Angela Reads

I use to share the books that I've read here on the blog. I haven't done that in a while primarily because I took a long reading break when we first moved to Australia. I spent most of my time reading the internet and magazines and not really opening a book. I also spent a lot of time watching horrible Australian TV, and by horrible Australian TV, I mean horrible American TV broadcasted here. Then for my Birthday last year I got an iPad (one of the best things ever invented) and started reading books on there. Never thought I would be a fan of digital readers, but I love it. Also, when you are nursing a newborn eight to ten times a day it's the perfect way to read a book.

Here are some books that I have enjoyed recently.

The Hunger Games - Of course I read this, who hasn't? 

Bossypants by Tina Fey - Huge girl crush on Tina Fey. Favorite bits included when she talks about being a Mother, and her breastfeeding experience had me rolling on the ground laughing. A lot of laugh out loud moments.

Two Kisses for Maddy - Started following Matt Logelin's Blog when I saw him on Oprah years ago. The book should come with a box of Kleenex attached to it.


Unbroken - What can I say about this book? Amazing. Read it. Even if you're not into war books, read it. Here is the link. I got a hard copy of this book so Jamie could read it (I'm a little selfish with my iPad. Ski racks, Jamie, ski racks). Anyway, one of the best books I have read.

Mothers' Group- Written by a local Sydney Author and the book specifically takes place in the Northern Beaches of Sydney where we are living. More dramatic than what I was expecting, but good. Kleenex needed for this book too.


Bringing up Bebe - There are so many books out there about how the French do everything better than everyone else, so I wasn't so sure I wanted to read this. But I liked it. I look at as an account of Author's experience versus a parenting book. There is some practical advise too.

Over the weekend

We blew bubbles.
Walked down to the beach on Saturday. Yes, Ben is wearing Annmarie's sunnies.

Attempted to see some dude play music at The Arms, but left because he didn't show on time. With two kids you can only wait so long.

Went to the rock pool on Sunday. Ben liked it. Annmarie was a little fish, she also insisted that she walk home with Dad. She made it all the way up the hill! I thought for sure she would start complaining, but no - she thought it was fun.
Finished the Hunger Games trilogy and made baby food.
And made an early Valentine dessert.
The End.

Angela Reads::Recent Reads

In between, during or after re-reading Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, I read/listen to these books.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Oprah told me to read this book. So I did. Incredible. I can't stop thinking about it. The NY Times wrote a great review. Given that I work (will have worked) in a research environment the book was very compelling.

Committed - I loved loved Eat, Pray, Love. I told every women that they must read it. With Committed I would say people should read this if they really want to take a sobering look at the concept of marriage. I personally enjoyed the book and liked the mix of personnel chitchat, coupled with areas of research.

Note: I actually listened to this on CD as read by Elizabeth Gilbert and loved her voice.

This is Where I Leave You - This book is full of family dysfunction and written like a screenplay. I could easily visualize the characters and scenery. Am a fan of Tropper’s quirky style - may not be for everyone.

Angela Reads: Recent Reads

A Long Way Gone - Great book. Heartbreaking. Worth the read.

Unaccustomer Earth - Award winning - as it should be. Huge fan of Jhumpa Lahiri.

Shanghai Girls - Not my favorite book by Lisa See. It started out great and then it lost something for me.

Angela Reads

I Feel Bad About My Neck – by Nora Epron. You know Nora? Screenwriter of the fabulous funny When Harry Met Sally and other popular favorites. She wrote a fun book about four years ago. Nora’s witty and whiny (but not in an annoying way). Loved her food and cooking discussions. She epitomizes New York and talks freely about her three marriages and aging. I'm with her on her ode to Bill and the rapture she feels for books. Loved her mouse potato reference - all too guilty of that one.

Twenties Girl - Ridiculously cheesy to the nth to degree. It's a ghost story. But fun. Total Chick Lit, and could so see this made into even more ridiculous Chick Flick. This is my first Kinsella novel, I’ve passed on all the shopaholic books.

Angela Reads: Kelly Corrigan

I sat down to read this book and didn’t move for an hour until I was finished. It’s short. Written as a letter to her daughters. She captures the essence of parenting and I admire her honesty. As she did in The Middle Place she had me smiling and crying. And even though I wish the book was a bit longer (because I enjoy her writing so much), it’s an incredible tribute to her daughters, family and friends. So well done.

For peek into Kelly's writing attached below is her “Transcending” video on YouTube, which has received over 4 million hits.

She’s also a local girl!

Angela Reads

1. The Elegance of a Hedgehog – Interesting book. Enjoyed the characters. The dialogue is tedious and the philosophical undertones are a bit much, but overall-I enjoyed the story.

2. The Help - Wow! Excellent book. Read it. You may not get much done while reading this, but who needs to watch the Olympics or sleep (maybe I'll wait to pick up another book until after the Olympics, because I do enjoy watching them). Anyway, The Help is heartwrenching and funny. It's narrated by three different enduring characters that are so authentic. Bravo to Kathryn Stockett.

Oh and what I wouldn't do to get my hands on Minny's caraml cake recipe. I'll skip the chocalate cake.

Angela Reads: Where Men Win Glory

Jon Krakauer is an exceptional writer and is masterful at bringing a story together. He writes with deep emotion and heart, but also thoroughly researches the facts. Just as he did with Chris McCandless in Into the Wild; Krakauer writes profoundly about the complexity of Pat Tillman.

I found Tillman's life told through interviews with friends, his wife Marie and the journals that Tillman kept to be a very rich and poignant. The book provides the essential history that I feel is important in telling Tillman's story and the inconceivable concealment surrounding the facts of his death.

Some have labeled this book as having a political agenda, and as an attack on the U.S. Military and the Bush Administration. It's no secret what side of the fence Kraukauer sits on, but just as Krakauer received some criticism for his book Under the Banner of Heaven he responded to those charges by saying - "But illuminating unpleasant historical truths is not the same as bigotry."

I believe the same sediment holds true for this book.

Angela Reads: Recent Reads

1. The Other Boleyn Girl. After having about 100 people recommend this book to me, I finally read it. Very captivating. Total page turner. Everyone was right on. Highly recommend it.

2. The Cactus Eaters. I heard Dan White (poor guy shares the same name with San Francisco's double murderer) plugging his book on KFOG one morning. It sounded interesting. I also like reading about people who do extraordinary things that I know I would never attempt, such as hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. The book was decent. A little blah at times, but it had it's fun moments.

3. The Middle Place. A very touching, funny, and thoughtfully told memoir. Loved it!

Angela Reads: The Lost Symbol

Just finished The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Decent read. Follows the same formula as his other books. While the story was somewhat interesting the characters are just foolish* and Langdon, well, he is pretty boring. Took me a while to get into it and while some parts were entertaining, it defiantly didn’t have me staying up at night wanting to read more like Brown’s other books.

*I know that may sound funny coming from someone who is obsessed with vampires. So let's just get one thing clear - vampires are not foolish. Thankyouverymuch.

Angela Reads: You'll Never Nanny in This Town Again

Took this fun book along with me to Hawaii to read at the pool. It was a quick and light read.

Not the best book around, but reading about celebrities is a guilty pleasure of mine.

Angela Reads: Songs Without Words

Or maybe the title should read - Angela doesn't read. After getting through 100 pages of this book, I just couldn't bring myself to finish it. And that is really unlike me. I typically finish most book regardless. But unfortunately this was just one of those books that I didn't feel valued my time. It happens.

I read The Dive from Clasen's Pier by Ann Packer years ago. And although I wouldn't consider this one my more favorite books, I got though it, it was good, not great, but good. The book was later turned into a very disappointing Lifetime movie.

Angela Reads: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Just read - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

This is a charming book.
Yes, charming, is how I would describe it (said in my most charming British accent).
The book is also rich with emotion. And an easy read.

Angela Reads: 10 Good Reads

So I have been blogging about the current books I have read. It all started with my Edward obsession the Twilight saga. I thought I would post some of my past favorite reads, in no particular order. I wouldn’t consider this my top 10 list, just 10 random good reads.

Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert.
Love. Love. Love this book. I loved Elizabeth’s personality. She was tender, yet brings a lot of humor to her story. Her journey through Italy, India and Indonesian was incredible.

Time Travelers Wife, Audrey Niffenegger.

This is such an interesting and compelling book. It’s hard to describe. I totally fell in love with characters. You just have to read it, it’s a must read.

Honeymoon with My Brother, Franz Wisner
I think I picked up this book after hearing about it on NPR. What a fun book. It’s a great story about travel, but mainly about relationships. I loved the letters from their Grandmother.
Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer
This is the story of Chirs McCandless all too short and intense life. Excellent book and so well written. This is the first book/gift I gave to Jamie.
Life of Pi, Yann Martel
Simply Wonderful
Celestine Prophecy, James Redfield
I read this book over 12 years ago and really enjoyed it then. I remember writing about it in College. It has many messages. I know a lot of people who didn’t like it. I wonder what I would think of it now if I were to re-read it. It still sits on my bookshelf.
The Book of Joe, Jonathan Tropper
I laughed. I cried. Very entertaining. I need to read some of Jonathan Tropper’s other books.
The Know it All, A.J. Jacobs
This is a very good memoir. The wit is sharp. And I learned some stuff.
Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown
Pure adventure. Pure entertainment. I read this book 5 or so years ago on a plane to Paris. It was the perfect book for the trip.
Harry Potter Series, J.K. Rowling
What can I say about Harry Potter? I love it! Genius.

What are some of your favorites? I'm tempted to read Twilight again. Call me crazy....it's ok.

Angela Reads: Julie and Julia

Just finished this book by Julie Powell. I wanted to read it before the movie comes out.

Fun book.

Girl starts blog.
About cooking her way through Julia Child's Cookbook - Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Girl gets book deal.
Girl gets movie deal.
Movie stars Meryl Streep.

I could have done this (that's what everyone says). But I didn't. Cooking Club needs to get with it! Although I'm not sure if a book titled, Cook the Baby would sell.? People might not get the humor in that.

Angela Reads: The Pillars of the Earth

Fantastic book! An epic tale set during 12th century England and the opposing forces of the Monarch and Church. All while struggling to a build magnificent cathedral which binds all the stories together. But the characters were by far the most intriguing aspect of the book. Each one essential to the book and beautifully woven together.

The book is of considerable length (973 pages), but it moves at a surprisingly quick pace.

And even though I have never been to England, I have been to some wall towns in Germany and Italy and often found myself remembering those. I went back and forth weather to invest my time reading this book. I’m glad I did.

Angela Reads: The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Very sad. Very tragic. I'm not sure if I liked this book.

Angela's Book Review: Three Cups of Tea

I just finished this book – Three Cups of Tea

Amazing!

Dr. Greg is amazing!

It’s amazing how education could solve so many of the world’s problems.

I loved what Jon Krakauer said - “What Greg has accomplished, with very little money, verges on the miraculous."

Recommendation: Brian, Child (the magazine for thinking mothers)

I love this magazine. It was recommended to me in a mom’s group I went to when Annmarie was younger. It comes out quarterly, so you do not get bombarded with it monthly. It has great, fun and interesting essays. I always enjoy the debate topic they have in every issue. It’s different from your typical parenting magazine and I just really enjoy it.

Angela's Book Review: BREAKING DAWN

**Warning - Contains Spoilers!**

I just couldn’t write this review without discussing the book, for those of you who have not read the book yet, please do not read this review.

The driving force behind the first three books is – Will Bella and Edward ever get to be together?

Well, you are given the answer to this question and so much more in Breaking Dawn.

I think you always know the answer to this question, but how, when, why or who is going to get hurt during the process is what the reader is waiting for.

In the end everything ends with a perfect happily ever after. And I am glad it did. I still love Bella and Edward and I even liked Jacob by the end of the book. The book provided perfect closure, but ended with endless possibilities for other stories.

So here are some the key details I feel I need to comment on:

Bella and Edward get married. While I was happy for them, the excitement, the longing, this impossible love, the primary point of interest of the books is answered. And for me, I was a little disappointed it happened so fast in the beginning of the book. I always new they would be together, so I was happy and there was much more story to tell. They go on a honeymoon and do things that go along with being on a honeymoon. This was tastefully done. And…….

Bella and Edward have a daughter! Not at all what I expected.

Bella becomes a vampire. I think this is probably one of my favorite parts of the book. I thought the way this was done was perfect. It came more out of necessity, than by choice. I also loved that it seemed like Bella was meant to be a vampire.

Jacob imprints on Bella and Edward’s daughter. I thought this is done well too. It made the unbelievable strong bond between Bella and Jacob understandable. I was fairly frustrated after book 3 and never got how Bella could have this love for Jacob when she had such powerful love for Edward. I know the imprinting thing is strange, but it made sense. I was also glad to see Jacob take his rightful position as Alpha.

In the end, I would have liked to have seen a fight with the Volruri, but that keeps it open for new stories. Not everything could happen in this book. I also loved that Bella was able to show Edward her mind.

Therefore, this book about committing to love provides answers to all your questions. And I LOVED every moment of it!

Lastly and in conclusion, I feel I need to say something regarding some of the controversy the books have received. It’s about vampires and werewolves, a story. A fairy tale of sorts. That’s it! It is not meant to be about true life. The books shouldn’t be read to convey some moral, ethical and meaningful message, its pure entertainment at its best. That’s what I got out of the books. I got completely hooked and wrapped up in Bella and Edward’s lives that I couldn’t put the books down (just ask my husband). And for now the story is over, while we wait to see if Meyer is going to move forward with number 5. So, I will move on……and start a new book and life will go on. The End.

Angela's Review: Eclipse
Angela's Review: Twilight and New Moon