29 Gifts (Cami Walker)

Not really sure how to describe this book. Its part memoir, part challenge, part new-agey weirdness. The author, Cami Walker, was diagnosed with MS a few weeks after she got married. She had several bad episodes with MS, throwing her into depression and challenging her new marriage. Then her friend (a new-agey healer) challenged her to give a gift to someone every day for 29 days. The book chronicles her experience with the challenge and how her outlook on life changed.

The overall idea of giving a gift everyday - whether its giving money to a homeless person or buying your friend a cup of coffee - is good. Giving helps you focus on other people and not just yourself.

Be warned that the book has a lot of new-agey stuff about religion, healing, etc. And you have to buy it in the Self-Help Section of the bookstore. But the overall message is good and I did learn a lot about MS.

Vision in White (Nora Roberts)

Cheesey girly romance novel centered around a wedding planning business? Yes. But a very enjoyable cheesey girly romance novel. And what girl doesn't secretly want to work in the wedding industry? This book is the first in a quartet that centers around four best friends who start a wedding business together. This one is about the photographer (hence the name - Vision in White) and how she finds love.

The next one is about the florist - Bed of Roses.

If you're in the market for a quick, fun, girly book, then I recommend this book!

Added bonus - I got this one at the library. But the second book has a loooooong wait list, so it might be awhile!

The Help (Kathryn Stockett)

I. Loved. This. Book. It was so good! I listened to it on CD from the library, which really helped bring the characters to life. Either way, this is a must read. The story is told through the perspective of three women in Mississippi in the 1960s - two black maids and one young white woman. They weave together stories of what its like to be a maid in a white household in the Sixties. The characters really grip you. I didn't want it to end! Sometimes I would sit in the parking garage for an extra few minutes because I couldn't turn it off. I highly recommend.

The White Queen (Philippa Gregory)

Another British historical fiction, but I loved it! This is set during the War of the Roses (before the Tudors) and I didn't know anything about this time period. It was really interesting to learn about a different dynasty. The main character, Elizabeth, is a noblewoman who marries the victorious prince in a war for the English throne. They are crowned King and Queen, but must continuously defend their throne. If you like historical fiction, this is a good book!

Length: 400 pages

Time: November 2009

Bonus: This was a library book!

the one with 12

One of my resolutions this year is to read at least one book every month. Usually I am pretty good about this, but sort of slacked at the end of 2009.

Here's the list for 2010 so far:

• 29 Gifts (for book club!) ~ Cami Walker
• The Lost Symbol ~ Dan Brown
• My Life in France ~ Julia Child
• Cleaving ~ Julie Powell
• Her Fearful Symmetry ~ Audrey Niffenger
• Vision in White ~ Nora Roberts

I feel like there are more books on my list, but I can't remember now. What's on your list?

Love The One You're With

I listened to this book a few months ago, but forgot to post about it. Here is the summary from Emily Giffin's website:

This is a story for everyone who has ever wondered: How can I truly love the one I'm with, when I can't forget the one who got away? Ellen and Andy's marriage doesn't just seem perfect, it is perfect. There is no question how deep their devotion is, and how naturally they bring out the best in each other. But one fateful afternoon, Ellen runs into Leo for the first time in eight years. Leo, the one who brought out the worst in her. Leo, the one who left her heartbroken with no explanation. Leo, the one she could never quite forget. When his reappearance ignites long-dormant emotions, Ellen begins to question whether the life she’s living is the one she's meant to live.

I really enjoyed this one and honestly couldn't decide how I wanted it to turn out. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending was good!

PS - I just found out Emily Giffin is publishing a new book this Spring! Can't wait!

Twenties Girl

I always enjoy Sophie Kinsella's novels because they are entertaining and fun. Twenties Girl was no exception. I really enjoyed reading it.

Here's the synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

When the spirit of Lara’s great-aunt Sadie–a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance–mysteriously appears, she has one last request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie’s possession for more than seventy-five years, and Sadie cannot rest without it. Lara, on the other hand, has a number of ongoing distractions. Her best friend and business partner has run off to Goa, her start-up company is floundering, and she’s just been dumped by the “perfect” man.

Lara and Sadie make a hilarious sparring duo, and at first it seems as though they have nothing in common. But as the mission to find Sadie’s necklace leads to intrigue and a new romance for Lara, these very different “twenties” girls learn some surprising truths from each other along the way. Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella’s books beloved by millions, Twenties Girl is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family.

Read: September 2009

Pages: 448 (hardcover)