Tag: Contemporary

Saturday Spotlight: She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb

Saturday Nite Reader22 Comments

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

61smmv40pilThis Week:
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb

Published: August 24, 1992 by Pocket
Category: Fiction, Contemporary, Coming of Age

Ever read a book and remember you had strong feelings for it and would go on to say that it was one of your top reads of all time…and then time goes by (a lot of time) and you forget the story but know it was good (or at least you felt moved when you read it)? BTW – how long did I make that sentence, holy heck. Well that is me and She’s Come Undone.

I read this book in high school, and remember being so in tuned with the story; a relation not felt due to similarity of situation, but knowing what the main character, Dolores, may have been feeling on an emotional level. Man, do I need to reread this book again. I am hoping it will bring back memories from when I first experienced it.

I always thought I would not reread books: why would I want to waste time reading something I already experienced when there are so many good books out there? But, I was wrong. I read this book almost 20 years ago – and hundreds of books since – that how can I possibly remember the full, detailed story? I will be rereading this one very soon.

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Book Review: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Saturday Nite Reader36 Comments

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4.5 disco balls

Published: June 11, 2013 by Doubleday
Category: Fiction, Contemporary

This was a super fun read. It was like I was reading a soap opera versus watching one; with a plethora of characters who were just what the book described: crazy! Overbearing, meddling and judgy moms whose circles run the same.

My goodness the things some of these characters do just because of what everyone thinks, not what they want. You kind of feel bad for them, but at the same time lack empathy for them – as they are super rich – and would trade places with them any day (you think).Read More »

Saturday Spotlight: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Saturday Nite Reader22 Comments

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_0093This Week:
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Published: April 6, 2004 by Atria Books
Category: Fiction, Contemporary
New York Times Best Selling Author

I vividly remember reading this book at my desk during a lunch break and ugly cried before that term even reemerged as a trend: this was back in 2006.

This is the book that started my never ending love of Jodi Picoult books. Fast-forward 12 years and I have collected all her books in hardcover: I had to scour used book stores and online until I found every single last one. Have you done the same thing with your favorite author?

I do have one piece of advice: stay away from the movie. It did not do this book justice at all, not even close. It was a completely different ending, and the shocking twist of the book’s ending made the book what it was. I can’t believe they changed it, what was Warner Bros. thinking?!

Goodreads Stats:
4.06 average rating   *   938,135 Ratings   *   31,584 Reviews
Saturday Nite Reader rating: 5 disco balls

Goodreads Synopsis:
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate — a life and a role that she has never challenged…until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister — and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

‘My Sister’s Keeper’ examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child’s life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in ‘My Sister’s Keeper’, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.

Have you read this book? Do tell! Have a book to spotlight: remember to share your links in the comments below.

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Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Paperback  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Paperback  Hardcover

My Jodi Collection:

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You may also find me here:
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Please note: this post contains Amazon and B&N affiliate links. If you purchase this book through the links above I will earn a small fee; at no additional cost to you. This will help me purchase more books to read and recommend to you all!

 

 

Book Review: Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering

Saturday Nite Reader18 Comments

4_DiscoBalls

4 disco balls

Published: June 12, 2018 by Atria Books
Category: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Coming of Age

This book brought out many feels in me: nostalgia, regret, anger, but also strength and peace. Each chapter was more addicting than the one before and I could not wait to finish. I felt anxious all the way up until the end.

Before I get to it, I just have a message for Stephen DeMarco and all the other “Stephen DeMarco’s” out there:

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Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Saturday Nite Reader18 Comments

5_DiscoBalls

5 disco balls

Published: June 13, 2017 by Atria Books
Category: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT

You know the saying about potato chips “bet you can’t eat just one!”? Well, don’t eat potato chips while reading this book. For starters potato chip grease gets on the pages, which is a pet peeve of mine. But, more importantly you will not be able to stop reading chapter after chapter and your stomach can’t handle all those chips. This can definitely be a one sitting book read.If you are looking for a book to start your summer off right: this here is your jam!

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Saturday Spotlight: The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

Saturday Nite Reader11 Comments

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_2513This Week:
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

Published: April 5, 2016 by Headline Review
Category: Fiction, Contemporary
Nautilus Book Award for Fiction: Large Publisher (2016)

I came across this gem through a widget on the sidebar of my Goodreads homepage one day. Not sure exactly why it popped up, but I was so glad it did!

After reading the synopsis (below), I was certainly intrigued. It was my turn to pick our next book club read and after seeing its Goodreads stats my decision was easily made. I enjoyed this book immensely: I laughed, I cried, I needed a hug. The book brings you on a journey: one that I recommend all experience. You will adore the characters and also need a hug in the end. (All these hugs, as someone who isn’t a huge fan of them who am I becoming?!) If it also helps: when my book club discussed our favorite read of the year this one came up several times.

Goodreads Stats:
4.11 average rating   *   17,986 Ratings   *   2,875 Reviews
Saturday Nite Reader rating: 5 disco balls

Goodreads Synopsis:
The incandescent story of a 104-year-old woman and the sweet, strange young boy assigned to help her around the house — a friendship that touches each member of the boy’s unmoored family.

The story of your life never starts at the beginning. Don’t they teach you anything at school?

For years, guitarist Quinn Porter has been on the road, chasing gig after gig, largely absent to his twice-ex-wife Belle and their odd, Guinness records–obsessed son. When the boy dies suddenly, Quinn seeks forgiveness for his paternal shortcomings by completing the requirements for his son’s unfinished Boy Scout badge.

For seven Saturdays, Quinn does yard work for Ona Vitkus, the wily 104-year-old Lithuanian immigrant the boy had visited weekly. Quinn soon discovers that the boy had talked Ona into gunning for the world record for Oldest Licensed Driver — and that’s the least of her secrets. Despite himself, Quinn picks up where the boy left off, forging a friendship with Ona that allows him to know the son he never understood, a boy who was always listening, always learning.

The One-in-a-Million Boy is a richly layered novel of hearts broken seemingly beyond repair and then bound by a stunning act of human devotion.


Have you read this book? Do tell! Have a book to spotlight: remember to share your links in the comments below.

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Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Paperback  Hardcover  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Paperback  Hardcover  Audio

The Author, Monica Wood, discusses The One-in-a-Million Boy:

You may also find me here:
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Please note: this post contains Amazon and B&N affiliate links. If you purchase this book through the links above I will earn a small fee; at no additional cost to you. This will help me purchase more books to read and recommend to you all!

 

 

Book Review: Us Against You by Fredrik Backman

Saturday Nite Reader17 Comments

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Another brilliant novel by Fredrik Backman!

5_DiscoBalls

5 disco balls

Publish date: June 5, 2018 by Atria Books
Category: Fiction, Contemporary, Sports, Sequel

Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Hardcover  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Hardcover  Audio

I can’t get enough of the people from Beartown. Although I don’t think I could live in a place where winter was three-quarters of the year…brrr.

Us Against You is bestselling author Fredrick Backman’s sequel to his novel Beartown. Both are MUST reads. That is all my review really needs to say: just listen to me, they do not disappoint. (read my Beartown review here)

For those who need more convincing, well here goes:Read More »

Book Review: The High Season by Judy Blundell

Saturday Nite Reader14 Comments

3_DiscoBalls

3 disco balls

Publish date: May 22, 2018 by Random House
Category: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Summer, Beach Read

A quiet, family oriented town – Orient Point, Long Island – was slowly being infiltrated by frequent visitors of the more glamorous Hamptons. “Was” being the choice word because this summer season the town will be overrun by outsiders looking to take stock in the quiet beach town. They will bring along their “new” ideas for how the town should run and are not quiet about it at all.Read More »

Book Review: The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer

Saturday Nite Reader15 Comments

4_DiscoBalls

4 disco balls

Published: April 3, 2018 by Riverhead Books
Category: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Family Life

This book is a beast, in that the hardcover is 454 pages. I started this book on a Sunday in the hopes of finishing by Wednesday, May 2nd to make the Barnes & Noble Inaugural Book Club Night (on said book). I did it but it was no small feat! Lots of late night reading and carrying the book with me everywhere and reading while waiting on line, or while walking to the subway, or whenever I had a free moment. But, you don’t care about that. You want to know if you should read it or not…well you can only decide that. I just hope you enjoy my comments.Read More »