Details Diary

I just finished reading Bringing up Bebe and give it an A.  I personally enjoyed the book and the perspective Pamela brings to parenting. I am sure there are plenty out there who would give this book a much lower grade and say it is not “scientifically proven”, but I wasn’t looking for a medical/professional opinion book I just wanted to read from a Mom’s perspective.

The book follows Pamela as she raises her family in Paris and notices the drastic differences between her parenting styles which are modeled after her upbringing in the States versus those of the French children.

I found several great nuggets of advice that I am going to try and put into use once little G is here.

The Book Thief is another great one I have read this year. This book is narrated from a rare perspective – that of Death. It sounds utterly morbid, but it brought a unique tone to the book. With so many other books staged in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, it was great to read one that delivered emotional connections from a new set of eyes.

I give this book an A. If you enjoy period pieces like I do, this one is a great read.

I have been a total slacker on reading lately, but I did get a chance to read this fun one recently. Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy was a super quick read and very entertaining. The book articulates her crassness and point of view in a clever way. It is hilarious to read how she coped with the ups and downs of pregnancy.

If you are looking for a fun and easy pregnancy read, this ones for you. I give it a B+.

Wow. It has been FOREVER since I read a book. This job thing is really taking up my free time. Not to worry though, I finally wiggled in some time to read this past weekend. Bossypants by Tina Fey was pretty funny. There were a few parts were I laughed my behind off and others that were a bit of a snore. But it was fun to learn about Tina’s rise to fame. And who knew that her scar was from someone slashing her face when she was in kindergarten!?! Crazy stuff.  Overall I give it a B-. It was a quick and easy read – perfect for the weekend.

Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me was hilarious and I give it a B.  It wasn’t my favorite out of her 4 books, but technically she didn’t write this one.  She only writes a blurb at the end of each chapter, but her snippets are icing on the cake.  The real authors of the book are her family and friends that she has tortured over the last 3 decades.  Those poor souls!

It was a great read and I felt like I got to know Chelsea in a new way.  The woman does have a heart and loves her fam/friends dearly.  She just has a funny way of showing it.  If you are up for a lighthearted, slightly naughty read — Chelsea is your girl once again.

I just finished reading Angelology by Danielle Trussoni and it was excellent, I give it an A-.  Now I have to be honest.  I only picked this book up because I was stuck in the San Fran airport and needed something to pass the time. But I am so happy I did.  I truly enjoyed this book from the first chapter to the last.

I like books that blend history with fiction. I love imagining myself at landmarks and places in the novel that I’ve personally been to in new ways.  I feel similarities between Danielle and Dan Brown, but perhaps better?  I am excited to read Angelopolis the sequel to Angelology, yippy!

Hold the phone — I’m NOT pregnant.  But hopefully sometime this year I can write that post.  In the meantime, I stumbled across The Pregnancy Companion and it is a keeper! I give this book a solid A.

It mixes medical advise with hands on experience from a patient’s point of view.  While reading it, I felt that Jessica was my long lost friend.  Seriously.  Both Dr. Rupe and Jessica provide comfort and information in such an approachable way.  After reading the book I poured over their blog here.  I just want to give them both a big hug. Reading through their stories encouraged me to grow in my faith and I am grateful.

Here’s to hoping they make a west coast leg on their book tour!

I have had a hard time with books this month.  Another disappointing read from an author I usually LOVE.  Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary scores a D.  I knew it would be a bit off the wall, but sadly it was a little too odd ball for me.

I think the stars are telling me to branch out and read a book from a new author.  Suggestions welcome.  Please.  :)

I just finished reading Last Night at Chateau Marmont and I give it a C.  I had such high hopes for this book.  I have loved all of  Lauren Weisberger’s  books in past and thought this one would be on the same level her previous novels.  Nope, not even close.  This book is  beyond predictable and lacks the imagination and layered story that The Devil Wears Prada so wonderfully displayed.

Sigh.  Oh well.  Maybe her next book out will be more in line with her first two.  Here’s to hoping.

I have to say I wasn’t thrilled with Sugar & Spice.  I give it a C.  I have read the first two books in the series, LA Candy and Sweet Little Lies as well so my expectations for this novel weren’t too high.  You may wonder why I read it then — and to that I say —  for a mental break.  I love to read and sometimes you just need a filler book that is easy, lighthearted and doesn’t make you think too much.  So, I figured this book fit that bill.  And it did, but I was just hoping for a little more spice.

The book does wrap up the series but I thought the ending was a little lackluster.  Come on, it’s Hollywood! So, roll the dice with this one, it may or may not be the book for you.