May 31, 2014

May eMags



MacLife ~ Get More, Spend Less: Getting the Most Apple For the Least Amount of Green

Entertainment Weekly ~ Orange Is the New Black: Inside the Strangest, Kinkiest, Most Surprising Hit on TV

Entertainment Weekly ~ The Fault in Our Stars: An Impossible Love Story. An Unexpected Phenomenon. How a Little Novel About Teens With Cancer Could Be the Most Romantic Movie of the Summer; Sandra Oh Graceful Exit

Elle ~ The Women in Music Issue

Marie Claire ~ Beauty Blowout

Ebony ~ Double Vision: Tia & Tamera Juggle Marriage, Motherhood and Money

Essence ~ Erykah, Solange & Ledisi on Learning to Love Your Natural Beauty; Black Hair Now!

 

Puzzles

Puzzles are addicting. I am trying to win 2048 and am still hooked on Sudoku. 



May 30, 2014

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"I have imagined him in my mind for so long, my imagination creating a monster of grotesque features and proportions."

~ The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre

 

May 29, 2014

Reads & Eats

Reading Gemini and eating a Smashburger with applewood smoked bacon, sharp cheddar, pickles, lettuce, BBQ sauce, extra mayo, haystack onions on an egg bun and delish rosemary fries. 

Happy National Burger Day!  

May 25, 2014

Series Sunday: The Prodigal Son

(Reverend Curtis Black Series #11)


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

"Thank God for unexpected angels." ~ pg. 78

My Series Sunday pick is The Prodigal Son, the 11th book in the Reverend Curtis Black series by Kimberla Lawson Roby. Fans of this series may have guessed that Matthew is the prodigal son. He gave up a full, four-year academic scholarship to Harvard University to marry his girlfriend Raquel and be a young father. Estranged from his own parents, Matthew is realizing that marriage and fatherhood is nothing like he expected. When an old friend expresses desire for Matthew, temptation and repeating his parents' mistakes are likely. Meanwhile in the other Black household, first-born long-lost son Dillon is doing the most trying to win his father's affection. You thought Charlotte was a jealous-hearted plotter? Ha! Meet this dude.

"...life is too short for all this drama." ~ pg. 82

Both sons are the center of this 11th installment of the series. It is always entertaining to read the shenanigans of the Black family, but it was especially nice that this book focused on Reverend Black's two sons and their relationships.

In the words of my bookheart Sidne, "Baby BYE." Do not question whether this is a worthy book to read. Just pick it up, turn the drama-filled pages and thank me later.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: The Prodigal Son
Author: Kimberla Lawson Roby
Published: May 2014
Pages: 231
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

May 23, 2014

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"Gunfire. Screams. Four people dead within seconds. Dozen wounded. Dead bodyguards. Dead bank guard. Dead politician. Collateral damage."

~ A Wanted Woman by Eric Jerome Dickey

 

May 22, 2014

Things I Should Have Told My Daughter


"I wanted to make a move, not craft a perfect paragraph to describe the projected motion." ~ pg. 307

There is so much advance praise for Things I Should Have Told My Daughter from well known people like Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, Jane Fonda and Tayari Jones. What more can little 'ole me say?

Some books are meant to be devoured like a soul food meal; other books are best enjoyed in small sips like a fine glass of wine. Things I Should Have Told My Daughter is obvi the latter. I read this memoir very slowly. It is a personal view into an amazing storyteller's life in the 1970s and 1980s. Told in journal format, it is fine confessional writing.

Check out the video below of AARP Black Community Book Club's interview with Pearl Cleage.

Title: Things I Should Have Told My Daughter: Lies, Lessons & Love Affairs
Author: Pearl Cleage
Published: April 2014
Pages: 308
Edition: Hardcover
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♡

 

May 21, 2014

Unravel


"How long can a memory replay before your mind short circuits?" ~ pg. 17

Never mind the attractive cover. Never mind the 3,000+ positive reviews on a 3-month-old book. I chose to read Unravel simply because the author's last name is Read. In my experience as a copyeditor and book reviewer, great books are written by readers. So with a last name like that, Unravel must be a good read, right?

Forget the first line; the first page captured my attention. It's been thirty days since Naomi Carradine was involuntarily admitted to a mental health institute, 720 hours to be exact. Minds are wasting away around her. Screams turn into moans. She is barely coasting above insanity. According to Lachlan, the boy who stole her heart and possesses her soul, she is losing her mind. According to Max, the guy who haunts her thoughts, she is not crazy. The only way to figure out whether Naomi belongs in the psych ward is to unravel the past.

"He's going to come out as the sane one. His words will make sense before mine ever will." ~ pg. 11

The writing is so personal that I can feel Naomi's inner conflict. I can feel how hard she fights to stay in the present. I can understand her inability to trust and open up to people, whether it is Lachlan, doctors, other patients or the mysterious Max. From the first word to the last letter, Unravel is a well written novel for mature readers that may figure out the twist early on but enjoy how it unravels.

Title: Unravel
Author: Calia Read
Published: February 2014
Pages: 241
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

May 18, 2014

Series Sunday: The Wolf of Wall Street

(The Wolf of Wall Street #1)



Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.


My Series Sunday pick is The Wolf of Wall Street, the first book in the memoir series by Jordan Belfort. It is the book that inspired the movie starring Leo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort (now available on DVD and OnDemand). If you haven't seen the movie yet, please know it is not for everybody. There are quite a few risqué scenes, nudity, heavy drug use, profanity and fitty lem F-bombs. American entertainment at its peak.


Title: The Wolf of Wall Street
Author: Jordan Belfort
Published: September 2007
Pages: 528
Edition: Movie
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

May 17, 2014

Read TFiOS Before You See It


Read bestseller The Fault in Our Stars before you see it on June 6. Bless your eReaders and your mind by downloading the eBook edition for under $5. Check out my review of TFiOS and watch the extended movie trailer below. *passes you balled-up damp tissue*



 

May 13, 2014

Until She Comes Home


"...but I don't think you realize how our street has changed." ~ pg. 243

It would have been a while before I discovered Until She Comes Home if it weren't for Chickadee asking if I'd read the mystery book that takes place in Detroit. Before committing to reading a book, I always check reviews and star ratings. The 300+ 3-star reviews didn't help. But I am often curious to read books set in my city. So I checked my local library and borrowed Until She Comes Home by Lori Roy. It is a suspense novel in which a pair of seemingly unrelated murders threaten a peaceful Detroit neighborhood (Alder Avenue to be exact).

The residents of this peaceful neighborhood have a routine. Payday is every Wednesday for the men. Every morning the ladies travel to Willingham Avenue by bus to do their daily shopping. And every evening between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., husbands are pulling into their driveways after work at the factory. Grace is expecting her firstborn. Julia is a happy aunt to twin nieces. Malina is the stylish housewife that smiles and hosts bake sales, but secretly suspects her husband has a baby outside of their marriage.

A dark cloud hovers over Alder Avenue when childlike Elizabeth disappears while in the care of Grace and Julia. A recent murder of a black woman at the factory where their husbands work may be related to Elizabeth's disappearance. The husband search around-the-clock. Little does the Detroit neighborhood know, Grace knows exactly what happened.

I love a good mystery. So I am very critical when it comes to reviewing books in this genre. Perhaps my expectations are far too great. Until She Comes Home is just okay. It is not a mystery that will have your mind full of theories. It is not as suspenseful as the front matter claims. It is not haunting. Most disappointing of all, there was little reference to Detroit.

Title: Until She Comes Home
Author: Lori Roy
Published: June 2013
Pages: 338
Edition: Hardcover
Rating: ♥♥

 

May 11, 2014

Series Sunday: Women of the Bible

(Bible Series)


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

In the spirit of Mother's Day, my Series Sunday pick is Women of the Bible, a one-year devotional study of women in scripture by Ann Spangler and Jean E. Syswerda. Like its title states, it is a series of study about women of the Bible. I have only browsed through but plan to begin this devotional in the new year.

Title: Women of the Bible
Authors: Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda
Published: October 1999
Pages: 432

 

May 9, 2014

First Lines Friday


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"I gaze out the window at thousands of snowflakes fluttering to the ground. I press my face against the pane, aching for freedom. But it isn't a thin layer of glass that's blocking me from the outside, it's the truth."

~ Unravel by Calia Read

 

May 8, 2014

Room


"We're like people in a book, and he won't let anybody else read it." ~ pg. 59

Room has been in my TBR pile for years. YEARS. It is a bestseller. It was on plenty of my fellow bloggers' best books lists. It was highly recommended. It still has major buzz. Yet it remained unread on the bottom of my never-ending pile of books to read.

A book narrated by a kid just did not appeal to me. A book with a setting of an 11x11 room did not seem interesting. It was finally Chickadee that convinced me to pause my current reads and start Room. 

To five-year-old Jack, Room is where he was born and where he lives with Ma. They learn, eat, sleep, bathe, read and play in Room. At night, Jack sleeps in Wardrobe because Old Nick comes to visit Ma. To Ma, Room is where Old Nick has kept her captive for seven years. She devises an escape plan that relies on Jack's bravery, imagination and intelligence.

My heart breaks for this little boy that was taught the world measured eleven foot by eleven foot. That everything else he saw on TV was make-believe. Outside was fantasy and weather is something that happens to TV persons. Perfect example of mind over matter; what you don't know won't hurt you.

If I had to pick books that are ***flawless from beginning to end, Room would be at the top of my short list. This is the point where I would drop the mic but I am too sad for Jack and the real life people in a captive situation.

By now, you have read numerous reviews of Room. What's one more? This review is for the bookhearts that still have Room in their TBR piles. This review is for the bookhearts that love Room and consider it a favorite. This review is for the neutral bookhearts that are looking for a recommendation. This brilliantly executed novel is it.

Title: Room
Author: Emma Donoghue
Published: September 2010
Pages: 198
Edition: eBook (Audiobook recommended by Chickadee)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

May 7, 2014

Before I Wake



"It's a common misconception that comatose patients are always asleep—they're not. They have sleep and wake states like the rest of us, only it's not always obvious when they're in a wake state." ~ pg. 174

A mother with a past. A botched suicide attempt. A lying father. A secret that kills. A question with no answer.

Charlotte is smart, beautiful and popular. So why did she step in front of a city bus? Her mother Susan knows it wasn't just a freak accident. Something compelled her daughter to attempt suicide and she is determined to find out why. Starting with her fifteen-year-old daughter's diary, Susan digs into her daughter's life and events leading up to the accident. It doesn't take long before Susan realizes events from her own past put Charlotte in danger. 

The novel alternates between the main story line and Susan's diary entries from fifteen years ago. I'm glad the author chose this writing style so readers could draw their own conclusions and piece together clues. Both points of view reach a climax that kept me "all in" until the end.

Before I Wake includes a Reading Group Guide and Q&A with the author that makes it a great summer selection for book clubs. (Set for release in June) What's not to like about a novel of secrets and lies? It has my stamp of recommendation.

DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: Before I Wake
Author: C.L. Taylor
Published: June 2014
Pages: 339
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

May 6, 2014

Unbreak My Heart


"On every page, in every sentence, with every anecdote I recount, I am daring to examine both the steps and missteps that have led me to this moment."
~ pg. 7

If you watch WE TV's hit reality show Braxton Family Values, then you are aware that bestselling R&B artist Toni Braxton started working on a memoir. Well it is here! I am happy for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy. In Unbreak My Heart, Toni opens up about her past public unraveling, success and path to redemption.

All too often we think celebrities have the perfect glitzy life. But in reality, celebrities go through the ups and downs of life just like us. Toni Braxton shares details of her journey including the guilt she felt when accepting a solo deal and the humiliation of being forced to file bankruptcy twice. She also discusses medical issues like her lupus diagnosis and being the mother of an autistic child. Unbreak My Heart is a true story of how to take charge of your own healing physically, mentally and financially.

"Healing begins with acknowledgement." ~ pg. 55

Unbreak My Heart will be published in two weeks on Monday, May 20. You don't have to be a Braxton fan to enjoy this memoir though fans of her music will appreciate it more. Fans will notice the story behind her lyrics. Toni's intention is not to shame her family or friends, it is to free herself and heal. Watch the video below of Toni Braxton talking about why she chose to write a memoir.

Well done and thank you for sharing your intimate struggles, Toni Braxton.



DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: Unbreak My Heart
Author: Toni Braxton
Published: April 2014
Pages: 191
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥

 

The Divorce Papers


"It's plain I shouldn't do divorces anymore." ~ pg. 303

Sophie Diehl is a 29-year-old criminal law attorney that is used to clients behind bars. With all the big partners out of town, Sophie is assigned to handle the intake interview for divorcee Mia Meiklejohn Durkheim, Mayflower descendant and daughter of the firm's most important client. Sophie warns the wife of 18 years that she's never handled a divorce before but Mia believes Sophie is the perfect lawyer to fight on her behalf. Hey, it's a first divorce for both women. Why not experience it together?

The Divorce Papers is Susan Rieger's debut novel. I like that she didn't choose a traditional method to tell the story of a messy high-profile divorce handled by a cynical lawyer. It was much easier to follow through correspondence (personal emails, office memos, handwritten notes and legal documents). Great way to offer a direct window into the characters' lives.

I read numerous reviews of how funny The Divorce Papers is. Even the front matter calls it "sometimes hilarious." Clearly I am missing something because I had zero LOL moments. I barely chuckled. To each its own comedy. Nevertheless, at just under 500 pages, it was an easy entertaining read.

Title: The Divorce Papers
Author: Susan Rieger
Published: March 2014
Pages: 461
Edition: Hardcover
Rating: ♥♥♥

 

May 5, 2014

Lit Pick: The Devils' Cradle

Author: Darcy Daniel
Published: January 2014

Description:
A psychological thriller set in Tasmania, Australia.

On Australia’s island state, more than one species of Tasmanian Devil exists...

Beneath the surface of Nina Holt’s perfect marriage lurks a life of terror inflicted upon her by her politically powerful husband Michael and his brother Greg, a sadistic detective. For over a decade they have managed to keep Nina imprisoned, using her to satisfy their every whim.

Worse still, the only light in her life—her 9-year-old son, Sam—considers Michael a hero. When Sam imitates his father's violence by lashing out at Nina, she knows it’s time for both of them to escape before Sam truly turns into the monster Michael is grooming him to become.

After crashing her car in her haste to escape, kind motorist Case Herder offers her help. Unaware that he has his own plans for her, Nina accepts, igniting a deadly game of cat and mouse as they flee across Tasmania with Sam.

As Michael and Greg relentlessly hunt them down to Cradle Mountain, Nina finds herself with nowhere left to run. Cornered, she has no choice but to face evil head-on.

About the Author:
For more information about the author, visit her official website, Facebook or Twitter.

 

May 4, 2014

Series Sunday: House of Cards

(Francis Urquhart #1)


Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Read an installment of a series.
  • Share your review/recommendation below.
  • Include the title, author and series name.

"Politics. The word is taken from the Ancient Greek. 'Poly' means 'many.' And ticks are tiny, bloodsucking insects." ~ pg. 187

My Series Sunday pick is House of Cards, the first book in the Francis Urquhart series by Michael Dobbs. Francis is the Chief Whip. He must know the vote at all times, which gives him reason to know every secret in politics. The thrilling part is Francis will betray them all to become Prime Minister. Mattie is a young reporter with a knack for finding out the real story behind headlines. Mattie stumbles across a web of deceit and financial corruption, risking her life to reveal the truth.

House of Cards is a harsh dark tale of the corruption, manipulation and greed in politics, no matter the country. Just look at the book cover. The characters in House of Cards are puppets and Francis holds the strings. His unapologetic ambition is unmatched. His initials are FU for a reason.

The author, Michael Dobbs, is a member of the British House of Lords. He is Britain's leading political novelist and is a senior adviser to Prime Ministers. I'd say he is a credible source in knowing the sacrifices made and discipline shown in politics. Perhaps this is why most of the content in the novel went over my head. I struggled through the lingo and Parliament references. I stifled many yawns while reading.

The international bestseller is too wordy and politic-y for my taste. But the show is a must-see! You'll never view Scandal or The White House the same. I will not read the other books in the series but cannot wait to watch the third season. Kevin Spacey is the perfect actor for the role of Francis Underwood (still initials FU). Check out the trailers below of S1 and S2 of the Netflix original series inspired by the novel House of Cards.




DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: House of Cards
Author: Michael Dobbs
Published: February 2014
Pages: 401
Edition: Galley
Book Rating: ♥♥
Show Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

 

May 2, 2014

First Lines Friday BONUS


First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Reviews. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.
  • Grab your current read(s).
  • Share the first line(s).
  • Include the title and author.

"It was an ugly Monday just after noon."
 
 ~ Unlucky 13: FREE Preview of First 8 Chapters by James Patterson 

 

May 1, 2014

Almost Royalty


"I don't know when my mind started playing tricks on me but I found myself nostalgic for things I once despised." ~ pg. 6

Courtney Hamilton is an attorney living in the city of status seekers, Los Angeles. She is mortified as her best friends give up careers to marry entertainment royalty and civilian overachievers. Courtney tries her best to live a meaningful life with the perfect balance of social ambition and self-actualization in a city full of smoke mirrors.

Don't you just love funny down-to-earth characters? Courtney loves Velveeta, was thrown out of group therapy for insulting a former child actress and goes on self-destructive binges. She still drives a Honda and prefers to attend non-celebrity events. She has no interest in climbing up the social ladder to B-status or almost royalty. And may I also mention a meddling mother and misguided friends. I bet you have a friend like this.

I don't read too many books set in the city of L.A. nor have I ever visited, but this funny novel is how I imagine life to be there for a civilian. I especially liked how the ending summed up all of the characters.

Kirkus Reviews calls Almost Royalty "a hilarious, scathing tale of LA life." Almost Royalty releases later this month on May 28. Click the link below to pre-order or add to your reading list. Then, as the author suggests, "Sit. Read. Have some Velveeta. Laugh. Enjoy."


DISCLAIMER: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Title: Almost Royalty
Author: Courtney Hamilton
Published: May 2014
Pages: 238
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥♥