All Consuming : Jessica

A Nice Take (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:22:01 GMT

Walking in Circles Before Lying Down: A Novel

by Merrill Markoe

I liked the originality of this story. The dog’s point-of-view was often very funny. My only wish was that the dog was more likable more of the time. But, it was a charming story, and I also liked the way she incorporated real news stories into the fiction.

Funny! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:07:00 GMT

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence

by Amy Sedaris

There’s been some controversy about some of the things in this book, but OMG, it’s so freakin’ funny! Funny. A great addition to my cookbook collection, even though it’s not really a cookbook.

Trendy (rated 2 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:03:48 GMT

Everyone Worth Knowing

by Lauren Weisberger

Too trendy and mean-spirited for me. Not my thing.

Too Young for Me (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:59:52 GMT

Queen of Babble in the Big City

by Meg Cabot

When I read YA (young adult) I know what to expect from Cabot. This was too close to YA to be an adult book in my opinion. Perfect for college girls.

Ahhh, lesbian angst - sort of. (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:30:18 GMT

Deliver Us from Evie

by M. E. Kerr

Good story, if a tad dated. Dialogue is not great, but the story of a teenage boy, his traditional family and way of life, and his newly “out” older sister is interesting. Could have done without the flood backstory, but a quick read that teens interested in the topic might like.

Yum! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:26:43 GMT

The Baker's Dozen Cookbook: Become a Better Baker with 135 Foolproof Recipes and Tried-and-True Techniques

by The Baker's Dozen

I am one of those freaks who “reads,” and collects, cookbooks. This one came from the library, but has gone immediately on my Amazon wish list as a “must have.” I am a huge fan of Flo Braker’s, and her “Sweet miniatures” is what prompted my real love of making desserts.

This book is chock-full of great info and stories for the beginner and seasoned pastry chef alike. Awesome.

Sad and Lovely

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:23:24 GMT

Light on Snow

by Anita Shreve

The more I read Shreve, the more I like her. I read this on the heels of “All He Ever Wanted,” and I was amazed in the difference of tone. Shreve is a wonderful dialogue writer, and her narrative transports you to the setting effortlessly.

This story of a young girl, her father, an abandoned baby, and a stranger is sad, thoughtful, and realistic enough to be believable. Good read.

She Got up off the Couch! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 18:23:01 GMT

She Got Up Off the Couch

by Haven Kimmel

Wow, what a great memoir. I gobbled this up in a couple days (nights) of bedtime reading and I enjoyed every chapter.

Probably women who are roughly the same age as Kimmel (as am I) will appreciate this book most. Her depiction of the late 70s and early 80s is spot on, and I could picture everything clearly, even though I grew up in a completely different part of the country.

Kimmel and I also shared a precociousness that lead to thoughts and feelings not readily understood by many around us. But to a select few (like her very own hiker – my favorite chapter), we were kindred spirits.

Loved it.

Posh (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 18:09:07 GMT

POSH

by Lucy Jackson

This was a quick read – which lately is something I can appreciate.

I bought it for the Young Adult collection, though I haven’t yet decided if I am going to put it in YA or adult. Certainly the language isn’t anything more offensive that you’ll find in most YA books aimed at older teens, but I wonder if the adult relationships portrayed in the book will hold teen’s attention.

The main relationship, however, is riveting and timely and sad, and I am sure it would be appreciated by my older girl readers.

Well-written, engaging – I enjoyed it.

Thought Provoking (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:30:55 GMT

Hello Groin

by Beth Goobie

A touch longer than it needed to be, but a great story for the older YA crowd. Loved the Canadian-ness of it, which I picked up on, but that most YAs here might miss. Excellent writing and a compelling story.

Great Writing (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:28:50 GMT

My Latest Grievance

by Elinor Lipman

The writing here is tremendous. But, my biggest problem was that I simply could not find one likeable character – except perhaps the father – in this story. The story would have worked better for me if I had been able to feel some sort of attachment to Frederica, but I thought she deserved the crappy treatment she got from people. Other than that, the story was great, and freshingly original.

A Different Take (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:25:49 GMT

Fat Girl

by Marilyn Sachs

I liked the story idea behind this, even though the writing was a bit clunky. Actually, it was the dialogue that bothered me, especially between Jeff and his parents – not realistic sounding at all. And, it’s funny, some of the catch phrases were definitely dated, but I found them to be even older than the 80s! But, with a bit of updating, this would be a perfectly acceptable book for today’s teens. The story is a good one, and one that could definitely spark a great book talk.

Wow (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:19:20 GMT

Winter's Bone: A Novel

by Daniel Woodrell

This is an amazing, and absolutely heartwrenching, piece of work. I read it in two sittings because I just HAD to know how it all turns out. I was reminded of The Beans of Egypt Maine throughout, though there are enough differences that they really are only alike in that they deal with extreme poverty and clans. Heart breaking.

Sigh. (rated 3 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:14:11 GMT

Ruby

by Francesca Lia Block

I really wanted to like this, but I just didn’t get that into it. I have had the same feelings about Block’s other books, so I guess I’m just not a fan. What’s funny is that I think people compare her to Alice Hoffman – whom I LOVE – because they both deal with the “magical” aspects of stories. But, I don’t know, they seem very different to me.

I had to buy it. (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:11:37 GMT

HTML, XHTML, and CSS, Sixth Edition (Visual Quickstart Guide)

by Elizabeth Castro

I took it from the library, but then had to buy myself a copy. An EXCELLENT reference tool if you code by hand. Straightforward enough for most beginners, and useful enough for the more advanced.

More Chick-lit YA (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:09:34 GMT

Girls Dinner Club

by Jessie Elliot

Nice enough story. I think 16 year-old girls will like it. I never find the “sex” aspects of these books at all like my real life at that age…

Yeah... (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:07:16 GMT

Which Brings Me to You: A Novel in Confessions

by Steve Almond

...what Rhia said!

I love Elizabeth Berg (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 18:02:13 GMT

We Are All Welcome Here: A Novel

by Elizabeth Berg

I am never disappointed in her novels, and this was no exception. I think she is one of the best writers of REALISTIC DIALOGUE out there. Her stories run the gamut, but always deal with love in some capacity. The story here was SLIGHTLY reminiscent of The Secret Lives of Bees, but I liked this even better. I bought this charming story for my YA collection at the library.

Nice series (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:56:47 GMT

Julie and Romeo Get Lucky

by Jeanne Ray

about the lives (and loves)of “older” folks; I just love this author and this little series.

YA Life (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:52:47 GMT

Stick Figure

by Lori Gottlieb

I thought this was a very interesting, and not “like all the other” YA books on eating disorders out there. I was, however, disappointed that it wrapped up all so suddenly and a little too neatly.

Good YA Stuff (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jessica) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 17:50:16 GMT

How to Be Popular

by Meg Cabot

This is a good if very predictable YA novel. Cabot is funny, real, and tuned-in.