Hot New Reads for February

February 15, 2012

@just_d_world Book reviews, Marriage, moms Leave a comment

 

I’ve Got Your Number

By Sophie Kinsella

Author of the popular Shopaholic series brings us her latest story. Poppy is at a lovely function with friends when the fire alarm goes off. She realizes that she cannot find her engagement ring.  Considering the ring has been in her fiancée’s family for three generations, she panics.  Magnus’s parents are academic and intimidating. She knows they do not want him to marry her. And now the ring is gone. When she is outside during the fire alarm, she calls her friends who were trying on the ring before the alarm, to see if they saw it. Then her phone is stolen right from her hand.

Sitting five feet away from her in a trash bin is a cell phone. She grabs it and ends up getting involved in a whole new turn of events.  The owner of the phone, a business man named Sam, gets upset when Poppy will not give the phone back.  With the wedding angst, trying to help Sam and hide her hand from Magnus’s family, she is in for a big change.

The footnotes throughout the book are like Poppy’s inner monologue. Once again Sophie has penned a strong female driven entertaining tale. I found myself reading it in a day and a half.

An Exclusive Love

A Memoir

By Johanna Adorjan

This is not a sugary romance novel.  It’s a memoir by the granddaughter of a couple who committed suicide together when the husband fell fatally ill. The couple married just before WWII and were Jewish. She, writer/granddaughter, tells their story through interviews with people who knew them and her memories of them. She pens trying to imagine what their last day was like. She tries to understand why they killed themselves, particularly Vera who was very healthy.
Love has so many meanings in this book. It is the title but, is so much less characteristic than the title sounds. Vera never believed anyone, but her husband loved her and she couldn’t face life without him. Pista always honored and adored Vera. There’s a clear love of classical music throughout their lives, love of friends, love for their dog, all faced against this unspeakable act that seems so selfish and unloving to their granddaughter. Johanna tries to figure out what being Jewish meant to them, and what it means to her.

It is a very sad yet thoughtfully deep book.

 

Book Review: MWF seeks BFF

February 3, 2012

@just_d_world Book reviews, My Women's Post Book Reviews, Women's Post , Leave a comment

 

My year long search for a new best friend

By Rachel Bertsche

When Rachel finally lives in the same city as her boyfriend, she realizes she misses having best friends locally. She makes a plan to go on 52 friend dates within a year. After all, having a spouse and kids doesn’t increase your chance of survival- friends do. She puts the same energy into finding a new best friend as one would going through the dating rituals. Rachel writes scientific facts that she researched along the way.

“.. Facebook is a blessing and a curse.”

“Sure, it helps us keep track of people with whom we otherwise would have fallen out of touch. But sometimes relationships fade for a reason. They’re better left a memory.”

The quotes are very true. This book is a very engaging and funny story of her search for a new best friend.

I had an opportunity to ask Rachel some questions about this book and beyond. Here they are:

 

 

  1. Does it still feel like dating with your friends you made during your search?
    Luckily, no. It’s been about two years since starting my friend search. Now when I’m with the friends I made during that year, it feels like regular friendship. It doesn’t necessarily feel like it does when I’m with my lifelong BFFs, but I definitely feel like we’re legit friends now, not testing each other out.

    2. Did they know you were writing about them? Have they read the book?
    Most of the women knew I was writing a book about friendship, and I’ve heard from a lot of them since the book came out. So far, everyone has been really pleased with it! I hope that will continue.

    3. Is it true about the size of the brain determines how many relationships you can maintain?
    Well, the Dunbar Number is certainly a real thing. The Dunbar number says that the limit to how many people with whom one can maintain social relationships is “a direct function of relative neocortex size.” The neocortex is one part of the brain… so that is where that claim comes from.

    4. Why do you think young people are dropping out of church? Not a great meeting place?
    I’m sure you’re referring to the research that says a 2007 survey of Protestants aged 18-30 found that 25 percent of them had dropped out of the church entirely. I’m not really qualified to guess why people are dropping out of church–mostly because I’ve never been to church myself (I’m Jewish). So I don’t feel totally comfortable hypothesizing why people are leaving. I’ve certainly heard from many people that church and temple groups have helped them make friends, so I know it’s still connecting people to a large extent. I joined a group for young Jews in Chicago and met one great friend, so I truly believe religious institutions can help people connect if they want it to.

    5. Any advice for writers beginning their book journey?
    Yes –WRITE! Just write. I’ve talked to a lot of aspiring writers who are dying to know the ins and outs of publishing. They are planning which editors or magazines they are going to send their work to long before they’ve written one word. Before you plan your publishing deal or book party, you need to get words on the page. So my advice is to sit down in front of the computer and just write until you’ve got a story, or at least a good chunk of it, on the page. Books start with words and paragraphs and chapters. All the other stuff–the book deals, promotion, etc–come later.

    6. What is next for you?
    I’m still figuring that out myself! I’m at work on my next book proposal, but nothing is set in stone. At the moment, I’m concentrating on getting MWF Seeking BFF out to people, and I’m also at work on various freelance projects.

 

 

#50BookPedge UPDATE

January 29, 2012

@just_d_world book contest, Book reviews, Mommy minute, moms, Motherless Mama , Leave a comment

Of Love and Evil

By Anne Rice

The second book of the Songs of the Seraphim series continues the metaphysical journey of angels and assains. The main character, toby O’Dare, is summoned by the angel Malchiah again. This time to investigate the poisoning of an important nobleman and prevent a dybbulk to continue. When he is very deep into his orders a dark terro closes in around him.

Her most famous character, Lestat made vmpaires look devilish long before Twilight came to light. This book is very stand alon, meaning you don’t need to read the first book, Angel Time, to catch up. This book made me want to though.

Starmaker

Life as a Hollywood Publicist

By Jay Bernstein as told to Larry Cortez Hamm

This Hollywood memoir is the story of Jay Bernstein, an entertainment industry fixture who helped launch and sustain the careers of many including Farrah Fawcett and Suzanne Somers. From his first job in a Hollywood mail room to the ownership of his own public relations firm and his work as a personal manager and television producer, Bernstein’s life is scribed in his own voice. In addition to his rise, Bernstein also describes the relationships he had with stars and relates the stories behind some of the crazy stunts he pulled to garner attention, such as paying women to throw hotel keys at Tom Jones, having Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart’s legs insured for one million dollars, and getting married underwater for an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Written with style and a sense of humor, this autobiography shares the intimate details of Jay Bernstein’s starmaker life.

He died with Farrah Fawcett at his side. Written by his closest confidant, it is a honest Hollywood memoir.

Hope is Better than Fear

Paying Jack Layton Forward

By Many Contributors

On August 22, 2011, Jack Layton lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. There was an immediate outpouring of grief which crossed the country and party lines. No other politician in Canada’s history has inspired this kind of spontaneous display of sorrow at his loss – clearly, Jack was loved!
It consists of several essays by various contributors who knew and worked with Jack throughout his long political career. They write passionately about his tireless fight for the marginalized in Canada. They discuss his fights for the rights of women, more and better environmental protections, and for the Arts in Canada. He was the first politician to visit remote northern Ontario reserves when there was no political gain to be won; he marched in gay pride parades before it became politically cool to do so. He was shunned when he first argued for Canada’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, an idea which is now Canada’s policy.

This letter is reprinted in the book and the title refers to a line at the end of the letter:

“…love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic and we’ll change the world.”

The net proceeds will be donated to two charities designated by Jack’s widow, the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation and Shannen’s Dream, named in honour of Shannen Koostachin and dedicated to continuing her fight for equal school rights for First Nations children.

9 down 41 more to go for #50bookPledge

The Red Queen Review

August 3, 2010

@just_d_world Book reviews, The Red Queen Leave a comment

The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

Simon and Schuster

On sale August 3rd, 2010 on Amazon and major booksellers everywhere.

The regal cover shows why bestselling historical fiction is a trend for readers.

A woman who believes she is destined to shape the course of history. Believing her right and destiny for greatness beyond her plain looks and upcoming marriage, Margaret Beaufort is determined to see her son Henry on the Throne of England-no matter what it takes. After constant battles kill any other heirs, the little boy is the last male to stake a claim on the throne.

To keep him safe she sends her son out of the country and marrying him to her arch enemy’s daughter, Margaret fakes her loyalty to the King Richard III by marrying one of his loyal supporters. During which laying secret plans for the battle between the opposing sides that will see her son the King of England.

When King Richard’s only male heir dies, Margaret launches her plan with a deadly command that will strike the heart of the White Queen. With the support of Margaret’s husband, Henry Tudor invades from France, defeats the King’s Army-get the throne and confirming his marriage to the White Rose Princess.

Triumph is Lady Margaret who has founded the greatest destiny: The Tudors.

Read this historical battle which will be a classic amongst this modern world we live in today.

The author of several New York Times bestselling novels like The Other Boleyn Girl, The Virgins’ Lover and The Other Queen. This is the second book in the Cousins War Series. The first is White Queen.

www.Philippagregory.com

Working At Home

June 18, 2010

@just_d_world Mommy minute, moms, Women's Post Leave a comment

Just posted on Women’s Post. http://ow.ly/20sry

The Momoir Project Workbook

May 25, 2010

@just_d_world birth moments, book contest, Book reviews, moms, The Momoir Project 9 Comments

The Momoir Project Workbook by Cori Howard

I have to do the laundry. I have to do the shopping. I am raising my two young daughters. I do not have time to write. I certainly do not have time to drive the one hour to go to a class. I have all the excuses that I do not have the time to take a class to learn how to write my stories as a mom with the Momoir Project.

The Momoir Project was started by award-winning journalist, Cori Howard. Her writing (much of it personal essays on motherhood) has appeared in publications including The Globe and Mail, Canadian Geographic, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Independent, Maclean’s, Chatelaine, Reader’s Digest and Today’s Parent. She is the editor of the published anthology, Between Interruptions: Thirty Women Tell the Truth about Motherhood. She thought she would start teaching moms how to write their own stories and give them an opportunity to publish on her Momoir Project website. Cori lives with her family in Vancouver, BC and teaches the Vancouver classes as well as the online courses. 

After talking with Cori over emails, I determined that I will try to take her online class. It is only one hour in the morning every other week. The girls can watch tv or do arts and crafts. I need the interaction to help guide me through the writing process. It has been a long time since I have taken a writing class. I ended up taking two online classes.

The Momoir Project Workbook is very easy and fast to purchase on the website. It walks you through and enables you to capture the intense moments and intimacies that you may have forgotten. There are fun and easy excercises to complete at your own pace. There is room to type in your own notes or (as I did) print off to hand write. I stuck it in the diaper bag and took it everywhere so when my baby was asleep in the car or stroller I could write.

Cori offers writing tips and suggested reads as she guides you to completing a final essay to publish or keep to show what you accomplished.

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or working out of the home mom, get yourself on the to-do list. The fun workbook will enable you have an outlet for writing between interruptions.

Workbook can be ordered at: www.themomoirproject.com

Courtesy of The Momoir Project- I am giving away one copy of the e-workbook.

For a chance to win leave a comment on my blog why you wish to have this awesome book for moms and grandmas!

Contest ends June 10th at midnight PST. Winner will be announced and contacted June 11th.

 

Shattering Glass

May 20, 2010

@just_d_world Book reviews, Women's Post Leave a comment

My latest : http://womenspost.ca/articles/books/review-shattering-glass

Motherhood Is Murder

May 17, 2010

@just_d_world Book reviews, Mommy minute, moms, Motherhood Is Murder, Uncategorized 1 Comment

Motherhood is Murder by Diana Orgain

I laughed as I read Bundle of Trouble, about first time mom Kate Connolly who is searching for the perfect work-at-home mom job. Something with flexible hours, and if you are up all night anyway you might as well solve mysteries. So naturally I was intrigued to read the next in the series, Motherhood is Murder.

Being the same compact paperback size as the first book, I found it easy to read with one hand and feed my baby with the other. The story picks up where the first left off. With Kate’s never- ending lists of balancing baby needs and learning about private investigating you will laugh out loud and relate to her maternal ways.

Kate and her husband, Jim, are off on their first date night since their baby was born two months ago. They join new friends on a dinner cruise along the San Francisco Bay. Before dessert is finished one of their dinner companions takes a fatal spill down a staircase. Police arrive and everyone is a suspect. Kate’s P.I. intuition already starts kicking in when she sees the medical examiner on board the cruise. Kate has not yet qualified for her P.I. license, so with her mom’s help and her best friend, Paula, she is able to work under the supervision of a Senior P.I. who helped her in her very first case. The killer does everything to make sure Kate will regret getting in the way.

As I read the book and got swept away in the clever plot, I thought I knew who the killer was all along but nope. As a seasoned mystery reader, I did not see the ending until I read it.

It left me the feeling that I wish that Book 3 was already done.

Diana Orgain holds an M.F.A. and B.A. in creative writing from San Francisco State University, with a minor in acting. Her plays have been produced at stages across San Francisco where her and her family resides.

To get up to date information and when the next book will be out go to: www.dianaorgain.com

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Future By Michael J. Fox

May 4, 2010

@just_d_world Book reviews, Mommy minute, moms, Uncategorized , , Leave a comment

This small book reads as if he is in a conversation with you. It was an inspirational read in one evening. If you have a graduate about to enter the world this is a great gift. Michael goes through what he dubs “Life 101.’ What his famous roles taught him. He covers lessons he has learned along the way since dropping out of high school to go to California. From the broke times when he got there to the breakout Alex P. Keaton, it was not an easy road.

Marty McFly helped him defy the limits set forth by the law of physics (not only by the hoverboards but balancing a TV and film schedule simultaneously.) Oh- and he had to carry a beeper (pre-cell phone device) be cause Michael and Tracy were expecting their first baby. The sleep deprivation causes dementia and hallucinogens.

Michael gets honest about his trouble with alcohol and the path to the fight in stem cell research.

My nugget that I took away was: Read the book before the movie. This is your moment. It is what it is. Live to learn. I hope you find yours too.

A Book For National Infertility Week

April 29, 2010

@just_d_world Adoption, Book reviews, Infertility, Mommy minute, moms, Pregnancy, Uncategorized, Wiley Canada 1 Comment

When You’re Not Expecting

An Infertility Survival Guide

By Constance Hoenk Shapiro, M.S.W., Ph.D.

Wiley Canada

As a long sufferer of endometriosis, I feel the pain that women struggle with the need to become a mom. Told by three doctors that I will never conceive a child. Period.

After the last diagnosis, I started to believe I would not bear a child. I had a self-pity party all the rest of that day.

The next day I accepted it and kept busy with work and projects.

Imagine my surprise when four months later when I was late because the plus sign showed on the stick.When you’re not expecting would have been a great comfort resource to me during that time.

Constance H. Shapiro who is a therapist, author and professor writes this book. She combines her over twenty years of experience as a therapist with personal stories and solutions from over two hundred women and couples diagnosed with infertility.

You need to read the book if your inability to get pregnant is causing you anxiety, your sex life revolves around a calendar and kits or if you are single trying to get pregnant.

As far as I am concerned, the most important reason to read this book is if you are not getting the support you need through this emotional journey. This sisterhood support will guide you as you find your child wherever they are now.

You are not alone.

Constance Hoenk Shapiro, M.S.W, Ph.D. is a therapist, author, university professor, consultant, and public speaker dedicated to the study of infertility and its emotional impact on individuals and couples. She is a founding member of the Central New York chapter of RESOLVE and has been a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Council on Social Work Education for over 30 years. She is a professor of Family Studies and Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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