Review: Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh

Goodreads: In her masterful first novel Mrs. Kimble, Jennifer Haigh delivers the riveting story of three women who marry the same man.

Ken Kimble is revealed through the eyes of the women he seduces: his first wife, Birdie, who struggles to hold herself together following his desertion; his second wife, Joan, a lonely heiress shaken by personal tragedy, who sees in Kimble her last chance at happiness; and finally Dinah, a beautiful but damaged woman half his age. Woven throughout is the story of Kimble's son, Charlie, whose life is forever affected by the father he barely remembers. Kimble is a chameleon, a man able to become, at least for a while, all things to all women -- a hero to whom powerful needs and nameless longings may be attached. Only later do they glimpse the truth about this enigmatic, unknowable man.

Kritters Thoughts: What a fantastic read!! I have been holding onto this book and have moved it more than once. I am so upset with myself for not reading it before now.

A twisted story about a man who has relationship ADD. He can't handle a wife after they become in his mind boring or complacent. I loved how she wove the story through not only the views of each of the three wives, but also of his first son. The different perspectives between the women and the son make this story deep and moving. It also made me wonder what we don't know about the people around us. This man was able to switch identities at the drop of a hat and begin again.

I would absolutely pass this book along to all of my friends and family.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 416

GR July-Sept Challenge: Keep it Proper

Review: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Goodreads: This beautifully written, heartfelt memoir touched a nerve among both readers and reviewers. Elizabeth Gilbert tells how she made the difficult choice to leave behind all the trappings of modern American success (marriage, house in the country, career) and find, instead, what she truly wanted from life. Setting out for a year to study three different aspects of her nature amid three different cultures, Gilbert explored the art of pleasure in Italy and the art of devotion in India, and then a balance between the two on the Indonesian island of Bali. By turns rapturous and rueful, this wise and funny author (whom Booklist calls "Anne Lamott’s hip, yoga- practicing, footloose younger sister") is poised to garner yet more adoring fans.

Kritters Thoughts: Well another one on audio, another memoirish book. I have enjoyed that both books I have listened to were read by the person they really happened to - made the experience more personal.

As far as the book, it was interesting. I liked how it was divided up between the three countries that she visited, but I didn't fall in love with this book. The minute I heard the book was going to be made into a movie with Julia Roberts, the book jumped to the top of my wish list.

Sometimes I felt as though she was beating me over the head with her thoughts on religion - I agreed with her at times, but goodness she has opinions! She definitely convinced me that Italy would be a place where I would love to go and visit for awhile.

There isn't much to say - I liked it, but it didn't excite me or send me overboard. It was a good read - I would pass it onto my friends who like memoirish books.

Rating:enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 334

GR July-Sept Challenge - Pop Quiz

Review: Bobo's Daughter by Bonnie Barnett

Goodreads: Bonnie Barnett first met her father at the circus. She was a four-year-old spectator; he was one of the world's most famous clowns, a veteran performer for shows like the Shrine Circus and The Ed Sullivan Show. Though his star persona was always present in the periphery of her life, she rarely got to see him in person, and the inconsistency of her mother, a former clown herself, only increased her loneliness. As she entered adulthood, put herself through college, and sought spiritual fulfillment, Bonnie found herself seeking out her father at every turn. It wasn't until she finally showed up at this doorstep that he stopped being a larger-than-life myth and became a very human father, full of faults, regrets, and love. Bobo's Daughter recounts Bonnie's quest for the affection and acceptance of her legendary father--and the lessons she learned along the way.

Kritters Thoughts: What a great little read! I was given the opportunity to read and review just for you guys!!

A wonderfully moving and informative little story. The premise of this book, without giving too much away, is the story of Bonnie Barnett finding her father a few times in her life and the last time she reconnected with him right before he life came to an end. This may sound weird - but it was interesting to hear a true life story of a woman who struggled growing up in a very hard household. It wasn't candy coated at all.

The other part of the story that I thoroughly enjoyed - was the behind the scenes view of circus life. I never really thought about the lives that those traveling as a profession deal with throughout the whole year. Not only those who are in the circus, but any performer that travels leaves their families and their homes for a majority of the year for their craft, fans and their passion.

I would pass this book onto anyone who would take it on. I thought it was a great read.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 232

GR July-Sept Challenge: Keep it in the Family

Review: How Perfect is That by Sarah Bird

Goodreads: Blythe Young—a wannabe Texas princess, a heroine as plucky, driven, and desperate as Vanity Fair’s Becky Sharp—is plummeting precipitously from up- to downstairs, banging her head on every step of the Austin social ladder as she falls. Not unlike the country as a whole, Blythe has surrendered to a multitude of dubious moral choices and is now facing the disastrous consequences: bankruptcy, public humiliation, a teensy fondness for the pharmaceuticals, and no Pap smear for ten years. But worst of all, she is forced to move back into the fleabag co-op boardinghouse where she lived when she was a student at the University of Texas.

Though Blythe cares much more about the ravaged state of her nails, and how to get the ingredients for Code Warrior—Blythe’s proprietary blend of Stoli, Ativan, and Red Bull that keeps everything in focus—her soul is hanging in the balance. Only when she is in danger of losing the one friend who’s been her true moral center is she ready to face her sins and make amends.

And her penance is merciless: she must find a way to lure her former socialite friends into the tofu tenement she has been reduced to. Little does Blythe know that the ensuing collision between the pierced, tattooed, and dreadlocked inhabitants and the pampered, Kir-sipping socialites offers the only hope of finding a way out of her moral quagmire.

Kritters Thoughts: Well, I read this book for the GoodReads Challenge for a Second Chance - read a book by an author to give them a second chance.

Well - my first run in with Sarah Bird was The Alamo House. I didn't enjoy the language she used in that book for the chick lit plotline it had - so I picked up How Perfect is That to give her a second chance.

After reading How Perfect is That, I will not be giving Bird another chance. Again she used words that didn't fit the story. This book took us back to the same sorority house on UT campus with a completely different story. I enjoyed the story itself, but I had a very different hesitation to the book.

There were some parts of the plotline that I thought could have been left out. One that sticks out in my mind is the excessive drugs and drinking - it was beyond control and it just didn't fit. I felt like it could have been toned down or completely cut out

So I would not pass this book along to my friends or foes.

Rating: not such a good read

Pages: 320

GR July-Sept Challenge: Second Chance

Review: A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill

Goodreads: The true life story of a dog who changed everything for one woman. For the first time in my life, I didn't need to pretend, I didn't need to be tough; I only needed to be honest. "I have cerebal palsy. I walk funny and my balance is bad. I fall a lot. My hands shake, too. That means I'm not so good at carrying things. And if I drop stuff, sometimes it's hard to just bend down and get it." I waited anxiously for the interviewer's response. She smiled. "It sounds like a service dog could be great for you." So began Leigh Brill's journey toward independence and confidence, all thanks to a trained companion dog named Slugger. The struggling college student and the Labrador with "a coat like sunshine" and a tail that never stopped wagging became an instant team. Together, they transformed a challenge into a triumph. Together, they inspired and educated everyone they met. Now, Leigh honors her friend with the story of their life, together.

Kritters Thoughts: What a cute and heartwarming little story. I was blessed to receive it through NetGalley and loved every page of the story. Being a dog owner for just under a year, I am enjoying stories pertaining to dogs more and more. I love hearing about other breed's personalities and am touched beyond belief when I hear of a dog's aging and eventual passing. It breaks my heart becuase I know that our pup - Miss Charlotte has become more than a dog - a family member.

OK - enough with the sappiness. This was a great story to educate everyone on the different ways people can benefit from a service dog. In the book, Brill speaks to an auditorium full of children, one of the first questions she receives is - Are you blind - I thought service dogs were just for blind people. To be honest - so did I. I loved hearing how these dogs can be used for various disabilities.

I would pass this onto my friends who are dog lovers, who love stories about people overcoming disabilities in different ways and those who like to hear an uplifting story that is absolutely true.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 248

GR July-Sept Challenge: A (Wo)man's Best Friend

Review: Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Goodreads: After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.

With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera - ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, beg Mac for attention and money. Mac's foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

Kritters Thoughts: Finally, a book not set anywhere near London and had four great characters that I got easily attached to. This book had a great story line that I just fell in love with.

My one reservation to pass this off to friends is the few love scenes got a little hot and heavy. I have never been the girl to pick up those romance novels where the man is half nude on the cover - I know you know what I am talking about. SO my tolerance for CRAZY sexy scenes is a little on the low side. I understand when it really works in the story, but sometimes I am blushing and thinking "YEP, can't pass this onto mom!"

I am off to find out when the rest of this series should be coming out - I can't wait to find out what is coming next for the four girls!

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 325

GR July-Sept Challenge: For Independence Day

Review: The Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman

Goodreads: Sophie and Carrie were childhood best friends, but in the last few years they've lost touch. While Carrie chose motherhood in a small town, Sophie is powering up the London career track. She's a corporate manager poised for her next promotion. Sure, she doesn't have much time for men, but she has a great shoe collection and a cat who's never going to let her down.

And then Sophie is told that Carrie has died, with nobody left to care for her two daughters, Bella and Izzy, aged six and three. Their father, who left before Carrie's death, is nowhere to be found; their grandmother is moving into assisted living. Sophie once promised Carrie she would take care of her children if the worst ever happened...and now that day has come.

Kritters Thoughts: Another book set abroad. Unfortunately, at this point I am ready for a book set stateside!!

But that aside, I wasn't a super fan of this book because I had already read a book with a very very similar plot line which I absolutely fell in love with at first sight. I may have liked this more if I hadn't read the other book previously.

I did fall in love with the two little girls in the book - they were written perfectly and I could completely imagine them.

So short and simple review - I would only pass this book along to those who like the books abroad and who are ready for a common plot line.

Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 352

GR July - Sept Challenge: First and Last

Review: Your Roots are Showing by Elise Chidley

Goodreads: Lizzie Buckley has a life many women dream of - a gorgeous husband, a beautiful home and darling (when they're not fighting) three-year-old twins. But ever since the birth of her children, she's had a fantasy about locking herself in her bedroom for twenty-four hours with a good book and a box of chocolates.

Unfortunately, her husband James doesn't understand her feelings. And when Lizzie unburdens herself in a flaming email to her sister Janie, then hits send at the wrong moment and accidentally shoots it off to James instead, her fairytale life gets a big dose of reality. With the word "divorce" ringing in her ears, Lizzie finds herself moving out and embarking on a totally different life - working hard to reinvent herself as a runner, a gardener, and a writer of children's books.

But despite transforming her body, her neglected career, and her libido (courtesy of the local landscape gardener), Lizzie can't get over her soon-to-be ex. As Lizzie discovers, sometimes the fairytale ending is just the beginning of the real story.

Kritters Thoughts: Well, it seems as though I am going from one Brit book to another. After reading this book, I enjoyed The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes even better. This Brit book was a little much. I was overwhelmed with the language that I could not understand AT ALL.

If you are one to read and enjoy all the Brit things - this one would be great for you.

And for the story - the beginning and the middle were great. I was in love with how it was unfolding, but the ending just hit me sideways and came and went to fast.

SO I would pass this book along to my friends who enjoy all things Brit and are ok with an ending that comes very quick and leaves you wondering what in the world happened!

Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 384 pages

GR July-Sept Challenge: First and Last

Review: The Fiction Class by Susan Breen

Goodreads: On paper, Arabella Hicks seems more than qualified to teach a weekly fiction class on New York's Upper West Side. She's an author herself; she's passionate about books; she's even named after the heroine in a Georgette Heyer novel.

On the other hand, she's thirty-eight, single, and has been writing the same book for the last seven years.

Kritters Thoughts: A goodwill find that I am excited to pass onto my mom. This was a good read that happily fit into the challenge I am doing on Goodreads - read something about school.

I absolutely loved the layout and how the story unfolded in the book. Wrapped around the class and weekly visits to a nursing home to visit her mom, the main character Arabella is someone I could envision with such clarity.

It was a short little read, but packed inside was a beautiful story of a mother and a daughter learning in their last days how each one coped with the life they were handed. It made me want to make sure I hadn't wasted any moments with my family and to make sure that future ones were hard to forget.

I would pass this book along to all the women in my life - not sure the men would enjoy this one!

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 336 pages

GR July - Sept Challenge - School's in Session (Almost)

Review: The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes

Goodreads: Life is a circle, and what goes around, comes around. Just ask a trio of unforgettable women in Marian Keyes enchanting new novel . . .

Written in the charming and chatty voice that has become Marian Keyes's signature style, this hilarious and heartwarming new novel proves there are three sides to every story . . . especially in the world of publishing!

Kritters Thoughts: Well at the beginning of this book, I was nervous I wasn't going to finish the over 600 page book that sat on my nightstand. Then it switched to another character's point of view.

The first one - Gemma - was way too whiny to start the book off. I know the order of the characters mattered due to the unveiling of the story, but I was really not liking this book in the beginning. By the time Keyes introduces the second two characters I am engulfed in their semi-connected stories and wondering how this will all end.

Upon completing - I would have to say in general I liked the book. I know that I am biased when it comes to books based on Britishness (sorry rooms) - never been a fan. But when I got beyond the language barrier I enjoyed how each character was entangled and affected by one another.

I would definitely recommend this but with hesitation to those who are not into the British things AND to those who are not into larger volume books!

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 648 pages

GR July - Sept Challenge: Big and Small - this was the big one at 648 pages

Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Goodreads: As the story opens, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object - artfully encoded with five symbols - is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation . . . one meant to usher its receipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom.


When Langdon's beloved mentor, Peter Solomon - a prominent Mason and philanthropist - is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations - all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth.

Kritters Thoughts: What a ride! I read The DaVinci Code and could never get into Angels & Demons, but this one sucked me in. I believe I was able to dive in fast because I could easily picture where each moment was taking place - love when I live around the corner from the story.

Thank goodness for a rainy day alone at the house with the pup - after 300 pages read in one day I had a hard time going to work on Monday with it unfinished.

Taking place all over Washington, D.C. this book takes you behind the scenes of the Masonic traditions that lie in the center of the founding of our country. I live right around the corner from the HUGE masonic temple in Alexandria, VA - sometimes I know where I am due to where I am in regards to it. The boy has some friends who are Masons, it has taken everything in me to sit and quiz them on the accuracy of this book.

A read I would recommend to young, old, male or female. I would definitely pass it along to those who live near me and know where all the events are taking place.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 509

GR July - Sept Challenge: Where in the World (D for D.C.)

Review: Hollywood Stories by Stephen Schochet

Goodreads: Just when you thought you've heard everything about Hollywood comes a totally original new book. Hollywood Storise: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! by Stephen Schochet contains a timeless treasure trove of colorful vignettes featuring an amazing all-star cast of icons including John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Errol Flynn and many others both past and contemporary.

Kritters Thoughts: The main reason I picked up this book was for the challenge, a different way to read short stories. I was a little disappointed by the lack of current stars stories in the book. Although entertained by the stories and quips of the past, I was hoping it would be a mix of past and present. That it wasn't.

Among the Three Stooges and the movie and tv stars of the past, there were very few of stars that are still alive and performing. I think this book would have been better appreciated by a film buff or a person who is enamored by the movies and tv shows from the past. Therefore I easily passed it on through Paperback Swap.

Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 324

GR July-Sept Challenge - Short n Sweet

Review: The Romantics by Galt Neiderhoffer

Goodreads: Laura and Lila were college roommates--one brooding and Jewish, the other the epitome of golden WASP-dom. Now it's ten years later, a day before Lila's wedding to Laura’s former boyfriend, and as the guests arrive, Laura finds herself the only one not coupled up. Struggling with the traditionally thankless role of maid of honor, Laura realizes for the first time why she can't stop thinking about her long, tangled relationship with the groom. And it appears that he is not entirely ready for the altar himself. Unfolding over two days off the coast of Maine, The Romantics follows the shifting allegiances among an unforgettable set of characters.

Kritters Thoughts: Well - an interesting read. I picked up this book initially because I saw the movie would be coming out and nothing is more frustrating than a ruined book after seeing the movie. I would much rather ruin the movie! It was a good read, not excellent, but good.

**SPOILER**

I think my main point of frustration was after reading such a great push pull about whether Tom would end up with Lila or Laura - the ending left me more than hanging. I can not believe how I felt when it ended, I have not been that upset with an ending that just left me feeling empty.

With no hope for a sequel, I am upset that this dilemma was not solved - let's see if they solve it in the movie.

**SPOILER**

Ok now that that is done. I will have to say that I am excited to see the movie because I want to see how they do the story. I think there were parts that were definitely drawn out in the book, so I think it will be easy to convert to movie without cutting a ton of plot points.

Here is to hoping the movie exceeds my feelings for the book!

Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Pages: 288 pages

GR July-Sept Challenge: Soak it Up

Review: A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker

Goodreads: Brian Weller is a haunted man. It's been two years since the tragic accident that left his three-year-old son dead and his wife in an irreversible coma. A popular author of mega-selling thrillers, Brian's life has reached a crossroads: his new book is stalled, his wife's prognosis is dire, and he teeters on the brink of despair.

Everything changes the morning an e-mail arrives from Boston artist Joanna Richman. Her heartfelt note brings back all the poignant memories: the night their eyes met, the fiery passion of their short-lived affair, and the agonizing moment he was forced to leave Joanna forever. Now, fifteen years later, the guilt and anger threaten to overwhelm him. Vowing to make things right, Brian arranges a book-signing tour that will take him back to Boston. He is eager to see Joanna again, but remains unsure where their reunion will lead. One thing is certain: the forces that tore their love asunder will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Kritters Thoughts: I am on a good book streak! This was an excellent read and a great way to start my book touring adventure. I was provided this book for a tour and my nerves went crazy wondering what in the world I would do if I didn't like this book - shouldn't have worried.

I am always hesitant when I read a romanticsh novel written by a guy. Being a female - I enjoy reading when it is from the female's perspective. I am a changed woman! I loved reading how this man cherished this woman his entire life and how when she was torn away from him he never was able to heal and live fully.

My one moment was - there is a pause where we go back in time to see how this whole situation came to be. WELL I got a little confused when we went back to real time where in real time we were. Not to worry - a few pages in and I found myself!

Again - I am not one to spoil a good book - so I will say this. Go find this book. I am passing my signed copy - thanks Bill Walker - off to my mom to borrow. She has received clear instructions to return upon reading.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 360

GR July-Sept Challenge: Secret Gem (under 50 reviews on goodreads)

Review: Somewhere Inside by Lisa and Laura Ling

Goodreads: In 2009, Laura Ling, a reporter with Current TV, traveled with a film crew to the region of China that bordered on North Korea to report on defections, particularly of women who were later forced into arranged marriages or sex slavery. The crew momentarily crossed into North Korea, and Ling and Euna Lee, her editor and translator, were captured. Given the hostilities between North Korea and China and a recent critical documentary on North Korea by Laura’s sister, journalist Lisa Ling, the women knew they were in for an ordeal. Laura was beaten during the capture, and the women were held in isolation and faced meager meals, cold, and little medical treatment.

In the U.S., Lisa and her family prayed and called on powerful contacts, including Al Gore and Bill Richardson, to win the women’s release. During the time of their captivity, North Korea conducted a nuclear test and fired off missiles, increasing tensions with the U.S. and UN. The women were eventually tried for attempting to overthrow the government and sentenced to 12 years in a labor camp, but through behind-the-scenes maneuvering and negotiations with prickly North Korea, they were finally released after five months in captivity. This memoir alternates between the sisters, with Laura recalling the escalating peril of her capture and imprisonment and Lisa recalling heightened worries as weeks dragged into months.

Kritters Thoughts: Well another interesting book where I knew the ending ahead of time, but did not know the details behind the news stories.

**SPOILER**

Before I review the book itself - I learned something interesting in Laura Ling retelling the story. I was unaware that the guide that they had chosen to take them through China and near North Korea caused them to enter North Korea illegally. Although, my first reaction when I heard the news stories were - OK ladies - why didn't we know we were in North Korea - DUHH. WELP that thought hasn't changed because now I know that they knew they had entered the country AND not only that they had entered China on incorrect visas/passports. Instead of using media passports, they went in as tourists - I am sorry my sympathy for the situation diminishes just a little after hearing all these details.

***SPOILER COMPLETE***

After my soapbox moment - onto my review of the book. I absolutely loved how they intertwined Lisa and Laura's stories, so you were not only hearing the story from inside North Korea, but the work that was being done to free the girls at the same time. I liked how they chronologically mingled and it helped make the story complete.

I was absolutely intrigued by the amount of story that wasn't released, yet included in this book. It made me wonder how much "news" I don't see hit the airwaves or is delayed due to circumstances. I know there are things that happen just down the road from me in D.C. that may never hit the news blogs and how creepy and crazy is it that some things are never shared. Makes you think.

I definitely enjoyed reading this book and reading how the whole situation was handled with extreme care. I am amazed at how hard it was to have both the US and North Korea come together to agree on terms and release these two women. I am definitely not planning a trip anytime soon to Korea.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 336 pages

GR July-Sept Challenge: Where in the World (K for Korea)

Review: Nursing a Grudge by Chris Well

Goodreads: What is a grouchy old man to do when two attractive women encourage him to leave his assistant-living apartment and join a clandenstine chili party? He actually has fun - until someone ends up dead. Now Earl Walker seems to be the only person suspicious of the way the party-goer met his demise. Can he solve the puzzle - and make a little romance - before the home closes and the suspects move away?

Kritters Thoughts: Well, an interesting read. I read this through Net Galley, so it was nice to read something on the computer - mixed things up a bit.

It was a very good story, but it had some interesting moments. I would say this story, although short in page length was very long in its building moments. I felt like it took forever for the story to get underway and then awhile for it to wrap up.

The other challenging aspect for the story was the weird random Christian inserts. Let me explain - the story would be going along and then all of the sudden the characters would be talking about praying or needing God. It was just random and I think what made it more random is that it wasn't really dealt with in the end of the story. The concepts were introduced sporatically, but weren't finished in the end.

I would have to say I wasn't a super fan of this book. It was a cute light read, but I wouldn't have passed along the paperback to a friend.

Rating:

Pages: 256 pages

GR July-Sept Challenge: I Can't Fight this Feeling

Review: My Fair Lazy by Jen Lancaster

Goodreads: Readers have followed Jen Lancaster through job loss, sucky city living, weight loss attempts, and 1980s nostalgia. Now Jen chronicles her efforts to achieve cultural enlightenment, with some hilarious missteps and genuine moments of inspiration along the way. And she does so by any means necessary: reading canonical literature, viewing classic films, attending the opera, researching artisan cheeses, and even enrolling in etiquette classes to improve her social graces.

In Jen's corner is a crack team of experts, including Page Six socialites, gourmet chefs, an opera aficionado, and a master sommelier. She may discover that well-regarded, high-priced stinky cheese tastes exactly as bad as it smells, and that her love for Kraft American Singles is forever. But one thing's for certain: Eliza Doolittle's got nothing on Jen Lancaster-and failure is an option.

Kritters Thoughts: What can I say about Jen Lancaster? Every book of hers, I have literally laughed out loud and I say this truly and honestly. Reading at home, during my lunch hour at work or on the treadmill, I have had numerous stares because I was found to be laughing and shaking - sometimes eye watering.

Her snarky comedy hits the spot. I definitely believe that she can describe experiences with honesty and a bit of oneupness - yep thats a word! I find that when I am reading her book, I think YEP thats how I would have reacted with rats running across my floor and the dog just starring thinking its a new play toy. (This has not happened, but Miss Charlotte has a keen eye for finding flies, making friends and accidentally swallowing them. The sad eyes come when she can't find it anymore.)

I would recommend this book to those who love dry, snarky humor and a fun read. The stories and situations that Jen ends up in are just beyond funny.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 384

GR July-Sept Challenge: The Inside Scoop

Chick Lit Challenge

Review: Spoken From the Heart by Laura Bush

Goodreads: In this brave, beautiful, and deeply personal memoir, Laura Bush, one of our most beloved and private first ladies, tells her own extraordinary story.

Born in the boom-and-bust oil town of Midland, Texas, Laura Welch grew up as an only child in a family that lost three babies to miscarriage or infant death. She vividly evokes Midland's brash, rugged culture, her close relationship with her father, and the bonds of early friendships that sustain her to this day. For the first time, in heart-wrenching detail, she writes about the devastating high school car accident that left her friend Mike Douglas dead and about her decades of unspoken grief.

With deft humor and a sharp eye, Laura Bush lifts the curtain on what really happens inside the White House, from presidential finances to the 175-year-old tradition of separate bedrooms for presidents and their wives to the antics of some White House guests and even a few members of Congress. She writes with honesty and eloquence about her family, her public triumphs, and her personal tribulations. Laura Bush's compassion, her sense of humor, her grace, and her uncommon willingness to bare her heart make this story revelatory, beautifully rendered, and unlike any other first lady's memoir ever written.

Kritters Thoughts: Such a great read. How interesting to hear the real behind the scenes of life in the White House. Of course, I am even more interested because I live so close to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, but to get the story from a woman who is known to be private was even more interesting.

I loved to hear about her interactions with Bush Sr and the few times they visited Washington, D.C. while he was in office. I couldn't believe that she had spent very little time with her in-laws until after they had been married for quite some time.

What a schedule those first ladies keep? I had no idea that they traveled as much as they do. I know they had schedules to keep, but I assumed most of their events were local, if not in the United States. Mrs. Bush was traveling all over the world and made friends with a lot of "first ladies." It was so cool to hear who she connected with and what helped her create relationships with all of these foreign dignitaries' wives.

Although I enjoyed this read, one of things I would have edited out were the little quips that felt as though they were included only to make George Bush look better. At the end of a long paragraph on some subject, she would state that she was glad Bush had religion to lean on in times of trouble. There were many more, I didn't think they added to the story and it even took away some of the credibility of the story.

The other thing that sent me spinning every so often was the in and out of timelines. The book had a sort of flow through time, but every so often there was a flashback or an insert of a future time. I felt as though those future moments could have been held for when they would naturally occur in the story.

Whether a Bush fan or not, I think this is a great read to find out what not only happens behind the White House walls. BUT what happenedwhen 9-11 and terrorism hit close to home. I relived that day in history when I was reading her account of what she was doing and how her life completely changed that morning.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Total pages: 464

GR July-Sept Challenge: It's All Relative (1 of 2)

Review: Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

Goodreads: Tessa Russo is the mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Despite her own mother's warnings, Tessahas recently given up her career to focus on her family and the pursuit of domestic happiness. From the outside, she seems destined to live a charmed life.

Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie--a boy who has never known his father. After too many disappointments, she has given up on romance--and even to some degree, friendships--believing that it is always safer not to expect too much.

Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, the two have relatively little in common aside from a fierce love for their children. But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined.

Kritters Thoughts: AHHH MAZING! I have liked all of the previous Emily Giffin books I have read, but this one was bar none my favorite. I always read the flap or the back to get a quick synopsis. Well after reading the flap, this book went down a completely opposite road then I thought it would. I do not want to give my idea or the road it actually took away because it was so good that I want everyone to log onto their library pages and request it immediately or head to a bookstore and purchase it.

Told from the point of two different moms, alternating between each of their point of views, it kept the story moving without confusing the reader. These mom's worlds collide in a much different way then I was imagining. You don't know how small your world is, until it crashes down around you. I honestly can't say more or I will ruin this gem of a read. It was a quick and easy read with short chapters.

Too all my ladies of all ages, you will love the interesting turn this book takes. If you are interested in the road I thought it was headed down - leave a comment with your email address!

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 352

GR July-Sept Challenge: On Location (Boston)

2010 Challenge: New in 2010

Review: Ana's Story by Jenna Bush

Goodreads: She's seventeen. She's been abused. She has a child. And she's HIV-positive.

She is Ana, and this is her story. It begins the day she is born infected with HIV, transmitted from her young mother. Now she barely remembers her mamá, who died when Ana was only three. From then on, Ana's childhood becomes a blur of faint memories and secrets—secrets about her illness and about the abuse she endures.

Kritters Thoughts: A quick read due to very very short chapters and easy language. This book may have been a quick read, but it was intense due to the very subjects that are the heart of the book.

Written from Jenna Bush's experiences interning with UNICEF, this book is the narrative of one of the lives of a girl she spent time getting to know. In reading, you could tell that Bush made a huge effort to delve deep into this girl's experience to share a true story about a young woman living with HIV in a very difficult situation.

It is weird to say - but I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed reading something completely different from my norm and learning a little tidbit about a girl from a completely different world then the one I live in.

Although my main reason for picking this book out was for the challenge, I am very glad I had the chance to read it.

Rating: definitely good read, but can't read two in a row

Pages: 256

GR July-Sept Challenge: It's All Relative (Mother & Daughter)