Email best practices and solutions. – Trish at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’? (@trishheylady)

• 10 things bloggers should not do – Hannah at WordLily (@Wordlily)
• This is SUCH a great challenge. Based on a guest post on Daily Blog Tips, Hannah asks us to review our own attention to these ten Don'ts and rate ourselves on each one. Here's my self-evaluation:
• 10. You Must Not Throw Mud Around. - I never understand why someone would want to do this. Nothing is secret or anonymous in the Interwebs, and throwing mud is a sure-fire way to have it backfire on you horribly. I've been known to speak my mind about certain things, but pointing fingers is not in my power. ~ 5
• 9. You Must Not Have An Unreadable/Unnavigable Site. - I've worked hard this year to ensure that my site is readable and navigable. I feel that I have accomplished this quite well. Is it perfect? No, but it is an area I feel I can leave alone for now to work on content. ~ 4
• 8. You Must Not Ignore Networking. - The best part of blogging IS networking. Why would you NOT want to network? With my new job, I may not be able to spend as much time networking as I want to, but I certainly network as much as possible when I can. ~ 4
• 7. You Must Not Ignore SEO. - Seriously, peeps, if I can learn SEO, then so can you. It does work. Again, is it perfect? No, but anything is better than nothing when it comes to helping improve your ranking in search engines. ~ 3
• 6. You Must Not Fail To Update Your Blog Regularly. - I definitely have this one covered. ~ 5
• 5. You Must Not Be Another Blogger. - I understand the lure of this one but have never felt the urge to succumb myself. I love having a vehicle to be myself, even if it means showing everyone my silly side or my love of all things Twilight. While I wouldn't mind others' stats, I don't want it enough to be anything other than me. ~ 5
• 4. You Must Not Expect Success Without Promoting. - Nothing comes for free, and this is just as true for blogging as it is for everything else. It takes time and energy and putting yourself out there to succeed. I may not be able to spend as much time as I would like to promote myself, I do recognize the importance of it and do as much as I can in my limited blogging time. ~ 4
• 3. You Must Not Scrape Another Blogger's Content. - I will make you an promise right now. I will never do this one. It is plagiarism and just plain wrong. ~ 5
• 2. You Must Not Ignore Your Readers. - I love my readers and never take them for granted. They are in my thoughts as I write my reviews, as I design my posts, as I write other posts. There are so many other bloggers out there that I am fully cognizant of and love the fact that my readers spend time with my blog. I feel honored and blessed for those who stop by and say hi, share their thoughts or provide me support. ~ 5
• 1. You Must Not Expect Results Overnight. - Amen. I devote a lot of time and energy on my blog, and any success I've gained has come over time. ~ 5

• Not sure how to use Mr Linky? Not anymore you don’t.- Jennifer at Teach Mentor Texts (@mentortexts)   

Edited: I'm finished! I may have neglected my comments and my e-mail, but that's okay. I now have posts scheduled for the next three weeks, so I should have plenty of time to catch up on everything else. Unfortunately, I never did get a good button for LibraryThing, but I'll be keeping my eye out for one.

I hope everyone else was just as successful accomplishing everything they wanted to complete!

Total hours: 14

The Sunday Salon - January 23, 2011

Are you ready for some football?!? I'm making this brief as I need to get back to cheering on my team. This weekend saw the temperatures absolutely plummet to record-breaking lows. This meant staying inside as much as possible, hunkering down and trying to stay warm. For those who have been reading my words for a while, you will know that I absolutely have no problems with this. I love winter specifically for blankets and sweaters and fireplaces and staying inside. Given the important football games today, this is doubly enjoyable. I have my homemade carnitas simmering and am bundled on the couch with my computer, those books I want to review, my phone for taunting others, and my trusty laptop to help me stave off the nervous energy I tend to get during key games.

This week, I shared my opinions on Peg Kingman's Original Sins, Josephine Hart's Damage and L.M. Montgomery's Jane of Lantern Hill. Another update on Motivate Me and a highlight of an awesome, newly discovered blog rounded out the week. This weekend is also Bloggiesta, and I've stayed busy updating and writing reviews. Considering I finished another four novels this week (The Doomsday Key by James Rollins, Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff, Muslim Women Reformers by Ida Lichter, and The Rebellion of Jane Clarke by Sally Gunning), staying on top of my reviews has been so important.

This week I'll be celebrating my second bloggiversary, for which I do have a special giveaway planned. I also have reviews and another weight-loss update on Motivate Me. I also hope to convince Connor to start up his Connor's Corner again. I have a new button I'm anxious to showcase for him. Speaking of buttons, did you see the one I created for Motivate Me? It is the first one I've ever created. I'm so proud of myself!

With that, I need to get back to those reviews and finishing up some final tasks for Bloggiesta. I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday. Happy Reading!

REVIEW - Jane of Lantern Hill by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Title: Jane of Lantern Hill

Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery

Synopsis (Courtesy of IndieBound): "For as long as she could remember, Jane Stuart and her mother lived with her grandmother in a dreary mansion in Toronto. Jane always believed her father was dead--until she accidentally learned he was alive and well and living on Prince Edward Island. When Jane spends the summer at his cottage on Lantern Hill, doing all the wonderful things Grandmother deems unladylike, she dares to dream that there could be such a house back in Toronto...a house where she, Mother, and Father could live together without Grandmother directing their lives--a house that could be called home."

Thoughts: Jane of Lantern Hill is what one comes to expect from a novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery - charming, gentle and most decidedly hopeful. Written for a younger audience, Ms. Montgomery's Jane is spunky and delightful. While she faces and overcomes tyrannical adults, Jane teaches young audiences what it means to grow up, care for others and remaining true to one's self.

Ms. Montgomery's novels have familiar elements in them, and Jane of Lantern Hill stays true to form. She waxes poetic on nature and Prince Edward Island. The magic of a loving home is distinct, as are heroines who strike out on their own paths and succeed to charm all those around them who matter. In addition, Ms. Montgomery avoids patronizing the child audience she sets out to captivate while simultaneously creating a story that can be enjoyed by adults. In Ms. Montgomery's world, children are just as good, if not better, than the adults in the story because they have a purity and innocence that most of the adults do not possess. This lends hope to the targeted audience while providing a gentle reminder to the adult readers. Neither message taints the overall charm of the story.

Given this disparity between adults and children in most of Ms. Montgomery's novels, one cannot help but compare her stories to her own battle with depression. Does Grandmother represent the depression that clouds her life, while Jane represent her own struggles to break free? Is her message of hope that is a consistent theme in her novels one written as a reminder to herself to avoid succumbing to despair? One may never know, but this background knowledge does lend a new, insightful peek inside each of Ms. Montgomery's characters.

Jane of Lantern Hill is simply a lovely story about a young lady who blossoms through love. In taking care of her loved ones, she is able to overcome the tyrannical figures in her life and find the happily ever after in which she never gave herself permission to believe. Fans of Ms. Montgomery's works will find Jane just as reliable, just as fun and just as endearing as Anne. With characters like Jane, it is no wonder Ms. Montgomery remains one of childhood's most beloved authors.

Motivate Me: 2011 Edition Update 2

This Weight Watchers thing is not so bad. I'm down to 159.2 this week, from 162 last week. Yes, a week of too many hours, small meals and no time to snack has helped me lose 4.8 pounds. I'm finding this program so much easier this time around. Once I finally start running regularly again, I imagine that it will be harder to assuage my hunger, but for now, I'm actually looking forward to weighing in each week!

I am REALLY over winter. I want to run. I really do. My hours at work have not been conducive to running after work, and it is just too blasted cold. I'll keep trying to get out, but I'm getting frustrated that I can't do so. I am really hoping Mother Nature plays nicely this week!

Thursday - rest
Friday - rest
Saturday - rest
Sunday - 1.9 mile run
Monday - rest
Tuesday - rest
Wednesday - rest

MWF Seeking What?

No one will argue that BFFs help make the world easier to traverse. They pick you up when you are down, drop everything to help you in your time of need, laugh alongside you and generally help you to keep your sanity. Most BFF relationships are fostered over many years and can last a lifetime if managed correctly. However, let's face it. Most BFF relationships work best when both friends are local, when you can get together for that important friend face time, whether it is over coffee, lunch, dinner, drinks or just hanging out. BFFs can be long-distance, but the relationship loses something over that distance. It changes and becomes something different.

Me? I moved away from home when I was 18 and haven't looked back. This also means that I left behind every childhood friend I had and lost that BFF relationship that is so vital to our well-being. After getting married, Jim and I moved eight times between 1997 and 2005. This instability in location has made it impossible for me to find a new BFF. The best part is that we have close friends spread out all over the world, but I still don't have that person I can call on a Saturday morning and say, "let's meet for coffee."

So, what do you do when you move away from your BFF? How do you go about finding a new one?  Jen from Booklicity got me hooked on Rachel of MWF Seeking BFF, who poses just this question on her hilarious and quite thought-provoking blog as she searches for a new BFF in her new hometown. She details her search for the perfect local BFF, discussing lunch dates and why your spouse can never truly fill the void of a BFF (I personally disagree with her on this one.) She talks about appropriate language when finding a new BFF and presents weekly updates on sociological and psychological studies on the importance of friendship. Always insightful, fun, poignant, and honest, Rachel's search gives new meaning to what it means to be a friend, let alone a BFF.  Perfect for those who have just moved, who may have grown apart from long-time friends, as well as those who have the long-term close friendships Rachel is trying to find should check out MWF Seeking BFF. In addition to a good laugh, you just might find a helpful hint to help strengthen your own relationships.

Now, if anyone is in the market for a new BFF in the Cincinnati area, I am definitely free!

REVIEW - Damage by Josephine Hart

Title: Damage

Author: Josephine Hart

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "Damage is the gripping story of a man's desperate obsession and scandalous love affair. He is a man who appears to have everything: wealth, a beautiful wife and children, and a prestigious political career in Parliament. But his life lacks passion, and his aching emptiness drives him to an all-consuming, and ultimately catastrophic, relationship with his son's fiancee."

Thoughts: Damage is one of those novels that you know from the start is not going to end well. It tells you so in almost the first paragraph, but therein lies the draw. What happens to make such a statement? What could possess someone to conscientiously do something so wrong that would cause him or her to make a blanket assessment like that? The resulting pages are every bit as horrific, emotional and intensely personal as the narrator cautions the reader to expect. Short but powerful, Damage is like watching a runaway train; the reader cannot look away even while knowing the outcome is going to be awful. Like said accident, it also leaves its mark on the reader as it explores what it means to love.

Love - According to 1 Corinthians 13, love is patient and kind and is completely unselfish. According to Ms. Hart and the anonymous narrator, it is the greatest act of selfishness one can achieve. It is all-consuming, impatient, cruel, and decidedly impure. It eats a person alive and spits them out again, battered and bruised. Survivors of this ordeal know that they can survive anything, while those not strong enough to handle it find themselves mere shells of their former selves and their lives irrevocably altered. Presented in this light, Ms. Hart confronts the reader with the age-old question of whether it truly is better to have loved and lost than to have not loved at all.

It is quite telling that while every other character is named and fleshed out a bit, the narrator remains anonymous. As the narrator does not shrink from the truth and does nothing to hide his own complicity in his decline, the reader is left to wonder if he remains anonymous for his own protection or as punishment for his actions. Similarly, the focus on the sensual, almost cruel trysts between Anna and the narrator raise the question of whether their attraction is truly this life-altering love, as discussed, or plain lust. Is one worse than the other? Does it really matter given the damage that occurs?

Anna is the key to the mystery and really deserves her own story. Cool and collected, strong-willed, maddeningly secretive and yet surprisingly pliant to the narrator's desires, who does she really love? Why is she so willing to sleep with her fiance's father? What is her motivation behind her actions? Ms. Hart tantalizes readers with the answers, but rather than frustrate, the remaining mysteries only enhance the tension.

What pulls this emotional cauldron together is the language. Stark but elegant, the words are almost audible to a reader. The language evokes a clear image of the mysterious narrator, his family and his emotional trauma while building those important connections to the reader. Damage takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions, raising question after question about what it means to love, and ultimately leaves the reader gasping for breath at the end. 

Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy.

REVIEW - Original Sins: A Novel of Slavery and Freedom by Peg Kingman

Title: Original Sins: A Novel of Slavery and Freedom

Author: Peg Kingman

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "Anibaddh Lyngdoh claims that she intends to introduce a new kind of silk to the floundering American silk industry. But her true reason, as her old friend Grace MacDonald Pollocke discovers, is far more personal. Grace, now a Philadelphia portrait painter, undertakes a perilous investigation that leads to the discovery of old sins and crimes, and the commission of new ones. What laws maybe broken-what sins and crimes committed-in the service of a higher justice? Deceit, forgery, fraud, perjury . . . even murder? This novel thrillingly evokes a nineteenth-century America not so different from the present: a time of stunning new technologies and financial collapse, when religious and racial views collided with avowed principles of morality and law."

Thoughts: Original Sins is a historical novel that is more philosophical diatribe than one that contributes a greater understanding to historical events. It tries too hard to be grand in scope and ends up being polarizing as it discusses topics that are more appropriate to today's society than Philadelphia and Virginia in the 1840s. While Ms. Kingman uses historical figures in her novel to lend an air of authenticity to the novel, these true-life characters do not blend well with their fictional counterparts. The result is a novel that is largely inconsistent and jagged, moving from one topic to another with little fluidity.

The biggest fault of Original Sins is the multitude of topics. Ms. Kingman attempts to blend such topics as daguerreotypes, silkworms, religion, slavery, politics, painting, gardening, Indian and Virginian cultures and more. This is simply too much information to combine into one 428-page novel. As a result, character development is distinctly lacking, and the reader remains removed from Grace's plight. The rest of the characters remain decidedly stereotypical and one-noted. One gets the impression that certain subjects were only introduced in an effort to discuss other topics, and all the topics do not mesh well together but appeared forced together out of sheer will. There is a distinct stuttering to the novel. Just as the reader settles into a new subject matter, Ms. Kingman introduces another one. As a result, the story flows awkwardly.

The novel has the subtitle of A Novel of Slavery and Freedom. It truly should state A Novel of Slavery and Religion because the novel is more a diatribe against slavery and organized religion. One has no doubts as to the sentiments of Ms. Kingman. Those readers who are deeply religious may do well to avoid Original Sins because the religious Southerners are caricatured and portrayed in an extremely unflattering light. The discussions of slavery are distinctly religious in nature, as the slaveholders use the Bible to defend their actions, while Grace uses the same Bible to denounce slavery. The debate rages over many pages, much to the detriment of the main plot.

Original Sins is enjoyable but distracting. While the physical descriptions are beautiful and vivid, the dialogue is awful - stilted and trite. There is just too much of everything - too many different subjects, too many twists and turns, an ending that is too pat and too neatly accomplished. There are enjoyable sections of the novel; Ms. Kingman's focus on the natural beauty and physical descriptions of nature are amazing and detailed enough to please the most discerning gardener. Unfortunately, descriptions do nothing to help improve the overall connectivity of a novel that tries too hard to address two extremely difficult topics while presenting itself as enlightened and amazingly well-rounded. Unfortunately, Original Sins falls prey to the adage, "jack of all trades, master of none," as its tackling of such diverse topics is ultimately its downfall.

Thank you to the LibraryThing Early Reader program for this review copy!

The Sunday Salon

Guten Morgen, meine Liebchens! For many, this is a long weekend. Unfortunately, my company does not recognize the federal holiday that is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I have to work tomorrow. I also have work to do today - bills, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, running, writing, and if there's time, reading. This after coming off a week of ten+ hour work days with almost no lunch. To say I'm tired is an understatement.

I had hoped to relax yesterday, but instead we headed to the boat show while Jim let visions of a bigger boat fill his head. There were some beautiful boats there, and we all agreed that we definitely need something larger. Our little 15.5 footer makes me seasick and provides no room for friends to come with us when we head to the lake. We'll see if anything comes of this trip or if it was more wishful thinking.

This week, I managed to finish one more novel, Jed Rubenfeld's The Death Instinct. As that was for a book tour, the review will go up later in the week. As for reviews, I shared my thoughts on Ally Condie's excellent Matched, Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides, and the third novel of the Mortal Instruments series, City of Glass. I expounded on a problem that was particularly awful this past soccer season, parents living vicariously through their children, and this week's Motivate Me update shared my progress after one week of Weight Watchers. Connor seems to be on a long vacation with his Connor's Corner. He is more interested in his Legos than in reading these days, but I hope to get something from him for next week.

With that, I have too much to do, and I want to get it done so that I can relax and enjoy the two football games today. With a house full of Steelers' and Packers' fans, we definitely have a vested interest in what happens tonight!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing Sunday. Happy reading!

REVIEW - City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Glass (Mortal Instruments #03)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Synopsis (Courtesy of Powell's Books): "To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?"

Thoughts:  WARNING: Possible spoilers ensue. If you have not read the first two novels, please consider yourself warned.

Thoroughly enjoyable, completely suspenseful, but at times somewhat predictable, City of Glass is a worthy third novel in the Mortal Instruments series. Jace, Alec, Isabelle, and Clary see plenty of action and danger. Each are forced to face tremendous sorrow and make life-altering decisions. The story is fast-paced, making it all but impossible to put down as the reader races to the thrilling conclusion of the story. Given the build-up and anticipation created in the first two novels, it most definitely does not disappoint.

City of Glass demonstrates Clary's growing acceptance of her powers and her life among the Nephilim. Using her well-honed skills of justice and knowledge of her family's past, Clary has blossomed into a formidable foe. The transformation is a welcome one, albeit not unexpected, as the biggest objection to Clary in the first two novels was her capacity to charge into situations without being able to defend herself. Thankfully, that can no longer be said.

Relying on the assumption that the readers are already familiar with the world of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders, City of Glass jumps right into action, picking up the story shortly after the conclusion of the second novel. Before one knows it, the reader is completely immersed in Clary and Jace's stories as they struggle to learn the truth about their parentage and fight their growing feelings towards one another. Yet, the story itself is somewhat anticlimactic. Given the huge battle scene in City of Ashes, one would expect a similar scene in this third installment as all three novels build towards the penultimate showdown with Valentine. Unfortunately, there is no huge battle scene. While Alec and Isabelle, Jace and Clary find themselves just as involved in the fate of the Shadowhunters, the fact that they are on the fringes of the huge battle seems out of character for them. It is not a huge deal, given what they do face, but it did cause a few raised eyebrows at the unexpected treatment.

Simon is the one character who truly shines in City of Glass. His struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy after his transformation, his special powers, and the questions surrounding his future among either the Downworlders or the Shadowhunters makes one suspect that Simon plays a fairly large role in future installments of the Mortal Instruments series. This is definitely not a bad thing, as Simon is one of those characters that everyone loves. His loyalty, his earnestness and unflappable love for Clary endear him to the readers. His transformation from normal human to an extremely not-normal vampire is exciting and well-deserved, for Simon deserves to be able to stand alongside the Morgansterns and the Lightwoods as their equal.

In spite of concerns about the lack of a huge battle, there were enough twists and turns, action and love to thrill even the most half-hearted fan of the Mortal Instruments series. Certain conflicts find adequate resolutions, and while the good triumph in the end, there is a distinct tone of uneasiness as the story is most definitely left unfinished. The reader knows without a doubt that all of the characters still face challenges and that how they face these challenges is still to be determined. No one character's path is set in stone, leaving room for betrayal and heartbreak in future stories. Ultimately, the reader is left satisfied with the story as it stands but knows more is to come, thankfully.