The Silent Wife (3)

THE SILENT WIFE by A.S.A. Harrison

The tree is up & the presents are bought! How is your Christmas season going??

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 3.

“THE SILENT WIFE” SYNOPSIS

Jodi & Todd have been in a committed relationship (though never married) for twenty years. They live a high-end life. He is the main breadwinner, while she keeps house and works part-time as a psychologist out of her in-home office. It is a comfortable, predictable life and all is well.

Or, all seems well on the outside… Really, Todd is a serial cheater and Jodi (meek & mild) has chosen to overlook this time and time again in order to keep their “happy” household intact.

However, now, insatiable Todd, growing older and dreading it, thinks he has fallen in love with another woman. Not just any other woman – his life-long best friend’s 20-year old daughter, Natasha.

Jodi thinks she can outlast this new affair, but suddenly Todd is talking about moving out and getting married. When Todd takes advantage of their non-marital status and tries to kick Jodi out of their 20-year home, something in long-suffering Jodi finally snaps…

Maybe this can all be solved if Todd were to just disappear… maybe the only way out is murder… Is she brave enough? Could she possibly get away with it?

                                                                                    
STATS

Pages:                          326

Published Year:           2013     
Personal Rating:          3 (of 6)
Type:                           Paperback, Library
Genre:                         Novel, Fiction

THOUGHTS

I did enjoy this book, however, there were many people comparing it with Gone Girl and it does not measure up at all.

It’s very wordy and slow-moving, but it does catch you. You do get invested in the two main characters, Todd and Jodi. I actually found myself getting too invested. I was so angry at how meek Jodi was. How willing she was to always let Todd walk all over her! I was mad at Todd for being such an awful husband. He will sleep with anything that walks! It was very frustrating to read. You just want to shout, “Stand up for yourself!”

Jodi’s breaking point doesn’t happen till almost the very end, so it’s a bit of a long wait, but they do build up the story until that point. You also get to learn a bit of their back-stories.

I would recommend this book, but it is not a must-read by any means.

PERSONAL

Just had a beautiful snowstorm last night in New York City. Snowed all day and night.

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps! Going to start an Etsy page in January!!

My Story (4)

MY STORY by Elizabeth Smart

The Christmas season has begun!!

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 4.

“MY STORY” SYNOPSIS

This book is a memoir written by Elizabeth Smart.

Back in January of 2002, fifteen-year old Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped in the middle of the night from her very own bed in her family’s Utah home. Her kidnapper was Brian David Mitchell, a 50-something fake prophet and real-time pedophile, who had previously done a few odd handyman jobs around the Smart house in their attempt to help a struggling, homeless man earn a few honest dollars for food.

Taken by knife point, Elizabeth was dragged out of her home and up a nearby, heavily-wooded mountain. At the top of this mountain she would soon meet her “sister-wife-to-be”, Wanda Barzee (50-something), and learn that that very night was to be her [Elizabeth’s] “wedding night” [to Brian, called Immanuel]. She was given a new name and chained by the foot to a tree.

For the next nine months, Elizabeth was raped, starved and threatened with death until one day, by a last minute stroke of luck, she was rescued.

Told in her own words, her story is amazing. Along the way she never loses her faith in God and can find miracles in all the tiny blessings that occurred all throughout her ordeal.

I would definitely recommend this book!

                                                                                      
STATS

Pages:                         305

Published Year:        2013     
Personal Rating:       4 (of 6)
Type:                           Hardcover, Library
Genre:                         Memoir

THOUGHTS

This book was written very well and so detailed. Leaving out the actual gory details she does not forget a thing. From the moment she was kidnapped until the moment she was saved, Elizabeth recalls it all.

I didn’t know most of the things in her story. I would definitely recommend this. Very good read.

PERSONAL

Walmart Christmas tree comes in the mail tomorrow! Decorating party!!

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps! Going to start an Etsy page in January!!

The Quiet Room (3)

THE QUIET ROOM by Lori Schiller

Recommended to me by my bestie, Lauren. J

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 3.

“THE QUIET ROOM" SYNOPSIS

This book is a memoir, written by Lori Schiller herself.

This is the story of one woman and her experience of having her schizophrenia suddenly “turn on” in her early 20’s. She began to hear terrifying voices, which sounded to her like “demons” telling her to “die” or to kill other people.

For several years Lori kept this secret to herself until it became too severe to hide. She then spent ten years going in and out of psychiatric hospitals, trying to find a solution, to no avail. Finally, there appears to be one faint hope… a very new, very experimental, very dangerous new drug…

It is a very interesting account of schizophrenia written by the brain that actually experienced it – and one of the most severe cases at that!

                                                                                            
STATS

Pages:                         270

Published Year:        1994     
Personal Rating:       3 (of 6)
Type:                           Hardcover, Library
Genre:                         Memoir

THOUGHTS

This book was so interesting. You really feel like you can experience what it feels like to live life as a schizophrenic. How scary! How confusing! Imagine never having a moment’s peace in your mind because there is constantly a chorus of voices shouting at you in your own head.

Year after year Lori fights for her life, but it all seems so hopeless and never-ending UNTIL a brand, new drug finally appears on the market. It is dangerous and only intended for use on the most severe of cases… Will it finally help Lori?

I would recommend this book. Very interesting.

PERSONAL

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! And now we ring in the start of the Christmas season!! I just ordered my (fake) Christmas tree from Walmart.com and it should be here by Wednesday!! Six & a half feet tall! Can’t wait to decorate!

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps! Going to start an Etsy page in January!!

Luncheon of the Boating Party (2)

THE LUNCHEON OF THE BOATING PARTY by Susan Vreeland

Book Club Book!

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 2.

“LUNCHEON OF THE…” SYNOPSIS

A novelization of how Auguste Renoir’s famous painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party” was created.

“Instantly recognizable, [Renoir’s] masterpiece portrays fourteen lively, diverse, and elegant Parisians enjoying a summer Sunday along the Seine. An art collector, an Italian journalist, a war hero, a wealthy painter, a celebrated actress, and Renoir’s future wife are among those sharing this joyous moment of la vie modern. But who were they really and what were their lives truly like? Narrated by Renoir and seven of the models, and using settings in Paris and along the Seine, [Vreeland’s] vibrant novel recreates their lives, loves, losses, and triumphs to illuminate the gusto, hedonism, and art of the era.”

                                                                                          
STATS

Pages:                         429
Published Year:        2007     
Personal Rating:       2 (of 6)
Type:                           Paperback, Personal Collection, Book Club
Genre:                         Historical Fiction
 
THOUGHTS

As you can see, I really am not raving about this book and neither did my book club. I always write my own book synopsis, but this time I didn’t even bother.

The book held my attention, but it was all one-note. I was interested in the characters and what happened to them. I didn’t dread picking up the book. However, there was no climax. It was all one flat line of “things happening.” It was like “and then this happened… and then this… and then this…” And you knew at the end of the book he would finish the painting, so it almost felt like… why are we bothering?

Like I said, I did get attached to the characters – not in an affectionate way, but in a “I wonder what will happen to them?” way.

If you are stranded on a desert island with only this book, I say read it. If you love Renoir, be my guest! Otherwise… maybe look elsewhere.

 

PERSONAL

I’m almost done with my first semester (of my last year) at school. I’m also almost done with my first semester internships. It’s been a long road. Looking forward to a holiday-time break. Six months left of school!

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps! Going to start an Etsy page in January!!

The Cooked Seed (3)

THE COOKED SEED by Anchee Min

It’s a sequel!

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 3.

“THE COOKED SEED” SYNOPSIS

Ten years later, this is Anchee Min’s sequel to her first book/memoir Red Azalea. Red Azalea was about Anchee’s experience growing up in Communist China under the dictatorship of Mao Zedong & his disastrous Cultural Revolution.

The Cooked Seed begins with Anchee attaining an American Visa (an almost impossible thing back then) to attend an art college in Chicago, Illinois with the help of her childhood friend/Hollywood actress Joan Chen (The Last Emperor).

Arriving in America, Anchee speaks zero English and is almost sent back to China because of it. Through the kindness of the interpreter at the airport, Anchee is given six months to learn English through her college or she will be deported.

This is the story of Anchee’s struggle to survive and assimilate in America. All these years later she is now an American citizen, a famous author and is happily married with a daughter. It is not the destination, but the story of her journey that is fascinating.

STATS

 
Pages:                         361
Published Year:        2013     
Personal Rating:       3 (of 6)
Type:                           Library
Genre:                         Non-fiction, Sequel

THOUGHTS

So, first of all, this book was better for me than Red Azalea. This is not to say Red Azalea was bad, but this book captured me more.

Second of all, I see this book in three parts (although it’s not actually separated): her assimilation to American culture & her struggle learning English, her first marriage, & her second marriage.

I thought the first part was so fascinating. Here is this young girl coming from Communist China & the depths of poverty to America where even the poor have clothes and shoes and a bit of food. Her college dorm looks like a palace to her and every meal looks like a feast! It’s amazing to see things from her eyes – the differences in culture and lifestyle. This part of the book I devoured.

I didn’t really like the story of her first marriage because it upset me. It was about 100 pages and I couldn’t wait for it to be over. It’s a good story, but it just made me feel uneasy. (I also read this part at the DMV, which didn’t help the experience. Haha, jk.)

The third part was good and interesting, but not as fascinating as the first.

Overall, I would say this was a pretty good book and an interesting read – particularly if you are interested in different cultures and languages. My recommendation would be that I would also “give or take” this book. It is not a must-read, but it’s not a don’t-read either. If it sounds good to you, then give it a try.

PERSONAL

Today is my birthday!! I’ve had a really nice weekend with my friends, family & boyfriend!!

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps!

Slimed (3)

SLIMED by Mathew Klickstein

Happy Halloween!!!

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 3.

“SLIMED” SYNOPSIS

This is a book written for a very specific generation – people who are currently twenty-five to thirty-five years old and enjoyed the golden age of TV’s Nickelodeon. Anyone remember Snick? How could we forget?

This book is a massive resource of interviews from Nickelodeon cast members (Rugrats, Doug, Clarissa, Are You Afraid of the Dark, Hey Dude, etc.), writers and behind-the-scenes crew.

The book goes through different chapters categorized by topics such as “What was it like to grow up on Nick?” and “What is green slime really made of?” They go on to talk about Nick’s signature look (bright orange & green), the theme songs/music, the topic of diversity and more.

This is a great read for anyone who remembers & enjoyed Snick. If you don’t and didn’t then… retreat swiftly.

 

STATS

Pages:                         253
Published Year:        2013     
Personal Rating:       3 (of 6)
Type:                           Library
Genre:                         Non-fiction, Book of interviews

THOUGHTS

I liked this book, but I grew up on Snick. I can remember sitting in front of the TV every Saturday night at 8pm watching Clarissa, Roundhouse, Ren & Stimpy, and Are You Afraid of the Dark.

This book is full of behind-the-scenes information and inside looks at all your favorite shows. It is written interview-style, so it is literally a book packed full of paragraph-sized chunks of direct quotes from everyone involved. Really interesting. Did you know the creator of Ren & Stimpy was a really mean man that everyone was afraid of and he was subsequently fired from his own show because of it?

The only downfall is that you probably won’t know everyone’s real (not character) names. I knew the names of the cast of Clarissa, but for everyone one else I had to either look at the name glossary in the back or try to guess who was speaking. I wish they had put in brackets: (Roundhouse Cast Member) or (Voice of Ren), etc.

A good read for anyone of that generation. Enjoyable & entertaining.

PERSONAL

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps!

The Age of Miracles (4.5)

THE AGE OF MIRACLES by Karen Thompson Walker

Book Club Book!

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 4.5.

“THE AGE OF MIRACLES” SYNOPSIS

Julia is just a normal 11-year old girl living in southern California with her family and going to school when a strange thing happens… it is quickly realized the world has gained an hour in each day.

As scientists scramble to make sense of what is going on, it becomes clear that the rotation of the Earth has slowed down… and is continuing to slow. Nearly every day another thirty minutes to an hour is gained.

At first there is excitement in the fear of an Earth-changing event, but soon things cease to be quite as fun. Society quickly splits up into clock-time people (those who stay on the 24-hour clock despite the fact that it no longer lines up with the sun) and real-time people (those who sleep with the moon and rise with the sun despite the longer and longer hours). Real-timers are shunned and targeted.

Worldwide, an epidemic of “slowing sickness” begins as the world’s change in gravity begins to affect the inner workings of the human body. Objects fall faster to the ground and are harder to throw. Birds die off by the thousands and plant life begins to wither. Tides change drastically and polar ice rapidly melts.

Fortunately, Julia has her best friend/new first love, Seth, by her side. But what will become of the Earth? What will become of Julia and her family? How can people keep their lives together as the world is falling apart?

STATS

 
Pages:                         269
Published Year:        2012     
Personal Rating:       4.5 (of 5)
Type:                           Paperback, Personal Collection, Book Club
Genre:                         Fiction, Sci-Fi

THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating to think what would happen if the world’s rotation began to slow down! How would it affect the Earth? How would it affect our bodies? What do you do when you start having 60-hour days? How long can things go on like that?

I have to tell you, I got so into this book that I started feeling like it was real. I kept having to remind myself that “the Slowing,” as they call it, wasn’t really happening. I saw a guy on the train who had an Earth Science textbook on his lap and I almost joked to him, “Guess you don’t need that anymore!” And then I thought, “Wow, you are way deep into this book.”

I bet you anything they’ll make a movie of this, but I would highly recommend it. Besides being a very interesting premise and very well thought out, it’s also just the story of a young girl and the everyday life she is still pushing through despite the circumstances.

She is growing up and falling in love for the first time at the same time that her parents are struggling to stay together in the midst of her mother’s ever-increasing “slowing” sickness.

It’s scary and almost personal because you think… this could happen. I mean, anything could happen, but it’s not so off the wall that it could never happen. And what would you do? It’s amazing how quickly humans can adapt to a new normal.

Yes, read this book.

PERSONAL

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps!