Hungry Heart

"I make the corners of my mouth curve upward, an approximation of a smile, because this is what women do. We don't want to scare anyone. We don't want to be upset or cause concern. We don't ever want to show how much it hurts. 'Everything's fine.'" ~ pg. 343

Jennifer Weiner is more than a bestselling author. She is more than a live tweeter of The Bachelor. She is more than her outspoken views on the equality of writers. She is also a mom, a daughter, a sister, a cyclist, and unpaid comedian. She is a novelist, activist and columnist for the New York Times.

In her first ever nonfiction book, she writes a collection of essays about her personal life. No subject is off-limits: sex, motherhood, weight, money and more. She talks about it all. It was nice to finally read about the author behind bestselling novels In Her Shoes, Good in Bed, Best Friends Forever and Then Came You. Now I can finally add this memoir to my Weiner collection!

To Jennifer Weiner: thank you for speaking out on behalf of women writers and genres. We will keep swimming and keep talking.

Title: Hungry Heart: Adventures in Life, Love, and Writing
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Published: October 2016
Pages: 402
Edition: Hardcover
Rating: ♥♥♥♡


 

Taking the Titanic

Taking the Titanic is a BOOKSHOT by James Patterson. A quick thriller read at less than 150 pages guaranteed to make you turn the pages until finished. Two thieves pose as newlyweds and board the world's most famous ship to rob its passengers.

I am in the minority of individuals that find Titanic the movie to be a romantic comedy. This short eBook fell in line highlighting the parts that I laughed my butt off about. But giggles aside, there was a mystery that gripped my attention and made Taking the Titanic worthy of a few hours reading.

Title: Taking the Titanic
Author: James Patterson
Published: November 2016
Pages: 160
Edition: Paperback
Rating: ♥♥♥♡

 

Dare to Remember

"Post-traumatic stress disorder. She dislikes the term, feeling it reduces her to a category, so that they can file her in the right place. She doesn't want to be lumped together with other people, with other traumas. And she doesn't have a 'disorder'." ~ 7%

Lisa Fulbrook flees to the countryside to recuperate from an attack that left her badly injured and her best friend dead. Lisa doesn't quite remember what really happened that night, let alone the identity of the attacker and reason why. Like the title states, she dares to remember the truth.

Dare to Remember did not live up to its psychological thriller tag. Where was the shock? I struggled with continuing to read after my 50-Page Rule. It sparked up a bit only to let me back down. I held out thinking the ending would make it all worth my time. Nope. I could be in the minority with disliking Dare to Remember so check out other reviews before making a decision to read/not read it.

Happy Pub Day, Susanna Beard!

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 honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Dare to Remember
Author: Susanna Beard
Published: February 2017
Pages: 288
Edition: Galley
Rating: ♥♥

 

Copycat

"The story centers on a woman who, after becoming friends with a coworker, begins copying every single thing her friend does. She buys all the same clothing, jewelry, shoes, furniture, and anything else she sees her friend with. She even begins to act like her in a number of different ways and adopts most of her personality traits." ~ 70%

Traci Calloway Cole is the kind of woman Simone Phillips wants to be. Literally from the hairs sprouting of her scalp to the polish on her toe nails. Most of all, Traci is a successful author while Simone aspires to become a published author. Unbeknownst to both women, Simone becomes a copycat. She copies everything about Traci simply because she wants to be just like her. After one in-person meeting, Simone becomes Traci's friend on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Google+ and Periscope. Can we say social media stalker?! But Simone means no harm until her world starts unraveling secrets from the past.

Copycat is unique in that it is a story within a story. Not only does Simone copycat, but Traci is writing a new book about the very same thing!

"Thankfully, I don't have any friends who do this kind of thing, but I've definitely come across women who have identity problems. Those who want to be like someone else." ~ 19%

I always say imitation is not the best form of flattery. It is beyond admiration; more so annoyance. I related to Copycat because it happened to me before...twice! It always starts off with innocent questions like, "I like your shoes. Where did you get them?" or "Love your haircut! I want something similar." or flat-out "I have that same sweater!" after seeing mine though. Be your own self. Don't copycat!

I recommend any book that I absolutely relate to. Copycat is such! Readers will enjoy this quick read with questionable characters and obsession gone wrong.

Happy Pub Day, Kimberla Lawson Roby! Congrats on your 25th book!

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 honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Copycat
Author: Kimberla Lawson Roby
Published: January 2017
Pages: 192
Edition: Galley
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book That is a Story Within a Story
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living

"You look down and you keep on writing, revising, reading, reckoning, working...because that's what real black writers do." ~ 31%

Scratch is intended for aspiring authors, already published authors and leisure writers. The tips and advice are truly worth reading. It addresses writing and money, work and life, literature and commerce. You'll get inspiration in knowing you're not alone with writing struggles, learning monetization, handling advances, diversity in publishing, selling out, how to work hard and read dead. Scratch is not meant to discourage writers but to prepare you for the challenges.

"Rewrite your story—past, present, and future drafts." ~ 3%

Contributors include Roxane Gay, Alexander Chee, Emily Gould, Harmony Holiday, Yiyun Li, Daniel José Older and Jennifer Weiner. It is edited by Majula Martin. Some essays are better than others; some essays may not be relevant depending on the stage of writing you are. But still add Scratch to your bookshelves alongside Poynter's Publishing Manuals, Oxford's Essenial Guide to Writing and Stephen King's On Writing. Treat yourself to knowledge. Decide when, or if, to quit your day job.

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 honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Scratch: Writers, Money, and the Art of Making a Living
Author: Various; Edited by Manjula Martin
Published: January 2017
Pages: 304
Edition: Galley
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book with a Subtitle; Bookish Kill Your TBR—Read a Book That Supports My New Year's Resolution
Rating: ♥♥♥

 

Wives, Fiancées, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta

"Who gon' check me, boo?" ~ 60%

Sasha Wellington's goal is to be a well-known fashion designer. She moves to Atlanta with a plan to be an entrepreneur. What a brave move! Within a short amount of time, she befriends Norman (a savvy gay stylist), Casey (an NBA player's wife), and Paris (a nightlife dancer). Sticking to her dreams prove difficult when Sasha gets mixed up in the fast-paced Hotlanta life and is romanced by a baller.

"I'm sure there are a lot of things you weren't into before moving to Atlanta, but trust me when I say this town has a way of making you something that you aren't." ~ 27%

I am not sure what I expected before I started reading this new release by Bravo TV's Real Housewife of Atlanta, Shereé Whitfield. Although I must admit that I judged this book by its cover and by its author. The title is very urban and reminds me of those "hood" books I used to read way back in the day. The cover shows a woman living a lifestyle much like a wife, fiancée or side-chick.

I couldn't help but match every fictional character with someone from Shereé's real life, such as her ex-husband Bob, fashion stylist Miss Lawrence or fellow RHOA. This distracted me from the very beginning. But once I mentally matched the fictional characters with real life colleagues of Shereé's, I sat back and enjoyed the story, wondering how much truth this fiction is based on.

"Fun was temporary. Happiness was the real deal." ~ 39%

Fiction books from celebrities get an automatic side-eye from me. No, it is not fair. Yes, it is okay to dabble in the book field while being seen on our television screens via reality television. I don't expect to read literature with deep prose. In fact, I suspect ghost writers are usually used. And that is fine. But the tone of the main character in Wives, Fiancées, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta is so Shereé! She did a great job of creating a reliable character that is easy to root for. Readers want to see Sasha Wellington (mmm hmm, same initials as the author) succeed.

However, this book will probably not appeal to avid novel readers. It is full of pop culture phrases like "throw shade" or "twerk" or "turn up." The supporting characters are not developed. The ending is beyond predictable and rushed, leaving readers with a cliffhanger. The book started off strong but the storyline didn't carry well giving the impression a deadline had to be met so "just end it here." Of course, this could be good for the author in future sales of the sequel. In conclusion, the intended audience are women who watch RHOA and enjoy rumors mixed with a hint of reality and hot mess drama.

Happy Pub Day, Shereé!

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 honestly my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Wives, Fiancées, and Side-Chicks of Hotlanta
Author: Sheree Whitfield
Published: January 2017
Pages: 320
Edition: Galley
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book with a Family-Member Term in the Title
Rating: ♥♥♡

 

Series Sunday: Night School

(Jack Reacher #21) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie of Precision Revision. 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 Night School, the 21st book in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. Flashback to year 1996 when Jack Reacher was only in his 30s serving in the United States Army. In the morning they give him a medal; in the afternoon he is enrolled back in school and off the grid by that night. He is whisked off to a secluded location to work on a group mission. Also in the classroom is Casey Waterman (FBI) and John White (CIA). All three are fresh off a big win and first-rate in their respective departments.

So what is the case? Why were these three people cherry-picked? Because of an overheard message in a sleeper cell located in Germany: "The American wants a hundred million dollars." Reacher, Waterman and White were recruited to find that American before an act of terrorism happens.

My goodness, the level of non-stop action and suspense was high considering the times Reacher and his night school buddies followed fruitless leads. The story took off on a steady pace once the setting, introduction of characters and layout of the mystery was explained. Some may deem it slow but I preferred its pace so I could absorb what Jack Reacher was all about and follow the complex case. I say it was well done because now I heart Jack Reacher even more!

"Whatever worked. Whatever got you through the night." ~ pg. 234

I normally don't do this but since Night School is a prequel, I skipped way ahead and read it out of order. There was no way I was reading 18 or so books before this new release. And I am glad I did! I have a deeper understanding of main character Jack Reacher and how he started off. Why he acts the way he acts and where his zero tolerance for bullshit comes from. Most of all, it was exciting to see that Jack Reacher maneuvers inside and outside the law from day one. The man has skills and intelligence!

Some bookhears are sticklers for reading books of a series in order. And yes, usually I am included in that statement. But if you are unfamiliar with the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child, then go ahead and read Night School next. Thank me later because it is sure to be your new favorite mystery series. The New York Times calls this thriller series "utterly addictive." We can't both be wrong.

Title: Night School

Author: Lee Child

Published: November 2016

Pages: 306

Edition: eBook
Challenge: Perpetual Jack Reacher 

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♡