Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

This book is by the same author as Fried Green Tomatoes. I liked this book, but I didn't relate to it very much, so it isn't my favorite. But I do appreciate it for it's story. It's about a girl with a troubled past that she doesn't really understand herself. On her way to rising fame through broadcasting, she finally discovers who she is. I did like the social "norms" that are brought up in the book: the city, the south, and prejudice. It made me think about the way things were and even how they are today... Just people's perceptions in general.

Dune Road

I absolutely love Jane Green's books, and this is no exception. I love how she weaves several stories, while linking them all together. This is probably one of my favorites of her books. The main character gets a divorce and then learns a lot more about love and what is important, which eventually leads her back to where she began. A lot of the book is about family, friends, and forgiveness. And it takes place in the Hamptons, which always makes for a fun story.

The Fixer Upper

This was our July book pick for my book club. It was the perfect summer read. I loved the references to remodeling, since I went through the same type of thing not long ago. The old woman who lived in the house ended up being in love with her dead cousin so she hoarded all her things, which was pretty weird to be honest, but besides that a simple read that I enjoyed.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Hmmmm.... what to say? I loved the concept of this book. It went a little far for me in a couple of areas, but as far as romance goes, wonderful story! Definitely worth my time reading it once. The author is a natural storyteller! I was amazed how the story was woven together!

The Hunger Games

Terrific book for young adults. I don't like this type of genre at all either. It's very violent, but makes you think about war and society in general. Mostly it is a good survival story with a side of romance. I can't wait to read the second book!

You'll Never Nanny in this Town Again

This book is the true story of a nanny in Hollywood. It was fun to see how crazy others lives are and also how normal the extraordinary seem to be. Quick, easy read!

Evermore

Friend recommended me this book saying it was a lot like Twilight. The beginning is so much like Twilight, I almost put it down, but like she promised it quickly became its own story. I've never been that big on fantasy, but I can't help but love these everlasting love stories with the supernatural attached! This was a quick, engaging read that I can't wait to share with my middle school students!

LA Candy

This is Lauren Conrad, aka LC's, first novel. It is about a girl who moves to LA and gets put on a reality show, I know shocking, but for all it is worth she didn't do a half bad job. The writing wasn't exactly great, but surprisingly better than I expected. It was slow at first but eventually I really got into it and I can't wait for the next in the series!

Firefly Lane

Since there really is no other way to explain how I feel right now, I must say this is my favorite book I have ever read. I know I will read it again and again. Where do I begin? This book is FULL of life lessons and things to discuss. It would be perfect to do as a book club. I've read other books like this that follow friends through the good and bad times of life. They're actually one of my favorite types of books, but this story blows by far most of them out of the water. I loved how Kristen Hannah showed the passing of time through pop culture, including war/political events and songs/celebs that were popular during those times. No matter which friend you're more like every woman can see themselves in this book. Each memory that was shared wasn't shown just for the purpose of making the book longer, this book is so well crafted and pieced together. I loved how the beginning and the end tied together. This book is why I read!

Secrets of My Hollywood Life: On Location

I have to say I loved this book too! I think I've found a teenage series that not only my kids will love, but that I love reading too!

Secrets of My Hollywood Life

This is a Hannah Montana like story. A A list young girl wants to know what it will be like to be normal so she dresses up and attends a high school. The best part about this is how modern it is. Mentions of all the stuff I see on E! News. It is written by a girl who has worked for Tabloids so she really knows her stuff. Throughout the book, she tells the secrets of Hollywood life, which are very honest, and create a realistic atmosphere. I think any teenage girl would love these books!

The Sonnet Lover

Okay I'm not a huge fan on sonnets in the first place, so I knew this wasn't going to be my book. The plot was okay and the characters were sorta dull but I'm glad I read it. It was way different from the normal romantic dramadies I read.

Dear John

I don't know how but even when someone doesn't die at the end of Nicholas Sparks' books, I still end up crying. This is the first book of his that I've read in a while that I really loved. I thought it showed true testimony to what true love really is. I'm not sure many people out there understand it in today's world. True love is doing whatever is best for the other person even if it isn't what is best for yourself. In fact it may be the thing that hurts you the most.

The Bachlorette Party

This book is about the equivalent of the movie The Hangover, except it is the girl's version. It's just as racy! My mouth kept dropping open at all the things this crazy night had in store and of course with consequences! A fun, easy summer read!

Remember Me?

I just love Sophie Kinsella's books! This is the perfect romantic comedy about a girl who gets amnesia and wakes up as this new person that she doesn't remember becoming. The new her has all the right things: husband, great job, rocking body, but is amazed at the things she had to give up to become this person. Reminded me a little of the movie 13 going on 30, but the girl can't go back in time and undo what she became.

Life as We Knew It

If you haven't read this book and you are the slightest bit interested in children's literature you must read this book. It is a girl's diary entries that take place when a meteor hits the moon, knocking it off course and changing the Earth forever. Volcanoes, tsunamis, dropping temperatures, etc. happen as families try to survive! Very addicting!

My Sisters Keeper

This is one of the fastest books I have ever read. Not only is it engrossing with its topic, but really well written. It is heavy but I'm certainly glad I read it!

Sloppy Firsts

Wow this book is racy, but also addictive! Very blunt and honest depiction on high school.

The Pilot's Wife

Very good... dark, deep, and moving.... haunting almost. How well can you ever really know a person?

The Off Season

In general, well more than in general, sequels are disappointing. I loved Dairy Queen, but I waited about 6 months before I read its sequel, The Off Season. I devoured this book. I laughed. I cried. I can't wait for the next one. I think these books show the best, true voice, of a teenager of any books I have EVER read. I feel like DJ is my best friend!!!

Roommates

A wonderful beach read- California sun, friendship and of course romance is mixed in with a girl living with some, well lets just say interesting, roommates.

Kneeknock Rise

Nattlie Babbit's books always make you want more. There is always some underlying question at the end, which makes them great for literature circles. This book is no exception. Not only was it full of adventure, it really had a deeper meaning and gave me alot to think about afterwards.

Dewey

I'm not a cat person at all, but this is a great book. It also deals with the town on Spencer, Ohio, how it has changed and grown over the years. It is almost a book about small towns that just happens to have a famous library cat. I would best describe it as the Marley and Me cat book.

Impossible

I was told this was the book for Twilight lovers. And while nothing can compare with the Twilight books for me, I really loved this book. It is going on my keeper shelf. It was a slower read at first, but once it took off I couldn't put it down!! I will definitely read this again!

Alabama Moon

This book reminded me of Hatchet, but better. I LOVED it!!!! I would read this aloud to my students/kids!!! Very deep and adventurous! I couldn't put it down!

The Pre-nup

I enjoyed this book. A fun adventure of three different women. Not completely believable but fun to read!

Fashionably Late

I was a little disappointed in this. Too easy, not much depth...

As Seen on TV

Cute story about a girl who gets on reality TV and becomes the person she never wanted to be. An interesting take on celebrity (or trying to become one)

Good in Bed

This was the 3rd book my book club read. It was very cute and I related to a lot parts in it. (body image)

#4 One Fifth Avenue

An interesting and adventurous ride into Manhattan's elite social society.
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The Willoughbys

Very cute children's book that is a parody of other famous children's books about orphans. I loved the references and comparisons to the classics.

The Friday Night Knitting Club

For a great story about life and friendship this is perfection. I hold it right up there with Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons, Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias, and Beaches! Could I say more?

The Next Thing On my List

I loved this book!!! It is definitely going on my keeper shelf and will be read again! It really inspired me for the new year. I'm tired of not truly living my life- you know just going through the motions. I am going to make a list of 10 things to do before my 30th birthday and I am going to do it!!

Chasing Harry Winston

I feel bad giving this review because I love the author's first two books (The Devil Wears Prada and Everyone Worth Knowing), but I just could not get into this book. I bought it the week it came out, and to be honest I probably wouldn't have finished it if it weren't for one of my friends picking it as our December book club selection. The characters are unbelievable and the ending just doesn't connect with the beginning. I was especially sad about Emmy- she sets off wanting to do nothing more than get married and have babies then decides to have some one night stands, esjoys that for about a second, then ends with going to the gyno. and wanting to know if her eggs are still fertile, and I'm sorry but her original boyfriend coming back to her and wanting to be with her and then her saying no was very predictable. I really was dissatisfied with all the characters progression through the story...

The Lucky One

This book was pretty good. Not Nicholas Spark's best, but I'm still glad I read it. The story does have a sappy ending, which is more than most of his sad ending stories. I didn't feel the depression and regret I feel when I have read some of his other books.

My Favorite Mistake

I'm a sucker for first loves coming back and finding each other, so of course I loved this book. (I did marry my high school sweetheart) The main character's sister sort of annoyed me with her antics, but it is still going on my keeper shelf!

Chains

This book is historical fiction at it's best. I will be shocked if this book doesn't win either a Newbery or Coretta Scott King award this year. Every moment is breathtaking. And it has so much history. It is amazing how the author wove in all of the actual events with the character. I was never bored, it fact most of the time I was on the edge of my seat. I read this book in one day, which doesn't happen much with me. I can't wait for the next one to come out.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963

I hate it when a book gets too hyped up for me. It wasn't that I didn't like this books, but I was disappointed because it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It is a very cute and funny story with a very realistic family. I found myself laughing out loud at many of the parts. With that being said, I thought there was going to be more time spent down in Birmingham. I love historical fiction and I wanted to learn more about how things actually were down there, not just a church bombing. I can see why most of the book doesn't take place there. You fall in love with this family so what happens to them is essentially more important, or meaningful, but I just thought it would be a bigger picture of the way things were in the south. I'm glad I read it though.

A Mango-Shaped Space

Another keeper- For some reason, maybe because I am now a middle-school teacher, I am really into coming-of-age books. I just think there is something fascinating and comforting about someone becoming comfortable in their own skin. This book is about a girl names Mia who has synesthesia, which I had never heard of before. She has certain colors for all numbers, letters, and sounds that appear when she sees or hears them. But that is defiantly not all this book is about. Trust me- you gotta read this!

The Last Summer (of You and Me)

Loved this book!!! It is going on my keeper shelf! It deals with all of life's hurtles- love, family, friendship, death, and growing up. Everything, even though sad at times, comes together perfectly. I especially connected with the discussions of still growing up even when you're in your 20s- and I believe even beyond that. It is comforting to think that although everything that has happened in the past and present shapes us, we are still and will never be who we are yet to become.

The Great Gilly Hopkins

I loved, LOVED this book. So many people have recommended it to me and i even remember wanting to read it when I was in elementary school. At first I was unhappy with the ending. You can see how Gilly grows throughout the book, but it isn't in your face. Usually I hate an ending that I don't feel like is an ending. You don't feel completely done with the story, but at the same time I like thinking about how it will turn out. Gilly goes from being wanted and feeling lonely and sorry for herself to the girl who is making someone else not lonely- sorry that wording isn't good, but it is the only way I could think to say it.

A Year Down Younder

Even better than the first book. This book is still full of Grandma's antics but it is also somewhat of a coming of age story for Mary Alice. And what's most impressive is what she takes away from Grandma. Reading this was a fresh perspective for me, since it is set during the depression, on these hard economic times!

A Long Way From Chicago

I have heard a lot about Richard Peck's children's books, mainly how funny they were, so I have been wanting to read this for a long time. I was not impressed at all to begin with, but after I finished it, I felt very satisfied. Each chapter is a week that two children spend with their grandmother. Peck did a great job of showing the children growing every year, and how that worked with their crazy grandmother's schemes. I can't wait to read the next book.

The Secret Life of Bees

I have picked up this book several times, but couldn't get into it. I finally made myself read the first few chapters and I was relieved I didn't want to put it down. I absolutely loved these women. I think it is the first modern novel I have ever read that I think women will still be reading hundreds of years from now. It is a true classic to keep on your bookshelf, a coming of age story that even an adult can relate to.

Story Telling By: Tori Spelling

Okay I know your asking me why on earth I read this book, and more importantly why am I admitting to reading this book? It all started, well to be honest before I can even remember, when I became obsessed with celebrities. I remember my Mama Jean (my dad's mom) getting people magazine and I would look through all of her past issues. Then in Junior High and High School I faithfully watched 90210. So a few months ago one of my new teacher friends and I were getting to know each other and somehow my subscription to US Weekly and addiction to watching E! News every night came up. We began talking about all the ridiculous celeb-reality shows that are out there these days- which she hates and I love. She said the only one she actually enjoyed was the one with Tori Spelling in it, which amazingly I had never had the desire to watched. Well it just so happened that I caught an episode that week (the week before the season finale) and saw that they were having a marathon that weekend, so of course I DVRed every one. A lot of that season was about the book, and needless to say, I immediately ordered it one Amazon.

Okay, now that I feel better about defending myself for reading the book- I loved it. Now if you don't care anything about celebrities, especially ones that aren't A list like Tori Spelling, I doubt you would like this book. After watching a few episodes of her and Dean's show, I was amazed at how real they were. I've watched a lot of celeb shows, and most of them are about shopping, drinking, partying, etc. Tori is nothing like that. Her and her friends are so real. At least they come off as that way. In the book, Tori gives a look into the life that many kids and adults would die to have. But it was never about what she wanted. Yeah, I can hear you saying oh poor little rich girl, but who cares how much money is spent on you if it is never about what you want. She proves that she is happier now than ever, without all the glitz and glam her childhood brought her. There were several times in the book where I found myself laughing out loud. She tells about all her experiences, how she was unhappy, and the greatest times of her life without coming across that she is better than people or that she wants you to feel sorry for her. She does a great job of just being honest- telling it like it was- for better or for worse. And the most amazing part of it all is her ability to make fun of herself!

Shoe Addicts Anonymous

Cute story, fun characters- I enjoyed it.

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons

A must, must read for any woman who has enjoyed other women's friendship. I have never laughed and cried so much in a book. And the scariest thing was I could see myself and my friends in so many situations and aspects. It almost gave me a calming feeling that everything is going to be okay, which trust me, I needed that feeling right about now. You will feel so drawn into these women's lives that you'll be sad when you havta leave.

Tuck Everlasting

Okay.... biggest book disappoint of the year. I can't count or begin to remember how many people have told me how this is a children's classic that everyone needs to read multiple times in their life. It absolutely did nothing for me. It had a promising start but then it ended. Literally. It was like reading only a third of what seemed like a really good book and then never picking it up again.

Can You Keep a Secret?

I'm not the biggest fan of the Shopaholic Series (even though I can't wait to see the movie) so I was super surprised how obsessive I became in reading this book. I just think it is absolutely the cutest. I really loved everything about the plot, the characters, and how warm it made me feel. It was a great escape from real life. I hope they make this and The Undomestic Goddess into movies.

The Sunday Wife

Okay I fully realize I'm about to contradict myself, but I don't know how else to tell how I felt about this book. First, the reviews really hyped me up. I have to admit as an overall story, this book was very powerful, haunting in a way. I couldn't stop thinking about the overall picture, or meaning behind it. The power of love- obsessive love that is. I have sadly known people who went pretty crazy when with certain people, so I could almost see the power in that. The only part I had a problem with was the over-exaggerated view of the south. AKA the Bible Belt. It just seemed to be shown in a very negative way, which I couldn't get away from. Yea... I'm one of those that has trouble separating church and state.