Back from Jamaica!

Hello All,
I am officially back to real life now...while my time in Jamaica was wonderful, it is back to reality...kids who have camp, need money for sports fees and bills, bills, bills! At least I have my reading, right? Ah well...it is what it is.

So, I have also discovered that there is another "Read is the New Black" blog out there...mine was created first, this poacher didn't start hers until March and if you all will notice, mine has been around since around October/November-ish (which is when I started the physical book club itself). So, please disregard the imposter site, even though hers is a bit more professional than mine! *Hey, I'm big enough to admit it...tehe!

Back to reading...I have finished reading Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs and on my next post will hand out your wonderful assignment of discussion questions. I will say that I was not very impressed with this book. I hate when books start off so slow that I have to work to get into the story and then have the story be mediocre, at best...more about that later though. Continue with your summer reading and I will continue with my sporadic posts while trying to recover from my vacation!

Happy Reading!

A Deal for Today Only...

Just wanted to share that at BN.com (that would be Barnes & Noble online) they are having a 50% off sale on NY Times Bestsellers...TODAY ONLY! There are plenty of great books on the NYT Bestsellers list, so why not get them at 50% off if they are offering and you like buying books...just sayin'!

Happy Reading!

"No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance."

-Confucius

Awesome quote...just sayin'!

Real Life vs. Romance Novels

I consider myself a pretty well-rounded reader in regards to fiction, this includes romance novels. I recently read an article that stated romance novels are bad for relationships because they distort reality by "causing unrealistic sexual expectations" and that they are also the cause for unprotected sex in many relationships (*seriously?). I want to know who these women are that think the crap they read in romance novels will equal reality and actually let it affect their real life relationships? Anyone? ...well, anyone who will actually admit it?

I believe that any fiction novel is for entertainment purposes only and if I can actually learn something from them...it's a bonus! I know that I'm not going to have multiple orgasms with my husband as we lie together and bask in the glow and then be ready to go again a few minutes later...THAT'S NOT REAL LIFE! No relationships are perfect, but in no way, shape or form would I try to use a romance novel as a guideline.

The articles says that romance novels can be as addictive as pornography...I'm just not buying it.

Care to comment on this one?

What are you reading this summer?

So far, I have only picked up one of the book club summer reads and haven't started reading it yet. I have a ton of other nonsense books on my Kindle that have been keeping me entertained. If you don't have an E-reader, I highly recommend it...so much easier than carrying around a ton of books and yet you still have the option to pick and choose what you want to read. My Kindle is my absolutely favorite gadget of all time and I don't understand the argument that people give about not having the feeling of reading a real book. Why? You are reading it, right? The Kindle is anti-glare and to me it looks just like the page of a book. I know I sound like a commercial, but it's true! Ummm, if anyone from Amazon is out there listening, can I get some endorsement dollars? Just kidding (unless you really want to give me some money!). Don't get me wrong...I still go to the library and book stores...I'm just an equal opportunity reader!

So, what are some fun reads that you guys have picked up? I picked up the Time Travellers Wife from a clearance table at Books-a-Million and I am so eager to read it. I have seen the movie and I cried like a baby...everyone has told me that the book is so much better (and from my previous post you guys know I'm a book over movie person)...so, I'm ready!

Happy Reading! (Don't forget to comment!)

Books Into Movies

I know that we all have seen movies that originated from books and sometimes they are good, sometimes not so much. Oprah.com has created a list of 4 books that you need to read before you see the movie...here they are:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

The Help

One Day

The worst book to movie creation I have experienced was The Count of Monte Cristo. I was so sad because I loved that book so much and the movie did it zero justice. So much of the story line was left out and the characters were poorly represented by the actors they choose to play them.

Is there a book to movie creation that you have seen that you thought was poorly translated? What about one that you thought was done very well? Share...

Happy Reading!

Summer Book Club...

I don't want you guys to think that book club has gone on hiatus just because its summer time. Here are three books that we will discuss once we all get back from vacay...I'm thinking September-ish. I will still be posting here weekly (or so) to post some reading lists, suggestions, advice, etc. So, here are the books...I'm not posting descriptions because, well, they are kind of lengthy and if it were only one then...you get the idea, but trust me, these books sound really good and you can check out the descriptions on Amazon.com and these books should be in your local library, waiting for you to go check them out.

Without further ado, your summer books:

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs (for those of you from the physical book club, this is by the same author as The Friday Night Knitting Club which we read back in October)

So, read with gusto and check the blog regularly, I plan to have some interesting posts and guest bloggers along the way...

Happy Reading!

Summer Reading!

Ok boys and girls...time to offer up your reading suggestions for those lazy, hazy days of summer! What do you like to read while lying on the beach? Lounging on the couch? Sneaking away for a break during work hours? The floor is open...offer up your suggestions...I am always looking for a new book to pick up. I will be back with some of my favorites to share as well.

In the meantime, Happy Reading...as always!

Discussion Questions for "A Vote of Confidence"

I guess you guys have finished reading "A Vote of Confidence", so I'm posting some discussion questions for you to consider...here goes:

1.  How are Gwen and Cleo alike? How are they different, other than outward appearance?

2.  How did Morgan's mother influence his outlook on life? 

3.  Do you feel like Bethlehem Springs was progressive when it came to women's rights? Why or why not?

4.  Why do you think Gwen didn't like attention and flattery in regards to her looks? Do you think that there are women out there like this today?

5.  How do you feel about Gwen and Cleo's mother and where her priorities lie? Why do you think she is this way?

6.  Do you think that in today's society there still needs to be improvement in regards to women's rights? Do you think its possible to progress? If yes, then how and if no, then why not?

Feel free to leave answers to these discussion questions or if you have some of your own that you want to leave...do that too! If you leave questions, I will bring them up in discussion...I will be back next week with another book! If you have any good suggestions for summer reading, be sure to leave your ideas.


Happy Reading!

New Book for June Reading!

So, the new book for June is "A Vote of Confidence" by Robin Lee Hatcher. This book explores some of the issues that women still have today so I believe it will make for a good read and good discussion. See below for the description. I will add some discussion questions later and you guys feel free to comment as well. I hope you guys enjoy this book. Happy Reading!

A Vote of Confidence, the stage is set for some intriguing insight into what it was like during 1915 to be a woman in a “man’s world.”

Guinevere Arlington is a beautiful young woman determined to remain in charge of her own life. For seven years, Gwen has carved out a full life in the bustling town of Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, where she teaches piano and writes for the local newspaper. Her passion for the town, its people, and the surrounding land prompt Gwen to run for mayor. After all, who says a woman can’t do a man’s job?

But stepping outside the boundaries of convention can get messy. A shady lawyer backs Gwen, believing he can control her once she’s in office. A wealthy newcomer throws his hat into the ring in an effort to overcome opposition to the health resort he’s building north of town. When the opponents fall in love, everything changes, forcing Gwen to face what she may have to lose in order to win.

And on to the Next One...

Hello All,

Since we have met about the last book, "Just Like Me, Only Better", it's time to select a new book.  Soooo, I have heard there is interest in books with a "puzzle-type" plot, maybe something with a little mystery to it. Do you guys have any suggestions that foot the bill? Leave your suggestions in the comments section below...hopefully we will get some good ones.  A book selection will be made within the week and then you guys can all run out and get your books! 

Happy Reading!

Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow

Hello Everyone! Our book for this month is Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow. After last months book, a lighter read was in order! See below for the description and post comments on your thoughts once you start reading...I will post some more direct questions later to guide you along if you need it.

Book Description

Ever since Veronica's husband found the love of his life-not her-she's been a walking zombie with runny mascara.  It doesn't help that she keeps getting mistaken for Haley Rush-the Hollywood starlet whose dazzling life is plastered on every magazine.

When Haley's manager offers Veronica a job as a celebrity double, it only takes a moment before she says yes.  Veronica gets to drive Haley's car, wear her phenomenal clothes-and have fun with her hot celebrity boyfriend, Brady Ellis.  Too bad the job's part-time, and at the end of the day she has to return to her to her life as a cash-strapped substitute teacher and cub scout mom.

But when real sparks fly with Brady, is it a fantasy come true or a disaster in disguise?

Sounds fun, right? Well, post your comments and Happy Reading!