The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett and Amanda Pressner

From back of book:

three friends.  four continents.  one unconventional detour around the world.

With their thirtieth birthdays looming, Jen, Holly, and Amanda are feeling the pressure to hit certain milestones - score the big promotion, find a soul mate, have 2.2 kids.  Instead, they make a pact to quit their jobs, leave behind everything familiar, and embark on a yearlong round-the-world search for inspiration and direction.

Traveling 60,000 miles across four continents, Jen, Holly, and Amanda push themselves far outside their comfort zones to embrace every adventure.  Ultimately, theirs is a story of true friendship - a bond forged by sharing beds and backpacks, enduring exotic illnesses, trekking across the mountains, and standing by one another through heartaches, whirlwind romances, and everything in the world in between.

My thoughts:

This book is just what I needed to inspire me to make my 40 before 40 list ( a list of 40 things I want to do before I turn 40 ).  Its a book about friendship, travel, inspiration, and discovering who you are.

Three friends (Jennifer, Holly and Amanda) are on vacation in Brazil talking about all the dreaded work that they have to face once they return to NYC and they are most definitely not looking forward to any of it. Jokingly, they discuss what it would be like to take off for one whole year and just travel around the world. 

They would finally be able to really see the world and all it has to offer, whilst searching for the inspiration needed in helping them to decide what it is they truly want to be doing with their lives - such as, figuring out if they are on the right career path.  Plus, they would be able to achieve some of their dreams, like hiking the Inca Trail, volunteering in Kenya, training to become a yoga teacher and hanging out with the Maasai.  One whole year of travel could really change their lives.

Of course, talking about it is one thing.  Could these three successful and career-driven women really choose to give up their jobs and lives in NYC for one whole year?  Would they be willing to risk what they had worked so hard for in order to take time out for themselves?  Yes, they could and yes, they would. 

Not long after their vacation in Brazil, Jennifer, Amanda and Holly meet up to discuss turning their year long dream trip into a reality - ASAP!  Soon they are sketching out an itinerary of all the places they want to visit and how long they want to spend at each place, along with figuring out how much money it will take to make this trip come to fruition.  They also begin to realize just how much this trip will cost them with regards to their careers and personal relationships.  Filled with excitement and fear, they book their tickets and are soon packing their bags and headed to their first stop - Peru!

Talk about a fun, interesting and inspiring read.  Not only do we get to know Jennifer, Amanda and Holly as they take us along their year long journey, but we also get to learn about all of these new and exciting places they get to visit.  Its as if we are right alongside them on this journey of self-discovery - we get to hear about all the yucky roaches, their restroom rating system and the language barriers that cropped up from time to time.  We also get to read about their adventures as they trek through jungles, meditate at a yoga retreat, dance til dawn at nightclubs, and sleep on grungy beds in hostels.  From the people they meet to the way a sunset makes them feel, we begin to notice the changes slowly taking place within these women and the fact that they are starting to realize just how lucky they are in their lives already.  Of course, along the way there are arguments, hugs, lots of laughter and an overall appreciation for one another. 

A true testament to friendship, this book really does provide a genuine feel of what these three women mean to each other and what this year means to them; which makes me glad that they decided to chronicle their year of travel.  I found this book to be interesting, fun and inspirational.  Its made me take stock of what I have in my life and also what it is that I want to get out of life.  Of course, its made me want to travel, too. All in all, this is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone interested in reading about friendship, travel and self-discovery. 

Thanks to  TLC Book Tours for letting me be a part of this book's tour. 

 

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

From back of book:

In the small village of Edgecombe St. Mary in the English countryside lives Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired), the unlikely hero of Helen Simonson's wondrous debut.  Wry, courtly, opinionated, and completely endearing, the Major leads a quiet life valuing the proper things that Englishmen have lived by for generations: honor, duty, decorum, and a properly brewed cup of tea.  But then his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village.  Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more.  But village society insists on embracing him as the quintessential local and regarding her as the permanent foreigner.  Can their relationship survive the risks one takes when pursuing happiness in the face of culture and tradition?

My thoughts:

Where in the world have I been - under a rock !?!  I can't believe how long it has taken me to finally pick up an read this delicious book. Suffice it to say, I'm just happy I finally did.  Major Pettigrew's Last Stand is one my favorite reads of this year.  It has all of the components that make for a great read: excellent writing, engaging plot, interesting characters, and charm.

Retired, widowed and living in the same village he grew up in, Major Pettigrew is the epitome of the classic English gentleman (meaning he is proper, honorable, and kind).  He has just found out that his brother, Bertie, has passed away.  Overcome with grief, regret and uncertainty, the Major soon finds himself befriending the local shopkeeper, Mrs. Ali; discovering how materialistic and society hungry his son, Roger has become; and noticing the cracks beginning to surface under his village's facade of being a welcoming, accepting and tolerating community.  We are soon swept away into this story, which has the Major fighting over the ownership of a pair of guns - apparently, upon his father's death bed, he bequeathed each son with one of his Churchills ( a pair of guns, he split up so that each son would have one) and made them promise to keep the guns as a pair, if anything should happen to either one of them.  The Major has always had trouble accepting the fact that his father split the pair of Churchills to begin with (he always felt that as the oldest, he should have received both as a pair) and when he finds out that his niece wishes to sell the gun, well, suffice it to say, the Major is not a happy camper.  Already distracted by this war over the guns (the niece wishes to sell the pair of guns in order to fetch a higher price), the Major is soon faced with his son, Roger, who has decided to marry an American (who at first appears to be just as money hungry and obsessed with climbing the social ladder as his son) ,buy a house out in the country, and who is also clamoring to sell the Churchill guns (he needs the money - its expensive "keeping up with the Joneses").  And then there is Jasmina (Mrs. Ali), a woman who has not only befriended him, but has also awakened a part of him that was long ago put to sleep.  Soon, the two are taking walks on the waterfront, drinking cups of tea, discussing Kipling and enjoying spending time with one another.  Of course, this relationship is not taken lightly - the village is not too happy about the Major dating a foreigner (Jasmina is Pakistani) and Jasmina's nephew is not keen on his aunt dating an Englishman. And so we must read about the complications that appear to arise as a result of this new friendship and wonder how the Major and Jasmina will handle it all. Will their relationship come to an end or will it buck society's narrow-minded attitude and continue at full speed ahead?  What about their families - how will they react? And what about those Churchill guns - will they fetch a tidy sum to tide Roger over? 

Now, I don't want to give away the ending to those who haven't read this wonderful book, so, let me just say, that the ending was as it should be. And let me encourage those who haven't sought out this book to do so now - ASAP!  This book will not disappoint.  The writing is engaging and thoughtful and makes you laugh out loud, cringe in discomfort and sigh with happiness.  The characters are unforgettable and easy to imagine.  The plot is interesting and covers a variety of topics: family, love, race, class, and tradition - all of which make for quite a compelling read.  This book grabs you from the start and doesn't let go.  In fact, I was quite sad to see it end and wished it had gone on for several more pages. 

This is a book I will not soon forget.

Happy reading!!

My Jane Austen Summer: A Season in Mansfield Park by Cindy Jones

From back of book: 

A delightful novel about a contemporary woman's foray into the past during one magical summer spent re-enacting Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.

Lily is a dreamer.  In fact, her dreams of Jane Austen have gotten a little out of control.  Not only has she just been let go of her job for reading Northanger Abbey when she should be doing work, she't taken to having an imaginary friend give her advice - Jane herself.  This is all because Lily's been having some tough times.  For one thing, her boyfriend has just abandoned her for another woman.

So when she gets the amazing opportunity to travel to London to re-enact Austen's Mansfield Park, she leaps at the chance.  But though it seems like Lily will be escaping her troubles, the truth is she'll begin facing - and dealing - with them...with a little help from Jane, of course!

My thoughts:

I don't want to be negative, but this book is not delightful.  It is 'trying' - as in, it tried my patience.  Generally, I like to read books that are Austen inspired - such as Austenland by Shannon Hale (such a fun read!) - however, this particular book did not have any of the charm or wit that I expected it to have.  Instead, I found myself reading a book that was lacking in everything.  The writing was okay, the characters were dull and the plot was rather messy. 

The story is basically about Lily, who has been dumped by both her boyfriend and job.  She is desperate to rekindle her romance with her ex, but he has moved on and wants her to stop driving by his house every night to spy on him. As far as work goes, she decides to ask Vera, the owner of her favorite bookstore, for a job - apparently there is this literary festival that she is ready for (whatever that means).  And so, we find Lily en route to work in England (after having paid for her own flight); once there, well things get a bit confusing.  Does Lily even have a job with Vera?  More importantly, does Vera even know what is going on with the literary festival? Its all rather confusing.  Of course, Lily always manages to find ways to stick around England, while at the same time seems to be finding herself (which was the whole point of going to England).  Scattered throughout the book are literary references, which is always a bright spot (probably the only bright spot in this case).  Oh, and did I mention the imaginary Jane Austen?  Yeah, Lily has an imaginary friend, who happens to be Jane Austen - I'm not even going to touch that one. 

Overall, I just did not connect with this book. I had to force myself to finish it and am just happy to be done with it.  This is a book that I think only Austen fanatics might possibly enjoy, but even then I'm sceptical about recommending it.  However, I will mention that I have read loads of positively glowing reviews about this book, so who knows - maybe, I'm just one of the few people who didn't get it.  If you want the chance to read it for yourself, I will happily send my copy to one lucky reader - just leave me a comment and include your email address (for US residents only). 

By the by, thanks to TLC Book Tours for letting me join this book tour and to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. 

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith

From book flap:

The latest installment in the beloved, best-selling series is once again, a beautiful blend of wit and wisdom, and a profoundly touching tale of the human heart.

At a remote cattle post south of Gaborone two cows have been killed, and Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's No. 1 Lady Detective, is asked to investigate by a rather frightened and furtive gentleman.  It is an intriguing problem - including, surprisingly, her own client.

To complicate matters, Mma Ramotswe is haunted by a vision of her dear old white van, and Grace Makutsi witnesses it as well.  Is it the ghost of her old friend, or has it risen from the junkyard?  In the meantime, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentices may have gotten a girl pregnant and, under pressure to marry her, has run away.  Naturally, it is up to Precious to help sort things out.  Add to the mix Violet Sephotho's newly launched run for the Botswana Parliamen and a pair of perfect wedding shoes - will wedding bells finally ring for Phuti Radiphuti and Grace Makutsi? - and we have a charming and delightful tale in the inimitable style of Alexander McCall Smith.

My thoughts:

I can't believe that I forgot this book was coming out.  I love this series and somehow, I completely spaced out on the fact that Alexander McCall Smith had released a new one this year.  Anyhow, lucky for me I spotted a copy of it at (of all places) Target.  Of course, I grabbed it and ran to the cashier to pay for it so that I could get home and start reading it ASAP.  And let me just say how happy I was to be taken back into the world of Precious Ramotswe and her home country of Botswana.  These books are similar to drinking a good cup of red bush tea and chatting with one of your dearest friends - they are a pleasure.

This time round, we have duplicitous clients, a runaway apprentice, broken heels, and a mystery van.  Crikey, makes me think of Scooby Doo and the gang - Ha!  Anyhow, in the latest installment, there is drama and more drama and let me just say I loved it - mainly because it gave me the chance to catch up with my dear friends, Mma. Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi.  Basically, life is moving forward.  Grace is planning her wedding to Phuti and excited at the prospect of having a husband, a new home and a new life.  Precious is worried that she is seeing things, because she has spotted her tiny white van around town - this is the van she parted with because it was no longer in working order.  And then we have Charlie, who has earned the reputation of deadbeat daddy. Hmmm. What is going on? Will Mma. Ramotswe be able to save the day for everyone, including herself?  Of course, she will! I won't tell you how, but suffice it to say, truths are revealed and the return of a dear old friend make for quite a sweet read. 

Hope all you fans of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency enjoy this one as much I have.  

Happy reading!!

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

From book flap:

Every life has a soundtrack.  All you have to do is listen.

Music has set the tone for most of Zoe Baxter's life.  There's the melody that reminds her of the summer she spent rubbing baby oil on her stomach in pursuit of the perfect tan.  A dance beat that makes her think of using a fake ID to slip into a nightclub.  A dirge that marked the years she spent trying to get pregnant.

For better or worse, music is the language of memory.  It is also the language of love.

In the aftermath of  a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist.  When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people - even those she loves and trusts most - don't want that to happen.

Sing You Home is about identity, love, marriage, and parenthood.  It's about people wanting to do the right thing for the greater good, even as they work to fulfill their own personal desires and dreams.  And it's about what happens when the outside world brutally calls into question the very thing closest to our hearts: family. 

My thoughts:

Typical Picoult.  Drama based story (topic ripped from headlines) that depends on a court room trial to lead us to the end.  And yet, knowing how formulaic her writing and story lines are, I once again picked up a Picoult book and read it. Will I ever learn? Now don't get me wrong, the book was good - it had solid writing and a good plot. And I did finish reading it in one day, so obviously I was immersed in the story.  However, its the type of book that I compare to beach/airport reads - the books you read, but forget about.  You know what I mean - fluff books.  Picoult's works are fluff reads to me, which sometimes, is just what I need.  And I needed a fluff book, since I wasn't so sure what I wanted to dive into next.

Now, I'm not going to summarize the story and go into any further detail as to how much or how little I liked it.  Instead I wanted to mention Picoult's beef with literary critics.  Apparently, when Franzen's book, Freedom, came out to glowing reviews, Picoult wasn't too happy about it.  She felt that his work was being taken seriously and was receiving oodles of attention, whilst her work was being ignored.  You see, Picoult's books are considered commercial fiction (it's often tagged as women's fiction) and as a result she doesn't receive any literary accolades.  She's financially successful because of her books and they do top bestseller lists, which means that they get read by a lot of people - yet, the literary critics don't exactly give her the kudos they would and have given to Franzen.  And the thing is, according to Picoult, her work focuses on the same themes that the so-called literary authors' works tend to focus on.  So, what is it exactly that separates her work from theirs? She considered it could be a gender issue, which wouldn't really surprise me considering how often women writers and their works are neglected by literary critics.  As someone who majored in both English and Women's Studies, my research has always focused on Chicana literature and Chicana feminism - two genres that are often ignored - so I can understand why Picoult would think her work was being left out (on the gender level).  However, after having read several of her books I can honestly say that it is not about her gender.  I love chick lit and women's lit and commercial fiction and all that jazz, but I don't get the same things from it that I would from a Jean Rhys or Sandra Cisneros novel.  And yes, I do know that chick lit does deal with issues similar to a Jean Rhys book, but the way that Rhys would tackle these issues is on another level compared to the way that Picoult would deal with them.  Honestly, I don't care much for Franzen's work (this is based on my dislike for The Corrections), but I can appreciate his talent as a writer - his work clearly showcases his penchant for storytelling.  As far as Picoult goes, well, her work is solid, but formulaic - it is the epitome of commercial fiction.  Its the type of writing that satisfies you when you need a quick read.  Its not the type of book that will impact you in such a way that it will alter your life.  Nor is it the type of book that blows you away because the writing is beyond good. Its the type of book that if you lend it to a friend and never get it back, you won't get upset about it, because you've already forgotten about the book.  What do you think? Am I right about Picoult's books? Or do you think Picoult's works should be considered literary fiction?  All I know is that after remembering Picoult's complaints about not being taken seriously as a literary writer leaves me wondering why she continues to produce book after book devoted to the same formula (headline news drama, court room trial, happy/unhappy ending).  Why doesn't Picoult try to produce quality instead of quantity?

Anyhow, I'm off to read something new.  Good riddance to Picoult (I must stop reading her work, its like a bad habit).