Author: Meg Cabot
Pages: 454
Date Started: 8/15/10
Date Finished: 8/17/10
Simple Summary: Meena hates the whole vampire hype, but falls for the visiting prince vamp, Lucien. Lucien is there because there has been a killing spree of human girls all over the city. Add Alaric, the studly vampire hunter, into the mix and let the love triangle ring!

Rating:  

My Review: Although not up to Cabot’s normal par, I really enjoyed this book. I know there’s an obsession with vamps in all forms of media lately, but with a charming mix of the supernatural, romance and a little suspense, you are going to want to read this book.

Split between the three main characters Meena, Alaric, and Lucien you’re going to get all sides of the story which, for some, will leave out a lot of the mystery. The climax being the most disappointing. Because Meena is psychic and knows what’s going to happen, so does the reader. Cabot attempted at alluding subtly to the dangers, but could have done better. Still, I loved it!

For those of you who were hoping for a series with Insatiable, you will be happy to learn that Cabot sets up the ending to definitely have a follow-up. If that isn’t the case, however, then this book leaves readers severely disgruntled and confused.

Fun Fact: Cabot has a TON of fun extras on her site you can check out after (or before… but that might ruin some of the book) you read Insatiable!

Tags: Meg Cabot
Filed under: Books, Chick-Lit/ Romance, SciFi/ Fantasy

Author: Cecelia Ahern
Pages: 496
Date Started: 8/1/10
Date Finished: 8/6/10
Simple Summary: Gerry’s gone and Holly doesn’t know how to live without him. Thankfully he’s sent her ways to find herself — a task for each month remaining in the year.

Rating:  

My Review: This book is now among my favorites. I loved Holly’s wacky family, hilarious best friends, and most importantly, Holly herself. The flashbacks and memories that gives glimpses to Gerry were moving as well and gives the reader a range of emotions throughout the book.

A particular thorn in my side when it comes to this book, however, was how easily everything came to Holly after she started opening Gerry’s letters. Yes, he did plan a lot of things but he couldn’t miraculously put her in the right place at the right time… all the time. If you can let this slide, you will have a happier time reading the book.

Obviously this is a book about overcoming the loss of a loved one. Herein, you will find Holly mourning for her late husband. A LOT. I found it repetitive during the later half of the book, but was rewarded with a book that is what is advertised: a funny, tearful adventure about Holly after Gerry.

Audiobook Review: If you’re horrid at accents as I am, let me just tell you — Victoria Smurfit is doing an Irish accent in this reading. Because the book is set in Ireland. Now that we have that established, Smurfit does a fantastic job! I love her range and she does the guys voices hilariously well. A bit of caution when listening to this as you drive: if you are sleepy, DO NOT listen to this audiobook. Smurfit’s voice is so silky and inviting it may cause you to feel the need to doze off!

Tags: Cecelia Ahern
Filed under: Audiobook, Books, Chick-Lit/ Romance

The Book:

The Song:

Watchin’ the Detectives by Elvis Costello

-or-

Click here for an alternate link!

The Reason:
I’ve always thought this song was ultra sexy and so is the book!

So what’s your “Musical Monday” pairing? Just pick the book you’re currently reading, then think of a song or album that best matches the book. Even hitting shuffle on your musical player will do the trick. I don’t know about you, but songs pop into my head all the time when reading books, or the perfect song will start playing while reading it and it feels like two atoms exploding in my brain! Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce artists that you might not know about.

Tags: Jennifer Crusie
Filed under: Books, Chick-Lit/ Romance, Crime & Mystery, Musical Mondays

Yup, I’ll admit it. I’m slightly hungover. Well, more like I want water NOW and could use some more hours of sleep. But then again, I always want sleep. Take from that what you will.

With everything going on, I haven’t had time or felt like a liquid gift from Dionysus. Things are settling, slightly, and oh joyous day my palate is ready to party! Funny thing is, when you take a break from booze and were a weaksauce drinker to begin with, you become a drunken slob after three sips (I wish I were lying). And more often than not, not know what hit you until it’s too late. After so many times of this reaction, I’ve come up with a few ways to avoid this reaction. Think of them as an extension to my rules for drinking.

1- FOOD IS YOUR FRIEND I cannot stress enough that lightweights need to eat! The more you eat, the less likely you will be to get drunk. So eat first, drink after.
2- WATER, WATER, WATER Being hydrated is a good thing anyway, but the water will help dilute the excess alcohol and prevent too much getting into your bloodstream.
3- START SMALL Make your drink in a small glass. Oh, and not strong either. If you’re making this at home, this rule is a lot easier to follow, but if you’re at a restaurant or bar, count those big cupped drinks as two.
4- WAIT TO ORDER ANOTHER I get it, you might think that you’re fine after your first and you’re having a good time, but do yourself a favor and wait at least half an hour before you get another. If you’re more on the sober side than tipsy, indulge and enjoy!
5- NO CHUGGING! This isn’t a frat house, and it’s not a drinking marathon. Don’t think you have to pound the drink, it defeats the purpose anyway.

Filed under: Libations

Sorry this is so late folks, I have yet to get internet access at my house :-/

The Book:

The Song:

Pax Deorum by Enya

-or-

Click here for an alternate link!

The Reason:
This book is sad and kind of dark and Pax Deorum has always popped into my head when I see footage of a disaster, the end of the song a loud crescendo to give the listener hope!

So what’s your “Musical Monday” pairing? Just pick the book you’re currently reading, then think of a song or album that best matches the book. Even hitting shuffle on your musical player will do the trick. I don’t know about you, but songs pop into my head all the time when reading books, or the perfect song will start playing while reading it and it feels like two atoms exploding in my brain! Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce artists that you might not know about.

Tags: Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
Filed under: Books, Musical Mondays, SciFi/ Fantasy, Series, Young Adult

Author: Maureen Johnson
Pages: 368
Date Started: 8/1/10
Date Finished: 8/4/10
Simple Summary: Dead Aunt Meg sends shy Ginny gallivanting across Europe through thirteen little blue envelopes. Awkward flirting and adventures may occur.

Rating:  

My Review: I was giggling for the better half of this book. Maureen Johnson does comedic writing for teens like no other. Ginny could have been just another shy teen who finds her own in a book, but Johnson does it quietly. The reader takes the journey letter by letter with Ginny and therefore, is pleasantly relatable. When she feels lost, you feel lost; when she feels giddy talking to that cute boy, you feel giddy too. And when Ginny grieves for her aunt, you will find pangs of remorse for lost loved ones creeping into your own heart.

A highly enjoyable light read that borders on unbelievable. Johnson paints awesome scenarios, as well as lush descriptions of Europe. Like a photograph filled travel guide you want to dive right into the book, yearning to jump on the next plane and have your own experiences!

Tags: Maureen Johnson
Filed under: Books, Reviews, Young Adult

This is a weekly installment I’ll be doing, well, weekly! It’s easy and fun, and works like so:

Pick the book you’re currently reading, then think of a song or album that best matches the book. Even hitting shuffle on your musical player will do the trick. I don’t know about you, but songs pop into my head all the time when reading books, or the perfect song will start playing while reading it and it feels like two atoms exploding in my brain! Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce artists that you might not know about.

The Book:

The Song:

Spellbound by Siouxsie and The Banshees

-or-

Click here for an alternate link!

So what’s your “Musical Monday” pairing? If you have your own blog and want to use this meme, comment your link below!

Filed under: Books, Musical Mondays

Author: Helen Fielding
Pages: 305
Date Started: 7/27/10
Date Finished: 7/29/10
Simple Summary: Olivia Joules is a journalist. She thinks that one of the men who is courting her might be al-Qaeda and investigates.

Rating:  

My Review: With the author of Bridget Jones Diary, you know you’re in for a chick-lit. But with Oliva Joules, Fielding creates more of a mystery comedy and the reader won’t be dissapointed. Despite the classical chick-lit mishaps Olivia’s innocent determination to uncover the truth about playboy Pierre Feramo make her easy to like. Her sixteen “Rules for Living” are sensible yet hilarious and I found Olivia’s narration when she was in trouble to be some of the funniest moments of the book. While the ending is a bit of a stretch, the humor and romantic interest off-sets it all.

An incredibly easy read, Olivia Joules is a winner for those who love mysteries soaked in the bumbling, yet empowering female plot of a quintessential chick-lit novel.

Audiobook Review: I happen to absolutely adore Josephine Bailey. Her voice is a combination of a warm blanket and that of your favorite gal pal. Her wide range of well acted voices were a delight and I doubt that without Bailey I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did!

Tags: Helen Fielding
Filed under: Audiobook, Books, Chick-Lit/ Romance

To the various things in my life that I would like to bitch about — because I can.

To my first condo: I cannot wait to move into you, I really can’t, but there are many things to do and buy and I lack either the knowledge or the time to accomplish everything. This overwhelming feeling of all I have to do doesn’t help in the slightest either.

To my work: I am grateful to have you, a wonderful boss, consistent hours, and coworkers whom I like. But with the new location opening and currently short on staff, I have found that I am praying to the various deities that I am rewarded for this extra work. Preferably in the form of a raise/ promotion. I mean, I am keeping in good spirits about it all.

To my blog: I know I am neglecting you, you poor thing. Please be aware that I think of you often, as well as the readers who happen upon you. I am blazing through books (lest I go stark raving mad), but I lack the will or energy at the moment to write reviews. I have my notes and will be posting eventually. So, please take heart — I will be back soon!!

Most Lovingly,

Tipsy

Filed under: Uncategorized

I know, I know, you’re probably cocking your head to one side right about now and scrunching your face in confusion. Why in August — not February — am I choosing this theme, you might ask? Well, even with the heat bearing down on most of us and will continue to do so for the better part of two months, I happen think August is a very romantic time of year. There’s a shift in the air; kids are soaking up the last of summer break as parents anxiously wait for school to start. Lovers plan the last of the mini weekend getaways before fall comes.

It’s the unappreciated month where summer flings are ending and real relationships continue forward. And to commemorate the unlikely amorous month I’ll be reading and reviewing the following three books that have letters to loved ones intertwined within the plots.
13 Little Blue Envelopes
Synopsis: “When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn’t know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.” -barnesandnoble.com


P.S., I Love You
Synopsis: “Holly couldn’t live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other’s sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed.” -barnesandnoble.com


Love In the Time of Cholera
Synopsis: “In the late 1800s, in a Caribbean port city, a young telegraph operator named Florentino Ariza falls deliriously in love with Fermina Daza, a beautiful student. She is so sheltered that they carry on their romance secretly, through letters and telegrams. When Fermina Daza’s father finds out about her suitor, he sends her on a trip intended to make her forget the affair. Lorenza Daza has much higher ambitions for his daughter than the humble Florentino. Her grief at being torn away from her lover is profound, but when she returns she breaks off the relationship, calling everything that has happened between them an illusion…” read more at powells.com

I’m most anxious (and dreading) to read Love in the Time of Cholera since it is such a classic, whereas the other two books look lighthearted and a breeze to read.

Have you read (or looking forward to reading) any books with letters to loved ones as a main part of the plot? Did you like it or feel it’s being overplayed in the publishing world and movies?

***This is a morphed idea spawned from Lily’s Bookshelf “Book Bundle” to see her posts, please click here.***

Tags: Cecelia Ahern, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Maureen Johnson
Filed under: Books, Chick-Lit/ Romance, Young Adult