Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Notorious Spinks Talk Books this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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I definitely haven't been doing this every week but I haven't needed to. I tried to have a lighter load for summer and spend as much time as possible outside. These are some of the goodies that came in the last two months. I hope you've had plenty of great reads at your house!

The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg
For review from Goodreads First Reads (arc)

Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things by Cynthia Voight
For review from NetGalley (ebook arc)

Deadtown by Nancy Holzner
From Paperback Swap

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Free with coupon from Kobo (ebook)

The Troop by Nick Cutter
For review from Goodreads First Readers (arc)

The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark
For review from LibraryThing (arc)

Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman
For review from NetGalley (arc)

Rude Bitches Make Me Tired by Celia Rivenbark
For review and giveaway from St. Martin's

Review: I'll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde

Perfect for fans of Marisa de los Santos and Allison Winn Scotch, Samantha Wilde’s new novel is a funny and heartfelt look at friendship, marriage, and the dynamics of modern motherhood.

Nora and Annie have been best friends since kindergarten. Nora, a shy English teacher at a quaint New England boarding school, longs to have a baby. Annie, an outspoken stay-at-home mother of two, longs for one day of peace and quiet (not to mention more money and some free time). Despite their very different lives, nothing can come between them—until Cynthia Cypress arrives on campus.
Cynthia has it all: brains, beauty, impeccable style, and a gorgeous husband (who happens to be Nora’s ex). When Cynthia eagerly befriends Nora, Annie’s oldest friendship is tested. Now, each woman must wrestle the green-eyed demon of envy and, in the process, confront imperfect, mixed-up family histories they don’t want to repeat. Amid the hilarious and harried straits of friendship, marriage, and parenthood, the women may discover that the greenest grass is right beneath their feet.
(Goodreads.com)
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Review
This was an interesting take on two women's complicated lives. Nora and Annie have been life-long friends with a relationship they seem to take for granted. When another women threatens their friendship, loyalties are tested. Nora and Annie must confront their true feelings and take responsibility for their actions.

The overall story was enjoyable and an easy read. The characters made some unusual and interesting life choices but they became quite annoying and whiny. That did lend well though to the theme and the complexity of friendships, especially among women. Jealousy and envy were huge stumbling blocks for Nora and Annie which was understandable. What was frustrating was that these characters didn't talk to each other about their problems. They could have saved so much time and energy if they had been honest with each other. Of course real life isn't that simple and that would have led to a much shorter book.

I did like the writing and sense of humor even when I didn't like the characters and their often dumb decisions. I look forward to trying future books from this author.

Author
Publisher  
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 2/26/13
Publisher: Bantam/Random House
Pages: 416 (paperback)
Type: Contemporary fiction, Chick Lit

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at 4 the LOVE of BOOKS this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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I've been trying really hard to stay away from too many new books so I can catch up on what I have. I did pick up a few (of course) and only a couple from the library. I can't resist! Hope some great reads found their way to your house too!

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky
For review and giveaway from Wunderkind (paperback)

Substitute Creature by Charles Gilman
For review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers (arc)

Sanctus by Simon Toyne
Free from Barnes & Noble Free Friday (ebook)

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
For review from NetGalley (ebook)

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at chaotic compendiums this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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It's March and still cold and snowy here but I had to change my blog background to make it more springy and colorful. I did keep the snowy mailbox photo though because that's exactly how it looks. Ugh. I am ready to come out of my winter coma and play in the sunshine! Until then (and it could be months still) I've got my books to keep me warm. I've been cutting back to try to catch up but we all know how that goes! I've been trying to stay away from my library for the same reason, although I do have to stop there today... I have a box of books to give away too. I'm always happy to share I just need to get a giveaway put together. Stay tuned. Anyway, here are the goodies that made their way to my house last week. I hope you had a great (and warm) week at your house!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Free from Amazon (ebook)

The Taken by Vicki Pettersson
Free from B&N (ebook)

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
For review from Simon & Schuster (special edition paperback)

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Unabridged Chick this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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 Brrrrrrr! It's another cold day. With the wind chill it's -14! Last week it was in the 40s for a few days so it's not too bad if it doesn't stay this way. It's great weather to curl up by the fireplace and read. I hope you are warm and cozy and enjoying some great books at your house.

(On a very happy note we finally heard test results for our grandson, Monkey Boy. His EEG came back normal! Hopefully the seizure was just from the fever. )

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Bought used from library sale shelf (paperback - I must be the only person who hasn't read this series - yet.)

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Bought used from library sale (paperback)

I'll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde
For review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers (paperback)

How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days by Saranna DeWylde
Free from Barnes & Noble (ebook)

Sofa Boy by Scott Langteau
Free from B&N (ebook)

The Question by Scott Langeau
Free from B&N (ebook)

Review: Cows Can't Jump by Dave Reisman

 

Is it really true that cows can't jump, gorillas can't swim and sloths can't leap? 

Yes, but discover what these and other animals can do, as they swing, scamper and glide through Cows Can't Jump! In this humorous and inspirational adventure, animals focus on what they do best, comfortably aware they can t do everything, but proud of their own special skills. Vibrantly illustrated, Cows Can't Jump will help young readers learn diverse and dynamic words, while absorbing a subtle yet powerful message that builds self-esteem and teaches respect and humility.
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Review
 This is a delightful children's book with a silly, simple story about animals. Did you know that cows can't jump but they can swim? And gorillas can't swim but can swing? The bright and playful illustrations are fun for everyone. Combined with the repetitive verse they offer teachable moments on every page. Little tots will enjoy learning to identify the animals and their special abilities. 

This is a book that is meant to be shared. My favorite three year-old loved it and we've read it again and again. She took home the boardbook to read herself and I kept paperback copy here for us to keep reading together. I recommend sharing it with the little people in your life!

I also received a nice note from the author on adorable cow stationary. And there was a matching cow return address label! I'll be keeping those forever along with my book.


Publisher

Thank you to the publisher for autographed paperback and boardbook editions to review.

Publisher: Jumping Cow Press
Release date: 10/19/08
Pages: 44
Price/format: $7.99/paperback & $11.99/boardbook
Type: children