Little Fires Everywhere

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ng has a gift for capturing character motivations in a way that is neither cliché or expected. She breathes life into stories in a way that you can see the way the characters enter a room or throw their bag down on their bed. I love that nothing is as simple at it seems on the surface and how she takes on the dynamics of a large family. The intricacies of a family with four kids set against a single mom with an only child created a unique dance of family dynamics. I like too that even though I was captivated by Mia and Pearl, I didn't support all of their decisions. I think it takes a deft writer to make sympathetic characters that are lovable despite their flaws. Not to mention, clever writing to make the hard working mother of four be almost villainous.

I will say that I went into this book with low expectations, not because I didn't like Ng's debut novel, but because other friends didn't love this story. I will say that I think it's worth reading the actual book. The preview of the audio version does not seem promising, and the book is so popular and on enough lists that your local library should have a copy. Reese Witherspoon's book club chose it as one of their monthly choices earlier this year, so I wouldn't be surprised if Reese's production company has already optioned this book for a movie. I'd love to know already who they'd cast to play the mysterious Mia Warren or the controversial Izzy.

A final note is that Mia's question of "What are you going to do about it?" is going to stick with me for a long time. And Izzy's reaction to that question might stay with me even longer. Happy reading--

Countdowns

There are 3 days and 6 hours until Spring Break begins.
There are 10 days and 22 hours (ish) until Jenessa's twins (and Little Mann's newest cousins) are here.
There are 67 days and 6 hours until Summer begins.
There are 156 days and 15 hours until Little Mann's due date.

Lots of amazing things in the next five months. Can't pinch myself enough.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...Again

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My review from nearly two years ago still seems like my exact sentiments, though I'll add that now I am debating when I can introduce my soon-to-be son to Harry and the gang. When is too soon? It's probably never to early. It's also never too late if you haven't read Harry Potter yet. Happy reading-
March 22, 2018

I want to write something that does justice to how much I love the conclusion of this series and to the series overall, but it all comes out in "fangirl" and I just don't want to do that. So, today the short version is that I love the detail in this book. I love that Rowling pays attention to little characters and nuanced detail as much as she does the title characters. I love that there are stories within stories and that I notice new things every time I read. Few reading experiences leave me feeling as satisfied as the Harry Potters. Rereading the series over the past six months is no exception. There is always a perfect blend of nostalgia and magic - I can't get enough of it.

Happy reading to all the muggles who are also still waiting for their letter to Hogwarts--
April 27, 2016

I am one of the millions who loves Harry Potter. As odd as it sounds, I think of Harry, Hermione, or one of the many aspects of the world J.K. Rowling created enters my consciousness every day. Naturally, in preparation for the final movie, I had to reread this book. I loved just as much as I did the first few times. As always, it’s sad to see the series wind down, and yet amazing to look back at what Rowling and her magnificent characters have done.
If you are one of the few hold outs who has refused to read one of the books, get over yourself and pick them up. They are too fantastic not to.

Ps. On a theatrical note, I cannot wait for the Bellatrix – Mrs. Weasley fight scene. “Not my daughter you b****!” LOVE it. Thursday night kids—it’s almost here!!
July 2011

Books on tape are magical - I love being carried away into another world while I'm driving in traffic (of course, still focused on the road). I "reread" the seventh Harry Potter and thoroughly enjoyed being more keenly aware of what was coming - being able to watch Rowling's craft in action as she built her story detail by detail. I confess my interest in the Harry Potter series clouds my judgment (I love them more than I probably should), but I do not get tired of reading them.... The magic, the fight between good and evil, the romance, the fact they are British - love it! I'm looking forward to Rowling's new book - Beedle the Bard - coming out in December.
Feb. 13, 2008

(Had to leave all ten years worth of reviews in one entry. Ten years of loving this book and multiple readings seems worth documenting. There are four reviews here, though I feel like I've read it one or two other times. Can't seem to help myself.)

Romeo and Juliet...Again

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read this play aloud 2-3 times a year for the last six years straight. To say that its lines randomly float through my brain would be an understatement. Despite repeated readings, it is still not my favorite of Shakespeare's plays. However, when I watch the concluding scenes of "Shakespeare in Love" or watch the Reduced Shakespeare Company act it out, I can't help but fall in love a bit more with this fateful love story. Shakespeare really is a master of words and characterization. We could all stand to have a bit more of him in our days.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince...Again

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm not sure how many times I've read through this series, but this time through I noticed so many more subtle details that hint at what is to come in the seventh book. I really cannot get enough of these characters and this imaginary world that Rowling so deftly created. Already into the seventh, and I just finished the sixth this morning. That's how good these books are. Happy reading--

The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry

The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry: Love, Laughter, and Tears at the World's Most Famous Cooking School in Paris by Kathleen Flinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was delicious. Though I'll never cook the recipes Flinn mastered at Le Cordon Bleu (French wine and aspic aren't my things), I loved getting lost in her world of perfect mise en place and sharpened knives. I daydream at least once every few days about packing up and moving to Europe, so this was a perfect escape.

Now if only Julie as in "Julie and Julia" had been this likeable....

Happy reading and happy eating~

ps. I devoured this book in two days. It was so good I brought it to school to read during downtime. Like I said, delicious.

Notes from a Blue Bike

Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I stumbled upon Tsh's writing through other bloggers and podcasters. I love her simple approach to life and her candor at her attempts of living more intentionally. I read a fair amount of this style of book that is neither an actual self-help book or memoir, but still is a reflective recollection of experiences and the lessons the writer took away from those experiences. Tsh is the type of woman you hope moves in next door. I really like her as a person, and so I'm willing to go on a quiet journey through a few years of her existence as a parents, wife, writer, and person.

I feel like this review reads like the literary equivalent of valium, but this book was in fact, calming and insightful. I felt better about the world after reading it and more eager to go out and create the kind of life I want...rather than waiting for it to come to me.

As always, happy reading and good luck living a more intentional life.