Big Boned by Meg Cabot

Heather Wells has herself a boyfriend. No it's not Cooper, it's Tad. (I hate the name) Tad is a teacher at the college for Heather's remedial math course. He is handsome and forbidden, being a teacher and all; however, he's into running, is a vegan, and think's Heather would benefit from switching over to a lifestyle more like his. So Heather decides that she will start running with him one morning...

(I won't tell you how the running goes, but can say that I had a few laugh out loud moments)

Heather gets into work to find her new, interim boss Owen shot in the head. Death Dorm strikes again. Fingers are being pointed to the head of the disgruntled, soon to strike GSC, Sebastian, especially when they find the gun that matches the bullet that killed Owen in his murse (man-purse). Sarah, Heather's grad student assistant is insistent that Sebastian couldn't do something like this.

Meanwhile, a student comes forward thinking that it's her fault Owen is dead because she reported a staff member to him for sexual harassment. She thinks who ever did it shut him up before he could go to the President of the college and report the staff member.

Detective Canavan and Cooper both warn Heather to stay away from this one. Being shot at point blank range from someone outside the college means it could be anyone.  But who are we kidding, Heather can't stay away...

Read it. You'll laugh.

4 of 5 flamingos.

Size 14 Is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot

Book 2 in the Heather Wells story is just as good as the first, another 2 day read. I went to the LIBRARY to get it. I didn't spend money! Yesssss.

A decapitated head is found in the cafeteria in what is now being called "Death Dorm." While the deceased was able to be identified, the remainder of her is no where to be found, nor is the person or persons who did it. After such a close encounter with death herself, Heather is told by almost everyone to stay out of this one. Only her friend Magda has her promise she will help catch who did it. Who should she listen to?

Not only does Heather have another death in the dorm, I mean residence hall, she also has to deal with her ex-fiance Jordan getting married. She actually doesn't mind cause she is totally over him and in love with Jordan's brother Cooper, only Cooper doesn't know it. As if unrequited romantic feelings weren't enough, Heather's father calls out of the blue (he was incarcerated) and wants to get together. Say what?

4 of 5 flamingos.

Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

I had picked up this book at Goodwill, probably about a year ago. (I know, I have a problem... at least they do get read) I finally got around to reading it and it was a great fun read. I read it in like 2 days. (It's amazing what you can accomplish if you don't have TV)

After she was kicked out of her label when she decided she wanted to do her own songs or no songs, Heather Wells, former teen-pop star has found a job at a dorm, I mean residence hall, at New York College. Heather is now in her late 20's early 30's (my guess as I don't believe the book actually says) and is living with her ex-fiance's (Jordan) brother (Cooper.) Jordan became an ex after he was found cheating on Heather. Yah, classy guy.

Anyway, one of the popular things to do at the dorm, nay residence hall, is elevator surfing. Two girls turn up dead within a week of each other and the cause of death is determined to be by falling from elevator surfing. Only Heather doesn't believe it. Why? Because girls don't surf. It's just an inkling she has, but no one else believes her.

I don't want to say much more, as it's a murder mystery for a reason. I will say I loved the sarcastic tone that Meg has when writing this book. Heather sounds a lot like me :)

4.5 of 5 flamingos.

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

I had been home from work one day and was watching the morning line-up of talk shows and saw Alan there. He was talking about his work as an actor and about his new book release. Rarely do I ever decide to buy books recommended on morning television, especially from actors that I don't really know... probably also be cause I'm never usually home to watch morning television.... and now don't even have cable. Anyway, I digress.

The memoir was very well written. Each chapter generally went from a Then and Now perspective so you could easily see how his past was shaping his future. Alan's childhood was terrorized by his  father. Secrets of abuse were kept because, "who would believe what was happening was actually true." Alan strove to make his father happy, as any son would, but it seemed like that would never happen. So he decided the he would leave the home as soon as he could and make himself happy. In 2010, Alan was approached by a popular celebrity genealogy show to help him find out the truths of what happened to his grandfather Tommy Darling. It is interesting to follow Alan as he finds out the truths of what happened to Tommy right along with us. It is also interesting to see how similar the life of a grandfather and grandson can be.

Through his book, Alan takes us on a journey with him that is quite the roller coaster ride. At times I found myself mad, in shock, laughing, and captivated. Definitely a great read.

5 of 5 flamingos.

Who's Picking Me Up from the Airport and Other Questions Single Girls Ask by Cindy Johnson

This book was an excellent quick read. My roommate actually was the one to pick this up. She and I have decided to lovingly call our apartment the "Nunastary." She's got Room 1 and I have Room 2.. we thought about putting up signs, but then decided we didn't want to totally weird people out. This book tackles some good questions and was a healthy reminder that 1. There's nothing wrong with me 2. There are many other women in my situation (roommate included) 3. It's ok to be frustrated at times 4. It's not ok to wallow... 

One of my favorite lessons that I enjoyed and somewhat knew already, but the way she put it really helped cement it. The goal of this life is not marriage. The goal is Jesus, and if I'm pursuing Him, then I've already "won." 

5 of 5 flamingos. Funny, Godly, Helpful. :)

It's Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

This book was not at all what I thought it was going to be when I bought it... although I bought it so long ago that I don't remember what that was either. HA! Anyway, it was an in-depth look at a teenager (15yrs old) struggling with depression. (I just got how ironic the title is... oh man). The book hit home with me on a few levels. Many know that I've struggled with anxiety and many of the symptoms are similar to depression. In many cases the drugs that are prescribed are the same. So some of the struggles/emotions Craig, the main character, has gone through, I've felt.

Craig is a smart kid. He comes from a loving family, mom, dad, and younger sister. He is from a good section of NYC. He's thinking about college options and the first step of getting into a good college is getting accepted into Excecutive Pre-Professional High School; which he does, and then he he essentially, mentally implodes.

He can't eat, he can't sleep, he's fluent in the ways of pot, and has a crush on his best friends girlfriend. He's got a therapist and a pyschopharmacologist. He is on medication until he feels better and one day just stops. (A big no-no with those meds) It all culminates when one night he decides to call the suicide hotline. From there he walks himself over to the emergency room (2 blocks away) and gets admitted into the psychiatric mental hospital. He meets several interesting characters while there and he just might find himself again.

The book is really well written and I enjoyed it.

4.5 of 5 flamingos.

Shine By Lauren Myracle

I had found this book in a used book store and remembered reading books by Lauren Myracle before. I also remembered that I liked them. So I bought it! (doesn't take much reasoning, honestly) I was glad that I did. Although, staying up till 1am to finish it last night was not one of my finer moments; ah well, I guess that's what the afternoon nap is for.

Shine starts out with news paper clippings of a hate crime on a young gay teen, Patrick. He beaten nearly to death as he was closing up the gas station where he worked. He was now in a coma, unable to tell who did it. With a Sheriff that had a knack for lazy justice (if any a tall), 16-year old Cat, friends with Patrick for nearly a decade, decided to take matters into her own hands to find out what happened.

Small town communities have a habit of gossiping about "who done what" and what he did to deserve it; this one was no exception. Cat's older brother Christian, part of the Redneck Posse wished that she would just quit it and let things work themselves out. Tommy, Beef, and Dupree the remaining members of the Posse, were all suspicious to Cat, especially since she found out that some of them were running Meth for local dealer Wally.

This is a classic "who done it" novel geared toward a young adult audience. I enjoyed it, even though I may have come to the conclusion of "who done it" before Lauren wrote it. I'm just smart like that.

4 of 5 flamingos.

girlchild by Tupelo Hassman

girlchild was unlike anything that I've ever read. Tupelo wrote in a very interesting style. Most chapters weren't more than a page or two long with each chapter having it's own title. I found that strangely enjoyable. 

The book was about Johanna Hendrix, her mother, and her daughter. The daughter, Rory Dawn, is the girlchild that the book's title describes. A lot of the book talks about generational struggles that can keep perpetuating themselves especially among the poor. Rory D. has received a book... The Girlscout Handbook to be exact and Tupelo often has Rory referring to that in the crazy situations that she has to encounter. 

This book is not for the faint of heart as real issues come up like sexual abuse, gambling, alcohol, etc. At points I found myself shaking my head at the ignorance that her mother seems to have when it comes to Rory. Jo wants Rory to grow up and make something for herself... question is, can she make it out of the Calle?

4 of 5 flamingos.

The Revelation by Beverly Lewis

The Revelation, the final book of the Abram's daughter series ties up all the loose ends nicely. I don't want to ruin anything for you should you decide to pick up this series. I found that after I was done, after 5 books I felt like the Ebersol's were a part of my family, or rather I was a part of theirs. I wanted to continue finding out about the women and their lives with their own children. Anyway, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another series by Beverly Lewis. Well written and enjoyable!

4.5 of 5 flamingos.

The Prodigal by Beverly Lewis

 

The Prodigal is book 4 in the series. Jonas Mast learns that Leah never married and ends up coming home. Will she be able to accept him back after the Bann? With Leah's responsibilities as the mother of the two youngest Ebersol's born by her mother Ida, is Leah able to accept an offer of marriage if one comes? The identity of Sadie's son is found in Jake Mast, Peter's son. There is a very tangled web that is spun in this book and it's mind-teasing. Again, you should read it. 

4.5 of 5 flamingos

The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis

The Sacrifice, book 3 in the series brings with it more drama for the Ebersol ladies. But of course I read it like 3 weeks ago and I can't separated this book from the remaining two. So I'm going to tell you that it was great, and you need to read it. 

4.5 of 5 flamingos

The Betrayal By Beverly Lewis

The Betrayal, book 2 in the Abram's Daughter series, has the two love birds Leah and Jonas apart. Jonas takes an apprenticeship as a woodworker in Ohio. They are certain their love will survive the distance; however, neither plans on the meddling of Leah's own family. Jonas invites Leah to come with him to Ohio, but Sadie, having just born a son that she believes doesn't survive, is a mess. Leah feels it is her sisterly duty to stay with Sadie and help her through the tough time. Ida Ebersol, the girls' mother, birth's a baby girl and Sadie can't hardly take it. She longs for her own boy so much that she threatens to leave Gobbler's Knobb. Leah comes up with a plan to get Sadie out to Ohio with Jonas to sort out her mind and problems there. Eventually Leah is forced to tell on Sadie, due to her soon commitment to the church and the pressure of others who have managed to find out most of the details of Sadie's rumschpringe. Sadie finds out that Leah doesn't keep her promise and, angry at her sister, hides a very important letter Leah sent addressed to Jonas.

Meanwhile, twins Hannah and Mary Ruth are now of courting age. They are in their final year of grade school, and with high school being forbidden, Mary Ruth finds herself at odds with her faith. She wants to pursue being a schoolteacher, but needs to hide it from her family. Hannah, wants to help her twin, but feels that Mary Ruth might be pulling away from their sisterly bond that they have so closely shared.

I found myself getting angry at Leah's family for their role in changing her and Jonas' lives. I suppose that means that Lewis was able to get me invested into the characters enough to care.

4.5 of 5 flamingos.

The Covenant By Beverly Lewis

 

After reading a book like Unbroken, I needed to switch gears. I am also trying to read the books that I have that are part of a series so that I can clear more room off the shelves in a quicker manner. (It's quicker because it doesn't take me days to figure out what I want to read next, it's already picked out for me.)

Anyway... 

 The Covenant, book 1 in the Abram's Daughter series, is about Leah Ebersol and her family. They live in the heart of Lancaster County, Amish country. Leah, the second of four daughters, is her father's helper. She does mostly everything that a son would do, as Abram had no sons. Her elder sister Sadie was running about during her "rumschpringer" - the time when Amish teens are allowed to "try-out" the things of the world before committing their lives to the church - and would commit something that require of Leah a covenant of secrecy. In the meantime, Leah has troubles of her own. Leah's father has plans for her to marry the boy next door Smithy Gid; however, Leah has her heart set on Jonas Mast. She didn't want to disappoint her father, but her heart wasn't free to choose as it had already been set on Jonas from the age of 10. What would the church father's say? Would Sadie commit her life to the Lord as was expected of her, or would her sins find her out?

The book has plenty of Amish language, which immerses you even more into the culture. You feel like you are truly there. Looking forward to book 2.

4.5 of 5 flamingos. 

Unbroken: A Story of Survival, Resilliance, and Redemption By Laura Hillenbrand

Wow, what a story! I don't typically read books having to do with war (just not my thing), but for some reason I picked this one up. Maybe it had to do with the fact that it was $0.99 at Goodwill and I had heard really good things about it... I'm not certain, but what I do know is that I liked it. The story focuses around Louis Zamperini; while a terror in his boyhood, Louis developed (through the persuasion of his brother) an affinity and skill for running. If he could run fast, he couldn't be caught by the police, bullies, or whomever else was chasing him. He ran fast enough to get himself into the Berlin Olympics.

World War II came and changed Louis from a runner to a gunner. He would go on several missions, yet the one in May 1943 would be the one that sent him and two others into the Pacific Ocean. Louis ends up enduring prisoner camps that seemed destined to not only break his body and his mind, but his spirit as well. As I was reading, I found myself thinking, "How much more can one person take?" The pictures in the book were a bit haunting, but I did enjoy the look back in time.

The book was extremely well written and had me on a roller coaster of emotions throughout.

5 of 5 flamingos.

Side note: I did see the movie and it pales in comparison to the book. (as most movies do) If I hadn't read the book, I might not have understood some of the transitions of where Louis was going.

Loving By Karen Kingsbury

In Loving, Bailey begins to finally have peace. "Perfect love casts out all fear" and once and for all, with the Lords guidance, she knows that she has found it. She has found fulfillment in her new career back home in Bloomington and as she plans her wedding, she knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that she will be taken care of. Bailey has had many ups and downs over the recent years, but there are still quite a few ahead. 

4.5 of 5 flamingos

Karen wrapped up things quite nicely. I still don't know exactly how some of the other story lines fit in... I mean I guess I kind of do, but because there were so many other characters involved, I wanted to know everything about them. But, alas, I know I am a control freak and that's not always possible.

Longing By Karen Kingsbury

In book three of the Bailey Flanigan series, Cody is once again silent and Bailey must find out what her heart truly wants, Cody or Brandon. Brandon continues to make every effort to woo her and pursue her "like a dying man in a desert searches for water" as her mother would say. Still, she's terrified of the LA life and the paparazzi. Brandon promises to keep her safe, but after a crazy car chase and a near helicopter accident, Bailey has had enough. Meanwhile, Cody has become a local and national celebrity in his hometown for the work that he has done with the football team. Cody also gains the attention of a girl who seems to understand his new life. However, Cody soon has to deal with an unexpected loss. Will that send him back to Bailey or will the past finally stay the past?

4.5 of 5 flamingos.

Learning By Karen Kingsbury

The problem with finding a good series and not having internet readily available, is that I read more than one book before I can get to update the blog and then I forget what belongs to what book. I read this one in about 2 days. I had some free nights. and I am a fast reader, what can I say?

Bailey's dreams are taking off in NYC, and Cody is finding his way with the Lyle football team. Each is having their own successes, but are they each happy? Do they truly love each other or do they only love the idea of each other. Brandon is pursuing Bailey (like a dying man in a desert looking for water as her mother would say) and Cody has all but fallen off the face of the earth.

Tragedy strikes and Cody is forced to make some tough decisions. Bailey has her own test from the Lord and she feels like she's failed it miserably. Can she stand up for God in the midst of the Broadway culture in NYC, especially when she feels like she's not good enough?

Can Bailey make it in NYC or will she move back to Bloomington?

4.5 of 5 flamingos.

Leaving By Karen Kingsbury

I found this book on the sale rack at Books A Million. I noticed that this book was part of a 4 book Bailey Flannigan series and three of them were on the Sale rack. I haven't ever read any books by Karen Kingsbury but I know she's written a ton of them and so, some of them are bound to be good right? 

Well, thankfully I was right. The setting starts in Bloomington, IL. Though the series follows Bailey Flannigan mostly, there are several other stories that are woven in and you end up with 4 or 5 main characters. First there's Bailey, finishing up her last year of college and pursuing her dream to perform on Broadway. Then there's Cody Coleman, a few years older than Bailey who leaves Bloomington to the small town of Lyle to be closer to his mother (who is incarcerated) and teach football. Bailey and Cody have never seemed to be on the right page at the right time when it comes to love and a relationship. Will they ever be able to make it work?

Then there is Brandon Paul, famous actor who Bailey co-starred with on the film Unlocked. Something is changing in him and Bailey begins to notice him. Next there is Landon and Ashley Baxter... now to be honest...I'm still not sure I fully understand the connection of them to the Flannigans but I believe the Flannigans bought the old family home that the Baxter family grew up in. Something along those lines anyway...  

The book flows very well. So well in fact that I read it in about 3 days. Kingsbury writes the characters thoughts out and their prayers to God. I find that I can easily identify with Bailey, not so much in the Broadway dream sense, but in the fact that life is confusing (especially in relationships) and that it's important to look for the little ways that God speaks to us throughout the day. It reminds me that I need to be in the Word more not only to be ready for Him to speak to me but for me to have the words to be able to speak to others. 

4.5 of 5 Flamingos. 

The Redeemer by Linda Rios Brook

The final book of the series.

This last installment of scrolls chronicles the life of Adonai in the flesh, or Jesus rather; from His birth, His ministry years with His disciples, and finally His death. We learn just who Wonk is and that Samantha Yale might have a secret of her own to reveal. The fallen angel tries several times to get the attention of Jesus and plead his case. Will the fallen angel also get a chance at redemption? 

I think the book did close up the loose ends of the series and threw in a few unsuspecting twists toward the end. I enjoyed the series and just may hang on to it to re-read. For those of you who know how precious my shelf space is, you'll know this is big. 

4 of 5 flamingos.