Review: Girls Night In by Assorted Authors

Goodreads: In this must-have short-story anthology, Jennifer Weiner revisits one of her Good in Bed characters (and tells the story from, ahem, his point of view), Jill A. Davis (Girls' Poker Night) offers a darkly humorous take on starting over in New York and working with "the Elizabeths," Sarah Miynowski (Milkrun) tempts fate (and an on-again-off-again boyfriend) and Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (The Dirty Girls Social Club) considers how different the words lady and woman are when paired with cat. Girls' Night In features stories about growing up, growing out of, moving out, moving on, falling apart and getting it all together. So turn off your cell phone and curl up on the couch; this is one Girls' Night In you won't want to miss.

Kritters Thoughts: A collection of short stories from the best of the chick lit genre. If you read any chick lit, I would say this is worth picking up. I liked taking a break every little bit to read a short story that I could get into quick and then come to the conclusion in just a few short pages. I think I should do this more often, adds variety to my reading.

Although there were some stories that I wished were full blown novels, there were some that I was glad would be ending quickly. Without going and dissecting each story, I would say that the majority were at least a little enjoyable.

Pick this one up at your local library or used book store, but you may not keep it around for long.

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

Pages: 352

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Purple cover

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 6 of 50

Review: How to Get Divorced by 30 by Sascha Rothchild

Goodreads: It's an age-old story. Girl meets boy. Girl marries boy. Girl decides she is way too young to be struck in nuptial mediocrity.

When Sascha realized that the one person she didn't want at her thirtieth birthday party was her husband, she knew that it was time for the relationship to end. So, like the hordes of others of her generation for whom starter marriages are as common as Louis Vuitton knock-offs and $5 Starbucks lattes, they got divorced. With wit, moxie, and honesty, Sascha spills about the horrible ex-boyfriends, awkward dates, drugs, a near-death experience, and memories of growing up in an unconvential household that led to her short-lived marriage.

Kritters Thoughts: A snarky humored memoir that I just couldn't get into. I picked this up because I have read and loved memoirs that are filled of hard funny truths. This one - just didn't work for me.

I knew from the beginning that the man she married would not be there in the end. But from the beginning of the relationship, I saw the doomed ending - she should have never married him in the end. There were so many deal breakers that she just let go by, where I would have made an abrupt stop to the relationship. I can't get started about her family life, oh my goodness.

I have to be honest, I would only recommend this to those who have the heart to by pass her mishaps and rough humor to enjoy a true story.

Rating:not such a good read

Pages: 310

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Foodie

Review: Game Change by John Heilemann

Goodreads: In 2008, the presidential election became blockbuster entertainment. Everyone was watching as the race for the White House unfolded like something from the realm of fiction. The meteoric rise and historic triumph of Barak Obama. The shocking fall of House of Clinton - and the improbable resurrection of Hillary as Obama's partner and America's face to the world. The mercurial performance of John McCain and the mesmerizing emergence of Sarah Palin.

Based on hundreds of interviews with the people who lived the story, Game Change is a reportorial tour de force that reads like a fast-paced novel. Character driven and dialogue rich, replete with extravagantly detailed scenes, this is the occasionally shocking, often hilarious, ultimately definitive account of the campaign of a lifetime.

Kritters Thoughts: What a great insider look at an election from the primaries to the end result! Although I knew the outcome of this book before I started reading it, I loved reading the behind the scenes look of a presidential campaign from beginning to end. I instantly picked up this book because I am more and more drawn to the things of Washington, D.C. as my home is right on the outskirts of the city. I feel as though now more so than ever, the decisions that are made in D.C., greatly affect me and my future.

This book claims from the beginning that each candidate will be shed in a light that is true and honest, with each having some negative encounters. I don't believe this is so. I believe just as the media did not hound Obama in his campaign, this book does not shoot him down or shed much of a negative light on him or his campaign.

It was interesting to read of the rise and fall of both Hillary Clinton and John McCain. The insider aspect of Edwards and his wife was shocking and made me second guess everything that I hear because I had no idea some of the details that were revealed.

I loved the honesty that the authors did have stating that they would not put quotes around a quote if they were not certain that it was actually said. This made for some hard reading when reading some of the conversations, but I was glad they kept their integrity by not putting quotes.

I would pass this book along to my friends who love to hear the behind the scenes look at movies, tv and more. Also to my political friends, this is a great look at campaigns from both a Democratic and Republican view.

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

Pages: 464

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Red Cover

You are Invited!

To a book party for Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee.

Me and Miss Charlotte will be in attendance! Don't forget to hop by her facebook page and post a picture of your pup for a chance to win some very fun prizes!

Review: Mood Matters by John Casti

Goodreads: "Mood Matters" makes the radical assertion that all social events ranging from fashions in music and art to the rise and fall of civilizations are biased by the attitudes a society holds toward the future. When the "social mood" is positive and people look forward to the future, events of an entirely different character tend to occur than when society is pessimistic. The book presents many examples from every walk of life in support of this argument. In addition, methods are given to actually measure the social mood and to project it into the future in order to forecast what’s likely or not over varying periods of time.

Kritters Thoughts: An interesting read with a short review. I started this book thinking it was a little non fiction with some great pop culture influence behind the theory. I was definitely wrong. It was a lot of theory with a little pop culture.

To be honest, I would think this book would be best read by economics majors for a project. Being a business major myself, I enjoyed the book, but I think I would have found more use of it if I was still in school and needing a read that would motivate me with some pop culture references.

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

Pages: 210

Cover Challenge Jan-March: One

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 4 of 50

February - the month of love

A month full of changes and surprises. The boy changed jobs and I have seen a few changes on my front as well - so I am a little sad and excited to see February end and another month begin! I finished a good amount of books, I hope this can continue through March.

Books Completed:
1. The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

2. Game Change by John Heilemann
3. Between a Rock and a Hot Place by Tracey Jackson
4. Ask Me About Mary Kay by Jackie Brown
5. How to Get Divorced by 30 by Sascha Rothchild

6. Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins
7. Girls Night In by Assorted Authors

8. The Blessings of Animals by Katrina Kittle
9. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
10. The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich

11. Tell No One by Harlan Coben

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (11)

What a great week of reading!! I finished 4 books - and thankfully after a productive weekend, I was able to complete my long blog to do list. I hope everyone had a great reading week!

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney.

Currently Reading:

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins

Love You More by Lisa Gardner

Top of the TBR pile:

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran (a few things jumped in front of this one, really hoping to start it this week)

The Ramble: Paperbax Book Holder

An interesting purchase I made a bit ago that arrived and I have now used a few times. A few of my family and friends may be seeing one of these in a stocking or gift bag in the future.

A book holder that I have used while reading on the couch, in bed or eating at the kitchen table. It is sometimes hard to keep a rather large book still or at the beginning and end of the book, but I have thoroughly enjoyed carrying it around and using it from now and then.

For my avid readers who enjoy taking their books to the coffee shop or lunch, this book is the solution to trying to balance the blackberry or iphone to keep the book open for reading.

You can order yours at Paperbax.

Review: Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm? by Perry Romanowski

NetGalley: Why does my shampoo stop working? Are my cosmetics poisoning me? What does hypoallergenic mean? Are organic products better?

Every day thousands of people turn to the scientists at the popular blog TheBeautyBrains.com for answers to their most pressing beauty questions. In Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm? you'll learn how cosmetic products work, what advertising claims actually mean, and how to make smarter buying decisions.

Kritters Thoughts: A quick little read that I enjoyed through NetGalley, I was first caught by the title and then intrigued by the subject matter. With as many cosmetic lines that are in the world today in all different price points, it was great to read an unbiased, scientific opinion on where to splurge and where to save.

I would say this would be a great book for both young and old, new to the makeup world and those who have been buying these products for years. I may steer my readers to grab this one from the library. A great read, but may not be one to keep on the personal shelf.

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

Pages: 256

Review: The Blessings of Animals by Katrina Kittle

Goodreads: Veterinarian Cami Anderson has hit a rough patch. Stymied by her recent divorce, she wonders if there are secret ingredients to a happy, long-lasting marriage or if the entire institution is outdated and obsolete. Couples all around her are approaching imporant milestones. Her parents are preparing to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary. Her brother and his partner find their marriage dreams legally blocked. Her former sister-in-law - still her best friend - is newly engaged. The youthfully exuberant romance of her teenage daughter is developing complications. And three separate men - including her ex-husband - are becoming entangled in Cami's messy post-marital love life.

But as she struggles to come to terms with her own doubts amid this chaotic circus of relationships, Cami finds strange comfort in an unexpected confidant: an angry, unpredictable horse in her care. With the help of her equine soul mate, she begins to make sense of marriage's great mysteries - and its disconnects.

Kritters Thoughts: Read this in three sittings. I enjoyed my last Katrina Kittle read and I was super excited when I saw this on the Crazy Book Tours website.

From the way she describes her characters and their settings to how they interact and the situations they find themselves in - her writing just draws you in and keeps you hooked. A woman battling through separation and divorce, as she tries to raise her teenage daughter and continue her growing veterinary business. I felt connected to these characters real fast and wanted so much to know what was going to happen next at every moment.

Telling a story about a woman who is going through such a large transition with friends surrounded was such a great positive twist. I loved that she had a great cast of characters that came in and out, but they also had their own distinct storylines that also kept me glued to it.

I would recommend this book to my lady readers who love a story that keeps you hooked from the first page to the very end.
Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Pages: 426

Cover Challenge Jan-March: How Do You Go?

This book was provided by Crazy Book Tours.

It's Monday, What are you Reading? (10)

With the boy staying at my parents home to attend the police academy - yep there is the news, I will be dating and hopefully marrying a police officer. As the academy is right down the street from my parents and more than an hour drive away, they are playing bed and breakfast to him during the week. I say all this because my reading will be increasing through the month of June as I have the weekday evenings with me, the pup and a book.

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney.

Currently reading:
Love You More by Lisa Scottoline
My One and Only by Kristan Higgins


Next on the list:
Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

In My Mailbox (25)

A great week in my mailbox and a great week at work! My pup will be a star - she will be featured as the family dog in a promotional video for my place of work. Hopefully I will be able to show you our little star in the future. Maybe a wordless wednesday with her signing autographs for her adoring fans!

For Review:

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Helping Borders fight bankruptcy:

How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton

Crazy Book Tours:

The Blessings of Animals by Katrina Kittle

The Ramble: One More Page bookstore

A wonderful little indie bookstore that so happens to be on my way home, happen I take that way! I stopped into their grand opening that was full of books and wine and chocolate covered bacon.

I purchased one - Admission and acquired two ARCs that they were sending out to patrons to review and provide critique. The placed in each ARC a piece of paper to complete or email them your thoughts that they could provide to future patrons - what a great idea!

One More Page Books - I will be spending a few dollars at this great little store because they have an interest in the book community, bloggers and avid readers and of course, who can turn down a bookstore with a side of wine!

Review: Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Goodreads: The year is 1929. New york is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspure and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anythiing to be a star . . .

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined - and more dangerous. It's a life anyone woudl kill for . . . and someone will.

The only person cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and hte love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer, hides a score of family secrets.


Kritters Thoughts: With the beginning of the book predicting that of the three females - "one will be famous, one will be married, and one will be dead," how could one not be hooked to the bitter end? The unfortunate thing is this is the first in a series, so I am still unsure which of the leading ladies will end up in each category. Although through this book, I was trying to take a guess at which one would see her life end, hasn't happened yet.

I loved going back in time to an era where alcohol was forbidden and an underground operation. Times were hard but exciting. Making it big happened rarely because it took great talent to become a true star. Now don't get me wrong I am a reality tv viewer, but it seemed so earned and precious when few found themselves with their name in lights.

I am absolutely hooked and am quietly anticipating book 2 in this series. I would pass this book along to those who don't mind take a walk back in time and to those who love to read of women who are trying to find a place to call home.

Rating:absolutely loved it and want a sequel (excited for book 2)

Pages: 389

Cover Challenge Jan-March: In

Review: Between a Rock and a Hot Place by Tracey Jackson

Goodreads: As she approached her fiftieth birthday, Tracey Jackson found herself bombarded - at the gym, at parties, in conversations with friends - by a catchphrase on everyone's lips. "Fifty is the new thirty" and the endless magazine articles, photos, and T-shirts proclaiming the new aphorism had apparently bloomed out of a collective sense of denial, masking the true fears of a generation unwilling to relinquish their youth.

Kritters Thoughts: A great read for those who are about to embark on that special birthday that puts them in the second half of their life. Although, I may be a little young to be reading this book, with a mom who has recently entered this new era, I found this book to be informative as to the emotions that she may be dealing with.

A funny account of all the physical and emotional impacts that occur after you hit the hump of the mid life crisis - however it may happen. This book would be a helpful guide to those who may be inching close to this part of their life, in the thick of it, or just beyond. Jackson talks about everything from mood swings to financial planning. I enjoyed the fact that she covered the whole spectrum of how life changes once the big 5-0 is reached.

I would definitely recommend this book to both women my age who have parents who may be facing this time of life or to those who are facing this time of life themselves. A quirky account of how a hypochondriac is facing all the old age illnesses that may occur at this time in a woman's life.

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

Pages: 304

Cover Challenge Jan-March: 304

It's Monday, What are you Reading? (9)

A weekly meme to share what I am currently reading and what I think could come off the TBR pile next! Hosted by Sheila at BookJourney.

I didn't get as much reading done last week as I had hoped, instead I went to a few classes at the gym and went to a a great new bookstore opening in Falls Church. (more on that this coming saturday)

Currently Reading:

Fools Rush In by Kristan Higgins (nook)
How to Get Divorced by 30 by Sascha Rothchild

Next on deck:

I have absolutely no clue and kind of excited about it!!

In My Mailbox (24)

Another two weeks that had some ups and downs at work, but it was always nice to come home every so often to a package, two or even three! My shelves are overflowing - definitely need to get some hard core reading time in.

A meme hosted by The Story Siren.

(sorry no picture this week, but click the links to head to goodreads)

For Review:

Minding Ben by Victoria Brown
Between a Rock and a Hot Place by Tracey Jackson

New Self New World by Philip Shepherd

PBS and Bookmooch:

Hit Reply by Rocki St. Claire

How to Get Divorced by 30 by Sascha Rothchild

Escape from Bridezilla by Jacqueline deMontravel

A Blessed Event by Jean Reynolds Page

The Recessionistas by Alexandra Lebenthal

Hanging by a Thread by Karen Templeton

Winnings:

Fake Perfect Me by Cari Kamm (thanks Chick Lit Central and to the author for signing!)

Rescue by Anita Shreve (audiobook) (thanks to Ellie at Books, Fitness & Other Stuff)

A Goodwill Trip:

First Comes Love by Whitney Lyles

Life Without Summer by Lynne Griffin

Trip to One More Page bookstore: (more on this next saturday)

Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (arc)

A Race to Splendor by Ciji Ware

Review: Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Ronald Cotton and Erin Torneo

Goodreads: On the 1984 night that changed her life, Jennifer Thompson was a 22-year-old college student when she was awakened from a sleep by a knife-wielding rapist. She escaped from her attacker, and several days later, she picked the culprit from first a mug shot and then a physical lineup. Or so she thought. Ronald Cotton, the man who Jennifer was "absolutely, positively, without-a-doubt certain" was her rapist, served 11 years for the crime before he was exonerated by DNA evidence. Two years after his release, he and Jennifer met and, against every expectation, formed a resilient friendship. Picking Cotton, their joint memoir, speaks not only to their tragic shared experience but also to the issue of mistaken eyewitness testimony, the number one cause of wrongful convictions. Heartbreaking and then inspiring.

Kritters Thoughts: Thank you to a blogger who recently reviewed this book, I am sorry I can't remember where I found it. A great read about a young woman who was burglarized and raped in the middle of the night in her college apartment. She went on to identify her attacker who was sentenced to life in prison. After 11 years, a simple DNA test set him free. Now the victim and accuser are friends, yep, crazy - but this makes the book a great read - to find out how it all happens.

When I read the review on the other blog, I was drawn in by the story because it is such a heinous crime, but the ending is very positive. Then I found out where this crime took place - my alma mater Elon University. I couldn't believe that I had never heard this story and I bumped the book to the top of my list.

Written from both of the perspectives of the victim - Jennifer and the accused - Ronald, this book overlaps with their viewpoints which I absolutely loved. I enjoyed being in the courtroom in Jennifer's shoes and hearing the verdict and then going back in time through the trial again in Ronald's shoes.

I would recommend this book to all of my readers who love non-fiction and especially those who may have a connection to North Carolina or Elon.

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

Pages: 304

Review: The Big Show Stopper by Ken Dalton

Goodreads: The Big Show Stopper opens in a packed concert arena with everyone waiting for the entrance of Brady Blackstone, the richest, and premier concert performer in America. But before Brady sets his foot on the stage, a tragic accident takes his life in front of Bear and a devastated Flo. However, it does not take Bear and Flo very long to question if the death was it an accident or murder?

Once again, in the pursuit of a pile of money and a little justice, Pinky travels to an exotic site while Bear and Flo end up in one of the least desirable locations in California.

The Big Show Stopper brings back Pinky, Bear, Flo, along with a gaggle of quirky characters. A beer swilling wacko. A naked old fart. A couple of downright dangerous folks. And concludes on a dark night with the dynamic trio spread eagle counting down the final seconds of their lives.

Kritters Thoughts: A book that started a little rough, ended up being a great book that I am excited to share. From the beginning, there was a lot of language both curse words and crude, but once the story picked up you could push that to the side to enjoy the investigation.

Taking readers behind the scenes of the music industry and the business side of things, I could honestly picture the people in this country singer's inner circle. A person is who they surround themselves with and how they treat those who work for them. The singer who dies early on in the book was a domineering person who tried to control everything, yet had no control. You find throughout the book how many people he made angry and their motives as to why they may have wanted him dead. You are on the roller-coaster with Bear trying to find out who dun it!

This past summer I had the great opportunity to go backstage at a concert. I have a cousin who works for a record label in Nashville and her artist was an opening act, so a group of girls gathered and enjoyed the perks of backstage passes - watching the acts warm up, it was a private concert. I kept thinking about all of what I had seen from the side and behind the stage when Bear kept arriving at different tour stops.

I would pass this book onto both men and women alike - those who like the mystery.

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

Pages: 296

Cover Challenge Jan-March: Hobbies

Off the Shelf Challenge 2011: 3 of 50

My review is a part of the blog tour, stop by to see the other reviews.

Wordless Wednesday

Miss Charlotte curled up not feeling well.