I thought it was me.
In light of the events of the past few weeks I forgot that I started a book club eight years ago. This, of course, was the book of the month which I then read in one rushed sitting in the final days before we met.
Which is not the way short stories are meant to be read.
So I thought it was me.
But then I went to book club…
Would I recommend it? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t just me who enjoyed the occasional humor but missed any greater sense of purpose behind the stories…
Last night, long after the girls were in bed, I went to bed myself and started reading this book.
I stayed up finishing this book until the clock showed numbers which I refuse to admit to anyone for fear my husband, who watched me “help” this morning, have actual facts and not just suspicions as to the extent of my sleep deprivation.
I have spent the afternoon within the fog of the book – lines, characters, events and ideas rolling over and over in my head.
Would I recommend it? Yup, this one swallowed me whole.
Probably, this is one of those times where I really should have read the dust jacket before I read the book.
But, since I hate spoiling the story, I glanced at the synopsis, read the first page, thought, “I like the Civil War,” and dove right in. Had I read a bit more I might have realized I was reading about an actual historical figure which would have been good to know. Apparently my book selection method only works most of the time…
Would I recommend it? I’m glad that I read it, but I don’t feel that I can unequivocally say you should too. I was, however, fascinated to find that Elizabeth Van Lew was a real person, something that also explains the serious amount historical facts the book contained. It’s possible if you dove in thinking “fictionalized biography” rather than “novel” you’d enjoy it much more. Or, it’s possible that I should read, just a bit, about a book before I start in myself!
Sometimes people will ask me for a book recommendation and I will offer a few ideas.
Sometimes I read a book I like so much that I assault, friends, family and random strangers at the chiropractor’s office with my recommendation.
This was one of the latter.
I will admit that with the guy on the far right as my dad,
and the woman third from the bottom as my mom, 
and both being preceded by Gramps, 
that it’s quite likely I was inundated with so much rowing talk as a child that I couldn’t help but like this book.
Oh and so long as we are sharing pictures, I thought you should know that those people who raised me, they were pretty good too…
The Boys in the Boat, you should probably just go find it now before I corner you in the grocery store and talk your ear off about it!
“Xander planned a panda party…”
And even though it caused him “…great pains and perspiration” not to mention “consternation,” my kids loved Xander’s “celebration” with all it’s “conversation” “participation” and “jubilation.”
Fortunately, between the excellent vocabulary and fantastic rhyming, not to mention the ridiculously cute illustrations, their mother was happy to read it to them the 102 times it was requested.
Would I recommend it? Yes! It’s got everything I wish for in a kids book. (For some of my criteria you can check out this old post Pick A Good One, O Best Beloved. Ivy no longer stutters but I still feel the same about children’s books.)
I am always excited to find a new Janet Evanovich book on the shelves. This one has a new co-author, is the start of a new series and possibly my new favorite of her books!
Would I recommend it? Yes! It’s a super fun, light, easy read and while not as laugh out loud funny as her Stephanie Plum books, it’s also not quite so frivolous. John and I were both surprised by how much we liked it!
The first of the Farseer Trilogy, the introduction to wonderful world and a great book all on it’s own.
I re-read it and handed it off to a friend the next morning – because that’s the kind of book it is.
Would I recommend it? Had I the funds I’d give you all a copy for Christmas.
Things you should know.
1) Despite what the title may lead to you believe this book is not a book filled with flowers, fluff and happiness.
2) When my book club met after reading this book we had more book related discussion than we often do.
3) Some of the story is rather unbelievable.
5) Some of it is frighteningly believable.
6) You should never give someone a bouquet made of peony’s and yellow roses.
7) Would I recommend it? Yes.
I laughed out loud – lots. 
Then I sat and wondered if I was a bad person.
I’m not a bad person.
But this is just the sort of ridiculous book full of just the kind of dry, dark humor that I like.
Would I recommend it? I want to say yes, yes yes!
But I’m afraid that it may take a certain sort to love this book like I did.
So, perhaps you should find the book and a grain of salt, give it a try and let me know what you think.
Pirate Queen captures chef.
I was thinking silly.
I was thinking lighthearted.
I was thinking mindless romantic fluff.
Now I’m thinking I need to apologize to Mr. Eli Brown – mindless fluff indeed.
Would I recommend it? Yes, it was so much more than I thought it would be in all the best ways.
Behind the Willows 