The Tea Rose

I have always been a sucker for a good epic saga.  The Tea Rose is the first in a series of three books.  I stayed up nights, bleary-eyed reading this book because I enjoyed it so much.  I skipped sleeping on two flights in order to read this book (and I'm usually that person that immediately puts on headphones and takes a nap on a plane). So it's safe to say I really got into it. While there is a fair amount of sappiness, that is to be expected when you set a book in late 19th century London and New York and have two young people torn apart by a string of events, yet still so in love with each other.  It's a given that there will be forlorn looks and sweet caresses so just give in and enjoy it.  I also found it refreshing to finally have a heroine with some gusto.  I often lament to my friends about the lack of a good strong heroine in current fiction.  Well the main protagonist in The Tea Rose (Fiona) may be grieving over her poor schmuck of an ex-boyfriend, however she channels those feelings of betrayal, sadness, and anger into a life full of success instead of laying around the rest of her life whining. I think that's what kept me going. Fiona is strong-willed and takes on the world. This is a good winter book, because at 545 pages you can settle down with a cup of tea, get cozy and enjoy losing yourself in late 19th century London and New York.

Quiet

You would probably assume that since I have introvert tendencies that I enjoyed this book.  I did! I felt like I was justified for every time I've told someone I didn't want to go out or when I let the phone go to voicemail because I hate small talk.  The author discusses famous (and not-so-famous) introverts, the extrovert-ideal that we tend to idolize, and the pseudo-extroverts who are really just introverts with well-honed social skills.  She delves a bit into the neuroscience and physiology of introversion as well.  What I found myself drawn to mostly were the individual stories of people.  I found myself saying "Yes, I do that too" and "I completely understand why they are annoyed" several times.  It was refreshing to read something that says it's okay to just sit back, observe, be thoughtful and process a situation.  In today's world everything is so rushed and pressured that it was nice to read something that doesn't  ostracize, but rather celebrates, the quiet.

Cross Currents

Yes, this book does have the feel of a saccharine Nicholas Sparks novel (albeit with some international flavor), but I will admit I really enjoyed it.   What made me enjoy it and overlook some of the obvious plot points and eye-rolling romantic dialogue was the setting.  The author depicts the island of Ko Phi Phi so vividly that you are truly absorbed into the story.  The tsunami that hit that area in 2004 provides the climax of the book and I will admit, I got a little misty-eyed. Even though the book jacket blatantly states that the tsunami will be the climax of the book, when it hits you have come to really care for the characters. There is a lot of beauty in the narrative. For that reason alone, I would recommend it.

 

What in God's Name

This is a quick, funny book.  I literally finished it in about 5 hours (give or take an hour or two).  Once again, if you are easily offended by an author taking a different perspective on religion, stay away.  If you are open-minded and enjoy the idea that maybe there is a little humor to be found in everything, then you may enjoy this.  Basically, God is done with us humans and decides that it's time to wipe us out.  Two angels intervene and strike a deal with God to stop the planned destruction if they can get two socially awkward people to hook up.  The plot somehow works and there are some pretty funny lines in the book as well.  It is definitely meant to be light. Of course the pseudo-intellectual in me did get a bit introspective. I started to think about all the times I thought something was a "coincidence".  I will never look at a gust of wind or a sneeze the same way.  So I guess there is an opening for deep discussion if you want to take it there. Enjoy!

 

A Year in the Merde

This is a supposed to be (according to the book jacket) a nearly true account about a British executive who moves to Paris to work for a company there and all the hilarity that ensues.  Well I was laughing out loud in the beginning of the book and then it turned into a never-ending quest by the author to get laid.  There was also a side story about how his boss was seemingly involved in some weird Parisian political scheme, but I never got interested in that portion of the story, nor did I really care at that point.  I thought I would be getting a funny perspective about living in Paris as a non-Parisian.  Instead it's pretty much about a man hoping he can get lucky with the ladies.  I love most things Parisian, but I think I will stick to reading books about the food of Paris and the relationship one has with the city, not with the female inhabitants of said city.  You can skip this one. Try The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry or Paris, My Sweet instead.

Unholy Night

I am the first to admit that I go to church on a regular basis.  I am also the first to admit that I am not a zealot so I can completely appreciate a story that depicts the three wise men as petty criminals.  This story was entertaining, enjoyable, adventurous and just plain FUN.  If you are easily offended by creative re-telling of religious stories then pass this book up because you will just get worked up and hypertensive.  If, however, you can appreciate someone using the imagination to create an action-packed adventure, go for it.  I enjoyed this book so much that I would put it in my top ten for 2012.  This is by the same author who wrote Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as well as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (which I also enjoyed but it was early days for my blog so I didn't go into much detail).  Knowing that this is what Seth Grahame-Smith does, takes history and spins it, the reader should not be surprised that he tackled a religious story.  He does a fantastic job of doing it and if you have a creative and open mind, I highly recommend it.

                                    

Seriously...I'm Kidding

When I used to work the night shift, I would wake up around 3pm and watch Ellen's show.  I loved the show and laughed a lot while getting ready for work.  It literally would make my day sometimes. She is such a positive person and you can tell she has a big heart.  I really like that about her. That being said, here is my synopsis of the book.

Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Good point, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Ramble, Good point. 

You just read her book.  Writing is not quite Ellen's thing.  I think her strength is performing in front of a live audience.  The plus side of this book is that you can finish it quickly so you won't feel like you wasted too much of your time. My recommendation for a book that was well written, introspective, AND funny continues to be Bossypants.